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1. Has Iran's Supreme Leader Disappeared?
by Hana Levi Julian and Nissan Ratzlav-Katz
An underground Iranian activist has told Israel National News that the country's highest official -- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei -- was spirited to a "secret place" for his own safety and that the nation's religious leaders are "scared." The source - an activist in the global Iranian pro-democracy movement who is involved in assisting a group of some 30,000 students located in Tehran and several other major cities - said Khamenei has disappeared. It is the Supreme Leader who controls Iran's foreign policy, and specifically its decisions regarding its nuclear development activities.
"I am told that Khamenei was taken to a secret place to monitor the situation and perhaps for his safety, and a helicopter was ready with a pilot in it to perhaps fly him out to Russia if the situation got out of hand," the source told Israel National News on Tuesday. "I am also told that prominent clergy went to meet with him hoping to force him to show leniency.... [Our consensu is that [t mullahs are scared."
Foreign journalists were once again banned, phone networks cut and Internet connections spotty at best as government forces tried to put the lid back on the growing unrest that again broke out during special observances on Monday.
The demonstrations, planned months in advance, were held on the nation's annual observance of the deaths of three students during anti-American riots in 1953, a day known in Iran as "16 Azar" -- December 7 on the secular calendar. It is a day that has "bitter memories for Iranians," according to the activist, who explained that the Shah's army had opened fire and killed students on that day.
Basij militia and police officers wielded batons and fired tear gas at demonstrators in Tehran who continue to protest what they contend was the rigged re-election in June of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. They also accuse the government of silencing academic freedom.
"16 Azar" ceremonies were held in all universities across Kurdestan and the suburbs, according to an Iranian blogger who reported that some 700 protesters gathered at Kurdestan University alone, singing anti-government songs, waving signs ("Death to dictator") and chanting slogans. At least 400 demonstrators did the same at Payam eh Noor University, as did a similar number at Sanandaj Azad University.
"Demonstrators' spirits were high," said the activist. "Frankly, I was nervous, since all communications systems were down, and [I wa afraid of a bloody massacre. But the turnout was great when [t cities of Kerman, Shahr Kord and especially Esfahan came out en masse and confronted the Basij," he related.
Basij 'Very Very Sorry' -- or Not?
"Students and most people participating were emboldened since there was confusion among the military, secret service and Basij," said the source. "Many Basij called [Persian-langua radio stations [outside Ira over the phone and apologized to the people of Iran, crying for having beaten demonstrators under Khamenei's orders," he said. "They said that they were told demonstrators were anti-Islam and Western-paid troublemakers, but now they -- the Basij -- are finding out that they have been told a lie by the mullahs and were very, very sorry for beating their own countrymen.
"The two that I witnessed and listened to their call broke down in tears. I personally listened to such calls from callers who identified themselves as Basij," he added.
Demonstrators reported they witnessed many police officers refusing to engage and attack protesters, according to the source, who said the government forces were seen arguing among themselves. "Good news for us!" he wrote, adding that another countrywide mass demonstration is being planned for Saturday.
The situation may not be as simple as it appeared to this group of activists, however; the Iran Khabar Agency reported late Monday that Basij forces attacked students at the Science Faculty Building of Rasht University, beating them violently with batons.
"As soon as the students gathered and started to chant slogans, the Basij forces attacked... Three students were tied up by their hands and feet and were thrown on vans... the Basij forces today had gone wild," according to the report.
2. An ‘Inside Tour’ with a Counterterrorist Operation
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
It is 2 a.m. in Beit Omar, an Arab village near Hevron and on the main highway between Hevron and Jerusalem, where passing Jewish vehicles are favorite targets of Arabs hurling rocks and firebombs. Their aim is not just to shatter windows but to cause a fatal accident.
Put on a protective vest and helmet and join a frightened IDF spokeswoman, under the command of Major “D,” who accompanied soldiers on “routine” counterterrorist operations.
They usually end with 10-12 arrests of suspects and arms and explosives used to attack Israelis, and this particular operation was no different.
All of the soldiers, stationed in Gush Etzion under the command of Colonel Aran Makov, are drilled to remember the secret code for a sudden call to chase and arrest terrorists. Col. Makov tries his hand at humor: “They [terrorist run so quickly, once I was left with only a torn shirt in my hand.”
Soldier “Stas” offers his own comical reassurance: “The worst that can happen to you is a rock attack,” and then takes a jab at the IDF spokeswoman, armed with a camera. “We feel like a Paparazzi is chasing us,” he jokes.
(Picture: Explosives found in Arab home)
The soldiers get through the bitterly cold night with Turkish coffee and lots of patience. Another soldier, who escorts the spokeswoman, orders her not to move an inch without orders from Major D. She appears so afraid that the orders probably were superfluous.
“The unending tension seems to ‘drain the batteries,'" the spokeswoman reported, “but the soldiers say they are used to it.”
The troops arrive at the first house of the pre-dawn operations in Beit Omar. Three knocks on the door, and a light appears in the window.
“Who is there?” asks a man in Arabic. The soldier answers in Hebrew, “The army.”
The father wipes his eyes as he opens the door, and the wife looks out the window and sees her house surrounded. Pictures on the wall indicate there are four people in the family. Two youths, about 14 years old and with frozen faces, are told to sit on the sofa. The father coughs while his wife exchanges looks with the deputy company commander, who speaks Arabic.
After five soldiers check the house for evidence, Major D asks the parents for their identification card and gives part of it, with the names of the children, to one of the boys under arrest.
“This is the most dangerous part of the operation,” reveals Major D. “We have to keep alert to prevent a stabbing from one of the occupants of the house. We also do not handcuff the child in front of the parents.”
The parents probably do not know why their son is being taken into custody, and Major D tells the father it is a “routine arrest.” He tells the spokeswoman that he does not explain to the father because “we are afraid that they will beat the child if they know the truth.”
More arrests
The soldiers break the tension on the way to the next house, where intelligence reports indicate there may be weapons. “Why didn’t they bring sniffing dogs,” asks soldier Yossi. Lev laughs in response, “We are in place of the dogs.”
Major D orders silence. Small flashlights at the end of the soldiers’ rifles light the way to the door of the house, where 10 people live. “Check everything and go through everything thoroughly,” Major D orders.
They search clothes, toys and kitchen utensils and then carefully check the plants in the house. The result: a small knife, an IDF hat and binoculars and slingshots, probably used for rock throwing attacks on Jewish vehicles.
In order to prevent any accusations of theft by the IDF, the soldiers ask the parents to put all of their money and valuables on the table in the living room. Suspect are taken into custody for questioning.
Mission accomplished, and the soldiers go to the next several houses, rounding up suspects and explosives that were hidden in a plastic pipe. The soldiers’ joking prediction of a rock attack came true. Rocks were thrown at the soldiers from one open window, but there were no injuries.
It is now 5 a.m. “When was the last time you took a trip through an Arab village at 5 a.m.?" Major D asks. "Wasn’t that a real experience?”
The soldiers return to their base for a good morning’s sleep. During the counterterrorist operations, 15 suspects were arrested, including five in Beit Omar.
Several nights later, the same soldiers arrested one terrorist north of Beit Omar after discovering six explosives and four firebombs in a house. Each explosive weighed slightly more than two pounds.
3. Internet Campaign: 'No Gilad, No Mosque'
by Hana Levi Julian
A new campaign has been launched across the Internet to close the Al Aksa mosque to Muslim worshippers until Hamas terrorists return kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, held in captivity since his abduction near the Kerem Shalom crossing on June 25, 2006.
A petition has been making the rounds, calling on the Israeli police to close the Temple Mount to Muslims until Shalit is released without preconditions. The campaign, which is being carried out under the banner, "Without Gilad, There is No Mosque" was initiated by Temple Mount activist Yehuda Glick, who spoke with Arutz Sheva about the project.
"The Temple Mount is our heart of hearts, and an IDF soldier rotting for three years in a hovel without a minimum of basic rights is also in our hearts. The only thing that we can do to hurt the Muslim public is to block their access to the Temple Mount," Glick said, adding that he hopes the pressure from the entire Muslim world will force Hamas to free Shalit in order to reopen the Mount.
"We will have to take measures that hurt the Muslim public," he said, adding that he is not concerned about the possibility the idea may cause riots in Jerusalem. "Why aren't they worried over the idea of kidnapping a soldier?" he asked.
Glick said he is aware the chances are slim that his proposal will be implemented, or even be heard by government ministers. "I am speaking to the people of Israel and not to the government of Israel. We want to connect the people of Israel with the Temple Mount -- to raise our consciousness."
Hamas: Shalit Ball in Israeli Court
A senior Hamas source told an Italian news agency on Monday that the "ball was in Israel's court" on negotiations over Shalit's freedom. Muhamad al-Katri, the Hamas official in charge of prisoners' affairs, said the terrorist group had even agreed to have Shalit examined by French doctors despite concerns that such a visit would diclose the hiding place where the hostage is being held.
German mediator Ernst Uhrlau meanwhile arrived Monday in Tel Aviv with the terrorist group's response to Israel's latest offer on a swap deal for Shalit's release. He is expected to return to Gaza within a few days.
On Sunday, the London-based Arabic-language Al-Hayat newspaper reported that a team of four French doctors indeed accompanied the German mediator to Gaza -- a week ago Sunday -- to examine the Israeli soldier as a confidence-building measure in the negotiations.
According to the report, the doctors, all specialists in different fields, arrived with Uhrlau in Cairo and entered Gaza through the Rafiah crossing. They allegedly examined Shalit in the hiding place where he is being held prisoner.
4. Has Bezeq Telephone Surrendered the Golan Heights?
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The Bezeq Telephone company’s map of Israel “surrendered” the Golan Heights - until Arutz 7 questioned the company. The official explanation: The omission was a ”graphic error” unrelated to politics.
Company spokesmen did not explain why graphic design required the omission of the Golan Heights and coloring of the areas of Judea and Samaria.
The map has returned the Golan Heights but the Golan appears to be void of doctors, food markets and tradesmen. Bezeq explains that its new service for locatng businesses still is being upgraded.
The case of the disappearing Golan, which was restored to Israel in the Six-Day War in 1967 and officially annexed to the country 28 years ago, came to the attention of Arutz 7 by way of readers who tried out a new service by Bezeq.
(Picture at left: Wind farm on the Golan)
The company’s website allows Internet uses to locate services, such as medical clinics open at night. The navigational map showed Israel minus the Golan and displayed Judea and Samaria with a different color than the rest of the country. After the inquiry by Arutz 7, Bezeq returned the Golan Heights to Israel.
However, the area, along with Judea and Samaria, appears to be abandoned by businesses. Users of the site can use the map to locate doctors, flower shops, home improvement and repair tradesmen and other services, but none of them appear in the restored Golan and the off-colored area of Judea and Samaria.
Bezeq explained, “The information site was launched last year and provides users with information on 300,000 businesses. Last week, Bezeq launched a new service for locating pharmacies and night clinics according to information we have received and which is is being updated. The new service is only a week old and still is being updated.”
5. Knesset Steps Toward Amnesty For Gaza Expulsion Protesters
by Malkah Fleisher
"The Knesset took a historic step this evening," enthused coalition chairman MK Ze'ev Elkin (Likud), following the passage of a "rule of continuity" regarding a bill granting amnesty to activists and protestors against the Gaza 'Disengagement.' The vote to apply the rule of continuity means that the bill, which already passed some hurdles on the way to becoming a law in the previous Knesset, will not have to start the process from scratch in the current Knesset.
In 2005, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon carried out a unilateral expulsion of Jews from all Gaza/Gush Katif Jewish communities, destroyed their houses and business centers, and withdrew Israeli presence from the area. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis strongly opposed the decision, with many thousands actively taking part in protest and opposition activities. During the events, hundreds of citizens were arrested, jailed, or fined as a result of their participation.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu remained on the Knesset floor to vote in favor of the rule of continuity. The law will now remain in the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice committee, which is headed by MK David Rotem (Israel Our Home), and be prepared for the final readings.
The pardon will not apply to serious violent crimes, or to acts endangering human life.
No records will be deleted and no proceedings suspended against people accused of committing crimes involving assault or injury in aggravated circumstances. Additionally, the bill will not apply to anyone who has a criminal record from prior to the events of the Disengagement.
Elkin, who was a major proponent of the law's passage, said the Knesset's vote to pass the rule of continuity regarding this bill is "a real attempt to heal the rifts in Israeli society. The Disengagement was a very severe social trauma which, as any intelligent person understands today, caused terrible damage both security-wise and socially," Elkin said. "We will do everything that depends on us in order to complete the legislative process."
6. Mass Grassroots Anti-Freeze Protest, Wednesday Evening
by Hillel Fendel
Grassroots activity against the construction freeze in Judea and Samaria is picking up steam. A giant protest will be held Wednesday evening – 6:30 PM, Paris Square (near the Kings Hotel) – under the theme, “Breaking the Freeze!” Buses will be available to transport participants from Haifa, Tel Aviv, Netanya, Rehovot, Kedumim, Ariel and elsewhere.
The protest is being organized by the Yesha Council of Jewish Communities in Judea and Samaria – arousing the suspicions of some who were disappointed by its activities during the Disengagement protests. In response, the Mattot Arim (Cities of Israel) grassroots organization writes, “Staying home is certainly not an option. You can come and yell, ‘We want a more determined struggle!’ or ‘Wallerstein, Go Home!’ – but come. And bring signs and friends as well.”
In addition, anti-freeze vigils are held at various junctions around the country at 5 p.m. each afternoon. Youths are asked to organize such events at an intersection near them.
On Monday afternoon, several dozen youths attempted to block the main entrance to Jerusalem in protest of the freeze. A police force managed to clear the way, and detained eight youths.
A modest petition campaign presently underway links the construction freeze to a “reserve duty” freeze. A petition is circulating, stating, “In light of the obtuseness of the government and courts regarding our equal rights and rights to the Land, we are forced to take this step of ‘freezing’ our willingness to do reserve duty in the IDF for the period of the construction freeze. After we once again become equal-rights citizens in this country, we will once again see ourselves as having equal obligations.”
Several meetings have been held in various towns throughout Judea and Samaria, including Yakir, Efrat and Kedumim, to plan protest measures.
“Let us come en-masse on Wednesday evening to cry for the Land of Israel and break the White Paper policy,” called Council head Danny Dayan at one of the meetings. “We will not adhere to the freeze, and we are willing to pay the price.”
MK Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) has called a meeting in his office for Wednesday afternoon of various “orange” (Land of Israel loyalist) organizations, such as Homesh First, Honenu, Komemiyut, and Mattot Arim, to discuss and coordinate practical strategies. Orange was the color adopted for the anti-Disengagement campaign in 2004-5.
7. Navy Commando Who Died in Training Accident to Be Laid to Rest
by Malkah Fleisher
A young soldier being groomed for service in Israel's elite naval commando unit was killed last night in a training accident. Gal Azulai (19) from Zichron Yaakov was posthumously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant. His funeral will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the Zichron Yaakov military cemetery.
The accident occurred at a naval base near the port city of Ashdod.
Azulai was at a depth of 3 meters an hour and a half into training exercises when his partner noticed he was in distress. The pair surfaced, and Azulai's partner fired a flare, notifying a medical team that evacuated Azulai to the dock. He was then rushed by ambulance to Assaf Harofeh Hospital. After receiving CPR for 40 minutes, Azulai was pronounced dead by a doctor in the ambulance en route to the hospital.
An investigation of the mishap will be conducted. Azulai's diving equipment will also be examined by experts.
All Navy diving exercises have been suspended pending the investigation.
Azulai was a trainee in the elite naval commando known in Hebrew as 'Shayetet 13' (literally 'Flotilla 13'), which is the Israeli equivalent of the US Navy SEALs. He was reportedly diving in normal temperatures and conditions, was said to have been in good shape, and four months away from receiving his commando certification.
Shayetet 13's most recent high-profile operation was the seizure of Iranian arms on a ship smuggling them illegally to Hizbullah terrorists in Lebanon.
