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1. Government Asks Supreme Court to Postpone Destruction
by Maayana Miskin
State attorneys appealed Friday to the Supreme Court, asking for a 90-day delay in the planned demolition of the Ulpana neighborhood in Beit El. The court ruled last year that residents of the neighborhood must be evicted by May 1.
If the court grants the three-month extension, the government plans to use the extra time to find a legal solution that will allow the community to remain standing.
The government’s appeal follows an appeal by residents of the neighborhood, who have turned to the Jerusalem District Court in an attempt to prove that they, and not Palestinian Authority Arab claimants, are the rightful owners of the land. They say the Supreme Court’s ruling was based on inaccurate information.
Speaking to Kol Yisrael radio, Minister Benny Begin pointed out that if the District Court finds in favor of the Beit El residents, the cost of rebuilding demolished homes will be high. The government would be unwise to destroy homes at this point, he said.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak is among those who has called to wait and clarify the matter before proceeding with demolition. At a Cabinet meeting this week, Barak said there are three matters that need clarification: the location of several caravan homes just outside the Beit El city limit, two incomplete buildings that may not be legal, and the legal status of five occupied buildings. The latter is the topic of the District Court case.
For the first time, Barak openly stated that the Supreme Court’s original finding may not have been correct. “If it turns out that there was a purchase, and there are documents, that will of course open the door to new options,” he said.
MK Zahava Gal-On, head of the Meretz party, cast doubt on the state’s chance to win time for the District Court hearing. The Supreme Court previously rejected a similar appeal regarding Migron, she said.
Comment on this story
by Maayana Miskin
State attorneys appealed Friday to the Supreme Court, asking for a 90-day delay in the planned demolition of the Ulpana neighborhood in Beit El. The court ruled last year that residents of the neighborhood must be evicted by May 1.
If the court grants the three-month extension, the government plans to use the extra time to find a legal solution that will allow the community to remain standing.
The government’s appeal follows an appeal by residents of the neighborhood, who have turned to the Jerusalem District Court in an attempt to prove that they, and not Palestinian Authority Arab claimants, are the rightful owners of the land. They say the Supreme Court’s ruling was based on inaccurate information.
Speaking to Kol Yisrael radio, Minister Benny Begin pointed out that if the District Court finds in favor of the Beit El residents, the cost of rebuilding demolished homes will be high. The government would be unwise to destroy homes at this point, he said.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak is among those who has called to wait and clarify the matter before proceeding with demolition. At a Cabinet meeting this week, Barak said there are three matters that need clarification: the location of several caravan homes just outside the Beit El city limit, two incomplete buildings that may not be legal, and the legal status of five occupied buildings. The latter is the topic of the District Court case.
For the first time, Barak openly stated that the Supreme Court’s original finding may not have been correct. “If it turns out that there was a purchase, and there are documents, that will of course open the door to new options,” he said.
MK Zahava Gal-On, head of the Meretz party, cast doubt on the state’s chance to win time for the District Court hearing. The Supreme Court previously rejected a similar appeal regarding Migron, she said.
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2. Minister Shalom Visits Ulpana Neighborhood
by Gabe Kahn
Vice premier Silvan Shalom on Friday visited the threatened Ulpana neighborhood in Beit El.
Shalom's visit came as the Netanyahu government petitioned the Supreme Court to postpone – and reconsider – the destruction of the neighborhood.
Shalom said he hopes a legal solution can be found to save the neighborhood, but stressed legislation remains a viable option.
"There cannot be a circumstance in which citizens who came here legally and hold deeds live under the threat of eviction," Shalom said. "The residents here are honest people and the state that sent them to settle the land must find a solution for them."
"We must treat all land disputes just as they would be were they to be resolved by a court within the Green line," he said. "There is no room to treat the people of Judea and Samaria worse than others.
Shalom added, "We see people disillusioned with the national camp, and the thought that more evictions will occur is unacceptable to us."
His remarks were taken as a reference to a controversial Supreme Court ruling under then-chief justice Dorit Benisch that all non-state land in Judea and Samaria was 'Arab Land' by default.
Under Benisch, the Supreme Court – which does not deal in evidentiary questions – failed to refer the case before it to a lower court competent to evaluate evidence of land ownership, such as deeds.
The ruling, which some critics say was tantamount to an ideological decision under color of law, put several communities which were built with government approval and assistance – often on land that was legally purchased or had been abandoned for generations – in the crosshairs of destruction.
The State Attorney has asked the Supreme Court to extend the deadline for destroying the Ulpana neighborhood for 90 days. During that time – should the court approve – the government would seek to find a legal solution that would avert the neighborhood's destruction.
Last Monday, a ministerial committee comprised of Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, Minister of Transportation Israel Katz, Minister Dan Meridor, Minister of Strategic Affairs Moshe "Bogie" Yaalon and Education Minister Gideon Saar resolved to ask the court for the stay in order to find a way to save the community.
The spate of demolitions of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria under the Netanyahu government has brought the ruling coalition – lead by the traditionally pro-settlement Likud party – to a point of crisis.
Numerous ministers in the Likud and the heads of its coalition partners have said – should the Ulpana neighborhood be destroyed – the government will fall.
Comment on this story
by Gabe Kahn
Vice premier Silvan Shalom on Friday visited the threatened Ulpana neighborhood in Beit El.
Shalom's visit came as the Netanyahu government petitioned the Supreme Court to postpone – and reconsider – the destruction of the neighborhood.
Shalom said he hopes a legal solution can be found to save the neighborhood, but stressed legislation remains a viable option.
"There cannot be a circumstance in which citizens who came here legally and hold deeds live under the threat of eviction," Shalom said. "The residents here are honest people and the state that sent them to settle the land must find a solution for them."
"We must treat all land disputes just as they would be were they to be resolved by a court within the Green line," he said. "There is no room to treat the people of Judea and Samaria worse than others.
Shalom added, "We see people disillusioned with the national camp, and the thought that more evictions will occur is unacceptable to us."
His remarks were taken as a reference to a controversial Supreme Court ruling under then-chief justice Dorit Benisch that all non-state land in Judea and Samaria was 'Arab Land' by default.
Under Benisch, the Supreme Court – which does not deal in evidentiary questions – failed to refer the case before it to a lower court competent to evaluate evidence of land ownership, such as deeds.
The ruling, which some critics say was tantamount to an ideological decision under color of law, put several communities which were built with government approval and assistance – often on land that was legally purchased or had been abandoned for generations – in the crosshairs of destruction.
The State Attorney has asked the Supreme Court to extend the deadline for destroying the Ulpana neighborhood for 90 days. During that time – should the court approve – the government would seek to find a legal solution that would avert the neighborhood's destruction.
Last Monday, a ministerial committee comprised of Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, Minister of Transportation Israel Katz, Minister Dan Meridor, Minister of Strategic Affairs Moshe "Bogie" Yaalon and Education Minister Gideon Saar resolved to ask the court for the stay in order to find a way to save the community.
The spate of demolitions of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria under the Netanyahu government has brought the ruling coalition – lead by the traditionally pro-settlement Likud party – to a point of crisis.
Numerous ministers in the Likud and the heads of its coalition partners have said – should the Ulpana neighborhood be destroyed – the government will fall.
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Comment on this story
3. Interview: Rabbi Haim Druckman
by A7 Hebrew Service
Rabbi Haim Druckman, head of Yeshivat Or Etzion and Chairman of Yeshivot Bnei Akiva, was awarded the Israel Prize this week.
Arutz Sheva had the opportunity to interview Rabbi Druckman shortly before the prize was awarded.
Congratulations on receiving the Israel Prize. I would like to open a rather personal question. Is there is a special feeling for the Rabbi? Excitement for the event?
"There's a special feeling. I cannot say that there is excitement, but there is definitely a special feeling. Israel gives national recognition for things done year in and year out by so many for the values we hold dear: Israel, Eretz Israel and the Torah of Israel."
Although the description of the award said that he is the great contributor to religious-Zionist education, many feel it could be said of the religious Zionist movement as a whole. I guess, the rabbi feels the same way?
"I'm happy about it and definitely agree. That's my point: this is official recognition of action for these values - and thank God I'm not the only one that is pursuing them."
The award committee noted that the monetary portion of the prize was awarded to educational and [Army] conversion programs. There is a connection between the two?
"Certainly there is a connection. There are many with a relationship to Israel who wish to come to Israel and be with Israel. From a religious Zionist point of view the army and the state are bound up as one. We must care for our brothers who come to Israel after a long period of physical and spiritual bondage. We have to feel for such people. If any of them wants to become a Jew in every respect, we must help them. These things are connected."
In recent years, after the expulsion from Gush Katif, the construction freeze in Judea and Samaria, and other struggles, many in religious Zionist circles are saying these are the birth-pangs heralding the messianic age. Does the rabbi feel this way?
"Of course I feel this way, and certainly it should be regarded as the beginning of such things. I will point out two things, and then add one more thing about them.
Rabbi Joshua Ben Meir, shlita, who fought in the Yom Kippur War in the Golan Heights, where the difficult fighting brought him to a spiritual and psychological crisis, said that when he was given leave he went home to Jerusalem and could not sleep for two straight nights.
He sought out Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook for answers and strength. He knocked on the door late one night and sensed the rabbi was peeking through the keyhole to see who was coming at such an hour. Then the rabbi opened the door and demanded "get the document!" Rabbi Ben-Meir said.
"Rabbi, I am Joshua Ben-Meir. A document?" Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda repeated: "What about the document? Show me the document!" Rabbi Joshua thought that the rabbi did not recognize him [from the picture] because it was dusty and showed his military uniform, but the rabbi kept asking him for "the document."
Finally, Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda explained, "Show me your contract with God in heaven, where you have the steps of redemption. Where is the document in which he told you how he is going to redeem Israel ... " Rabbi Ben-Meir understood that Rabbi Zvi Yehuda saw what was troubling him from the outset, and they continued to talk for sometime. We cannot dictate how God brings the Redemption. It is through the Torah that we understand the meaning of the suffering we endure.
The other event is as follows: I went with a delegation of students in the eleventh and twelfth grade classes to Poland. After we visited the Valley of Death in the extermination camps, on Shabbat, we talked and the students poured out their hearts and said deeply felt and honest things.
Two of them said last Independence Day, which was after the expulsion from Gush Katif and northern Samaria, that they found it difficult to rejoice in the great joy of the nation. They asked themselves, "What is the country celebrating? What are we so happy about?" But now, after seeing what happened to our people in the camps, they understood why we are happy to have a State of Israel, and on the next Independence Day they were overjoyed.
These things inform us what a great gift God gave us. Its like receiving a beautiful vase of flowers, which someone else throws into the mud. You shouldn't thank the one who sent the gift? After all, the problems we created ... but who gave us the precious gift after two thousand years of exile? Because we make trouble we don't admit what God has done for us? That makes no sense. On the contrary, we must recognize what we have been given, accept the difficulties, face them down, and improve. Then we can properly use the gift that God gave us.
Recently, more and more, we hear discussions about religious Zionism needing to stop being a fifth-wheel politically. That its time to take upon ourselves the burden of leadership. Can our generation accomplish this?
It's up to us to unite. If not, we spread our forces too thin. If everyone in the religious Zionist movement would unify behind a single political party great things will happen, but currently there is no chance for this. We must change this reality. We raised sons and daughters who are glorious idealists. But we must focus on the common ground amongst ourselves. Why do we not come together proudly and say what be believe in? Why are we fighting with one another?
There are many who believe that, in order to lead, parties must compromise and work for consensus…
Reality contradicts this! Where do we see it in the real world? Was there consensus during the evacuation of Yamit? What majority was represented during the expulsion from Gush Katif? Is memory so short?
Finally I would like to return to Independence Day. Is there a way the Rabbi seeks to experience the values of the day?
On this day we ought to thank God in prayer, and bless the Lord for the great gift he has given us as we do on other holidays. That is the starting point, and whoever does not get the point - this day will make him take note that he has another day of freedom. This is a day of spiritual elevation.
We say prayers and rejoice. We feast and we travel with our families to see our land. We go to the synagogue and we learn words of Troah. We learn the relevant sections of Midrash, Jewish Law, and Talmud dealing with our land. We admit to the Lord our joy at the land he has given us.
Comment on this story
by A7 Hebrew Service
Rabbi Haim Druckman, head of Yeshivat Or Etzion and Chairman of Yeshivot Bnei Akiva, was awarded the Israel Prize this week.
Arutz Sheva had the opportunity to interview Rabbi Druckman shortly before the prize was awarded.
Congratulations on receiving the Israel Prize. I would like to open a rather personal question. Is there is a special feeling for the Rabbi? Excitement for the event?
"There's a special feeling. I cannot say that there is excitement, but there is definitely a special feeling. Israel gives national recognition for things done year in and year out by so many for the values we hold dear: Israel, Eretz Israel and the Torah of Israel."
Although the description of the award said that he is the great contributor to religious-Zionist education, many feel it could be said of the religious Zionist movement as a whole. I guess, the rabbi feels the same way?
"I'm happy about it and definitely agree. That's my point: this is official recognition of action for these values - and thank God I'm not the only one that is pursuing them."
The award committee noted that the monetary portion of the prize was awarded to educational and [Army] conversion programs. There is a connection between the two?
"Certainly there is a connection. There are many with a relationship to Israel who wish to come to Israel and be with Israel. From a religious Zionist point of view the army and the state are bound up as one. We must care for our brothers who come to Israel after a long period of physical and spiritual bondage. We have to feel for such people. If any of them wants to become a Jew in every respect, we must help them. These things are connected."
In recent years, after the expulsion from Gush Katif, the construction freeze in Judea and Samaria, and other struggles, many in religious Zionist circles are saying these are the birth-pangs heralding the messianic age. Does the rabbi feel this way?
"Of course I feel this way, and certainly it should be regarded as the beginning of such things. I will point out two things, and then add one more thing about them.
Rabbi Joshua Ben Meir, shlita, who fought in the Yom Kippur War in the Golan Heights, where the difficult fighting brought him to a spiritual and psychological crisis, said that when he was given leave he went home to Jerusalem and could not sleep for two straight nights.
He sought out Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook for answers and strength. He knocked on the door late one night and sensed the rabbi was peeking through the keyhole to see who was coming at such an hour. Then the rabbi opened the door and demanded "get the document!" Rabbi Ben-Meir said.
"Rabbi, I am Joshua Ben-Meir. A document?" Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda repeated: "What about the document? Show me the document!" Rabbi Joshua thought that the rabbi did not recognize him [from the picture] because it was dusty and showed his military uniform, but the rabbi kept asking him for "the document."
Finally, Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda explained, "Show me your contract with God in heaven, where you have the steps of redemption. Where is the document in which he told you how he is going to redeem Israel ... " Rabbi Ben-Meir understood that Rabbi Zvi Yehuda saw what was troubling him from the outset, and they continued to talk for sometime. We cannot dictate how God brings the Redemption. It is through the Torah that we understand the meaning of the suffering we endure.
The other event is as follows: I went with a delegation of students in the eleventh and twelfth grade classes to Poland. After we visited the Valley of Death in the extermination camps, on Shabbat, we talked and the students poured out their hearts and said deeply felt and honest things.
Two of them said last Independence Day, which was after the expulsion from Gush Katif and northern Samaria, that they found it difficult to rejoice in the great joy of the nation. They asked themselves, "What is the country celebrating? What are we so happy about?" But now, after seeing what happened to our people in the camps, they understood why we are happy to have a State of Israel, and on the next Independence Day they were overjoyed.
These things inform us what a great gift God gave us. Its like receiving a beautiful vase of flowers, which someone else throws into the mud. You shouldn't thank the one who sent the gift? After all, the problems we created ... but who gave us the precious gift after two thousand years of exile? Because we make trouble we don't admit what God has done for us? That makes no sense. On the contrary, we must recognize what we have been given, accept the difficulties, face them down, and improve. Then we can properly use the gift that God gave us.
Recently, more and more, we hear discussions about religious Zionism needing to stop being a fifth-wheel politically. That its time to take upon ourselves the burden of leadership. Can our generation accomplish this?
It's up to us to unite. If not, we spread our forces too thin. If everyone in the religious Zionist movement would unify behind a single political party great things will happen, but currently there is no chance for this. We must change this reality. We raised sons and daughters who are glorious idealists. But we must focus on the common ground amongst ourselves. Why do we not come together proudly and say what be believe in? Why are we fighting with one another?
There are many who believe that, in order to lead, parties must compromise and work for consensus…
Reality contradicts this! Where do we see it in the real world? Was there consensus during the evacuation of Yamit? What majority was represented during the expulsion from Gush Katif? Is memory so short?
Finally I would like to return to Independence Day. Is there a way the Rabbi seeks to experience the values of the day?
On this day we ought to thank God in prayer, and bless the Lord for the great gift he has given us as we do on other holidays. That is the starting point, and whoever does not get the point - this day will make him take note that he has another day of freedom. This is a day of spiritual elevation.
We say prayers and rejoice. We feast and we travel with our families to see our land. We go to the synagogue and we learn words of Troah. We learn the relevant sections of Midrash, Jewish Law, and Talmud dealing with our land. We admit to the Lord our joy at the land he has given us.
More on this topic
Comment on this story
4. Government Support for Bruchin as EU Criticizes
by Maayana Miskin
Residents of Bruchin in Samaria had a particularly happy Independence Day this year after the government sorted out legal problems preventing the community’s authorization just days earlier. Their joy grew further when Government Secretary Tzvi Hauser paid a surprise visit to express his support.
The community had invited Samaria Regional Council head Gershon Mesika as a guest of honor for Independence Day events. Mesika called before his arrival and told residents he would be a little late, but would bring a surprise to make up for it.
The surprise turned out to be Hauser, who had come directly from the state ceremony on Har Herzl in Jerusalem. Residents greeted him with song and dance. Hauser quickly joined in the festivities, and witnesses said he was clearly quite happy.
Hauser was among those who pushed for the authorization of Bruchin along with the communities of Rachelim and Sansana. He told the community that he became aware of the need to act thanks to a tour organized by the Samaria Regional Council two years ago.
Hauser’s display of support comes as the United States and European Union criticize the decision to legalize the communities. The EU even called to reverse the decision, arguing that the existence of Bruchin and other Israeli communities in Samaria is a violation of international law.
Comment on this story
by Maayana Miskin
Residents of Bruchin in Samaria had a particularly happy Independence Day this year after the government sorted out legal problems preventing the community’s authorization just days earlier. Their joy grew further when Government Secretary Tzvi Hauser paid a surprise visit to express his support.
The community had invited Samaria Regional Council head Gershon Mesika as a guest of honor for Independence Day events. Mesika called before his arrival and told residents he would be a little late, but would bring a surprise to make up for it.
The surprise turned out to be Hauser, who had come directly from the state ceremony on Har Herzl in Jerusalem. Residents greeted him with song and dance. Hauser quickly joined in the festivities, and witnesses said he was clearly quite happy.
Hauser was among those who pushed for the authorization of Bruchin along with the communities of Rachelim and Sansana. He told the community that he became aware of the need to act thanks to a tour organized by the Samaria Regional Council two years ago.
Hauser’s display of support comes as the United States and European Union criticize the decision to legalize the communities. The EU even called to reverse the decision, arguing that the existence of Bruchin and other Israeli communities in Samaria is a violation of international law.
Tags: Bruchin ,Samaria ,Tzvi Hauser ,EU
More on this topic
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5. One of 10 Most-Wanted Nazi Criminals Keeping Bees in Quebec
by Rachel Hirshfeld
Vladimir Katriuk, 91, whose name appears on the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s list of the world’s 10 most-wanted Nazis criminals, has been found to be living a quiet life keeping bees and selling honey in rural Quebec.
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson and Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney told a group of Holocaust survivors last week that the government would re-examine the case of a Nazi collaborator living near Montreal, according to a participant in the meetings.
The survivors, brought to Ottawa by the Simon Wiesenthal Center to testify against Katriuk, urged the ministers to take action and bring Nazi war criminals to justice within their lifetimes.
They gave the ministers copies of a just-published academic paper that described Mr. Katriuk’s alleged role in a 1943 massacre in Khatyn in Eastern Europe.
“Clearly the research that we presented is new information and I think that they have to analyze it but they have committed to us that they will do so,” said Avi Benlolo, president and CEO of the Friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre. “They will look at it and they will get the wheels in motion to bring it back to the forefront before it’s too late.”
The Holocaust survivors also asked for government action against Helmet Oberlander, another alleged Nazi war criminal.
Mr. Katriuk fled to Canada in 1951 using an alias. In 1999, the Federal Court of Canada ruled he had obtained his Canadian citizenship through misrepresentation, but found there was no evidence he had committed atrocities. The federal Cabinet decided in 2007 not to revoke his citizenship.
However, a scholarly paper written by historian Per Anders Rudling, a postdoctoral fellow at Lund University in Sweden, states that recently declassified documents implicate Mr. Katriuk in an operation in Khatyn, whose residents were wiped out over their suspected support for partisans responsible for attacking German forces, the National Post reported.
The paper describes how, on March 22, 1943, villagers of the German-occupied village were herded into a barn which was then set on fire. Mr. Katriuk “reportedly lay behind the stationary machine gun, firing rounds at anyone attempting to escape the flames.”
The paper also quotes testimony alleging that Katriuk was “shooting people lying on the road.”
“Katriuk’s participation in the Khatyn massacre is confirmed by multiple testimonies, and in some detail,” Rudling told the National Post. “The testimonies are consistent in identifying Katriuk as a machine gunner at Khatyn, and indeed in other atrocities. Together, the material produces a compelling evidence that Katriuk was indeed an active participant in the massacre.”
Comment on this story
by Rachel Hirshfeld
Vladimir Katriuk, 91, whose name appears on the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s list of the world’s 10 most-wanted Nazis criminals, has been found to be living a quiet life keeping bees and selling honey in rural Quebec.
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson and Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney told a group of Holocaust survivors last week that the government would re-examine the case of a Nazi collaborator living near Montreal, according to a participant in the meetings.
The survivors, brought to Ottawa by the Simon Wiesenthal Center to testify against Katriuk, urged the ministers to take action and bring Nazi war criminals to justice within their lifetimes.
They gave the ministers copies of a just-published academic paper that described Mr. Katriuk’s alleged role in a 1943 massacre in Khatyn in Eastern Europe.
“Clearly the research that we presented is new information and I think that they have to analyze it but they have committed to us that they will do so,” said Avi Benlolo, president and CEO of the Friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre. “They will look at it and they will get the wheels in motion to bring it back to the forefront before it’s too late.”
The Holocaust survivors also asked for government action against Helmet Oberlander, another alleged Nazi war criminal.
Mr. Katriuk fled to Canada in 1951 using an alias. In 1999, the Federal Court of Canada ruled he had obtained his Canadian citizenship through misrepresentation, but found there was no evidence he had committed atrocities. The federal Cabinet decided in 2007 not to revoke his citizenship.
However, a scholarly paper written by historian Per Anders Rudling, a postdoctoral fellow at Lund University in Sweden, states that recently declassified documents implicate Mr. Katriuk in an operation in Khatyn, whose residents were wiped out over their suspected support for partisans responsible for attacking German forces, the National Post reported.
The paper describes how, on March 22, 1943, villagers of the German-occupied village were herded into a barn which was then set on fire. Mr. Katriuk “reportedly lay behind the stationary machine gun, firing rounds at anyone attempting to escape the flames.”
The paper also quotes testimony alleging that Katriuk was “shooting people lying on the road.”
“Katriuk’s participation in the Khatyn massacre is confirmed by multiple testimonies, and in some detail,” Rudling told the National Post. “The testimonies are consistent in identifying Katriuk as a machine gunner at Khatyn, and indeed in other atrocities. Together, the material produces a compelling evidence that Katriuk was indeed an active participant in the massacre.”
Tags: Nazi ,Simon Wiesenthal Center ,Europe ,Canda
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Painting Sold by Vichy Regime Returned to Jewish Family
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American Nazi Party's First Lobbyist in Washington
Comment on this story
6. Experts: Iran Preparing for Cyberwar Against U.S.
by Elad Benari
Iran is busy acquiring the technical know-how to launch a potentially crippling cyber-attack on the United States and its allies, experts told a congressional hearing on Thursday.
“Over the past three years, the Iranian regime has invested heavily in both defensive and offensive capabilities in cyberspace,” Ilan Berman, vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council, was quoted by AFP as having told a House Homeland Security subcommittee.
He added, “Equally significant, its leaders now increasingly appear to view cyber-warfare as a potential avenue of action against the United States.”
Patrick Meehan, Republican chairman of the committee, also sounded an alarm over the cyber-security threat posed by Iran to western nations, according to the report.
“As Iran's illicit nuclear program continues to inflame tensions between Tehran and the West, I am struck by the emergence of another possible avenue of attack emanating from Iran -- the possibility that Iran could conduct a cyber attack against the U.S. homeland,” Meehan said.
He added that Tehran has reportedly invested over $1 billion in bolstering cyber capabilities, and is believed by some analysts to be the perpetrator of recent attacks on news organizations.
“Iran is very publicly testing its cyber capabilities in the region and, in time, will expand its reach,” Meehan warned.
He said that he has concluded after consultations with U.S. partners in the Middle East that “Iran is the most destructive and malicious actor in the region and will persist in antagonizing the United States and our allies -- especially the state of Israel.”
The report comes several days after Iran confirmed that a cyber attack hit its Oil Ministry data systems. It claimed there was no damage.
Experts on the panel said Iran's desire to target the United States could be fueled by a desire for payback after the 2010 Stuxnet worm attack, which disabled the Iranian centrifuges used to enrich uranium.
The Stuxnet attack is widely believed to have been an Israeli cyber-attack, but Israel has not admitted it.
Comment on this story
by Elad Benari
Iran is busy acquiring the technical know-how to launch a potentially crippling cyber-attack on the United States and its allies, experts told a congressional hearing on Thursday.
“Over the past three years, the Iranian regime has invested heavily in both defensive and offensive capabilities in cyberspace,” Ilan Berman, vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council, was quoted by AFP as having told a House Homeland Security subcommittee.
He added, “Equally significant, its leaders now increasingly appear to view cyber-warfare as a potential avenue of action against the United States.”
Patrick Meehan, Republican chairman of the committee, also sounded an alarm over the cyber-security threat posed by Iran to western nations, according to the report.
“As Iran's illicit nuclear program continues to inflame tensions between Tehran and the West, I am struck by the emergence of another possible avenue of attack emanating from Iran -- the possibility that Iran could conduct a cyber attack against the U.S. homeland,” Meehan said.
He added that Tehran has reportedly invested over $1 billion in bolstering cyber capabilities, and is believed by some analysts to be the perpetrator of recent attacks on news organizations.
“Iran is very publicly testing its cyber capabilities in the region and, in time, will expand its reach,” Meehan warned.
He said that he has concluded after consultations with U.S. partners in the Middle East that “Iran is the most destructive and malicious actor in the region and will persist in antagonizing the United States and our allies -- especially the state of Israel.”
The report comes several days after Iran confirmed that a cyber attack hit its Oil Ministry data systems. It claimed there was no damage.
Experts on the panel said Iran's desire to target the United States could be fueled by a desire for payback after the 2010 Stuxnet worm attack, which disabled the Iranian centrifuges used to enrich uranium.
The Stuxnet attack is widely believed to have been an Israeli cyber-attack, but Israel has not admitted it.
Tags: Iran ,Israel-Iran-US ,US-Iran ,Cyber war ,cyber attack ,Stuxnet Virus
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Gantz: Iran's Leaders are Rational, But Radical Islam Isn't
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Barak: Lieberman's Wrong, Iran is a Greater Threat than Egypt
Comment on this story
7. J Street: In Event of War We Won't Necessarily Support Israel
by Rachel Hirshfeld
At this week’s meeting of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), J Street’s regional director said that in the event that war broke out involving Israel, J Street would not necessarily support the Jewish state.
In an open letter published in the Boston Jewish Advocate, Paul Sassieni, treasurer of the JCRC, states that J Street’s Regional Director, Melanie Harris, “reiterated proudly that J Street would not necessarily support Israel in a conflict, but would weigh the circumstances.”
Sassieni asserts that, “[I]f, heaven forbid, war breaks out, the wise sages of J Street (and supposed military experts) will decide whether or not Israel merits our support. And this is an organization which claims to be "pro-Israel"! With friends like that, who needs enemies?”
“While there is a plurality of views in our community on many issues, there is a broad consensus that if attacked, we put our differences to one side and stand by the people of Israel unambiguously. J Street has put itself beyond that consensus,” the letter reads.
“It's one thing to question the likelihood of success of military action against Iran - and we certainly hope and pray that sanctions and diplomacy will work - but quite something else to say that if a conflict breaks out, we would not unambiguously stand with Israel.”
“Shame on them, but at least the pro-Israel community understands where they stand. In Israel's hour of need, J Street cannot be counted on,” concludes the letter.
J Street then refuted the accusation stating that the organization would support Israel in the event that that it would “end up in an ill-advised military conflict with Iran.”
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by Rachel Hirshfeld
At this week’s meeting of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), J Street’s regional director said that in the event that war broke out involving Israel, J Street would not necessarily support the Jewish state.
In an open letter published in the Boston Jewish Advocate, Paul Sassieni, treasurer of the JCRC, states that J Street’s Regional Director, Melanie Harris, “reiterated proudly that J Street would not necessarily support Israel in a conflict, but would weigh the circumstances.”
Sassieni asserts that, “[I]f, heaven forbid, war breaks out, the wise sages of J Street (and supposed military experts) will decide whether or not Israel merits our support. And this is an organization which claims to be "pro-Israel"! With friends like that, who needs enemies?”
“While there is a plurality of views in our community on many issues, there is a broad consensus that if attacked, we put our differences to one side and stand by the people of Israel unambiguously. J Street has put itself beyond that consensus,” the letter reads.
“It's one thing to question the likelihood of success of military action against Iran - and we certainly hope and pray that sanctions and diplomacy will work - but quite something else to say that if a conflict breaks out, we would not unambiguously stand with Israel.”
“Shame on them, but at least the pro-Israel community understands where they stand. In Israel's hour of need, J Street cannot be counted on,” concludes the letter.
J Street then refuted the accusation stating that the organization would support Israel in the event that that it would “end up in an ill-advised military conflict with Iran.”
Tags: J Street ,Israel ,Iran ,America ,anti-Israel
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8. Panetta: I Hope Gantz is Correct on Iran
by Elad Benari
U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said on Thursday he hopes that statements from Israel's military chief describing Iran's leadership as rational were “correct,” AFP reported.
He was referring to comments made by IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz to the Haaretz newspaper on Wednesday. Gantz said that the Iranian leadership “is composed of very rational people,” and that while Tehran was reaching the point at which it could decide to build a nuclear bomb, the leaders had not yet decided whether to proceed.
Gantz made similar remarks in an interview with the New York Times on Thursday, saying that he did not believe Tehran would use its nuclear technology to build a nuclear weapon.
Referring to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Gantz said that he probably realizes that to build a nuclear bomb would be “a mistake, and I don't think he will want to go the extra mile” beyond developing nuclear capability, at least at this point.
However, as rational as Iran may be, Gantz said, fundamentalist Islam has a way of making people do some very irrational things. I think the Iranian leadership is composed of very rational people. But I agree that such a capability, in the hands of Islamic fundamentalists who at particular moments could make different calculations, is dangerous.”
Panetta, who is on a visit to Chile, responded to Gantz’s comments by saying, “I would hope he's correct and he knows something more that I do,” according to AFP.
“I do not have any specific information that indicates (the Iranians) have made any decision one way or another” on whether to build a nuclear weapon, Panetta was quoted as having told reporters after meeting his Chilean counterpart Andres Allamand.
“I would like to hope... that because of the leadership of the United States, the international community and the leadership of Israel, they can make the right decision,” Panetta said.
Earlier on Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that Iran "is determined to fool the entire world" and obtain nuclear weapons.
"They do so while repeatedly disobeying Security Council decisions and directives from the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna," Barak said. "The last report by [IAEA Director General Yukiya] Amano clarifies the intelligence picture in an unmistakable way."
President Shimon Peres, meanwhile, said on Thursday that there is currently no need to threaten Iran with an attack on its nuclear facilities.
In two separate interviews Peres said he “fully trusts” President Barack Obama when it comes to Iran and warned against Israel “waving swords” against the Islamic Republic.
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by Elad Benari
U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said on Thursday he hopes that statements from Israel's military chief describing Iran's leadership as rational were “correct,” AFP reported.
He was referring to comments made by IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz to the Haaretz newspaper on Wednesday. Gantz said that the Iranian leadership “is composed of very rational people,” and that while Tehran was reaching the point at which it could decide to build a nuclear bomb, the leaders had not yet decided whether to proceed.
Gantz made similar remarks in an interview with the New York Times on Thursday, saying that he did not believe Tehran would use its nuclear technology to build a nuclear weapon.
Referring to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Gantz said that he probably realizes that to build a nuclear bomb would be “a mistake, and I don't think he will want to go the extra mile” beyond developing nuclear capability, at least at this point.
However, as rational as Iran may be, Gantz said, fundamentalist Islam has a way of making people do some very irrational things. I think the Iranian leadership is composed of very rational people. But I agree that such a capability, in the hands of Islamic fundamentalists who at particular moments could make different calculations, is dangerous.”
Panetta, who is on a visit to Chile, responded to Gantz’s comments by saying, “I would hope he's correct and he knows something more that I do,” according to AFP.
“I do not have any specific information that indicates (the Iranians) have made any decision one way or another” on whether to build a nuclear weapon, Panetta was quoted as having told reporters after meeting his Chilean counterpart Andres Allamand.
“I would like to hope... that because of the leadership of the United States, the international community and the leadership of Israel, they can make the right decision,” Panetta said.
Earlier on Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that Iran "is determined to fool the entire world" and obtain nuclear weapons.
"They do so while repeatedly disobeying Security Council decisions and directives from the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna," Barak said. "The last report by [IAEA Director General Yukiya] Amano clarifies the intelligence picture in an unmistakable way."
President Shimon Peres, meanwhile, said on Thursday that there is currently no need to threaten Iran with an attack on its nuclear facilities.
In two separate interviews Peres said he “fully trusts” President Barack Obama when it comes to Iran and warned against Israel “waving swords” against the Islamic Republic.
Tags: Iran ,Iran Nuclear threat ,Benny Gantz ,Leon Panetta
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Iranian Agent Deported for Spying on Jews in India
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J Street: In Event of War We Won't Necessarily Support Israel
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Experts: Iran Preparing for Cyberwar Against U.S.
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Peres: No Need to 'Wave Swords' When it Comes to Iran
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Barak: Iranians Determined to Fool the World
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Ben Ari: Eisner Was 'Stabbed in the Back'
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