ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF
ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF: ISRAEL NEWS
Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of Gaza war crimes
Source: JTA, 12-7-12
Human Rights Watch accused Israel of committing war crimes during the recent Gaza conflict….READ MORE
Source: JTA, 12-7-12
Human Rights Watch accused Israel of committing war crimes during the recent Gaza conflict….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on December 7, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/israel-political-brief-december-7-2012-human-rights-watch-accuses-israel-of-gaza-war-crimes/
Source: JTA, 11-28-12
A group of Nobel Peace Prize laureates joined artists and activists in signing an open letter calling for an international military boycott of Israel following this month’s Gaza conflict….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 28, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/israel-political-brief-november-28-2012-nobel-winners-call-for-military-boycott-of-israel/
Photo by GPO
Prime Minister’s Office Director-General Harel Locker, who was appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to head the Government team on ensuring that the needs of the residents and communities that were affected by Operation Pillar of Defense are dealt with quickly, today toured communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip and Ashdod.
The team’s work in the days since the conclusion of the operation was presented at the discussion that PMO Dir.-Gen. Locker held today with the heads of the communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip (Sderot and the Eshkol, Sha’ar Hanegev, Sdot Negev and Ashkelon Coast regional councils) and senior officials from the relevant Government ministries, at the Eshkol Regional Council offices. He noted that in addition to the immediate response by the tax authorities regarding compensation for direct damages, the Knesset Finance Committee today approved directives on compensation for indirect damages (loss of work days and compensation for businesses). As per Prime Minister Netanyahu’s instructions, an outline for quicker-than-usual compensation was formulated and approved. Locker also said that a preliminary NIS 15 million aid package has been approved for local authorities in the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip. In education, a plan is currently being formulated on restoring lost classroom hours; the emotional needs of children and young people are also being met. The team also discussed ways to encourage commercial activity and tourism in the area.
Locker underscored the great importance of assisting area residents and local councils and asked all Government ministries to continue joining in the effort. “The fact that we are meeting for the second time within a few days expresses our commitment to the residents and communities of the south. We must work to quickly normal life,” he said.
In his meeting with Ashdod Mayor Dr. Yehiel Lasri and senior municipality officials, and after visiting a building that took a direct hit by a rocket, Locker said, “The directive from the Prime Minister, on whose behalf I have come here today, is to work for the welfare of the residents of the area and deal with the problems that have arisen since the operation in a generous, efficient and rapid manner and in a way that minimizes the bureaucratic process. There is no doubt that the strength of the city of Ashdod stems from the national resilience of its residents, as well as from the defense afforded by Iron Dome and other protective measures. Naturally, we will continue to assist in its development, economic prosperity and excellent functioning.”
The work of PMO Dir.-Gen. Locker’s team follows up on recent Government decisions such as those to approve full protection for all communities 4.5-7 kilometers from the Gaza Strip, to approve an allocation of NIS 7.6 million in order to complete the financing of building protected daycare centers in communities with 0-7 kilometers from the Gaza Strip and to approve economic benefits for Sderot and the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip for 2013. These decisions complete the strategy of national resilience in the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip: A combination of diplomatic, security and civilian components that strengthens the fortitude of the residents and councils in the area.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 27, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/27/israel-political-brief-november-27-2012-pmo-director-general-harel-locker-tours-communities-in-the-area-adjacent-to-the-gaza-strip-and-ashdod/
Source: PMO, 11-27-12
Photo by GPO
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, yesterday evening, at his Jerusalem residence, met with local council heads from the south of the country and told them: “The IDF acted with strength, and as soon as the operation’s goals were achieved – we ended it. We will continue to closely monitor the situation to see to it that the quiet is maintained. If it is violated, the IDF is ready to respond strongly. I salute the residents of the south. Their resilience enabled us to achieve the goals that we set.”
Be’er Sheva Mayor Rubik Danilovich, at the start of the meeting, said, “This operation has a prominent achievement – Israel’s strong home front.”
Prime Minister’s Office Director-General Hare Locker, who was appointed by Prime Minister Netanyahu to head the Government team on ensuring that the needs of the residents and communities that were affected by Operation Pillar of Defense are dealt with quickly, said that in addition to the immediate response by the tax authorities regarding compensation for direct damages, the Knesset Finance Committee yesterday approved directives on compensation for indirect damages (loss of work days and compensation for businesses). Moreover, a preliminary NIS 15 million aid package has been approved for local authorities to cover expenses stemming from the security situation.
The following local council heads attended the meeting: Abu-Basma Regional Council Chairman Rahamim Yona, Ofakim Mayor Zvika Greengold, Ashdod Mayor Yehiel Lasri, Ashkelon Mayor Benny Vaknin, Be’er Tuvia Regional Council Chairman Dror Shor, Be’er Sheva Mayor Rubik Danilovich, Bnei Ayish Mayor Mark Bassin, Bnei Shimon Regional Council Chairman Sigal Moran, Gan Yavne Mayor Dror Aharon, Hevel Yavneh Regional Council Chairman Eliezer Benfeld, Hof Ashkelon Regional Council Chairman Yair Firjean, Lachish Regional Council Chairman Danny Morviya, Nahal Sorek Regional Council Chairman Eli Escosido, Omer Mayor Pini Badash, Rahat Mayor Fayez Abu Dahiban, Ramat Hanegev Regional Council Chairman Shmulik Lipman, Sderot Mayor David Buskila, Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council Chairman Alon Shuster and Rishon Lezion Mayor Dov Tzur.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 27, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/27/israel-political-brief-november-27-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-meets-with-southern-israel-local-council-heads/
Source: Xinhua, 11-22-12
An Israeli minister said Thursday that Hamas can expect an aggravated military response in the event that it or other militant groups in the Gaza Strip resume rocket attacks on Israel….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 22, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/israel-political-brief-november-22-2012-israel-warns-of-tougher-operation-if-truce-agreement-violated/
Source: YNet News, 11-22-12
Soldiers recruited during Operation Pillar of Defense disappointed that IDF ‘didn’t get to finish the job’
The army began releasing on Thursday tens of thousands of reserve soldiers who were recruited under emergency orders during Operation Pillar of Defense.
Some of the soldiers were disappointed by the fact that the operation was cut short and they were not given the chance to “complete the mission,” as one soldier put it, while others said it is just a matter of time before they are called up again….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 22, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/israel-political-brief-november-22-2012-idf-reservists-released-after-gaza-operation-well-be-back/
Source: JTA, 11-22-12
An Israeli soldier injured in a mortar attack on southern Israel has died….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 22, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/israel-political-brief-november-22-2012-israeli-soldier-dies-of-injuries-from-gaza-mortar/
Source: YNet News, 11-21-12
Twelve rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel since 9 pm, when a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza was set to take effect.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-political-brief-november-21-2012-12-rockets-fired-on-israel-since-cease-fire-truce-takes-effect/
The partial text of the ceasefire agreement as reported by news agencies.
Source: INN, 11-21-12
This is the partial text of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, as brokered by Egypt and the U.S. and reported by AFP.
“Israel shall stop all hostilities in the Gaza Strip land sea and air, including incursions and targeting of individuals.
“All Palestinian factions shall stop all hostilities from the Gaza Strip against Israel, including rocket attacks and all attacks along the border.
“Opening the crossings and facilitating the movement of people and transfer of goods and refraining from restricting residents’ free movements and targeting residents in border areas. Procedures of implementation shall be dealt with after 24 hours from the start of the ceasefire.
“Other matters as may be requested shall be addressed.”
“Implementation mechanism.
“Setting up the zero hour understanding to enter into effect.
“Egypt shall receive assurances from each party that the party commits to what was agreed upon.
“Each party shall commit itself not to perform any acts that would breach this understanding. In case of any observations, Egypt as a sponsor of this understanding, shall be informed to follow up.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/full-text-israel-political-brief-november-21-2012-text-of-ceasefire-agreement-between-israel-hamas/
According to Egyptian foreign minister, ceasefire will go into force at 9:00 p.m. Netanyahu’s statement leaves room for resumed fighting.
Source: INN, 11-21-12
According to the latest reports from Cairo and Israel, U.S. President Barack Obama spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu Wednesday evening and asked him to agree to abide by a ceasefire with Hamas.
The terms of the ceasefire are not yet known in full….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-brief-november-21-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-im-giving-ceasefire-a-chance-before-using-greater-force/
Source: ABC News, 11-21-12
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-brief-november-21-2012-hillary-clinton-announces-israel-hamas-ceasefire/
Source: JTA, 11-21-12
A cease-fire between Israel and Hamas is set to begin at 9 p.m. local time….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-brief-november-21-2012-israel-and-hamas-reach-a-cease-fire/
Source: JTA, 11-21-12
At least 116 rockets struck southern Israel on the eighth day of the country’s Operation Pillar of Defense against terrorists in Gaza….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-political-brief-november-21-2012-at-least-116-rockets-strike-israel-on-operations-eighth-day/
As the 8-day holiday of Hanukkah approaches, Israel marks the eighth day of Operation Pillar of Defense by counting the missiles fired.
Source: INN, 11-21-12
Gaza’s ruling Hamas terrorists and affiliated terrorist groups have fired 1,408 missiles and rockets at Israel since the beginning of Operation Pillar of Defense, eight days ago.
Of those fired, 56 missiles have struck populated areas in Israel, and 412 have been intercepted and shot down by the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system.
They have varied in ranges from the short-range “homemade” Kassam rockets that reach close to 20-25 kilometers (12.5-15 miles), to medium-range Grad Katyusha missiles that reach up to 40 kilometers (25 miles), and now also include the Iranian Fajr-5 missiles, with a range of 75-80 kilometers (45-48 miles)….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-political-brief-november-20-2012-1408-missiles-in-8-days-fired-by-gaza-at-israel/
Source: JTA, 11-20-12
A CNN poll showed a considerable gap between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to backing Israel in the current Gaza conflict.
In the CNN poll published Monday, respondents were asked whether “Israel was justified or unjustified in taking military action against Hamas and the Palestinians in the area known as Gaza.” Among Democrats, 40 percent said Israel was “justified,” compared to 74 percent of Republicans and 59 percent of independents.
In all, 57 percent of those polled said Israel was justified in launching the operation in the Gaza Strip.The poll, carried out by ORC International in 1,023 phone interviews from Nov. 16 to Nov. 18, has a margin of error of 3 percentage points….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 20, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/israel-political-brief-november-20-2012-poll-shows-gap-between-republicans-and-democrats-in-backing-israel-in-gaza/
Source: JTA, 11-20-12
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Nov. 20, 2012. (Avi Ohayon/ GPO/Flash90)
Makoto Otsuka, director general of the Holocaust Education Center in Fukuyama, Japan, with visiting schoolchildren in front of a photo of Anne Frank.–>
Talks between Israel and Hamas negotiated by Egypt have not produced a cease-fire.
The talks in Cairo are expected to stretch into Wednesday, a Hamas official reportedly said late Tuesday night.
A Hamas official had been quoted earlier on Tuesday by Reuters as saying that a cease-fire would go into effect at midnight.
Shortly after the Reuters report appeared Tuesday evening, Mark Regev, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told CNN that an agreement on a cease-fire had not yet been reached….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 20, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/israel-political-brief-november-20-2012-cairo-talks-fail-to-yield-cease-fire-agreement-expected-to-continue/
Prime Minister Netanyahu: Mr. Secretary, welcome to Jerusalem. You’re always a welcome guest, and I appreciate both your coming here and your statement. I want to thank you for making it clear that Israel has the right to defend itself. I want to thank you for your consistent statements condemning the rocket attacks on Israel’s citizens.
I know you’re very concerned about the civilian casualties on both sides. Well, we share your concern, and that is why, in fighting terror, our military always tries to avoid civilian casualties. In fact, I’m not sure that there is another military on Earth that goes to such great lengths to keep innocents out of harm’s way. Israel is, I think, remarkable in that, when you consider the conditions that we’re facing, I think that something almost without parallel in history is taking place. We’re conducting these surgical operations against terrorists at a time when our own population is being bombarded by rocket attacks.
Unfortunately, Mr. Secretary, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, and the other terrorist groups, do not share your concern about our civilian casualties or about civilian casualties at all. They’re deliberately and indiscriminately targeting our civilians and they deliberately hide behind their civilians. The terrorists target our children and they use their own children as human shields. They place explosives, weapons, other destructive weapons of any kind in schools, mosques, hospitals, universities. Targeting civilians and hiding behind civilians, as you well know is a double war crime. If we hope to make these tactics illegitimate, they should be condemned in the most forceful terms by all responsible members of the international community. The moment we draw symmetry between the victims of terror and the unintended casualties that result from legitimate military action against the terrorists, the minute that false symmetry is drawn, the terrorists win.
I know, Mr. Secretary, that you understand this, and I am confident, as always, that you will continue to lend your moral authority to the struggle against terrorism. Mr. Secretary, no country would tolerate rocket attacks against its cities and against its civilians. Israel cannot tolerate such attacks. If a long-term solution can be put in place through diplomatic means, than Israel would be a willing partner to such a solution. But if stronger military action proves necessary to stop the constant barrage of rockets, Israel will not hesitate to do what is necessary to defend our people.
I look forward to our discussions today, and I hope we can advance a peaceful resolution.
Secretary Ban: Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. Shalom, ladies and gentlemen. Todah.
Again, I’d like to thank the Prime Minister for welcoming me to Israel at this time. Regrettably, I’m back again in the region only nine months since my last visit because of violence in Israel and Gaza, this again requiring our attention, not progressing towards a lasting peace and a two-state solution. But all this we are truly concerned at the rising loss of human lives. A further escalation would be dangerous and tragic for Palestinians and Israelis, and would put the entire region at risk. I’m here to appeal to all to hold fire and restore calm.
Rockets have hit areas just outside of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as well as Israeli towns near Gaza, killing and injuring civilians. I myself visited Sderot and these cities, and met many people, and I was able to witness myself how these people were living in fear and terror. This is unacceptable, irresponsible and reckless. I strongly condemn these actions. Rocket attacks by Palestinian militants targeting Israel must cease immediately. I know how desperate the situation is here, but Israel must exercise maximum restraint. I strongly caution against a ground operation which will only result in further tragedy. I have also stressed that while Israeli rockets may be aimed at military targets inside Gaza, they kill and injure civilians and damage civilian infrastructures. The loss of civilian lives is unacceptable under any circumstances. The excessive use of force is unlawful and must be rejected, and I take note of your statement that this military operation was aimed against only military facilities, but still in the course of military operations, the civilians are actually victimized, as we have seen.
My paramount immediate concern is for the safety and well-being of all civilians, in Israel and in Gaza. Innocent people, including children, are being killed and injured on both sides. I appeal to all and those commanding, bearing and operating arms, weapons, to respect international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of civilians at all times. I was here under similar circumstances in early 2009. It is truly painful for me to be back for the same reason. This new cycle of bloodshed will make neither Israelis nor Palestinians more secure, nor will bloodshed open the door to negotiations that could achieve a two-state solution necessary to end such violence permanently. Further escalation benefits no one. I and all my staff, including Special Coordinator Robert Serry, will spare no effort to put an end to violence and provide humanitarian assistance to those who need it.
Over the past week, Mr. Prime Minister, I have spoken with many international leaders and regional leaders by telephone and in person. I have come here directly from Cairo, where I met with Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Araby and Egyptian Prime Minister Hesham Mohamed Qandil earlier today. Egypt is a leader in the region, and I was encouraged that the Egyptian authorities are using their contacts on all sides to seek an immediate ceasefire. I’ve also met Foreign Minister Leiberman and Defense Minister Barak this afternoon since arriving in Jerusalem. I will be meeting President Peres after our meeting with you this evening, and Palestinian President Abbas tomorrow morning. I’m here to offer my help and good offices to end the violence and find a path back towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The world is watching and waiting. We have not a moment to lose.
Again, Mr. Prime Minister, I count on your strong leadership while working together with the United Nations for peace and stability and human rights in this region.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 20, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/full-text-israel-political-brief-november-20-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-un-secretary-general-ban-ki-moons-statements-before-their-meeting/
Source: State.gov, 11-20-12
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Prime Minister’s Office
Jerusalem
November 20, 2012
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:I want to welcome Secretary Clinton once again to Jerusalem. I want to thank President Obama, you, and the American Government and people for their strong support for Israel in this hour of need. I want to also thank you especially for your support of Iron Dome that’s been saving lives, and we are in a battle to save lives.One of the things that we’re doing is trying to resist and counter a terrorist barrage which is aimed directly at our civilians, and doing so by minimizing civilian casualties, whereas the terrorist enemies of Israel are doing everything in their power to maximize the number of civilian casualties. Obviously, no country can tolerate a wanton attack on its civilians.
Now, if there is a possibility of achieving a long-term solution to this problem through diplomatic means, we prefer that. But if not, I am sure you understand that Israel will have to take whatever action is necessary to defend its people. This is something that I don’t have to explain to Americans. I know that President Obama, you, and the American people understand that perfectly well.
And I thank you once again for your support. Welcome to Jerusalem.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, Prime Minister. I look forward to a productive discussion this evening at such a critical moment for Israel and the region. President Obama asked me to come to Israel with a very clear message: America’s commitment to Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering. That is why we believe it is essential to de-escalate the situation in Gaza.
The rocket attacks from terrorist organizations inside Gaza on Israeli cities and towns must end and a broader calm restored. The goal must be a durable outcome that promotes regional stability and advances the security and legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike.
President Obama has emphasized these same points in his multiple conversations with President Morsi of Egypt, and we appreciate President Morsi’s personal leadership and Egypt’s efforts thus far. As a regional leader and neighbor, Egypt has the opportunity and responsibility to continue playing a crucial and constructive role in this process. I will carry this message to Cairo tomorrow. I will also be consulting with President Abbas in Ramallah.
Let me also say, to echo the Prime Minister, I am very pleased that the Iron Dome defense system is performing so well. Our partnership in support of this system represents America’s enduring commitment to the safety and security of the Israeli people and to Israel’s right to defend itself.
But no defense is perfect and our hearts break for the loss of every civilian – Israeli and Palestinian – and for all those who have been wounded or who are living in fear and danger. I know today was a difficult day, and I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who were lost and injured. In the end, there is no substitute for security and for a just and lasting peace, and the current crisis certainly focuses us on the urgency of this broader goal.
So in the days ahead, the United States will work with our partners here in Israel and across the region toward an outcome that bolsters security for the people of Israel, improves conditions for the people of Gaza, and moves toward a comprehensive peace for all people of the region. And I thank you, Prime Minister, for your hospitality and look forward to our discussion.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 20, 2012
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/full-text-israel-political-brief-november-20-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-us-secretary-of-state-hillary-clintons-remarks-speech-before-their-meeting/