Source: The Independent, 5-14-13
For the second time in as many days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under fire over the use of taxpayers’ money after it was revealed that spending at his official residence has increased by 80 per cent in just the last three years….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 14, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/israel-political-brief-may-14-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-under-fire-again-as-official-residence-expenses-near-1-million/
Source: JTA, 5-14-13
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Russia to discuss the situation in Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 14, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/israel-political-brief-may-14-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-in-russia-to-discuss-syria-with-russian-president-vladimir-putin/
Source: The Times of Israel, 5-14-13
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, listens to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting at the Bocharov Ruchei residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Tuesday, May 14, 2013. (photo credit: AP/ Maxim Shipenkov)
After emergency meeting at Black Sea resort, no word from either head of state about Russia’s sale of sophisticated S-300 missiles to Assad….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 14, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/israel-political-brief-may-14-2013-in-chat-with-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-russian-president-vladimir-putin-urges-restraint-on-syria/
Source: Arutz Sheva, 5-13-13
“First fruits” had to be one of the seven species that the Bible lists as Israel’s best crops – wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates and each year’s “first fruits” would be brought to the Temple from the holiday of Shavuot….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 12, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/israel-political-brief-may-13-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-receives-first-fruits-for-shavuot-holiday/
Source: The Times of Israel, 5-11-13
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced heavy criticism Saturday after it was revealed he spent $127,000 (over 450,000 shekels) of taxpayers’ money having an El Al plane fitted out with a double-bed in an enclosed bedroom for his five-hour flight to London…READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 11, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/israel-political-brief-may-11-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-slammed-for-spending-127000-on-bed-for-flight-to-london/
Prime Minister Netanyahu will start his visit in Shanghai where he will hold a series of meetings with Chinese government leaders and business people. He will also visit local industrial plants in order to expand bilateral economic cooperation and significantly increase Israeli exports to China. On Wednesday, 8 May 2013, the Prime Minister is due to arrive in Beijing where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and other senior officials.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is also due to give a lecture at a school for future leaders and give interviews to the Chinese media, as well as chat with students in order to expose the potential of the Israeli economy….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 10, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-6-9-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-china-visit-speeches/
Source: PMO, 5-9-13
Photo by GPO
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today addressed students at an elite Chinese school for training future leaders, becoming only the second foreign leader (after the Prime Minister of Singapore) to do so in the past year.
Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked his hosts for according him the honor of speaking to China’s future leaders and told the school directors that leadership is the ability to foresee and change the future.
Prime Minister Netanyahu briefed the students on Israel’s technological abilities and the efforts being invested in finding alternatives to oil in order to reduce the world’s dependence on petroleum. He also noted the agreement that he reached with his Chinese counterpart yesterday on establishing a joint working team to prepare a strategic plan on cooperation in civilian fields such as water, food and public health systems. The Prime Minister asserted that he was in China because he believes in bilateral ties and added that he thought the two countries could achieve better results. In reference to the threats directed against the State of Israel, the Prime Minister said that the most dangerous regime in the world could not be allowed to arm itself with the most dangerous weapons in the world.
Prime Minister Netanyahu signed the guestbook: “Many thanks for inviting me to address China’s future generation of leaders. With deep appreciation and respect, Benjamin Netanyahu.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 9, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-9-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-addresses-students-at-chinese-future-leadership-training-school/
Source: The Times of Israel, 5-8-13
US President Barack Obama spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone Wednesday to discuss regional security issues and Middle East peace, the White House said….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 8, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/08/israel-political-brief-may-8-2013-us-president-barack-obama-phones-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-over-regional-security-issues/
Source: Algemeiner, 5-8-13
This year, Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, is observed on Tuesday evening, May 7th through Wednesday night, May 8th and celebrates the 46th anniversary of the reunification of Judaism’s holiest city….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 8, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/08/israel-political-brief-may-8-2013-why-is-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-in-china-for-yom-yerushalayim/
Source: JTA, 5-7-13
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that he would put a hold on construction in West Bank settlements until mid-June….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 7, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/israel-political-brief-may-7-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-promised-us-secretary-of-state-john-kerry-to-put-hold-on-settlement-construction/
Source: PMO, 5-5-13
יום ראשון כ”ה אייר תשע”ג
Photo by GPO
Following are Prime Minister Netanyahu’s remarks, today at the dedication of the Benzion Netanyahu interchange and the opening of Jerusalem Road #20:
“Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz, deputy mayors of Jerusalem and members of the city council, my friends Koby Kahlon, Rami Levy, David Amsalem and others who were engaged in this massive project, we are going from here to the Herzl Museum to celebrate Jerusalem Day with a special Cabinet meeting.
Jerusalem is surrounded by hills, and interchanges, highways and railways – thus Herzl saw it. He saw its ancient ties – Zion, Zionism – and he understood that on the one hand there needs to be a link to our glorious past and a breakthrough to the future, which is no less glorious and no less splendid – Zion – and we are committed to this, in deeds.
We are doing this. We are working continuously and systematically to link Jerusalem with itself and to the other parts of the country, because Zion is important to us and it was important to my father. He wasn’t named ‘Benzion’ for nothing. It says everything – Benzion, literally ‘Son of Zion’.
First of all, he loved Jerusalem and lived in Jerusalem. He was here during the 1920′s as a youth in Beit Hakerem. We grew up there, three brothers, first in Talpiyot and afterwards in Katamon. We are Jerusalemites, and my father was a Jerusalemite, and we lived in a house of Jerusalem stone, a stone house full of books, full of values.
My father was just as he is portrayed here – a noted historian and a Zionist, one who loved Jerusalem. He had a great intellect and, what is no less important, a great heart, because his heart had to bear all that his brain saw, and this was not self-evident. He knew to look back over hundreds and thousands of years. He knew to look forward into the secrets of the future. He saw a love of the Jewish People locked in a struggle with anti-Semitism, and that love of the Jewish People had to win.
I miss him very, very much. He taught me that our state is a deposit for the generations of Jews who dreamt and prayed and fought and sacrificed so that we might return to our land and renew in it our independence. He taught me about the enormous responsibility that we have to ensure the security of the State of Israel and build up its future. This heritage needs to unite us all every day and so it does.
I thank you very much for myself and for my family. Thank you.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 5, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-5-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-at-the-dedication-of-the-benzion-netanyahu-interchange-and-jerusalem-road-20/
Source: Arutz Sheva, 5-5-13
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu convened the Cabinet for a special session in honor of the 46th Jerusalem Day at the Herzl Museum Sunday….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 5, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/israel-political-brief-may-5-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-at-weekly-cabinet-meeting-jerusalem-is-on-a-roll/
Source: PMO, 5-5-13
יום ראשון כ”ה אייר תשע”ג
Photo By GPO
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting, which was held at the Herzl Museum on Mt. Herzl, in honor of Jerusalem Day:
“We are marking Jerusalem Day here in the museum on Mt. Herzl. Herzl said, ‘In Basel, I founded the Jewish State’ and in Jerusalem we are developing the Jewish State and ensuring its future.
There is no place more fitting from which to call on the children and citizens of Israel to come visit Jerusalem, to come to this museum, to see the greatness of this man, who was one of the giants of history. I think that it was his vision and his strength, which breathed life into a scattered and weak people that was unable to see to its own fate, that brought us here – to a new life. It would be proper for every boy and girl in Israel, and the many who visit here, to understand our roots, our ties to Zion and our obligation to continue developing our land and our state for the coming generations.
I am also pleased to tell you that we can mark a very important development in Jerusalem. In recent years, there has been very strong momentum in all areas: Education, culture, sports, transportation, tourism, and science and medicine. There has been very major development in all these areas. Jerusalem is becoming a modern metropolis with a very strong link to the past and a very promising leap to the future. This is exactly what Herzl envisioned; by the way, this is how he wrote about Jerusalem and about the entire Land of Israel.
I am pleased that we are cooperating on this. This meeting expresses the Government’s commitment to continue the momentum, along with the Municipality of Jerusalem and with all ministries, in all areas, so that this change, this turning point might continue unabated.”
Source: PMO, 5-5-13
יום ראשון כ”ה אייר תשע”ג
ראש הממשלה בנימין נתניהו בפתח ישיבת הממשלה השבועית שהתקיימה בסימן יום ירושלים בהר הרצל: “אנחנו מציינים כאן את יום ירושלים בהר הרצל, במוזיאון של חוזה המדינה. הרצל אמר: “בבאזל ייסדתי את מדינת היהודים” – ובירושלים אנחנו מפתחים את מדינת היהודים ומבטיחים את עתידה.
אין מקום ראוי יותר מלקרוא לאזרחי וילדי ישראל לבוא לבקר בירושלים, לבוא למוזיאון הזה, לראות את הגדולה של האיש הזה, שהיה אחד מענקי ההיסטוריה. אני חושב שהחזון והעוצמה שלו, שהפיח חיים בעם מפוזר וחלש שלא יכול היה לדאוג לגורלו, הם שהביאו אותנו לכאן- לחיים חדשים. ראוי שכל ילד וילדה בישראל וגם רבים שמבקרים כאן, יבינו מה השורשים שלנו, מה הקשר שלנו לציון והמחויבות שלנו להמשיך לפתח את ארצנו במולדתנו, ואת מדינתנו לדורות הבאים.
אני שמח גם לומר שבמעמד הזה אנחנו יכולים לציין התפתחות גדולה מאוד בירושלים. בשנים האחרונות יש תנופה חזקה מאוד בכל התחומים: בחינוך, בתרבות, בספורט, בתחבורה, בתיירות, במדע וברפואה, ישנה התפתחות גדולה מאוד. ירושלים הופכת להיות מטרופולין מודרני עם חיבור חזק מאוד לעבר והזנקה לעתיד מאוד מבטיח. זה בדיוק החזון של הרצל, אגב, כך הוא כתב על ירושלים, כמו שהוא כתב על ארץ ישראל כולה.
אני שמח שאנחנו משתפים פעולה בדבר הזה. הישיבה הזאת מבטאת את המחויבות של הממשלה להמשיך את התנופה, יחד עם עיריית ירושלים, בכל המשרדים ובכל האפיקים, כדי שהשינוי הזה, התפנית הזאת תימשך במלוא עוצמתה”.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 5, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-5-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-at-the-start-of-the-weekly-cabinet-meeting-about-jerusalem-day-yom-yerushalayim/
Source: NDTV, 5-5-13
Jerusalem: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will arrive in China on Monday, in a rare visit Israeli officials hope will increase exports to the Asian economic giant….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 5, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/israel-political-brief-may-5-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-to-visit-china-to-enhance-ties/
Source: Reuters, 5-2-13
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday he would put any peace deal with the Palestinians to a referendum, raising expectations that direct negotiations might soon resume following a two-year stalemate….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 2, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/02/israel-political-brief-may-2-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-says-would-put-peace-deal-to-referendum/
Source: Ynetnews, 5-1-13
The Palestinians have rejected Netanyahu’s demand to recognize Israel as the Jewish state, saying it would undermine the rights of Israel’s Arab minority as well as millions of refugees scattered throughout the world whose families lost properties….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 1, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/01/israel-political-brief-may-1-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-conflict-over-recognition-not-territory/
Source: JTA, 4-30-13
Natan Sharansky’s proposal to reduce tensions at the Western Wall has lost support from Orthodox and non-Orthodox leaders….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 30, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/israel-brief-april-30-2013-nathan-sharanskys-egalitarian-kotel-plan-loses-support-from-both-sides/
Source: JTA, 4-22-13
Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky was given a green light by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue his plan for a permanent egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall…READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/22/israel-brief-april-22-2013-jewish-agency-chairman-natan-sharansky-gets-green-light-to-pursue-western-wall-prayer-plan/
Source: The Times of Israel, 4-17-13
Overlooked amid the good-natured chuckling that greeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s smooth appearance on high-rating satire show “Eretz Nehederet” (A Wonderful Country) on Tuesday was the fact that Netanyahu indicated publicly for the first time….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 17, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/israel-political-brief-april-17-2013-benjamin-netanyahu-indicates-he-wants-fourth-term-as-pm-on-eretz-nehederet/
Source: Jerusalem Post, 4-17-13
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara joined a host of British and international dignitaries in London on Wednesday, as the British capital stages its biggest political funeral in almost half a century for former prime minister Margaret Thatcher….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 17, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/israel-political-brief-april-18-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-among-dignitaries-at-margaret-thatcher-funeral/
Source: Shalom Life, 4-17-13
A normally celebratory, festive annual reception held by Israeli President Shimon Peres and the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in honour of Yom Ha’atzmaut, took a decidedly serious tone on Tuesday as the two men addressed the bombing in Boston….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 16, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/16/israel-political-brief-april-16-2013-president-shimon-peres-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-address-boston-marathon-tragedy/
Source: Algemeiner, 4-16-13
Pope Francis: “I send cordial greetings to you and your fellow citizens on the occasion of Israel’s National Day. At the beginning of my Pontificate, l gladly invoke upon you and all the people of Israel the blessings of the Most High and assure you of my prayers for your high responsibilities at the’ service of the nation.”
U.S. President Barack Obama: “As Israelis celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut, the American people join me in applauding the remarkable Israeli achievements over the past six and a half decades. The United States stood together with the State of Israel at its founding, and we will stand together with you always.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin: “I wish you good health, Mr. President, as well as peace and prosperity to the Israel people.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 16, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/16/israel-brief-april-16-2013-barack-obama-pope-francis-world-leaders-offer-congratulations-on-israels-independence-day/
Source: UPI.com, 4-14-13
Israel observed its Memorial Day — Yom Hazikaron — Sunday with a ceremony in Jerusalem attended by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and other officials….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 14, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/israel-brief-april-14-2013-israels-memorial-day-yom-hazikaron-ceremonies-begin/
Source: Arutz Sheva, 4-12-13
“65 years ago we celebrated our new found freedom, the renewal of Jewish sovereignty in our ancestral homeland,” said Netanyahu. “This was a dream of ages. Jews prayed for this for generations, ‘Next year in Jerusalem’. Now we’re here in Jerusalem….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 12, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/12/israel-political-brief-april-11-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-israel-is-the-bright-star-of-freedom/
Source: The Times of Israel, 4-11-13
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly asked Finance Minister Yair Lapid to go back to the drawing board after being presented with a package of austerity measures aimed at shrinking the country’s NIS 39 billion deficit Thursday….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 11, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/israel-political-brief-april-11-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-said-to-push-back-against-yair-lapid-austerity-measures/
Source: Haaretz, 4-10-13
Russian Jews urge Netanyahu to ignore U.S. Jews’ call for ceding land. The prominent Russians, including the president of the Russian Jewish Congress, wrote that their message was a reaction to the April 3 letter initiated by the dovish Israel Policy….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 9, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/israel-political-brief-april-1-2013-russian-jews-urge-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-to-ignore-us-jews-call-for-ceding-land/
Source: JTA, 4-9-13
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Jerusalem to discuss restarting negotiations with the Palestinians….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 9, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/israel-political-brief-april-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-us-secretary-of-state-john-kerry-meet-in-jerusalem-to-discuss-restarting-peace-talks/
Source: State.gov, 4-9-13
Remarks
SECRETARY KERRY: I want to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for, first of all, his extraordinary hospitality yet again. We had an extremely friendly, very productive, long discussion last night. I think it’s fair to say that we made progress, that we were pleased with the substance of the discussion and agreed, each of us, to do some homework. And we’re going to do our homework over the course of the next weeks, and today we’re going to continue some of that discussion with a view to seeing how we can really pull all of the pieces together and make some progress here. And I want to thank the Prime Minister for his good-faith efforts here. It’s been serious, it’s been focused, and I would characterize it as very productive.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you. Thank you, John. It’s good to see you again in Jerusalem and to work at our common goal for peace. I am determined to not only to resume the peace process with the Palestinians but to make a serious effort to end this conflict once and for all. This has economic components. We welcome any initiatives that you and others will bring forward in this regard. But it also has a political component, political discussions that will address a myriad of issues. Foremost in our minds are questions of recognition and security. This is a real effort, and we look forward to advance in this effort with you.
We’ve been talking about several other issues, and I’ll only mention two. First, we’ve been talking about Syria and the human tragedy there. But the fragmentation of that country is creating a situation where one of the most dangerous stockpiles of weapons in the world is now becoming accessible to terrorists of every shade and hue. This is of great concern for both of us, for both the United States and Israel, and we are talking about addressing this problem specifically.
And last, and certainly not least, we’ve been talking about Iran. I think everybody understands that Iran has been running out the clock, has been using the talks to continue to advance its nuclear program. You’ve just heard by Iranian state television about a new production facility for nuclear material and two new extraction sites. I think we also understand what it means for the world to have rogue states with nuclear weapons. Iran cannot be allowed to cross into that world. It cannot be allowed to continue its program, its nuclear weapons program, and we must not allow it to continue to do so in defiance of the entire international community.
These are the three most obvious subjects we’ve been talking about. You may not believe it, but we’ve actually talked about a few others as well. It’s good to see you again.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you for everything. Thank you.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Could I just add very quickly one thing? We have been talking about some economic initiative, but I think both of us – and the Prime Minister just said this – we want to make it absolutely clear that whatever steps we take with respect to economics are in no way a substitute but they are in addition to the political track. The political track is first and foremost; other things may happen to supplement it.
Secondly, with respect to Iran, I have reiterated to the Prime Minister, as I did yesterday to the President, President Obama could not be more clear: Iran cannot have and will not have a nuclear weapon. And the United States of America has made clear that we stand not just with Israel but with the entire international community in making it clear that we are serious, we are open to negotiation, but it is not an open-ended, endless negotiation; it cannot be used as an excuse for other efforts to try to break out with respect to a nuclear weapon. And we are well aware and coordinating very, very closely with respect to all of our assessments regarding that. But President Obama doesn’t bluff; he’s made that very clear to me. And we hope the Iranians will come back to the table with a very serious proposal.
Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 9, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/full-text-israel-political-brief-april-9-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-us-secretary-of-john-kerrys-remarks-before-their-meeting/
Source: The Jewish Press, 4-8-13
“Today I mourn the passing of Prime Minister Baroness Margaret ,” Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said shortly after her death was announced Monday….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 8, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/israel-political-brief-april-8-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-mourns-margaret-thatcher-staunch-friend-of-israel/
Source: The Jewish Journal of Greater L.A, 4-8-13
The hatred of Jews is still strong more than 70 years after the Holocaust began, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres said at the national Yom Hashoah ceremony at Yad Vashem….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 8, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/israel-political-brief-april-8-2013-hatred-of-jews-remains-strong-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-president-shimon-peres-tell-yom-hashoah-ceremony/
Full Coverage of President Barack Obama's Middle East Tour & Israel Visit from March 20-23, 2013 @ Obama Israel Visit
