From European Jewish Press, By Rebecca Assoun in Paris, Updated: 8/Nov/2005 13:19...
An adaptation of a classic Holocaust-era autobiography by Italian Jewish author Primo Levi is impressing audiences at a Paris theatre.
Although “Se questo e un uomo” (If this is a man) was roundly ignored when it was first published in 1947, the work was later seen by literary experts as one of the major works of the 20th century. The story has now been adapted for theatre by Patrick Olivier, a French Jewish actor and director....
Warning for the future
‘If this is a Man,’ tells of Levi’s experiences as a victim of the Holocaust, from his arrest by the fascists in 1943 to the liberation of Auschwitz by the Russians.
Olivier said he chose to transmit the testimony both out of duty not to forget Holocaust and as an appeal for vigilance amongst the younger generation.
A chemist of learning, Levi was born in Turin in 1919. He committed suicide in the Italian city in 1987. “Primo explained that Holocaust represented absolute evil and a breaking point of our civilisation,” Olivier told EJP.
“We must realise that when Hitler and Mussolini spoke in public, people believed them and admired them as Gods,” he added. Levi, a Jewish intellectual and Auschwitz survivor, describes the dehumanization, depersonalization and extermination process led by the Nazis.
“The sole fact that Auschwitz existed should prohibit anyone today from pronouncing the word providence,” Levi wrote.
Critical acclaim
“Levi’s text speaks for itself and we leave the play shaken and outraged and the loud voice of Olivier still resonates in me,” said one audience member....(his) son added: “There are not many books like ‘If this is a man’ .... I only wish this work will be used as a perpetual warning for everyone.”
“In these troubled times, this play adapted by Olivier must be hailed because it acts as an alarm for youths. Conscientiousness can be derailed and darken again. Ours too. The danger is still present because what happened may happen again.”
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Dahaf poll shows that Likud has lost ground
From Ynet News (with opinion expurgated) First Published: 11.30.05, 08:15; Latest Update: 11.30.05, 10:17 ...
Likud down to 10 Knesset seats in new Dahaf Institute survey, while Shas gains 11 seats; Sharon wins with 34 seats, Labor up to 27
Attila Somfalvi
The Likud would gain only 10 Knesset seats were the elections held today, according to a new poll conducted by the Dahaf Institute headed by Dr. Mina Tzemach and published Wednesday ....
In last week's Dahaf poll , the Likud received 13 Knesset seats.
... Shas ...poll(s) with 11 Knesset seats.
... Peretz receives 27 seats in the poll, while Sharon wins with 34 seats for his new party Kadima. Each of them has gained one more seat compared to last week's poll.
...the poll's findings (means) that Sharon and Peretz will be able to form a national unity government after the elections with 61 Knesset seats and with no need for a coalition with other parties.
...the ultra-orthodox parties (would) gain six seats, while Shinui ...only five seats (compared to six in last week's poll). Yisrael Our Home, Meretz-Yahad and the National Union also receive five seats each. The National Religious Party receives 4 seats, and the Arab parties gain 8 seats altogether.
The poll was conducted among 500 respondents, who constitute a representative sample of Israel's adult population. The maximal sampling error is four percent....
Likud down to 10 Knesset seats in new Dahaf Institute survey, while Shas gains 11 seats; Sharon wins with 34 seats, Labor up to 27
Attila Somfalvi
The Likud would gain only 10 Knesset seats were the elections held today, according to a new poll conducted by the Dahaf Institute headed by Dr. Mina Tzemach and published Wednesday ....
In last week's Dahaf poll , the Likud received 13 Knesset seats.
... Shas ...poll(s) with 11 Knesset seats.
... Peretz receives 27 seats in the poll, while Sharon wins with 34 seats for his new party Kadima. Each of them has gained one more seat compared to last week's poll.
...the poll's findings (means) that Sharon and Peretz will be able to form a national unity government after the elections with 61 Knesset seats and with no need for a coalition with other parties.
...the ultra-orthodox parties (would) gain six seats, while Shinui ...only five seats (compared to six in last week's poll). Yisrael Our Home, Meretz-Yahad and the National Union also receive five seats each. The National Religious Party receives 4 seats, and the Arab parties gain 8 seats altogether.
The poll was conducted among 500 respondents, who constitute a representative sample of Israel's adult population. The maximal sampling error is four percent....
Is Russia going soft on Iran?
From DEBKAfile November 30, 2005, 11:29 PM (GMT+02:00) :
Does the abrupt sacking of Russian nuclear energy minister signal a turnaround in Moscow`s policy on Iran’s nuclear program?
Washington and Jerusalem are disturbed by the abrupt firing of Alexander Rumyantsev as head of the Russian Agency for Atomic Energy, Rosatom, a job he held four years. Russian president Vladimir Putin offered no explanation for his replacement by a former Russian prime minister, Sergei Kiriyenko, who has no experience in the nuclear energy field.
DEBKAfile’s sources in Washington and Moscow report the sacked minister was trusted by the US and Israeli governments to stand firm against letting Iran have Russian technological assistance for building a nuclear weapon. Rumyantsev, who is Jewish, was also trusted by Israeli officials concerned with Iran’s nuclear activities, after Iran was obliged on his initiative to return the fuel rods from the Russian-built atomic reactor in Bushehr.
US and Israeli officials fear that Rumyantsev’s dismissal means that Putin is reviewing Moscow’s nuclear relations with Tehran and may be contemplating putting them on a less restrictive basis. So far this is only surmise.
Also Wednesday, November 30, AMAN chief, Aharon Zeevi warned: “If by the end of March 2006, the international community has still not managed to apply the brakes to Iran’s race for a nuclear bomb, it might as well give up on its diplomatic efforts and admit failure.”
DEBKAfile’s Moscow sources report that Tehran took steps in recent months to damage Rumyantsev’s reputation. Russian auditors discovered that over a long period the Iranians had tendered inflated invoices for Bushehr projects that were never executed. Moscow refunded the sums to avoid a crisis, but found it was incurring losses. Tehran then promised the minister to compensate the Russians for their losses with fresh contracts for building additional reactors in Iran. The Iranians reneged on this promise and instead negotiated the contracts with China.
Does the abrupt sacking of Russian nuclear energy minister signal a turnaround in Moscow`s policy on Iran’s nuclear program?
Washington and Jerusalem are disturbed by the abrupt firing of Alexander Rumyantsev as head of the Russian Agency for Atomic Energy, Rosatom, a job he held four years. Russian president Vladimir Putin offered no explanation for his replacement by a former Russian prime minister, Sergei Kiriyenko, who has no experience in the nuclear energy field.
DEBKAfile’s sources in Washington and Moscow report the sacked minister was trusted by the US and Israeli governments to stand firm against letting Iran have Russian technological assistance for building a nuclear weapon. Rumyantsev, who is Jewish, was also trusted by Israeli officials concerned with Iran’s nuclear activities, after Iran was obliged on his initiative to return the fuel rods from the Russian-built atomic reactor in Bushehr.
US and Israeli officials fear that Rumyantsev’s dismissal means that Putin is reviewing Moscow’s nuclear relations with Tehran and may be contemplating putting them on a less restrictive basis. So far this is only surmise.
Also Wednesday, November 30, AMAN chief, Aharon Zeevi warned: “If by the end of March 2006, the international community has still not managed to apply the brakes to Iran’s race for a nuclear bomb, it might as well give up on its diplomatic efforts and admit failure.”
DEBKAfile’s Moscow sources report that Tehran took steps in recent months to damage Rumyantsev’s reputation. Russian auditors discovered that over a long period the Iranians had tendered inflated invoices for Bushehr projects that were never executed. Moscow refunded the sums to avoid a crisis, but found it was incurring losses. Tehran then promised the minister to compensate the Russians for their losses with fresh contracts for building additional reactors in Iran. The Iranians reneged on this promise and instead negotiated the contracts with China.
The face of an enemy
This man is threatening the next war, in the next few months...
Khaled Mashaal, leader of Hamas
Khaled Mashaal, leader of Hamas
Hamas will end "truce"
From Jerusalem Post, Nov. 30, 2005 21:59 Updated Nov. 30, 2005 22:19 By ASSOCIATED PRESS
The political leader of the Palestinian terror group Hamas on Wednesday said it would not renew a truce with Israel when it expires at the end of the year and accused the Jewish state of violating the agreement that reduced violence.
"All circumstances on the ground, the regional political atmosphere and the Palestinian situation are not encouraging to renew the truce," Khaled Mashaal told The Associated Press in a telephone interview in Damascus. "Hamas is not going to renew the truce because Israel did not abide by the conditions of the truce."
.... The government of President Hosni Mubarak has invited all groups to Cairo to talk about extending the cease-fire for another year. Hamas last week asked Egypt to delay talks on renewing the truce until after Palestinian parliamentary elections in January.
Mashaal said Hamas "will never abandon any Palestinian right and will not recognize the legitimacy of occupation whatsoever. This is a fundamental principle of the group." His response was to a question about Hamas accepting a two-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in autonomous countries.
Mashaal rejected US calls for Hamas to disarm and join the political process, saying this was not possible while Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory continued. "The resistance must go hand in hand with political work," he said. "It is not accepted to pressure the resistance to choose between resistance and politics."
Hamas, meanwhile, published its list for the upcoming Palestinian parliamentary elections. The list includes senior leaders Mahmoud A-Zahar, Ismail Haniya and Hassan Youssuf.
Among the candidates, according to the group, are prisoners [incarcerated in Israel], Christians and women, including the widow of former group leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi, who was gunned by an Israeli helicopter gun ship in April, 2004.
The political leader of the Palestinian terror group Hamas on Wednesday said it would not renew a truce with Israel when it expires at the end of the year and accused the Jewish state of violating the agreement that reduced violence.
"All circumstances on the ground, the regional political atmosphere and the Palestinian situation are not encouraging to renew the truce," Khaled Mashaal told The Associated Press in a telephone interview in Damascus. "Hamas is not going to renew the truce because Israel did not abide by the conditions of the truce."
.... The government of President Hosni Mubarak has invited all groups to Cairo to talk about extending the cease-fire for another year. Hamas last week asked Egypt to delay talks on renewing the truce until after Palestinian parliamentary elections in January.
Mashaal said Hamas "will never abandon any Palestinian right and will not recognize the legitimacy of occupation whatsoever. This is a fundamental principle of the group." His response was to a question about Hamas accepting a two-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in autonomous countries.
Mashaal rejected US calls for Hamas to disarm and join the political process, saying this was not possible while Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory continued. "The resistance must go hand in hand with political work," he said. "It is not accepted to pressure the resistance to choose between resistance and politics."
Hamas, meanwhile, published its list for the upcoming Palestinian parliamentary elections. The list includes senior leaders Mahmoud A-Zahar, Ismail Haniya and Hassan Youssuf.
Among the candidates, according to the group, are prisoners [incarcerated in Israel], Christians and women, including the widow of former group leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi, who was gunned by an Israeli helicopter gun ship in April, 2004.
Peres joins Sharon
From Jerusalem Post Nov. 30, 2005 2:35 Updated Nov. 30, 2005 22:39 By GIL HOFFMAN AND JPOST.COM STAFF ...
Peres: Sharon only leader who can lead Israel to peace
After 61 years in the Labor party and a record 46 years in the Knesset, Shimon Peres announced on Wednesday evening that he was quitting party politics. 'My political party activities have come to an end... I intend to dedicate the next several years to the effort of bringing peace to our region,' Peres announced during a press conference he convened in his Tel Aviv office.
In his statement, Peres said that the current political setup could not lead to Mideast peace, and a new team was needed. "I believe the most qualified person to head this coalition, based on the test of experience, is Arik Sharon," he said, referring to Sharon by his nickname...."During recent talks with Sharon," Peres added, "I reached the conclusion that Sharon was adamant about implementing his agenda and will start doing so immediately after the elections. Sharon is serious about achieving peace."
..."When I spoke with Sharon, we discussed the creation of a regional triangle of Israel, the PA and Jordan that would enjoy a special status in the European Union. We also spoke about the importance of opening a dialogue with the US to ensure the safety of the region from the Iranian nuclear threat and from rampant terrorism," he said.
His decision to leave Labor drew a number of negative responses from across the political spectrum....
Peres: Sharon only leader who can lead Israel to peace
After 61 years in the Labor party and a record 46 years in the Knesset, Shimon Peres announced on Wednesday evening that he was quitting party politics. 'My political party activities have come to an end... I intend to dedicate the next several years to the effort of bringing peace to our region,' Peres announced during a press conference he convened in his Tel Aviv office.
In his statement, Peres said that the current political setup could not lead to Mideast peace, and a new team was needed. "I believe the most qualified person to head this coalition, based on the test of experience, is Arik Sharon," he said, referring to Sharon by his nickname...."During recent talks with Sharon," Peres added, "I reached the conclusion that Sharon was adamant about implementing his agenda and will start doing so immediately after the elections. Sharon is serious about achieving peace."
..."When I spoke with Sharon, we discussed the creation of a regional triangle of Israel, the PA and Jordan that would enjoy a special status in the European Union. We also spoke about the importance of opening a dialogue with the US to ensure the safety of the region from the Iranian nuclear threat and from rampant terrorism," he said.
His decision to leave Labor drew a number of negative responses from across the political spectrum....
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Crossing the floor
From DEBKAfile, Political Analysis, Espionage, Terrorism Security:
Senior Labor lawmaker, Dalia Itzik, Monday night followed Shimon Peres out of Labor and crossed over to Sharon's Kadima party
November 28, 2005, 11:17 PM (GMT+02:00)
Shimon Peres decides to cross the floor from Labor to Sharon's Kadima
November 27, 2005, 11:11 PM (GMT+02:00)
Peres will not formally join Kadima, but attach himself to Sharon's new venture. If the prime minister wins the March 28 election and forms the next government, he will name Peres as a kind of peace envoy to lead future negotiations with the Palestinians on the future of the West Bank.
Last week, the former vice premier Shimon Peres told the new Labor leader Amir Peres he did not plan to leave the party. Sunday, Nov. 27, while declaring himself still undecided, he has in fact finalized terms with prime minister Ariel Sharon. Peres will not formally join Kadima, but attach himself to Sharon’s new venture.
This will happen in either of two ways:
1. A senior cabinet appointment. If the prime minister wins the March 28 election and forms the next government, he will name Peres as a kind of peace envoy to lead future negotiations with the Palestinians on the future of the West Bank. This fits in with Sharon’s declared intention to continue the pullbacks and evacuations he began in the Gaza Strip.
2. Twenty-eight years ago, the late Menahem Begin pulled Moshe Dayan over from the Labor party as his foreign minister for peace negotiations with Egypt. Sharon and Peres are duplicating that exercise. Sharon is signaling his intention of signing peace and drawing Israel’s final borders. Peres is offering himself up as the only pragmatic statesman capable of bringing this goal to fruition. He lacks electoral support but seeks this missing element from the founder of Kadima.
Sharon is banking on this partnership and plan to leave Peretz’s social-economic-focused campaign in the dust. He and Peres believe Peretz was caught short by his victory and unready both with the machine for a national campaign and a broad platform that covers vital defense and foreign policy issues. They also believe that, by following in Begin’s footsteps, they will rebut Binyamin Netanyahu’s declaration that he represents “the real Likud” while Sharon is a defector.
Senior Labor lawmaker, Dalia Itzik, Monday night followed Shimon Peres out of Labor and crossed over to Sharon's Kadima party
November 28, 2005, 11:17 PM (GMT+02:00)
Shimon Peres decides to cross the floor from Labor to Sharon's Kadima
November 27, 2005, 11:11 PM (GMT+02:00)
Peres will not formally join Kadima, but attach himself to Sharon's new venture. If the prime minister wins the March 28 election and forms the next government, he will name Peres as a kind of peace envoy to lead future negotiations with the Palestinians on the future of the West Bank.
Last week, the former vice premier Shimon Peres told the new Labor leader Amir Peres he did not plan to leave the party. Sunday, Nov. 27, while declaring himself still undecided, he has in fact finalized terms with prime minister Ariel Sharon. Peres will not formally join Kadima, but attach himself to Sharon’s new venture.
This will happen in either of two ways:
1. A senior cabinet appointment. If the prime minister wins the March 28 election and forms the next government, he will name Peres as a kind of peace envoy to lead future negotiations with the Palestinians on the future of the West Bank. This fits in with Sharon’s declared intention to continue the pullbacks and evacuations he began in the Gaza Strip.
2. Twenty-eight years ago, the late Menahem Begin pulled Moshe Dayan over from the Labor party as his foreign minister for peace negotiations with Egypt. Sharon and Peres are duplicating that exercise. Sharon is signaling his intention of signing peace and drawing Israel’s final borders. Peres is offering himself up as the only pragmatic statesman capable of bringing this goal to fruition. He lacks electoral support but seeks this missing element from the founder of Kadima.
Sharon is banking on this partnership and plan to leave Peretz’s social-economic-focused campaign in the dust. He and Peres believe Peretz was caught short by his victory and unready both with the machine for a national campaign and a broad platform that covers vital defense and foreign policy issues. They also believe that, by following in Begin’s footsteps, they will rebut Binyamin Netanyahu’s declaration that he represents “the real Likud” while Sharon is a defector.
Hevron Explosion
Arutz Sheva - Israel National News: 21:03 Nov 28, '05 / 26 Cheshvan 5766
(IsraelNN.com) Authorities report the explosion heard near the Cave of the Machpela a short time ago was the result of a terrorist bomb detonated at Beit Merkachat Junction. There are no reports of injuries. Soldiers are engaged in a pursuit of the terrorist.
(IsraelNN.com) Authorities report the explosion heard near the Cave of the Machpela a short time ago was the result of a terrorist bomb detonated at Beit Merkachat Junction. There are no reports of injuries. Soldiers are engaged in a pursuit of the terrorist.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Israel: EU report may hurt relations
From Jerusalem Post Nov. 27, 2005 0:31 Updated Nov. 27, 2005 8:20 By TOVAH LAZAROFF ...
An unofficial European Union draft report which fails to recognize Israel's right to a 'united capital' could harm the newly warming relations with Europe, Israeli officials warned on Saturday.
'It would damage the new friendship we have with the EU,' said a senior government official.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev deplored the unbalanced draft policy statement on east Jerusalem, calling it a 'throwback to the past,' and explained that if it were approved it 'would have repercussions on the way we perceive the European involvement here,' he said.
...The draft report of an analysis on east Jerusalem, being prepared for policy adoption by the EU's External Relations Council at its December 12 meeting, was obtained by The Jerusalem Post on Friday as the EU participated in the opening of the border crossing at Rafah.
...The report refers to the Jerusalem neighborhoods of Ramot, French Hill, East Talpiot, Gilo, Pisgat Ze'ev, and Har Homa as "illegal settlements."
...The report also focuses solely on Palestinian issues regarding east Jerusalem and does not honor any Israeli claims to it or Israel's declaration that it is building the security barrier to prevent terrorist attacks. The report noted that the construction was in defiance of the 2004 ruling of the International
...The draft report alleged that Israel's activities in east Jerusalem "are in violation of both the road map obligations and international law." It warned that Israeli actions "are reducing the possibility of reaching a final status agreement on Jerusalem and demonstrate a clear Israeli intention to turn the annexation of east Jerusalem into concrete fact."
EU officials on Friday refused to confirm the document's authenticity or to comment specifically on the draft itself. But the document is widely believed to be a draft of the EU's report on east Jerusalem.
Emma Udwin, spokeswoman for EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, told the Post on Friday that the EU has long been concerned about east Jerusalem, and made a statement to that effect at its council meeting last week. She added that the EU "feels very strongly that while everyone is thinking about Gaza that we do not lose sight of east Jerusalem" and the problems created by the route of the "separation barrier" as well as Israel's continued "settlement activity." She said that 25 foreign ministers belong to the council. "You have to conclude that 25 foreign ministers on Monday reached these conclusions because these are serious issues that need to be addressed."...
An unofficial European Union draft report which fails to recognize Israel's right to a 'united capital' could harm the newly warming relations with Europe, Israeli officials warned on Saturday.
'It would damage the new friendship we have with the EU,' said a senior government official.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev deplored the unbalanced draft policy statement on east Jerusalem, calling it a 'throwback to the past,' and explained that if it were approved it 'would have repercussions on the way we perceive the European involvement here,' he said.
...The draft report of an analysis on east Jerusalem, being prepared for policy adoption by the EU's External Relations Council at its December 12 meeting, was obtained by The Jerusalem Post on Friday as the EU participated in the opening of the border crossing at Rafah.
...The report refers to the Jerusalem neighborhoods of Ramot, French Hill, East Talpiot, Gilo, Pisgat Ze'ev, and Har Homa as "illegal settlements."
...The report also focuses solely on Palestinian issues regarding east Jerusalem and does not honor any Israeli claims to it or Israel's declaration that it is building the security barrier to prevent terrorist attacks. The report noted that the construction was in defiance of the 2004 ruling of the International
...The draft report alleged that Israel's activities in east Jerusalem "are in violation of both the road map obligations and international law." It warned that Israeli actions "are reducing the possibility of reaching a final status agreement on Jerusalem and demonstrate a clear Israeli intention to turn the annexation of east Jerusalem into concrete fact."
EU officials on Friday refused to confirm the document's authenticity or to comment specifically on the draft itself. But the document is widely believed to be a draft of the EU's report on east Jerusalem.
Emma Udwin, spokeswoman for EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, told the Post on Friday that the EU has long been concerned about east Jerusalem, and made a statement to that effect at its council meeting last week. She added that the EU "feels very strongly that while everyone is thinking about Gaza that we do not lose sight of east Jerusalem" and the problems created by the route of the "separation barrier" as well as Israel's continued "settlement activity." She said that 25 foreign ministers belong to the council. "You have to conclude that 25 foreign ministers on Monday reached these conclusions because these are serious issues that need to be addressed."...
Friday, November 25, 2005
U.K. slams Israel over settlements
from Ynetnews (11.25.05, 08:46) ...
In report compiled by U.K. consulate in Israel, presented before EU committee, Britain slams Israel for illegal construction in east Jerusalem, accuses country of sabotaging peace process with Palestinians....
Ynet
Straw. 'Israel sabotaged peace process'
Photo: CNN
Israel is guilty of breaking international laws, advocating membership in extremist groups, and sabotaging the peace process with the Palestinians by continuing construction in eastern Jerusalem, according to a confidential report compiled by the British consulate in
Jerusalem and presented before the EU.
In the harsh report, which was published Friday by British newspaper The Guardian, the U.K. Foreign Ministry Foreign Ministry levels accusations against Israel and charges that the Jewish state is attempting to interfere with peace negotiations and works intensively to prevent eastern Jerusalem from becoming the future Palestinian capital.
Presented by the British Foreign Minister Jack Sraw before an EU committee, the report reveals the U.K.'s estimates and standing regarding Israel. The committee has, in light of the report, expressed objection to Israel's moves, but postponed taking any concrete steps on the issue following pressures exerted by Israel's ally Italy. The report's authors claim in their account that Israel is illegally constructing settlements in the east Jerusalem area, in order to prevent any future transfer of the territory to Palestinian hands. The report brings the example of the construction of thousands of housing units in the Ma'aleh Adumim settlement, aimed at appending the community to Jerusalem, according to the report.
If this is accomplished, the West Bank will be divided into two separate geographical parts.
Once the Israeli construction in the city is completed, eastern Jerusalem will be disconnected from neighboring Palestinian towns such as Ramallah and Bethlehem, which will have severe repercussions on the Palestinians' lives, the report states.
'Israel violated international law'
The report further attacks Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government, and claims that eastern Jerusalem is higher on the PM's priority list than peace with the Palestinians. Israel's actions in Jerusalem were taken in violation of international law and the principles of the Road Map peace plan, the report claims. The British diplomats also state in the report they believe that the government's moves have encouraged the capital's residents to join extremist groups.
Remarking on the country's close supervision of roadblocks on highways leading in and out of Jerusalem, the British writers claim these are intended to restrain the growth of the Palestinian population in the city.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in response to the report, that "Israel believes that Jerusalem should remain its unified capital. However, it is aware that the issue will be brought to discussion with the Palestinians in the final stages of the peace talks.
In report compiled by U.K. consulate in Israel, presented before EU committee, Britain slams Israel for illegal construction in east Jerusalem, accuses country of sabotaging peace process with Palestinians....
Ynet
Straw. 'Israel sabotaged peace process'
Photo: CNN
Israel is guilty of breaking international laws, advocating membership in extremist groups, and sabotaging the peace process with the Palestinians by continuing construction in eastern Jerusalem, according to a confidential report compiled by the British consulate in
Jerusalem and presented before the EU.
In the harsh report, which was published Friday by British newspaper The Guardian, the U.K. Foreign Ministry Foreign Ministry levels accusations against Israel and charges that the Jewish state is attempting to interfere with peace negotiations and works intensively to prevent eastern Jerusalem from becoming the future Palestinian capital.
Presented by the British Foreign Minister Jack Sraw before an EU committee, the report reveals the U.K.'s estimates and standing regarding Israel. The committee has, in light of the report, expressed objection to Israel's moves, but postponed taking any concrete steps on the issue following pressures exerted by Israel's ally Italy. The report's authors claim in their account that Israel is illegally constructing settlements in the east Jerusalem area, in order to prevent any future transfer of the territory to Palestinian hands. The report brings the example of the construction of thousands of housing units in the Ma'aleh Adumim settlement, aimed at appending the community to Jerusalem, according to the report.
If this is accomplished, the West Bank will be divided into two separate geographical parts.
Once the Israeli construction in the city is completed, eastern Jerusalem will be disconnected from neighboring Palestinian towns such as Ramallah and Bethlehem, which will have severe repercussions on the Palestinians' lives, the report states.
'Israel violated international law'
The report further attacks Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government, and claims that eastern Jerusalem is higher on the PM's priority list than peace with the Palestinians. Israel's actions in Jerusalem were taken in violation of international law and the principles of the Road Map peace plan, the report claims. The British diplomats also state in the report they believe that the government's moves have encouraged the capital's residents to join extremist groups.
Remarking on the country's close supervision of roadblocks on highways leading in and out of Jerusalem, the British writers claim these are intended to restrain the growth of the Palestinian population in the city.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in response to the report, that "Israel believes that Jerusalem should remain its unified capital. However, it is aware that the issue will be brought to discussion with the Palestinians in the final stages of the peace talks.
Bad week for Hizbullah
Analysis from Jerusalem Post Nov. 25, 2005 0:39 Updated Nov. 25, 2005 9:20 By ARIEH O'SULLIVAN ...
It was condemned by the United Nations, dozens of its fighters were killed or wounded in a botched assault on Galilee, a chance to nab an Israeli hostage slipped through its fingers and a local spy was captured. All in all it was a bad week for Hizbullah... it suffered one of its most significant military defeats in its history of daring clashes with the IDF.
Military sources said that Hizbullah had been planning Monday's assault for months with the aim of a highly visible victory - either killing many Israeli soldiers or more likely kidnapping them and parading them in Beirut. For this purpose it ...struck at 20 IDF outposts nearly simultaneously with scores of mortar shells and anti-tank rounds.
The result? A few wounded Israeli soldiers. ...Seven Hizbullah fighters dead and dozens wounded.... It abandoned all of its border outposts in southern Lebanon, and the IDF...destroyed 13 of them, including its brigade-level headquarters, military sources said.
...What was Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah thinking he could gain by launching this attack? "They wanted to show there was still Israeli aggression that requires defense on the border and that they were the defenders of the border. They wanted to quash talk of disarming them," said Lt.-Col. (res.) Moshe Marzuk, a former head of the Lebanon desk in IDF intelligence.
"But ...Not only did the UN Security Council condemn them for starting the attack, but so did Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora," said Marzuk, a researcher at the International Policy Institute for Counter-Terrorism.
...Military sources note there is increasing support in Lebanon to take on Hizbullah's armed militia. They noted that Saniora has asked the Europeans to help him strengthen his army to face Hizbullah....
It was condemned by the United Nations, dozens of its fighters were killed or wounded in a botched assault on Galilee, a chance to nab an Israeli hostage slipped through its fingers and a local spy was captured. All in all it was a bad week for Hizbullah... it suffered one of its most significant military defeats in its history of daring clashes with the IDF.
Military sources said that Hizbullah had been planning Monday's assault for months with the aim of a highly visible victory - either killing many Israeli soldiers or more likely kidnapping them and parading them in Beirut. For this purpose it ...struck at 20 IDF outposts nearly simultaneously with scores of mortar shells and anti-tank rounds.
The result? A few wounded Israeli soldiers. ...Seven Hizbullah fighters dead and dozens wounded.... It abandoned all of its border outposts in southern Lebanon, and the IDF...destroyed 13 of them, including its brigade-level headquarters, military sources said.
...What was Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah thinking he could gain by launching this attack? "They wanted to show there was still Israeli aggression that requires defense on the border and that they were the defenders of the border. They wanted to quash talk of disarming them," said Lt.-Col. (res.) Moshe Marzuk, a former head of the Lebanon desk in IDF intelligence.
"But ...Not only did the UN Security Council condemn them for starting the attack, but so did Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora," said Marzuk, a researcher at the International Policy Institute for Counter-Terrorism.
...Military sources note there is increasing support in Lebanon to take on Hizbullah's armed militia. They noted that Saniora has asked the Europeans to help him strengthen his army to face Hizbullah....
This Sabbath: Most Jews Ever in Hevron
Arutz Sheva - Israel National News: 11:17 Nov 25, '05 / 23 Cheshvan 5766 By Ezra HaLevi ...
The Jewish community in Hevron is expecting more guests this Sabbath than any previous Sabbath in the history of the renewed Jewish presence in the City of the Patriarchs.
Thousands descend upon Hevron each year on the Sabbath corresponding with Parshat Chayei Sarah, the Torah portion dealing with Abraham's purchase of the Cave of the Patriarchs as a burial-place for his beloved wife Sarah.
Abraham was offered the cave at no charge by the local Hittite population in Hevron 3,000 years ago, but insisted on paying for it to ensure that the ownership of the property would not be contested in future generations. According to Moshe Ben-Zimra, a Hevron resident busy with logistical preparations for the coming Sabbath, there has been an unprecedented interest in attending this year's Shabbat Hevron. "I estimate that that this Sabbath in Hevron will be the largest ever known since the time of Abraham," he said. Visitors will be housed in school dormitories and in every room of families' homes in the adjacent city of Kiryat Arba."
Families can be heard on the streets discussing how many people they are hosting for Shabbat – usually around 15 or twenty," Kiryat Arba resident Michael Pollack told Arutz-7. "The stores are all packed and Shabbat supplies are on sale in a show of appreciation to the visitors. Tents are also popping up all around town."The Egged bus company is providing extended service to Hevron from both Jerusalem and Be'er Sheva throughout Friday and against after the Sabbath ends Saturday evening.All areas of the Tomb of the Patriarchs will be open to Jewish worshippers during the course of the Sabbath. Usually, the Hall of Isaac and Rebecca is used as a mosque by local Arabs, but it is open to Jews seven days a year....
The Jewish community in Hevron is expecting more guests this Sabbath than any previous Sabbath in the history of the renewed Jewish presence in the City of the Patriarchs.
Thousands descend upon Hevron each year on the Sabbath corresponding with Parshat Chayei Sarah, the Torah portion dealing with Abraham's purchase of the Cave of the Patriarchs as a burial-place for his beloved wife Sarah.
Abraham was offered the cave at no charge by the local Hittite population in Hevron 3,000 years ago, but insisted on paying for it to ensure that the ownership of the property would not be contested in future generations. According to Moshe Ben-Zimra, a Hevron resident busy with logistical preparations for the coming Sabbath, there has been an unprecedented interest in attending this year's Shabbat Hevron. "I estimate that that this Sabbath in Hevron will be the largest ever known since the time of Abraham," he said. Visitors will be housed in school dormitories and in every room of families' homes in the adjacent city of Kiryat Arba."
Families can be heard on the streets discussing how many people they are hosting for Shabbat – usually around 15 or twenty," Kiryat Arba resident Michael Pollack told Arutz-7. "The stores are all packed and Shabbat supplies are on sale in a show of appreciation to the visitors. Tents are also popping up all around town."The Egged bus company is providing extended service to Hevron from both Jerusalem and Be'er Sheva throughout Friday and against after the Sabbath ends Saturday evening.All areas of the Tomb of the Patriarchs will be open to Jewish worshippers during the course of the Sabbath. Usually, the Hall of Isaac and Rebecca is used as a mosque by local Arabs, but it is open to Jews seven days a year....
Nazareth man indicted for Hizbullah ties
From Jerusalem Post Nov. 24, 2005 12:16 Updated Nov. 24, 2005 19:45 By MARGOT DUDKEVITCH ...
A 38-year-old Israeli Arab from the Galilee who admitted to being recruited by a Hizbullah operative in Uganda to compile intelligence information on the movement of security forces, was indicted in the Nazareth Magistrates court on Thursday.... He confessed to investigators that he had been instructed to purchase a restaurant in the Haifa area together with a Jewish partner, and take advantage of the venue to befriend members of the security forces and glean information from them on IDF movements, bases and planned operations against the Hizbullah. In order to ensure the plan would succeed, Hizbullah was willing to provide him funds to the tune of $1million.
...According to details released by the Shin Bet on Thursday, the suspect traveled to South Africa to visit his relatives in July. There he met up with his brother in law identified as Mustafa Ibrahim, who lives in Dubai. The latter told the suspect that he wanted to introduce him to Hizbullah operatives located in Uganda and that they would travel together under the guise of businessmen.
Once there, they met up with a Hizbullah operative identified as Abu Mohammed, who asked the suspect, because of his knowledge of Hebrew, to supply Hizbullah with intelligence information. Abu Mohammed also asked the suspect if he had any acquaintances who serve in the Israeli security forces and advised him to take advantage of his contacts to glean information from them.
....Security officials said that since the IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 2000, Hizbullah has intensified its efforts to recruit Israeli Arabs. Since the outbreak of the Al Aksa intifada in September 2000, security forces have uncovered 14 incidents involving Israeli Arabs and Hizbullah operatives from southern Lebanon.
A 38-year-old Israeli Arab from the Galilee who admitted to being recruited by a Hizbullah operative in Uganda to compile intelligence information on the movement of security forces, was indicted in the Nazareth Magistrates court on Thursday.... He confessed to investigators that he had been instructed to purchase a restaurant in the Haifa area together with a Jewish partner, and take advantage of the venue to befriend members of the security forces and glean information from them on IDF movements, bases and planned operations against the Hizbullah. In order to ensure the plan would succeed, Hizbullah was willing to provide him funds to the tune of $1million.
...According to details released by the Shin Bet on Thursday, the suspect traveled to South Africa to visit his relatives in July. There he met up with his brother in law identified as Mustafa Ibrahim, who lives in Dubai. The latter told the suspect that he wanted to introduce him to Hizbullah operatives located in Uganda and that they would travel together under the guise of businessmen.
Once there, they met up with a Hizbullah operative identified as Abu Mohammed, who asked the suspect, because of his knowledge of Hebrew, to supply Hizbullah with intelligence information. Abu Mohammed also asked the suspect if he had any acquaintances who serve in the Israeli security forces and advised him to take advantage of his contacts to glean information from them.
....Security officials said that since the IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 2000, Hizbullah has intensified its efforts to recruit Israeli Arabs. Since the outbreak of the Al Aksa intifada in September 2000, security forces have uncovered 14 incidents involving Israeli Arabs and Hizbullah operatives from southern Lebanon.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Political Bombshell: Sharon quits Likud
from Ynetnews -: "Sharon: Staying in Likud waste of time" . . . .
In press conference Monday evening, Sharon says he decided to leave Likud, give Israelis hope. Staying in Likud means "waste of time, political struggles," he says
Attila Somfalvi
. . . In a press conference Monday evening, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he decided to leave the Likud .. .noting that staying in the ruling party would have been a "waste of time."
"After great difficulties I decided to leave the Likud today," Sharon said. "The Likud in its current constellation cannot lead Israel to its national goals. I set up the Likud in order to serve a national idea and give hope to the people of Israel. Unfortunately, this is no longer there (in the Likud)."
. ..Turning his attention to Vice Premier Shimon Peres, Sharon said: “I don’t know if he wishes to remain in the political life. I’m not sure, but I know he still has some very interesting plans.”
Addressing the possibility of Peres joining his party, the prime minister added: “For some reason I have a feeling he’s a bit tired of the political life…but in my view he still has the ability to contribute.”
13 Likud MKs join Sharon
Earlier, Sharon succeeded in recruiting 13 other Likud Knesset members to his new party, National Responsibility, thereby qualifying for extra campaign funding as a ‘breakaway faction.’
In order to qualify as a breakaway faction, the new party needed at least a third of the Likud’s 40 Knesset members.
. ..Members in the alliance so far include ministers Ehud Olmert, Tzipi Livni, Meir Sheetrit, Gideon Ezra, and Abraham Hirchson, and Members of Knesset Omri Sharon, Marina Solodkin, Zeev Boim, Jacob Edery, Ronnie Bar-On, Majalli Whbee, Eli Aflalo, and Ruhama Avraham.
Along with Ariel Sharon the team amounts to 14 parliamentarians who have been asked to sign letters of resignation from the Likud and fill in membership forms for the new party, “National Responsibility” in a sign of allegiance to their old-new boss.
Inbal Gavriely, who was believed to having decided to follow Sharon, reportedly opted to stay in Likud when aides fell short of promising her a ministerial portfolio in case the new faction wins the elections. Ruhama Avraham is being considered for the Interior Ministry, while Eli Aflalo is considered for the Trade, Industry and Labor Minister.
Earlier Monday, the new faction held its first meeting in Sharon’s Jerusalem office, after the PM officially announced his resignation from Likud in a letter to the party’s Central Committee Chairman Tzahi Hanegbi.
'A new path'
Sharon told his new faction members that "I am happy that you are here. We are embarking on a new path and we must prepare for the future." In the Prime Minister’s Office aides were sufficiently upbeat to speak of a good atmosphere during the meeting, with MKs praising Sharon’s decision as appropriate in light of the paralysis caused to his government by Likud rebels opposed to the disengagement from Gaza.
Sharon told his new followers that a meeting of the faction will be held once a week, allowing members to express their views on how the new alliance should move forward. Sharon outlined the broad lines of his agenda in the meeting, vowing to follow the Road Map plan for peace and continue the war on Palestinian terror. “I do not envisage another disengagement in the near future,” said Sharon.. . .
Ilan Marciano contributed to the report
In press conference Monday evening, Sharon says he decided to leave Likud, give Israelis hope. Staying in Likud means "waste of time, political struggles," he says
Attila Somfalvi
. . . In a press conference Monday evening, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he decided to leave the Likud .. .noting that staying in the ruling party would have been a "waste of time."
"After great difficulties I decided to leave the Likud today," Sharon said. "The Likud in its current constellation cannot lead Israel to its national goals. I set up the Likud in order to serve a national idea and give hope to the people of Israel. Unfortunately, this is no longer there (in the Likud)."
. ..Turning his attention to Vice Premier Shimon Peres, Sharon said: “I don’t know if he wishes to remain in the political life. I’m not sure, but I know he still has some very interesting plans.”
Addressing the possibility of Peres joining his party, the prime minister added: “For some reason I have a feeling he’s a bit tired of the political life…but in my view he still has the ability to contribute.”
13 Likud MKs join Sharon
Earlier, Sharon succeeded in recruiting 13 other Likud Knesset members to his new party, National Responsibility, thereby qualifying for extra campaign funding as a ‘breakaway faction.’
In order to qualify as a breakaway faction, the new party needed at least a third of the Likud’s 40 Knesset members.
. ..Members in the alliance so far include ministers Ehud Olmert, Tzipi Livni, Meir Sheetrit, Gideon Ezra, and Abraham Hirchson, and Members of Knesset Omri Sharon, Marina Solodkin, Zeev Boim, Jacob Edery, Ronnie Bar-On, Majalli Whbee, Eli Aflalo, and Ruhama Avraham.
Along with Ariel Sharon the team amounts to 14 parliamentarians who have been asked to sign letters of resignation from the Likud and fill in membership forms for the new party, “National Responsibility” in a sign of allegiance to their old-new boss.
Inbal Gavriely, who was believed to having decided to follow Sharon, reportedly opted to stay in Likud when aides fell short of promising her a ministerial portfolio in case the new faction wins the elections. Ruhama Avraham is being considered for the Interior Ministry, while Eli Aflalo is considered for the Trade, Industry and Labor Minister.
Earlier Monday, the new faction held its first meeting in Sharon’s Jerusalem office, after the PM officially announced his resignation from Likud in a letter to the party’s Central Committee Chairman Tzahi Hanegbi.
'A new path'
Sharon told his new faction members that "I am happy that you are here. We are embarking on a new path and we must prepare for the future." In the Prime Minister’s Office aides were sufficiently upbeat to speak of a good atmosphere during the meeting, with MKs praising Sharon’s decision as appropriate in light of the paralysis caused to his government by Likud rebels opposed to the disengagement from Gaza.
Sharon told his new followers that a meeting of the faction will be held once a week, allowing members to express their views on how the new alliance should move forward. Sharon outlined the broad lines of his agenda in the meeting, vowing to follow the Road Map plan for peace and continue the war on Palestinian terror. “I do not envisage another disengagement in the near future,” said Sharon.. . .
Ilan Marciano contributed to the report
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