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1. IDF Soldier Shot, Critically Wounded on Flotilla Boat
by Rachel Sylvetsky and Eli Stutz
The IDF reports that the passengers on the Gaza-bound flotilla lay in wait for the IDF to board their vessel and then attacked IDF soldiers, opening fire on them. One IDF soldier was critically wounded. A crew member reportedly snatched a gun from an IDF soldier and then opened fire on the troops. Another soldier was stabbed in the stomach with a sharp object. The soldier is in moderate condition and was transferred for medical treatment by helicopter to Rambam Hospital in Haifa. Doctors there determined he would require surgery. At least fourteen soldiers were wounded and were transferred to hospitals. Raad Salah, anti-Semitic head of northern branch of Israeli Islamic Movement, is reported to be severely injured.
The IDF spokesperson said that the crew of the flotilla were not peaceful humanitarians, but rather militants who were preparing for provocation and violence, and were planning to stage a "lynch" of the Israeli soldiers.
Other people wounded in the operation were transferred to various hospitals in Israel via helicopter. Foreign news agencies including Turkey's news agency are claiming that Israeli forces wounded dozens of the crew and that several were killed. Footage from the operation has already reached some news sites. In the footage, Israeli soldiers wearing gas masks can be seen. In one video, an IDF doctor can be seen treating one of the wounded.
Soldiers are still checking the boats for explosives and hiding militants.
More On This Story:
Late Sunday night, the Israeli Navy surprised the six-boat flotilla bound for Hamas-controlled Gaza in international waters and hundreds of IDF soldiers who came by air and sea boarded the ships and announced to all passengers that they are under arrest.
One of the crew said that one “Navy warship” had contacted the six boats in the flotilla and asked them to identify themselves. They were told the Navy would board the boats if the ships's crew and passengers do not agree to head for the Ashdod port instead of the Gaza Coast, where Israel maintains sovereignty under the Oslo Accords and does not allow ships to approach without searching them for arms.
International law allows for countries to ask suspicious boats to identify themselves. The vessels' passengers did not cooperate and called the move "scare tactics" on their streamed broadcasts.
The IDF searched the boats for arms immediately after the takeover. The soldiers were forced to use tear gas after they were attacked with knives, daggers and cudgels, putting their lives in danger. Unofficial reports that ten persons have been killed and another ten wounded were admitted to Rambam Hospital in Haifa were changed by the Arab television station Al Jazeera, to two killed and four wounded. An Al Jazeera reporter on one of the boats reported hearing gunshots.
The IDF has not issued a complete report on casualties or wounded in the operation. However, hospitals were put on alert to accept possible wounded.
The IDF released a terse statement shortly after midnight Sunday, stating, "Israeli Navy soldiers left this evening in order to stop the flotilla's provocative trip to Gaza. During the last few days, the soldiers have been conducting drills to ensure the mission's success."
Turkey's government called an emergency meeting to discuss the IDF action. Defense Minister Barak is holding ongoing meetings with his advisors.
The flotilla activists, some of whom are identified with terrorist Muslim groups, did not expect a confrontation with the Navy until Monday morning, when the flotilla expected to near the Gaza coast.
The flotilla sailed on Sunday, more than two days later than planned and without two of the ships that did not join because of malfunctions but which were expected to set sail after repairs.
“We fully intend to go to Gaza regardless of any intimidation of threats of violence against us,” said activist Huwaida Araf from the ships. “They are going to have to forcefully stop us.”
Israel was determined not to allow the boats to reach Gaza and set a precedent that would break Israeli sovereignty over the waters in order to prevent terrorists and arms from being smuggled from the Mediterranean Sea as they are from Egypt.
The flotilla included three ships of passengers and three cargo ships with aid. The Israeli military and Foreign Ministry accused the activists of being more interested in trying to stage an anti-Israel stunt and strengthen Hamas rather than trying to help Gaza Arabs. Government spokesmen pointed out repeatedly that aid always can be shipped to Gaza through the Ashdod port, and that the alleged “humanitarian crisis” is a ruse because Israel oversees daily shipments of hundreds of tons of food, merchandise and supplies.
2. International Response to Gaza Boats Clash
by Maayana Miskin
Greece, Turkey and Spain, all of which had citizens on the Gaza-bound flotilla that clashed with the IDF Monday morning, have summoned Israel's ambassadors in their countries for explanations of the incident. Turkey even announced that it was recalling its own ambassador from Israel, the second time in a year it has taken this move. Greek officials demanded immediate information regarding the health of Greek citizens aboard the boats.
Greece has also canceled an air force drill that was to be conducted alongside the Israel Air Force.
IDF sources say at least 10 activists were killed in the clashes, which began when passengers on the flotilla attacked soldiers with knives, clubs and guns as they attempted to board. Dozens of passengers were wounded, as were several soldiers. One soldier is in critical condition with gunshot wounds.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak spoke to Turkey's Defense Minister and to the Turkish ambassador to Israel. The flotilla was organized by a Turkish group, and many of those aboard were Turkish citizens.
The European Union has called for an inquiry into the incident. Catherine Ashton, the EU's High Representative for foreign policy, “expresses her deep regret at the news of loss of life and violence and extends her sympathies to families of the dead and wounded," EU diplomats said.
Ashton also demanded the immediate opening of Gaza crossings following the event.
Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon faced reporters Monday and defended the closure on Gaza. The closure was, and remains, a response to Hamas attacks, and a vital component in Israel's self defense against terrorism, he said.
Ayalon called on all countries which had citizens aboard the Gaza flotilla to do their best to maintain calm despite the violent clash.
Israel may face angry responses from within as well. The IDF and police geared up for the possibility of violent riots as reports circulated that Islamic Movement head Sheikh Raed Salah had been wounded, reports that the IDF denied. However, police feared Israel could face Arab riots even if Salah is healthy.
3. Aftershocks and Repercussions of Flotilla Operation
by Eli Stutz
The aftershocks of the Israeli boarding of the Gaza-bound flotilla are being felt in Israel and abroad:
In Canada, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who there for a state visit, is receiving updates on the incident despite the fact that it is late night time there. He is in consultation with the heads of Israel's security establishment and is expected to deliver a response to the situation in the coming hours. He spoke with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who held an emergency meeting with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi. Barak also spoke with the head of the Shin Bet, Yuval Diskin, and the Turkish Secretary of Defense, Foreign Minister, and Ambassador in Israel.
In Istanbul, Turkey, hundreds of people are protesting Israel's Gaza flotilla operation outside Israel's consulate. Israel's ambassador to Turkey has been summoned for a rebuke by Turkey's foreign ministry, which blames Israel for the incident, calling it, "an unprecedented criminal act which has sent Israel-Turkey relations into a tailspin." Turkey has also called off three scheduled upcoming joint military exercises with Israel.
In Israel, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon will hold a press conference at 10:30 AM in Jerusalem on the flotilla operation. Opposition leader Tzippi Livni has offered to assist the government in its PR efforts.
Security forces and Magen David Adom, on highest alert, are preparing for possible violence across Israel due to the IDF flotilla operation. In Gaza, Hamas terrorists are calling on Arabs to take to the streets and "take revenge on Israel." Arab MK Taleb A-Sanaa issued a press release in which he called IDF soldiers “Nazis” for stopping the pro-Gaza flotilla. PA Chairman Machmoud Abbas announced three days of mourning for the flotilla "victims".
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is convening an emergency meeting in Jerusalem on the flotilla operation. The Foreign Ministry may call for Israelis in Turkey to leave the country, and for other Israelis to cancel their travel plans to Turkey, due to the risk of violence. Deputy Foreign Minister Yossi Gal will hold a briefing for Israel's foreign ambassadors at noon today. Israel plans to demand that Turkey take responsibility for its citizens in Israeli territory.
4. Netanyahu in Canada, 'Thank You for Standing Up for Truth'
by Maayana Miskin
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu addressed a pro-Israel crowd Sunday at the United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk for Israel in Toronto. “Thank you for standing up for truth... Thank you for standing up for Israel,” he told his audience.
Netanyahu noted that 32 years had passed since an Israeli prime minister visited Toronto. “Now everyone knows what they've been missing,” he joked.
"The ties between Israel and Canada have never been stronger,” he continued. “I want to take this opportunity to thank Prime Minister Harper. Prime Minister Harper has been an unwavering friend of Israel.” Harper has stood up to efforts to delegitimize the Jewish state, he added.
Netanyahu then praised the crowd of several thousand. “Year after year, you show us that we are not alone. Even though we are thousands of miles away, we know that you stand by our side” he said.
The prime minister mentioned Israel's negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. “Israel must ensure that peace is anchored in security. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past,” he said.
"When Israel left Lebanon, Iran moved in. When Israel left Gaza, Iran moved in again... We cannot afford a third Iranian presence in the hills overlooking Tel Aviv,” he explained. A PA state would need to be demilitarized, and to recognize Israel as the Jewish state, he added.
He also spoke of the importance of maintaining Israel's right to self-defense, and of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Following the speech Netanyahu and his family proceeded to Ottawa, where he will meet Monday with Harper.
5. One Small Step for Toronto, One Big Step for Israel
by Eli Stutz
It was a hot Sunday in downtown Toronto, as more than seven thousand Jews and supporters of Israel patiently waited to pass extensive airport-level security checks yesterday at RICOH Coliseum. They arrived to greet Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and to walk the streets of Toronto. The occasion: the annual UJA Walk for Israel. Every the year, the walk is a special event, in which Jews of all ages take part, raising funds for Israel. This year, though, was even more remarkable, with the walk being kicked off by the Israeli Prime Minister.
"When I arrived, the kids around me were raring to go. But Netanyahu's speech was delayed by an hour and a half, and families with small kids and strollers were getting somewhat impatient," said one attendee. "But in the end, his speech was wonderful." Click here for more on the content of Netanyahu’s speech.
Netanyahu said that Torontonians are “surprisingly warm people,” as he described a walk that he took the day before in the city. He was given Toronto Maple Leaf hockey team sweatshirts for himself and his wife and children. “If you get me tickets to a hockey game, then I’ll definitely come back,” he quipped.
Several high-ranking Canadian officials also spoke. Noteworthy among them was Peter Kent, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Americas in the Canadian Cabinet, who impressed the crowd with his statements of support for Israel. “The Economist reported that Canada’s strong ties with Israel are unusual,” said Kent. “But there is nothing unusual about it. We have so many shared values of human rights.” Kent also spoke out against the world media who are biased against Israel. “Everyone attacks Israel, but where is the moral outrage on the other side? Palestinian squares are being named after terrorists. Where is the moral outrage of the media?”
Finally, two hours late, the walk got off to a start. Most of the walkers were families with young children and teenagers, many of whom were part of youth groups who walked in matching colors. One group sported T-shirts which read, “Offspring of Israelis in Canada.”
Kortney Shapiro, a twenty-something student of McGill University completed the whole route (she is pictured below, standing with Peter Kent). “There were so many volunteers at stations along with way. It was very heartwarming to see. To have Bibi here was really wonderful,” she said. When asked why she was walking, Shapiro replied, “If not now, when? If I don’t walk, then who will walk? We walk because we care about Israel. If we don’t support Israel, it may be gone tomorrow. We walk because we care. It’s who we are. Israel is my homeland.”
The walk itself spanned the Toronto lakefront, and then doubled back through the city streets toward the RICOH Coliseum, its last stop. Each station along the way was named for a different Israeli city: Eilat, Sederot, Bat Yam, Akko and Haztor Haglillit, Metulah, and finally Jerusalem.” The walkers were pleased to walk along the shore of Lake Ontario. “The route was very beautiful,” said one walker.
The Jewish Defense League (JDL) also attended the walk, but much earlier, and for a somewhat different purpose. Israel National News spoke with Eta and Julius Surasky, two JDL activists, who stood with approximately 100 JDL activists outside the RICHO Coliseum early that morning, across the street from a similar number of anti-Israel protesters.
The Surasky’s reported that the protest and anti-protest did not come to blows, with the Canadian police successfully keeping the protesters in check.
“We try to show up at any event where Israel’s reputation is besmirched, “ said Eta. “All of these anti Israel protests are organized by “Palestine House” a Toronto-based organization who operates under the guise of being an immigration organization, but whose real purpose is to demonize Israel. It’s a hotbed of anti-Israel activity, but it’s already under investigation by the Canadian government for receiving three million Federal tax dollars.”
“Jewish people really appreciate our efforts,” said Julius, “they honked as they passed by us this morning. We’re here in order to stand in the face of those who hate Israel, and to be a physical presence to confront them. That sends a message that we will not be victimized. When people hear Palestine House activists calling Netanyahu a war criminal and ridiculing our Prime Minister Stephen Harper, they understand them for what they really are. We are going to stand up and defend our rights for Israel.”
6. Obama's Approval Drops, Despite Gestures to Arab World
by Maayana Miskin
United States President Barack Obama enjoys lower approval ratings in Arab countries in 2010 than he did in 2009, despite overtures to the Arab world. A Gallup poll showed approval of Obama's performance dropping in Egypt, Algeria, Mauritania and Lebanon.
Approval was lowest in the Palestinian Authority at just 16%, but was not significantly lower than in 2009. The highest rate of approval by far was in Mauritania, where Obama had 69% support; next in line was Algeria with just 30% approval.
Polls were conducted in February and April of 2010, in advance of the one-year anniversary of Obama's Cairo address, in which he expressed the desire to rebuild America's ties with the Muslim world. Obama's approval rose significantly in several Arab League nations following the address.
Gallup researchers noted that the largest swing in public opinion was in Egypt, where Obama enjoyed 37% approval in 2009, compared to only 6% approval for his predecessor, George Bush. However, Egyptian approval dropped sharply in early 2010, and was down to 19% by April.
This, despite Obama's efforts to continue reaching out to the Muslim world. Since his Cairo address, the U.S. president has moved to shut down the American detainment facility for terrorism suspects in Guantanamo Bay, to support entrepreneurs in the Muslim world, and to withdraw troops from Iraq.
He has also supported the Arab world in many of its demands regarding Israel. For example, he had condemned Israel for building in northern Jerusalem, which the Arab League has claimed as Arab land, and more recently signed a Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty call that singles Israel out for criticism.
7. Michael Steele on the Importance of Israel
by Arutz Sheva staff
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele spoke recently at the Israel Day Concert in New York. Steele spoke of America's ties to Israel in faith, in freedom, and in destiny, and slammed the Obama administration for “dithering” while Iran arms itself.
Steele's speech was as follows:
It is a real honor and real pleasure to be here with all of you this afternoon. These are sobering times, these are important times, and I am just really grateful to be able to take a moment to share a few thoughts. First I want to thank Joe Frager for the opportunity to be here. What an incredible effort, Joe. Congratulations again for bringing all the community together. And to Danny Dannon - thank you so much for your leadership in the Knesset. I’m looking forward to joining you in Israel soon so that we can continue the hard work of raising the flag around the world about Israel’s security.
From the earliest moments of American history, before there was a political state of Israel, Americans were dreaming dreams of a Jewish homeland. John Adams wrote to Thomas Jefferson, “I will insist that the Hebrews have done more to civilize man than any other nation.” In another letter he wrote, “I really wish the Jews again in Judea an independent nation.” Abraham Lincoln, responding to a friend proposing a homeland for the Jews in the Holy Land, said, “This was a noble dream and one shared by many Americans.” Ronald Reagan noted as well, back in 1948 when Israel was founded, pundits claimed the new country could never survive. Today Mr. Reagan said, “No one questions that Israel is the land of stability and democracy in a region of tyranny and unrest.”
Ladies and gentlemen, every generation in each century of American history, the greatest of American patriots and leaders - Adams, Lincoln, Reagan - have linked the heart of America to the cause of Israel. Why? What is it about America that so deeply connects us to Israel? There are many possible explanations: our shared moral code, rooted deeply in Mosaic law, our common history as nations founded by those seeking refuge from religious persecution, our democratic political systems, our free market economic systems, our shared commitment to equality, tolerance and generosity in the face of less than generous treatment by others.
With all this in common, it is no wonder that we share not only a deep friendship, but we also share enemies. There are many who hate and envy both of our nations, our freedoms, our values, our very existence. The same villainous characters around the world and throughout history have targeted US and Israeli interests, including the Nazis, the Soviet Communists, the Islamic Radicals. Wherever there’s a titan of tyranny anywhere in the world, he hates America and he hates Israel.
What is it about this tiny country, barely holding on to a little strip of land, that so provokes the powers of evil on the earth? I would argue that it’s not just political or historical or ethnic differences driving this animosity. I believe that the presence of the Jewish people, the very presence of the Jewish people, surviving all horrors, thriving in the midst of constant terror and attack, does indeed serve as a rebuke to the nations; because her nationhood, her continued blessedness, despite all the curses that man has spewed and inflicted, is an irrefutable manifestation to the watching world of G-d’s covenant with the people of Israel.
You see, some would argue that we share interests with Israel. I would argue that we share faith with Israel. As modern man becomes increasingly secular and forgets G-d, the nation of Israel is a stark reminder that Israel’s G-d has not forgotten man. Americans are a deeply religious people, with most of us rooted in a Judeo-Christian tradition. As such, our bond with Israel isn’t just on a political or economic level. Our bond is spiritual. As Ruth said to Naomi in the Hebrew Scriptures, so America says to Israel, “Where you go, we will go, your people will be our people, and your G-d our G-d.” That is why we have stuck so closely together all these years. We have always known that our fates our linked.
Ever since the founding of Israel in 1948 and the recognition of her by the US eleven minutes later, America has been a reliable friend, ally and partner in the struggle for Israel’s survival. The world has also always known: you mess with Israel, you mess with America. You try to wipe out seven million Israelis, you better be prepared to take out three hundred million Americans as well. That is why America has said repeatedly that vicious and dangerous regimes like Iran will not, on our watch, develop the capability to carry out their clear and unmistakable threats to destroy Israel and her people. That is, until now.
It grieves me to the core to have to admit that today the American government has abdicated her traditional solidarity with Israel. Today Israel truly stands alone among governments, facing existential threats more dangerous and more imminent that ever before. That’s not to say that Israel has been abandoned however by the American people, but there is no denying that the current administration and its congressional collaborators have left Israel to fend for herself.
Now I’m talking about, of course, the grave and gathering threat in Iran. This threat has never been more urgent and more important, and the US response to such dangerous intentions has never been so timid. We all know the stakes. Iran’s rulers have repeatedly and unashamedly threatened to eliminate Israel and are aggressively enriching uranium to that end. But our intelligence efforts are so tepid that we can’t tell you whether or not those nuclear weapons will be developed within a year or five years.
Undoubtedly, Iran is the most dangerous threat to the world. As Israel implores the international community to take action, what is America’s response? Well, we are governed by a modern day Neville Chamberlain, constantly issuing assurances of coming peace filled with Orwellian doublespeak about not tolerating a nuclear Iran, while simultaneously abandoning every possible point of leverage that can be used to bring Iran’s nuclear program to its knees. World governments know Iran’s economy is in the tank, but this administration’s policy towards Iran is so upside down that President Obama is more likely to offer Iran a Greece style bailout than use Iran’s economic vulnerabilities to put a stake in the heart of her nuclear ambitions.
The only product Iran’s economy can export is terrorism, and at this Iran is unsurpassed by any other nation. Iran’s funding, resources, weapons, training and soldiers are killing Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan just as sure as they are supporting Hezbollah’s efforts to kill Israelis and further radicalize Israel’s neighbors. If you can examine any of the rockets falling at will and at random on innocent children in Israeli towns, you wouldn’t be surprised to see a sticker reading “I am Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and I approve this message.”
And still the Obama administration dithers. The president shuts down Washington DC for days on end to hold nuclear summits that aren’t attended by the world’s actual nuclear threats and result only in promises by that rogue regime to the north, Canada, to turn over its uranium. All this would be laughable if it wouldn’t be so deadly serious. And the seriousness is felt no where more than in Israel. About five minutes after Iran acquires a nuclear weapon Israel will be bombed. Period. This is an absolute certainty. Iran is not restrained by any sort of instinct for survival the way the Soviets were. So we must take them at their word - they will attack.
This is the cold, hard reality that the international community doesn’t want to face, because admitting it would demand action that is simply inconvenient. It would require ending lucrative business deals. It would require some sacrifice on the part of Europeans. If recent economic events are any indication then short term sacrifice to achieve long term goals seems not to be the modern European strength. It would require some unpleasant diplomatic pressure applied to China, which requires some fiscal restraint here at home, but given the leverage that we have given the Chinese with our debt and deficits that’s not likely to happen. It would require some unpleasant phone calls to Moscow, and liberals today still recoil at anything that would irritate the increasingly repressive, not so former communists in the Kremlin.
All of this is embarrassingly awkward for the president. It has the added downside requiring this administration to stand for something resembling American values, including our traditional solidarity with Israel. It might even require some common courtesy the next time the Israeli prime minister visits the United States. It seems that all of this is simply too much to ask of this administration and those who have an appeasement first mentality. I say, no more! For the sake of Jerusalem, we must not be silent. For the sake of Jerusalem, we must no longer allow this or any administration to second guess the relationship between Israel and America. For the sake of Jerusalem, the world can no longer demand that Israel sell out the security of her people and make every concession in the book just for the off chance that a Palestinian leadership might show up at the bargaining table willing to recognize Israel’s right to exist.
This administration has begun to make a different choice when it comes to Israel. The Republican party that I head sees only one choice - solidarity. Now I would argue further that the core principals of our party are inherently friendlier to Israel because they are based on the truth of human nature and good and evil. Republicans, unlike our utopian friends in Washington, recognize that there’s evil in the world, and it is emboldened rather than mitigated by concessions and appeasement. Republicans recognize that liberty will always cost something, but it’s always worth the cost. Republicans understand that the first and foundational responsibility of securing peace is securing strength.
My friends, if Israel is to be safe, if Iran’s nuclear program is to be shut down, then we must recognize that not all political parties are created equally. Ideas have consequences. Elections have consequences. Elections more than ever are not just popularity or beauty contests. They are deadly serious contests of those ideas. Their results matter not just for America, but for the world. Israel’s survival requires an America that is strong and a president whose words have meaning and whose promises are kept.
Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice said at the 2008 AIPAC policy conference that the only way we lose in the war on terror is if we quit, if we lose the will to support and promote our own values. Well, the only way Israel will lose is if we quit on her, if we lose the will to secure and support her peace. My friends, I cannot promise you the outcome of elections this November. I can’t promise what America will do or won’t do. There used to be a time when America could promise a solidarity with Israel. Even those days are starting to grow dark. However, I will promise you this: Republicans across this nation will continue to stand with our ally and our friend Israel, as we work to secure the future, not only for the next generation of Americans, but for Israel’s children and grandchildren as well.
As I close and as we reflect on these sobering times and what they mean for both Israel and America, I want to share with you the Psalm of Assaf from psalm 83, “Oh G-d, do not keep silent. Be not quiet, oh G-d, be not still. See how Your enemies are astir; how Your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against Your people. They plot against those You cherish. Come they say, let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more. With one mind they plot together. They form an alliance against You. Make them like tumbleweed, oh my G-d, like chaff before the wind. As fire consumes the forest or flame sets the mountains ablaze, so pursue them with Your tempest and terrify them with Your storm. Cover their faces with shame so that men will seek Your name, oh, my Lord. May they ever be ashamed and dismayed. May they perish in disgrace. Let them know that You, whose name is the Lord, and You alone are the most high over all the earth.”
This is my prayer for Israel. I pray too that there will be a day when, as Golda Meir said, Israel’s enemies love their children more than they hate Israel. I pray that the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will continue to bless his covenant people and that their survival and, indeed, their prosperity as a nation will continue to shame the enemies of freedom and unite Jerusalem forever. May G-d bless our nations and those who defend them. Shalom.
(Sara Lehmann of New York transcribed the speech).
