Haaretz 11:03 27/09/2006
By Gideon Levy, Haaretz Correspondent, and the Associated Press
It could take between eight to 14 months to fix a Gaza Strip power plant destroyed in an Israel Air Force strike in late June, and to restore full electrical power to the region.Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem has accused the Israel Defense Forces of war crimes for bombing the plant, which has left many areas of the Gaza Strip without full electricitical power the last three months. Electricity in many areas is cut off for half of the day, severely hampering hospitals, the water supply and sewage systems, B'Tselem said in a report.
An IAF aircraft struck the power plant on June 28. The attack came at the start of a major IDF offensive in Gaza following the abduction of an IDF soldier and the killing of two others by Palestinian militants linked to Hamas."B'Tselem determines that the bombing of the power plant was illegal and defined as a war crimes in International Humanitarian Law, as the attack was aimed at a purely civilian object," according to the report. "There was no apparent military basis for the action and it seems that its intention was to satisfy a desire for revenge."Israel could have, instead of taking such drastic military action, cut off the electric supply to Gaza through the Israel Electric Corporation although this would have been illegal as well, the group said.B'Tselem demanded that the government open an investigation into the bombing of the plant.
jeudi 27 septembre 2007
mercredi 26 septembre 2007
J'lem municipality advancing plan to build 1,900 apartments for Arabs
Haaretz 05:53 26/09/2007
By Jonathan Lis, Haaretz Correspondent
The Jerusalem municipality is moving forward with a plan to build some 1,900 apartments for Arabs in the Issawiya neighborhood as part of the city's master plan. First proposed by the Bimkom - Planners for Planning Rights organization, the plan is intended, among other things, to retroactively legalize illegal construction in the neighborhood and enable new housing units to be built to accommodate its natural growth. The municipality's planning authorities approved it back in 2005. Issawiya's population is estimated at 12,000, and is expected to grow to some 18,500 by 2020. The neighborhood's shortage of land and building permits is acute, and as in other Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem, the city has issued numerous demolition orders for its illegally constructed houses.
Bimkom planners and architects planned the new housing in Issawiya together with the local population and on the basis of its needs. The plan could thus become a model for other neighborhoods of the city. The neighborhood is located at the foot of Jerusalem's French Hill, just northwest of the road to Ma'aleh Adumim. "The building plan in Issawiya is one of 20 plans in north Jerusalem that have been approved and 30 others that are about to be approved," Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski said in a statement yesterday. "These plans are a breakthrough in improving East Jerusalem residents' status as equal citizens of the capital and will improve their quality of life."
By Jonathan Lis, Haaretz Correspondent
The Jerusalem municipality is moving forward with a plan to build some 1,900 apartments for Arabs in the Issawiya neighborhood as part of the city's master plan. First proposed by the Bimkom - Planners for Planning Rights organization, the plan is intended, among other things, to retroactively legalize illegal construction in the neighborhood and enable new housing units to be built to accommodate its natural growth. The municipality's planning authorities approved it back in 2005. Issawiya's population is estimated at 12,000, and is expected to grow to some 18,500 by 2020. The neighborhood's shortage of land and building permits is acute, and as in other Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem, the city has issued numerous demolition orders for its illegally constructed houses.
Bimkom planners and architects planned the new housing in Issawiya together with the local population and on the basis of its needs. The plan could thus become a model for other neighborhoods of the city. The neighborhood is located at the foot of Jerusalem's French Hill, just northwest of the road to Ma'aleh Adumim. "The building plan in Issawiya is one of 20 plans in north Jerusalem that have been approved and 30 others that are about to be approved," Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski said in a statement yesterday. "These plans are a breakthrough in improving East Jerusalem residents' status as equal citizens of the capital and will improve their quality of life."
samedi 22 septembre 2007
Wanted: Right-wing artists
Haaretz 22:02 22/09/2007
By Ehud Asheri
"This is further proof of the fact that the minister of education is trying to impose Peace Now's agenda on the school system. The prime minister must prevent the domination of the school system by the extreme left. Parents should supervise their children's education, because it is impossible to trust the political minister of education." - MK Zevulun Orlev in response to the decision to introduce two plays that deal with the injustices of the occupation - "Project Jabalya" and "Winter in Qalandiyah"- into the school system's "culture basket" Good for National Religious Party Chair Zevulun Orlev! In a brilliant intelligence coup, he managed to find two "left-wing" plays out of about 1,000 included in the schools' culture basket, and he immediately warned the nation that the souls of Israeli students were being poisoned. It is a good thing that someone is on guard. Nevertheless, Orlev's reaction provokes several questions. First, it is doubtful whether he saw the two plays, which are based on the personal experiences of Eldad Galor (in Jabalya) and Lia Nirgad (at the Qalandiyah checkpoint) before describing them as "extreme left." Second, why did he wake up only now? The plays have been performed for over a year, and even the decision to include them in the culture basket was made several weeks ago. Third, what does he want from the education minister? The decision was made by an independent professional committee of 100 artists and academicians; it is doubtful whether the minister was even aware of it.
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One could of course dismiss Orlev's words as another transparent attempt by a politician to make headlines and political capital at the expense of an ideological rival. But the NRP chair represents a broader cultural phenomenon that has been picking up speed lately. He is not alone in the campaign against artists who want to give artistic expression, mainly in the theater and cinema, to the experience of the Israeli occupation as they know it. His declaration is another step in a renewed campaign against the freedom of expression of artists whose work questions the justice of Israeli policy in the territories. On Tuesday, a District Court began hearing a libel suit by five reserve soldiers against Mohammed Bakri, the director of the film "Jenin, Jenin," who documented conversations with residents of the Jenin refugee camp several days after Operation Defensive Shield in April 2002. The sequence of events in this case is a good illustration of the extent of the battle against works that are incompatible with the prevailing concept of Israeli patriotism. At first the film was rejected by the Censorship Board for Films and Plays. After a two-year public battle, the High Court of Justice accepted Bakri's petition and allowed the film to be screened commercially ("the board's decision goes too far in undermining freedom of expression ... The council is not authorized to restrict political or ideological statements even if the government or most of the public disagrees with them"). This time, MK Aryeh Eldad was the first to jump in: "The High Court justices are performing a wonderful service for the enemy behind the foolish claim of freedom of expression." Meanwhile, the five reservists filed a libel suit against Bakri ("We set out to defend the State of Israel in a tough battle that took place in Jenin. When we returned home, we saw the film, which presents us as war criminals," said Yonatan Van Kaspel, one of the plaintiffs). Four and a half years of mediation did not convince the plaintiffs to withdraw their suit. They continue to treat the film as a journalistic document that presumes to reflect the factual situation, instead of seeing it as a subjective work of art that documents the Palestinians' narrative and mood. A similar fate greeted the play "Hebron," a recently staged co-production of the Habima and Cameri theaters. The play deals with the human dimension of the bloody conflict between Jews and Arabs in the City of the Patriarchs. But for some reason, from the first moment, it was labeled anti-Israeli. Matot Arim, a right-wing organization that supports Jewish settlement in Hebron, quickly organized a series of demonstrations with the slogan "Israeli theater in the service of Hamas," and there was quite an uproar. If we add in the Yehoshua Rabinowitz Foundation's withdrawal of support for the cinema project "Jaffa" due to the anti-Zionist reputation of the designated director, Eyal Sivan, we get a disturbing picture: Israeli society is showing symptoms of going back 37 years, to the dark days of "The Queen of the Bathtub." The censor's initial decision to reject Hanoch Levin's text (when the board was asked to explain its decision, it backtracked on its rejection) and the tumultuous demonstrations against the play have been seen all these years as a childhood disease of a society suffering from a temporary nationalist virus. But it turns out that the virus was only dormant, and has now reawakened and returned to threaten the emotional health of Israeli democracy. Orlev, Eldad and those who share their views can claim that artistic freedom of expression is always exploited in the service of the same ideological camp. There is something to that. One can understand why this trend frustrates them: It contradicts their political interest and is seen by them as assisting enemy propaganda. They are incapable of seeing it for what it really is - proof of society's strength and its ability to include skeptical voices. But instead of encouraging creativity in their own camp and joining the marketplace of artistic ideas, they are embarking on a fight to the finish against other artists. If they cannot beat the "leftists," they can at least make their lives miserable.
By Ehud Asheri
"This is further proof of the fact that the minister of education is trying to impose Peace Now's agenda on the school system. The prime minister must prevent the domination of the school system by the extreme left. Parents should supervise their children's education, because it is impossible to trust the political minister of education." - MK Zevulun Orlev in response to the decision to introduce two plays that deal with the injustices of the occupation - "Project Jabalya" and "Winter in Qalandiyah"- into the school system's "culture basket" Good for National Religious Party Chair Zevulun Orlev! In a brilliant intelligence coup, he managed to find two "left-wing" plays out of about 1,000 included in the schools' culture basket, and he immediately warned the nation that the souls of Israeli students were being poisoned. It is a good thing that someone is on guard. Nevertheless, Orlev's reaction provokes several questions. First, it is doubtful whether he saw the two plays, which are based on the personal experiences of Eldad Galor (in Jabalya) and Lia Nirgad (at the Qalandiyah checkpoint) before describing them as "extreme left." Second, why did he wake up only now? The plays have been performed for over a year, and even the decision to include them in the culture basket was made several weeks ago. Third, what does he want from the education minister? The decision was made by an independent professional committee of 100 artists and academicians; it is doubtful whether the minister was even aware of it.
Advertisement
One could of course dismiss Orlev's words as another transparent attempt by a politician to make headlines and political capital at the expense of an ideological rival. But the NRP chair represents a broader cultural phenomenon that has been picking up speed lately. He is not alone in the campaign against artists who want to give artistic expression, mainly in the theater and cinema, to the experience of the Israeli occupation as they know it. His declaration is another step in a renewed campaign against the freedom of expression of artists whose work questions the justice of Israeli policy in the territories. On Tuesday, a District Court began hearing a libel suit by five reserve soldiers against Mohammed Bakri, the director of the film "Jenin, Jenin," who documented conversations with residents of the Jenin refugee camp several days after Operation Defensive Shield in April 2002. The sequence of events in this case is a good illustration of the extent of the battle against works that are incompatible with the prevailing concept of Israeli patriotism. At first the film was rejected by the Censorship Board for Films and Plays. After a two-year public battle, the High Court of Justice accepted Bakri's petition and allowed the film to be screened commercially ("the board's decision goes too far in undermining freedom of expression ... The council is not authorized to restrict political or ideological statements even if the government or most of the public disagrees with them"). This time, MK Aryeh Eldad was the first to jump in: "The High Court justices are performing a wonderful service for the enemy behind the foolish claim of freedom of expression." Meanwhile, the five reservists filed a libel suit against Bakri ("We set out to defend the State of Israel in a tough battle that took place in Jenin. When we returned home, we saw the film, which presents us as war criminals," said Yonatan Van Kaspel, one of the plaintiffs). Four and a half years of mediation did not convince the plaintiffs to withdraw their suit. They continue to treat the film as a journalistic document that presumes to reflect the factual situation, instead of seeing it as a subjective work of art that documents the Palestinians' narrative and mood. A similar fate greeted the play "Hebron," a recently staged co-production of the Habima and Cameri theaters. The play deals with the human dimension of the bloody conflict between Jews and Arabs in the City of the Patriarchs. But for some reason, from the first moment, it was labeled anti-Israeli. Matot Arim, a right-wing organization that supports Jewish settlement in Hebron, quickly organized a series of demonstrations with the slogan "Israeli theater in the service of Hamas," and there was quite an uproar. If we add in the Yehoshua Rabinowitz Foundation's withdrawal of support for the cinema project "Jaffa" due to the anti-Zionist reputation of the designated director, Eyal Sivan, we get a disturbing picture: Israeli society is showing symptoms of going back 37 years, to the dark days of "The Queen of the Bathtub." The censor's initial decision to reject Hanoch Levin's text (when the board was asked to explain its decision, it backtracked on its rejection) and the tumultuous demonstrations against the play have been seen all these years as a childhood disease of a society suffering from a temporary nationalist virus. But it turns out that the virus was only dormant, and has now reawakened and returned to threaten the emotional health of Israeli democracy. Orlev, Eldad and those who share their views can claim that artistic freedom of expression is always exploited in the service of the same ideological camp. There is something to that. One can understand why this trend frustrates them: It contradicts their political interest and is seen by them as assisting enemy propaganda. They are incapable of seeing it for what it really is - proof of society's strength and its ability to include skeptical voices. But instead of encouraging creativity in their own camp and joining the marketplace of artistic ideas, they are embarking on a fight to the finish against other artists. If they cannot beat the "leftists," they can at least make their lives miserable.
vendredi 21 septembre 2007
Kadima members disagree over how J'lem should be divided
Haaretz Last update - 07:32 21/09/2007
By Nadav Shragai, Haaretz Correspondent
Serious differences of opinion have erupted in Kadima over the possibility that the agreement of principles Israel is now negotiating with the Palestinians will determine the final-status deal on Jerusalem. Seven years after the Camp David summit in 2000 and the cabinet's subsequent decision to adopt, with reservations, then U.S. president Bill Clinton's plan to divide the capital, no one in Kadima is asking whether Jerusalem will be re-divided. The only question is how it will be re-divided.
Vice Premier Haim Ramon is promoting a plan to Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayad in which almost all Palestinian neighborhoods of East Jerusalem would be subtracted from the Israeli city and become part of a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem. The areas inhabited by Jews, including the new neighborhoods south, north and east of the Green Line that divided the city until 1967, will remain under Israel's jurisdiction. The plan would also divide the Old City between Israeli and Palestinian sovereignty, with the Muslim and Christian Quarters under Palestinian rule, and the Armenian and Jewish Quarters under Israeli rule. Sovereignty over the Temple Mount would be divided between Palestinians and Jews as well.
Ramon proposes handing over three neighborhoods soon after the agreement of principles is signed, if Israel is convinced that the Palestinian Authority can control them: Shuafat, in northern Jerusalem, near Pisgat Ze'ev and Atarot; Suahra, on the edge of the Judean desert; and Wallijeh, a village near the Massuah neighborhood overlooking the railway to Tel Aviv.
In recent weeks, however, a counter-coalition inside Kadima has sprung up, headed by MK Otniel Schneller. Schneller is unwilling to give up Israeli sovereignty over the Old City and the Temple Mount, but will accept religious management of the holy sites. He is also willing to give up neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city - mostly to the north, such as Al-Ram, Qalandiyah and Kafr Akeb (most of which are already outside the separation fence) - as well as parts of a few other neighborhoods. However, Schneller stays away from calling his plan "division." He will not accept any substantial concession on the Temple Mount and demands that in the final Jerusalem arrangement, space be allocated on the Temple Mount for Jewish prayer - a demand former prime minister Ehud Barak raised at Camp David in 2000.
Schneller believes that decisions about the future of Jerusalem should be made by representatives of the entire Jewish people, not just the Israeli public. He also believes that if the Ramon plan is adopted, Kadima will disintegrate, as many parliamentarians will be unable to support it. Kadima's mayoral candidate in the capital, businessman Nir Barkat, has already said that he is considering leaving the party due to the Ramon plan. Barkat wrote to Ramon this week saying that he had not been authorized by either the government or the party to propose plans on Jerusalem, and that Jerusalem and the rest of the country are entitled to know if this is the new Kadima position, and whether Ramon is acting on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's authority.
That, in a nutshell, is the key question: What does Olmert think? Back when he was mayor of Jerusalem, Olmert rejected any proposal for division - of the Temple Mount, the Old City or East Jerusalem as a whole. But Olmert is remaining mum, and his associates say that Ramon has permission but not authority. Many politicians believe this obscurantist formula means that Olmert is using Ramon's plan as a trial balloon. If it does not explode, Olmert is likely to adopt large sections of the plan. The battle inside Kadima over whether Jerusalem will be divided has already been decided. The question now is how - and also whether the party, as Ramon has, will call the spade a spade: division.
By Nadav Shragai, Haaretz Correspondent
Serious differences of opinion have erupted in Kadima over the possibility that the agreement of principles Israel is now negotiating with the Palestinians will determine the final-status deal on Jerusalem. Seven years after the Camp David summit in 2000 and the cabinet's subsequent decision to adopt, with reservations, then U.S. president Bill Clinton's plan to divide the capital, no one in Kadima is asking whether Jerusalem will be re-divided. The only question is how it will be re-divided.
Vice Premier Haim Ramon is promoting a plan to Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayad in which almost all Palestinian neighborhoods of East Jerusalem would be subtracted from the Israeli city and become part of a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem. The areas inhabited by Jews, including the new neighborhoods south, north and east of the Green Line that divided the city until 1967, will remain under Israel's jurisdiction. The plan would also divide the Old City between Israeli and Palestinian sovereignty, with the Muslim and Christian Quarters under Palestinian rule, and the Armenian and Jewish Quarters under Israeli rule. Sovereignty over the Temple Mount would be divided between Palestinians and Jews as well.
Ramon proposes handing over three neighborhoods soon after the agreement of principles is signed, if Israel is convinced that the Palestinian Authority can control them: Shuafat, in northern Jerusalem, near Pisgat Ze'ev and Atarot; Suahra, on the edge of the Judean desert; and Wallijeh, a village near the Massuah neighborhood overlooking the railway to Tel Aviv.
In recent weeks, however, a counter-coalition inside Kadima has sprung up, headed by MK Otniel Schneller. Schneller is unwilling to give up Israeli sovereignty over the Old City and the Temple Mount, but will accept religious management of the holy sites. He is also willing to give up neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city - mostly to the north, such as Al-Ram, Qalandiyah and Kafr Akeb (most of which are already outside the separation fence) - as well as parts of a few other neighborhoods. However, Schneller stays away from calling his plan "division." He will not accept any substantial concession on the Temple Mount and demands that in the final Jerusalem arrangement, space be allocated on the Temple Mount for Jewish prayer - a demand former prime minister Ehud Barak raised at Camp David in 2000.
Schneller believes that decisions about the future of Jerusalem should be made by representatives of the entire Jewish people, not just the Israeli public. He also believes that if the Ramon plan is adopted, Kadima will disintegrate, as many parliamentarians will be unable to support it. Kadima's mayoral candidate in the capital, businessman Nir Barkat, has already said that he is considering leaving the party due to the Ramon plan. Barkat wrote to Ramon this week saying that he had not been authorized by either the government or the party to propose plans on Jerusalem, and that Jerusalem and the rest of the country are entitled to know if this is the new Kadima position, and whether Ramon is acting on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's authority.
That, in a nutshell, is the key question: What does Olmert think? Back when he was mayor of Jerusalem, Olmert rejected any proposal for division - of the Temple Mount, the Old City or East Jerusalem as a whole. But Olmert is remaining mum, and his associates say that Ramon has permission but not authority. Many politicians believe this obscurantist formula means that Olmert is using Ramon's plan as a trial balloon. If it does not explode, Olmert is likely to adopt large sections of the plan. The battle inside Kadima over whether Jerusalem will be divided has already been decided. The question now is how - and also whether the party, as Ramon has, will call the spade a spade: division.
jeudi 20 septembre 2007
IDF formulates plan to limit services to civilians in Gaza
Haaretz 09:47 20/09/2007
By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent, and News Agencies
Israel Defense Forces began formulating plans to limit services to the civilian population in Gaza Thursday, following the cabinet's decision Wednesday to declare the Gaza Strip a "hostile territory". The security cabinet voted unanimously Wednesday to impose restrictions on the Hamas-run Gaza Strip including limiting the supply of fuel and electricity from Israel to Gaza, the transfer of goods through the crossings, the movement of people to and from the Strip, stopping visits to prisoners, and increased monitoring of funds.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Israel on Wednesday to reconsider its decision to declare the Gaza Strip a hostile territory, warning that any cutoff of vital services would violate international law and punish the already suffering civilian population. In one of his toughest statements aimed at Israel since taking the reins of the UN on January 1, Ban said he was very concerned at the Israeli government's declaration earlier Wednesday and its announced intent to interrupt essential services such as electricity and fuel to the civilian population. "Such a step would be contrary to Israel's obligations towards the civilian population under international humanitarian and human rights law," he said. "I call for Israel to reconsider this decision," the secretary-general said in a statement read by UN spokeswoman Michele Montas.
"The limitations will be implemented in accordance with formal legal position papers and the humanitarian situation in the field," read a statement following the cabinet decision. A senior government official said that two approaches were presented during the meeting. One was to cut off electricity in response to every rocket. This approach was found to be problematic in terms of international law because it would constitute collective punishment. The second approach, which the ministers accepted, was to compromise the ability of Hamas to govern in Gaza as the quality of life deteriorated. "We will reduce the amount of megawattage we provide to the Strip, and Hamas will have to decide whether to provide electricity to hospitals or weapons lathes," the official said. The cabinet also authorized the closure of crossings in response to rocket fire for up to 48 hours.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said during the meeting that "the price of a military operation in Gaza is known to all, and in any case conditions are not ripe for this." Defense Minister Ehud Barak echoed this sentiment, adding "We will embark on action at the right time, not on order to let off steam." However, Barak also said that "every day that passes brings us closer to an operation in Gaza; we will decide on the means of an operation and the goals when the time comes."
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday that Hamas "is indeed a hostile entity. It is a hostile entity to the U.S. as well." Speaking at a news conference following her meeting with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Rice added, "However, we will not abandon the innocent Palestinian in Gaza and indeed will make every effort to deal with their humanitarian needs." Hamas denounces curbs on Gaza as 'declaration of war' Hamas denounced the security cabinet's decision and the sanctions as a "declaration of war."
"They aim to starve our people and force them to accept humiliating formulas that could emerge from the so-called November peace conference," said Hamas spokesman Barhoum, referring to a U.S.-sponsored meeting expected to be held in two months. "It is a declaration of war and continues the criminal, terrorist Zionist actions against our people."
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas condemned Israel's plan, calling it an oppressive decision. "This oppressive decision will only strengthen the choking embargo imposed on 1.5 million people in the Gaza Strip, increase their suffering and deepen their tragedy," Abbas' office said in a statement. "It is collective punishment against the people of Gaza, and discourages serious political discussion," said Ashraf Ajrami, a minister in Abbas' government. "We are going to ask the Americans to pressure Israel to refrain from taking such action," added Palestinian Information Minister Riyad al-Malki.
Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu said that he welcomed the decision. "However at the same time the government decided to disengage from Gaza, the prime minister is promoting a diplomatic plan that will bring about the establishment of 'Hamastan' in Judea and Samaria, and to the threat of missiles not only on communities in the south but also on Tel Aviv and the Dan region." Meretz Chairman MK Yossi Beilin, on the other hand, called the cabinet decision "foolish as well as dangerous." Beilin added that the decision would strengthen Hamas, increase distress in Gaza, and damage Israel's image internationally. Sanctions to be imposed on Gaza in stages
The sanctions will be imposed on the Gaza Strip in stages, with Israel responding to rocket fire by disrupting electricity during the first stage. The decision to disrupt Gaza's power supply was in part based on the fact that the electricity is used to power the metal workshops in which Qassam rockets are manufactured. Participants in the security cabinet meeting told The Associated Press, however, that no decision had been made on when to begin cutting electricity.
According to Israeli and Palestinian officials, Gaza's population uses approximately 200 megawatts of electricity, out of which 120 are provided directly from Israeli power lines, 17 are delivered from Egypt and 65 are produced at a plant in Gaza. The disruption of the fuel supply will be delayed until the second stage, as the decision is still subject to the findings of an ongoing legal examination of the contracts between the National Infrastructure Ministry and the Palestinians.
Subject to the legal examination, the ministers decided to completely cut off the fuel supply to the Gaza Strip, with the exception of humanitarian needs. For instance, Israel will continue to supply Gaza hospitals with the necessary fuel to power their generators. In addition, the crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip will further reduce operations. The crossings will only allow in food and medical supplies, and other goods, such as water pipes that are also used to manufacture Qassams, will not be let in. Human traffic at the crossings will be brought to a complete halt. Israel will reduce ties with the Strip to a bare minimum. "This [decision] allows Israel to order a number of administrative sanctions against the Gaza Strip, of course on condition they don't cross the red line in terms of inflicting humanitarian damage," said Public Security Minister Avi Dichter. Meanwhile, Israel Radio reported that deposed Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas met early Wednesday with Islamic Jihad leaders, in an attempt to convince them to halt the rocket fire.
By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent, and News Agencies
Israel Defense Forces began formulating plans to limit services to the civilian population in Gaza Thursday, following the cabinet's decision Wednesday to declare the Gaza Strip a "hostile territory". The security cabinet voted unanimously Wednesday to impose restrictions on the Hamas-run Gaza Strip including limiting the supply of fuel and electricity from Israel to Gaza, the transfer of goods through the crossings, the movement of people to and from the Strip, stopping visits to prisoners, and increased monitoring of funds.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Israel on Wednesday to reconsider its decision to declare the Gaza Strip a hostile territory, warning that any cutoff of vital services would violate international law and punish the already suffering civilian population. In one of his toughest statements aimed at Israel since taking the reins of the UN on January 1, Ban said he was very concerned at the Israeli government's declaration earlier Wednesday and its announced intent to interrupt essential services such as electricity and fuel to the civilian population. "Such a step would be contrary to Israel's obligations towards the civilian population under international humanitarian and human rights law," he said. "I call for Israel to reconsider this decision," the secretary-general said in a statement read by UN spokeswoman Michele Montas.
"The limitations will be implemented in accordance with formal legal position papers and the humanitarian situation in the field," read a statement following the cabinet decision. A senior government official said that two approaches were presented during the meeting. One was to cut off electricity in response to every rocket. This approach was found to be problematic in terms of international law because it would constitute collective punishment. The second approach, which the ministers accepted, was to compromise the ability of Hamas to govern in Gaza as the quality of life deteriorated. "We will reduce the amount of megawattage we provide to the Strip, and Hamas will have to decide whether to provide electricity to hospitals or weapons lathes," the official said. The cabinet also authorized the closure of crossings in response to rocket fire for up to 48 hours.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said during the meeting that "the price of a military operation in Gaza is known to all, and in any case conditions are not ripe for this." Defense Minister Ehud Barak echoed this sentiment, adding "We will embark on action at the right time, not on order to let off steam." However, Barak also said that "every day that passes brings us closer to an operation in Gaza; we will decide on the means of an operation and the goals when the time comes."
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday that Hamas "is indeed a hostile entity. It is a hostile entity to the U.S. as well." Speaking at a news conference following her meeting with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Rice added, "However, we will not abandon the innocent Palestinian in Gaza and indeed will make every effort to deal with their humanitarian needs." Hamas denounces curbs on Gaza as 'declaration of war' Hamas denounced the security cabinet's decision and the sanctions as a "declaration of war."
"They aim to starve our people and force them to accept humiliating formulas that could emerge from the so-called November peace conference," said Hamas spokesman Barhoum, referring to a U.S.-sponsored meeting expected to be held in two months. "It is a declaration of war and continues the criminal, terrorist Zionist actions against our people."
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas condemned Israel's plan, calling it an oppressive decision. "This oppressive decision will only strengthen the choking embargo imposed on 1.5 million people in the Gaza Strip, increase their suffering and deepen their tragedy," Abbas' office said in a statement. "It is collective punishment against the people of Gaza, and discourages serious political discussion," said Ashraf Ajrami, a minister in Abbas' government. "We are going to ask the Americans to pressure Israel to refrain from taking such action," added Palestinian Information Minister Riyad al-Malki.
Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu said that he welcomed the decision. "However at the same time the government decided to disengage from Gaza, the prime minister is promoting a diplomatic plan that will bring about the establishment of 'Hamastan' in Judea and Samaria, and to the threat of missiles not only on communities in the south but also on Tel Aviv and the Dan region." Meretz Chairman MK Yossi Beilin, on the other hand, called the cabinet decision "foolish as well as dangerous." Beilin added that the decision would strengthen Hamas, increase distress in Gaza, and damage Israel's image internationally. Sanctions to be imposed on Gaza in stages
The sanctions will be imposed on the Gaza Strip in stages, with Israel responding to rocket fire by disrupting electricity during the first stage. The decision to disrupt Gaza's power supply was in part based on the fact that the electricity is used to power the metal workshops in which Qassam rockets are manufactured. Participants in the security cabinet meeting told The Associated Press, however, that no decision had been made on when to begin cutting electricity.
According to Israeli and Palestinian officials, Gaza's population uses approximately 200 megawatts of electricity, out of which 120 are provided directly from Israeli power lines, 17 are delivered from Egypt and 65 are produced at a plant in Gaza. The disruption of the fuel supply will be delayed until the second stage, as the decision is still subject to the findings of an ongoing legal examination of the contracts between the National Infrastructure Ministry and the Palestinians.
Subject to the legal examination, the ministers decided to completely cut off the fuel supply to the Gaza Strip, with the exception of humanitarian needs. For instance, Israel will continue to supply Gaza hospitals with the necessary fuel to power their generators. In addition, the crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip will further reduce operations. The crossings will only allow in food and medical supplies, and other goods, such as water pipes that are also used to manufacture Qassams, will not be let in. Human traffic at the crossings will be brought to a complete halt. Israel will reduce ties with the Strip to a bare minimum. "This [decision] allows Israel to order a number of administrative sanctions against the Gaza Strip, of course on condition they don't cross the red line in terms of inflicting humanitarian damage," said Public Security Minister Avi Dichter. Meanwhile, Israel Radio reported that deposed Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas met early Wednesday with Islamic Jihad leaders, in an attempt to convince them to halt the rocket fire.
lundi 10 septembre 2007
Interior Minister: I'll consider revoking neo-Nazis' citizenship
Haaretz Last update - 03:42 10/09/2007
By Roni Singer-Heruti, Haaretz Correspondent
The Interior Ministry said Sunday that it would consider revoking the citizenship of eight teens suspected of running a neo-Nazi cell in Petah Tikva, if they are convicted. The suspects, aged 17 to 19, confessed to assaulting dozens of people, mainly foreign workers around Tel Aviv's central bus station and Carmel market, causing many of them serious injury. The eight were arrested a month ago, and a gag order on the arrest was lifted Saturday. According to police, the neo-Nazi cell comprised individuals who have distant ties to Judaism and nonetheless immigrated to Israel from the former Soviet Union under the Law of Return, which grants all Jews the right to immigrate.
Army Radio reported Sunday that Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit instructed the ministry to look into the legal aspects of such a procedure. The law allows the state to strip the citizenship of anyone involved in an act against the state. The Ramle Magistrate's Court extended the remand of seven of the eight suspects on Sunday. The State Prosecution is expected to submit indictments against the seven to the Tel Aviv District Court on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday that the neo-Nazi cell is an isolated incident, to be dealt with by the police and the justice system, and not a widespread phenomenon that requires a blanket solution. "Let's not incriminate an entire population and fall into the trap of generalizations. There is no need at this time to look for solutions that would affect entire populations," the statement said. Olmert explained that the suspicions against these teens "indicate that we, as a society, have failed in educating these youths and keeping them away from dangerous and crazy ideologies." He called for harsh punishment in order to deter teens from participating in neo-Nazi activity.
Absorption Minister Ya'akov Edri stressed that this is a marginal phenomenon that doesn't in any way characterize the immigrant youth in Israel. "Most of the immigrant youth is normative and fully incorporated into all aspects of life in this country. Today there are thousands of [immigrant] youths who serve in the army and contribute to the strength of Israel," Edri said. "We mustn't stigmatize an entire group."
Earlier Sunday, MKs from across the political spectrum condemned the incident, and some suggested that the Law of return be amended in order to prevent similar individuals from immigrating. MK Effi Eitam (National Religious Party - Ehud Leumi) stated he will propose a bill that would alter the Law of Return. The Law of Return ensures that any person who has at least one Jewish grandparent can immigrate to Israel and attain citizenship. Eitam stated that Israel has become "a haven for people who hate Israel, hate Jews, and exploit the Law of Return to act on this hatred."
MK Ahmed Tibi of Ra'am Ta'al called on authorities to deal harshly with the cell, saying that it represents a "ludicrous and outrageous phenomenon, where people immigrated to Israel and received automatic citizenship under the Law of Return, while citizens of Nazareth and Taibe are not allowed to visit their own relatives merely due to the fact that they are Arabs." NRP Chairman Zevulun Orlev recommended the Knesset pass a law that would allow the deportation and revocation of citizenship for people found to be neo-Nazis. Orlev stated that the group's violent attacks "are shocking, and must be dealt with harshly," adding that Israel must set an example to the world in how to deal with anti-Semitism.
Police have seized 5 kilograms of explosives, a pistol, and an M-16 assault rifle belonging to the group of neo-Nazi youths. Police believe the group intended to use the weapons against punk rockers in the city, with whom they often clash violently. Six of the eight suspects have confessed to the charges against them, while two reported ringleaders of the group have professed their innocence. One of the reported leaders Eli Boanitov was quoted by police as saying, "I won't ever give up, I was a Nazi and I will stay a Nazi, until we kill them all I will not rest."
Police confirmed that the majority of the suspects were enrolled in Israeli public schools, and at least one was drafted into the army. Police suspect that the youth who was drafted fled the country after giving his army-issue M-16 to a member of the cell. Police uncovered the cell a year ago, while investigating vandalism at the main synagogue in Petah Tikva, where neo-Nazis sprayed swastikas and Adolf Hitler's name on walls and prayer books. Computers seized from two suspects arrested in that case led police to dozens of video files documenting brutal assaults on foreign workers.
Superintendent Revital Almog, who was in charge of the investigation, said that the police learned that a "neo-Nazi cell was being operated in Israel by people living in Israel but believing in Nazi ideology and in Hitler." "We discovered that besides their meetings, at which they praised Nazi ideology, they used to go out to Tel Aviv in a group to perpetrate racist attacks," Almog continued. Almog said that the teens would deliberately select victims who they deemed too weak to complain. Most of them were foreign workers who the teenagers would attack, telling them that because they were not white, they would be harmed. One video shows some of the teens surrounding a young Russian heroin addict, who admits he is Jewish. Later they order him to get down on his knees and beg forgiveness from the Russian people for being Jewish and a junky. They beat him mercilessly, along with another man who comes to his aid. The group was also reportedly planning to celebrate Hitler's birthday at Yad Vashem.
More than 20 people who were in touch with the suspects, mostly via the Internet, were questioned throughout the investigation. Their parents were also questioned, and said they knew nothing of their children's activities. Among those questioned was Rostislav Bogoslavski, who was arrested several months ago on suspicion of killing two people and hundreds of cats in Petah Tikva. Police believe Bogoslavski cooperated with two of the cell members in some acts of vandalism in the city.
The Anti-Defamation League responded to the arrests by urging that the group not be used as a stereotype for Russian immigrants in Israel, and saying that such cases were marginal. In a statement, the group said neo-Nazi behavior was a problem arising from the difficulties faced by immigrants, adding "The youth are angry at Israelis for holding them in contempt and lash out with hatred." The ADL clarified that while the detainees were from the former Soviet Union and religiously identified as Christians, they had immigrated to Israel under the Law of Return which grants "even grandchildren of Jews sanctuary in the Jewish state." "The tragic irony in this is that they would have been chosen for annihilation by the Nazi they strive to emulate," the statement said.
By Roni Singer-Heruti, Haaretz Correspondent
The Interior Ministry said Sunday that it would consider revoking the citizenship of eight teens suspected of running a neo-Nazi cell in Petah Tikva, if they are convicted. The suspects, aged 17 to 19, confessed to assaulting dozens of people, mainly foreign workers around Tel Aviv's central bus station and Carmel market, causing many of them serious injury. The eight were arrested a month ago, and a gag order on the arrest was lifted Saturday. According to police, the neo-Nazi cell comprised individuals who have distant ties to Judaism and nonetheless immigrated to Israel from the former Soviet Union under the Law of Return, which grants all Jews the right to immigrate.
Army Radio reported Sunday that Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit instructed the ministry to look into the legal aspects of such a procedure. The law allows the state to strip the citizenship of anyone involved in an act against the state. The Ramle Magistrate's Court extended the remand of seven of the eight suspects on Sunday. The State Prosecution is expected to submit indictments against the seven to the Tel Aviv District Court on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday that the neo-Nazi cell is an isolated incident, to be dealt with by the police and the justice system, and not a widespread phenomenon that requires a blanket solution. "Let's not incriminate an entire population and fall into the trap of generalizations. There is no need at this time to look for solutions that would affect entire populations," the statement said. Olmert explained that the suspicions against these teens "indicate that we, as a society, have failed in educating these youths and keeping them away from dangerous and crazy ideologies." He called for harsh punishment in order to deter teens from participating in neo-Nazi activity.
Absorption Minister Ya'akov Edri stressed that this is a marginal phenomenon that doesn't in any way characterize the immigrant youth in Israel. "Most of the immigrant youth is normative and fully incorporated into all aspects of life in this country. Today there are thousands of [immigrant] youths who serve in the army and contribute to the strength of Israel," Edri said. "We mustn't stigmatize an entire group."
Earlier Sunday, MKs from across the political spectrum condemned the incident, and some suggested that the Law of return be amended in order to prevent similar individuals from immigrating. MK Effi Eitam (National Religious Party - Ehud Leumi) stated he will propose a bill that would alter the Law of Return. The Law of Return ensures that any person who has at least one Jewish grandparent can immigrate to Israel and attain citizenship. Eitam stated that Israel has become "a haven for people who hate Israel, hate Jews, and exploit the Law of Return to act on this hatred."
MK Ahmed Tibi of Ra'am Ta'al called on authorities to deal harshly with the cell, saying that it represents a "ludicrous and outrageous phenomenon, where people immigrated to Israel and received automatic citizenship under the Law of Return, while citizens of Nazareth and Taibe are not allowed to visit their own relatives merely due to the fact that they are Arabs." NRP Chairman Zevulun Orlev recommended the Knesset pass a law that would allow the deportation and revocation of citizenship for people found to be neo-Nazis. Orlev stated that the group's violent attacks "are shocking, and must be dealt with harshly," adding that Israel must set an example to the world in how to deal with anti-Semitism.
Police have seized 5 kilograms of explosives, a pistol, and an M-16 assault rifle belonging to the group of neo-Nazi youths. Police believe the group intended to use the weapons against punk rockers in the city, with whom they often clash violently. Six of the eight suspects have confessed to the charges against them, while two reported ringleaders of the group have professed their innocence. One of the reported leaders Eli Boanitov was quoted by police as saying, "I won't ever give up, I was a Nazi and I will stay a Nazi, until we kill them all I will not rest."
Police confirmed that the majority of the suspects were enrolled in Israeli public schools, and at least one was drafted into the army. Police suspect that the youth who was drafted fled the country after giving his army-issue M-16 to a member of the cell. Police uncovered the cell a year ago, while investigating vandalism at the main synagogue in Petah Tikva, where neo-Nazis sprayed swastikas and Adolf Hitler's name on walls and prayer books. Computers seized from two suspects arrested in that case led police to dozens of video files documenting brutal assaults on foreign workers.
Superintendent Revital Almog, who was in charge of the investigation, said that the police learned that a "neo-Nazi cell was being operated in Israel by people living in Israel but believing in Nazi ideology and in Hitler." "We discovered that besides their meetings, at which they praised Nazi ideology, they used to go out to Tel Aviv in a group to perpetrate racist attacks," Almog continued. Almog said that the teens would deliberately select victims who they deemed too weak to complain. Most of them were foreign workers who the teenagers would attack, telling them that because they were not white, they would be harmed. One video shows some of the teens surrounding a young Russian heroin addict, who admits he is Jewish. Later they order him to get down on his knees and beg forgiveness from the Russian people for being Jewish and a junky. They beat him mercilessly, along with another man who comes to his aid. The group was also reportedly planning to celebrate Hitler's birthday at Yad Vashem.
More than 20 people who were in touch with the suspects, mostly via the Internet, were questioned throughout the investigation. Their parents were also questioned, and said they knew nothing of their children's activities. Among those questioned was Rostislav Bogoslavski, who was arrested several months ago on suspicion of killing two people and hundreds of cats in Petah Tikva. Police believe Bogoslavski cooperated with two of the cell members in some acts of vandalism in the city.
The Anti-Defamation League responded to the arrests by urging that the group not be used as a stereotype for Russian immigrants in Israel, and saying that such cases were marginal. In a statement, the group said neo-Nazi behavior was a problem arising from the difficulties faced by immigrants, adding "The youth are angry at Israelis for holding them in contempt and lash out with hatred." The ADL clarified that while the detainees were from the former Soviet Union and religiously identified as Christians, they had immigrated to Israel under the Law of Return which grants "even grandchildren of Jews sanctuary in the Jewish state." "The tragic irony in this is that they would have been chosen for annihilation by the Nazi they strive to emulate," the statement said.
jeudi 6 septembre 2007
Draft-dodging among national religious youths growing
More and more religious high school graduates evade army service; IDF officials, rightist leaders attribute drop to ideological crisis caused by disengagement
Yossi Yehoshua Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 09.06.07, 10:45
Draft-dodging among the graduates of national religious high schools has grown by 7% in the last two years, while the number of draft-dodgers among the general public increased by only 4%, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Thursday.
According to new data, more and more religious youths chose to continue studying in higher yeshivot, instead of enlisting in the army.
IDF officials and rightist activists attributed the sharp drop to the deep ideological crisis that followed the disengagement from Gaza in the summer of 2005.
"These figures are not surprising at all," said Rabbi David Stav, head of a hesder yeshiva in Petach Tikva. "We warned before the disengagement that it would push the religious youths to draft-dodging… we warned that many teens would have to do serious soul-searching, but no one listened to us."
This new trend is causing much concern in the army, and IDF officials are working hard to counter it, by meeting with school principals, rabbis and leaders of the national religious public.
Meanwhile, a significant increase was recently registered in the number of religious soldiers who volunteer to elite IDF units or become officers.
Yossi Yehoshua Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 09.06.07, 10:45
Draft-dodging among the graduates of national religious high schools has grown by 7% in the last two years, while the number of draft-dodgers among the general public increased by only 4%, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Thursday.
According to new data, more and more religious youths chose to continue studying in higher yeshivot, instead of enlisting in the army.
IDF officials and rightist activists attributed the sharp drop to the deep ideological crisis that followed the disengagement from Gaza in the summer of 2005.
"These figures are not surprising at all," said Rabbi David Stav, head of a hesder yeshiva in Petach Tikva. "We warned before the disengagement that it would push the religious youths to draft-dodging… we warned that many teens would have to do serious soul-searching, but no one listened to us."
This new trend is causing much concern in the army, and IDF officials are working hard to counter it, by meeting with school principals, rabbis and leaders of the national religious public.
Meanwhile, a significant increase was recently registered in the number of religious soldiers who volunteer to elite IDF units or become officers.
mercredi 5 septembre 2007
Hesder soldiers' service to be extended
IDF chief of staff, chief of Personnel and head rabbi meet with hesder yeshivot board to discuss extending their soldiers' service from 16 to 24 months
Hanan Greenberg Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 09.05.07, 10:37
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi met with the members of the hesder yeshivot board recently, in an attempt to reach an agreement extending the military service of hesder soldiers by several months.
Safra Ve'Saifa
Besides Ashkenazi, Chief of IDF Personnel, Major General Elazar Stern and Chief Military Rabbi, Brigadier eneral Avi Ronsky, also attended the meeting.
No agreement was reached, but Ashkenazi was able to address several other issues regarding hesder soldiers, such as their integration in mixed military companies (which allow women to serve alongside men) and the sore subject of dodging.
Stern, backed by Ashkenazi, decided recently not to allow the hesder soldiers who joined the service in August, into the prestigious Golani and Paratroopers brigades, in wake of their refusal to serve in mixed companies.
'The people's army'
"The IDF is the people's army and as such all Israelis, be they city or country born, religious or secular, natives or new comers, serve in it, united in the desire to accomplish our security missions," said Stern in a letter to August's recruits.
Both Ashkenazi and Stern explained to the members of the hesder yeshivot board that their soldiers are viewed in the highest regard, and that the desire to extend their service comes from the IDF's overall wish to have all its troops shoulder the burden equally.
The members of the hesder yeshivot board, however, were not impressed. "Extending the service will make our boys rethink joining the army," they told Ashkenazi.
Ashkenazi made it clear that no change will be forced on the hesder yeshivot and asked the rabbis to think things over, in hopes of reaching a mutually agreeable solution.
Rabbi Chaim Drukman, Chairman of the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva Center, told Ynet he and his peers object to the IDF's proposed plan.
Previous attempts to extend the service failed, explained Drukman, and past experience has proven that faced with the choice, hesder student always prefer to return to their studies.
Hanan Greenberg Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 09.05.07, 10:37
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi met with the members of the hesder yeshivot board recently, in an attempt to reach an agreement extending the military service of hesder soldiers by several months.
Safra Ve'Saifa
Besides Ashkenazi, Chief of IDF Personnel, Major General Elazar Stern and Chief Military Rabbi, Brigadier eneral Avi Ronsky, also attended the meeting.
No agreement was reached, but Ashkenazi was able to address several other issues regarding hesder soldiers, such as their integration in mixed military companies (which allow women to serve alongside men) and the sore subject of dodging.
Stern, backed by Ashkenazi, decided recently not to allow the hesder soldiers who joined the service in August, into the prestigious Golani and Paratroopers brigades, in wake of their refusal to serve in mixed companies.
'The people's army'
"The IDF is the people's army and as such all Israelis, be they city or country born, religious or secular, natives or new comers, serve in it, united in the desire to accomplish our security missions," said Stern in a letter to August's recruits.
Both Ashkenazi and Stern explained to the members of the hesder yeshivot board that their soldiers are viewed in the highest regard, and that the desire to extend their service comes from the IDF's overall wish to have all its troops shoulder the burden equally.
The members of the hesder yeshivot board, however, were not impressed. "Extending the service will make our boys rethink joining the army," they told Ashkenazi.
Ashkenazi made it clear that no change will be forced on the hesder yeshivot and asked the rabbis to think things over, in hopes of reaching a mutually agreeable solution.
Rabbi Chaim Drukman, Chairman of the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva Center, told Ynet he and his peers object to the IDF's proposed plan.
Previous attempts to extend the service failed, explained Drukman, and past experience has proven that faced with the choice, hesder student always prefer to return to their studies.
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