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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
10:59 PM Shas' spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, said during his weekly Saturday-night sermon at his house that whoever supports Yisrael Beiteinu "supports Satan." 
