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1. Netanyahu Denies Report He Caved In on Temple Mount
by Gil Ronen
The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement Tuesday bluntly denying a report that Binyamin Netanyahu intends to cave in to extreme Arab demands over Jerusalem and demographics.
A Kuwaiti newspaper, Al Jarida, reported that Netanyahu will present a diplomatic plan next month that includes Israeli acquiescence to a preliminary "Palestinian" with eastern Jerusalem as its capital. The paper also claimed that Netanyahu agreed to hand over the Temple Mount and other holy places to international sovereignty.
Netanyahu also supposedly consented to let Arab "refugees" into Israel, in accordance with a plan to annihilate the Jewish state demographically, known as the "right of return."
Al Jarida said that these concessions were detailed by Israeli delegate Attorney Yitzchak Molcho in a secret meeting with Palestinian Authority negotiator Saeb Erikat, ahead of Netanyahu's upcoming major policy speeches in Washington.
"There was never any secret meeting between Attorney Yitzchak Molcho and Saeb Erikat," the PMO said, "and therefore it is also clear that the alleged contents of the meeting have no basis in reality."
The Kuwaiti newspaper claimed that the United Nations, United States and Russia were involved in the plan to turn over the holy sites to international hands.
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement Tuesday bluntly denying a report that Binyamin Netanyahu intends to cave in to extreme Arab demands over Jerusalem and demographics.
A Kuwaiti newspaper, Al Jarida, reported that Netanyahu will present a diplomatic plan next month that includes Israeli acquiescence to a preliminary "Palestinian" with eastern Jerusalem as its capital. The paper also claimed that Netanyahu agreed to hand over the Temple Mount and other holy places to international sovereignty.
Netanyahu also supposedly consented to let Arab "refugees" into Israel, in accordance with a plan to annihilate the Jewish state demographically, known as the "right of return."
Al Jarida said that these concessions were detailed by Israeli delegate Attorney Yitzchak Molcho in a secret meeting with Palestinian Authority negotiator Saeb Erikat, ahead of Netanyahu's upcoming major policy speeches in Washington.
"There was never any secret meeting between Attorney Yitzchak Molcho and Saeb Erikat," the PMO said, "and therefore it is also clear that the alleged contents of the meeting have no basis in reality."
The Kuwaiti newspaper claimed that the United Nations, United States and Russia were involved in the plan to turn over the holy sites to international hands.
Comment on this story
2. No Arrests In Joseph's Tomb Shooting
by Gavriel Queenann
No arrests have been made in the murder of Ben Yosef Livnat and wounding of four other Breslover hassidim at Joseph's Tomb on Sunday, the Ma'an news agency reports.
The report says PA security forces spokesman, Adnan Al Dameer, patently rejected previous reports in Israeli media saying such an arrest had been made. The identity of the murderers is known, as they were PA policemen.
Dameer said the subpoena issued to the PA officers involved in the shooting was only intended to hear them explain the chain of events that led to the shooting. Dammer continued to blame the victims for the attack, emphasizing that they arrived without prior coordination.
Such arrivals are not uncommon and the accepted method of dealing with them is to detain the Israelis until IDF personnel can arrive and escort them away. The PA policemen were certainly aware of this frequent occurrence.
Demeer also denied reports that a tripartite commission of inquiry consisting of American, Israeli, and PA officials to examine the shooting would be established. Instead, he said, a PA committee would be established. He said the PA had no intention of 'expanding' the inquiry beyond its own ranks.
In response, National Union chairman MK Yaakov Katz asked Israel's government to order the IDF to immediately apprehend the PA officers responsible for the incident.
"If the Defense Minister will not do it." Katz said. "I call on Speaker Rivlin to convene the Knesset for a special session to discuss the matter. Israel can not allow a situation to continue where in parts of the country, areas where there is de facto sovereignty, Jews are massacred when they pray. This is no different from the situation that once prevailed in Europe, where there was no protection for the Jewish people."
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenann
No arrests have been made in the murder of Ben Yosef Livnat and wounding of four other Breslover hassidim at Joseph's Tomb on Sunday, the Ma'an news agency reports.
The report says PA security forces spokesman, Adnan Al Dameer, patently rejected previous reports in Israeli media saying such an arrest had been made. The identity of the murderers is known, as they were PA policemen.
Dameer said the subpoena issued to the PA officers involved in the shooting was only intended to hear them explain the chain of events that led to the shooting. Dammer continued to blame the victims for the attack, emphasizing that they arrived without prior coordination.
Such arrivals are not uncommon and the accepted method of dealing with them is to detain the Israelis until IDF personnel can arrive and escort them away. The PA policemen were certainly aware of this frequent occurrence.
Demeer also denied reports that a tripartite commission of inquiry consisting of American, Israeli, and PA officials to examine the shooting would be established. Instead, he said, a PA committee would be established. He said the PA had no intention of 'expanding' the inquiry beyond its own ranks.
In response, National Union chairman MK Yaakov Katz asked Israel's government to order the IDF to immediately apprehend the PA officers responsible for the incident.
"If the Defense Minister will not do it." Katz said. "I call on Speaker Rivlin to convene the Knesset for a special session to discuss the matter. Israel can not allow a situation to continue where in parts of the country, areas where there is de facto sovereignty, Jews are massacred when they pray. This is no different from the situation that once prevailed in Europe, where there was no protection for the Jewish people."
Comment on this story
3. Joseph's Tomb Terror Victim Out of Danger
by Hillel Fendel
The “mortally wounded” Jew who was shot at Joseph’s Tomb late Saturday night is no longer in mortal danger, hospital sources report. The family of Ben Yosef Livnat began sitting shiva, the traditional mourning period that was delayed by the Passover holiday, on Monday night.
Dr. Boaz Tadmor, Deputy Director of Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah, said this morning that the wounded victim in the terrorist incident “was operated on over the night, and his condition is now termed ‘serious.’ I am happy to report that his life is not in danger.” Another victim is listed in moderate condition, and two others were hurt lightly.
Palestinian Authority policemen fired on a group of worshipers who arrived to pray at the holy site, killing one and wounding four. The Jewish group did not coordinate its entry into the site in advance, but many Jews often arrive at the site in a similar “uncoordinated” manner; they say that the once-a-month authorized entry is not sufficient to meet Jewish worshipers’ needs.
In any event, the punishment for unauthorized entry to Joseph’s Tomb is not death, nor is it an act of war, and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has called upon the PA to deal harshly for those responsible for what Defense Minister Ehud Barak called “murder.”
The names of the two above-mentioned victims, for prayer purposes, are Uriel ben [son of] Ahuva and Yitzchak ben Sheina Malkah. They are both 18 years old, from Tiberias and Jerusalem, respectively. “Both of them must recite the HaGomel blessing for having been saved from death,” Dr. Tadmor said. “The bullets missed vital organs by only centimeters. I hope that they will be able to return to their families speedily.”
The IDF. Israel Police and Shabak are continuing to investigate the shooting. The PA claims that the group did not abide by its men’s calls to stop, broke through a checkpoint, threw rocks at the PA policemen and tried to run one over. IDF sources stated that initial findings do not support these claims.
After the murderous attack, Arab vandals burned and damaged the holy site of Joseph's Tomb. The extent of the damage is not yet known. Despite the PA's consent to maintain and preserve the holy site, its citizens have damaged, burnt and vandalized the site several times.
25-year-old Ben Yosef Livnat, who was murdered in the attack, is survived by his wife, four children, parents, and two siblings. A grandson of Lechi fighter Azriel Livnat and nephew of Science and Culture Minister Limor Livnat, he was named for Shlomo Ben-Yosef, was the first Jewish fighter to be hanged by the British, in 1938.
Comment on this story
by Hillel Fendel
The “mortally wounded” Jew who was shot at Joseph’s Tomb late Saturday night is no longer in mortal danger, hospital sources report. The family of Ben Yosef Livnat began sitting shiva, the traditional mourning period that was delayed by the Passover holiday, on Monday night.
Dr. Boaz Tadmor, Deputy Director of Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah, said this morning that the wounded victim in the terrorist incident “was operated on over the night, and his condition is now termed ‘serious.’ I am happy to report that his life is not in danger.” Another victim is listed in moderate condition, and two others were hurt lightly.
Palestinian Authority policemen fired on a group of worshipers who arrived to pray at the holy site, killing one and wounding four. The Jewish group did not coordinate its entry into the site in advance, but many Jews often arrive at the site in a similar “uncoordinated” manner; they say that the once-a-month authorized entry is not sufficient to meet Jewish worshipers’ needs.
In any event, the punishment for unauthorized entry to Joseph’s Tomb is not death, nor is it an act of war, and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has called upon the PA to deal harshly for those responsible for what Defense Minister Ehud Barak called “murder.”
The names of the two above-mentioned victims, for prayer purposes, are Uriel ben [son of] Ahuva and Yitzchak ben Sheina Malkah. They are both 18 years old, from Tiberias and Jerusalem, respectively. “Both of them must recite the HaGomel blessing for having been saved from death,” Dr. Tadmor said. “The bullets missed vital organs by only centimeters. I hope that they will be able to return to their families speedily.”
The IDF. Israel Police and Shabak are continuing to investigate the shooting. The PA claims that the group did not abide by its men’s calls to stop, broke through a checkpoint, threw rocks at the PA policemen and tried to run one over. IDF sources stated that initial findings do not support these claims.
After the murderous attack, Arab vandals burned and damaged the holy site of Joseph's Tomb. The extent of the damage is not yet known. Despite the PA's consent to maintain and preserve the holy site, its citizens have damaged, burnt and vandalized the site several times.
25-year-old Ben Yosef Livnat, who was murdered in the attack, is survived by his wife, four children, parents, and two siblings. A grandson of Lechi fighter Azriel Livnat and nephew of Science and Culture Minister Limor Livnat, he was named for Shlomo Ben-Yosef, was the first Jewish fighter to be hanged by the British, in 1938.
Comment on this story
4. Uzi Dayan: Give Jews Free Access to Joseph's Tomb
by Aryeh Ben Hayim
Major General (reserves) Uzi Dayan called upon the government to open the Tomb of Joseph to Jewish worshipers on a daily basis. "We cannot give up these places," he said.
The former head of Israel's National Security Council and of the IDF's Central Command expressed his conviction that the IDF would apprehend the Palestinian Authority "policemen" who murdered Ben Yosef Livnat at Joseph's Tomb. "This Passover we made two Passover sacrifices, Daniel Viflic who was murdered by rocket fire from the Hamas terrorists in Gaza as well as Ben Yosef Livnat".
In referring to the opinion that neither side was innocent in the shooting at Joseph's Tomb, Dayan replied, "There are those who make light of the matter and even call this an 'incident' rather than a terrorist attack. So apparently Hebrew is a beautiful language but this was a terrorist attack. Policemen fired on Jewish worshipers, and this is murder. True, they did not coordinate their entry but here we are talking about the eve of a holiday."
In his opinion, the IDF occasionally forgets its proper role. "Our job is not to make explanations for the Palestinians but to apprehend those responsible. There must be an exhaustive investigation; one should punish those responsible. It's clear to everyone that the Palestinian police are going to do nothing, especially in light of the fact that we are even providing them with excuses. One must not rely on them. When I was the head of Central Command after the events of the Western Wall Tunnel [1996] we drew up a blacklist of all Palestinian policemen that we suspected of involvement in the terrorist attacks, we went over the list, we arrested those whom we had to and we eliminated those whom we had to."
Dayan concludes that the current situation at Joseph's tomb is insufferable. "Following the events that led to the killing of [the Druze Army soldier] Madhat Yusuf at Joseph's Tomb [in October 2000, upon the outbreak of the Second Intifada, aka The Oslo War] the Tomb has been burnt; a mosque was built there, and then the tomb was again repaired. It's legitimate to debate whether to station troops there or not but it's not legitimate that [the PA] won't allow Jews to pray there. It's necessary that people should arrive at Joseph's Tomb every day as well as to the Peace on Israel Synagogue in Jericho. Of course one has to coordinate, but one must again open up these places, otherwise we are de facto giving up on them."
"To my sorrow the media, that does not always remember all the details, sets the agenda. They deal all the time, and justifiably so, with Gilad Shalit, but don't recall those who were killed in that incident [a reference to two soldiers from Shalit's crew who were killed simultaneously with his abduction, ed.]. Also, in the Joseph's Tomb attack they mention that Ben Yoseph Livnat was murdered, but it's necessary to mention also all those who were wounded and are fighting for their lives. It is necessary to follow the security agenda rather than the media agenda," he added.
Comment on this story
by Aryeh Ben Hayim
Major General (reserves) Uzi Dayan called upon the government to open the Tomb of Joseph to Jewish worshipers on a daily basis. "We cannot give up these places," he said.
The former head of Israel's National Security Council and of the IDF's Central Command expressed his conviction that the IDF would apprehend the Palestinian Authority "policemen" who murdered Ben Yosef Livnat at Joseph's Tomb. "This Passover we made two Passover sacrifices, Daniel Viflic who was murdered by rocket fire from the Hamas terrorists in Gaza as well as Ben Yosef Livnat".
In referring to the opinion that neither side was innocent in the shooting at Joseph's Tomb, Dayan replied, "There are those who make light of the matter and even call this an 'incident' rather than a terrorist attack. So apparently Hebrew is a beautiful language but this was a terrorist attack. Policemen fired on Jewish worshipers, and this is murder. True, they did not coordinate their entry but here we are talking about the eve of a holiday."
In his opinion, the IDF occasionally forgets its proper role. "Our job is not to make explanations for the Palestinians but to apprehend those responsible. There must be an exhaustive investigation; one should punish those responsible. It's clear to everyone that the Palestinian police are going to do nothing, especially in light of the fact that we are even providing them with excuses. One must not rely on them. When I was the head of Central Command after the events of the Western Wall Tunnel [1996] we drew up a blacklist of all Palestinian policemen that we suspected of involvement in the terrorist attacks, we went over the list, we arrested those whom we had to and we eliminated those whom we had to."
Dayan concludes that the current situation at Joseph's tomb is insufferable. "Following the events that led to the killing of [the Druze Army soldier] Madhat Yusuf at Joseph's Tomb [in October 2000, upon the outbreak of the Second Intifada, aka The Oslo War] the Tomb has been burnt; a mosque was built there, and then the tomb was again repaired. It's legitimate to debate whether to station troops there or not but it's not legitimate that [the PA] won't allow Jews to pray there. It's necessary that people should arrive at Joseph's Tomb every day as well as to the Peace on Israel Synagogue in Jericho. Of course one has to coordinate, but one must again open up these places, otherwise we are de facto giving up on them."
"To my sorrow the media, that does not always remember all the details, sets the agenda. They deal all the time, and justifiably so, with Gilad Shalit, but don't recall those who were killed in that incident [a reference to two soldiers from Shalit's crew who were killed simultaneously with his abduction, ed.]. Also, in the Joseph's Tomb attack they mention that Ben Yoseph Livnat was murdered, but it's necessary to mention also all those who were wounded and are fighting for their lives. It is necessary to follow the security agenda rather than the media agenda," he added.
Comment on this story
5. Netanyahu Demands 'Severe Steps' Against Livnat Murderer
by Gavriel Queenann
Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu said late Sunday afternoon PA leaders must take 'severe steps' against the murderer(s) of Ben Yosef Livnat.
Netanyahu's statement was issued after an unexplained silence from his office following the Sunday morning murder of Culture and Science Minister Limor Livnat's nephew by PA security forces who opened fire on Jewish worshipers at Joseph's Tomb in Shechem (Nablus).
"A young man whose sole purpose on the eve of the second Pesach holiday was to pray, was vilely murdered in cold blood, and left behind a wife and four orphans," Livnat told reporters.
PA security forces opened fire early Sunday on three cars full of Israelis who entered Joseph's Tomb to pray the morning service, killing Ben Yosef Livnat and wounding four others, one critically.
The Israeli group did not, according to PA and IDF sources, coordinate their entry to the site. The accepted procedure for dealing with unauthorized entry to the area, however, is detaining the Israelis in question until the IDF arrives and escorts them out of the area. The PA security officer who opened fire reportedly justified the killing based on "suspicious movement."
"No problem of coordination can justify an incident like this and the shooting of innocent people," said Defense Minister Ehud Barak, calling the incident no less than "murder."
Netanyahu spoke to Minister Livnat on Sunday to expresse his deep condolences for her loss.
Ben Yosef Livnat was a 25-year-old father of four. He was laid to rest Sunday in the Mount of Olives Cemetery.
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenann
Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu said late Sunday afternoon PA leaders must take 'severe steps' against the murderer(s) of Ben Yosef Livnat.
Netanyahu's statement was issued after an unexplained silence from his office following the Sunday morning murder of Culture and Science Minister Limor Livnat's nephew by PA security forces who opened fire on Jewish worshipers at Joseph's Tomb in Shechem (Nablus).
"A young man whose sole purpose on the eve of the second Pesach holiday was to pray, was vilely murdered in cold blood, and left behind a wife and four orphans," Livnat told reporters.
PA security forces opened fire early Sunday on three cars full of Israelis who entered Joseph's Tomb to pray the morning service, killing Ben Yosef Livnat and wounding four others, one critically.
The Israeli group did not, according to PA and IDF sources, coordinate their entry to the site. The accepted procedure for dealing with unauthorized entry to the area, however, is detaining the Israelis in question until the IDF arrives and escorts them out of the area. The PA security officer who opened fire reportedly justified the killing based on "suspicious movement."
"No problem of coordination can justify an incident like this and the shooting of innocent people," said Defense Minister Ehud Barak, calling the incident no less than "murder."
Netanyahu spoke to Minister Livnat on Sunday to expresse his deep condolences for her loss.
Ben Yosef Livnat was a 25-year-old father of four. He was laid to rest Sunday in the Mount of Olives Cemetery.
Comment on this story
6. Iranian Nuclear Program Hit By Second "Cyber Missile" Virus
by Gavriel Queenann
Iranian civil defense commander Gholamreza Jalali said Monday the Islamic Republic's nuclear program has fallen prey to a computer virus called "Stars," Reuters reports.
The Stars virus is the second in the cyber war against Iran's bid for nuclear capability, following after the much-reported Stuxnet virus,
Jalalai said the introduction of the new virus is being investigated while admitting Stuxnet still posed a risk. "We should know that fighting the Stuxnet virus does not mean the threat has been completely tackled, because viruses have a certain life span and they might continue their activities in another way," Jalali said.
The revelation that Stuxnet is still hampering Iran's nuclear program runs counter to previous claims by Iranian officials that the destructive virus had been dealt with and buttresses Saudi concerns that Iran's intention to activate the Bushehr plant in May could lead to a 'second Fukushima.' Saudi concerns were based on reports attributed to a Russian engineer working at the site that metal shards were found in the coolant intakes for the reactor.
Iranian officials blamed Israel and the United States -- which believe Iran is seeking nuclear weapons -- for the Stuxnet virus, which some expert shave described as the first "guided cyber missile," aimed at Iran's atomic program.
"Stars," experts speculate, is the second.
"Fortunately," Jalali told Iran's press. "Our young experts have been able to discover this virus and the Stars virus is now in the laboratory for more investigations," Jalali was quoted as saying. He did not specify the target of Stars or its intended impact.
"The particular characteristics of the Stars virus have been discovered. The virus is congruous and harmonious with the [computer] system and in the initial phase it does minor damage and might be mistaken for some executive files of government organizations."
Bushehr is still not operational, having missed several start-up deadlines since the Stuxnet virus was introduced.
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenann
Iranian civil defense commander Gholamreza Jalali said Monday the Islamic Republic's nuclear program has fallen prey to a computer virus called "Stars," Reuters reports.
The Stars virus is the second in the cyber war against Iran's bid for nuclear capability, following after the much-reported Stuxnet virus,
Jalalai said the introduction of the new virus is being investigated while admitting Stuxnet still posed a risk. "We should know that fighting the Stuxnet virus does not mean the threat has been completely tackled, because viruses have a certain life span and they might continue their activities in another way," Jalali said.
The revelation that Stuxnet is still hampering Iran's nuclear program runs counter to previous claims by Iranian officials that the destructive virus had been dealt with and buttresses Saudi concerns that Iran's intention to activate the Bushehr plant in May could lead to a 'second Fukushima.' Saudi concerns were based on reports attributed to a Russian engineer working at the site that metal shards were found in the coolant intakes for the reactor.
Iranian officials blamed Israel and the United States -- which believe Iran is seeking nuclear weapons -- for the Stuxnet virus, which some expert shave described as the first "guided cyber missile," aimed at Iran's atomic program.
"Stars," experts speculate, is the second.
"Fortunately," Jalali told Iran's press. "Our young experts have been able to discover this virus and the Stars virus is now in the laboratory for more investigations," Jalali was quoted as saying. He did not specify the target of Stars or its intended impact.
"The particular characteristics of the Stars virus have been discovered. The virus is congruous and harmonious with the [computer] system and in the initial phase it does minor damage and might be mistaken for some executive files of government organizations."
Bushehr is still not operational, having missed several start-up deadlines since the Stuxnet virus was introduced.
Comment on this story
7. Prosecution Against Jewish Ownership of Land
by Hillel Fendel
The State Prosecution has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court that leaders of the Jewish Judea/Samaria settlement enterprise fear will cause the loss of many hundreds of acres of Jewish land.
The petition, which was submitted in 2008, was heard shortly before the Passover holiday. Arutz-7 has learned that a high-level government meeting is to be held on the matter tomorrow (Wednesday).
The petition was filed in the name of the Military Commander in Yesha (Judea and Samaria) against a decision by the Military Appeals Committee, which granted Jewish ownership to land based on the fact that Jews had worked and maintained it for ten years. The decision, regarding land near Nebi Samuel (north of Jerusalem) and in Samaria, was made in accordance with Ottoman Period law that has long applied to Judea and Samaria. However, the Prosecution now wishes to nullify this arrangement.
Even more gravely, says a civil rights expert from Hevron, "the Prosecution aims not only to cancel the registration of the land in the names of the Jews who have worked it, but also to throw them off the land altogether!"
In addition, if the petition is accepted, it would be applied only to Jews. The discriminatory decision would thus cause the retroactive loss of hundreds of acres, or more, of Jewish agricultural land throughout Judea and Samaria.
Anti-Israel Language
In addition, the language of the petition appears to have been written by radical opponents of the State of Israel, say those who have read it. Israel is repeatedly referred to as the "occupying power," and the petition cites decisions by The Hague which support legal interpretations limiting Israel's rights in Judea and Samaria.
This, despite the fact that Judea and Samaria have not been under the legal sovereignty of any nation since 1948 when the British Mandate was allowed to expire.
Leading Yesha figures fear that the Supreme Court will jump at the opportunity to issue a ruling that would harm Jewish interests in Judea and Samaria, and call upon the government to order the withdrawal of the petition. "With this suit," one leading Yesha personality said, "the State Prosecution is actually bypassing, of its own volition, the government echelons, and is allowing the Supreme Court a jump-start that will cause grave harm to the settlement enterprise."
Danny Dayan, head of the Yesha Council of Jewish Communities in Judea and Samaria, said, "This is a fundamental test for the political echelon to decide who is really running this country, who sets its policies, and who makes its laws - the elected officials, or agenda-driven academics in the Justice Ministry. The government must instruct the Prosecution to withdraw this petition immediately, and to restore to itself the reins of policy and legislation - or else it will rock even further its ability to govern."
Comment on this story
by Hillel Fendel
The State Prosecution has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court that leaders of the Jewish Judea/Samaria settlement enterprise fear will cause the loss of many hundreds of acres of Jewish land.
The petition, which was submitted in 2008, was heard shortly before the Passover holiday. Arutz-7 has learned that a high-level government meeting is to be held on the matter tomorrow (Wednesday).
The petition was filed in the name of the Military Commander in Yesha (Judea and Samaria) against a decision by the Military Appeals Committee, which granted Jewish ownership to land based on the fact that Jews had worked and maintained it for ten years. The decision, regarding land near Nebi Samuel (north of Jerusalem) and in Samaria, was made in accordance with Ottoman Period law that has long applied to Judea and Samaria. However, the Prosecution now wishes to nullify this arrangement.
Even more gravely, says a civil rights expert from Hevron, "the Prosecution aims not only to cancel the registration of the land in the names of the Jews who have worked it, but also to throw them off the land altogether!"
In addition, if the petition is accepted, it would be applied only to Jews. The discriminatory decision would thus cause the retroactive loss of hundreds of acres, or more, of Jewish agricultural land throughout Judea and Samaria.
Anti-Israel Language
In addition, the language of the petition appears to have been written by radical opponents of the State of Israel, say those who have read it. Israel is repeatedly referred to as the "occupying power," and the petition cites decisions by The Hague which support legal interpretations limiting Israel's rights in Judea and Samaria.
This, despite the fact that Judea and Samaria have not been under the legal sovereignty of any nation since 1948 when the British Mandate was allowed to expire.
Leading Yesha figures fear that the Supreme Court will jump at the opportunity to issue a ruling that would harm Jewish interests in Judea and Samaria, and call upon the government to order the withdrawal of the petition. "With this suit," one leading Yesha personality said, "the State Prosecution is actually bypassing, of its own volition, the government echelons, and is allowing the Supreme Court a jump-start that will cause grave harm to the settlement enterprise."
Danny Dayan, head of the Yesha Council of Jewish Communities in Judea and Samaria, said, "This is a fundamental test for the political echelon to decide who is really running this country, who sets its policies, and who makes its laws - the elected officials, or agenda-driven academics in the Justice Ministry. The government must instruct the Prosecution to withdraw this petition immediately, and to restore to itself the reins of policy and legislation - or else it will rock even further its ability to govern."
Comment on this story
8. Israel Celebrates Mimouna
by Gavriel Queenann and Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Israel's President Shimon Peres, Sephardic Chief Rabbi "Rishon Lezion" Rabbi Shlomo Amar, Jerusalem's mayor Nir Barkat, Knesset members, and soldiers from the Givati Brigade were on hand Monday night to kick off the annual Mimouna festival in Jerusalem's Talpiot neighborhood.
Israel's President Shimon Peres, Sephardic Chief Rabbi "Rishon LeTzion" Rabbi Shlomo Amar, Jerusalem's mayor Nir Barkat, Knesset members, and soldiers from the Givati Brigade were on hand Monday night to kick off the annual Mimouna festival in Jerusalem's Talpiot neighborhood.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sarah enjoyed an open house in Or Akiva, where the traditional Mimouna delicacies were served. Knesset Members also were on hand to celebrate Mimouna and the 60th anniversary of the founding of Or Akiva
Speaking of the Sephardic festival, the Prime Minister said, "We celebrate the feast of one of the most important Jewish communities. This holiday has become a feast of all of Israel and expresses our desire for unity as a people. Like many joys, even this is mixed with sadness. I send our condolences to the Livnat family on the murder of Ben Yosef [killed by Palestinian Authority police Sunday morning], and we do not forget our efforts to return the captives and soldiers missing in action, especially Gilad Shalit.
”Mimouna is a celebration originating among "Maghrebim" [North African Jews] held the day after Passover. Historically it marks the start of spring and the permissibility of eating leavened products after their prohibition during the holiday. It is also popularly treated as a celebration of the Rambam, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, the great medieval Torah luminary, for whom many say the festival is named.
After settling in Israel, Jewish immigrants from North Africa celebrated Mimouna with their families in their communities. In 1966, however, it was adopted as a national holiday, and has since been adopted by other ethnic groups. Mimouna is often celebrated with outdoor parties, picnics, and BBQs.
Traditionally, the celebration begins after nightfall on the last day of Passover. Moroccan, Tunisian and Algerian Jews throw open their homes to visitors, after setting out a lavish spread of post Passover holiday cakes and sweetmeats.
It is customary for the feasting table to be laid with attention to the number "5," such as 5 pieces of gold jewelry or 5 beans arranged on a leaf of pastry.
Mimouna demonstrates the Jewish people's faith in the coming of the Redemption, one of the Rambam's 13 Principles of Jewish belief. As Nissan is the month of redemption from Egypt and is said by the Talmud to be the month in which the future redemption will occur, If the Messiah has not arrived by the festival's end, the celebration emphasises unswerving faith that he will arrive one day, that we are living in a period of emerging redemption. This is in accordance with the Rambam's 12th principle: "I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah. And though he may be delayed, I will await his coming every day."
Mimouna also demonstrates the unity of Israel due to the custom of many not to eat in the homes of their neighbors on Passover because of personal stringencies pertaining to kashrut on the holiday. Thus, Jews go to one another's homes to celebrate and partake of food at the end of Passover to show that the nation's hearts are united.
Finally, Mimouna expresses our hope the abundance of Passover will continue through the year.
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenann and Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Israel's President Shimon Peres, Sephardic Chief Rabbi "Rishon Lezion" Rabbi Shlomo Amar, Jerusalem's mayor Nir Barkat, Knesset members, and soldiers from the Givati Brigade were on hand Monday night to kick off the annual Mimouna festival in Jerusalem's Talpiot neighborhood.
Israel's President Shimon Peres, Sephardic Chief Rabbi "Rishon LeTzion" Rabbi Shlomo Amar, Jerusalem's mayor Nir Barkat, Knesset members, and soldiers from the Givati Brigade were on hand Monday night to kick off the annual Mimouna festival in Jerusalem's Talpiot neighborhood.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sarah enjoyed an open house in Or Akiva, where the traditional Mimouna delicacies were served. Knesset Members also were on hand to celebrate Mimouna and the 60th anniversary of the founding of Or Akiva
Speaking of the Sephardic festival, the Prime Minister said, "We celebrate the feast of one of the most important Jewish communities. This holiday has become a feast of all of Israel and expresses our desire for unity as a people. Like many joys, even this is mixed with sadness. I send our condolences to the Livnat family on the murder of Ben Yosef [killed by Palestinian Authority police Sunday morning], and we do not forget our efforts to return the captives and soldiers missing in action, especially Gilad Shalit.
”Mimouna is a celebration originating among "Maghrebim" [North African Jews] held the day after Passover. Historically it marks the start of spring and the permissibility of eating leavened products after their prohibition during the holiday. It is also popularly treated as a celebration of the Rambam, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, the great medieval Torah luminary, for whom many say the festival is named.
After settling in Israel, Jewish immigrants from North Africa celebrated Mimouna with their families in their communities. In 1966, however, it was adopted as a national holiday, and has since been adopted by other ethnic groups. Mimouna is often celebrated with outdoor parties, picnics, and BBQs.
Traditionally, the celebration begins after nightfall on the last day of Passover. Moroccan, Tunisian and Algerian Jews throw open their homes to visitors, after setting out a lavish spread of post Passover holiday cakes and sweetmeats.
It is customary for the feasting table to be laid with attention to the number "5," such as 5 pieces of gold jewelry or 5 beans arranged on a leaf of pastry.
Mimouna demonstrates the Jewish people's faith in the coming of the Redemption, one of the Rambam's 13 Principles of Jewish belief. As Nissan is the month of redemption from Egypt and is said by the Talmud to be the month in which the future redemption will occur, If the Messiah has not arrived by the festival's end, the celebration emphasises unswerving faith that he will arrive one day, that we are living in a period of emerging redemption. This is in accordance with the Rambam's 12th principle: "I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah. And though he may be delayed, I will await his coming every day."
Mimouna also demonstrates the unity of Israel due to the custom of many not to eat in the homes of their neighbors on Passover because of personal stringencies pertaining to kashrut on the holiday. Thus, Jews go to one another's homes to celebrate and partake of food at the end of Passover to show that the nation's hearts are united.
Finally, Mimouna expresses our hope the abundance of Passover will continue through the year.
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