Normally we wouldn't reprint an article in whole from a newspaper, but this will be the exception. Israeli princes were cut down Feb. 23, 2009 BRENDA SASSOON-ROSMARIN , THE JERUSALEM POST
On March 6, 2008 - a year ago in the Hebrew calendar - Avraham David Moses was one of eight yeshiva students murdered as they sat in the Mercaz Harav library learning Torah. Alaa Abu Dhein, 26, from the Arab neighborhood of Jebl Mukaber in eastern Jerusalem, entered the yeshiva armed with an AK-47 just as preparations were under way for a celebration marking the new Hebrew month of Adar.
Hearing gunfire, some students mistook the sound for fireworks.
Entering the library, the terrorist opened fire, splattering blood and books everywhere, instantly killing five of the eight students destined to die that evening. One of them was Avraham David Moses, 16. His mother, Rivkah Moriah, had started life thousands of miles and worlds away, in a loving New England Christian home, and her story links communities of Palestinians, Christian Americans and Orthodox Jews.
IN 2002, AN ARAB village near Efrat began to pay the price for refusing to attack its Jewish neighbors at the behest of its Palestinian brethren. The Jews of Efrat had been kind and decent to these Arabs, who now refused to engage in shooting and rock throwing at the cars traveling in and out of Efrat.
When the government erected protective barriers along the roads, many Arab villages were cut off from supply routes used to transport everyday essentials, and now had to rely on their greater community for delivery of basic necessities.
But the community refused to supply this particular village, because the inhabitants had not participated in the terrorism against their Jewish neighbors.
Efrat resident Rabbi David Moriah became aware that the neighboring villagers were suffering from malnutrition. Gathering volunteers, he prepared and personally delivered food packages to the stranded village. In so doing he developed a rapport with "Abdul," a Palestinian who had often traveled to Efrat seeking work as a handyman and a collector of used clothing.
When the recently divorced rabbi and father of six mentioned that he was moving to a new apartment, Abdul offered to help him. He also wanted to introduce the rabbi to a nice Jewish woman. The rabbi needed a wife.
BACK IN EFRAT, Rivkah Moses, a recently divorced mother of two, was also packing. She had come to Israel in 1989 as Martha Webb, a 21-year-old Quaker from rural New Hampshire seeking guidance on her path to Jewish conversion. She had become intrigued by Judaism after joining a Sabbath get-together on her campus at Oberlin College, just outside Cleveland, Ohio.
"I went for the community aspect" she recalls. She found that, among other things, "the Jewish rituals sanctifying the mundane really spoke to me."
The experience led her to seek lessons toward conversion with the campus rabbi, and then to switch gears. She opted out of her plan to spend an academic year studying Japanese in Kyoto and instead decided to attend the Machon Pardes school in Israel.
Once fully committed to becoming a Jew, Martha realized that conversion was easier in the US than in Israel. She returned to Cleveland to work with her rabbi, and there met and fell in love with a Jewish man who was just discovering his roots, which included the fact that he was a kohen, a descendent of Jewish priests.
Deeply in love, the couple traveled to Israel to seek the advice of a matrimonial expert, who sadly pointed out that Jewish law precluded any marriage between a convert and a kohen. The disappointing break up of her first love was a sacrifice for Judaism which would prove to be minuscule by comparison to the future sacrifice in the life of Martha Webb.
Now living with her sons in Efrat as Rivkah Moses, she was picking up the pieces of her life, post-divorce. She had gone through a grueling process in which she had to satisfy a beit din that her commitment to Judaism was unwavering.
"The judges kept asking me if I intended to continue the observant Jewish lifestyle." The custody of her two boys hung in the balance. "They never asked my husband that question. They just didn't trust that my conversion was for real." She finally managed to convince the court of the sincerity of her conversion, and the couple was awarded joint custody of their two children.
Just before her move to a smaller apartment, the local Palestinian used clothing collector came by for his regular pick up. She knew Abdul to be a kind and well-intentioned fellow from the nearby Arab village.
"Where is your husband?" He asked as he looked around, "Who is helping you move?"
"I have no husband" she replied. "I am divorced."
"Let me help you move" was Abdul's reply, "and I want to introduce you to a nice man. I can't believe that such a wonderful woman has no husband!"
The Palestinian used clothing collector had just become the matchmaker for two Orthodox Jews.
AVRAHAM DAVID MOSES'S appearance belied his nature. The fresh-faced blond-haired teenager was known for total devotion to his studies, almost to the exclusion of all other activities. He would keep his bright blue eyes on his books even while preparing salad. His intense immersion in Torah had shaped his character and moral stance to such a degree that his own mom was taken aback by his ability to control his temper, avoiding the occasional outbursts and episodes of rebellion most would expect from a teenager.
"He had the ability to respectfully and gracefully disengage from a tense conversation. He just blew my mind," she said. "Shouldn't that level of maturity have come from me, as the parent?"
Rivkah credits Yeshivat Yerushalayim L'tze'irim with helping shape his fine character. "Yashlatz," originally founded in 1964, is one of the leading national-religious yeshiva high schools, and shares a campus with Mercaz Harav. The schools aim to inculcate students with a love of Torah and commitment to the Land. Many alumni have gone on to be IDF officers, rabbis and Jewish leaders.
Rivkah feels that the boys killed were among the top students, and would have gone on to be leaders had they not been murdered in cold blood.
The shooting of innocent yeshiva boys shocked and saddened people from all walks of life. The boys' funeral was broadcast without interruption on TV.
Striking to Rivkah was the outpouring of sympathy and support following the tragedy.
"The reaction of Diaspora Jewry and secular Jews in Israel made us feel like they were with us, even if they didn't identify with our way of life. Everybody cared." Following the massacre, hundreds of people from all over the country and abroad visited the families of the slain boys. Among them were Jews from every spectrum as well as Arabs and Christian peacemakers. Many had crossed paths with Rivkah and her husband in their outreach efforts through the years.
And there with his wife, stood Abdul, the Palestinian used clothing collector who had paired David and Rivkah Moriah. His eyes full of tears, Abdul apologized and expressed his shock and embarrassment that such an act of terror had come from his people.
PERHAPS IF A PALESTINIAN like Abdul had never touched their lives, the couple would not stand by their belief that even now, the hope for peace still exists.
Rabbi David Moriah says he and his wife have not given up on Jewish/Arab relations, though he fears there are fewer and fewer members of Palestinian society to work with.
"It concerns me how violent the Arabs are within their own society. In Gaza, it is now legal to murder those who carry on negotiations with Israelis." But he also recognizes that there are many non-violent, well-intentioned Arabs. "We are still friends with Arabs, and we know there is a way to move forward. One must understand that it is a complex situation and everything you do can have an effect on future generations."
David feels that only with justice can Israel move forward in dealings with its Arab citizens and neighbors. No bad deed should go unpunished. "We must hate evil and show justice to those who perpetrate evil," he says, "while making every effort towards coexistence."
Rivkah surprises the Christians she meets with her easy familiarity with their customs and terms, when she explains to them that she used to be a Christian. The formerly Quaker rebbetzin who teaches Orthodox brides the fundamentals of family purity is unwavering when asked if she has any regrets about aligning herself with the fate of the Jewish people and the lifestyle in which it placed her son.
"Who he was, and who he pushed himself to become - he wouldn't have been if I hadn't been in the system."
Rather than undermine her faith, Rivkah felt reinforced by all that transpired and all that she would go on to learn of her son's life and the lives of the other slain students. Though each lost boy was unique and special, beloved by the other students and teachers at the school, Rivkah remains confident that her son's school will go on to cultivate future leaders.
The thoughts and prayers of those close to the boys have recently been published in a book entitled Princes among Men (Feldheim, 2009). The writer lives in New York and is co-producer of the documentary film Blood and Tears: The Arab-Israeli Conflict. Rivkah Moriah notes that anyone wishing to make a contribution to a scholarship fund in Avraham David's memory can do so at www.yashlatz.com
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
JoeSettler here (so you don’t blame Jameel for this post).
I’m really getting tired of certain election-related shennigans, especially the one this post is about.
Yes, the system is messed up, but the primary solution that keeps being put forward (increasing the threshold) is the ones that would ultimately exclude most of the diverse parties and deny a voice to significantly large sectors of the population.
If they could get away with it, they really would try to create a 2 (or 1) party system in Israel, and not allow in anyone who doesn’t fit.
Israel needs to go back to the 2 ballot race, where we vote for Prime Minister separate from the Knesset, but this time do it right.
Grant Executive powers to the Prime Minister separate from the Legislative powers of the Knesset, and grant each branch certain veto powers over the other (and remove the ability to call for early elections, except in very limited cases). And then obviously we do not require a coalition to form a government. Each one will do their job, and if one decides to unfairly block the other, they will get it back in return with the other branch’s veto power.
In the end, we’ll either have permanent deadlocks, or the opposing branches will learn to compromise and work together on important issues of national concensus (more likely).
But no more cobbling together coalitions with all the extortion, horse trading, and other nonsense.
But that isn’t the point of this post.
What irks me right now is what Netanyahu is trying to do. For whatever reason, Bibi wants his National Unity government with Kadima, even though that is not the will of the people.
But that isn’t the point of this post either.
What really bothers me is the following – and this is the point of this post.
Kadima received 28 mandates. Many of those mandates came from the far Left who wanted to block Bibi.
There are serious backroom talks going on right now that at least 10 Kadima MKs may jump ship to the Likud!!!!
Imagine you voted for Kadima and your votes went to the Likud, or think back to Oslo, when Rabin openly bribed two RW MKs to vote for Oslo, or Sharon stealing the entire government by creating Kadima, when we all voted Likud and for Likud stated policies.
We, the voters, are getting openly cheated. Our votes are being robbed in broad daylight.
These mandates are not the personal property of these MKs. They belong to the parties that received the votes (as the party is all we are allowed to vote for).
If these 10 MKs jump ship to the Likud, I will be among the first (I am the first in fact right now) to demand a national protest against this open vote stealing. I will demand the entire government be replaced. Streets should be closed. The Knesset should be picketed. There should be a national strike.
This goes far beyond the typical bait-and-switch politics of our politicians.
I don’t care, Left or Right, we the people voted for the parties we wanted in office. If an MK is unhappy, then let him quit, but he has no moral right to switch allegiances mid-term. These MKs didn’t win their seats, their parties did.
It may be legal, but this is simply unethical.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
8:09 PM Another positive outcome is that the Justice Ministry probably won't go to Dan Meridor and might instead stay with Daniel Friedman who will now have support for his Judiciary reform plans.
2:15 PM Despite now having clear support for a Likud-led Right Wing coalition, Peres will be meeting on Friday with both Bibi and Livni to try to establish a National Unity government as opposed to a Right-wing government that the voters clearly preferred.
12:07 PM Bayit Yehudirecommends Netanyahu.
12:03 PM Shas recommends Netanyahu.
11:03 AM Lieberman still adding conditions. Tells Peres he wants Kadima in the coalition.
11:01 AM Kadima gets it from both ends. Labor announces that Labor will be leading the opposition.(Not sure how that works out mathematically)
11:00 AM Police announce they will be calling in Lieberman within the next few weeks for their investigation.
10:39 AM Lieberman folds. Announces support for Netanyahu as Prime Minister to Peres.
All the parties with their Leaders having been responsibly in Israel, met with Peres last night or today. 50 MKs came (or are coming) with recommendations for Netanyahu, but more unusual, 77 MKs stated (or are about to state) they won't recommend a Livni led government.
Only at 10:30 AM a now much weakened Lieberman (from his inappropriate vacation) will say his piece to President Peres.
But it won't matter much. With the clear majority not supporting Kadima, Lieberman will be forced to join Likud, or be excluded in a possible unity government, or simple force the country into new elections at which point his party will disappear.
The Jewish Home party is the first on the list of parties to meet with President Shimon Peres on Thursday. Party chairman Rabbi Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz is to arrive at the President's office at 9:00 a.m. for a 20-minute meeting, followed by leaders of Meretz and Balad.
Israel Is Our Home (Yisrael Beiteinu) chairman MK Avigdor Lieberman is scheduled to meet with the President at 10:30. Next in line are leaders of Shas, Labor, Hadash, Ra'am-Ta'al, Ichud and Leumi (National Union). The last discussion is scheduled to begin at 6:10 p.m. with United Torah Judaism (UTJ).
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
The latest Peresism is his thoughts on how the Gaza evacuation was done incorrectly.
"Whatever will happen in the future, we shall not repeat the mistakes we made in leaving Gaza," Peres said in a question and answer session with a group of American Jewish leaders. "It should have been done otherwise. I was for leaving Gaza. I feel myself as one of the persons mistaken."
Obviously Peres isn't talking about the situation with all the displaced Gaza Jews who still lack a permanent housing/job solution - because that is something that can still be fixed, even though it isn't being taken care of properly after all these years
Nope, in short, Peres is saying he is not sorry for leaving Gaza, he just now assumes that if we had left a different way then Hamas wouldn't have taken over!
Meaning that Peres still believes we can kick out all the Jews from Judea and Samaria and hand over our security to someone else and the same won't happen again - if only we do it differently.
Nothing changes.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
Likud is finishing up signing an agreement with UTJ.
With that (and excluding Lieberman) it means that Likud now has a solid block of 50 seats (Shas, Bayit Yehudi, National Union), while Livni has a mere 28 (Labor at 13 and Meretz at 3 said they won't sit with Lieberman and won't support Livni since she is considering it).
That means that on Wednesday night Bibi goes to Peres with a solid lead over Livni, but still short of the mandatory 61 that he needs.
As I've mentioned, Shas and UTJ would have a big problem sitting with Kadima-Lieberman as the their sole common denomonator is a civil revolution, not something those religious parties can abide by.
At some point Lieberman must come back from his irresponsible extended vacation and decide if he wants to continue playing games or actually get involved in running the country.
Of course, if there remains a deadlock situation, I wonder what happens next? Another election? Does Peres actually try to implement a rotation system? Does Olmert remain in power forever?
It's certainly time we start separating the voting and powers of the executive and legislative branches, so we can get on the road to a normal and working government without these deadlock situations (the problem with the last time they did that, is that they only did it halfway).
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
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8:01 PM It's raining.
7:55 PM This cartoon appeared in Makor Rishon.
It features Eli Yishai (Shas) and Lieberman sitting together at the government table. Yishai is asking about the Kashrut of the apple. Liberman confirms that there is no problem of Shmittah, so it's OK to eat. 4:43 PM Rain forecast in Israel for this evening and tomorrow, with a very stormy weekend on the way...(weather source)
Maybe we should send Spiderman into Gaza? 3:42 PM Spiderman Returns -- makes an appearance near Israeli city of Kfar Saba and Highway #6.
For the second time in less than 24 hours, someone dressed as Spiderman (or Spiderman himself?) appeared at the Chorshim intersection of Highway 6 throwing ropes to swing around.
Area residents reported this to the police who arrived, yet its unsure if the super hero was apprehended.
Yesterday evening, Police arrested a 24 year oldfor a similar incident in a nearby location. (source in Hebrew, Ynet)
(Better to report this, than Rockets...)
3:28 PM Why I don't conduct public readings from my blog.
Reason #231 You have to be on the lookout for stabbers.
A Chinese blogger whose satirical postings have gained a wide following was stabbed in the stomach at a Beijing book store after giving a reading, witnesses and friends said Monday.
Xu Lai, who writes under the pseudonym Qian Liexian, was attacked Saturday evening at the Wanda branch of the Beijing Danxiangjie Book Store, a staffer there confirmed Monday. (AP)
11:54 AM Looking for love: Livni the lonely spy. (UK Times on line)
"A romantic relationship requires honesty between a couple," she told her interviewer. “I couldn’t, of course, develop such a relationship with anyone, but a short relationship does no harm, if you keep to the rules.
"It’s a bit like forcing yourself not to get drunk in order to keep control of your mouth."
She's so modest as well:
Livni said she had been unable to reveal to even her closest family that she was a spy. When her father visited her in Paris, he could not understand why a woman who had been a brilliant law student "was wasting her time in Europe doing nothing".
11:33 AM IDF prevents terror in attack in Hevron, by detaining 15 year old Palestinian with large knife. (source)
11:22 AM UK Telepgraph blames Israel for the non-development of the underground natural gas fields off the coast of Gaza.
I'm surprised they didn't outright blame the Cast-Lead operation on slander that Israel wanted to capture these fields. Then again, we're idiots for even suggesting this 2 billion dollar find should go to Hamas.
11:16 AM Mei Eden -- the Golan Heights Bottled Mineral Water company has halted shipments of their bottled water due to irregular results from their Quality Control checks. The company has stated that all of their products already shipped and delivered are safe to use.
11:11 AM So much news today.
MDA HAZMAT Hazardous Materials) Mass Casualty Event at the Club Hotel in Eilat, due to chemical leak of some sort. 25 lightly and moderately wounded transported by Magen David Adom to YosefTal hospital in Eilat.
3 Rockets fell so far on Israel (1 last night, 2 this morning). No injuries...damage caused to fence around community in the Western Negev.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
Netanyahu would be Prime Minister, and 9 government portfolios would go to Kadima, including the Foreign and Defense Ministries.
Isn't it interesting how 2 weeks ago Kadima and the Likud were blasting away at each other: Livni isn't capable of being Prime Minister, Netanyahu is a chronic liar, Livni would never sell out to the Chareidim, Netanyahu as Prime Minister would mean instant Armgeddon?
And now... it's possible that we'll soon see a Likud/Kadima government with all of Israel's religious parties?
Anything and everything is possible in Israeli politics.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
The debate whether Lieberman went on his overseas trip (to Eastern Europe?) in the middle of coalition negotiations was to oversee one of his alleged private business ventures (which rumor says is part of what he is under investigation for) or just to strong-arm Netanyahu and show him who’s boss, may very well now be irrelevant.
Likud and Kadima are holding serious talks, and you can bet the one common denominating factor that joins them is the desire to not be held captive to the games and extortionist tactics of Avigdor Lieberman.
It would appear that Lieberman overplayed his hand in the presumption that he and he alone held the keys to the government in his pocket.
Taking his vacation while rockets fall on Israel may have been too much for everyone to stomach.
It is has become clear that both Likud and Kadima have realized that any government Lieberman enters on Lieberman’s terms will be inherently unstable and under a permanently loaded gun to the head.
And even if a unity government doesn’t form from these negotiations, Lieberman has been significantly weakened, as it’s now recognized that a coalition can be formed without him if needed.
The most likely constellation in this case would be Likud (27), with Bibi as Prime Minister, Kadima (28) with Livni as Deputy Prime Minister and many senior positions, Aguda (5) (giving them 60), and Bayit Yehudi (3) for good luck.
Shas (11) may be invited in immediately afterwards but it will be for further stability and not because they are needed.
Ichud Leumi (4) may be out, as per the demands of Kadima, but Lieberman will be out in the cold for sure.
In the long term would such a government be viable or accomplish anything? Perhaps, perhaps not. And even if it did, what would it accomplish? Whose agenda would it follow?
One thing is clear. Lieberman, with his loaded gun, shot himself in the foot, as well as the rest of the right-wing/religious electorate that actually won this election.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
...except for the 2 Kassams and mortar fired on Shabbat, the bomb near the Gaza security fence, and the Grad missile that just missed Kibbutz Yavneh (and the farthest strike since Israel pulled out before the elections).
Saturday night firebomb attack in Gush Etzion.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
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10:31 PM Final Results...
8:34 PM On Channel 2 TV tonight, we were shown different ballots that were cast by soldiers and the others. Many soldiers wrote "Gilad Shalit" on their ballots.
The ballot I found chilling was cast from a prison -- hand-written on the ballot in Arabic was the word: حماس (HAMAS)
7:12 PM Final Election Outcome: No change at all in any of the seat allocations after counting all the votes from soldiers, diplomats, hospitalized, maritime people, and criminals.
Same as what I reported a few hours ago, but now it's official. 5:22 PM Update; Reshet Bet/Channel B radio reports that the official results will be announced at 6:00 PM -- only 38 minutes from now.
5:19 PM The Israel Knesset Elections Committee will hold a press conference at 7 PM Israel time, to announce to final results of the election.
All media sources are reporting there are no changes, so a big "press conference" just seems like a waste of everyone's time... Will keep you all posted in case anything interesting develops.
4:49 PMHaaretz reports that according to sources inside the election committee, after the final counting of the absentee/IDF soldier ballots, there is no change in the seat allocations per party.
These are unofficial statements...unsure when final announcement will be made. Pictured at right is a Reuters photo of a ballot cast for captured IDF soldier, Gilad Shalit.
4:44 PM Jameel: I have a feeling there's not going to be any chance in the number of seats...
4:34 PM Reshet Bet -- Israel Channel B announces that its only a matter of minutes before the official announcement of the final election results... 3:33 PM Dozens of soldiers voted "Gilad Shalit"
3:11 PM Rumors flying everywhere of what the final results are.
They range from: Labor gaining another seat. Likud tying with Kadima, 27-27 Likud gains over Kadima, 28-27
It's all conjecture! Waiting for official results...
2:56 PM The votes have been counted...the final analysis is being done now to determine any changes in the political spectrum...stay tuned.
1:51 PM Could politics get any weirder? Yisrael Beiteinu chief negotiator tells IDF Army radio (Galei Tzahal); Its possible that Yisrael Beiteinu's leader, Avigdor Leiberman, will reccommend to Israel's president, that Leiberman himself should be the next Prime Minister of Israel, instead of reccomending Netanyahu or Livni. (source: glz) 12:51 PM Meretz leader slams Kadima and their "false campaign."
Meretz Chairman Chaim Oron said to Ynet that his party will not recommend the president to place the responsibility of putting together the cabinet neither to Livni nor Netanyahu. "We said even before the elections that if Livni goes into negotiations with Lieberman, we will not recommend her.
Oron responded to his party's performance in the elections, saying, "We will hold a long series of talks, and will try to analyze. It is clear that there is a partial answer – what happened in the last days of the elections with Kadima's very successful false campaign."
11:57 AM More from Kadima MK Shitrit on Channel B (Reshet Bet) Radio:
Kadima will suggest to President Peres that Tzippi Livni should govern a leftwing government comprised of Kadima, Labor, Mertez, Shas, and UTJ -- a total of 60 seats, with support from the 11 Arab seats outside the government.
When asked if this was "going against the will of the voters, who voted for a rightwing majority", Shitrit replied, "with all due respect, the voters are stupid." 11:46 AM The 150,000 outstanding votes from the 18th Knesset election are being tallied now, and should be completed by the afternoon. The Israeli election board will release the results this evening.
Prior to these outstanding votes, Kadima is leading the Likud by 36,231 votes 11:43 AM National Union representative, MK-elect Yaakov Katz said he was very pleased after meeting with Likud leader Netanyahu. "Netanyahu repeated what he said before the elections, that he wants a rightwing, pro-Eretz Yisrael government" (A7 via rotter)
10:50 AM Kadima MK Meir Shitrit on Channel B Radio this morning: "With all due respect, the voters are idiots."
Best Captions for Meir Shitrit -- on right:
"The leftwing lost the election by THIS much" "I want to squash stupid Israeli voters like this" "But we were this close to signing an agreement with Hamas..."
10:15 AM IAF helicopters attack Hamas positions in Khan Younis, Gaza. (ynet)
9:11 AM IDF Galei Zahal Radio reports: The additional 150,000 votes should be tallied by this evening.
9:06 AMWalla reports that Livni is finding it too difficult to put together a coalition, and is going to ask President Shimon Peres current wheeler-dealer PM Ehud Olmert for "help."
Shows really excellent leadership qualities...she can't even form a coalition without the help from Peres Olmert.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
IDF Radio: Three knockout punches to Tzippi Livni today:
1. Labor insists on being in the opposition to rebuild itself. 2. Meretz says they will not be in a coalition with Leiberman/Yisrael Beitaynu 3. Arab parties announce they will not recommend Livni as Prime Minister candidate to Israel's president.
Likud; Livni should wake up from her dream that she's going to be Prime Minister.
Reports: Livni offered Leiberman job of substitute Prime Minister (she she's not around), and any ministry of his choosing.
Shots fired this evening at Jewish motorists near the "Ateret" settlement in the West Bank. No inuries.
Rocks and Molotov cocktails thrown this evening near the community of Maaleh Shomron on Road 55 in the West Bank. No injuries.
Palestinians report that an failed assasination attempt was made today on Hamas leader Isma'eel Hani'eh.
Tomorrow's the big day -- the count of the remaining 150,000 votes of:
IDF soldiers
Israeli diplomats abroad
Israeli maritime workers abroad
hospitalized patients
prisoners in Israeli jails.
See you tomorrow...
Jameel.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
As Israel tries to make heads or tails of yesterday's as of yet incomplete photo-finish elections, I stopped to fill up my car this evening at the "peace" gas-station. Everything is named for "peace" these days in Israel, so a gas station named "peace" shouldn't sound so odd.
I started filling up my car with gas, and the Arab station attendant, "Bassam" clearly stated on his name tag, approached and asked if I wanted a bottle of windshield washer fluid -- the day's special sale item.
Shaking my head, "sorry, not tonight," I replied.
He understood, and started to walk away, when he stopped, pointed to the road and asked if I knew why many police cars were driving by. It took a second to comprehend why he was asking me of all people, and then I realized my volunteer EMT jacket must put me in the group of people who appear to be "in the know," if police cars are driving around.
I checked my pager to see if I had missed anything "big" in the area, and said, "looks like everything's ok, Baruch Hashem (Thank G-d)."
He smiled, and replied, "Hamdil l'Allah" (the Arabic equivalent of Thank G-d).
My car was still filling up on gas...so I asked, "So, did you vote yesterday?"
He got very excited and animated about my question. "Yes, yes I voted, I voted. I personally took 15 family members to vote."
"Who did you vote for? Did your party get in?"
He excitedly replied, "Yes, yes, they got 3 seats."
"Raam-Taal?" I asked? (The Arab party that got 3 seats according to the exit poll)
He gave me a strange look. "No, No, I voted for...," and stated something in Arabic I couldn't recognize.
"The Balad party?"
"No. One minute please..." as he ran off to inside the station, returning seconds later with the day's newspaper.
"Here," he showed me. "This is the party I voted for," as he proudly pointed to the Raam-Taal party.
"Raam-Taal?" I queried?
He again gave me a quizzical look, and said "I only know the letter of the party...not its name".
(In Israel, you vote with a piece of paper with a letter or (2 or 3 letters) for the party you choose. )
He asked me who I voted for. Also smiling, I replied, "Likud..."
He nodded with a grin.
"Democracy, isn't it a great thing?" I asked.
Bassam answered, "Baruch Hashem".
My car finished filling up with gas, he wished me a good night, and off I went...back to my settlement in the Shomron.
There were still rocks on the road -- thrown an hour earlier by Arabs at Jewish motorists, bits of glass from shattered windshields and the remains of a molotov cocktail burned into the road's asphalt.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
Hoping to entice Avigdor Lieberman's Israel Beiteinu away from the right-wing bloc and harm Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu's chances of forming a coalition, a Kadima official told The Jerusalem Post Wednesday that Israel Beiteinu was more of a natural partner than Likud, and that Lieberman's party was "not really in the right-wing bloc."
"We've turned into a significant party, the third largest in Israel," Lieberman said. "It's true that Tzipi Livni won a surprise victory. But what is more important is that the right-wing camp won a clear majority... We want a right-wing government. That's our wish and we don't hide it."
Yes, but apparently Kadima would like to dress him up otherwise.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
It's too early to know final results based on the very close election results we know so far (IDF soldier votes will be counted today), but in the meantime Bibi's people are probably sitting down and trying to figure out Ministerial constellations. This is probably one chart they came up with:
Deputy Prime Minister: Lieberman/Yisrael Beiteinu Defense: Boogie Ya'alon/Likud Finance: Bennie Begin/Likud Foreign: Silvan Shalom/Likud Building and Construction: Katzaleh/Ichud Leumi Education: Hershowitz/Bayit Yehudi or Shas Interior Minister: Eli Yishai/Shas Absorption Minister: Danny Ayalon/Yisrael Beiteinu Justice Minister: Dan Meridor/Likud Religious Affairs: Shas Social Affairs: UTJ Communications: Ariel Attias/Shas Transportation (or Interior Security): Uzi Landau/Yisrael Beiteinu Interior Security or Special Minsiter for SuperStrategic Issues which sounds important: Lieberman/Yisrael Beiteinu
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4:17 AM JoeSettler signing off. Good night/morning.
Remember, these numbers are not final, and we will see the various parties going up or down a seat over the next day. What is clear is that the Right Wing/Religious parties have clearly won the majority in the Knesset. What also remains to be seen is if Lieberman really is a Right Wing party, or will Kadima be able to buy him off.
4:13 AM 99% From Haaretz:
4:08 AM Kadima leads by only 35331. Far too close to tell with the still uncounted soldier's votes. We may not know who is the biggest party until Wednesday night or Thursday.
It is still clear that the RW/Religious bloc is the majority. 4:04 AM YNET with 98.7% Lieberman 14, UTJ 5
4:00 AM YNET and Haaretz says that with 98.2% of the vote in Kadima 28, Likud 27, Ichud Leumi 4, Bayit Yehudi 3, Shas 11, Lieberman 15, UTJ 4, Labor 13, Meretz 3.
3:47 AM 3162613 votes counted. Kadima expands lead to 35378. Again my calculations say Kadima 27, Likud 26 (with a slight chance that Likud could be bumped to 27 seats). 3:14 AM The soldier's votes will only be counted on Wednesday.
2:49 AM2801150 votes in. Kadima leads Likud by 30237.
Chart from Ynet :
2:36 AM 77% counted (2601073 votes counted). Kadima leads by 32445 votes. (1.26%)
2:33 AM 69% of the votes counted. Estimated seats: Kadima 29, Likud 28, Yisrael Beitenu 16, Labor 12, Shas 11, Meretz 4, United Torah Judaism 4, Ichud Leumi 4, Hadash 4, Habayit Hayehudi 3, Raam – Ta'al 3 and Balad 2. 2:23 AM With 2374785 votes counted, Kadima now leads with 30048 (1.29%) above the Likud (before vote sharing and disqualified votes and parties). It looks like the effective difference between them is 1-2 seats.
2:16 AM Vote sharing: A number of parties have set up a paired vote sharing relationship. It effectively works out that the party that is closer to getting another seat will get the extra votes from it's partner's party that would otherwise go to waste - as long as the partner party passed the minimum threshold.
Kadima's partner, the Green party, will not pass the threshold. Likud and Lieberman are partners, and one or the other could gain an extra seat. The same is true for Ichud Leumi and HaBayit HaYehudi (where it looks like I"L will get the seat).
1:53 AM 2043832 votes in, and Kadima's lead over Likud jumps to 22671 (but still 1 seat apart in percentages). It looks like Ichud Leumi may be up to 4 seats and Bayit Yehudi 3.
1:48 AM I found it sad but amusing that when reporting the results, the Israeli media defined the Likud and all parties to the right as Right wing parties, but Kadima and all the parties to the Left as Center-Left parties. Could they try to be a little more blatant in their worldview?
1:45 AMKadima now has only 12,632 more votes than the Likud (before vote sharing is counted).
1:35 AM Now that's interesting. The gap between Kadima and the Likud is dropping. My calculations show them at just a little more than 1 seat apart, with nearly 50% of the votes counted. Will they be tied by morning?
Kadima now has only 12,632 more votes than the Likud (before vote sharing).
1:21 AM More interesting stats: Votes counted so far: 1135125 Invalidated votes: 14595 Valid votes: 1120530 1:10 AM Put up a post called "Bittersweet" on JoeSettler, which I think accurately describes the results of this election.
43% of the votes counted so far.
12:41 AM Massive rainfall and hail on the Kinneret!
12:38 AM Interesting results from Kfar Chabad:
National Union: 1400 votes Shas: 200 Likud: 170 Gimel: 111 Yisrael Beiteini: 20 Bayit Yehudi: 13 Meretz: 2 Greens: 1 12:16 AM Just a reminder that what we are seeing now are exit polls, and only the beginning of the counting of the votes. The soldier votes still haven't been counted. This can result in a significant change by the morning. Not to mention the various vote sharing arrangements.
12:11 AM First of all, it is raining in Israel, and raining hard. More rain than we've had all winter long I'd say.
12:03 AM JoeSettler here. Will update post very soon. I will keep posting here, and we will do a new post in the morning when the final results are in.
11:00 PM I'm off to bed. Will be back on early AM to summarize actual results.
Good Night from Israel,
Jameel @ The Muqata
10:55 PM Live Actual Results can be seen all night long at the government election result website, here (sorry, it's in Hebrew only).
10:47 PM Slight Update on Exit Poll Roundup: Due to the expansion of the Arab party Balad and Raam Taal, the second graphic below's representation of the right/wing is slightly off (thanks to the commenter who noticed).
Here is the fixed/update version:
10:39 PM Update on Shooting attack: A passenger car was targeted by Terrorist gunfire near the town of Beit El in the Shomron/Binyamin region. Bullets damaged the car, yet no one was hurt.
10:36 PM Reports of Shooting/Terror attack in Beit El Area. All news sites reporting attack -- no details of wounded.
10:34 PM Breaking News: Terror attack in Beit El. Details to follow.
10:27 PM What happens next:
1. Final Results to be announced by 6 AM
2. President Shimon Peres will then go from party to party and ask if they will form a government with the leader of the largest party (and if not, which leader would they follow).
3. Assuming it's Livni -- she will try to woo Leiberman into her government, meaning that the left would have a majority government.
4. If Leiberman holds strong, then the second largest party leader (Netanyahu) will be asked to form a government -- and since the Rightwing is larger than the left, its likely he'll succeed.
10:26 PM Disappointment in Likud -- only 1-2 seats would have meant the difference for a clear-cut victory.
10:18 PM Hamas Rocket lands in Western Negev about 15 minutes ago. No injuries, No Damage.
10:16 PM Ultimate Muqata Exit Poll Roundup:
10:06 PM Conflicting Analysis: Right wing states -- the people have spoken -- NO to the path of the Left and Kadima. (Right Wing bloc clear victory)
Left Wing States: Tzippi Livni is the leader of Israel, since her party beat Likud by 1-2 seats. Irrelevant how many people voted Right Wing.
10:04 PM All Channels Point to a small lead of 1-2 seats for Kadima ahead of the Likud.
The right wing leads by 65 - 55.
10 PM Channel 10 Announces....EXIT POLLS:
Kadima 30 Likud 28 Yisrael Beiteinu 15
9:56 PM 4 minutes remain. At 10:02 PM I'll have a post up showing the 3 primary channel exit polls (Channels 1, 2 and 10) 9:52 PM 8. Minutes. Remain.
Till the polls close and the exit polls are announced.
Watch this space!
9:07 PM Gut feeling results so far: Likud and Kadima neck and neck. Labour goes down to 14. Leiberman 18. National Union 7-8. Bayit Yehudi 2-3. Shas 8-9. Aguda 5.
Right: 65 Left: 55
note: these are unscientific results based on my reading of the internet, people Ive been talking to, and other media reports.
8:55 PM The polls will be closing at 10 PM, and at that time, the exit polls will be announced. Be here at the Muqata for all the exit poll results...political commentary...and more.
My personal opinion is that the exit polls are going to be so close, we won't know till late tonight who the real winner is...
8:46 PM At the behest of her spin doctors, Tzippi Livni announced this evening at the Kadima party headquarters in Petach Tikva: "The leader of the party with the most mandates [seats] is the winner, with the trust of the public".
Explanation; The Kadima party may win the election tonight, despite the right wing bloc being significantly bigger than the left. Livni therefore is demanding to be made Prime Minister despite the majority of the country voting right wing (and against Kadima and Tzippi Livni)
8:45 PM As of 8 PM, there was a 60% voter turnout which is very high.
6:38 PM Amnesty International reporting that since the pause in the Gaza war, Hamas troops (in Gaza) have killed scores of rival Fatah party members (including inside hospitals), and tortured many more.
6:30PM Voter turnout at 50.3% of eligible voters. Up 3% from the 2006 election at the same time of the day.
5:45 PM Kol Chai Radio reports that Tzippi Livni is feeling "weak" and decided to stop campaigning, and spend the rest of the day at her home. (source) 5:31 PM How voting works in Israel (just came back from voting)
1. After presenting your Israeli ID to the local election board, you receive an official envelope. You go behind a cardboard/plastic "curtain" which is placed on a table, enclosing 3 sides. Its about 3 feet high, on top of a 3 foot high table.
Behind the "plastic curtain" you are presented with little pieces of paper, with the "call letters" of all the parties running in the election, and their names.
2. You pick a piece of paper (one only) and place it in the envelope.
3. You seal the envelope (and note, its signed by the local election board representatives) 4. You walk back outside the plastic curtain, and there is a ballot box in front of the election board. Place your envelope in the box...and hope for the best.
4:55 PM Here's a roundup from the spin doctors running around the internet (its all conjecture, don't assume any of it is true)
Bayit HaYehudi to get 7 seats Ichud Leumi to get between 9-11 seats, Bayit HaYehudi doesn't pass minimum vote amount. Senior Hamas sources encouraging Israelis to vote for Kadima Nail biting in Likud headquarters that Kadima is neck and neck with the Likud
4:40 PM Please pardon the technical difficulties with the blog's banner.
3:56 PM JoeSettler voted Ichud Leumi and convinced at least one other person to do the same.
2:31 PM Over 34% of eligible voters have exercised their right to vote.
Reports of Police and Ultra Orthodox "radicals" clashing in Ramat Beit Shemesh. Details to follow.
2:27 PM On threat of being permanently banned from this blog, JoeSettler is "correcting" the special election banner ballot to a "question mark" instead of a vote for National Union/Ichud Leumi.(Besides that, thanks JoeSettler for the new banner).
1:56 PM Israeli Arab mistakenly believes he's a senior British diplomat -- Police detained an Israeli-Arab who arrived at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and started shouting anti-Semitic slurs at a group of Jews visiting the site. (ynetnews) 1:22 PM 24.5% of eligible voters have voted so far. Election Committee considering extending voting time past 10 PM due to the very stormy weather. 12:37 PM 23.4% of eligible voters have voted so far.
12:35 PM National Union and Bayit Yehudi file complaints as their ballot tickets were missing from most polling stations in Bnei Brak.
12:11 PM In honor of Israel's election day, Google Israel's search engine web-page has a special graphic.
12:03 AM Hundreds of (Israeli) Arab rioters in Umm El Fahm threw rocks and screamed "Itbach El Yahud" (Slaughter the Jews) in response to National Union candidate MK Dr. Aryeh Eldad's presence as a poll observer in the city. Five rioters were arrested by the police. (source in Hebrew)
Eldad has been safely escorted away from the city by police forces. 11:29 AM Israeli Arab rioters destroy fence around ballot location in Umm El Fahm, where National Union representative Aryeh Eldad was assigned as poll observer.
Police safely evacuated Eldad from the mob, though Eladad claims he requested the Police's help to leave -- unlreated the the mob's violence. (source)
Democracy at it's finest. I can gaurantee you that the Jewish settlers in Beit El were not rioting agaisnt the presence of a poll observer / representative from the Arab Raam-Taal party. (Edit by Litvshe: Nope, no rioting here) 10:59 AM Senior UK Diplomat arrested for Anti-Semitic tirade. (source)
A senior diplomat in the British Foreign Office has been arrested for inciting religious hatred after he launched into an anti-Semitic tirade at a London gym, the Daily Mail reported on Monday.
Witnesses told the British newspaper they heard diplomat Rowan Laxton shouting "f**king Israelis, f**king Jews" while watching a TV report of Israel Defense Forces operations in Gaza from the seat of an exercise bike.
He also reportedly shouted that IDF soldiers should be "wiped off the face of the Earth."
10:43 AM Israel's Maariv newspaper decides the Israeli elections are too close call, and publish their own "MAD Magazine" edition of Maariv. (Flip it upside down if the other candidate wins.)
Mad Magazine did the same thing in the too close to call 1961 US elections, and then printed a different cover on the back of their magazine, so they were covered no matter who won. I guess that shows you that Maariv isn't that serious a newspaper to begin with)
10:34 AM Hamas in Damascus Syria announce they are ready for a period of reloading calm
In the first Hamas interview with the Western media since last month's ceasefire in Gaza, its deputy leader Musa Abu Marzouk told The Daily Telegraph that the Palestinian group was ready for a period of "calm".
A chandeliered room in the Syrian capital Damascus - where several Hamas leaders live in exile - is a long way from the ruins of the Gaza Strip but a weary frustration with the deprivations of war was pervasive.
"We need to rebuild the buildings destroyed in the aggression," said Mr Marzouk. "We need to treat the wounded - more than 5,000 need serious treatment. We need to help all the families without food and shelter. We need the gates of Gaza to open to lift the siege.
"All this can only be dealt with by period of calm between the two sides."
Hamas negotiators have been instructed to accept the terms of a ceasefire pact negotiated by Egyptian mediators in Cairo
10:30 AM Good Morning Israel! Its pouring rain in the hills of the Shomron...rain in the winter is always a good sign. Election updates and information coming soon.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
Elections are today, and democracy took its first hit of the day, as once again the Police caved into threats of Arab violence after they prohibited the officially appointed NU election monitor, Baruch Marzel, from reaching his polling station in Um el-Fahm due to threats of Arab violence.
Um el-Fahm has a long history of severe vote fraud and ballot stuffing.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
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11:54 PM Stay tuned here tomorrow for up to date reports on Israel's elections. Good Night all - enjoy the rain, and make sure you get out and vote tomorrow!
11:15 PM Tomorrow's weather report is calling for extremely stormy weather, from snow in the Golan Heights, to flooding in the Northern Negev.
IDF, Police and MDA are on high alert (I just picked up an ambulance for MDA as backup). Security officials worried about rocket strikes tomorrow from Gaza. 5:47 PM Channel 2 TV, Amit Segal wants to stay out of the morgue.
"I dont want to publicize the [internal] Likud polls, that show Kadima neck and neck with Likud, and even surpassing the Likud..."(source) 10:46 AMDefense sources: IAF can't repeat Gaza successes in bigger war
As I have been vaguely reporting over the past few days, due to certain limitations beyond my control, Haaretz does the same thing in a longer article today.
IAF officials said various factors, such as the limited number of aircraft and the enemy's increased capabilities, meant the force would likely not be able to repeat the largely successful model of cooperation with ground forces during Operation Cast Lead, on a broader scale, should the need arise.
"Hezbollah and the Syrian army are not Hamas," a senior IAF officer said. "We cannot assume that things will be the same in a bigger war."
During Operation Cast Lead the IAF implemented a number of changes that it learned from the Second Lebanon War in 2006. For instance, an air force liaison officer was assigned to every battalion and brigade. Liaisons coordinated evacuation of soldiers and strikes on targets on the ground. Also, every brigade was given an attack helicopter squadron capable of striking targets identified by troops on the ground.
A commenter left a link with the following information from the Lebanon Now source, which I suspect is information not allowed to be published in Israel.
Over the following two years, according to Israeli sources, Syria purchased 50 Pantsir SE-1 and Tor-M1 air-defense systems from Moscow. Sophisticated anti-tank guided weapons systems were also acquired. There are conflicting reports as to whether the Pantsir air defense systems had been fully deployed at the time of the successful IAF raid on a suspected Syrian plutonium reactor in September, 2007. The raid, in any case, undoubtedly represented a significant failure for the Syrians.
The Syrian response has been to accelerate the pace of arms purchases from willing Russia. In May, a senior Syrian delegation headed by air force commander General Akhmad al-Ratyb visited the Russian capital. The delegation secured the purchase of Mig-29 SMT fighter aircraft.
This time around, the leading item on Assad's shopping list is thought to be the sophisticated S-300 long range anti-aircraft missile system. This state-of-the-art system has already been purchased from Russia by Iran. Iran is expected to deploy it by March, 2009. The Iranian intention, clearly, is for this system to be used in defense of Teheran's nuclear program.
Commenter Lemzia also said:
If this is the same system that iran just purchased, it is the S300 - PMU1 system and unless you have a very stealthy aircraft, it is impossible to break through. The more of them they get, the better the system is. not just because they have more missles, its because the radar system of each missle site communictes together forming a very broad shield.
at the moment, the USA is the only country i know of that has an air force capable to defeat this system. and in 2010 Israel will get the f35 wich may be able to defeat the system too.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
Assumptions: This guide takes into account the following assumptions
1. You believe Jews are entitled to a State of their own, which can be first and foremost, Jewish. That means the official character of Israel will be first and foremost, Jewish. How exactly that synthesizes with “Democratic” is a daily challenge for Israel.
2. You believe in justice. Crime does not pay, criminals are not rewarded for criminal behavior and letting criminals go free without having paid their debt to society is unjust and immoral. The same should apply to terrorism.
3. You believe in Israel’s historical right to living in the land of Israel. If you think Israel should be in Uganda, or that Israel’s does not historically have the right to be in this region of the world, this guide is not for you.
My first election year in Israel after moving here was in 1992.
I clearly remember a Shabbat lunch in 1991 with previous Minister of Finance, Moshe Nissim (Likud) who was sure the Likud would win in the 92 election. When I asked about the future of settlements in YESHA (West Bank and Gaza), he replied that they would exist forever. I said, “what if the left wing wins?” He replied that Israel was balanced between left and right, and settlements would always continue.
Less than a year later, the election came around. The intifada was mostly over except for occasional stabbing terror attacks. Israelis routinely shopped in the “West Bank” Arab cities of Beit-Lechem, Ramalla, Kalkilya, and Jenin. Israel’s intelligence services estimated that terrorists had less than 20 semi automatic weapons in the entire West Bank.
The election commercials from Meretz were “news broadcasts from the future”, that went something like this: “Today is yet another wonderful day in Israel. There are no traffic jams anywhere in Israel since Israel stopped building superhighways for settlers in the occupied territories, and invested all that money in pre-1967 Israel roads, education has never been better since Israel has earmarked all funding away from settlements to Israel’s schools, and our quality of life has never been higher, since we no longer need a huge military budget to keep the IDF occupying the territories. The weather is perfect as well. If you vote Meretz, this will not be a dream, but our future.”
Despite there being more right wing voters, the left won the election, and within months the green line reappeared, guns, ammunition and terrorists flowed into Gaza and the West Bank, and the worst terror attacks Israel had ever experienced started – suicide bomber explosions. Settlers were demonized, ostracized as crybabies, and the root of all of Israel’s problems. Rabin, Israel’s Prime Minister openly declared that he was only Prime Minister of 98% of the country…and the Oslo Accords were in full bloom.
Fast Forward to today.
Most pollsters will not outright predict a win for the Likud over Kadima and the margin of error makes it to close to call.
Therefore, in the upcoming election, I will be voting for the Likud.
Yes, it's not simple for me to state that outright -- as my background is Bnei Akiva, Orange, Gush Katif, Mafdal, Ichud Leumi, and even a bit of Aguda. I view myself as a die-hard supporter of Eretz Yisrael, and am firmly against the idea of a Palestinian State, let alone territorial compromise. I abhor post-Zionism, and despite the horrors of Oslo, the Disengagement, Amona and the continued maltreatment of the Gush Katif refugees, I am not anti-mamlachti or anti-IDF, though my views are far more pareve these days on the "intrinsic kedusha (holiness)" of Israel's government that the mamlachtim advocate.
My big fear is that the 2008 election will be similar to the 1992 election. In 92 there were more right wing voters than left-wing, yet we woke up with Rabin, Beilin and Peres running the country, leading us down the path of Oslo.
Due to the multiple flaws in Israel's electoral system, Yisrael Beiteinu is currently taking votes away from the Likud, weakening it on a daily basis to the point that the next government may not even be led by Netanyahu, but by Livni. I am not a fan or supporter of Netanyahu, but I am a bigger opponent of Tzippi Livni. With the current polls they way they are, I feel that the only option available is to vote for the Likud, so that Netanyahu is going to be the one forming the next government. Every vote for Leiberman's Yisrael Beitinu is a vote against the Likud, and reduces the possibility that the Likud will form the next government.
I see no value for voting for the Ichud Leumi or Bayit Yehudi in the upcoming election, if Livni is the one forming the government. If Kadima forms the government, there is a guaranteed plan in place for the expulsion of at least an additional 60,000 Jews from their homes in Yehuda and Shomron, and we'll probably lose the Golan.
Could this happen under the Likud? Perhaps. Yet when comparing options, at the end of the day, do we want a guaranteed plan for expulsion under Kadima or a possible option under Likud? While my heart wants to vote for the parties that are ideologically closest to me, my head reminds me that feeling good about my vote will not help in the slightest if Kadima wins the election.
The only flaw to my reasoning above is as follows: if votes are lost because the Ichud Leumi or Bayit Yehudi do not pass the achuz hachasima, then its possible that even if Likud does win, the coalition will still be center-left. Yet there is a limited amount of responsibility I can take for solving all of Am Yisrael's problems. Voting Likud means there will be an excellent majority within the Likud who think like we do, and gives us the best chance that the Likud will form the next government.
Leadership
Religious Jews do not yet make up a majority of the IDF, nor do they make up a majority of any party that can lead the country. Minority parties will always be just that -- the minority.
Narrow sectoralism -- viewing everything through the prism of what is good "for your own interests" may garner results and perks for a particular sector, but are lost in the court of Israel's public opinion, creating fractured divisiveness on the scale of a colossal Chilul Hashem (Desecration of G-d's name).
Are the perks that Shas get for their yeshivot really worth the vicious, hateful response of everyone else? Are the results of additional settlement outposts really worthwhile on the grand scale, if viewed by Israel's public as a benefit solely for the "settlers" and the exclusive result of Ichud Leumi's lobbying? If these policies came from the Likud, as part of their platform, they would be much more accepted by Israel's public.
While the founders of Israel may have thought our parliamentary system would be a good method to enable multisectoral representation, the result has been a failure, especially for the right wing. The bitter politics of Israel over the past 16 years have proven that sectoral representation is fracturous to Israel, and the pro-Eretz Yisrael people have lost the most. The clichéd "we haven't settle in their hearts" slogan simply means we have only settled in our own right wing cacoonish parties, with close to zero representation where it really counts, in the large leadership parties, if we are ever going to lead Israel.
Only by getting more "orange" people into the Likud will we ever have a chance to lead this country. Only through a large, mainstream party will we ever be able to lead. There will never be a Prime Minister from the Mafdal or Ichud Leumi, because they are a sectoral, narrow-issue parties.
If Ichud Leumi and Bayit HaYehudi magically got 15 seats between them, and Kadima beats Likud by 1 vote, then your entire argument is pointless. Livni will be the next Prime Minister, and the net effect of Ichud Leumi or Bayit Hayehudi on Livni's policies will be zero.
While I despise Netanyahu's spineless (or self-centered) views on Eretz Yisrael, he is still the lesser of the evils, and our only chance to possibly retain any territory from Yehuda v'Shomron.
With the polls as close as they are today, I cannot honestly risk being the one to make Livni the Prime Minister.
And that's why I'm voting for the Likud.
PS: I'll probably add more to this later.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
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5:29 PM In the twilight of the current Kadima-led government, Tzippi Livni and Ehud Barak raised their hands, were absent and voted today at the cabinet meeting to allocate 650 Million NIS (160 Millions US dollars) for a new building for the Prime Minister's residence. (Updated News)
Only 3 people from the government voted against: Yuli Tamir (Labor), Ronni Bar On (Kadima) and Yaakov Edri (Kadima). Tamir, the Minister of Education stated: For 650 Millions NIS, I could have refurbished every single school in Israel...this investment is unworthy, especially during these [turbulent] financial times."
The "only we help the lower class" Shas party, also voted in favor of this expenditure.
"If you too have always been a "floating voter" because you grew up in a family in which your father believes in transfer for Israeli Arabs, and your mother beats our "occupying" soldiers at West Bank roadblocks...or even if this isn't the case, but you still never managed to figure our how prior to election day each leader offers a unique way of their own...till right after they are elected and they make all sorts of crazy deals with eachother so they all end up with the the same political ideaology...
If you too got the from "Israeli Electoral Compass Software" an output suggesting you vote ultra-right "Yisrael Beiteinu" and the anti Zionist party "Raam Taal" at the same time, this this is the website for you..."
4:43 PM At the request of a commenter, here is an initial list of proposed laws that would help women, that Tzippi Livni voted against over the past 5 years:
Expanded Alimony Law, June 2004
Additional Grant for women who gave birth, yet needed to be hospitalized longer, Dec 2004
Extended Maternity Leave for hospitalized women, Jan 2005
Tax recognition for child care expenses for working mothers, Apr 2008
Increasing social welfare retirement benefits for single mothers, Jul 2008
4:32 PM See the online debate in English between representatives of Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu (Leiberman) over here at LifeinIsrael.
4:25 PM Lebanese sources report that "Israel raises its state of alert along the border with Lebanon" 2:41 PM Sorry for the delays -- network problems. At 1:50 PM a Rocket landed in the Ashkelon area as well.
10:49 AM We received the following letter: Dear Israeli Voter,
Here's something to take note of. A recent Haaretz article quotes a UNRWA director referring to "the occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip." Notice that the Gaza Strip is described as "occupied".
In fact, all UN bodies continue to refer to the Gaza Strip as occupied.
Hopefully you will recall that the MKs of Kadima, Labour, and Meretz promised us that Disengagement would convince the world that Israel is no longer responsible for over a million Gazan Arabs, and that the occupation of Gaza is over. Yet here we are over three years later, and this promise has proven as empty as all the other promises made at the time (e.g. improved security, no soldiers dying in Gaza, better relations with the PA, a weakened Hamas, etc.). For the most part, these are the very same MK's who marketed the 1993 Olso Accords using similar arguments for empowering the Fatah terrorist organization.
The time has come for the Israeli electorate to punish the consistently poor political vision of the Kadima, Labour, and Meretz MKs.
But for many of you, to do so may mean swallowing a bitter pill, for the only MK's who have consistently been correct in their assessment of the value of empowering Fatah have been those in the rightwing parties. Fortunately, as there is currently an array of rightwing parties to suit the religious/anti-religious leanings of every voter, there is no reason to stay home on election day. I know it will be painful for some, but aren't we supposed to be prepared to make painful concessions for peace?
I believe every Israeli should exercise their right to vote. But I beg you, dear fellow Israeli voter, if you do vote, please don't hire the same architects whose political edifices keep collapsing.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Robert Klein Be'er Sheva, Israel 7:10 AM BOOM. Details to follow soon. Sha'ar Ha'Negev. No injuries. Several cars damaged. (Rocket fell)
Saturday evening. 3 Jerusalem Arabs stab lost American Hebrew University student in the face.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
The rumor mill is run hard and fast right now. The papers are all reporting on it.
Gilad Shalit is going to be freed just ahead of elections in a blatant attempt to manipulate the election results (but is it Hamas or Kadima that is doing the manipulating?).
Among the terrorist murderers being mentioned that Israel plans to release is none other than the murderer/terrorist Marwan Bargouhti. Presumably he will immediately take over rule of the PA from both Fatah and Hamas.
This cynical use of an IDF hostage is nearly (but not quite) beyond belief.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
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11:47 PM UNRWA halts Gaza aid over 'thefts'
A major UN relief agency has stopped importing aid into the Gaza Strip, after its supplies were allegedly stolen for a second time this week.
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said that 10 lorries loaded with humanitarian supplies were seized by Hamas members at Gaza's Kerem Shalom crossing on Friday.
"UNRWA has suspended all imports of aid into the Gaza Strip following the confiscation of hundreds of tonnes of food aid," a statement from the Unrwa said.
"UNRWA's suspension of imports will remain in effect until the aid is returned and the agency is given credible assurances from the Hamas government in Gaza that there will be no repeat of these thefts."
Hamas has said the seizure was a mistake and that they are working to return the lorries. (source)
11:45 PM PA: Hamas using hospitals as torture interrogation centers.
The Palestinian Health Ministry, run by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, accused Hamas' security apparatus Saturday of commandeering a number of hospital wards in the Gaza Strip for the purpose of converting them into interrogation and imprisonment compounds.
A communiqué put out by the ministry said that "following the unilateral cessation of Israeli aggression against our people, the Ministry of Health, along with all the Palestinian people, was shocked to discover that Hamas militias have returned to their old ways and have expelled all the medical staff responding to the calls of the homeland (to continue their work.) Unfortunately, these same militias used the medical centers, especially in a number of hospitals, converting them into centers for interrogation, torture, and imprisonment.
According to Palestinian news agency Ma'an, the Palestinian Health Ministry claimed that Hamas members expelled them and full medical teams from hospital wards despite the serious security situation. (read more here on ynet)
11:34 PM US Embassy in Tel Aviv, Warden's Message
Date of Warden Message: February 6, 2009
Today's Warden Message provides an update on the travel restrictions for U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv employees and a link to the revised Worldwide Caution, reminds of U.S. Embassy closures, and announces new Federal Benefits Unit working hours.
Due to continued tensions and violence in and around the vicinity of the Gaza Strip, all U.S. Embassy personnel are required to provide 24 hours advance notice of any official travel to include the city of Sderot, Israeli Defense Force crossings and any other Gaza Strip border areas inside the Green Line. This announcement restores the Gaza-related restrictions that were in place prior to the December 2008 conflict and removes the restriction on travel within 30 km of Gaza. American citizens should still be aware that militants and terrorist groups continue to launch longer-range missiles that land well beyond the 30 KM radius.
The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv continues to advise official personnel to avoid protests and demonstrations, and to be vigilant in public places. American citizens can access the English version of the Home Front Command Web site www.oref.org.il for the latest guidance on appropriate security measures.
During IDF Operation Cast Lead, scores of Israelis received threatening SMS messages, intended to scare Israel into stopping the operation.
Within the past 24 hours, tens of thousands of Israelis have received spam email from Palestinians with the same sort of silly threats. (rotter)
* The end of Israel * Israel to steal Palestine in 1948, so the Palestine for the Muslims * The state of Israel will come out or die because they do not want peace * all the Muslims for solidarity with our Muslim brothers in Palestine * Israel‘s army killed the children and returned defeated, and the role of Muslims came to drink the blood of the Jews * Infiltration of more than 1330 fighters to the State of Israel, and said they would kidnap and kill some of the leaders of Israel if it does not lift the blockade and open border crossings and stop firing as soon as * Jews kill children and women, why not fight them? * Because the Muslims love death, many Muslims will go to Palestine to fight Israel will die, die of Israel, because they want to live in Muslim countries * It has become clear the weakness of the State of Israel, it is a house spider * Rocket will fall on your head at any time * Finally, do you work with us spy on Israel and guarantee you a high return for financial
Yawn.
11:14 PM Will Gilad Shalit be voting in Israel on this Tuesday's election day?
CNN Turkey reports that serious negotiations are under way for kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit to be released by this coming Tuesday.
The JPost reports: Olmert, Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak met Saturday night to discuss the ongoing Egyptian efforts to clinch a long term ceasefire in Gaza, and efforts to finalize a prisoner swap involving the return of Schalit. The ministers were briefed by Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amos Gilad, who heads the Defense Ministry's Diplomatic-Security Bureau, on his talks with Egyptian mediators in Cairo on Friday.
10:59 PMShas' spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, said during his weekly Saturday-night sermon at his house that whoever supports Yisrael Beiteinu "supports Satan."
"These are people who do not have Torah, people who want civil marriages, shops that sell pig, and military recruitment of yeshiva students. My heart is heavy. Heaven forbid people support them. This is completely forbidden. Whoever does so, his sin is unbearable. Whoever does so supports Satan and the evil inclination," said the rabbi. (ynetnews/Ronen Medzini)
10:56 PM Actually, I don't know of any rockets that hit Israel today (for a change, probably the first time since the ceasefire started, but IAF warplanes hit Hamas smuggler tunnels in the Rafiach area.
10:45 PM I spent the past hour compiling the latest Israeli poll results (in the post below)
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
By Israeli law, polls cannot be conducted or taken any more till Israel's election. The above table represents the latest (and last) polls from Israel, all published on Friday, Feb 7th, 2009.
One of the commenters on Friday's post said he was voting for Kadima. I'd like to understand why anyone would vote for the most corrupt party in Israel's history? The current Kadima Prime Minister, Ehud Olmet attended his 13th police investigation this past Friday for corruption in the past 2 year period.
Additional winners from the upcomingelections, Kadima party list include:
Kadima #4: MK Tzachi HaNegbi: Indicted, awaiting trial for fraud and breach of trust for allegedly making 69 inappropriate political appointments while serving as environment minister between 2001 and 2003)
Kadima #8 MK Ruchama Avraham: Under police investigation for bribery, stopped by Israeli customs agents last week for illegally smuggling whiskey into Israel.
Kadima #13 MK Yaakov Edri: Police recommend indictment for breach of trust and accepting a bribe, awaiting special hearing.
Kadima #14 MK Eli Aflalo:Under police investigation for bribery.
Kadima #17 MK Chaim Ramon:Convicted sexual predator -- sexual harassment.
Down but not out: in addition to Ehud Olmert, don't forget former Finance Minister and MK Avraham Hirschson (indicted for breach of trust, aggravated fraud, theft and money laundering) and past MK Omri Sharon, convicted criminal of fraud and breech of public trust.
Don't forget Ari Shavit's scathing analysis of Tzippi Livni on Haaretz (of all places).
I could go on and on about Kadima, but I honestly don't understand why anyone would vote for them. I could even think of more reasons to vote for the Labor party, than for Kadima. This is the party that founded itself on the coat-tails of the Disengagement, the party that then continues to turn its back on the refugees of Gush Katif -- after forcibly removing them from their homes, denying them permanent housing, causing severe unemployment (over 60%), and a myriad of social and educational issues.
Livni has voted in the Knesset against every single law that would advance women's rights in Israel.
I could go on and on, but would rather talk about possibilities that might further Israel's goals as a Jewish, Zionist and democratic state.
And I'll be posting that tomorrow.
Regards,
Jameel
PS: During Operation Cast-Lead, when Defense Minister Ehud Barak was running the war and Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu put aside all partisan politics and gave marathon video news interviews...Tzippi Livni decided to campaign instead (note, Labor and Likud had zero meetings like this). See the video for yourself...Channel 10 (Hebrew only)
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
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9:33 AM The rocket landed in an open field near Ashkelon. No injuries or damage reported.
9:29 AM As a show of thanks for the Kadima-Labor decision to transfer 175 Million NIS to Gaza today, a rocket from Gaza was just launched at Ashkelon. Air Raid Sirens sounding around the city now.
9:14 AM Despite the rocket earlier today, Israel's Kadima-led government is insistent on transferring today 175 Million NIS to Gaza. Why are Tzippy Livni and Ehud Barak agreeing? Do they want to destroy all of the hard won deterrance of the IDF and prove that terror does pay?
9:10 AM Israel's Elections are closing in. JoeSettler posted below, "Will Likud be Israel's second largest party?" -- I'll be weighing in soon enough, either today or Sunday.
(reported earlier by Joe as well): Meanwhile, the ceasefire is going strong, as Hamas fired a rocket at Israel's Western Negev "Sha'ar HaNegev" region this morning. No injuries reported, but there is damage.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
(7:25 AM: Hamas hits Israel with rocket at Shaar HaNegev)
Elections are this Tuesday, and the Likud is dropping fast in all the polls, with the votes all heading on over to Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu.
Kadima is (temporarily?) still in second place (close or distant depending on who took the poll), but if the momentum of this war of attrition continues at the current pace, the Likud is in a serious threat of becoming the second biggest party.
Personally I am confused by two trends in the current race.
First, who in their right mind is still thinking of voting for Kadima?
I can understand not wanting to vote for the empty seats in Labor (and they've been rising too since pulling out and failing to ensure a decisive victory), but why are so many Left Wingers actually considering voting for this party of failures, opportunists, criminals, sex offenders and losers?
With every under reported missile that hits Israel, you should expect to see Kadima's failed ceasefire and pull-out drag them down even faster and further. Yet it doesn't!
Is it simply for lack of a viable alternative? How about Green-Meimad at least?
Second, while I understand the thinking to some people that Lieberman represents what the Likud is supposed to be, particularly with Bibi striving so hard to say he will include Labor and Kadima in his government... but still!
Can it be that Bibi is the driving force behind the Likud's rapid drop?
First Bibi scares away all the Settlers and Right Wing voters who would have voted Likud if Feiglin had been kept in position 20 - and that was when Likud had the highest number of voters in all the polls.
Now Bibi scares away all the traditional Likud voters by saying that he plans a coalition with Kadima and Labor.
I highly suspect that traditional Likud voters don't want Labor and Kadima in their government, and this is their message.
It could also be that Likud voters are angry at the violence, posturing and positioning taken by the local Arab citizenship during the last war, and Lieberman's message of Loyalty Tests appeals to them as proper punishment (or correction). But they aren't reading the rest of his platform or understanding the ramifications.
At least most of the polls show that Ichud Leumi, while still small, is consistently growing.
I'm hoping Jameel decides to weigh in on this strange and disturbing Lieberman-Likud phenomena.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
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10:04 PM IDF kills terrorist at North Gaza border as he was throwing a grenade at the forces on the other side of the fence.One of the two terrorists blew himself up after he dropped his grenade when he got shot.
6:15 PM Hamas tries to smuggle in millions in case via Egypt...
Official says Hamas delegation to Cairo meant to discuss ceasefire terms stopped at Rafah crossing upon its return to Gaza with nine million US dollars and two million euro in cash hidden in their luggage. Meanwhile, Israel's Amos Gilad is heading to Egypt to be briefed on the developments. (source)
And Ehud Olmert is trying to send in 175 Million NIS into Gaza to pay for Palestinian Authority (also Hamas) salaries. (source)
Is there anyone out there besides me, not trying to send millions in cash to Gaza? 4:58 PM A Globes election poll raises the number of seats for Leiberman's "Yisrael Bayteinu" party from 17 to 21 seats. They are now vying for the second largest party spot in parallel with Kadima...
4:53 PM Reports from Israel's Northern Border. Things are definitely happening up there. (Official Muqata apology to Israeli Soldier's Mother)
Israeli Force Crosses into South Lebanon: An Israeli army patrol on Thursday crossed into southern Lebanese territory, the state-run National News Agency said. It said a 15-member patrol crossed the electronic fence into the border town of Blida and searched the area for more than 50 minutes before pulling out at around 10:00 am (source)
1:24 PM Shoe thrown at Israel's Ambassador to Sweden.
YNET reports; Apparently only the latest victim in a growing trend, Israel's ambassador to Sweden, Benny Dagan, had a shoe through had him, while giving a lecture at the University of Stockholm on Wednesday.
Dagan was discussing Israel's recent military operation in Gaza – Operation Cast Lead – when a 35-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman threw a shoe and a book at him. Both were apprehended by local police.
Here it is on video...
12:55 PM Despite the headlines everywhere that Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire with Israel, the following AP report just caught my eye:
A senior Hamas official says his group is leaving Cairo without an agreement on a long-term truce with Israel, saying differences remain over opening border crossings into the seaside territory.
Hamas official Mohammed Nasr, who is part of the negotiating team, said Thursday Israel is trying to avoid fully reopening Gaza's borders. He said his group is expecting more answers from the Egyptians who will talk with the Israelis.
Nasr said no date is set for Hamas to return.(AP/JPost)
Additionally, Reshet Bet (Channel B Israel Radio) announced that Olmert, Livni and Barak are attending an unplanned security meeting right now, taking a break from their electioneering activities.
12:54 PM Reports that the "Lebanese Aid Ship" has been dragged to an IDF Navy port in Ashdod.
11:48 AM Which cleric is to blame? UN recants, says IDF did not shell UNRWA school in Gaza, blames "clerical error."
"A clerical error led the UN to falsely accuse Israel of shelling one of its Gaza schools in the Jabalya refugee camp during Operation Cast Lead, the international organization admitted this week.
For close to a month, the UN accused the Israel of hitting the educational compound ran by its Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, which was sheltering more than 1,300 Gazans as the IDF battled Hamas in the camp on January 6.
"The humanitarian coordinator would like to clarify that the shelling, and all of the fatalities, took place outside rather than inside the school," the original field report stated. (JPost)
ooops.
11:44 AM Those "Aid ships" to Gaza are such a nuisance.
Reporters on board a cargo ship carrying activists and supplies from Lebanon to Gaza say IDF gunboats have fired on the vessel.
Reporters from Al-Jadeed and Al-Jazeera TVs say the Israeli navy fired three times on the ship. the shooting caused no casualties. The local Al-Jadeed station says Israeli troops then boarded the ship and threatened the crew.
It says the ship was surrounded by 18 Israeli gunboats demanding the crew turn back.
The IDF would neither confirm nor deny the report.
The Togo-flagged "Tali," with about 60 tons of aid and eight activists and journalists, left Lebanon Tuesday. After an overnight stop in Cyprus, it sailed on to Gaza Wednesday morning trying to reach the strip in defiance of the blockade. (JPost)
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
An Israeli gunboat late Wednesday intercepted a Lebanese ship carrying medical aid and other supplies bound for Gaza, said the organizer of the Lebanese delivery, Maan Bashour.
"The Brotherhood Ship was fired on by an Israeli military boat 32 kilometers off the coast of Gaza and they were asked to divert course," said Bashour, and added that the ship remains in the water near the coast of Gaza.
12:25 AM I couldn't figure out if this is the latest Aguda election video infomercial or a Chinese Kosher take-out warm up video. (You only need to watch about 25 seconds of the 2 minute video...)
Air Force (IAF) crafts circled a Lebanese aid ship making its way to Gaza in an effort to "break the Israeli blockade", Al-Jazeera reported.
The report said Navy ships came close to the Lebanese vessel and fired flares, and that the vessel received radio-broadcasted warnings not to proceed. (ynet/Roee Nahmias)
11:27 PM TzippiMediaSpin of the Day (tm): Mr. Israel Television, Haim Yavin says tonight: Tzippi Livni is on her way to being the election surprise. (source)
10:45 PM Tel Aviv -- A fantasy world within delusion. Tel Aviv blogger Lisa Goldman graces the pages of the UK Guardian website, and declares that Israel's "Blogosphere" is at odds with the majority of Israel's voters.
Assuming the polls are accurate – and they have been quite consistent – Israeli voters are poised to elect a rightwing government in next week's elections. But if bloggers were representative of the mainstream, Israel's next government would probably be a Jewish-Arab coalition of socialists, social democrats and environmentalists.
The disparity between the polls and the blogosphere is quite remarkable – especially in Tel Aviv, Israel's liberal heartland, where the two parties vying for the votes of hipsters and leftist intellectuals are the Green Movement-Meimad, an environmentalist–religious partnership headed by a liberal rabbi; and Hadash, a Jewish-Arab socialist party.
The Hebrew-language blogger Ori Katzir made a survey of 92 prominent political bloggers. According to the final breakdown, the Green Movement-Meimad leads with 30 supporters, while Hadash comes in second with 27. It is the polar opposite of the opinion polls, which show Likud leading and Avigdor Lieberman's hardline Yisrael Beiteinu poised to tie with Labour.
Hadash's rise among liberal-left, urban Jewish voters is particularly interesting. By definition a non-Zionist party that attracted most of its support from Arabs, Hadash traditionally won three or four seats in the 120-seat Knesset. Even in ultra-liberal Tel Aviv, a vote for Hadash was, until these elections, considered a radical vote.
I'm not quite sure who qualifies as a Hebrew Language "prominent" political blogger, but her posted results are similar to those of the equally detached Tel Aviv University poll last week that gave the radical left Meretz party, 27 seats. (Meretz doesn't even have 27 people on their Knesset list).
During the IDF cast lead operation, there were tiny, insulated groups from Tel Aviv that demonstrated against IDF "war crimes" in Gaza, demonstrated against the "war", continued to go to Yaalin to throw rocks against IDF troops as part of the weekly radical leftist and anarchist violent protests against the security fence -- and in general, demonstrated their complete and utter disconnection from reality and empathy for Israel's southern residents, who have been under rocket threat for years.
These people demonstrated in the luxury of a rocket-free Tel-Aviv. They had no gumption to demonstrate in Ashkelon or Sderot -- either for fear of getting hit by rockets, or for fear of getting politically lynched by furious residents.
Leftists can declare they own the media as much as they want, which is probably why they got so incensed this past summer that the "First International Jewish Blogger Convention" did not include anarchists, anti-Zionists or Muslims.
10:42 PM Tonight Arabs threw rocks at Israeli motorists in Jerusalem on the French Hill bridge. No injuries, but cars were damaged. (source)
10:39 PM For Hebrew Speakers Only -- battle of pundits. TV debate between Livni supporter Amnon Abromovitch and Ha'aretz's Ari Shavit who penned today's scathing critique of Tzippi Livni.
TRIPOLI, February 4, 2009 (MENASSAT) — On Monday, the ship Brotherhood (al-Oukhouwa) was packed and ready to set off on its journey to the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip. Among the passengers boarding the ship in the northern Lebanese port city of Tripoli were 85 journalists, activists and doctors of different nationalities, including Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, Jordanian, French, Malaysian, and Canadian.
Chartered by the Free Gaza Movement, the aid ship was loaded with medical supplies, food, clothing and toys for Gaza.
But before the Brotherhood could take off, and despite previous approval, the ship was stopped by the Lebanese authorities. The reason given was that Lebanese law bans passengers from traveling in cargo ships.
Participants and organizers immediately began discussing what next steps to take. Organizers wanted to leave with the aid and plan another trip for the participants, while the majority of journalists preferred to see a passenger ship brought to accompany the aid ship.
There are additional, unconfirmed reports that IDF troops bordered the ship. (source) 6:05 PM South Afrika to boycott "Apartheid Israel Cargo Ships"
Trade union giant Cosatu has vowed to close South African ports to ships bearing goods from "apartheid Israel" - starting with a refusal to offload a vessel which will be docking in Durban on Sunday.
It will be the second time Cosatu's affiliate, the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu), refuses to unload goods destined for, or from countries, the labour unions have labelled rogue states: Israel, Zimbabwe and Swaziland among them. Unions describe these countries as "dictatorial and oppressive".
5:52 PM World Pressure on Vatican:NY Times reports: Responding to global outrage, especially in Pope Benedict XVI’s native Germany, the Vatican for the first time on Wednesday called on a recently rehabilitated bishop to take back his statements denying the Holocaust.
Late last month, the pope revoked the excommunication of four schismatic bishops, including British-born Richard Williamson, who in an interview broadcast last month denied the existence of the Nazi gas chambers. Was this announcement a reaction to today's earlier story?
Israel's Foreign Ministry announced that "the State of Israel views the Vatican's decision to rehabilitate the Holocaust denying British Bishop Rickard Williamson with sorrow and concern".
In the announcement, the Foreign Ministry continued to say, "The Holy See's acceptance of the Holocaust denier into the Church offends every Jew in Israel and the world, and desecrates the memories of those killed in the Holocaust." Earlier the Vatican announced it had demanded the controversial bishop recant his statements and that Pope Benedict was unaware of Williamson's claims at the time of his decision to rehabilitate him.
5:03 PM Ynet: An IDF investigation into the shelling of the home of Gaza doctor Ezzeldeen Abu al-Aish during Operation Cast Lead revealed an IDF tank fired two shells at the house after fire was opened at troops from a nearby area and figures were spotted aiming fire at the Golani forces operating in the area.
So what exactly did the doctor expect? That Hamas could freely fire from his home at IDF troops, and they wouldn't respond? 4:52 PM IDF Spokesman to release official findings today about the deaths of Dr. Ayyash's 3 daughters in Gaza. Will post as quickly as it becomes available.
3:06 PM What's on Livni's head? Ynet wonders as well...
"I had to rub my eyes three times when I saw the white rug Tzipi Livni placed on her head when meeting Rabbi Ovadia Yosef last week. The inexplicable garment reminded me of a lace curtain from the 1950s. Where did she get this piece? Where was her stylist? Whey wasn’t there anyone out there who could buy her a reasonable hat?
Yet Livni is not alone. I often see photos of secular politicians who head out for a quick visit in the ultra-Orthodox community or encounter seculars who find themselves at an Orthodox family event or a meeting with a senior rabbi and I cannot believe my eyes.
I see serious people putting on strange and delusional combinations of clothing: Women wearing kerchiefs that look like they belong to Polish villagers; shiny white kippas made of satin-like fabrics and looking like a pyramid on top of a man’s coiffure; and skirts that were taken out of the attic or borrowed from an old Purim costume.
(The photo above, from Reuters, is what Livni wore to the funeral of MK Rabbi Avraham Ravitz on January 26, 2009)
2:00 PM Son of Top Hamas Leader leaves Islam, talks about life of terror.
1:48 PM Additional mortar rocket launched at Israel in the Eshkol/Western Negev region. No injuries or damage. (Ceasefire holding strong) 1:31 PM Reports that Color Red rocket warning system sounds in a Western Gaza community, and that a mortar shell landed in an open area. No reports of injuries or damage.
1:29 PM Alleged unexploded IDF munitions in Gaza from the Cast-Lead operation.
12:42 PM "Objective" Gaza doctor who slammed Israel for cast-lead operation, expressed support for al-Qaeda's September 11 attack on the World Trade Center in New York.
"If the US government has a legitimate right to bomb and kill civilians in Iraq, the oppressed has a moral right to attack the US with the weapons they may create as well. Dead civilians are the same whether they are Americans, Palestinians or Iraqis."
When asked if he supported a terrorist attack against the US he answered: "Terror is a poor weapon, but my answer is yes, within the context I have mentioned."
During the Gaza operation Gilbert gave dozens of interviews to leading television networks such as ABC, CNN, al-Jazeera and Sky News. Wearing a white robe and standing at a corridor of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the doctor reported of the IDF's "deliberate attacks" against women and children. He also blamed Israel for waging "an all-out war against Gaza civilians." (source)
12:38 PM Important Video Shown on Israel TV -- Fatah vs. Hamas vs. Fatah, and how Israel is the least of the Palestinians problems.
11:56 AM More on IDF newlywed solider, Aharon Karov, from ynetnews
"Physically he can do just about everything, but he is still very weak and hasn't regained his strength yet," his father, Rabbi Ze'ev Karov said. "He can walk and move all his limbs, although movement is limited in his left arm, which has 300 pieces of shrapnel imbedded in it."
"This morning he put on his tefillin (phylacteries) by himself, I wanted to let him but he wouldn't let me. He has to communicate for now with his hands and his eyes, because his oral cavity was injured.
"He has amazing, tremendous will power," Rabbi Karov added. "Several times he asked me, through sign language, if his legs were okay. He tried to get up but couldn't, and I explained to him that his muscles were lax. But he is so motivated, and he's aware of his condition.
Aharon's doctors also agree his rapid recovery is nothing short of miraculous. Trauma Unit chief at Beilinson, Professor Pierre Zinger: "When he was brought in everyone was pessimistic and thought his hours were numbered. The injuries were very bad, but in the end there was no injury to the brain."
Another doctor who came to say goodbye was Dr. Steve Jackson, the neurosurgeon who operated on Karov immediately after his injury. "Things were extremely bad, I told the family he serious head trauma. They all cried, his wife too, and I told her: 'God willing, I'll yet circumcise your son,' and then she smiled."
Jackson, a major in the Golani Brigade, saluted Karov as they said goodbye
11:03 AM With elections around the corner this coming Tuesday, Israel's political scene is heating up, and Kadima the current ruling party in Israel's government is rather annoyed at all the bad press they've been getting.
Keren Noybach on Channel B Israel radio interviewed their military correspondent Yoav Limor who reported that Tzippi Livni's advisor, Lior Chorev yelled at him and other media people last week that they "aren't doing enough" to help Livni in the election.
Noybach added that yesterday she received furious phone calls from Kadima representatives that she dared to criticize Livni's campaign. (source)
This dovetails with more and more media outlets publicly expressing their disgust with Kadima and Tzippi Livni. Ari Shavit in Haaretz delivers a scathing report on Tzippi Livni's character flaws:
Livni is short-tempered. Her more serious critics believe she has an attention deficit. She is incapable of delving into the details of a document or of sustaining an extended discussion. She does not stay with a topic until it has been completely clarified. Her thinking is not clear and she cannot distinguish the wheat from the chaff. Unlike Netanyahu and Barak, who can get to the bottom of an issue and discuss it in all its complexity, Livni tends to oversimplify, to go for the schematic. One of the most respected figures in the country says she is opinionated and superficial.
Nor is there any disputing a second flaw of Livni's: She finds it very hard to make decisions. Even with noncritical decisions she deliberates, wavers, delays and changes her opinion over and over. Some people believe the combination of inexperience and lack of confidence paralyzes Livni. They think the foreign minister is incapable of deciding whether to launch a strike against Iran. Livni does not have the spine, levelheadedness and internal calm necessary to take the most critical decisions.
Her third flaw is her total lack of emotional intelligence. Livni neither understands people nor likes them. That is why she has no inner circle of confidants. With the exception of her husband, Naftali Spitzer, she has no trusted partners. Many people who made personal sacrifices on her behalf feel betrayed. Unlike Ariel Sharon and Ehud Barak, Livni lacks personal warmth or charm. Few top Kadima figures like or believe her. In the party's inner circles she is thought of as lacking leadership. The most common comment is that she simply doesn't have it. Her ability to lead after the election is in doubt.
Combined with Walla's (Hebrew) op-ed piece: "Anyone by Kadima", you have to wonder who these people are that continue to claim they will vote for Kadima and Tzippi Livni.
I'll be posting more about Israel's political landscape in the coming days, and here's a worthwhile read from "WestBankMama" on why she's voting Likud, and not for the sectoral, smaller parties.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
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10:52 PM What's going on up North?
Many IDF soldiers these days will tell you about all the "tension" up North...on Israel's Northern border. Was it the underground tunnel discovered 2 weeks ago, meant to be used for a Hizbollah attack on Israel or kidnapping of IDF soldiers? Tonight on Channel 2 TV, Defense Minister Ehud Barak alluded to weapons on their way to South Lebanon which would affect the security of the "skies over Lebanon" for IAF warplanes. Obviously, Israel cannot allow for cutting edge anti-aircraft batteries to be imported to South Lebanon...so it's only a matter of time for Israel to ensure these weapons systems do not arrive.
5:53 PM Reports of IAF fighter jets attacking in the Rafiah area of Southern Gaza.
4:32 PM Medical Miracle -- The remarkable recovery of IDF newlywed soldier Aharon Karov.
Ze'ev Karov, father of critically wounded IDF Paratrooper officer Aharon Karov, offered a blessing of thanksgiving, as his son left the hospital today, to the Tel HaShomer Hospital rehabilitation unit.
Karov did not cease to amaze the medical staff at Beilinson hospital's emergency room, as he walked into their morning staff meeting today, to personally thank them for helping with his recovery. Professor Pierre Zinger, head of the ICU discussed their initial pessimism when Karov arrived at the ICU. "He arrived in critical condition, suffering from shrapnel in his head, brain, face and chest"..."we were pessimistic and thought he had mere hours to live."
Through intensive treatment, the doctors managed to stabilize Aharon, and after a few days, he woke up. "When he first saw me, he did know who I was, or where he was," recalled Professor Pierre who is positive that Aharon's quick recovery is not exclusively thanks to the medical efforts of his staff, but also due to Aharon's family which supported and helped him. "There is no doubt in my mind, that played a large part in his recovery," the professor said.
Minutes before leaving the Beilinson hospital on their way to the Tel Hashomer Sheba hospital rehabilitation unit, Ze'ev Karov described his son's reaction upon hearing that he was moving to rehabilitation; "He closed his fingers together, brought them to his face, kissed them, and then held his arm outstretched towards the sky" [in thanksgiving].
Zee'v Karov also said that the doctors told him again and again that they had seen very few cases of such quick recoveries from serious injuries like that of his son Aharon, but they still have a long way to go...he needs to relearn simple things like writing and using his hands.
The IDF Paratrooper officer was critically wounded from an explosion in a booby-trapped house during the Cast-Lead IDF operating in Gaza. While doctors fought to save his life in the ICU, his family waited in the adjoining room, including his newlywed wife, Zviya, who he married only a day before being called back to active service in Gaza.
Translated by the Muqata from NRG, photo from Na'or Rahav.
Aharon Karov (in wheelchair) with father R' Ze'ev Karov (standing on right) Photo by Yariv Katz
1:08 PM Despite ongoing Hamas mortar and rocket strikes on Israel, International Humanitarian Aid will continue to enter Gaza today via Israel's border crossings to the tune of 200 trucks. (source)
1:05 PM Additional mortar barrage at Western Negev; mortars land in open area; no reports of injuries or damage.
12:34 PM Air Raid/Color Red warning sirens in Eshkol Negev region communities.
12:27 PM Reports that IAF jets hitting Hamas targets in Gaza, and smuggling tunnels in the Philidephi corridor between Gaza and Egypt.No reports of injuries or wounded.
10:43 AM Ehud Barak trying hard not to hit back at Hamas.
"According to intelligence reports, which said previous rocket attacks that followed the ceasefire were carried out by small Palestinian organizations, Tuesday's Grad rocket on Ashkelon was apparently fired by Hamas. The narrow forum comprised of the prime minister, defense minister and foreign minister also convened Tuesday after the attack." (ynet)
10:40 AM Israel Election Committee rejects ad of R' Ovadya Yosef blessing people. I saw this ad on a bus this morning on my way to work....it had a picture of R' Ovadaya with the Biblical priestly blessing, "May G-d bless you, and keep you"
The Central Elections Committee decided to reject a Shas election ad showing Rabbi Ovadia Yosef blessing the party's voters.
The ad was disqualified in accordance with the Election Law, which states that a promised for a blessing must not be made in return for a vote. (ynet/Aviad Glickman)
10:21 AM Good Morning Ashkelon - you're the lucky first city to get hit by a Grad rocket today during the ceasefire.
"Air Raid siren sounds in southern city shortly after 7 am, followed by explosion. Grad rocket lands between buildings in residential neighborhood; three people suffer shock, several cars damaged " (ynet)
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
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9:04 PM During Bagrut test (matriculation exams: Regents, AP, A Levels/GCSE matriculation exams) earlier today, students in Shaar HaNegev (Western Negev) were forced to flee in the middle of the test due to imminent rocket strike. Test booklets were left open on the desk. Rocket hit in an open area near the school. Students and proctor went back and continued taking the test. Ministry of Education gave the students an additional 10 minutes. Unilateral cease fire holding strong.
8:23 PM Jameel reports, via JoeSettler, live from Israel's south. Jameel heard a mortar land in the Western Negev region about 1 hour ago. IDF confirms that is landed right near the border fence (around 3 Km from Jameel's position). What is Jameel doing in the South? 4:53 PM Miss Popularity -- In a Walla poll, the following statement was posed:
I'm voting for Tzippi Livni:
Because she's a woman: 3% Despite that she's a woman: 2% Because of her views and ability, not because of her gender: 23% I'm not voting for Tzippi Livni: 72% Whatever happened to because she makes decisions and not coffee?
4:02 PM Mortar shell from Gaza hits Eshkol/Western Negev region. No injuries; small brush fire reported.
4:00 PM IAF jets break sound barrier, causing sonic booms over Sderot and Ashkelon area.
3:58 PM Color Red Rocket Alert system activated in Western Negev communities.
1:38 PM Record Number of Women in IAF Pilots Training Course.
NRG reports that a record number of 30 women cadets are starting the exclusive IAF pilots training program, up from 15 last year.
To date, 19 woman have successfully finished the course, as fighter pilots and navigators.
The new MIO GPS units being sold in Israel for the religious sector have GPS listings in Israel for 2000 kosher and "mehadrin" kosher restaurants, 3360 Synagogues, 280 mikvaot, 460 cemeteries, 280 Holy Sites, and lots more.
I wonder if you can use the GPS to mark shuls as those you don't want to daven in? 12:55 PM Still following the Qassam-1 rocket story. NRG provides a conflicting report that the Qassam-1 rocket found was actually a pipe bomb. Since the early Qassam-1 rockets are essential pipes with fins and explosives, a definitive statement has not been issued by the IDF.
12:46 PM Reports from rotter that the Qassam-1 rocket was aimed at the Emmanuel community. (source)
12:40 PM Qassam rocket found by IDF...in the Shechem, (Nablus) Shomron (West Bank region). The rocket was connected to a timer, but was not set up to properly launch. Reports that this was the old type "Qassam 1" rocket with a range of 3-5 kilometers. IDF sappers diffused the rocket (source) 12:37 PM IDF reports that attack on car in Rafiah was a result of the mortar fired earlier today, and the "mortar team" was in the car. ynet
12:33 PM IAF attacks a car in Rafiah area of Gaza. Reports of 1 killed, 3 seriously wounded. (Reshet Bet, Channel B Radio). Ehud Barak is slipping...
You can see that there is an archway of some sort down below at the edge of the photo.
11:52 AM Minutes ago, a Gazan mortar was fired at the Eshkol region of the Negev. It landed in an open area...no injuries reported.
The ceasefire must continue! As per Defense Minister Barak's instructions, do not expect the IDF to do anything serious. 9:42 AM Good Morning.
To explain Israel's current situation, Ehud Barak announced that the Gaza rockets will continue to land in Israel till the "official" ceasefire. Despite Livni and Olmert wanting a more severe response against Hamas, Barak is not allowing IDF reprisals above tepid. His policy directed the IAF last night to bomb empty targets in Gaza (after the official phone calls warning everyone to evacuate the building prior to the bombing run).
Barak is also insistent, "We have no intention of embarking on Operation Cast Lead number two. We said there would be a response (to the rocket fire) and we responded." (source)
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
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2:27 PM Ceasefire Agreement? Israeli Government: We're not negotiating with Hamas.
Political officials in Jerusalem said in response to reports that Hamas agreed to a ceasefire agreement to be put into effect on Thursday, "Israel is not negotiating with Hamas. Israel demands that two conditions be met – halting the rocket firings and terrorist attacks, and halting the smuggling." (source)
Note: Someone should mentioned to the Foreign Ministry that kidnapped IDF soldier Gilat Shalit was left out of the equation. 2:13 PM Update on school collapse from earlier today. An UNRWA (aren't they in the news alot these days?) school's classroom collapsed, resulting in minor injuries. Nir Barkat, mayor of Jerusalem quickly arrived on the scene and blamed the collapse on the poorly engineered and contructed school. A city resident who gave his name only as "Alla" accused "settlers" for the responsibility for the school's collapse, saying that "it's all because of settlers excavating next to the Kotel [Western Wall]" (source, in Hebrew)
2:09 PM Northwestern Negev targeted by Hamas mortar shell about 30 minutes ago. No injuries reported. IDF's deterrence diminishing by the hour, as Israeli government refuses to allow IDF to retaliate.
1:04 PM Reports that a ceasefire (a new, improved on?) will start between Hamas and Israel on February 5th, for the period of a year. It's unclear what the rules of engagement of the new ceasefire are, considering we're in the middle of a ceasefire now and 8 rockets have been launched at Israel today alone, and shots fired at IDF soldiers near Kissufim. And is Gilad Shalit included in the ceasefire?
1:04 PM Confirmed: School was outside the walls of the Old City...next to the Givati parking lot.
12:51 PM 3 girls were lightly wounded in the collapse of a ceiling in a school near (or in) the Old City of Jerusalem. (Still waiting for an update on exact school)
12:45 PM Kashrut Update: Osem is advising consumers that trace amounts of powdered milk were found in a Cream of Chicken soup, Maneh Chama -- instant cup of soup" which is labaled a "Pareve". Packages can be returned any supermarket or grocery store that sells Osem products. (source)
12:39 PM MDA cancels Mass Casualty Event -- hardly any wounded (if any). Updates as they become available 12:37 PM Breaking: Reports of school roof collapse near old city of Jerusalem. MDA declares mass casualty event.
12:19 PM Election Poll from the "Machaneh Yehuda" market (which offsets Tel Aviv University's poll from last week)
11:57 AM Ehud Olmert announces, the IDF's retaliation for Rocket strikes against Israel will be disproportional. (I guess "zero" response to 8 Qassam rockets is disproportionate)
11:54 AMWalla reports that as of now, 8 ceasefire rockets have been shot at Israel from Gaza, and the IDF has not responded at all.
10:08 AM Kineret rose 2 centimeters from last night's rain. Only 5.5 meters to go. 10:07 AM Shooting at IDF soldiers at Kissufim junction (Gaza border).
9:29 AM (Galei Tzahal) US stopped Israel from boarding the Iranian weapons smuggling ship. (Other sources) Part of the arms were to go to Syria, the other part to Hamas.
9:23 AM Correction: 4 Kassams landed in Israel.
8:30 AM For some reason Hamas announced over the weekend, they will be implementing a cease fire (lull was the Arabic word they used). They announced that it would last for between 6 months to 18 months. It would go into effect Sunday Morning at 6:00 AM.
By 7:00 AM 3 Kassams had been launched.
One rocket hit between 2 nursery schools/kindergartens in Sderot.
No reports of injuries.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
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