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1. Palestinian Authority Arab Stabs Soldier
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
A Ramallah area Arab stabbed and lightly wounded an IDF soldier Monday night during a counterterrorist operation. The combat unit shot and wounded three terrorists.
The wounded soldier received first aid at the scene, east of the Palestinian Authority's headquarters in Ramallah, adjacent to the Jewish community of Beit El and several miles north of Jerusalem.
The IDF was conducting a maneuver in a Ramallah area village when a gang attacked. It was not clear if the terrorists had planned an ambush or acted spontaneously during the IDF operation for arresting suspects. The wounded terrorists were treated at an Israeli hospital, under guard of security personnel.
The Palestinian Authority is committed to eradicating the terrorist infrastructure in the Ramallah area, but the IDF frequently has to conduct nighttime maneuvers to arrest terrorists. The maneuvers usually are coordinated with the Palestinian Authority.
Monday night's stabbing follows almost daily knife attacks by Palestinian Authority terrorists on Israeli civlians and terrorists, and the escalatoin has accompanied continung incitement against in PA media aganst Israel.
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by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
A Ramallah area Arab stabbed and lightly wounded an IDF soldier Monday night during a counterterrorist operation. The combat unit shot and wounded three terrorists.
The wounded soldier received first aid at the scene, east of the Palestinian Authority's headquarters in Ramallah, adjacent to the Jewish community of Beit El and several miles north of Jerusalem.
The IDF was conducting a maneuver in a Ramallah area village when a gang attacked. It was not clear if the terrorists had planned an ambush or acted spontaneously during the IDF operation for arresting suspects. The wounded terrorists were treated at an Israeli hospital, under guard of security personnel.
The Palestinian Authority is committed to eradicating the terrorist infrastructure in the Ramallah area, but the IDF frequently has to conduct nighttime maneuvers to arrest terrorists. The maneuvers usually are coordinated with the Palestinian Authority.
Monday night's stabbing follows almost daily knife attacks by Palestinian Authority terrorists on Israeli civlians and terrorists, and the escalatoin has accompanied continung incitement against in PA media aganst Israel.
Tags: terror arrest ,Palestinian Authority ,IDF
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2. Iron Dome Deployed in Greater Tel Aviv Area
by Elad Benari
For the first time since entering operational use, the Iron Dome battery was positioned in the greater Tel Aviv area on Monday.
According to a report on the Israel Defense website, the position of the battery is for training purposes, to familiarize IDF soldiers stationed in the area with the system, and to adapt the system to the area’s requirements.
In a statement, the IDF Spokesperson Unit said, “The Iron Dome system is in the process of operational reception. Within the framework of this process, the battery is periodically positioned in various locations across the country. Currently, the system is positioned in the greater Tel Aviv area as part of the operational plan.”
According to the report in Israel Defense, the training that starts in central Israel this week was supposed to take place more than a month ago, but was postponed due to the escalation in Israel's south.
During the recent escalation, the Iron Dome displayed its capabilities with a high rate of rocket interceptions. It reportedly intercepted 90 percent of missile attacks on urban centers.
Terrorists fired more than 200 rockets at southern Israel during the week of escalation. Periodic rocket and mortar fire at southern Israel continues even when Gaza terrorists agree to a ‘ceasefire’.
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by Elad Benari
For the first time since entering operational use, the Iron Dome battery was positioned in the greater Tel Aviv area on Monday.
According to a report on the Israel Defense website, the position of the battery is for training purposes, to familiarize IDF soldiers stationed in the area with the system, and to adapt the system to the area’s requirements.
In a statement, the IDF Spokesperson Unit said, “The Iron Dome system is in the process of operational reception. Within the framework of this process, the battery is periodically positioned in various locations across the country. Currently, the system is positioned in the greater Tel Aviv area as part of the operational plan.”
According to the report in Israel Defense, the training that starts in central Israel this week was supposed to take place more than a month ago, but was postponed due to the escalation in Israel's south.
During the recent escalation, the Iron Dome displayed its capabilities with a high rate of rocket interceptions. It reportedly intercepted 90 percent of missile attacks on urban centers.
Terrorists fired more than 200 rockets at southern Israel during the week of escalation. Periodic rocket and mortar fire at southern Israel continues even when Gaza terrorists agree to a ‘ceasefire’.
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3. Hershkowitz: 'Can't Imagine' Migron being Razed
by Gil Ronen
The head of the Jewish Home faction, Minister of Science Daniel Hershkowitz, told Arutz Sheva Tuesday that he "cannot imagine" a situation in which the community of Migron would be razed.
Minister Hershkowitz said several possible solutions to the problem are being considered but he prefers not to expose them so as not to arouse opposition at this point.
The minister expressed satisfaction from the fact that the entire government still thinks that the solution to the problem should be reached in cooperation with the residents of Migron. "It is possible that if a solution does not present itself, we will have to resort to legislation, although that, too, is not a simple matter," he said. "Some of the ideas could be voided by the High Court for alleged unconstitutionality."
Opponents of a law that would legalize communities like Migron, he explained, claim that the fact that a person who claims ownership of land has not stepped up to demand recognition of his ownership cannot serve as justification for another person's seizing that land.
Discussions of a possible solution are taking place in various forums, said Minister Hershkovwitz, and other ministers besides Benny Begin are involved.
Security forces are preparing for a forcible eviction in Migron, after a High Court decision Sunday to reject a compromise between the residents and the government. Migron was built with government help on land whose ownership is unclear, except for the fact that it is not state land.
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by Gil Ronen
The head of the Jewish Home faction, Minister of Science Daniel Hershkowitz, told Arutz Sheva Tuesday that he "cannot imagine" a situation in which the community of Migron would be razed.
Minister Hershkowitz said several possible solutions to the problem are being considered but he prefers not to expose them so as not to arouse opposition at this point.
The minister expressed satisfaction from the fact that the entire government still thinks that the solution to the problem should be reached in cooperation with the residents of Migron. "It is possible that if a solution does not present itself, we will have to resort to legislation, although that, too, is not a simple matter," he said. "Some of the ideas could be voided by the High Court for alleged unconstitutionality."
Opponents of a law that would legalize communities like Migron, he explained, claim that the fact that a person who claims ownership of land has not stepped up to demand recognition of his ownership cannot serve as justification for another person's seizing that land.
Discussions of a possible solution are taking place in various forums, said Minister Hershkovwitz, and other ministers besides Benny Begin are involved.
Security forces are preparing for a forcible eviction in Migron, after a High Court decision Sunday to reject a compromise between the residents and the government. Migron was built with government help on land whose ownership is unclear, except for the fact that it is not state land.
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4. 'Prepare for Ops You Read About in Books' -- Paratroopers Told
by Gil Ronen
"The Israeli nation is in a constant state of battle, and we may have to undertake operations of the kind we've only read about in books," Paratroopers Brigade Commander, Col. Amir Baram, told his soldiers at a brigade-level ceremony held last week in Haifa.
The ceremony concluded an intensive two-month training period that included a parachuted brigade training exercise – the first of its kind in over a decade – as well as numerous battalion exercises.
The training exercises were exceptionally challenging in intensity, both physically and mentally. Many of the battalion exercises were on days of Shabbat, without breaks. "We must maintain preparedness and readiness despite the training, since when combat breaks out, it will come as a surprise. The real challenge during wartime will be much more difficult," Col. Baram told the IDF Website.
The warning could mean that only the IDF's very top officers -- and perhaps not even they -- will know in advance of a military strike. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu hinted three weeks ago that an operation against Iran is only months away.
The Brigade Commander spoke of the unfolding changes in the Arab world. Additionally, he addressed the brigade's preparedness for combat as well as routine security operations. "We are determined to defend the State of Israel – if needed, with fire and iron," assured Col. Baram.
During the ceremony that focused on the brigade's combat history and heroism, exceptional soldiers were rewarded for their achievements in the various fields. Brigade veterans were also in attendance.
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by Gil Ronen
"The Israeli nation is in a constant state of battle, and we may have to undertake operations of the kind we've only read about in books," Paratroopers Brigade Commander, Col. Amir Baram, told his soldiers at a brigade-level ceremony held last week in Haifa.
The ceremony concluded an intensive two-month training period that included a parachuted brigade training exercise – the first of its kind in over a decade – as well as numerous battalion exercises.
The training exercises were exceptionally challenging in intensity, both physically and mentally. Many of the battalion exercises were on days of Shabbat, without breaks. "We must maintain preparedness and readiness despite the training, since when combat breaks out, it will come as a surprise. The real challenge during wartime will be much more difficult," Col. Baram told the IDF Website.
The warning could mean that only the IDF's very top officers -- and perhaps not even they -- will know in advance of a military strike. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu hinted three weeks ago that an operation against Iran is only months away.
The Brigade Commander spoke of the unfolding changes in the Arab world. Additionally, he addressed the brigade's preparedness for combat as well as routine security operations. "We are determined to defend the State of Israel – if needed, with fire and iron," assured Col. Baram.
During the ceremony that focused on the brigade's combat history and heroism, exceptional soldiers were rewarded for their achievements in the various fields. Brigade veterans were also in attendance.
More on this topic
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5. Obama's Hot Mic: 'More Flexibility After Election'
by Chana Ya'ar
U.S. President Barack Obama got caught on a “hot mic” Monday telling outgoing Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that he needs room to maneuver and will have “more flexibility” after he is re-elected in November.
The gaffe came following a meeting between the two in Seoul, South Korea, where they were discussing a missile defense system to be installed by NATO in eastern Europe, something about which Russia has expressed major concerns. Moscow believes the system could be used against Russia, even though NATO insists it is focused solely against weaponry fired from Iran.
The American leader privately told Medvedev that incoming Russian President Vladimir Putin must give him “space.”
The dialogue, which went quickly, follows:
President Obama: 'On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it's important for him to give me space.'
President Medvedev: 'Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you...'
President Obama: 'This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.”
President Medvedev: 'I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir, and I stand with you.”
Because U.S. presidents can only serve for a maximum of two terms, Obama may not feel as compelled to satisfy his supporters as he was prior to the election, should he remain in the White House -- a fear expressed by many.
Comment on this story
by Chana Ya'ar
U.S. President Barack Obama got caught on a “hot mic” Monday telling outgoing Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that he needs room to maneuver and will have “more flexibility” after he is re-elected in November.
The gaffe came following a meeting between the two in Seoul, South Korea, where they were discussing a missile defense system to be installed by NATO in eastern Europe, something about which Russia has expressed major concerns. Moscow believes the system could be used against Russia, even though NATO insists it is focused solely against weaponry fired from Iran.
The American leader privately told Medvedev that incoming Russian President Vladimir Putin must give him “space.”
The dialogue, which went quickly, follows:
President Obama: 'On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it's important for him to give me space.'
President Medvedev: 'Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you...'
President Obama: 'This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.”
President Medvedev: 'I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir, and I stand with you.”
Because U.S. presidents can only serve for a maximum of two terms, Obama may not feel as compelled to satisfy his supporters as he was prior to the election, should he remain in the White House -- a fear expressed by many.
Tags: Barack Obama ,Vladimir Putin ,Dmitry Medvedev ,NATO missile defense shield ,2012 US presidential elections
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6. US Supreme Court Sends 'Jerusalem Passport' Case to Lower Court
by Chana Ya'ar
The US Supreme Court has returned to the lower court a decision whether Menachem Binyamin Zivotofsky's passport can list “Jerusalem, Israel' as his place of birth.
The case has made its way all the way through the entire United States court system, from the district court, through the court of appeals, and up to the highest court in the land.
But on Monday, March 26, Supreme Court justices sidestepped the delicate issue of Menachem Zivotofsky v. Hillary Clinton, as had all the adjudicators before them.
In their decision, the justices wrote, “Congress enacted a statue providing that Americans born in Jerusalem may elect to have “Israel” listed as the place of birth on their passports. The State Department declined to follow that law, citing its longstanding policy of not taking a position on the political status of Jerusalem. When sued by an American who invoked that statute, the Secretary of State argued that the courts lacked authority to decide the case because it presented a political question. The Court of Appeals so held.
“We disagree. The courts are fully capable of determining whether this statute may be given effect, or instead must be struck down in light of authority conferred on the Executive by the Constitution.”
The family, noted the Court, did not ask for a determination of whether Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel. Rather, the case presented is simply an intention to determine whether they have the right under the law to record Jerusalem, Israel on their son's passport as his place of birth.
“That Congress took a position on the status of Jerusalem and gave Zivotofsky a statutory cause of action... is of no moment to whether the judiciary has [the] authority to resolve this dispute... The existence of a statutory right, however, is certainly relevant to the Judiciary's power to decide Zivotofsky's claim... the only real question for the courts is whether the statute is constitutional,” the justices wrote.
Moreover, the judges pointedly reminded their colleagues in the lower courts, for at least 200 years it has been common legal knowledge that the judicial branch of government is the final arbiter with regard to definition of the law – including laws determining whether one can list a particular city of birth on a passport.
“At least since Marbury v. Madison, 1 Cranch 137 (1803), we have recognized that when an Act of Congress is alleged to conflict with the Constitution, “[i]t is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.”
“That duty will sometimes involve the “[r]esolution of litigation challenging the constitutional authority of one of the three branches,” but courts cannot avoid their responsibility merely “because the issues have political implications.”
The justices then bluntly spelled out for their colleagues in the lower courts what is next to be done:
“In this case, determining the constitutionality … involves deciding whether the statute impermissibly intrudes upon Presidential powers under the Constitution. If so, the law must be invalidated and Zivotofsky's case should be dismissed for failure to state a claim.
If, on the other hand, the statute does not trench on the President's powers, then the Secretary must be ordered to issue Zivotofsky a passport that complies...”
Comment on this story
by Chana Ya'ar
The US Supreme Court has returned to the lower court a decision whether Menachem Binyamin Zivotofsky's passport can list “Jerusalem, Israel' as his place of birth.
The case has made its way all the way through the entire United States court system, from the district court, through the court of appeals, and up to the highest court in the land.
But on Monday, March 26, Supreme Court justices sidestepped the delicate issue of Menachem Zivotofsky v. Hillary Clinton, as had all the adjudicators before them.
In their decision, the justices wrote, “Congress enacted a statue providing that Americans born in Jerusalem may elect to have “Israel” listed as the place of birth on their passports. The State Department declined to follow that law, citing its longstanding policy of not taking a position on the political status of Jerusalem. When sued by an American who invoked that statute, the Secretary of State argued that the courts lacked authority to decide the case because it presented a political question. The Court of Appeals so held.
“We disagree. The courts are fully capable of determining whether this statute may be given effect, or instead must be struck down in light of authority conferred on the Executive by the Constitution.”
The family, noted the Court, did not ask for a determination of whether Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel. Rather, the case presented is simply an intention to determine whether they have the right under the law to record Jerusalem, Israel on their son's passport as his place of birth.
“That Congress took a position on the status of Jerusalem and gave Zivotofsky a statutory cause of action... is of no moment to whether the judiciary has [the] authority to resolve this dispute... The existence of a statutory right, however, is certainly relevant to the Judiciary's power to decide Zivotofsky's claim... the only real question for the courts is whether the statute is constitutional,” the justices wrote.
Moreover, the judges pointedly reminded their colleagues in the lower courts, for at least 200 years it has been common legal knowledge that the judicial branch of government is the final arbiter with regard to definition of the law – including laws determining whether one can list a particular city of birth on a passport.
“At least since Marbury v. Madison, 1 Cranch 137 (1803), we have recognized that when an Act of Congress is alleged to conflict with the Constitution, “[i]t is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.”
“That duty will sometimes involve the “[r]esolution of litigation challenging the constitutional authority of one of the three branches,” but courts cannot avoid their responsibility merely “because the issues have political implications.”
The justices then bluntly spelled out for their colleagues in the lower courts what is next to be done:
“In this case, determining the constitutionality … involves deciding whether the statute impermissibly intrudes upon Presidential powers under the Constitution. If so, the law must be invalidated and Zivotofsky's case should be dismissed for failure to state a claim.
If, on the other hand, the statute does not trench on the President's powers, then the Secretary must be ordered to issue Zivotofsky a passport that complies...”
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7. Jailed Terrorist Barghouti Calls for ‘Resistance’
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Palestinian Authority terrorist Marwan Barghouti, considered the most popular PA leader, has called from his jail cell for “resistance,” the Arab code word for violence.
In a statement released Monday and published on Arab websites, Barghouti said, "The launch of large-scale popular resistance at this stage serves the cause of our people.” He also called for "stopping all forms of security and economic coordination (with Israel) in all areas immediately."
He is serving five life sentences for planning and involvement in some of the worse terrorist attacks during the Intifadas and was convicted for responsibility in the murder of dozens of Jews. Several Israel governments have resisted attempts by Israeli political and academic leaders to free him.
“His leadership and charisma were seen as a driving force behind the last intifada, or uprising, against Israeli occupation launched in late 2000,” wrote the Bethlehem-based Ma'an news agency.
Barghouti is a leading figure in the Fatah movement, headed by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, and he occasionally has been mentioned as a candidate to replace Abbas.
"Stop marketing the illusion that there is a possibility of ending the occupation and achieving a state through negotiations after this vision has failed miserably," wrote Barghouti in a message that was to be read at a rally in Ramallah, the headquarters of the PA.
Barghouti previously has said he urged "civil disobedience” and not violence, but Palestinian Authority media incitement have left the “street” to understand “resistance” as meaning attacks on Jews in the name of a PA state.
Ma'an wrote, “The call to action comes at a combustible period in the West Bank, occupied by Israel since a war in 1967, as economic malaise, moribund diplomacy, and simmering popular discontent bode ill for any peaceful breakthroughs."
“Some fear that planned Palestinian commemorations of an annual protest against Israeli land confiscations on Friday, including marches to Jerusalem, could erupt in violence.
"A 40-day long hunger strike by female detainee Hana Shalabi and a similar campaign by dozens of other Palestinians in Israeli custody are also firing popular anger.”
Comment on this story
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Palestinian Authority terrorist Marwan Barghouti, considered the most popular PA leader, has called from his jail cell for “resistance,” the Arab code word for violence.
In a statement released Monday and published on Arab websites, Barghouti said, "The launch of large-scale popular resistance at this stage serves the cause of our people.” He also called for "stopping all forms of security and economic coordination (with Israel) in all areas immediately."
He is serving five life sentences for planning and involvement in some of the worse terrorist attacks during the Intifadas and was convicted for responsibility in the murder of dozens of Jews. Several Israel governments have resisted attempts by Israeli political and academic leaders to free him.
“His leadership and charisma were seen as a driving force behind the last intifada, or uprising, against Israeli occupation launched in late 2000,” wrote the Bethlehem-based Ma'an news agency.
Barghouti is a leading figure in the Fatah movement, headed by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, and he occasionally has been mentioned as a candidate to replace Abbas.
"Stop marketing the illusion that there is a possibility of ending the occupation and achieving a state through negotiations after this vision has failed miserably," wrote Barghouti in a message that was to be read at a rally in Ramallah, the headquarters of the PA.
Barghouti previously has said he urged "civil disobedience” and not violence, but Palestinian Authority media incitement have left the “street” to understand “resistance” as meaning attacks on Jews in the name of a PA state.
Ma'an wrote, “The call to action comes at a combustible period in the West Bank, occupied by Israel since a war in 1967, as economic malaise, moribund diplomacy, and simmering popular discontent bode ill for any peaceful breakthroughs."
“Some fear that planned Palestinian commemorations of an annual protest against Israeli land confiscations on Friday, including marches to Jerusalem, could erupt in violence.
"A 40-day long hunger strike by female detainee Hana Shalabi and a similar campaign by dozens of other Palestinians in Israeli custody are also firing popular anger.”
More on this topic
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8. Israel Takes On J Street
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
A senior Israeli diplomat told a silent J Street audience Monday that unlike Americans, Israelis face life and death decisions every day.
Baruch Binah, Deputy Chief of Israel’s Mission in Washington, spoke to the annual J Street conference after a government policy of shunning the group, which has been a constant critic of the Netanyahu government and which promotes “engagement” with Hamas and Iran.
His appearance brought a round of applause, but the crowd quickly sank into silence after Binah began to speak. “Unlike your secure existence at these happy shores, at our borders there are missiles and mayhem,” Binah told an unresponsive crowd.
“Unlike you, sometimes we have to make decisions of life and death. We welcome your opinion, but we must pay the ultimate price. We have no margins of error. We need you to stand with us."
Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who faces a series of indictments and court hearings on charges of bribery and abusing public trust, was the star speaker and reiterated his belief that Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is a “peace partner” for Israel.
J Street’s choice of Olmert to deliver the keynote address was roundly criticized in an article in the left-wing Forward, not because of Olmert’s legal scandals but because he “orchestrated the punishing siege on Gaza, launched two wars, killing 2,500 Lebanese and Palestinians and pulverizing their infrastructure.”
Nicolas Pelham, a journalist for The Economist, also noted that J Street’s invitation to Olmert gave a platform to “a man indicted for corruption” and who “has not come to J Street to promote the cause of peace. More likely, he has come to whitewash his reputation and airbrush his past. Israel’s public will see through the charade, even if J Street, in a far-off fantasyland, cheers.”
Comment on this story
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
A senior Israeli diplomat told a silent J Street audience Monday that unlike Americans, Israelis face life and death decisions every day.
Baruch Binah, Deputy Chief of Israel’s Mission in Washington, spoke to the annual J Street conference after a government policy of shunning the group, which has been a constant critic of the Netanyahu government and which promotes “engagement” with Hamas and Iran.
His appearance brought a round of applause, but the crowd quickly sank into silence after Binah began to speak. “Unlike your secure existence at these happy shores, at our borders there are missiles and mayhem,” Binah told an unresponsive crowd.
“Unlike you, sometimes we have to make decisions of life and death. We welcome your opinion, but we must pay the ultimate price. We have no margins of error. We need you to stand with us."
Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who faces a series of indictments and court hearings on charges of bribery and abusing public trust, was the star speaker and reiterated his belief that Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is a “peace partner” for Israel.
J Street’s choice of Olmert to deliver the keynote address was roundly criticized in an article in the left-wing Forward, not because of Olmert’s legal scandals but because he “orchestrated the punishing siege on Gaza, launched two wars, killing 2,500 Lebanese and Palestinians and pulverizing their infrastructure.”
Nicolas Pelham, a journalist for The Economist, also noted that J Street’s invitation to Olmert gave a platform to “a man indicted for corruption” and who “has not come to J Street to promote the cause of peace. More likely, he has come to whitewash his reputation and airbrush his past. Israel’s public will see through the charade, even if J Street, in a far-off fantasyland, cheers.”
Tags: J Street ,Ehud Olmert ,Gaza area
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