Israel In The News
U.N. Confirms: Hizbullah Importing Weapons From Syria
Israel National News
(August
30, 2008) - A United Nations task force assigned to report on
weapons smuggling in Lebanon said Monday that Hizbullah has been
bringing arms across the Syrian-Lebanese border. This confirms Israeli
allegations that the Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist group has been
steadily rearming with Syrian assistance and Lebanese collusion. Last
month, Defense Minister Ehud Barak told U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney
that "the number of missiles in the hands of Hizbullah has doubled, if
not tripled, and that the range of the missiles has been extended. And
this has been accomplished with the close assistance of the Syrians." In
March, an anonymous source told the Associated Press that Hizbullah held
new Iranian rockets capable of striking as far south as Dimona, Israel's
nuclear facility in the Negev. According to the task force report,
submitted to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday, neither
Lebanese nor Syrian officials have done anything to end weapons
transfers to Hizbullah. The task force, which has seen no improvement in
the situation since it started its work in 2007, noted that weapons flow
easily across the Syrian-Lebanese frontier due to lax or non-existent
inspections. Even the air and sea ports into Lebanon, the report says,
have been used for weapons smuggling. Earlier this month, Lebanon's
cabinet voted to allow Hizbullah to maintain its weapons arsenal. The
government decision specifically approves Hizbullah activities aimed at
Israel. In Violation of U.N. Resolutions Weapons transfers to the
Hizbullah such as those cited in the task force report are in violation
of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the Second Lebanon
War two years ago. However, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
(UNIFIL) patrols in southern Lebanon, far from the weapons transfer
routes. Furthermore, UNIFIL has stated outright that it would not
enforce Res. 1701 conditions calling for the disarming of Hizbullah. In
March 2008, Hizbullah terrorists threatened and chased off UNIFIL forces
after the armed international soldiers found a truck carrying illicit
arms and ammunition. The incident was mentioned in a semi-yearly report
submitted to the U.N. Security Council by Ban Ki-moon. In an earlier
report to the U.N. Security Council, in February 2008, Ki-moon noted,
"Hizbullah, by admission of its leaders on several occasions, has
replenished its military capacity since the 2006 war with Israel. I
therefore remain concerned that this border remains vulnerable to such
[weapons transfers], which would represent serious violations of the
resolution and constitute a significant threat to the stability and
security of Lebanon."
Hamas reportedly ups ante for Schalit
The Jerusalem Post
(August
29, 2008) - Hamas has upped the ante for the release of kidnapped
IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, and is now demanded that Israel free over
1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including some with very long jail terms,
all women, and all children, the London-based newspaper A-Sharq al-Awsat
reported on Saturday. "The list includes over 1,000 prisoners," a
spokesperson for Hamas's military wing, Izzadin Kassam, told the paper.
He added that whether or not Israel approves on Sunday a set of relaxed
criteria regarding which Palestinians are eligible for release did not
matter. "From a fundamental point of view, we are not willing to discuss
any list which the occupation presents, and it is [Israel's
responsibility] to implement our list," the spokesperson said. On
Thursday, a source in the Gaza Strip told the Jerusalem Post that the
results of a recent election held for one of Hamas's key decision-making
bodies were likely to hinder efforts to free Schalit. The secret ballot
was held about 12 days ago for the Shura (Consultative) Council, which
is made up of Hamas's senior political and religious leadership and is
tasked with discussing all important issues. The names of the Shura
Council members are kept secret, although it is believed that some of
them are based in a number of Arab countries. The sources told the Post
the vote resulted in a major victory for representatives of the "young
guard" in Hamas, most of whom are affiliated with the movement's armed
wing, Izzadin Kassam. The sources described the victory as a "coup,"
pointing out that the newly-elected members were far more radical than
those who were ousted from the council. "The Shura Council of Hamas is
now dominated by warlords, thugs and militiamen," one source said. "The
new members are not as educated as their predecessors. Another source
described the vote as a "turning point" in the history of the Islamist
organization. "From now on, the armed wing of Hamas is expected to play
a bigger role in the decision-making process, he said. "The political
leadership of Hamas has definitely been weakened." Given the fact that
Schalit is being held by members of Izzadin Kassam, some of whom are now
represented in the Shura Council, Hamas is unlikely to soften its
position in the talks on a prisoner exchange agreement. more...
'Israel reaches strategic decision not to let Iran go nuclear'
The Jerusalem Post
(August
29, 2008) - Israel will not allow Iran to attain nuclear
capability and if time begins to run out, Jerusalem will not hesitate to
take whatever means necessary to prevent Iran from achieving its nuclear
goals, the government has recently decided in a special discussion.
According to the Israeli daily Ma'ariv, whether the United States
and Western countries succeed in thwarting the Islamic Republic's
nuclear ambitions diplomatically, through sanctions, or whether a US
strike on Iran is eventually decided upon, Jerusalem has begun preparing
for a separate, independent military strike. So far, Israel has not
received American authorization to use US-controlled Iraqi airspace, nor
has the defense establishment been successful in securing the purchase
of advanced US-made warplanes which could facilitate an Israeli strike.
The Americans have offered Israel permission to use a global early
warning radar system, implying that the US is pushing Israel to settle
for defensive measures only. Because of Israel's lack of strategic
depth, Jerusalem has consistently warned in recent years that it will
not settle for a 'wait and see' approach, merely retaliating to an
attack, but will rather use preemption to prevent any risk of being hit
in the first place. Ephraim Sneh a veteran Labor MK who has recently
left the party, has reportedly sent a document to both US presidential
candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama. The eight-point document
states that "there is no government in Jerusalem that would ever
reconcile itself to a nuclear Iran. When it is clear Iran is on the
verge of acquiring nuclear weapons, an Israeli military strike to
prevent this will be seriously considered." According to Ma'ariv,
Sneh offered the two candidates the "sane, cheap and the only option
that does not necessitate bloodshed." To prevent Iran's nuclear
aspirations, Sneh wrote, "real" sanctions applied by the US and Europe
were necessary. A total embargo in spare parts for the oil industry and
a total boycott of Iranian banks would promptly put an end to the
regime, which is already pressured by a sloping economy and would be
toppled by the Iranian people if they have outside assistance, he said.
The window of opportunity Sneh suggests is a year and a half to two
years, until 2010. Sneh also visited Switzerland
and Austria last week in an attempt to lobby them against the Iranian
threat. Both countries have announced massive long-term investments in
Iranian gas and oil fields for the next decade. "Talk of the Jewish
Holocaust and Israel's security doesn't impress these guys," Sneh said
wryly. Hearing his hosts speak of their future investments, Sneh replied
quietly "it's a shame, because Ido will light all this up." He was
referring to Maj. Gen. Ido Nehushtan, the recently appointed IAF
commander and the man most likely to be the one to orchestrate Israel's
attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, should this become a necessity.
"Investing in Iran in 2008," Sneh told his Austrian hosts, "is like
investing in the Krupp steelworks in 1938, it's a high risk investment."
The Austrians, according to Sneh, turned pale. In related news, a top
official said Friday that Iran had increased the number of operating
centrifuges at its uranium enrichment plant to 4,000. Deputy Foreign
Minister Ali Reza Sheikh Attar, who visited the Natanz plant last week,
said that Iran was preparing to install even more centrifuges, though he
did not offer a timeframe. "Right now, nearly 4,000 centrifuges are
operating at Natanz," Attar told the state news agency IRNA. "Currently,
3,000 other centrifuges are being installed." Meanwhile, the pan-Arabic
Al Kuds al Arabi reported Friday that Iran had equipped Hizbullah
with longer range missiles than those it possessed before the Second
Lebanon War and had also improved the guerrilla group's targeting
capabilities. According to the report, which The Jerusalem Post
could not verify independently, Hizbullah was planning a massive rocket
onslaught on targets reaching deep into Israel's civilian underbelly in
case Israel launches an attack on Iran.
Condi pulls a Solomon: Split Jerusalem in 2
WorldNet Daily
(August
28, 2008) - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, completing a
visit to the region today, has been pressing Israel to sign a document
by the end of the year that would divide Jerusalem by offering the
Palestinians a state in Israel's capital city as well as in the West
Bank and Gaza Strip, according to top diplomatic sources involved in the
talks. The Israeli team, led by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, has been
negotiating the division of Jerusalem – despite claims to the contrary –
but would rather conclude an agreement on paper by the end of the year
that would give the Palestinians a state in the West Bank, Gaza and some
Israeli territory, leaving conclusions on Jerusalem for a later date,
the informed diplomatic sources told WND. The sources said the
Palestinian team has been pushing to conclude a deal by January on all
core issues, including Jerusalem, and has been petitioning the U.S. to
pressure Israel into signing an agreement on paper that offers the
Palestinians eastern Jerusalem. Rice, the sources said, has asked
Israeli leaders to bend to what the U.S. refers to as a "compromise
position," concluding an Israeli-Palestinian agreement by the end of the
year that guarantees sections of Jerusalem to the Palestinians. But
Israel would not be required to withdraw from Jerusalem for a period of
one to five years. The diplomatic sources said the plan is that once an
Israeli-Palestinian deal is reached on paper by January, Bush would
issue an official letter guaranteeing that the U.S. supports the
conclusions of the document. Any Israeli-Palestinian paper agreement is
to finalize a process that began at last November's U.S. backed
Annapolis conference, which seeks to create a Palestinian state, at
least on paper, before Bush leaves office. One Palestinian negotiator
speaking to WND described as "crazy" the intensity and frequency of
Israeli-Palestinian talks in recent weeks, saying both sides have been
meeting on a daily basis, usually at the highest levels. The negotiator
said Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Chief Palestinian Negotiator Ahmed
Queri have been leading the talks. The negotiator said Jerusalem is
being discussed by both sides and that the two teams are "closer than
ever" on coming to an agreement on the status of the city. This claim
was verified to WND by other diplomatic sources involved in the
negotiations. The Palestinian negotiator said Jerusalem would be divided
along the framework of the 2000 U.S.-brokered Camp David accords. He
said the general philosophy for dividing Jerusalem would be "Arab for
Arab and Jew for Jew," meaning that most Arab-majority eastern sections
of Jerusalem would be granted to the Palestinian Authority while Israel
would retain Western, Jewish-majority sections. Israel recaptured
eastern Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount – Judaism's holiest site –
during the 1967 Six Day War. The Palestinians have claimed eastern
Jerusalem as a future capital. About 244,000 Arabs live in Jerusalem,
mostly in eastern neighborhoods. Jerusalem has an estimated total
population of 724,000, the majority Jewish. A number of Arab-majority
eastern Jerusalem neighborhoods widely regarded as slated for a
Palestinian state include large numbers of Arabs who live on
Jewish-owned land illegally. The Jewish National Fund, a U.S.-based
nonprofit, owns hundred of acres of eastern Jerusalem land in which tens
of thousands of Arabs illegally constructed homes the past few decades.
Arabs are now the majority on the Jewish-owned land in question. Asked
by WND whether Jerusalem is currently being negotiated, Mark Regev,
Olmert's spokesman, simply stated, "No." Olmert has several times denied
Jerusalem is being negotiated. Members of his government coalition have
promised to bolt his government and precipitate new elections if
Jerusalem is discussed in talks. Olmert, facing several criminal
investigations described as "serious," recently announced he will resign
after his Kadima party holds primaries next month to chose a new leader.
That leader is widely expected to continue Israeli-Palestinian talks,
especially if frontrunner Livni takes Olmert's place.
The diplomatic situation in Israel is such that many commentators
believe Olmert has an interest in concluding some sort of agreement
quickly. Many believe he would like his input in an Israeli-Palestinian
agreement to be among his final "achievements."
WND
first exclusively reported Aug. 1 that Olmert told the PA he intends
to accelerate negotiations to reach some understanding on paper as soon
as September. Over the weekend, the Israeli media quoted officials close
to Olmert stating the prime minister is working for an interim document
as soon as next month to be presented to the United Nations. The
document likely will not be the conclusion of negotiations but an
outline of some of the breakthroughs regarding the West Bank and Gaza.
One PA negotiator told WND of the planned paper: "Papers are very
important. It puts limits on the new prime minister. For example, the
weak point of Israeli-Syrian negotiations are papers signed by former
prime ministers that now must be abided during current negotiations."
Regarding the division of Jerusalem, top diplomatic sources said both
sides are close to agreements on specific issues. One PA negotiator
claimed the U.S. has guaranteed the Palestinians that sensitive areas in
eastern Jerusalem in which what he termed "extremist Jews" are
purchasing real estate would be handed to the Palestinians. "The
Israelis had no problem with this," the PA negotiator claimed. "We were
also told not to worry too much about scattered Jewish properties in
Arab neighborhoods, or yeshivas (Jewish seminaries) in the Old City."
The PA negotiator's claim could not be verified by sources in Jerusalem.
The initial stage also calls for the PA to operate Jerusalem municipal
institutions, such as offices to oversee trash collection and
maintenance of roads. After five years, if both sides keep specific
commitments called for in a larger principal agreement, according to the
U.S. plan the PA would be given full sovereignty over agreed upon
eastern Jerusalem neighborhoods and discussions would be held regarding
an arrangement for the Temple Mount. The plan doesn't specify which
parts of the Temple Mount could be forfeited to the Palestinians or
whether an international force may be involved. The PA also could deploy
official security forces in Jerusalem separate from a non-defined basic
force after the five year period and could also open major governmental
institutions, such as a president's office, and offices for the finance
and foreign ministries. The U.S. plan leaves Israel and the PA to
negotiate which Jerusalem neighborhoods would become Palestinian.
According to diplomatic sources familiar with the plan, while specific
neighborhoods were not officially listed, American officials recommended
sections of Jerusalem's Old City as well as certain largely Arab
Jerusalem neighborhoods such as Jabal mukabar, Beit Hanina, Abu Dis, and
Abu Tur become part of the Palestinian side. Also recommended were the
Jerusalem neighborhoods of Shoafat, Kfar Akev and Qalandiya. more...
Abbas-Olmert Meeting Sunday Amid Signs of Secret Deal
Israel National News
(August
28, 2008) - Palestinian Authority (PA) chairman Mahmoud Abbas and
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will meet on Sunday amid growing signs that
the Israeli leader is trying to complete the outline for a new Arab
state before he leaves office. PA sources said they will discuss the
status of Jerusalem and the PA "right of return" demand that involves
allowing millions of foreign Arabs to immigrate. Water resources also
will be discussed. American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
hinted a deal is in the works during her visit to Israel this week.
At her meeting with Abbas in Ramallah, she "proposed new ideas related
to the peace process," Abbas's spokesman Nabil Abu Rdneh said. "The
coming weeks will be very decisive," he added. Prime Minister Olmert is
taking advantage of the summer vacation, when most Israelis are
vacationing, the Knesset is out of session and he is free to act without
worrying about keeping his coalition government together. The Prime
Minister already has said he will step down from office after the Kadima
party chooses a new leader in primary elections next month. He recently
said that negotiations with the PA must be kept secret and not in the
eye of the media. The editor of a leading PA newspaper believes that
Secretary Rice, Prime Minister Olmert and Abbas are cooking up a
surprise to satisfy President Bush's desire to reach a final agreement
before he leaves office in January. Hafith Barghouthi, the chief editor
of the daily Hayat Al-Jadidah, wrote on Wednesday, "It seems a
political 'meal' is being cooked on fire behind the scenes…. The fact
that Rice met with both negotiation teams separately, then together
proves what she said in the press conference about both sides abstaining
from negotiating in front of the media. All this indicates that the
negotiations are serious," he wrote. more...
Europe into the breach
International Herald Tribune
(August
26, 2008) - Some diplomatic movement has returned to the Middle
East. Under American supervision, Israelis and Palestinians have been
negotiating again since the end of 2007. Syria and Israel have begun an
indirect negotiation process with Turkey as a mediator. In Lebanon, a
new government including all relevant political factions has finally
been formed. This would not have been possible without a green light
from Syria. And this green light would not have come had Damascus not
been convinced that its own negotiations with Israel could, in the
medium term at least, lead to a bilateral agreement and also bring about
an improvement of Syrian-American relations. Individual European Union
states have already honored this constructive about-turn of Syrian
policies. For all those engaged in Middle East diplomacy - this goes for
the Arab-Israeli fold as well as for the Iranian nuclear file - the U.S.
political calendar is always present: No one expects the current U.S.
administration to settle any of the conflicts in the region or to bring
any of the ongoing diplomatic processes there to a conclusion during the
rest of its term. This is explicitly so for the Syrian-Israeli
negotiations: Syria has already declared that it would not move from
indirect to direct talks before the inauguration of a new American
administration ready to actively engage with such a process.
Implicitly, however, the same applies to the Annapolis process between
Israel and the Palestinian Authority. President Bush has repeatedly said
that he wants the two sides to reach an agreement while he is still in
office. Israel's outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and the Palestinian
president, Mahmoud Abbas, who lead the talks, are both aware of the
contours of a possible, mutually acceptable agreement, and they seem to
have come closer with regard to some of the particularly difficult
so-called final-status issues. Nonetheless, even under the most positive
scenario, the best one could expect is a further narrowing of the gaps.
A comprehensive agreement that would sort out such complex issues as the
future of Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, future borders between Israel
and Palestine, or infrastructural links between the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip, will not be reached within only a couple of months. And
neither Israel's prime minister nor the Palestinian president would
today have the authority and the necessary majorities to ratify, let
alone to implement a peace agreement. All this does not speak
against the process, only against exaggerated expectations. The process
is extremely fragile, and it could easily break down - particularly in
the absence of sustained external "care," of guidance and support from a
third party both able and prepared to drive the process forward and
encourage the negotiating parties to continue their efforts even in the
face of domestic opposition. The current U.S. administration will cease
to play its role after the November elections; many of its
representatives will by then be looking for new jobs. The new U.S.
president will first have to get his senior officials confirmed by
Congress, and a foreign policy review, before he begins any major policy
initiative. As a result, we should expect a time-out for any active
American involvement in the Middle East peace process between the end of
this year and at least March or April 2009. Herein lays Europe's
challenge. As an active partner in the so-called Middle East Quartet
with the United States, Russia and the United Nations, the EU has helped
to bring about the current talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
The EU and several of its member states are contributing to the process
through the support of state- and institution-building in the
Palestinian territories, particularly in the security and justice
sectors. But beyond that, the EU must now prepare itself to keep the
process alive from the end of this year through to next spring.
Considering such a task we also have to be aware of the particular
structures of the Union. President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, which
currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU, has already announced
a more active support for the Middle East peace process. But the French
presidency ends in December 2008, and the Czech government, which takes
over in January 2009, is unlikely to summon the same energy and
resources for the Middle East. The EU's special representative for the
Middle East, the Belgian diplomat Marc Otte, does not have enough
political weight to assume a role that so far has been played by the
U.S. secretary of state. Individual EU states like France, Germany or
Spain would have the resources and diplomatic skills and could even be
interested in temporarily guiding the process until a new American
administration resumes this function. In practice, however, jealousy
among EU states would make it impossible for any one of them to act for
Europe in this or any other important foreign-policy field, unless this
country happens to hold the EU presidency. EU states that want to
promote a consensual and common European approach would therefore not
even try to assume this role; others that might want to take it on would
not be able to fill it. This does not make the EU incapable of acting.
[Who ya gonna call?] The Union,
through its Council of Foreign Ministers, should as soon as possible
give a mandate to Javier Solana, the High Representative for the Common
Foreign and Security Policy of the EU, to make himself available, with
the approval of Israel, the Palestinians, and the current U.S.
administration, as a temporary mediator for Israeli-Palestinian
negotiations from the end of the year. Solana would not take such an
initiative on his own, but he can do so with a mandate from the Council.
His staff is familiar with the subject matter and his diplomatic skills
are beyond doubt. Any coalition of willing EU states could support him
by delegating some of their own experienced diplomats to his office for
the task. Solana and the EU would not be expected to make peace or to
bring the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations to a conclusion and to dispel
any opposition to an agreement. This cannot be done by the EU, simply
because, compared to the United States, it has less influence over
Israel and cannot give security guarantees to either Israel or the
Palestinians. The EU, however, can act as a temporary trustee for the
process, thereby preventing it from breaking down and, given its
knowledge of the regional situation, help the parties to find practical
solutions for some of the most complicated final-status questions - for
example, the political division of Jerusalem as the future capital of
two states - only to hand back the process and the role of external
guidance to Washington once the new administration there is ready for
it. As an active trustee in this sense, the EU could not only show that
it lives up to its own claim of contributing to crisis management
through preventive diplomacy, it would also demonstrate to the new U.S.
administration how high a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict ranges on the European list of priorities, and how useful it
can be for the United States to cooperate on this with its
trans-Atlantic partners.
Iran's Ahmadinejad in New Verbal Attack on Israel
AFP
(August
23, 2008) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad renewed his
verbal attacks on arch-foe Israel on Saturday, accusing it of dragging
the world into turmoil and predicting its demise. "About 2,000 organised
Zionists and 7,000 to 8,000 agents of Zionism have dragged the world
into turmoil," Ahmadinejad told a rally in the central Iranian city of
Arak carried live on state television. He said that if the West does not
restrain Zionism, "the powerful hand of the nations will clean these
sources of corruption from the face of the earth," without specifying
which nations. Iran does not recognise the Jewish state and Ahmadinejad
has drawn international condemnation by repeatedly saying since his
election in 2005 that Israel is doomed to disappear. Last month Vice
President Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie triggered controversy and calls for
his resignation when he said Iranians are "friends with Israelis."
Israel, the Middle East's sole if undeclared nuclear power, accuses Iran
of seeking atomic weapons and wants tougher sanctions against the
Islamic republic to make it halt its controversial nuclear programme.
Iran insists that its nuclear ambitions are purely peaceful and aimed at
meeting the country's growing energy needs.
Beirut to petition UN on Jerusalem threats
The Jerusalem Post
(August
22, 2008) - Lebanon's unity cabinet on Friday approved a decision
to formally complain to the United Nations about what it perceived as
recent Israeli threats against Lebanon. "To hear what Israeli officials
say, one would think Israel was showering Lebanon with roses during its
last aggression," Prime Minister Fuad Saniora said of the Second Lebanon
War. Saniora was apparently referring to comments this week by Prime
Minister Ehud Olmert who warned that Israel would hit back harder than
before if Hizbullah attacked again. Olmert said Israel did not use all
its means to respond then, but "if Lebanon becomes a Hizbullah state,
then we won't have any restrictions in this regard." Lebanon's new
national unity government has given Hizbullah and their allies veto
power over all major decisions and also upheld Hizbullah's right to
retain its weapons. Also Friday, the Lebanese cabinet formally approved
diplomatic ties with Syria and the opening of a Lebanese embassy in
Damascus. Information Minister Tarek Mitri said following a Cabinet
meeting late Thursday that Lebanon's foreign minister has been entrusted
with following up on the mechanism to set up the embassy. He did not set
a time frame. The move was yet another step in ending the long chill
between the two estranged neighbors, who earlier this month agreed to
establish full diplomatic ties for the first time since they gained
their independence from France in the 1940s. The agreement on diplomatic
ties came during a landmark visit last week by Lebanese President Michel
Suleiman to Damascus for talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad. It
was the first visit by a Lebanese head of state in three years. During
the visit, the two countries also agreed to negotiate the demarcation of
their border, a standing Lebanese demand from its longtime dominant
larger neighbor. Syria controlled Lebanon for nearly 30 years until its
direct hold was broken in 2005.
We'll soon avenge Mughniyeh's death
The Jerusalem Post
(August 22, 2008) - Hizbullah warned Friday
that revenge for the death of the group's terror chief Imad Mughniyeh
was not far off. "Hizbullah will soon avenge the assassination of Imad
Mughniyeh," said Sheikh Ahmad Morad, a member of the Hizbullah
leadership in southern Lebanon. "The revenge will be shocking and huge
surprises are in store," he added. "We will not allow Israel and its
generals to enjoy stability." Morad was speaking at a Hizbullah rally in
southern Lebanon. Mughniyeh was killed in February in a car bomb in the
heart of Damascus. Israel has denied involvement. On Wednesday, the
Prime Minister's Office issued a renewed warning to Israelis abroad
regarding Hizbullah's intent to attack and possibly abduct Israeli
citizens around the world. As part of its recommendations for Israelis,
the PMO urged them to be wary of "unusual events," to turn down any
tempting offers relating to business or pleasure, to avoid letting
suspicious people or unknown visitors into their hotel rooms or
apartments, to avoid staying in remote locations - especially after
dark, to be accompanied by reliable companions during business meetings
and recreational activities, and to avoid a regular pattern of activity
during lengthy stays. Nevertheless, Sheikh Na'im Kassem, Hizbullah's
deputy secretary-general, gave a speech in Beirut at the start of August
during a conference attended by Lebanese emigrants, in which he called
on Hizbullah supporters living abroad to respect the laws of their host
countries and not to fight Israel on their soil.
Hamas leader: We'll retrieve Jerusalem only by way of jihad
YNet News
(August 21, 2008) - 'Jerusalem will be
returned to the Palestinians not by way of negotiations or hugging and
kissing the enemy, but through blood, shahids and resistance,' Haniyeh
says, adding 'Muslims must protect Al-Aqsa Mosque.' Hamas leader Ismail
Haniyeh said Wednesday that the Islamist group will not accept any
future peace agreement that does not include the return of Jerusalem and
the Jordan Valley to Palestinians hands and the return of Palestinian
refugees to their homes in Israel. Speaking at a ceremony marking 39
years since the fire at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City,
Haniyeh said "no one can cede Jerusalem, the city from which the Prophet
Muhammad ascended to the heavens. "Jerusalem will be retrieved to the
Palestinians not through negotiations or by hugging and kissing the
enemy, but by way of jihad, blood, shahids and resistance. With Allah's
help, Jerusalem will be returned," he said. The Hamas leader added that
"the Israeli-Arabs are safeguarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque; it is as if they
are inside the belly of a whale. They represent the Islamic nation. We
send them our regards, especially to Sheikh Raed Salah (founder of
Islamic Movement in Israel)." Haniyeh said that "according to most all
reports on secret peace talks or agreements, Israel is refusing to
relinquish Jerusalem and the West Bank, refuses to accept the right of
return of Palestinian refugees, refuses to dismantle the settlements and
deems the Jordan Valley vital to its security." On behalf of the
Palestinian nation and Muslims everywhere, I say that we will not accept
any such agreements," he said. The Hamas chief continued to say that
Israel is looking to damage Al-Aqsa and called on all Muslims to
"protect Jerusalem".
Fear of new Mid East 'Cold War' as Syria strengthens military alliance
with Russia Times Online
(August 21, 2008) - Syria raised the
prospect yesterday of having Russian missiles on its soil, sparking
fears of a new Cold War in the Middle East. President Assad said as he
arrived in Moscow to clinch a series of military agreements: “We are
ready to co-operate with Russia in any project that can strengthen its
security.” The Syrian leader told Russian newspapers: “I think Russia
really has to think of the response it will make when it finds itself
closed in a circle.” Mr Assad said that he would be discussing the
deployment of Russian missiles on his territory. The Syrians are also
interested in buying Russian weapons. In return Moscow is expected to
propose a revival of its Cold War era naval base at the Syrian port of
Tartus, which would give the Russian Navy its first foothold in the
Mediterranean for two decades. Damascus and Moscow were close allies
during the Cold War but the Kremlin’s influence in the region waned
after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Yesterday’s rapprochement raised
the possibility that Moscow intends to re-create a global anti-Western
alliance with former Soviet bloc allies. Many in Israel fear that the
Middle East could once again become a theatre for the two great powers
to exert their spheres of influence, militarily and politically. And
with Israel and the US providing military backing to Georgia, Russia
appears set to respond in kind by supporting Syria. Already, Israeli
observers worry that the chaos in the Caucasus may disrupt gas supplies
to Europe and Turkey from the Caspian Sea region, creating a greater
energy reliance on Iran and its vast reserves. The crisis could in turn
allow Tehran to exploit splits in the international community and use
Russia as a backer to advance its nuclear programme. Russia has wooed
Syria in recent years, as it has tried to increase its influence in the
Middle East and increase arms sales. Syria and Israel recently confirmed
they had been holding indirect talks to reach a peace deal after decades
of hostility. Part of Syria’s motivation was to break the international
isolation it has suffered for its strategic alliance with Tehran. A
closer alliance with a resurgent Russia could afford Mr Assad a way out
of any binding commitment. Some Israeli analysts even fear that it could
encourage Syria to try to take back the Golan Heights, captured by
Israel in 1967, by force. The Georgia conflict sparked a mocking speech
with Cold War rhetoric by Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader,
over the performance of Israeli-trained Georgian troops. One of the
Israeli military advisers there was reserve Brigadier-General Gal
Hirsch, who commanded a division in Israel’s inconclusive war with
Hezbollah in 2006, and who resigned his commission afterwards. “Gal
Hirsch, who was defeated in Lebanon, went to Georgia and they too lost
because of him,” the Shia leader taunted. “Relying on Israeli experts
and weapons, Georgia learnt why the Israeli generals failed. “What
happened in Georgia is a message to all those the Americans are seeking
to entangle in dangerous adventures.”
Israeli missile defense system detects Syrian tests
World Tribune
(August 19, 2008) - Israeli officials said
the Syrian military conducted tests of both ballistic missiles and
tactical rockets in the spring and summer of 2008. "It was the kind of
test that Iran conducted earlier this year and meant to show that Syria
could fire missiles simultaneously from a range of batteries in the
southern and central parts of the country," an official said. The Syrian
tests were detected by Israel's Arrow-2 missile defense system. The
Arrow's Green Pine early-warning radar was said to have a range of more
than 800 kilometers, which covers most of Syria, Middle East Newsline
reported. Officials said the Syrian tests included that of the Scud D
ballistic missile, with a range of 700 kilometers and which can contain
a chemical warhead. They said North Korea has helped Syria develop a
two-stage Scud D meant to frustrate Israel's missile defense system.
They said the launches appeared to test Syria's command and control
network required to sustain a missile attack on Israel. Syria was also
said to have fired the Soviet-origin SS-21 rocket during the exercise.
The single-stage SS-21 has a range of more than 70 kilometers and was
said to be capable of striking Israeli strategic facilities. Officials
said Syria has about 1,000 short- and medium-range ballistic missiles,
including the Scud B and Scud C. They said Iran and North Korea have
been helping Syria integrate a range of missile and rocket batteries
into a nationwide network. Israel responded to the Syrian missile
launches with a missile defense exercise in August. Officials
acknowledged that neither Israel's Arrow-2 nor the U.S.-origin Patriot
systems could intercept most of Syria's missiles and rockets. Israel's
Channel 2 television disclosed the Syrian missile and rocket exercise on
Aug. 18, the eve of a visit by President Bashar Assad to Russia. Assad
was expected to discuss with his Russian hosts the prospect of
purchasing the Iskander-E rocket, with a range of 280 kilometers.
Report warns of global fallout from invasion of Georgia, faults U.S.
intelligence World Tribune
(August 19, 2008) - Russia's invasion of
Georgia demonstrated Moscow's growing power and is making waves in the
Middle East, a report by a leading U.S. analyst said. The report by the
Institute for Contemporary Affairs asserted that Iran would be
emboldened by Moscow's successful military campaign. "The long-term
outcomes of the current Russian-Georgian war will be felt far and wide,
from Afghanistan to Iran, and from the Caspian to the Mediterranean,"
the report, titled "The Russian-Georgian War: Implications for the
Middle East," said. "The war is a mid-sized earthquake which indicates
that the geopolitical tectonic plates are shifting, and nations in
the Middle East, including Israel, need to take notice." Authored by
Ariel Cohen, the report said Russia's strategic goals included
increasing control of energy pipelines to Turkey. Cohen also warned
Israel not to provoke Moscow or rely on U.S. support against Iran,
Middle East Newsline reported. "U.S. expressions of support of
the kind provided to Georgia — short of an explicit mutual defense pact
— may or may not result in military assistance if/when Israel is under
attack, especially when the attacker has an effective deterrent, such as
nuclear arms deliverable against U.S. targets," the report said. "In
the future, such an attacker could be Iran or an Arab country armed with
atomic weapons. Israel can and should rely on its own deterrent — a
massive survivable second-strike capability." The report criticized
the U.S. intelligence community, which failed to detect Russian
efforts to annex Georgia's Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Cohen, who
warned that Ukraine was Moscow's next target, said the Bush
administration did not prepare the Georgian military for a Russian
attack. "This is something to remember when looking at recent American
intelligence assessments of the Iranian nuclear threat or the
unsuccessful training of Palestinian Authority security forces against
Hamas," Cohen said. Cohen said a pro-Russian regime in Georgia would
result in Moscow's full control of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline
and the Baku-Erzurum natural gas pipeline, both of which reach Turkey.
Israel has been receiving some of its oil from Ceyhan and has a "stake
in the smooth flow of oil from the Caspian." The report said Russia
financed and armed the Russian ethnic community in Georgia to foment
unrest. Cohen compared this to Iran's use of proxies to attack Israel
from Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. "This use of small, ethnically-based
proxies is similar to Iran's use of Hizbullah and Hamas to continuously
attack Israel," the report said. "Tbilisi tried for years to deal
with these militias by offering a negotiated solution, including full
autonomy within Georgia." Cohen, a senior researcher at the
Washington-based Heritage Foundation, said Russia plans to extend its
influence throughout the Middle East. He cited Russian Navy bases in the
Syrian ports of Latakia and Tartous and plans to establish a presence in
Libya. "Clearly, with the renewal of East-West tensions as a result of
Russia's moves against Georgia, it will be much more difficult to obtain
Moscow's agreement to enhance sanctions and international pressures on
Iran," the report said. "The struggle to diplomatically halt its
[Iran's] nuclear program will become far more difficult."
Top Russian general names Israel as Georgian arms supplier
The Jerusalem Post
(August 19, 2008) - Russia's deputy army
chief, Col.-Gen. Anatoly Nogovitsyn, accused Israel on Tuesday of arming
the Georgian military with mines, explosive charges, special explosives
for clearing minefields and eight kinds of unmanned aerial vehicles. "In
2007, Israeli experts trained Georgian commandos in Georgia and there
were plans to supply heavy weaponry, electronic weapons, tanks and other
arms at a later date, but the deal didn't work out," Nogovitsyn told a
Moscow press conference. Nogovitsyn also said that the Russian soldiers
had detained 20 mercenaries near the Georgian city of Poti, including
three Arabs, all wearing Georgian army uniforms. Nogovitsyn also said
that Israeli troops in 2007 had trained Georgian commando troops. He
added that Russia had begun pulling its troops out of Georgia on Monday,
in accordance with the French-brokered ceasefire. Georgia's Deputy
Defense Minister Batu Kutelia said that Georgian corporals and sergeants
train with German alpine units, the navy work with French instructors
and special operations and urban warfare troops are taught by Israelis.
An Israeli defense official told The Jerusalem Post recently that Israel
had rejected frequent requests for arms from Georgia in the months
leading up to the outbreak of hostilities with Russia. "Several months
ago, we carried out an evaluation of the situation in Georgia and
realized that Georgia and Russia were on a collision course. We have
good relations with both, and don't want to back either in this
conflict," the official said. "We therefore made a decision to
drastically minimize sales of weapons to Georgia." Some of the Israeli
sales with Georgia in the past included night-vision equipment, rifles
and unmanned drones for gathering intelligence. Israel did not agree,
however, to upgrade the drones to those that possess high
intelligence-gathering capabilities, the defense officials said.
Georgia's defense minister, Davit Kezerashvili, is a former Israeli who
is fluent in Hebrew, and is said to have contributed to military
cooperation.
Israelis: War With Hezbollah Inevitable
Newsmax
(August 18, 2008) - The Israeli army says
Hezbollah has re-armed with 40,000 rockets — triple the number it had at
the start of the Lebanon War two years ago. Therefore, many Israelis
believe another war with Hezbollah is inevitable. "The war set the stage
for a more comprehensive Middle East conflict," said Israeli analyst
Michael Oren. "It set into motion a dynamic in the Arab world, where
much of the Arab street believes that Hezbollah won that war, and there
is tremendous expectation on Hezbollah to continue the struggle."
Hezbollah fired 4,000 rockets into Israel during the 34-day conflict.
But a massive Israeli air and ground assault failed to deal a knockout
blow to 5,000 Hezbollah guerrillas in South Lebanon, prompting an
official Israeli inquiry to describe the government's and army's
handling of the war as a failure. Oren says there were failures, but
also achievements. "Israel wreaked tremendous havoc in Lebanon in 2006,"
Oren said. "We destroyed all of Hezbollah's infrastructure, much of its
civilian headquarters, we killed about a quarter of their fighters, that
is a prohibitive number of casualties for any modern fighting force, and
yet perception is everything in the Middle East and the perception was,
in the Arab world at least, that Israel was bested in that conflict."
Under the U.N. ceasefire resolution that ended the war, about 13,000
international peacekeepers have deployed in South Lebanon. But Israel
charges that they have failed to fulfill their mandate of preventing
weapons smuggling to Hezbollah from Syria and Iran. With a bristling new
arsenal of rockets, Oren believes a Hezbollah attack on Israel is just a
matter of time. "Israel would then have to reply into Lebanon, possibly
drawing in the Syrians and ultimately the Iranians," Oren said. And with
the possible involvement of regional superpowers, the next war could be
much worse than the last one.
Is Temple Mount God's time bomb? WorldNet Daily (August 14, 2008) - Was the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem more than a place of worship? Was it, indeed, a roadmap to future events – a kind of prophetic landmark whose significance is only now revealed through the development of satellite imagery? That is the contention of an explosive new book, "Temple at the Center of Time: Newton's Bible Codex Deciphered and the Year 2012," by David Flynn, a book that has risen dramatically to No. 1 among unexplained mysteries, No. 1 in world history and 73 overall on Amazon.com. The book asserts it has "deciphered Isaac Newton’s greatest paradox: None other than 'the unified field theory' of Bible prophecy." Sir Isaac Newton was not only a great thinker in physics, the book explains, but had extensive knowledge of the Scriptures with a special interest in prophecy. Newton believed there was a hidden code, a type of time-encrypted language. He believed the key to deciphering this code was the Temple of Solomon. He wrote extensively on the length measurements of the Temple and suggested it intersected time and dimension, serving as a prophetic and supernatural structure. According to Flynn, although Newton never cracked this code, he was on the right track and was limited only by the lack of sophisticated satellite technology. "The description of Jerusalem as a terrestrial center point, situated in the center of the world, is found in Philo's Legatio and Gaium," Flynn notes. "The world is like a human eyeball. The white of the eye is the ocean surrounding the world, the iris is this continent, the pupil is Jerusalem, and the image in the pupil is the Holy Temple." To make his case, Flynn starts by illustrating what the reader soon learns is the first of numerous extraordinary time-distance anomalies. The prisca sapentia framework of Newton suggests that the distance between the temple of Jerusalem and the capital city of any nation historically effecting the chronicles of Jerusalem would be supernaturally connected. This relationship would be significant with respect to units of time, expressing meaning in line with God's divine plan as recorded in the word of his prophets. For instance, if a measurement is made from the point of the temple of Jerusalem's foundation stone to the palace of Balthazar – the political center of Babylon and the exact location where the writing on the wall occurred – the distance should relate to the period in which Babylon most influenced Jerusalem. Such a relationship exists and is the important distance of 539.86 statute miles. What makes this measurement unusual is that Babylon, which played such a significant role in Hebrew antiquity, was measured and numbered in its relationship to Jewish history in Daniel chapter five during the famous handwriting on the wall. When the prophet interpreted the manifestation, he proclaimed in verses 25-28: Daniel 5:25-28 That very night King Belshazzar was slain, and Darius
the Mede became king. Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians on the 16th
day of Tishri of the Jewish calendar, which correlates to Oct. 12, 539
B.C. Curiously, the number 539 is also the distance in statute miles
between the temple of Jerusalem's foundation stone to the palace of
Balthazar, as confirmed by modern satellite measurement. more...
Ahmadinejad in new Israel tirade before Turkey trip
Reuters
(August 13, 2008) - Iranian President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad launched a fresh verbal attack on Israel on
Wednesday on the eve of a visit to Israel's close ally Turkey, saying
Western countries should not support the Jewish state. The comments
highlight the difficult path which Turkey, a member of NATO, must follow
during the two-day visit which reflects its desire to remain on good
terms with its neighbor and secure future energy needs. "Western
countries should not support them (Israel) so much. The life of this
regime has come to an end," Ahmadinejad said in comments translated into
Turkish in a live interview broadcast by Turkey's NTV and CNN Turk
channels. "Our position is clear on this issue. A referendum should take
place in Palestine. If they withdraw from invaded lands it would be a
good step," he said. Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister
Tayyip Erdogan have come under criticism at home and abroad for inviting
Ahmadinejad. Ankara has said his visit was necessary given a standoff
between Iran and the West over Tehran's disputed nuclear enrichment
program, but analysts said the visit was more about ensuring
centuries-old ties during a period of global tensions. Ahmadinejad said
the talks on Iran's nuclear program were on a "good path".
PA: Reported peace offer unacceptable
The Jerusalem Post
(August 12, 2008) - The Palestinian
Authority said on Tuesday it would reject an Israeli peace proposal
published in the Hebrew press a day earlier which included withdrawal
from most of the West Bank. They said such a plan, which they did not
confirm receiving, would be unacceptable because it did not call for the
establishment of a contiguous Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its
capital. Under the proposal, which was published in Haaretz,
Israel would withdraw from 93 percent of the West Bank, in addition to
all of the Gaza Strip, after the PA regains control over the Gaza Strip.
Olmert had presented PA President Mahmoud Abbas with the proposal as
part of an agreement in principle on borders, refugees and security
arrangements between Israel and a future Palestinian state, the report
claimed. In exchange for West Bank land that Israel would keep, Olmert
proposed a 5.5% land swap giving the Palestinians a desert territory
adjacent to the Gaza Strip. Chief PA negotiator Saeb Erekat said the
Palestinians were unaware of the existence of such a proposal. "At no
time were the Palestinians presented with a detailed set of proposals by
[Prime Minister] Ehud Olmert or any Israeli official," he said. "All the
details mentioned in this report are either completely untrue or are not
linked to reality." The Prime Minister's Office neither confirmed nor
denied the Haaretz report. Its spokesman Mark Regev said that
progress had been made in the negotiations, including with respect to
borders, but that in other areas there was still important work that had
to be done. Nabil Abu Rudaineh, spokesman for
Abbas said "the Israeli proposal [in Haaretz] is not acceptable"
and called it a "waste of time." He added that "the Palestinian side
will only accept a Palestinian state with territorial continuity, with
Jerusalem as its capital, without settlements, and on the June 4, 1967
boundaries." Abu Rudaineh said the proposal showed that Israel was "not
serious" about reaching peace with the Palestinians on the basis of a
two-state solution. Erekat said the Palestinians
would not accept any solution that excludes the issues of Jerusalem and
the "right of return" for the Palestinian refugees. "The era of partial
agreements and phased tactics has gone," Erekat added. "The talks [with
Israel] are continuing despite the wide gap between the two sides."
more...
'Syria and Hizbullah gaining strength'
The Jerusalem Post
(August 12, 2008) - Defense Minister Ehud
Barak said on Tuesday that "it is not a coincidence that the IDF is
holding intensive drills in the Golan Heights," adding that UNSC
Resolution 1701 was not accomplishing what it set out to do. "Hizbullah
has gained significant strength in the last couple of years," said Barak
during an IDF Armored Corps drill in the North. "We are closely
following a possible violation [of the resolution] caused by the
transfer of advanced weapons systems from Syria to Hizbullah. The
necessary preparations have been made, and regarding all the rest - I
always prefer not to talk, rather to take action when the time comes."
Barak expressed optimism with regards to the IDF's capabilities. "The
army is regaining its strength, and coming back to the right morals,
carrying out the right exercises and it is our obligation as the
government to ensure that the proper means are available to carry out
such drills in a correct and intensive manner." Referring to a proposed
budget cut to the Defense Ministry, Barak said: "We live in a country
where security and defense consist not just of tanks and planes, but
also of fostering excellence and caring for the population through
education and social welfare." Nonetheless, Barak emphasized that
"security and defense take precedence over quality of life and in a
country such as ours, we do not have the luxury of cutting the defense
budget." The defense minister also addressed the Gaza ceasefire and the
strengthening of the group. "So far, the ceasefire has proved
promising," he said. "There have been ten instances where rockets were
launched in the past 6 weeks, compared to the hundreds of attacks that
occurred in the past. Every week that passes with the ceasefire in place
enables us to gain strength and to maximize the possibility or the
probability of bringing about the right conditions for the release of
[captured IDF soldier] Gilad Schalit. Barak added that "in the meantime,
the government must care for the social and economic infrastructure as
well as the preparation of the home front in the Gaza periphery and the
surrounding areas. more...
Exclusive: Hizbollah 'stronger than before' and ready to strike Israel
Telegraph UK
(August 2, 2008) - Hezbollah has
significantly built up its military arsenal on the Israeli border and is
ready to respond with force to any provocation, its senior commander has
told the Telegraph. The political and military group's senior commander
in southern Lebanon said in a rare interview that Hezbollah was far
stronger now than when it fought the Israeli army in a conflict in 2006.
Sheikh Nabil Kaouk, who leads Hezbollah's forces on Lebanon's border
with Israel - the crucial battlefront of any future war, was speaking in
the port city of Tyre. "The resistance is now stronger than before and
this keeps the option of war awake. If we were weak, Israel would not
hesitate to start another war," he said. "We are stronger than before
and when Hezbollah is strong, our strength stops Israel from starting a
new war... We don't seek war, but we must be ready." Hezbollah, whose
missiles killed 43 Israeli civilians during the war of 2006, is
considered a terrorist organisation by the US and Britain. Other sources
say Hezbollah has trebled its arsenal in the last two years – from
10,000 missiles to about 30,000. These new weapons have longer ranges
and heavier warheads. They include the Zelzal missile, which could
strike as far south as Tel Aviv, and the C802 anti-shipping missile,
capable of sinking Israeli warships. Any American strike on Iran, for
example, could be the trigger for a Hezbollah attack on Israel. Hassan
Nasrallah, Hezbollah's overall leader, started the 2006 conflict with
the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers whose corpses were recently
returned to Israel. Mr Kaouk did not deny that Hezbollah was reliant on
Iran for military hardware and support. "We are proud of our friendship
with Iran and with Syria and every country which helps us to gain our
rights," he said. His remarks will be examined closely in Washington as
Iran presses ahead with its nuclear programme. Iran is currently
weighing its response to the West’s latest offer of incentives to
suspend the enrichment of uranium but has signaled that for now it is
not about to change its stance. Asked where Hezbollah's weapons came
from, Mr Kaouk said: "All parties in Lebanon are getting weapons. No one
asks from where." Iran is Hezbollah's supplier and paymaster. Tehran's
regime and Hezbollah are fellow Shias and their alliance is a crucial
power factor in the Middle East. Iran delivers the missiles to southern
Lebanon through Syria. Meanwhile, Hezbollah fighters travel to Iran for
military training. If the US attacked Iran's nuclear facilities,
Hezbollah could retaliate by firing its missiles into Israel. Hence Iran
possesses a vital interest in building this arsenal. Asked how Hezbollah
would respond to an attack on Iran, Mr Kaouk replied: "I doubt that
Israel will attack Iran because they know the consequences." Mr Kaouk
said the 2006 war, which claimed 1,100 Lebanese lives, had been a
success. "Israel didn't achieve any of its goals. The known goal of
Israel is 'death to Hezbollah'. Hezbollah is still here."
'Hizbullah received advanced launchers'
The Jerusalem Post
(August 10, 2008) - The senior aide to
Syrian President Bashar Assad who was assassinated last weekend had been
in charge of supplying Hizbullah with advanced anti-aircraft weaponry,
the Sunday Times reported. According to the report, Brig.-Gen. Muhammad
Suleiman had provided the guerrilla group with advanced Syrian SA-8
anti-aircraft missiles, Middle Eastern sources told the paper. Such
missiles could potentially challenge the IAF reconnaissance flights
which are currently conducted unhindered over Lebanon. Last week,
Lebanon's new Cabinet unanimously approved a draft policy statement
which could secure Hizbullah's existence as an armed organization and
guarantee its right to "liberate or recover occupied lands." "The
Cabinet unanimously approved the draft," Information Minister Tarek
Mitri told reporters after the five-hour meeting at the presidential
palace in a Beirut suburb last Monday. Government sources in Jerusalem
said the decision would make the government in Beirut an accomplice to
any Hizbullah aggression and give Israel the right to hold it
responsible. During the Second Lebanon War, Israel came under
international pressure not to harm Lebanon's infrastructure because it
was Hizbullah, not the Lebanese government, that killed several IDF
soldiers and kidnapped reservists Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev in the
July 2006 cross border raid which sparked the conflict.
War in Georgia: The Israeli connection
YNet News
(August 10, 2008) - For past seven years,
Israeli companies have been helping Gerogian army to preparer for war
against Russia through arms deals, training of infantry units and
security advice. The fighting which broke out over the weekend between
Russia and Georgia has brought Israel's intensive involvement in the
region into the limelight. This involvement includes the sale of
advanced weapons to Georgia and the training of the Georgian army's
infantry forces. The Defense Ministry held a special meeting Sunday to
discuss the various arms deals held by Israelis in Georgia, but no
change in policy has been announced as of yet. "The subject is closely
monitored," said sources in the Defense Ministry. "We are not operating
in any way which may counter Israeli interests. We have turned down many
requests involving arms sales to Georgia; and the ones which have been
approves have been duly scrutinized. So far, we have placed no
limitations on the sale of protective measures." Israel began selling
arms to Georgia about seven years ago following an initiative by
Georgian citizens who immigrated to Israel and became businesspeople.
"They contacted defense industry officials and arms dealers and told
them that Georgia had relatively large budgets and could be interested
in purchasing Israeli weapons," says a source involved in arms exports.
The military cooperation between the countries developed swiftly. The
fact that Georgia's defense minister, Davit Kezerashvili, is a former
Israeli who is fluent in Hebrew contributed to this cooperation. "His
door was always open to the Israelis who came and offered his country
arms systems made in Israel," the source said. "Compared to countries in
Eastern Europe, the deals in this country were conducted fast, mainly
due to the defense minister's personal involvement." Israelis' activity
in Georgia and the deals they struck there were all authorized by the
Defense Ministry. Israel viewed Georgia as a friendly state to which
there is no reason not to sell arms systems similar to those Israel
exports to other countries in the world. As the tension between Russia
and Georgia grew, however, increasing voices were heard in Israel –
particularly in the Foreign Ministry – calling on the Defense Ministry
to be more selective in the approval of the deals with Georgia for fear
that they would anger Russia. "It was clear that too many unmistakable
Israeli systems in the possesion of the Georgian army would be like a
red cloth in the face of a raging bull as far as Russia is concerned,"
explained a source in the defense establishment. For inctance, the
Russians viewed the operation of the Elbit System's RPVs as a real
provocation. "It was clear that the Russians were angry," says a defense
establishment source, "and that the interception of three of these RPVs
in the past three months was an expression of this anger. Not everyone
in Israel understood the sensitive nerve Israel touched when it supplied
such an advanced arms system to a country whose relations with Russia
are highly tense." more...
Siniora: We must regain occupied land
YNet News
(August 9, 2008) - The Lebanese people have
fought hard to liberate their land and now must "regain the land that
has remained occupied," Lebanon's Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said
Friday, referring to areas currently under Israeli control. The Lebanese
leader made the remarks during a festive session where the new Lebanese
government sought the endorsement of parliament. This included clause 24
of the new government platform that maintains the right to liberate
occupied land, meaning that Hizbullah would be able to continue its
struggle against Israel. "We view the establishment of this government
as a new stage in the joint work of the Lebanese people on behalf of
their homeland and country, and for the sake of the future of Lebanon's
democratic regime," Siniora said. The Lebanese unity government approved
earlier this week a platform that grants Hizbullah the right to use all
means possible in order to liberate "occupied Lebanese land." The clause
was a source of disagreement between the rival camps in Lebanon, yet
Hizbullah's demands were ultimately full accepted. The proposal was
approved unanimously on Monday, despite the reservations expressed by
four ministers.
Syria turned down IAEA inspection request, diplomats say
Newsday
(August 9, 2008) - Syria has blocked a new
visit by International Atomic Energy Agency experts seeking to follow up
on intelligence that Damascus built a secret nuclear program built with
the help of North Korea, diplomats told The Associated Press on
Saturday. The diplomats also said Washington was circulating a note
among members of the IAEA board opposing a Syrian push for a seat on the
35-nation board. The board normally works by consensus and a seat held
by Damascus could thus hamper any investigation into its alleged nuclear
activities. Syria fears a massive atomic agency investigation similar to
the probe Iran has been subjected to more than five years. "Syria's
election to the board while under investigation for secretly ...
building an undeclared nuclear reactor not suited for peaceful purposes
would make a mockery" of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, said the
note, as read to the AP. Syria rejected the IAEA request for a visit
late last month, the diplomats said. The visit would have been a follow
up to an initial trip by IAEA inspectors in June. "The Syrians said that
a visit at this time was inopportune," said a senior diplomat, who, like
two others agreeing to discuss the issue, demanded anonymity because
their information was confidential. That appeared to leave open the
possibility of a later visit. But one of the other diplomats said
members of the Syrian mission to the IAEA were spreading the word among
other missions that further trips beyond the one in June were unlikely.
If so, that could cripple international efforts to probe U.S.
allegations that a site in a remote part of the Syrian desert, which
Israel destroyed last year, was a near-finished plutonium-producing
reactor built with North Korean help, and that Damascus continues to
hide linked facilities. IAEA experts came back June 25 from a four-day
visit, carrying environmental samples from the Al Kibar site hit by
Israel in September. Those are now being evaluated. But the results
might fall short of providing a conclusive results. A traditional method
at suspected nuclear sites — taking swipes in the search for radioactive
traces — was unlikely to have been of use at Al Kibar. That's because
none had been introduced into the alleged reactor before it was struck
by Israel, according to intelligence given to the agency by the U.S.,
Israel and a third country the diplomats declined to identify.
more...
Gaza
Terrorists Warn Truce May End in Three Weeks
Israel National News
(August 8, 2008) - The Popular Resistance
Committees (PRC) in Gaza warned Thursday that the temporary ceasefire
may end in three weeks, when the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins.
The month is frequently marked by an increase in terrorism. PRC official
Abu Mujahed charged that Israel is violating the agreement by not making
progress in freeing terrorists and prisoners or opening up the border at
Rafiah. He also said Israel must allow free movement at Gaza crossings.
Israeli security sources said they have relaxed examinations of goods
and merchandise passing through Gaza crossings as the temporary
ceasefire enters its eighth week, although one rocket was fired on
Israel this week. PRC terrorists allowed several journalists to film a
training exercise in which bombs were exploded and live fire was used in
a raid on a mock Israeli army base built on the grounds of former Jewish
communities that Israel destroyed three years ago. Abu Mujahed told
Reuters that "politicians will stop talking and military men will act"
if Israel does not show progress in freeing hundreds of Arab terrorists
and prisoners and allowing free movement of good at Gaza crossings. "The
Zionist occupation has not yet agreed to the demand to release our
prisoners, so our fighters are preparing for the next round in which we
will try to abduct more Israeli soldiers to swap them for our hero
prisoners," a PRC spokesman told Reuters. Abu Mujahed said that the PRC
and other terrorist groups had agreed to abide by the truce, which began
in mid-June, for 10 weeks, when Ramadan begins. He did not say whether
Hamas also was looking towards Ramadan as a possible date for renewal of
attacks on Israel. The ceasefire officially calls for a halt in
terrorist attacks and Israel counterterrorist actions in Gaza for
several months, when it may be extended to Judea and Samaria. Hamas has
demanded that Israel allow Egypt and the Palestinian Authority (PA) to
re-open the border at Rafiah, where the international boundary runs
through the city. Israel and Hamas differ on the conditions of the
ceasefire, Hamas claiming that the border must be re-opened before talks
can advance on freeing kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. Israel has
said that the agreement calls for the border to be opened up after
Shalit is returned home.
Biometric ID bill comes under fire
The Jerusalem Post
(August 3, 2008) - The Association for
Civil Rights in Israel came out on Sunday in opposition to the
government bill that aims to establish a national biometric data bank
with the fingerprints and facial lines of all citizens and residents to
nearly eliminate the risk of counterfeit identity cards. The bill,
initiated by the Interior and Defense Ministries, was approved by the
cabinet earlier in the day. ACRI claimed that such a database would be
"a dangerous step" because of the sensitivity of such information, and
that there was no use of such a technology anywhere else among Western
democracies, even among those that issue chip-embedded "smart" identity
cards. Still, the Interior Security Ministry brushed off those concerns,
saying the step was necessary for the security of Israel's citizens.
"Any information in any database could potentially be dangerous," said
Udi Shalvy, a spokesman for the Interior Security Ministry. "But the
danger of not having the information outweighs the risks of what might
happen to it," he said. "This information will be protected by the
Interior Security Ministry unlike any other database," he added. But in
January of 2007, Vital Population Registry information was leaked and
posted on the Internet, prompting the Interior Ministry to demand an
investigation into the incident. The Jerusalem Post reported then, that
those data files, compiled by the Interior Ministry on all Israeli
citizens, contained personal information that could potentially be used
without authorization by Internet marketers and cyber-criminals. On top
of the potential financial harm poised to everyday citizens as a result
of that leak, the downloadable data also included particularly sensitive
information, such as the addresses of senior government and security
officials. The Interior Ministry, which was entrusted to protect that
information issued a statement at the time, saying it had passed the
data on to the political parties running for the Knesset in the last
election in accordance with the law, and only then did the information
show up in file sharing sites on-line. The current bill declares that
the production of fake passports and identity cards is a growing
phenomenon that increases illegal immigration and criminal and economic
crimes and poses a serious security risk. Ordinary identity cards and
passports, it says, are easy to counterfeit, and many groups are
interested in such fake documents. Each phony identity card or passport
sells for a few hundred to a few thousand shekels, while original cards
and passports sell for much more. The Interior Ministry said that in
2007, more than 155,000 Israeli identity cards were reported stolen,
lost or destroyed - more than during the previous year. Almost 59,000
residents asked twice for a new identity card to replace their old card
between 2003 and 2007, while almost 8,000 asked for a replacement three
times and 1,500 asked for a replacement four times during that period.
Biometric markers on the face and fingerprints can bring an end to this
risk, the government said, as these identification markers don't change
over time, except in a few rare cases.
Lebanese gov't: Hizbullah can use force to 'liberate' territory
The Jerusalem Post
(August 1, 2008) - In a display of
Hizbullah's extended involvement in conflicts throughout the Middle
East, Coalition Special Forces captured two members of the group during
a raid over the weekend in eastern Baghdad. According to the
Multinational Force Iraq, the raid targeted the home of an individual
suspected of serving as a member of a Hizbullah cell - called "Kata'ib
Hizbullah" or "Hizbullah Brigades" - suspected of making videos of
attacks on coalition forces. The videos are then used to raise funds and
resources for additional attacks against coalition and Iraqi forces.
According to media reports, the Hizbullah Brigades have been active for
over a year in Iraq and like Hizbullah in Lebanon, the group is trained
and financed by Iran, likely via the Hizbullah's Al Kuds force, which
was commanded by its chief operations officer Imad Mughniyeh who was
assassinated in Damascus in February. "The Hizbullah Brigades receive
support from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Command for financing,
weapons, training and guidance," the Multi-National Force in Iraq said
in a statement in response to a Jerusalem Post inquiry. "They have
claimed responsibility for attacks against coalition forces and Iraqi
Security Forces as early as late 2005." On videos that it has posted on
the Internet, the Hizbullah Brigades group uses a logo very similar to
the Lebanese Hizbullah flag, showing a raised arm holding a Kalashnikov
assault rifle, although coalition forces said they were not sure of the
nature of the relationship with the Lebanese Hizbullah. This is not the
first time that Hizbullah operatives have been captured in Iraq. In July
2007, coalition forces apprehended Ali Mussa Daqduq, a senior Hizbullah
leader and explosives expert, in Basra where he was reportedly training
forces and even participated in several deadly attacks against US
troops. Daqduq, a veteran of the Al-Kuds Force, was reportedly in Iraq
to train and evaluate the performance of anti-US Shi'ite militias. Also
Friday, Sheikh Nabil Kaouk, Hizbullah military commander in Southern
Lebanon, told the Daily Telegraph that the group was stronger today than
before the Second Lebanon War and was prepared for conflict with Israel.
"The resistance is now stronger than before and this keeps the option of
war awake," he told the paper. "If we were weak, Israel would not
hesitate to start another war... We are stronger than before and when
Hizbullah is strong, our strength stops Israel from starting a new
war... We don't seek war, but we must be ready." Israel has claimed that
since the war Hizbullah has tripled its missile arsenal and today has
more than 30,000 rockets, some of which are capable of reaching almost
anywhere within Israel and as far south as Dimona. Last week, Defense
Minister Ehud Barak met with United Nations Secretary-General Ban
Ki-Moon and warned him that Security Council Resolution 1701 had
collapsed and that UNIFIL was not effective in curbing Hizbullah's
military build-up. "To our disappointment we are witnessing that over
the past two years the number of missiles in Hizbullah's hands has
doubled and maybe even tripled," Barak told Ban. "The ranges of the
missiles have been extended and this is mainly due to close Syrian
assistance."
Official: Olmert to give Palestinians state before quitting
WorldNet Daily
(August 1, 2008) - Prime Minister
Ehud Olmert told the Palestinian Authority he intends to accelerate
negotiations the next few weeks to reach a deal on paper outlining a
Palestinian state before he steps down from office next month, a top PA
negotiator told WND. "Papers are very important. It puts limits on the
new prime minister. For example, the weak point of Israeli-Syrian
negotiations are papers signed by former prime ministers that now must
be abided during current negotiations," said the PA negotiator, speaking
to WND on condition of anonymity. "Olmert told us his goal is to reach
an agreement on paper," the negotiator said. He said the agreement will
likely encompass understandings regarding the transfer of much of the
West Bank to the Palestinians. He said he "hopes" the issue of Jerusalem
is broached but that it might not be mentioned on paper beyond a
declaration of agreement to negotiate further. Sending political
shockwaves through the country, Olmert yesterday announced he will
resign from office after his Kadima party holds internal elections next
month to choose a new leader. He said he is stepping down due to a
criminal investigation, described by police officials as "serious," in
which he is accused of corruption and financial improprieties. But
Olmert officials have been telling reporters here the prime minister
intends to continue negotiating with the PA as long as he remains in
office. One Olmert official told the Haaretz daily newspaper the prime
minister intends to "reach an agreement with the Palestinians during the
time he has left." "Any agreement he reaches with the Palestinians won't
be a personal agreement, and he will make sure that the (new) Kadima
leadership is briefed and on board," the official added. For his part,
PA President Mahmoud Abbas' announced he would negotiate with any
Israeli leader and that Olmert's departure shouldn't affect negotiations
started at last November's U.S.-backed Annapolis conference, which seek
to create a Palestinian state by January. Not everyone in Olmert's party
was happy with the continued talks. Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz,
considered a frontrunner for the Kadima leadership primary, said it
would be wrong to reach agreements with the Palestinians on the core
issues of the conflict while Olmert's government is teetering. "At this
time of change in the government, we must not reach agreements on the
core issues in negotiations with the Palestinians," Mofaz said.
"Anything that is decided now is very problematic, because it is
happening before the change in the government and against the background
of instability on the Palestinian side."
Sarkozy: no Mideast peace without sharing Jerusalem
Arab News
(June 23, 2008) - French President Nicolas
Sarkozy said an agreement between Palestinians and Israelis is possible,
tomorrow, and that agreement would allow the two peoples to live
side-by-side in peace and security. During their meeting on diplomatic
affairs, Sarkozy stressed that the peace process between Israel and the
Palestinian Authority should progress. "Those who will make peace in the
end will be Israelis and Palestinians," the French president said. At
the start of a three-day visit to Israel, Sarkozy said it is important
for the Palestinians to establish a state of their own. Referring to the
settlements, Sarkozy said that it must be said loudly the decision to
build settlements in East Jerusalem is not good for Israel. "I believe
that the path to peace lies there before us, that the path to peace is
not blocked. I have come to bring my support and that of France and the
European Union, your partners in the negotiations." Meantime, Sarkozy
said according to the The Washington Post today that "there could be no
Mideast peace unless Israel drops its refusal to cede sovereignty over
parts of Jerusalem claimed by the Palestinians." This coincides with a
report of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) that said
that the total Palestinian refugeed is more than six million. According
to UN organization UNRWA, Palestinian registered refugees totaled to
4.56 million at end of 2007, of whom about 41.7% in Jordan, 9.9% in
Syria and 9.1% in Lebanon. About 1.5 million Palestinians refugee are
estimated to be non-registered refugees.
Israeli prime minister to resign in September
Associated Press (July
30, 2008) - Facing burgeoning corruption allegations and
plummeting popularity, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday he will
resign in September, throwing Israel into political turmoil and raising
doubts about prospects for peace with the Palestinians and Syria. Olmert
said he would not run in his party's primary election Sept. 17 and would
step down afterward to allow his successor to form a government. But
because of Israel's political system, he could serve until well into
next year. His decision will end a long public career that has been
clouded by allegations of corruption that have battered him in recent
months. Olmert's popularity dropped below 20 percent at one point after
his bloody but inconclusive war in Lebanon in 2006. Political analysts
had been predicting his resignation for weeks as details of the latest
allegations against him dominated the news. The most damaging inquiry
focuses on Morris Talansky, a 76-year-old American Jewish businessman
who testified that he handed envelopes stuffed with tens of thousands of
dollars to Olmert before he became prime minister, in part financing a
luxurious lifestyle of expensive hotels and fat cigars. Olmert's brief
address from his official Jerusalem residence included harsh criticism
of the police investigations. He said he was choosing the public good
over personal justice. Although he has consistently denied wrongdoing,
he had pledged to resign if indicted. "I was forced to defend myself
against relentless attacks from self-appointed 'fighters for justice'
who sought to depose me from my position, when the ends sanctified all
the means," Olmert said, appearing angry and reading from a text. He did
not answer questions from reporters gathered in his courtyard.
more...
Hamas Uses Truce to Stock Missiles, Explosives, and Weapons
Bridges For Peace
(July 28, 2008) - Four tons of explosives, 50 anti aircraft
missiles, and large amounts of weapons as well as ingredients required
to manufacture rockets have been smuggled into the Gaza Strip by Hamas
since the recent tahdiya or so called truce with Israel went into
effect, Yuval Diskin head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) told
the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday. Hamas, he said, is also in control
of the vast network of tunnels in Gaza used to smuggle the goods into
the narrow strip of land, and the truckloads of cement Israel permitted
to be transferred to Gaza, [which] have been used to build bunkers, he
said. Diskin also expressed concern that the recent swap between
Hizbullah and Israel may have a reverse effect, and encourage terror
organizations to increase their efforts to abduct Israeli soldiers or
civilians. Commenting on the situation in Gaza, Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert declared the situation must be monitored in order to ensure that
five years down the line, Israel will not find itself in the position of
asking how the situation got out of hand. Defense Minister Ehud Barak
noted that the truce has also provided Israel time to prepare for any
eventuality, a situation it should take advantage of. Barak admitted
that Hamas was doing far more than expected to prevent truce violations,
and supported Israel’s lack of response to Hamas violations. Barak
warned however that Israel’s lack of response does not mean that it will
be prevented from taking action when the time arises. Minister of
Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni however shared a different opinion and
declared that Israel should respond every time Hamas violates the truce.
“Israel's response needs to give the message that we won't accept fire,
regardless of which organization it comes from," Livni declared. Diskin
also expressed concern that the recent swap between Hizbullah and Israel
may have a reverse effect, and encourage terror organizations to
increase their efforts to abduct Israeli soldiers or civilians. During
the same meeting, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni spoke of the shaky Gaza
cease-fire, telling the cabinet that "Israel needs to respond to truce
violations, fire against fire." "Israel's response needs to give the
message that we won't accept fire, regardless of which organization it
comes from," she said. Livni also declared that the border crossings
used to transfer goods into Gaza should remain closed until a deal
concerning the release of Gilad Shalit is sealed.
Uzi Dayan joins Likud, says Netanyahu incorrupted
YNet News
(July 28, 2008) - Uzi Dayan announced Monday that he was joining
the Likud party and planning to run for a seat in the Knesset. He
praised Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu's war on corruption, saying
that he found the Likud to be a suitable partner in fighting this
disease. Netanyahu said that the former general was an enterprising and
talented person. "Dayan has revealed his original outlook and Zionist
commitment. He brings these two characteristics to the Likud and the
State. Uzi is also a brother in arms." Following his release from the
army, Dayan formed the political party and social movement Tafnit
(turnaround). Dayan announced at the time that the party would place in
the top of its platform the struggle against the "public corruption",
but it failed to gain any Knesset seats in the 2006 general elections.
Dayan said during the press conference, "Six years ago I took the public
road, a long and uneasy road. I dealt with many issues voluntarily. The
Tafnit party has decided to join the Likud, and the main thing is an
agenda, and the agenda is a Zionist and Democratic Jewish state,
restoring security, a strong and growing economy and education, and a
clean and worthy governmental system." He added that he had realized it
would be impossible to act as part of a small and independent party, and
that in order to make a change he must join the Likud, because the party
headed by Netanyahu has the power to do it. "Benjamin Netanyahu ran the
country and the Finance Ministry with amazing incorruptibility," Dayan
said. As for the war on corruption, the retired general noted that "Tafnit
waved the flag of the war on corruption. We are all victims of
corruption, and Netanyahu too has led a move inside the Likud to clean
the ranks, indicating his intentions. I feel that the Likud people are
fighting with me shoulder-to-shoulder." more...
Israel to build new settlement in West Bank
Associated Press
(July 24, 2008) - A key committee has approved construction of
the first new Jewish settlement in the West Bank in a decade, an Israeli
official said Thursday. The news infuriated Palestinians, who said the
decision could cripple peace efforts. The only hurdle that remains is
Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who plans to approve the Maskiot settlement
within weeks, the official said. Barak had signaled to the national
planning committee that it should authorize the plan, the official said.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the Defense
Ministry did not officially announce the settlement would be built in
the Jordan Valley Rift, an arid north-south strip that forms Israel's
eastern flank with Jordan. Asked why Israel was moving ahead with the
politically charged plan, the official said that it has been in the
pipeline for years. Israel originally announced in 2006 that it would
build Maskiot, then froze the plan after international outcry. But
earlier this year, nine Israeli families settled in mobile homes at the
site, which Palestinians claim as part of a future state. A number of
Israeli politicians however, have said Israel needs to retain control of
the Jordan Valley as a buffer between a future Palestinian state and
Jordan. The issue remains to be resolved in negotiations between Israel
and the Palestinians. Settlers say around two dozen more families are
waiting to join them. Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat accused Israel
of undermining U.S.-backed peace talks. "This is destroying the process
of a two-state solution," Erekat said. "I hope the Americans will make
the Israelis revoke the decision. I think they can make the Israelis do
this." The U.S. Embassy had no comment. But on her last visit to the
region in June, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said settlement
building "has the potential to harm the negotiations." IDF MI chief: Hamas, Hizbullah May be Planning Imminent Attack The Jerusalem Post (July 20, 2008) - Head of Military Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Amos Yadlin warned on Sunday of a possible terror attack by Hamas or Hizbullah in the near future along the Gaza Strip and Lebanon borders, respectively. Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, Yadlin said Hizbullah still had many outstanding issues with Israel which could |
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