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1. Top IDF Soldiers Recognized on Independence Day
by David Lev
In one of the main state Independence Day ceremonies, President Shimon Peres welcomed 120 of the IDF's best and brightest at a formal reception in the President's House. Attending the ceremony were top politicians and IDF officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz.
The soldiers received special certificates of merit for their contributions to Israel's security. Two of the recipients of the certificates, victims of the mishap on Mt. Herzl last week during construction of a platform for Independence Day festivities, are still in the hospital.
Peres told the soldiers that “your hidden abilities are even greater than the abilities we can see. Your mission is to prevent war in a world without borders, that has unlimited technology. The nation sees you as the best representatives of the best army. We have 120 new hopes in you.”
Peres also warned Israel's enemies that to lay off their plans to attempt to destroy the Jewish state. “Israel is stronger than ever,” he said. “Israel has what it has, but it also has the ability to renew itself, to surprise, to gather strength, and to progress creatively.”
Speaking at the ceremony, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz said that “when I look at these, the soldiers who have excelled, I see the future. I see them and can envision what the command of the IDF will look like in ten years and in twenty years. Thanks to their dedication and excellence they are the bedrock of the IDF's success on land, air, and sea.”
Among those honored with the certificates was Air Force officer Haya Sachivaschorder, whose three brothers and parents were killed in the Sbarro attack in 2001, when she was eight. IDF soldier Anastasia Begdalov, who helped treat and evacuate victims of the terrorist attack near Eilat in August, also received a certificate. In addition, several soldiers who were involved in the IDF action on the Mavi Marmara in 2010 received certificates as well.
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by David Lev
In one of the main state Independence Day ceremonies, President Shimon Peres welcomed 120 of the IDF's best and brightest at a formal reception in the President's House. Attending the ceremony were top politicians and IDF officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz.
The soldiers received special certificates of merit for their contributions to Israel's security. Two of the recipients of the certificates, victims of the mishap on Mt. Herzl last week during construction of a platform for Independence Day festivities, are still in the hospital.
Peres told the soldiers that “your hidden abilities are even greater than the abilities we can see. Your mission is to prevent war in a world without borders, that has unlimited technology. The nation sees you as the best representatives of the best army. We have 120 new hopes in you.”
Peres also warned Israel's enemies that to lay off their plans to attempt to destroy the Jewish state. “Israel is stronger than ever,” he said. “Israel has what it has, but it also has the ability to renew itself, to surprise, to gather strength, and to progress creatively.”
Speaking at the ceremony, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz said that “when I look at these, the soldiers who have excelled, I see the future. I see them and can envision what the command of the IDF will look like in ten years and in twenty years. Thanks to their dedication and excellence they are the bedrock of the IDF's success on land, air, and sea.”
Among those honored with the certificates was Air Force officer Haya Sachivaschorder, whose three brothers and parents were killed in the Sbarro attack in 2001, when she was eight. IDF soldier Anastasia Begdalov, who helped treat and evacuate victims of the terrorist attack near Eilat in August, also received a certificate. In addition, several soldiers who were involved in the IDF action on the Mavi Marmara in 2010 received certificates as well.
Tags: Peres ,Yom Haatzmaut ,Benny Gantz
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2. Israel Celebrates 64th Birthday
by Gil Ronen
Remembrance Day for the Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror has ended, and Independence Day has begun, with fireworks displays going off countrywide.
The celebration of Israel's 64th birthday began with the traditional ceremony at Har Herzl in Jerusalem. The main speaker at the ceremony was Knesset Speaker MK Reuven Rivlin.
Rivlin's speech began with a mention of the external threats Israel faces but centered on what he said was an internal enemy which threatens Israel's future – an enemy which he identified as "the extremists" and zealotry on all sides of the political and social spectrum.
"The struggle against those who set mosques on fire is not between leftists and settlers," he said, "it is a struggle against zealots."
"The struggle against those who spit in the face of an eight-year-old girl is not a struggle between secular people and haredim, but a struggle against marginal extremists. The struggle against those who team up with our worst enemies, who fight against Israel's right to exist, is not a struggle between left and right or between Jews and Arabs, but a struggle against zealotry and zealots. The struggle against those who see women's singing in the IDF as 'an hour of destruction,' a decree over whose trespass death is preferable, is not a struggle between secular Zionism and religious Zionism. This is a struggle against zealotry."
Rivlin said that he does not fear the residents of Itamar or Migron, "who are faithful to the Land of Israel and love it," nor does he fear those who oppose the settlement enterprise. "I fear the zealots," he repeated. "I fear the extremism. I fear those who do not hesitate to break the rules in the name of the righteousness of their path; those who do not fear the destruction of the Third Temple."
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by Gil Ronen
Remembrance Day for the Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror has ended, and Independence Day has begun, with fireworks displays going off countrywide.
The celebration of Israel's 64th birthday began with the traditional ceremony at Har Herzl in Jerusalem. The main speaker at the ceremony was Knesset Speaker MK Reuven Rivlin.
Rivlin's speech began with a mention of the external threats Israel faces but centered on what he said was an internal enemy which threatens Israel's future – an enemy which he identified as "the extremists" and zealotry on all sides of the political and social spectrum.
"The struggle against those who set mosques on fire is not between leftists and settlers," he said, "it is a struggle against zealots."
"The struggle against those who spit in the face of an eight-year-old girl is not a struggle between secular people and haredim, but a struggle against marginal extremists. The struggle against those who team up with our worst enemies, who fight against Israel's right to exist, is not a struggle between left and right or between Jews and Arabs, but a struggle against zealotry and zealots. The struggle against those who see women's singing in the IDF as 'an hour of destruction,' a decree over whose trespass death is preferable, is not a struggle between secular Zionism and religious Zionism. This is a struggle against zealotry."
Rivlin said that he does not fear the residents of Itamar or Migron, "who are faithful to the Land of Israel and love it," nor does he fear those who oppose the settlement enterprise. "I fear the zealots," he repeated. "I fear the extremism. I fear those who do not hesitate to break the rules in the name of the righteousness of their path; those who do not fear the destruction of the Third Temple."
Tags: Israel ,Yom Haatzmaut
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3. Official: Samaria Town of Rehelim Wants You
by David Lev
Residents of the Samaria town of Rehelim expressed satisfaction at this week's government decision to “legalize” the town, saying that it was long overdue, and a much-needed correction of a historical injustice. Rehelim, near Ariel, along with the towns of Sansana, near Hevron, and Bruchin, near Modi'in, were retroactively approved by a government committee headed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
All three had been built on state land, and no ownership claims have been filed against the towns by Arabs. However, the fact that the towns had not been approved previously by the government would likely have led to legal problems in the future, the committee said, and the decision retroactively provides that approval.
Nati Yisrael, a spokesperson for Rehelim, told Arutz Sheva that residents were aware that “something was cooking” regarding the town's legal status. “We knew the government was going to discuss this at some point. As far as we are concerned this is the correction of a historic injustice. We have been here and have grown for 20 years in spite of all the difficulties. Finally there is a reward for our effort,” he said.
Fifty five families live in Rehelim, which was established in 1991 in memory of terrorist victims Rachel Druck (killed in a terrorist attack in 1991 near the site of the town) and Rachel Weiss (killed along with her three children in a bus attack in 1998 in the Jordan Valley). In addition, the town is named for the Biblical Rachel, who, like the Rachel Druck and Rachel Weiss, also died as she traveled the roads of the Land of Israel.
Yisraeli expressed hope that with its new status, Rehelim would attract new residents, who could now feel secure that their housing investments were secure. “Until now we have been forced not to allow new families to join us, but we were always optimistic that this would change. We wish to thank all the officials who helped push this through, including Yesha Council head Gershon Mesika and Ze'ev Hever ('Zombish'). We call on all families who are looking for an exciting and lively place to live – whether or not they have children – to join us,” he said.
Yisraeli said that Rehelim was also very strategically located. “We are part of a chain of yishuvim in central Samaria, near Ariel and the Shiloh bloc, and connected to the Jordan Valley and the Tel Aviv population centers. We, along with Ariel and Eli, are preventing the two large Arab population centers of Ramallah and Shechem from coalescing. We are ensuring that there will not be an Arab takeover of this region.”
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by David Lev
Residents of the Samaria town of Rehelim expressed satisfaction at this week's government decision to “legalize” the town, saying that it was long overdue, and a much-needed correction of a historical injustice. Rehelim, near Ariel, along with the towns of Sansana, near Hevron, and Bruchin, near Modi'in, were retroactively approved by a government committee headed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
All three had been built on state land, and no ownership claims have been filed against the towns by Arabs. However, the fact that the towns had not been approved previously by the government would likely have led to legal problems in the future, the committee said, and the decision retroactively provides that approval.
Nati Yisrael, a spokesperson for Rehelim, told Arutz Sheva that residents were aware that “something was cooking” regarding the town's legal status. “We knew the government was going to discuss this at some point. As far as we are concerned this is the correction of a historic injustice. We have been here and have grown for 20 years in spite of all the difficulties. Finally there is a reward for our effort,” he said.
Fifty five families live in Rehelim, which was established in 1991 in memory of terrorist victims Rachel Druck (killed in a terrorist attack in 1991 near the site of the town) and Rachel Weiss (killed along with her three children in a bus attack in 1998 in the Jordan Valley). In addition, the town is named for the Biblical Rachel, who, like the Rachel Druck and Rachel Weiss, also died as she traveled the roads of the Land of Israel.
Yisraeli expressed hope that with its new status, Rehelim would attract new residents, who could now feel secure that their housing investments were secure. “Until now we have been forced not to allow new families to join us, but we were always optimistic that this would change. We wish to thank all the officials who helped push this through, including Yesha Council head Gershon Mesika and Ze'ev Hever ('Zombish'). We call on all families who are looking for an exciting and lively place to live – whether or not they have children – to join us,” he said.
Yisraeli said that Rehelim was also very strategically located. “We are part of a chain of yishuvim in central Samaria, near Ariel and the Shiloh bloc, and connected to the Jordan Valley and the Tel Aviv population centers. We, along with Ariel and Eli, are preventing the two large Arab population centers of Ramallah and Shechem from coalescing. We are ensuring that there will not be an Arab takeover of this region.”
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Samaria Leaders meet MP over ‘Apartheid’ Claims -
Soldiers, Settlers Celebrate Purim at Joshua’s Tomb
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Shomron Regional Council Receives National Education Award
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Samaria Gives Twice Its Share of Combat Soldiers
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Jews Light Samaria Highway with Menorahs for Festival of Lights
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Pro-Israel U.S. Rep. Tours Judea and Samaria
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4. Barak: Lieberman's Wrong, Iran is a Greater Threat than Egypt
by Elad Benari
Defense Minister Ehud Barak rejected on Wednesday Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s claims that Egypt presents more of a security danger to Israel than Iran.
Earlier this week, Lieberman told Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that Israel has to “be prepared for all possibilities,” and suggested that the IDF create three or four southern divisions in the wake of a social and economic deterioration in Egypt and the increasing number of Egyptian troops in the Sinai Peninsula.
Lieberman pointed out to the Prime Minister that Egypt is the largest Arab nation that has a common border with Israel and also has a peace treaty with it.
However, in an Independence Day interview with the Globes financial newspaper, Barak took issue with Liberman's assertion and said, “The Iranian threat is a threat with existential potential. At the moment this is not the case and we must work in every way to halt the nuclear weapon process by the Iranian military. It is clear that we would rather see the entire world coping with this and we say that all options are on the table, and we mean that.”
Barak added, “Israel is satisfied that the sanctions will stop Iran and this year will be decisive. We must remember that in any case as we celebrate the country's 64th anniversary that Israel is the strongest country between Tripoli in Libya and Tehran and it will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.”
Addressing the situation in Egypt and the country’s decision to cancel the gas supply agreement with Israel, Barak said the cancellation must bring about the speeding up of the gas supply from the Tamar gas field, dismissing the cancellation as a commercial dispute, as Netanyahu had done as well.
“Regarding Egypt we have influence there,” he said. “We are not a commentator sitting in the stadium, we are a player on the pitch and whatever we say or do not say has importance. We must find a way both in words and deeds, so that matters in Egypt will move in the direction of responsibility. We have an interest in creating a chance that that will be their policy in practice, despite all the problems that we see, and there are problems, touch wood, in Sinai. But this is not a good topic for public discourse.”
Barak also rejected claims by senior cabinet members that talk of attacking Iran by him and Netanyahu is merely for political reasons, and said, “We operate responsibly. There are all sorts of people in politics who at the end of the day don't have the final say, and they can amuse themselves with words like that. The prime minister and I have no choice but to look each other in the eye and take responsibility.”
Asked whether he and Netanyahu are friends, Barak replied, “We work in exceptional harmony. This stems from our roles, and from the fact that we feel the responsibility. We have known each other for many years and we have a history. We were political rivals but we are of an age and in a place faced by challenges, where we are obligated to put almost everything aside, and work with great responsibility.”
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by Elad Benari
Defense Minister Ehud Barak rejected on Wednesday Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s claims that Egypt presents more of a security danger to Israel than Iran.
Earlier this week, Lieberman told Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that Israel has to “be prepared for all possibilities,” and suggested that the IDF create three or four southern divisions in the wake of a social and economic deterioration in Egypt and the increasing number of Egyptian troops in the Sinai Peninsula.
Lieberman pointed out to the Prime Minister that Egypt is the largest Arab nation that has a common border with Israel and also has a peace treaty with it.
However, in an Independence Day interview with the Globes financial newspaper, Barak took issue with Liberman's assertion and said, “The Iranian threat is a threat with existential potential. At the moment this is not the case and we must work in every way to halt the nuclear weapon process by the Iranian military. It is clear that we would rather see the entire world coping with this and we say that all options are on the table, and we mean that.”
Barak added, “Israel is satisfied that the sanctions will stop Iran and this year will be decisive. We must remember that in any case as we celebrate the country's 64th anniversary that Israel is the strongest country between Tripoli in Libya and Tehran and it will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.”
Addressing the situation in Egypt and the country’s decision to cancel the gas supply agreement with Israel, Barak said the cancellation must bring about the speeding up of the gas supply from the Tamar gas field, dismissing the cancellation as a commercial dispute, as Netanyahu had done as well.
“Regarding Egypt we have influence there,” he said. “We are not a commentator sitting in the stadium, we are a player on the pitch and whatever we say or do not say has importance. We must find a way both in words and deeds, so that matters in Egypt will move in the direction of responsibility. We have an interest in creating a chance that that will be their policy in practice, despite all the problems that we see, and there are problems, touch wood, in Sinai. But this is not a good topic for public discourse.”
Barak also rejected claims by senior cabinet members that talk of attacking Iran by him and Netanyahu is merely for political reasons, and said, “We operate responsibly. There are all sorts of people in politics who at the end of the day don't have the final say, and they can amuse themselves with words like that. The prime minister and I have no choice but to look each other in the eye and take responsibility.”
Asked whether he and Netanyahu are friends, Barak replied, “We work in exceptional harmony. This stems from our roles, and from the fact that we feel the responsibility. We have known each other for many years and we have a history. We were political rivals but we are of an age and in a place faced by challenges, where we are obligated to put almost everything aside, and work with great responsibility.”
Tags: Ehud Barak ,Avigdor Lieberman ,Iran ,Iran Nuclear threat ,Egypt
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Egypt Allows Mubarak's Former PM to Run for President
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Egyptian Army Prevents Radicals from Defacing IDF Memorial
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Egyptian Soldiers Kill Israel-Bound Illegal Immigrant
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Egyptian Group Plans to Deface IDF Sinai Memorial
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Netanyahu: Iran Needs Missiles to Carry Medical Isotopes?
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5. Netanyahu Says He Can Deliver Peace
by Gabe Kahn
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told CNN interviewer Erin Burnett on Tuesday he can "deliver a peace agreement" with the Palestinian Authority.
"I think that I could deliver a peace agreement," Netanyahu said. "I could get the Israeli people to follow me if I believe that I have a serious partner on the other side willing to make the necessary compromises on the Palestinian side."
However, Netanyahu stressed that compromise was a two-way street and no agreement would be possible if PA officials refused to make concessions as well.
"Many compromises that people talk about are on the Israeli side. But there are necessary compromises on the Palestinian side... peace is always a two-way compromise," Netanyahu told Burnett.
"I think that peace would benefit us, as I think it would benefit the Palestinians, as it would benefit the entire region," he added.
He also said he was committed to a contiguous PA state in Judea and Samaria. The future PA state should not "look like Swiss cheese," Netanyahu said.
"I'm the prime minister who removed 400 checkpoints, barriers, roadblocks and so on to facilitate the growth of the Palestinian economy. This is in line with what I believe is essential." he said.
He added, "It's not a substitute for a political peace… There are so many issues to discuss but you have to discuss them. We have to sit down opposite one another. That's what leaders do."
During the interview Netanyahu also told Burnett that his concerns were rooted in security, saying Israel had no desire to meddle in a future PA state's domestic affairs.
"I don't want to govern the Palestinians. I don't want them as subjects of Israel or as citizens of Israel. I want them to have their own independent state. But a demilitarized state," Netanyahu said.
He explained that a demilitarized PA state "just means that they can't field the armies. They can't fire rockets. That they won't be used a third time by Iran and its Palestinian proxies to fire rockets on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. But we don't want to run their lives."
During the interview on Wednesday, Netanyahu also discussed Iran's nuclear program, saying “they – they say they need it for, what? Medical isotopes?"
“Well, you know – well, you have a sense of humor…. This is a farce. Nobody can seriously– nobody can take them seriously," Netanyahu said, laughing after Burnett asking him about Iranian claims that their nuclear program is peaceful.
Comment on this story
by Gabe Kahn
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told CNN interviewer Erin Burnett on Tuesday he can "deliver a peace agreement" with the Palestinian Authority.
"I think that I could deliver a peace agreement," Netanyahu said. "I could get the Israeli people to follow me if I believe that I have a serious partner on the other side willing to make the necessary compromises on the Palestinian side."
However, Netanyahu stressed that compromise was a two-way street and no agreement would be possible if PA officials refused to make concessions as well.
"Many compromises that people talk about are on the Israeli side. But there are necessary compromises on the Palestinian side... peace is always a two-way compromise," Netanyahu told Burnett.
"I think that peace would benefit us, as I think it would benefit the Palestinians, as it would benefit the entire region," he added.
He also said he was committed to a contiguous PA state in Judea and Samaria. The future PA state should not "look like Swiss cheese," Netanyahu said.
"I'm the prime minister who removed 400 checkpoints, barriers, roadblocks and so on to facilitate the growth of the Palestinian economy. This is in line with what I believe is essential." he said.
He added, "It's not a substitute for a political peace… There are so many issues to discuss but you have to discuss them. We have to sit down opposite one another. That's what leaders do."
During the interview Netanyahu also told Burnett that his concerns were rooted in security, saying Israel had no desire to meddle in a future PA state's domestic affairs.
"I don't want to govern the Palestinians. I don't want them as subjects of Israel or as citizens of Israel. I want them to have their own independent state. But a demilitarized state," Netanyahu said.
He explained that a demilitarized PA state "just means that they can't field the armies. They can't fire rockets. That they won't be used a third time by Iran and its Palestinian proxies to fire rockets on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. But we don't want to run their lives."
During the interview on Wednesday, Netanyahu also discussed Iran's nuclear program, saying “they – they say they need it for, what? Medical isotopes?"
“Well, you know – well, you have a sense of humor…. This is a farce. Nobody can seriously– nobody can take them seriously," Netanyahu said, laughing after Burnett asking him about Iranian claims that their nuclear program is peaceful.
Tags: Binyamin Netanyahu ,PA ,Peace Process
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6. Israeli Exports Up Nearly 15,000% Since 1948
by David Lev
In the 64 years since its establishment, exports from Israel have grown by some 15,000%. In 1948, Israel exported $6 million worth of products, but by 2011, that number had jumped to about $90 billion – a rise of 1,400,000%. The per capita export rate – the amount of export in terms of population – was at the end of last year 173 times greater than it was in 1948.
The statistics were released Thursday in honor of Independence Day by the Israel Export Institute. The Institute said that the raw figures regarding Israeli exports did not take into account inflation, the weakening of the dollar, and the tenfold increase in population in Israel since 1948. Still, taking all that into account, the Institute said, the per capita export rate was $11,500 in 2011 – a “phenomenal number” in and of itself, the group said – compared to $7 in 1948.
Exports have risen each year since 1948, except for five of those years – 1982, at the height of the First Lebanon War; 1988, when inflation in Israel was out of control; 1991, during the Gulf War; 2001, during the Second Intifada; and 2009, during the worldwide economic downturn. Since 1949, Israel has signed free trade agreements with 39 countries; the first was with Hungary, with that agreement signed January 12, 1949.
The destination of Israeli exports has also changed significantly since the early days of the state. Between 1948 and 1970, Britain was Israel's chief overseas customer, with the U.S. in second place. After 1970, the U.S. became Israel's number one export market, a position it held until just recently, when the European Union countries edged the U.S. out as Israel's top export market. Within the EU, the current top markets are France, Germany, and Italy, while in the state's early days, Switzerland, Holland and the Scandinavian countries were Israel's best European customers. Currently in third place as an export market for Israel, perhaps surprisingly, is the Palestinian Authority. One of Israel's biggest markets in the 1970s was Iran, a market that has been completely eliminated over the past decades.
Comment on this story
by David Lev
In the 64 years since its establishment, exports from Israel have grown by some 15,000%. In 1948, Israel exported $6 million worth of products, but by 2011, that number had jumped to about $90 billion – a rise of 1,400,000%. The per capita export rate – the amount of export in terms of population – was at the end of last year 173 times greater than it was in 1948.
The statistics were released Thursday in honor of Independence Day by the Israel Export Institute. The Institute said that the raw figures regarding Israeli exports did not take into account inflation, the weakening of the dollar, and the tenfold increase in population in Israel since 1948. Still, taking all that into account, the Institute said, the per capita export rate was $11,500 in 2011 – a “phenomenal number” in and of itself, the group said – compared to $7 in 1948.
Exports have risen each year since 1948, except for five of those years – 1982, at the height of the First Lebanon War; 1988, when inflation in Israel was out of control; 1991, during the Gulf War; 2001, during the Second Intifada; and 2009, during the worldwide economic downturn. Since 1949, Israel has signed free trade agreements with 39 countries; the first was with Hungary, with that agreement signed January 12, 1949.
The destination of Israeli exports has also changed significantly since the early days of the state. Between 1948 and 1970, Britain was Israel's chief overseas customer, with the U.S. in second place. After 1970, the U.S. became Israel's number one export market, a position it held until just recently, when the European Union countries edged the U.S. out as Israel's top export market. Within the EU, the current top markets are France, Germany, and Italy, while in the state's early days, Switzerland, Holland and the Scandinavian countries were Israel's best European customers. Currently in third place as an export market for Israel, perhaps surprisingly, is the Palestinian Authority. One of Israel's biggest markets in the 1970s was Iran, a market that has been completely eliminated over the past decades.
Tags: economy ,exports ,Israel Export Institute
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7. Gantz Not Ready to End Eisner's Career
by Gabe Kahn
IDF chief of staff Benny Gants on Thursday said he is not ready to decide the fate of Lt. Col. Shalom Eisner's career in the army.
"It's a very bad incident" Ganz said of a film that was uploaded to the internet of Eisner striking a Danish ISM activist from the anarchist ISM movement in the face with his rifle. "There are political ramifications."
The incident happened on April 14 when a group of foreign and Arab cyclists sought to block a main road near Jericho to protest Israel's presence in Judea and Samaria.
Critics of Eisner's dismissal from his post – through he remains in the IDF with the same rank – were quick to note the video of the incident uploaded to the internet was clearly edited in such a way as to cast Eisner in the worst possible light.
The altercation came at the end of nearly two hours of heated confrontation between protesters and soldiers, but the video began with Eisner striking the activist.
Eisner subsequently told military investigators that two of his fingers had been broken in an attack by the Danish campaigner before he retaliated with his weapon.
A medical examination confirmed at least one of Eisner's fingers was indeed broken during the demonstration.
A second video released on April 20 – which critics say was also clearly edited – showed Eisner striking other activists with his rifle.
"This has nothing to do with sectarian concerns," Gantz said, responding to charges that senior officers dismissed Eisner because he is religious. "Its not a matter of [Eisner] wearing a skullcap, or secular or religious or political beliefs. These have no connection to the decision making process."
"Trying make this about those things is unfair, untrue, and extremely dangerous," Gantz continued. "Trying to turn our [eventual] decision on this matter into a political struggle or media event rather than a professional decision by military commanders is inappropriate."
Gantz – who joined Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres in publicly condemning Eisner's actions before the initial investigation of the incident was complete – also sought to blunt criticism that there had been a rush to judgement.
"I did the research," Gantz insisted. "I sifted through preliminary information about the demonstration, through threat assessments, the basis for the attack. My only consideration is professional," Gantz said.
Observers say, even if Gantz's decision to remove Eisner from his post – made after the initial investigation was complete – was was based solely on professional concerns, that his own initial comments to the press prior to the decision are what opened the door to the criticism he now finds himself trying to answer.
Gantz also rejected the assertion he had failed to backup a senior officer under his command.
"I cannot stand behind such an incident," Gantz said. "We must recognize the good things he has done, and he has done some, but not in this case. If we defend this incident we lose the integrity of the IDF. It cannot spare even an ounce of integrity. Its not professional, and does not represent our values."
The decision to remove Eisner from his post was unpopular with Israelis who sympathized with the difficult position he was in, and his assertion that "doing the job comes before looking good."
Eisner's comments – which included sharp criticism of Gantz and other senior officers – were made in a private conversation that was recorded and broadcast on Channel 10. It remains unclear if Eisner knew he was being recorded.
"His comments were unfortunate, irrespective of his reasons," Gantz said.
However, Gantz softened his tone from previous comments somewhat, describing Eisner's actions on April 14 as an error in judgment.
"The IDF is a large military force and there are many events in many places and people can make mistakes," Gantz said. "We work hard at it, but this incident is not representative of the IDF, or of Lt. Col. Eisner."
"I'm not ready to decide his fate and end his career, but I cannot simply ignore the incident, either," Gantz said.
Comment on this story
by Gabe Kahn
IDF chief of staff Benny Gants on Thursday said he is not ready to decide the fate of Lt. Col. Shalom Eisner's career in the army.
"It's a very bad incident" Ganz said of a film that was uploaded to the internet of Eisner striking a Danish ISM activist from the anarchist ISM movement in the face with his rifle. "There are political ramifications."
The incident happened on April 14 when a group of foreign and Arab cyclists sought to block a main road near Jericho to protest Israel's presence in Judea and Samaria.
Critics of Eisner's dismissal from his post – through he remains in the IDF with the same rank – were quick to note the video of the incident uploaded to the internet was clearly edited in such a way as to cast Eisner in the worst possible light.
The altercation came at the end of nearly two hours of heated confrontation between protesters and soldiers, but the video began with Eisner striking the activist.
Eisner subsequently told military investigators that two of his fingers had been broken in an attack by the Danish campaigner before he retaliated with his weapon.
A medical examination confirmed at least one of Eisner's fingers was indeed broken during the demonstration.
A second video released on April 20 – which critics say was also clearly edited – showed Eisner striking other activists with his rifle.
"This has nothing to do with sectarian concerns," Gantz said, responding to charges that senior officers dismissed Eisner because he is religious. "Its not a matter of [Eisner] wearing a skullcap, or secular or religious or political beliefs. These have no connection to the decision making process."
"Trying make this about those things is unfair, untrue, and extremely dangerous," Gantz continued. "Trying to turn our [eventual] decision on this matter into a political struggle or media event rather than a professional decision by military commanders is inappropriate."
Gantz – who joined Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres in publicly condemning Eisner's actions before the initial investigation of the incident was complete – also sought to blunt criticism that there had been a rush to judgement.
"I did the research," Gantz insisted. "I sifted through preliminary information about the demonstration, through threat assessments, the basis for the attack. My only consideration is professional," Gantz said.
Observers say, even if Gantz's decision to remove Eisner from his post – made after the initial investigation was complete – was was based solely on professional concerns, that his own initial comments to the press prior to the decision are what opened the door to the criticism he now finds himself trying to answer.
Gantz also rejected the assertion he had failed to backup a senior officer under his command.
"I cannot stand behind such an incident," Gantz said. "We must recognize the good things he has done, and he has done some, but not in this case. If we defend this incident we lose the integrity of the IDF. It cannot spare even an ounce of integrity. Its not professional, and does not represent our values."
The decision to remove Eisner from his post was unpopular with Israelis who sympathized with the difficult position he was in, and his assertion that "doing the job comes before looking good."
Eisner's comments – which included sharp criticism of Gantz and other senior officers – were made in a private conversation that was recorded and broadcast on Channel 10. It remains unclear if Eisner knew he was being recorded.
"His comments were unfortunate, irrespective of his reasons," Gantz said.
However, Gantz softened his tone from previous comments somewhat, describing Eisner's actions on April 14 as an error in judgment.
"The IDF is a large military force and there are many events in many places and people can make mistakes," Gantz said. "We work hard at it, but this incident is not representative of the IDF, or of Lt. Col. Eisner."
"I'm not ready to decide his fate and end his career, but I cannot simply ignore the incident, either," Gantz said.
Tags: Shalom Eisner ,Benny Gantz ,IDF ,ISM
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8. Israeli Student Wins 49th Int'l Bible Quiz
by Gabe Kahn
The 49th International Bible Quiz for Jewish youth – one of Independence Day’s noble traditions – was held on Thursday morning at the Jerusalem Theater.
Israel's Elehanan Bloch - a student from the Yeshiva High School of Yeruhuam - was this year's winner.
Elhanan's parents, Ido and Orit, came to Yeruham within the Bnei Akiva movement and are aiding in establishing a synagogue and college for girls in Netivot.
Ido is an electrical engineer and his mother Orit is a chartered accountant. Elhanan is the fifth of seven brothers and sisters.
Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yair Jacoby described Elhanan, 17, as a studious boy who is loved by his friends, he loves to learn, and not just the Bible.
Akiva Abromovitz of Brooklyn placed second.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Minister of Education Gideon Saar were in attendance at the quiz. As has become tradition, Avshalom Kor served as master of ceremonies.
Saar spoke in advance of the International Youth Bible Quiz. “This exciting event always reminds us that we are the People of the Book. We all share the same Heritage, the same fate and destiny."
The Prime Minister blessed Elhanan that he should "go from strength to strength," and remembered his relative, Shmuel Ben Artzi, who recently passed away.
"He followed his contest avidly every year. For thirty years he knew the answer to every question," He said.
Netanyahu – who asked the customary ‘prime minister's question’ – arrived at the theater after taking part in a ceremony at the President's Residence where Shimon Peres gave out awards for excellence to 120 troops.
Netanyahu's own son came in third place in the bible contest two years ago.
Young people from around the world joined for Israeli students to participate in the quiz.
Two students from South Africa and one from Australia are also competing this year. Both Europe and the Americas also sent youth delegations to Israel to compete in the quiz, as well.
The European youth were from rom Ukraine, Ireland, England, Belarus, Netherlands, Hungary, Turkey, Lithuania, Poland, France, Romania and Switzerland.
While the students from the Americas came from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica and Canada.
The winner of the international competition receives a full scholarship for undergraduate studies at Bar Ilan University. The annual contest is organized by the IDF Chief Education Officer, the IDF Rabbinate, the Defense Ministry, Education Ministry, the Jewish Agency and the JNF.
The theme of this year’s contest is social justice.
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by Gabe Kahn
The 49th International Bible Quiz for Jewish youth – one of Independence Day’s noble traditions – was held on Thursday morning at the Jerusalem Theater.
Israel's Elehanan Bloch - a student from the Yeshiva High School of Yeruhuam - was this year's winner.
Elhanan's parents, Ido and Orit, came to Yeruham within the Bnei Akiva movement and are aiding in establishing a synagogue and college for girls in Netivot.
Ido is an electrical engineer and his mother Orit is a chartered accountant. Elhanan is the fifth of seven brothers and sisters.
Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yair Jacoby described Elhanan, 17, as a studious boy who is loved by his friends, he loves to learn, and not just the Bible.
Akiva Abromovitz of Brooklyn placed second.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Minister of Education Gideon Saar were in attendance at the quiz. As has become tradition, Avshalom Kor served as master of ceremonies.
Saar spoke in advance of the International Youth Bible Quiz. “This exciting event always reminds us that we are the People of the Book. We all share the same Heritage, the same fate and destiny."
The Prime Minister blessed Elhanan that he should "go from strength to strength," and remembered his relative, Shmuel Ben Artzi, who recently passed away.
"He followed his contest avidly every year. For thirty years he knew the answer to every question," He said.
Netanyahu – who asked the customary ‘prime minister's question’ – arrived at the theater after taking part in a ceremony at the President's Residence where Shimon Peres gave out awards for excellence to 120 troops.
Netanyahu's own son came in third place in the bible contest two years ago.
Young people from around the world joined for Israeli students to participate in the quiz.
Two students from South Africa and one from Australia are also competing this year. Both Europe and the Americas also sent youth delegations to Israel to compete in the quiz, as well.
The European youth were from rom Ukraine, Ireland, England, Belarus, Netherlands, Hungary, Turkey, Lithuania, Poland, France, Romania and Switzerland.
While the students from the Americas came from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica and Canada.
The winner of the international competition receives a full scholarship for undergraduate studies at Bar Ilan University. The annual contest is organized by the IDF Chief Education Officer, the IDF Rabbinate, the Defense Ministry, Education Ministry, the Jewish Agency and the JNF.
The theme of this year’s contest is social justice.
More on this topic
Comment on this story
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