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1. Arab School Children Attack Jew on Way to Mount of Olives
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
A Toronto native living in Jerusalem literally got away with his life when Arab school students smashed the windows of his car and tried to attack him Monday morning.
The near-deadly rock-throwing attack occurred as Ephraim Silverberg was making his annual pilgrimage to the Mount of Olives Cemetery for the anniversary of the death of his grandfather, who was brought to Israel for burial after he died in Toronto.
He was driving from Mount Scopus to the Mount of Olives via the A-Tur Arab neighborhood. Silverberg, armed with a hand gun, took the precautions of locking his doors and turning on his mobile phone.
“About midway through the trip, there was a traffic jam, and the traffic slowed to a halt near the entrance of a boy's high school with the pupils just arriving for a day of studies,” he told Arutz Sheva.
“A few yards beyond the entrance to the school grounds, I heard a boom and immediately realized that a rock had struck my side of the car. At that point, I called emergency services on my cell phone and reported that I was under attack,” he related.
“The first rock was followed by many others as well as youths coming up and kicking the car. The traffic jam started to ease and I managed to move slowly forward. I informed emergency services that I was not attempting to exit the car but rather move forward as best as I could … I heard the sound of shattering glass and realized that the rear window and perhaps others were gone.”
The high school students ran after the car just as the traffic jam was breaking, and Silverberg managed to drive fast enough to outdistance them and reach the cemetery safely. Police arrive on the scene and later arrested one of the attackers, whom Silverberg was able to identify. He said that the police advised the youth of his rights to a lawyer and called the youth’s parents because he is a minor.
He said that if the traffic jam had remained, “they would have tried to drag me out of the car, and then I would have had to use my handgun – but I was outnumbered.” He added that he never thought to pull out his weapon during the attack.
After he guided his half-windowless car to the cemetery, a tourist bus parked beside him, and the driver told Silverberg that he had been behind him and had also called the police.
Silverberg also noted that his army service in the IDF helped save him. “I know how to keep my cool under fire, and I tried to deal with the situation in an analytical manner," he said.
He added that he will continue to travel to the cemetery every year, although by a different route. Silberberg usually uses goes to the cemetery through the Old City road that winds up to the cemetery, but the area was closed to traffic Sunday morning because of Jerusalem Unification Day celebrations.
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by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
A Toronto native living in Jerusalem literally got away with his life when Arab school students smashed the windows of his car and tried to attack him Monday morning.
The near-deadly rock-throwing attack occurred as Ephraim Silverberg was making his annual pilgrimage to the Mount of Olives Cemetery for the anniversary of the death of his grandfather, who was brought to Israel for burial after he died in Toronto.
He was driving from Mount Scopus to the Mount of Olives via the A-Tur Arab neighborhood. Silverberg, armed with a hand gun, took the precautions of locking his doors and turning on his mobile phone.
“About midway through the trip, there was a traffic jam, and the traffic slowed to a halt near the entrance of a boy's high school with the pupils just arriving for a day of studies,” he told Arutz Sheva.
“A few yards beyond the entrance to the school grounds, I heard a boom and immediately realized that a rock had struck my side of the car. At that point, I called emergency services on my cell phone and reported that I was under attack,” he related.
“The first rock was followed by many others as well as youths coming up and kicking the car. The traffic jam started to ease and I managed to move slowly forward. I informed emergency services that I was not attempting to exit the car but rather move forward as best as I could … I heard the sound of shattering glass and realized that the rear window and perhaps others were gone.”
The high school students ran after the car just as the traffic jam was breaking, and Silverberg managed to drive fast enough to outdistance them and reach the cemetery safely. Police arrive on the scene and later arrested one of the attackers, whom Silverberg was able to identify. He said that the police advised the youth of his rights to a lawyer and called the youth’s parents because he is a minor.
He said that if the traffic jam had remained, “they would have tried to drag me out of the car, and then I would have had to use my handgun – but I was outnumbered.” He added that he never thought to pull out his weapon during the attack.
After he guided his half-windowless car to the cemetery, a tourist bus parked beside him, and the driver told Silverberg that he had been behind him and had also called the police.
Silverberg also noted that his army service in the IDF helped save him. “I know how to keep my cool under fire, and I tried to deal with the situation in an analytical manner," he said.
He added that he will continue to travel to the cemetery every year, although by a different route. Silberberg usually uses goes to the cemetery through the Old City road that winds up to the cemetery, but the area was closed to traffic Sunday morning because of Jerusalem Unification Day celebrations.
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2. Netanyahu Takes Tough Line Ahead of Iran Talks
by Gabe Kahn
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday hardened his rhetoric towards Iran saying "Iran threatens Israel and world peace."
Netanyahu's remarks at a meeting of the Civil Service Commission at the Foreign Ministry came as reports in the media indicate progress ahead of talks between the P5+1 and Iran slated for Bagdad on Wednesday.
"In the face of malicious intent, world leaders must show determination, and not weakness," Netanyahu said. "They must not make concessions towards Iran. They should present clear and unequivocal requirements."
Netanyahu repeated Israel's demands to the P5+1, the five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany: Iran must give UN inspectors full access to all its nuclear facilities, must cease all uranium enrichment activities, and send all uranium enriched to 20% out of the country.
"This is the only way to ensure Iran will not build a nuclear bomb. This is Israel's position. It has not changed, and it will not change," Netanyahu said.
He also dismissed gainsayers who claim Iran's nuclear program poses no threat to Israel, "There is no one who doubts the intentions of Iran."
"In recent weeks I have heard those who doubt Iran's intentions. The Iranians declare that they will erase Israel off the map," Netanyahu said, noting the head of Iran's military this week called for Israel's destruction.
"They are aiming for this. They say one thing in English and another in Persian. It was interesting to hear the comments of the Iranian chief of staff said yesterday...."
"Iran is committed to the destruction of Israel. This is simple and straightforward. Iran's goals are clear: it wants to destroy Israel, and is developing nuclear weapons to realize this goal," Netanyahu said.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Monday reportedly said Israel was willing to consider a proposal by the P5+1 that would allow Tehran to enrich uranium to 3.5% in exchange for full access for IAEA inspectors, permanent human monitoring, closing the near impenetrable Fordow site, and shipping its stores of 20% enriched uranium out of the country.
However, Netanyahu's statements seem to indicate that is not the case. Nonetheless, both Barak and Netanyahu have expressed deep skepticism of Iran's intentions ahead of Wednesday's Bagdad talks.
In April, following a fruitless round of talks between the P5+1 and Iran in Istanbul, both men charged the world powers had given "five weeks away" for Iran to continue enriching uranium, and said Iran was using the talks to "stall for time" in its quest for nuclear weapons.
Last Friday, Netanyahu again said "he sees no evidence of any sort that Iran is ready to end the nuclear program." On Monday he followed this with an explicit call for a "tough line" from the P5+1 in upcoming talks.
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by Gabe Kahn
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday hardened his rhetoric towards Iran saying "Iran threatens Israel and world peace."
Netanyahu's remarks at a meeting of the Civil Service Commission at the Foreign Ministry came as reports in the media indicate progress ahead of talks between the P5+1 and Iran slated for Bagdad on Wednesday.
"In the face of malicious intent, world leaders must show determination, and not weakness," Netanyahu said. "They must not make concessions towards Iran. They should present clear and unequivocal requirements."
Netanyahu repeated Israel's demands to the P5+1, the five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany: Iran must give UN inspectors full access to all its nuclear facilities, must cease all uranium enrichment activities, and send all uranium enriched to 20% out of the country.
"This is the only way to ensure Iran will not build a nuclear bomb. This is Israel's position. It has not changed, and it will not change," Netanyahu said.
He also dismissed gainsayers who claim Iran's nuclear program poses no threat to Israel, "There is no one who doubts the intentions of Iran."
"In recent weeks I have heard those who doubt Iran's intentions. The Iranians declare that they will erase Israel off the map," Netanyahu said, noting the head of Iran's military this week called for Israel's destruction.
"They are aiming for this. They say one thing in English and another in Persian. It was interesting to hear the comments of the Iranian chief of staff said yesterday...."
"Iran is committed to the destruction of Israel. This is simple and straightforward. Iran's goals are clear: it wants to destroy Israel, and is developing nuclear weapons to realize this goal," Netanyahu said.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Monday reportedly said Israel was willing to consider a proposal by the P5+1 that would allow Tehran to enrich uranium to 3.5% in exchange for full access for IAEA inspectors, permanent human monitoring, closing the near impenetrable Fordow site, and shipping its stores of 20% enriched uranium out of the country.
However, Netanyahu's statements seem to indicate that is not the case. Nonetheless, both Barak and Netanyahu have expressed deep skepticism of Iran's intentions ahead of Wednesday's Bagdad talks.
In April, following a fruitless round of talks between the P5+1 and Iran in Istanbul, both men charged the world powers had given "five weeks away" for Iran to continue enriching uranium, and said Iran was using the talks to "stall for time" in its quest for nuclear weapons.
Last Friday, Netanyahu again said "he sees no evidence of any sort that Iran is ready to end the nuclear program." On Monday he followed this with an explicit call for a "tough line" from the P5+1 in upcoming talks.
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Iran Succeeds in Buying Time on Nuclear Clock -
U.S. Senate Approves New Sanctions on Iran
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Report: Israel May Back World Powers on Iran
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Netanyahu: 'Time is Short and the Task is Great'
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Iran Discovers First Oilfield in Caspian Sea in Over 100 Years
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Iranian Commander Reiterates Need to Annihilate 'Zionist Regime'
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3. New Construction to be Allowed in Beit El – Report
by Gil Ronen
According to latest reports, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are working out a solution to the showdown over the Givat HaUlpana neighborhood in Beit El, which the High Court ruled must be demolished. They have held several meetings on the subject.
The proposed solution would involve the granting of permits for new construction in Beit El, after years in which no such construction was allowed. Givat HaUlpana will be torn down, however.
According to Channel 10, Netanyahu met the head of the Beit El Local Authority in the course of the Yom Yerushalayim event at Merkaz HaRav yeshiva, and told him "Things will work out fine."
Netanyahu is meeting Tuesday with MKs Yaakov Katz and Uri Ariel (National Union). He is expected to ask them to withdraw the "Legalization Bill" from the Knesset's agenda for Wednesday. The bill would mandate solving cases in which homes were built on private Arab land through compensation rather than destruction.
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
According to latest reports, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are working out a solution to the showdown over the Givat HaUlpana neighborhood in Beit El, which the High Court ruled must be demolished. They have held several meetings on the subject.
The proposed solution would involve the granting of permits for new construction in Beit El, after years in which no such construction was allowed. Givat HaUlpana will be torn down, however.
According to Channel 10, Netanyahu met the head of the Beit El Local Authority in the course of the Yom Yerushalayim event at Merkaz HaRav yeshiva, and told him "Things will work out fine."
Netanyahu is meeting Tuesday with MKs Yaakov Katz and Uri Ariel (National Union). He is expected to ask them to withdraw the "Legalization Bill" from the Knesset's agenda for Wednesday. The bill would mandate solving cases in which homes were built on private Arab land through compensation rather than destruction.
Tags: Givat HaUlpana ,Outpost Law ,Beit E
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Givat Ulpana Residents Withdraw High Court Motion
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Report: A-G Against Outpost Law Because of Fear of Hague Court
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Knesset Vote on Outpost Legalization Set for Wednesday
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Pressure on Netanyahu as Vote on Outposts Nears
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4. Visiting Temple Mount? Don't Move
by Gil Ronen
Police have reportedly issued new draconian instructions for non-Muslims who ascend to the Temple Mount, Judaism's holiest site, which has been under Muslim occupation for centuries. According to a report in the daily newspaper Ma'ariv, non-Muslims are now not even permitted to close their eyes while on the Mount, or do anything that could be interpreted as praying.
While Jews have not been allowed to pray on the Mount since the Muslim riots of the year 2000, and their entry has been restricted to specific hours and days, the new instructions take the restrictions to an even greater extreme.
A delegation of 30 public figures and rabbis headed by Rav Dov Lior and MK Uri Ariel arrived at the Temple Mount last week and encountered the new restrictions. When they reached the entrance area at the Mughrabim Gate, a police officer showed up and presented the instructions.
"The officer said that closing eyes and rocking the body back and forth constitute prayer, and therefore anyone who does any of these things will be immediately removed from the Mount," MK Ariel recounted. Taking a note out of one's pocket was also listed as a no-no.
According to the report, the Jerusalem District Police responded to the story by saying only, "This was a statement by an officer who explained to the visitors to the Temple Mount about the characteristics of prayer that are forbidden during the visit there."
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
Police have reportedly issued new draconian instructions for non-Muslims who ascend to the Temple Mount, Judaism's holiest site, which has been under Muslim occupation for centuries. According to a report in the daily newspaper Ma'ariv, non-Muslims are now not even permitted to close their eyes while on the Mount, or do anything that could be interpreted as praying.
While Jews have not been allowed to pray on the Mount since the Muslim riots of the year 2000, and their entry has been restricted to specific hours and days, the new instructions take the restrictions to an even greater extreme.
A delegation of 30 public figures and rabbis headed by Rav Dov Lior and MK Uri Ariel arrived at the Temple Mount last week and encountered the new restrictions. When they reached the entrance area at the Mughrabim Gate, a police officer showed up and presented the instructions.
"The officer said that closing eyes and rocking the body back and forth constitute prayer, and therefore anyone who does any of these things will be immediately removed from the Mount," MK Ariel recounted. Taking a note out of one's pocket was also listed as a no-no.
According to the report, the Jerusalem District Police responded to the story by saying only, "This was a statement by an officer who explained to the visitors to the Temple Mount about the characteristics of prayer that are forbidden during the visit there."
Tags: Temple Mount ,Rabbi Dov Lior ,uri ariel ,Waqf
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5. Appeal to Rabbis: Permit Filming Incidents on Shabbat
by Gil Ronen
A nationalist media watchdog group has issued a call to rabbis to permit the hiring of professional cameramen to document attacks and provocations by Arabs and leftists that occur on the Jewish Sabbath.
Chanie Luz, director of Tadmit, has penned an article on the Srugim website in which she argued that the latest confrontation at Yitzhar showed that Israeli media cannot be relied upon to give an objective account of incidents such as these.
The incident ended with a Jew firing his weapon at an Arab, and it was this part of the event that was covered by the media, which used a video shot and edited by the pro-terrorist B'Tselem organization.
However, that bullet was only fired after dozens of incited Arabs hurled rocks at Jews who were hiking to the local spring, and set fields ablaze in the hope that the fire would consume Yitzhar. The media downplayed or ignored the Arab attack and played up the Jewish response to a life-threatening situation.
Luz writes that the incident reminded her of another terror attack in 2008, in which a terrorist stabbed a nine-year-old boy in Yitzhar on a Sabbath. Israeli media played up video showing the response by men from Yitzhar, who went on a rampage in the attacker's village, but covered up the terrorist attack that provoked it.
"The Arabs document these events, but the Jews hardly do so," contends Luz. "The latest event, too, occurred on Shabbat, and the result in the media is that B'Tselem gets the entire stage on Shabbat, while after Shabbat there is no Jewish video material that can be disseminated."
The edited materials are used to besmirch the IDF, the Jews of Judea and Samaria, and Jews in general, she notes. This libel creates anti-Semitism and places the IDF on the defensive as well. As a result, people lose their lives: the IDF is hamstrung, soldiers cannot effectively protect their own lives and those of Jewish residents against Arab attacks, and Jewish residents cannot defend themselves -- all because of legal limitations placed on them as a result of media disinformation that portrays them as the attackers.
While Luz does not say this outright, it is clear she is hinting that this places the matter in the field of "pikuach nefesh" -- the saving of lives, for which it is permitted to break Sabbath prohibitions.
Luz notes that the rabbi of Maon, Rav Danny Stiskin, gave permission several years ago for the Judean community's security men to videotape incidents that take place on Shabbat. He did so after a series of attacks by leftists and Arabs, which were videotaped by the Arabs and edited to make the Jews look like the attackers.
She says this is not enough, and asks leading rabbis to allow professional documentation of Arab and leftist attacks on Shabbat throughout Judea and Samaria.
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
A nationalist media watchdog group has issued a call to rabbis to permit the hiring of professional cameramen to document attacks and provocations by Arabs and leftists that occur on the Jewish Sabbath.
Chanie Luz, director of Tadmit, has penned an article on the Srugim website in which she argued that the latest confrontation at Yitzhar showed that Israeli media cannot be relied upon to give an objective account of incidents such as these.
The incident ended with a Jew firing his weapon at an Arab, and it was this part of the event that was covered by the media, which used a video shot and edited by the pro-terrorist B'Tselem organization.
However, that bullet was only fired after dozens of incited Arabs hurled rocks at Jews who were hiking to the local spring, and set fields ablaze in the hope that the fire would consume Yitzhar. The media downplayed or ignored the Arab attack and played up the Jewish response to a life-threatening situation.
Luz writes that the incident reminded her of another terror attack in 2008, in which a terrorist stabbed a nine-year-old boy in Yitzhar on a Sabbath. Israeli media played up video showing the response by men from Yitzhar, who went on a rampage in the attacker's village, but covered up the terrorist attack that provoked it.
"The Arabs document these events, but the Jews hardly do so," contends Luz. "The latest event, too, occurred on Shabbat, and the result in the media is that B'Tselem gets the entire stage on Shabbat, while after Shabbat there is no Jewish video material that can be disseminated."
The edited materials are used to besmirch the IDF, the Jews of Judea and Samaria, and Jews in general, she notes. This libel creates anti-Semitism and places the IDF on the defensive as well. As a result, people lose their lives: the IDF is hamstrung, soldiers cannot effectively protect their own lives and those of Jewish residents against Arab attacks, and Jewish residents cannot defend themselves -- all because of legal limitations placed on them as a result of media disinformation that portrays them as the attackers.
While Luz does not say this outright, it is clear she is hinting that this places the matter in the field of "pikuach nefesh" -- the saving of lives, for which it is permitted to break Sabbath prohibitions.
Luz notes that the rabbi of Maon, Rav Danny Stiskin, gave permission several years ago for the Judean community's security men to videotape incidents that take place on Shabbat. He did so after a series of attacks by leftists and Arabs, which were videotaped by the Arabs and edited to make the Jews look like the attackers.
She says this is not enough, and asks leading rabbis to allow professional documentation of Arab and leftist attacks on Shabbat throughout Judea and Samaria.
Tags: Chanie Luz ,Yitzhar
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6. Israel Denies Turkish Reports as 'Baseless'
by Rachel Hirshfeld
Israel denied reports that appeared in the Turkish media on Monday that claimed that Israel is planning to deploy thousands of troops in Cyprus in efforts to protect oil and gas interests in the region.
The report, which appeared in Turkey's Anatolia news agency and appeared doubtful to reporters, claimed that Israel planned to send approximately 20,000 troops to Greek Cyprus.
"These allegations are baseless and have no connection with reality," the Israeli embassy in Ankara said, quoting a foreign ministry statement. "Israel has never deployed troops on foreign soil."
On Friday, Turkey threatened repercussions against companies bidding for oil and gas drilling projects off Cyprus.
The move prompted a sharp response from Cyprus, which condemned this "illegal and provocative attitude of Turkey, which seeks gunboat diplomacy to promote its expansionist designs in Cyprus."
Turkey's warning came after the Cypriot government said 29 companies had made 15 bids for exploratory drilling in a second round of licensing to exploit offshore oil and gas deposits, AFP reported.
Cypriot President Demetris Christofias has said the island's offshore oil and gas search would carry on regardless of the hostile reaction from Ankara, and that any finds will be used for the benefit of all Cypriots.
Diplomatic relations between Israel and Turkey became increasingly hostile in 2010, when Israeli naval commandos, seeking to protect Israel’s national security, boarded the Mavi Marmara flotilla, filled with pro-Palestinian activists seeking to infiltrate Israel’s borders. The incident resulted in the death of nine Turkish activists, including one US citizen.
On Thursday the Turkish military accused Israel of violating the airspace of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is only recognized by Ankara.
Comment on this story
by Rachel Hirshfeld
Israel denied reports that appeared in the Turkish media on Monday that claimed that Israel is planning to deploy thousands of troops in Cyprus in efforts to protect oil and gas interests in the region.
The report, which appeared in Turkey's Anatolia news agency and appeared doubtful to reporters, claimed that Israel planned to send approximately 20,000 troops to Greek Cyprus.
"These allegations are baseless and have no connection with reality," the Israeli embassy in Ankara said, quoting a foreign ministry statement. "Israel has never deployed troops on foreign soil."
On Friday, Turkey threatened repercussions against companies bidding for oil and gas drilling projects off Cyprus.
The move prompted a sharp response from Cyprus, which condemned this "illegal and provocative attitude of Turkey, which seeks gunboat diplomacy to promote its expansionist designs in Cyprus."
Turkey's warning came after the Cypriot government said 29 companies had made 15 bids for exploratory drilling in a second round of licensing to exploit offshore oil and gas deposits, AFP reported.
Cypriot President Demetris Christofias has said the island's offshore oil and gas search would carry on regardless of the hostile reaction from Ankara, and that any finds will be used for the benefit of all Cypriots.
Diplomatic relations between Israel and Turkey became increasingly hostile in 2010, when Israeli naval commandos, seeking to protect Israel’s national security, boarded the Mavi Marmara flotilla, filled with pro-Palestinian activists seeking to infiltrate Israel’s borders. The incident resulted in the death of nine Turkish activists, including one US citizen.
On Thursday the Turkish military accused Israel of violating the airspace of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is only recognized by Ankara.
More on this topic
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'Avalanche of Negativity,' 'Venom' Surrounding Israel Boycotts
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Arab Refusal to Sing Hatikva Raises Ire at Hebrew U
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Arabs Investigate Disguised Israeli Candy
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Turkish Report: Israel to Deploy '20,000 Commandos' to Cyprus
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Iranian Commander Reiterates Need to Annihilate 'Zionist Regime'
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PM Warns: Illegal African Migrants Could Overrun Israel
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7. Netanyahu: 'Time is Short and the Task is Great'
by Gabe Kahn
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday told the Knesset committee tasked with replacing the Tal Law "Time is short and the task is great."
Attending the committee's first meeting, Netanyahu said, "Two weeks ago we were in this room, Shaul Mofaz and myself, in order to announce the formation of broad national unity government. The first order of business stipulated in that unity agreement is drafting an alternative Tal Law.
"In January, before the High Court decision [that the Tal Law did not accord with Israel's Basic Law], I told the Knesset that we must find a better, more just, solution than the Tal Law provides.
"Today, I am honored to open the first meeting of the 'Committee for Equality in the Burden.' Today, we begin hearings that will result in a new law, a law that will bring equity [in military and national service]."
Netanyahu also laid out his vision for the replacement of the Tal Law, and implored the committee members to work together despite the disparity of their views.
"I believe four key principles should guide us: first, an equal distribution of the burden of service; second, a gradual implementation; third, the inclusion of Jews and Arabs alike; and fourth, do all this in accordance with the Basic Laws.
"Hear me, on the committee there are many voices and views, just as there are many voices and views among the people. This committee is composed of representatives of the coalition factions, and external consultants."
Netanyahu also called on the Hareidi Shas and United Torah Judaism parties to end their boycott of the committee and participate in the formulation of the new law.
"On this occasion, I invite the representatives of all factions of the coalition to join the discussions," Netanyahu said. "In the coming weeks, the committee will meet frequently in order to bring about a more just solution to Israeli society."
"For all of us, as citizens of Israel, I wish you and have great success," Netanyahu added. "Time is short and the task is great. You must listen, discuss, propose, decide and pass a new law within a few weeks time."
Comment on this story
by Gabe Kahn
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday told the Knesset committee tasked with replacing the Tal Law "Time is short and the task is great."
Attending the committee's first meeting, Netanyahu said, "Two weeks ago we were in this room, Shaul Mofaz and myself, in order to announce the formation of broad national unity government. The first order of business stipulated in that unity agreement is drafting an alternative Tal Law.
"In January, before the High Court decision [that the Tal Law did not accord with Israel's Basic Law], I told the Knesset that we must find a better, more just, solution than the Tal Law provides.
"Today, I am honored to open the first meeting of the 'Committee for Equality in the Burden.' Today, we begin hearings that will result in a new law, a law that will bring equity [in military and national service]."
Netanyahu also laid out his vision for the replacement of the Tal Law, and implored the committee members to work together despite the disparity of their views.
"I believe four key principles should guide us: first, an equal distribution of the burden of service; second, a gradual implementation; third, the inclusion of Jews and Arabs alike; and fourth, do all this in accordance with the Basic Laws.
"Hear me, on the committee there are many voices and views, just as there are many voices and views among the people. This committee is composed of representatives of the coalition factions, and external consultants."
Netanyahu also called on the Hareidi Shas and United Torah Judaism parties to end their boycott of the committee and participate in the formulation of the new law.
"On this occasion, I invite the representatives of all factions of the coalition to join the discussions," Netanyahu said. "In the coming weeks, the committee will meet frequently in order to bring about a more just solution to Israeli society."
"For all of us, as citizens of Israel, I wish you and have great success," Netanyahu added. "Time is short and the task is great. You must listen, discuss, propose, decide and pass a new law within a few weeks time."
Tags: Tal Law ,Knesset ,Binyamin Netanyahu
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8. 'Avalanche of Negativity,' 'Venom' Surrounding Israel Boycotts
by Rachel Hirshfeld
Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore has criticized what he described as “unacceptable efforts to harass artists with a view to intimidating them from exercising their freedom of choice” in relation to engagement with Israel, The Irish Times reported.
Gilmore’s remarks follow two recent incidents in which the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) exerted pressure on Irish folk band Dervish and Irish novelist Gerard Donovan to cancel their planned trips to Israel.
“Although I was aware of the concerns with our proposed visit to Israel, I wasn’t quite prepared for the extent of the venom directed at us,” said singer Cathy Jordan in a statement on Dervish’s decision to cancel its Israeli tour. She later referred to “an avalanche of negativity” surrounding the originally planned visit.
Raymond Deane of the IPSC has denied that any such “avalanche of negativity” or “venom” was directed at Dervish by activists calling for the band to boycott Israel.
Gerard Donovan, who had been invited to the International Writers Festival in Jerusalem this week, described the IPSC’s lobbying as “outright intimidation” and said he would not be “bullied or cajoled” into responding to the group’s denunciations.
The novelist had already cancelled his visit to Jerusalem on health grounds.
Foreign Minister Gilmore reiterated the government’s position that it does not support cultural or other boycotts against Israel. “While the Government is firmly opposed to campaigns which seek to impose a cultural boycott on Israel, it is the right of others to take a contrary view,” he said.
“Irish artists are free to decide for themselves whether or not to engage with Israel. However, I would regard as unacceptable efforts to harass artists with a view to intimidating them from exercising their freedom of choice in relation to engagement with Israel,” Gilmore continued.
He also referred to discussions held by EU foreign ministers early this week, which resulted in strong condemnations of the so-called “Israeli settlements.”
“I have not disguised the serious concerns which Ireland has in this connection about current Israeli government policies in relation to the occupied Palestinian territories,” Gilmore said. “However, in my view, political differences of this kind should not prevent us from seeking to develop Ireland’s relations with Israel in other spheres.”
Comment on this story
by Rachel Hirshfeld
Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore has criticized what he described as “unacceptable efforts to harass artists with a view to intimidating them from exercising their freedom of choice” in relation to engagement with Israel, The Irish Times reported.
Gilmore’s remarks follow two recent incidents in which the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) exerted pressure on Irish folk band Dervish and Irish novelist Gerard Donovan to cancel their planned trips to Israel.
“Although I was aware of the concerns with our proposed visit to Israel, I wasn’t quite prepared for the extent of the venom directed at us,” said singer Cathy Jordan in a statement on Dervish’s decision to cancel its Israeli tour. She later referred to “an avalanche of negativity” surrounding the originally planned visit.
Raymond Deane of the IPSC has denied that any such “avalanche of negativity” or “venom” was directed at Dervish by activists calling for the band to boycott Israel.
Gerard Donovan, who had been invited to the International Writers Festival in Jerusalem this week, described the IPSC’s lobbying as “outright intimidation” and said he would not be “bullied or cajoled” into responding to the group’s denunciations.
The novelist had already cancelled his visit to Jerusalem on health grounds.
Foreign Minister Gilmore reiterated the government’s position that it does not support cultural or other boycotts against Israel. “While the Government is firmly opposed to campaigns which seek to impose a cultural boycott on Israel, it is the right of others to take a contrary view,” he said.
“Irish artists are free to decide for themselves whether or not to engage with Israel. However, I would regard as unacceptable efforts to harass artists with a view to intimidating them from exercising their freedom of choice in relation to engagement with Israel,” Gilmore continued.
He also referred to discussions held by EU foreign ministers early this week, which resulted in strong condemnations of the so-called “Israeli settlements.”
“I have not disguised the serious concerns which Ireland has in this connection about current Israeli government policies in relation to the occupied Palestinian territories,” Gilmore said. “However, in my view, political differences of this kind should not prevent us from seeking to develop Ireland’s relations with Israel in other spheres.”
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