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1. Peres Continues Meeting With Abbas
by Gavriel Queenann
Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas met Thursday in Italy. Both were in Italy to attend festivities as that nation celebrates 150 years of unification.
According to reports Peres and Abbas discussed the stalled Israel-PA diplomatic process and possible ways to revive negotiations. It is not known whether Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was aware the Peres-Abbas meeting would take place during the Italy trip.
Israeli presidents fill a ceremonial role and are expected to remain aloof from controversial or partisan issues like the peace process. Despite this it came to light in April that Peres and Abbas have maintained contacts away from the limelight in which they continue to pursue back-channel talks.
It was secret negotiations between then-Defense Minister Shimon Peres and PLO chairman Yassir Arafat behind Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin's back that resulted in the disastrous Oslo Accords and creation of the Palestinian Authority.
Officials at the president's office refused to reveal details of the Peres-Abbas meeting in hopes of keeping them away away from the press - and Israeli public - and refused to confirm whether the two spoke alone, but diplomatic sources hinted that such conversation indeed took place.
The meeting comes despite PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas' insistence Israel agree to preconditions before negotiations can begin while simultaneously threatening he will launch a third intifada if negotiations fail.
Meanwhile, France initiated its own peace move earlier in the day, proposing a conference in Paris this summer while threatening it will endorse PA at the United Nations in September as a means of coercing Israel to participate.
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenann
Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas met Thursday in Italy. Both were in Italy to attend festivities as that nation celebrates 150 years of unification.
According to reports Peres and Abbas discussed the stalled Israel-PA diplomatic process and possible ways to revive negotiations. It is not known whether Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was aware the Peres-Abbas meeting would take place during the Italy trip.
Israeli presidents fill a ceremonial role and are expected to remain aloof from controversial or partisan issues like the peace process. Despite this it came to light in April that Peres and Abbas have maintained contacts away from the limelight in which they continue to pursue back-channel talks.
It was secret negotiations between then-Defense Minister Shimon Peres and PLO chairman Yassir Arafat behind Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin's back that resulted in the disastrous Oslo Accords and creation of the Palestinian Authority.
Officials at the president's office refused to reveal details of the Peres-Abbas meeting in hopes of keeping them away away from the press - and Israeli public - and refused to confirm whether the two spoke alone, but diplomatic sources hinted that such conversation indeed took place.
The meeting comes despite PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas' insistence Israel agree to preconditions before negotiations can begin while simultaneously threatening he will launch a third intifada if negotiations fail.
Meanwhile, France initiated its own peace move earlier in the day, proposing a conference in Paris this summer while threatening it will endorse PA at the United Nations in September as a means of coercing Israel to participate.
Comment on this story
2. Another Demolition: This Time Ga'on Yarden
by Gavriel Queenann
Israeli Border Police and Civil Administration authorities Thursday demolished the nascent Ga'on Yarden settlement in the Binyamin region of Samaria, saying several of the buildings were built without obtaining the necessary permits.
It was the second demolition carried out in one day.
Five people were arrested Thursday afternoon in connection with clashes during the violent demolition at Alei Ayin this morning. During the Alei Ayin demolition 6 police officers and five residents were injured, and a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the Binyamin Police commander's car, setting it ablaze. It is not known who threw the Molotov cocktail.
"Violent demolition attempts will not stop us and won't weaken us. Our spirit is strong, and we are steadfast in continuing to build the land," the Movement for Building Judea and Samarea said in response to today's demolitions.
A Disturbing Trend of Unnecessary Force
In February police conducted a demolition at Havat Gilad in which pneumatic guns were employed, resulting in fifteen residents being injured and leading to furor among politicians who called for an inquiry into police tactics.
In March, police carried out an inordinately violent midnight raid in Givat Ronen.
A similarly violent - and broadly condemned - pre-dawn raid was carried out in the community of Itamar just weeks after the brutal terror-murder of five members of the Fogel family there. The Itamar raid, again, raised furor from Zionist politicians.
Israeli security officials frequently order demolitions carried out in the middle of the night or pre-dawn hours, or on erev Shabbat, as a means of ensuring total surprise – which they feel will keep help from arriving and reduce the use of force during operations.
Injuries among residents in Yesha communities during demolitions and raids, however, are increasingly the norm rather than the exception, and have led some to speculate about the specter of systemic police brutality being employed as political violence against Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria, possibly to elicit violent reactions from the residents which would turn public opinion against them.
A source close the Yesha Council told Israel National News on condition of anonymity, "This has nothing to do with the rule of law and everything to do with [Defense Minister] Barak cowing his political opponents. We won't be cowed."
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenann
Israeli Border Police and Civil Administration authorities Thursday demolished the nascent Ga'on Yarden settlement in the Binyamin region of Samaria, saying several of the buildings were built without obtaining the necessary permits.
It was the second demolition carried out in one day.
Five people were arrested Thursday afternoon in connection with clashes during the violent demolition at Alei Ayin this morning. During the Alei Ayin demolition 6 police officers and five residents were injured, and a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the Binyamin Police commander's car, setting it ablaze. It is not known who threw the Molotov cocktail.
"Violent demolition attempts will not stop us and won't weaken us. Our spirit is strong, and we are steadfast in continuing to build the land," the Movement for Building Judea and Samarea said in response to today's demolitions.
A Disturbing Trend of Unnecessary Force
In February police conducted a demolition at Havat Gilad in which pneumatic guns were employed, resulting in fifteen residents being injured and leading to furor among politicians who called for an inquiry into police tactics.
In March, police carried out an inordinately violent midnight raid in Givat Ronen.
A similarly violent - and broadly condemned - pre-dawn raid was carried out in the community of Itamar just weeks after the brutal terror-murder of five members of the Fogel family there. The Itamar raid, again, raised furor from Zionist politicians.
Israeli security officials frequently order demolitions carried out in the middle of the night or pre-dawn hours, or on erev Shabbat, as a means of ensuring total surprise – which they feel will keep help from arriving and reduce the use of force during operations.
Injuries among residents in Yesha communities during demolitions and raids, however, are increasingly the norm rather than the exception, and have led some to speculate about the specter of systemic police brutality being employed as political violence against Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria, possibly to elicit violent reactions from the residents which would turn public opinion against them.
A source close the Yesha Council told Israel National News on condition of anonymity, "This has nothing to do with the rule of law and everything to do with [Defense Minister] Barak cowing his political opponents. We won't be cowed."
Comment on this story
3. Bolivia Throws Out Iran's Defense Minister
by Gavriel Queenann
Bolivia on Tuesday said it had taken steps to ensure Iran's defense minister Ahmad Vahidi leave the country immediately, the Associated Press reports.
Vahidi is on an Interpol wanted list in connection to the bombing of the Jewish community center in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires in 1994 that left 85 dead and injured as many as three hundred.
Argentina believes Vahidi planned the attack on the seven-story Argentine Israeli Mutual Association (AIMA) building 17 years ago and gave the final go ahead for the bombing.
Alberto Nisman, the lead prosecutor investigating the attack, contacted Interpol's offices in Bolivia to demand Vahidi's arrest as soon as Argentina became aware he was in South America.
But Vahidi -- who was invited to Bolivia by the country's Defense Ministry to attend a military ceremony in the city of Santa Cruz on Tuesday, in the presence of President Evo Morales -- was travelling on a diplomatic passport granting him immunity from arrest.
Bolivian officials instead told Vahidi he had to leave the country.
A Provocation
Jewish groups in Argentina were outraged by Vahidi's visit to a neighboring country. Guillermo Borger, president of the AIMA, described it as "a provocation" and "a joke".
"It is a mockery and an affront that a friendly country such as Bolivia receives a minister accused of masterminding an attack that left 85 people dead," he said.
At the time of the Buenos Aires bomb attack, Vahidi was the commander of a special unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guard known as the Quds Force.
Iran has denied that any of its nationals were involved in the attack but since 2007 Interpol has had a "red notice" against Vahidi, informing its 187 member countries that Argentina is seeking his arrest.
Bolivian Platitudes
Bolivia apologized to Argentina for its blunder in a letter that later appeared in the Internet via Twitter.
The letter characterized Vahidi's invitation as a "grave incident" and promised that "the government of Bolivia has taken the corresponding provisions to see to it that Ahmad Vahidi immediately leaves Bolivian territory."
The letter blamed the faux pax on Bolivia's Defense Ministry, which it said "did not know about the background of the case" and failed to consult with the rest of government.
Vahidi is understood to have left Bolivia on Tuesday night but it was unclear whether he had immediately returned to Iran.
The incident is a serious embarrassment for Bolivia's President Morales who has close ties with Argentine President Cristina Kirchner.
Kirchner, however, is reported to be willing to leave the bombing aside and suspend her nation's pursuit of those responsible in exchange for improved trade relations with Iran. Her predecessor, Carlos Menem, was investigated for obstructing what is, in Argentina, an uncomfortable investigation.
Bolivia announced last year it plans to build a nuclear energy plant with Iran's help, which has led to suspicions by Israeli and Western security officials that Bolivia may be supplying uranium for Iran's nuclear program.
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenann
Bolivia on Tuesday said it had taken steps to ensure Iran's defense minister Ahmad Vahidi leave the country immediately, the Associated Press reports.
Vahidi is on an Interpol wanted list in connection to the bombing of the Jewish community center in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires in 1994 that left 85 dead and injured as many as three hundred.
Argentina believes Vahidi planned the attack on the seven-story Argentine Israeli Mutual Association (AIMA) building 17 years ago and gave the final go ahead for the bombing.
Alberto Nisman, the lead prosecutor investigating the attack, contacted Interpol's offices in Bolivia to demand Vahidi's arrest as soon as Argentina became aware he was in South America.
But Vahidi -- who was invited to Bolivia by the country's Defense Ministry to attend a military ceremony in the city of Santa Cruz on Tuesday, in the presence of President Evo Morales -- was travelling on a diplomatic passport granting him immunity from arrest.
Bolivian officials instead told Vahidi he had to leave the country.
A Provocation
Jewish groups in Argentina were outraged by Vahidi's visit to a neighboring country. Guillermo Borger, president of the AIMA, described it as "a provocation" and "a joke".
"It is a mockery and an affront that a friendly country such as Bolivia receives a minister accused of masterminding an attack that left 85 people dead," he said.
At the time of the Buenos Aires bomb attack, Vahidi was the commander of a special unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guard known as the Quds Force.
Iran has denied that any of its nationals were involved in the attack but since 2007 Interpol has had a "red notice" against Vahidi, informing its 187 member countries that Argentina is seeking his arrest.
Bolivian Platitudes
Bolivia apologized to Argentina for its blunder in a letter that later appeared in the Internet via Twitter.
The letter characterized Vahidi's invitation as a "grave incident" and promised that "the government of Bolivia has taken the corresponding provisions to see to it that Ahmad Vahidi immediately leaves Bolivian territory."
The letter blamed the faux pax on Bolivia's Defense Ministry, which it said "did not know about the background of the case" and failed to consult with the rest of government.
Vahidi is understood to have left Bolivia on Tuesday night but it was unclear whether he had immediately returned to Iran.
The incident is a serious embarrassment for Bolivia's President Morales who has close ties with Argentine President Cristina Kirchner.
Kirchner, however, is reported to be willing to leave the bombing aside and suspend her nation's pursuit of those responsible in exchange for improved trade relations with Iran. Her predecessor, Carlos Menem, was investigated for obstructing what is, in Argentina, an uncomfortable investigation.
Bolivia announced last year it plans to build a nuclear energy plant with Iran's help, which has led to suspicions by Israeli and Western security officials that Bolivia may be supplying uranium for Iran's nuclear program.
Comment on this story
4. 2,500 Schoolchildren in Samaria March
by Gil Ronen
More than 2,500 students from Samaria schools took part Thursday in the Samaria March. The theme was "A Decade and Back!" ("Asor v'hazor" in Hebrew) – referring to the ten years that have passed since the government's abandonment of Joseph's Tomb in Shechem, and to grassroots attempts to bring the site back to Israeli control.
The march started off in the Har Kabir Nature Reserve east of Shechem and proceeded simultaneously on three paths of varying lengths to the Ein Kfir Spring. The children were guided by professional guides and were treated to outdoor theater shows dramatizing Biblical stories.
The march is part of a renewal of Gush Emunim’s tradition of regularly-held mass marches. The renewal was initiated last year by the Samaria Regional Council.
As popsicles were handed out, Samaria local authority head Gershon Mesika addressed the young audience and expressed hope that “With the aid of G-d we will merit to return to Joseph’s Tomb soon, with our heads held high and proud, as a nation returning to its homeland.”
“Today's educational march through the beautiful nature paths of the Shomron around the city of Shechem is meant to strengthen our children's attachment to our holy homeland," explained David Ha'ivri, director of the Shomron Liaison Office.
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
More than 2,500 students from Samaria schools took part Thursday in the Samaria March. The theme was "A Decade and Back!" ("Asor v'hazor" in Hebrew) – referring to the ten years that have passed since the government's abandonment of Joseph's Tomb in Shechem, and to grassroots attempts to bring the site back to Israeli control.
The march started off in the Har Kabir Nature Reserve east of Shechem and proceeded simultaneously on three paths of varying lengths to the Ein Kfir Spring. The children were guided by professional guides and were treated to outdoor theater shows dramatizing Biblical stories.
The march is part of a renewal of Gush Emunim’s tradition of regularly-held mass marches. The renewal was initiated last year by the Samaria Regional Council.
As popsicles were handed out, Samaria local authority head Gershon Mesika addressed the young audience and expressed hope that “With the aid of G-d we will merit to return to Joseph’s Tomb soon, with our heads held high and proud, as a nation returning to its homeland.”
“Today's educational march through the beautiful nature paths of the Shomron around the city of Shechem is meant to strengthen our children's attachment to our holy homeland," explained David Ha'ivri, director of the Shomron Liaison Office.
Comment on this story
5. Analysis: Romney's In - Why Are We not Surprised?
by Amiel Ungar
When former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney announced his candidacy for the presidency Thursday, it was an anti-climax that appeared to elicit the comeback "why are we not surprised." Since Romney made it patently clear since Obama's election in November 2008 he was running again in 2012, any time would have been an anti-climax.
Mitt Romney brings to the primary race two major advantages: He is somebody and he is a somebody with money. These two advantages complement each other. Romney will win a war of attrition; he will lose in a lightning war.
When we say a "somebody", this goes back to the famous quip by the late Mayor Richard Daley, who presided over the mighty Chicago machine during the 1960s: "You can't beat somebody with nobody."
Romney is a known entity. True, he is an entity with baggage, but unless an alternative candidate emerges and quickly, Romney could emulate Richard Nixon in 1968. The Nixon campaign had deep pockets and he did not face serious challenges on the Republican side.
In 2008m Republican aspirants like Rudy Giuliani faced money problems and had to forgo or downsize their campaign efforts in certain states. They staked their hopes on a major breakthrough victory to attract donors and if it did not materialize they were out.
Romney has enough money to stay the course and be a presence in all states holding primaries. Since primaries do not allot delegates on a winner-take-all basis, this means that Romney can steadily pile up delegates. Unless one of his rivals catches fire early on, this grind it out on the ground policy could win for Romney.
A Romney candidacy has its problems. The flipside of name recognition is staleness; if you are a familiar face, you are not a fresh face. Romney's problems in this score were illustrated when today, a day he should have been the focus of Republican attention, Sarah Palin's foray into Massachusetts and New Hampshire upstaged him.
Romney pushed all the right buttons in his announcement Thursday. He criticized Barack Obama for failing America. He criticized Obama for looking to Europe for inspiration while discounting American values.
Romney may be the standard bearer, because that is the phrase usually applied to a party's chosen presidential candidate, but Romney is not the standard bearer personified by a dashing knight who is going to slay the dragon in the White House.When Representative Paul Ryan took on Obama at a meeting between the President and Republicans over the budgets, he came out looking like a standard bearer.
Romney is saying that America voted Obama for excitement in 2008 and paid the price for this flirtation.The time has come to take a reliable manager. If the economic situation continues to worsen, Romney may be able to make this point, but then Americans will be voting for him with their head and not with their hearts.
In 2008 the ideological wing of the Republican Party came out in force in the primaries, jettisoned many old familiar faces and nominated candidates who reflected their ideological profile. This may well work to Romney's detriment. He is unpopular with the ideological core of the GOP, primarily because of his health care package as governor of Massachusetts.
The evangelical wing of the Republican Party also tends to look upon Mormonism, Romney's religious affiliation, as an outsider sect which hurts Romney as well.
As opposed to state elections where the ideological base could rally around a single candidate, Romney could benefit from the Balkanization of the Republican presidential field. If the doubters and opponents don't coalesce around a single candidate, Romney may win the nomination.
Comment on this story
by Amiel Ungar
When former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney announced his candidacy for the presidency Thursday, it was an anti-climax that appeared to elicit the comeback "why are we not surprised." Since Romney made it patently clear since Obama's election in November 2008 he was running again in 2012, any time would have been an anti-climax.
Mitt Romney brings to the primary race two major advantages: He is somebody and he is a somebody with money. These two advantages complement each other. Romney will win a war of attrition; he will lose in a lightning war.
When we say a "somebody", this goes back to the famous quip by the late Mayor Richard Daley, who presided over the mighty Chicago machine during the 1960s: "You can't beat somebody with nobody."
Romney is a known entity. True, he is an entity with baggage, but unless an alternative candidate emerges and quickly, Romney could emulate Richard Nixon in 1968. The Nixon campaign had deep pockets and he did not face serious challenges on the Republican side.
In 2008m Republican aspirants like Rudy Giuliani faced money problems and had to forgo or downsize their campaign efforts in certain states. They staked their hopes on a major breakthrough victory to attract donors and if it did not materialize they were out.
Romney has enough money to stay the course and be a presence in all states holding primaries. Since primaries do not allot delegates on a winner-take-all basis, this means that Romney can steadily pile up delegates. Unless one of his rivals catches fire early on, this grind it out on the ground policy could win for Romney.
A Romney candidacy has its problems. The flipside of name recognition is staleness; if you are a familiar face, you are not a fresh face. Romney's problems in this score were illustrated when today, a day he should have been the focus of Republican attention, Sarah Palin's foray into Massachusetts and New Hampshire upstaged him.
Romney pushed all the right buttons in his announcement Thursday. He criticized Barack Obama for failing America. He criticized Obama for looking to Europe for inspiration while discounting American values.
Romney may be the standard bearer, because that is the phrase usually applied to a party's chosen presidential candidate, but Romney is not the standard bearer personified by a dashing knight who is going to slay the dragon in the White House.When Representative Paul Ryan took on Obama at a meeting between the President and Republicans over the budgets, he came out looking like a standard bearer.
Romney is saying that America voted Obama for excitement in 2008 and paid the price for this flirtation.The time has come to take a reliable manager. If the economic situation continues to worsen, Romney may be able to make this point, but then Americans will be voting for him with their head and not with their hearts.
In 2008 the ideological wing of the Republican Party came out in force in the primaries, jettisoned many old familiar faces and nominated candidates who reflected their ideological profile. This may well work to Romney's detriment. He is unpopular with the ideological core of the GOP, primarily because of his health care package as governor of Massachusetts.
The evangelical wing of the Republican Party also tends to look upon Mormonism, Romney's religious affiliation, as an outsider sect which hurts Romney as well.
As opposed to state elections where the ideological base could rally around a single candidate, Romney could benefit from the Balkanization of the Republican presidential field. If the doubters and opponents don't coalesce around a single candidate, Romney may win the nomination.
Comment on this story
6. Netanyahu: Israel Will Protect Its Borders
by Gavriel Queenann
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Thursday that the Jewish state had the "right and obligation to protect its borders," signaling that the penetration of Israel's border by Syrians on May 15 will not be repeated.
"On May 15 we marked the the creation of [modern] Israel," Netanyahu told attendees of the International Hi-Tech Conference at the Jerusalem International Convention Center.
"We have witnessed the efforts of our enemies and violate our borders. Provocations by Iran, Syria, Hizbullah and Hamas. The same efforts are expected again in the coming days to challenge our sovereignty and undermine our country's borders," Netanyahu said.
"Israel, like every country in the world, has the right and obligation to guard its borders and protect them," added Netanyahu. "My instructions are clear: to act with restraint but also with the determination required in order to protect our citizens and our borders."
Netanyahu's statement comes as Arabs plan to mark June 5 as "Naksa Day" – the date on which Jerusalem was liberated by Israel in the 1967 Six Day War.
Arabs in Palestinian Authority administered areas expect to commemorate the day with riots. Foreign Arabs, especially in Syria and Lebanon, are expected to march on Israel's borders.
PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas, who has promised a third intifada if negotiations with Israel fail, said this year's 'Nakba Day' riots were only a 'rehearsal' for the June 5 'Naksa Day."
Previously, during May 15's annual "Naqba Day" unrest, some 100 Syrian agitators illegally entered Israel's Golan region and clashed with security forces. Israel's security forces have been equipped with less-than-lethal weapons for Naksa Day.
Lebanon is reportedly closing its border with Israel on June 5 in hopes of avoiding an incident and the IDF has gone on alert.
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenann
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Thursday that the Jewish state had the "right and obligation to protect its borders," signaling that the penetration of Israel's border by Syrians on May 15 will not be repeated.
"On May 15 we marked the the creation of [modern] Israel," Netanyahu told attendees of the International Hi-Tech Conference at the Jerusalem International Convention Center.
"We have witnessed the efforts of our enemies and violate our borders. Provocations by Iran, Syria, Hizbullah and Hamas. The same efforts are expected again in the coming days to challenge our sovereignty and undermine our country's borders," Netanyahu said.
"Israel, like every country in the world, has the right and obligation to guard its borders and protect them," added Netanyahu. "My instructions are clear: to act with restraint but also with the determination required in order to protect our citizens and our borders."
Netanyahu's statement comes as Arabs plan to mark June 5 as "Naksa Day" – the date on which Jerusalem was liberated by Israel in the 1967 Six Day War.
Arabs in Palestinian Authority administered areas expect to commemorate the day with riots. Foreign Arabs, especially in Syria and Lebanon, are expected to march on Israel's borders.
PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas, who has promised a third intifada if negotiations with Israel fail, said this year's 'Nakba Day' riots were only a 'rehearsal' for the June 5 'Naksa Day."
Previously, during May 15's annual "Naqba Day" unrest, some 100 Syrian agitators illegally entered Israel's Golan region and clashed with security forces. Israel's security forces have been equipped with less-than-lethal weapons for Naksa Day.
Lebanon is reportedly closing its border with Israel on June 5 in hopes of avoiding an incident and the IDF has gone on alert.
Comment on this story
7. Lebanese Army Seals Border Ahead of 6-Day War Riots
by Gil Ronen
Lebanon declared its border with Israel a closed military zone Thursday, three days ahead of the 44th anniversary of the outbreak of the Six Day War.
“The move was taken out of concern over possible developments on Naksa Day,” a security source told the Lebanese Daily Star.
The Arabs have dubbed June 5 “Naksa Day,” or “the Day of the Setback.” It comes three weeks after Nakba Day, the "Day of the Disaster," which marks the anniversary of Israel's War of Independence in 1948. In both events, Arabs lost territory after planning to annihilate Israel and failing to do so.
Another Lebanese daily, A-Nahar, also reported on its website that Lebanon had declared its border with Israel, including Fatma Gate, a closed military zone. The Lebanese military is apparently concerned about an attempt by “Palestinian demonstrators” to reach the area, similar to what happened on Nakba Day.
A Facebook site that called The Third Intifada announced that on Sunday, June 5, marches toward Israel will begin after the noontime prayers in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Volunteers from throughout the Arab world will participate, it said. In Europe, there will be marches on Israeli embassies, and “marches and confrontations with the enemy soldiers” will continue in Jerusalem and other parts of Israel.
A protest is also scheduled to take place at the Lebanese village of Maroun A-Ras. Reports said that this protest is being held in coordination with the Lebanese authorities and that Fatah men may take part in it.
Daily A-Safir reported that the Lebanese military is in touch with UNIFIL regarding Naksa Day and intends to cooperate with it, in the spirit of UN Resolution 1701. A Lebanese source said that the Lebanese Army will keep the protests four kilometers away from the Israel border, in order to prevent clashes with Israel. UNIFIL, too, has said it is fully coordinating with the Lebanese Army “in order to control the border situation.”
IDF sources could not confirm that a closed military area was declared but did say that there is evidence that the Lebanese Army is trying to prevent marches from reaching the border.
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
Lebanon declared its border with Israel a closed military zone Thursday, three days ahead of the 44th anniversary of the outbreak of the Six Day War.
“The move was taken out of concern over possible developments on Naksa Day,” a security source told the Lebanese Daily Star.
The Arabs have dubbed June 5 “Naksa Day,” or “the Day of the Setback.” It comes three weeks after Nakba Day, the "Day of the Disaster," which marks the anniversary of Israel's War of Independence in 1948. In both events, Arabs lost territory after planning to annihilate Israel and failing to do so.
Another Lebanese daily, A-Nahar, also reported on its website that Lebanon had declared its border with Israel, including Fatma Gate, a closed military zone. The Lebanese military is apparently concerned about an attempt by “Palestinian demonstrators” to reach the area, similar to what happened on Nakba Day.
A Facebook site that called The Third Intifada announced that on Sunday, June 5, marches toward Israel will begin after the noontime prayers in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Volunteers from throughout the Arab world will participate, it said. In Europe, there will be marches on Israeli embassies, and “marches and confrontations with the enemy soldiers” will continue in Jerusalem and other parts of Israel.
A protest is also scheduled to take place at the Lebanese village of Maroun A-Ras. Reports said that this protest is being held in coordination with the Lebanese authorities and that Fatah men may take part in it.
Daily A-Safir reported that the Lebanese military is in touch with UNIFIL regarding Naksa Day and intends to cooperate with it, in the spirit of UN Resolution 1701. A Lebanese source said that the Lebanese Army will keep the protests four kilometers away from the Israel border, in order to prevent clashes with Israel. UNIFIL, too, has said it is fully coordinating with the Lebanese Army “in order to control the border situation.”
IDF sources could not confirm that a closed military area was declared but did say that there is evidence that the Lebanese Army is trying to prevent marches from reaching the border.
Comment on this story
8. Businessman Sammy Ofer Dies at 89
by Maayana Miskin
Sammy Ofer, one of Israel's most successful businessmen, was found dead in his home on Friday morning at the age of 89. He had been suffering a serious illness.
Among the businesses run by the Ofer group are the Tzim shipping company, the Mizrachi Tefachot bank, and various chemical plants. Ofer also owned the Zodiak shipping company and the Tanker Pacific shipping company.
The latter company was at the center of a political and media storm in the past week due to accusations that ships owned by Tanker Pacific had docked in Iran. The United States slapped sanctions on the Ofer Brothers Group over suspicions that it had violated sanctions against trade with Iran. Allegations surfaced according to which Zodiak ships had docked in Iran as well.
The Knesset's Finance Committee held a session to discuss the affair on Tuesday, but the meeting was suddenly stopped by chairman MK Carmel Shama (Likud) after Shama received a note, the contents of which he refused to divulge.
On Wednesday, former Mossad head Meir Dagan stood up for the Ofer Brothers Group, saying, “There is no law saying you cannot dock in Iran.” On Sunday the Ministerial Committee on Legislation will consider a proposal by Shama to penalize companies that have ties with Iran.
In addition to his life as a businessman, Ofer was a member of the Haganah pre-state defense group and fought in World War II and in the War of Independence. He gave to many causes, and established a foundation for those in need of life-saving medicine.
Ofer is survived by his wife Aviva, his sons Eyal and Idan, and eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A family spokesman said Friday, “Sammy loved life. He had a great sense of humor and was full of laughter, despite always taking business seriously... He was truly a remarkable man.”
Ofer's businesses will continue to be run as usual, the spokesman added.
Comment on this story
by Maayana Miskin
Sammy Ofer, one of Israel's most successful businessmen, was found dead in his home on Friday morning at the age of 89. He had been suffering a serious illness.
Among the businesses run by the Ofer group are the Tzim shipping company, the Mizrachi Tefachot bank, and various chemical plants. Ofer also owned the Zodiak shipping company and the Tanker Pacific shipping company.
The latter company was at the center of a political and media storm in the past week due to accusations that ships owned by Tanker Pacific had docked in Iran. The United States slapped sanctions on the Ofer Brothers Group over suspicions that it had violated sanctions against trade with Iran. Allegations surfaced according to which Zodiak ships had docked in Iran as well.
The Knesset's Finance Committee held a session to discuss the affair on Tuesday, but the meeting was suddenly stopped by chairman MK Carmel Shama (Likud) after Shama received a note, the contents of which he refused to divulge.
On Wednesday, former Mossad head Meir Dagan stood up for the Ofer Brothers Group, saying, “There is no law saying you cannot dock in Iran.” On Sunday the Ministerial Committee on Legislation will consider a proposal by Shama to penalize companies that have ties with Iran.
In addition to his life as a businessman, Ofer was a member of the Haganah pre-state defense group and fought in World War II and in the War of Independence. He gave to many causes, and established a foundation for those in need of life-saving medicine.
Ofer is survived by his wife Aviva, his sons Eyal and Idan, and eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A family spokesman said Friday, “Sammy loved life. He had a great sense of humor and was full of laughter, despite always taking business seriously... He was truly a remarkable man.”
Ofer's businesses will continue to be run as usual, the spokesman added.
Comment on this story
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Israel Arrests Senior Hamas PA Parliament Speaker  |
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Ahmadinejad and Khameini Lock Horns |
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70 Years After Iraqi Kristallnacht |
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Syria to Target Gas Rigs in Next War, Warns Vilnai |
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Iron Dome Deployed Near Sderot |
