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1. IDF’s 3-Pronged Plan to Enlist Hareidim
by Maayana Miskin
The Tal Law recently expired with no replacement, leaving the IDF struggling with how to handle the thousands of full-time Torah students who suddenly became obligated to enlist. Now a three-pronged plan has been revealed that would see the hareidi community – the primary beneficiary of the Tal Law dispensation for Torah scholars - able to enlist while maintaining high standards of Torah observance.
The program would see one-third of hareidi men enlist in the IDF in combat units, one-third serve in the Israel Police or civilian service, and one-third enlist in the IDF and join support units, particularly in Intelligence and the Air Force.
To ease their enlistment the military is creating another three regiments of the Nachal Hareidi, a program that aims to help hareidi-religious men maintain their lifestyle during service. Under the program, soldiers get food prepared using stringent kosher standards, have daily time to learn Torah, and do not serve alongside female soldiers.
In addition, units are being set up to allow hareidi men to serve near their homes. For example, men living in Tzfat could serve working in storage units in nearby bases, and return home in the evening.
The latter program is still waiting for government approval.
IDF commanders are also weighing the option of stating that men who learned Torah full-time under the Tal Law and are now older than 21 may join the workforce without first serving in the IDF.
Comment on this story
by Maayana Miskin
The Tal Law recently expired with no replacement, leaving the IDF struggling with how to handle the thousands of full-time Torah students who suddenly became obligated to enlist. Now a three-pronged plan has been revealed that would see the hareidi community – the primary beneficiary of the Tal Law dispensation for Torah scholars - able to enlist while maintaining high standards of Torah observance.
The program would see one-third of hareidi men enlist in the IDF in combat units, one-third serve in the Israel Police or civilian service, and one-third enlist in the IDF and join support units, particularly in Intelligence and the Air Force.
To ease their enlistment the military is creating another three regiments of the Nachal Hareidi, a program that aims to help hareidi-religious men maintain their lifestyle during service. Under the program, soldiers get food prepared using stringent kosher standards, have daily time to learn Torah, and do not serve alongside female soldiers.
In addition, units are being set up to allow hareidi men to serve near their homes. For example, men living in Tzfat could serve working in storage units in nearby bases, and return home in the evening.
The latter program is still waiting for government approval.
IDF commanders are also weighing the option of stating that men who learned Torah full-time under the Tal Law and are now older than 21 may join the workforce without first serving in the IDF.
More on this topic
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Shas: Some Demanding Full IDF Sevice Didn't Serve Themselves -
Activists Take Enlistment Battle to Yeshivas
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MK Ze'ev: Forcefully Drafting Hareidim Will End the Coalition
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Mass Yeshiva Student Enlistment Would Create Chaos in IDF
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Tal Law Expires – IDF has a Month to Offer Alternative
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Im Tirtzu's Haredi Campaign Flops
Comment on this story
2. Facebook Targets Hizbullah, Shuts Down its TV Network's Page
by Elad Benari
Facebook pages created by the Hizbullah terror group’s Al-Manar television station have been removed from the site, the Lebanese Daily Star reported on Thursday.
According to the report, the decision by the social networking website to halt activity connected with Hizbullah was made because the group appears on the State Department’s list of terror organizations.
“Under our Statement of Rights and Responsibilities we do not allow content that incites violence,” Frederic Wolens, a Facebook spokesperson, was quoted as having said. “And to help keep our site safe, we use the State Department List of Foreign Terror Organizations to help make determinations of which groups may be involved in the promotion of violence. Due to Hizbullah's appearance on the list, they have been removed from the site.”
Wolens said this extended to Al-Manar, whose official page was not accessible Thursday. A Hizbullah community page was also down, although a spokesperson for the group told the Daily Star the group has never had an official page.
Several weeks ago, Apple Inc. removed an application that Hizbullah was advertising on the iTunes store promoting streaming video from Al-Manar.
The app, which had been advertised on the air by Al-Manar, directed users to various broadcast content, including speeches by Hizbullah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) praised Apple Inc. for its decision, saying, “As the media arm of the terrorist group Hizbullah, Al-Manar is a source for anti-American and anti-Israel propaganda and messages of hate and violence. We commend Apple for removing the app from the iTunes store and appreciate their vigilance in ensuring that terrorist-affiliated organizations will not have access to Apple's customers.”
On Thursday, according to the Daily Star, the Al-Manar website offered an alternative way to download its app “following the campaign carried out by the Jewish Anti-Defamation League to deactivate Al-Manar applications on smartphones at Google Play and Apple store.”
Last week, the United States imposed a new round of penalties against Syria that included Hizbullah, due to its providing support to President Bashar al-Assad's government.
The U.S. Treasury said that the Lebanese terror group, designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization in 1995, has been providing training and extensive logistical support to Syria's government.
The Hizbullah leadership claimed this week that its missiles can now reach all of Israeli territory.
Speaking at a ceremony in southern Lebanon, Nabil Ka'uk announced from the podium that “Hizbullah rockets can reach all Israeli settlements,” referring to Israeli towns and cities.
Comment on this story
by Elad Benari
Facebook pages created by the Hizbullah terror group’s Al-Manar television station have been removed from the site, the Lebanese Daily Star reported on Thursday.
According to the report, the decision by the social networking website to halt activity connected with Hizbullah was made because the group appears on the State Department’s list of terror organizations.
“Under our Statement of Rights and Responsibilities we do not allow content that incites violence,” Frederic Wolens, a Facebook spokesperson, was quoted as having said. “And to help keep our site safe, we use the State Department List of Foreign Terror Organizations to help make determinations of which groups may be involved in the promotion of violence. Due to Hizbullah's appearance on the list, they have been removed from the site.”
Wolens said this extended to Al-Manar, whose official page was not accessible Thursday. A Hizbullah community page was also down, although a spokesperson for the group told the Daily Star the group has never had an official page.
Several weeks ago, Apple Inc. removed an application that Hizbullah was advertising on the iTunes store promoting streaming video from Al-Manar.
The app, which had been advertised on the air by Al-Manar, directed users to various broadcast content, including speeches by Hizbullah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) praised Apple Inc. for its decision, saying, “As the media arm of the terrorist group Hizbullah, Al-Manar is a source for anti-American and anti-Israel propaganda and messages of hate and violence. We commend Apple for removing the app from the iTunes store and appreciate their vigilance in ensuring that terrorist-affiliated organizations will not have access to Apple's customers.”
On Thursday, according to the Daily Star, the Al-Manar website offered an alternative way to download its app “following the campaign carried out by the Jewish Anti-Defamation League to deactivate Al-Manar applications on smartphones at Google Play and Apple store.”
Last week, the United States imposed a new round of penalties against Syria that included Hizbullah, due to its providing support to President Bashar al-Assad's government.
The U.S. Treasury said that the Lebanese terror group, designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization in 1995, has been providing training and extensive logistical support to Syria's government.
The Hizbullah leadership claimed this week that its missiles can now reach all of Israeli territory.
Speaking at a ceremony in southern Lebanon, Nabil Ka'uk announced from the podium that “Hizbullah rockets can reach all Israeli settlements,” referring to Israeli towns and cities.
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'Family-Friendly' Hizbullah Terror Theme Park
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New Technology: Record a Video Greeting for Peres
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Hizbullah Claims Rockets Can Reach All of Israel
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U.S. Imposes Penalties on Syrian Firm and on Hizbullah
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Report: Phone Calls Link Burgas Attack to Iran ‘Shadow War’
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Hackers Publish Israelis' Credit Card Information
Comment on this story
3. IDF Commander Orders Extra Patrols After Firebomb Attack
by Elad Benari
The Commander of the IDF’s Judea and Samaria Division, Brigadier-General Hagai Mordechai, has ordered extra troops to patrol major roads in Judea and Samaria, after a firebomb was thrown at an Arab taxi on Thursday evening.
Six Arabs were wounded in the incident, which took place between Kfar Etzion and Gevaot, south of Jerusalem. Two of them were in moderate to serious condition, and the rest were reported in light to moderate condition. All were evacuated to a hospital.
Mordechai emphasized the importance of quickly investigating the issue and bringing the perpetrators to justice. He added that the incident was a serious one with the potential of compromising the security stability in the region.
Military sources said on Thursday evening that a preliminary investigation of the incident has led them to believe that the firebomb was thrown by Jewish Israelis.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu strongly condemned the incident and instructed the Shin Bet to act decisively to catch perpetrators.
“This is a very serious act. We will do everything to catch those responsible and bring them to justice,” he said.
Comment on this story
by Elad Benari
The Commander of the IDF’s Judea and Samaria Division, Brigadier-General Hagai Mordechai, has ordered extra troops to patrol major roads in Judea and Samaria, after a firebomb was thrown at an Arab taxi on Thursday evening.
Six Arabs were wounded in the incident, which took place between Kfar Etzion and Gevaot, south of Jerusalem. Two of them were in moderate to serious condition, and the rest were reported in light to moderate condition. All were evacuated to a hospital.
Mordechai emphasized the importance of quickly investigating the issue and bringing the perpetrators to justice. He added that the incident was a serious one with the potential of compromising the security stability in the region.
Military sources said on Thursday evening that a preliminary investigation of the incident has led them to believe that the firebomb was thrown by Jewish Israelis.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu strongly condemned the incident and instructed the Shin Bet to act decisively to catch perpetrators.
“This is a very serious act. We will do everything to catch those responsible and bring them to justice,” he said.
More on this topic
Comment on this story
4. Peres Under Attack for Undermining Leadership
by Gil Ronen
President Shimon Peres is under attack for undercutting the elected government's stance on the Iranian threat. Besides stating a position that runs counter to the Prime Minister's in a television interview, he is also reported to have accused Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, in closed conversations, of "terrible irresponsibility" in the Iranian matter.
"The honorable president has apparently also been sucked into this unnecessary argument that is damaging for the state of Israel," said MK Moshe Matalon of Yisrael Beytenu.
"As a former prime minister and defense minister, and a person who was privy to spectacular operations that were also controversial and were decided by the political tier, the president needs to show the proper sensitivity," Matalon added.
"In a democracy and a parliamentary regime, the authority and responsibility rest with the executive branch and its head, the prime minister," Matalon continued. "For this reason, the president should demand that the flames of this searing debate be lowered."
Sources close to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu were quoted in two news outlets as saying that "Peres forgot what the role of a president in the state of Israel is."
"Peres forgot that he, too, made at least three cardinal mistakes regarding state security," the sources added. The first mistake, they said, was the Oslo Accord that he thought would create a new Middle East and instead led to more than 1,000 Israel deaths from terror attacks that emanated from the territory he gave the Arabs.
The second mistake, the sources said, was his support for the 2005 Gaza "Disengagement," which he thought would lead to peace and resulted in rocket attacks on southern Israel. His worst miscalculation, they said, was his objection to the 1981 attack on the Iraqi nuclear plant.
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
President Shimon Peres is under attack for undercutting the elected government's stance on the Iranian threat. Besides stating a position that runs counter to the Prime Minister's in a television interview, he is also reported to have accused Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, in closed conversations, of "terrible irresponsibility" in the Iranian matter.
"The honorable president has apparently also been sucked into this unnecessary argument that is damaging for the state of Israel," said MK Moshe Matalon of Yisrael Beytenu.
"As a former prime minister and defense minister, and a person who was privy to spectacular operations that were also controversial and were decided by the political tier, the president needs to show the proper sensitivity," Matalon added.
"In a democracy and a parliamentary regime, the authority and responsibility rest with the executive branch and its head, the prime minister," Matalon continued. "For this reason, the president should demand that the flames of this searing debate be lowered."
Sources close to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu were quoted in two news outlets as saying that "Peres forgot what the role of a president in the state of Israel is."
"Peres forgot that he, too, made at least three cardinal mistakes regarding state security," the sources added. The first mistake, they said, was the Oslo Accord that he thought would create a new Middle East and instead led to more than 1,000 Israel deaths from terror attacks that emanated from the territory he gave the Arabs.
The second mistake, the sources said, was his support for the 2005 Gaza "Disengagement," which he thought would lead to peace and resulted in rocket attacks on southern Israel. His worst miscalculation, they said, was his objection to the 1981 attack on the Iraqi nuclear plant.
More on this topic
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Yechimovich Comes to Peres' Defense, Criticizes Netanyahu
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Sharansky on Peres: In Israel the Prime Minister Decides
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Legal Forum: Investigate Petition Calling on Pilots to Refuse
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Peres: Israel Can't Attack Alone
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New Technology: Record a Video Greeting for Peres
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'Netanyahu and Barak Haven't Yet Decided on Iran Strike'
Comment on this story
5. New, Affordable Housing Project Going Up in Beitar Ilit
by David Lev
Apartment prices in Israel are sky-high – but if you're willing to live in Beitar Ilit, and are one of 36 lucky families, you could score a brand new apartment at about half the going rate for similar homes in the center of the country.
Among the policies adopted recently by the government is a requirement for building companies to dedicate part of the projects they build on government-owned land to affordable housing for middle and working class Israelis. According to Ashdar's deal with the Israel Lands Administration, the company received a discount on the land and development costs in exchange for promising to build affordable housing.
A number of similar projects, to be built on land leased from the ILA, are in the works. For example, a large project planned for Tel Aviv will include 2,100 homes that will be priced within the means of young couples. Altogether, the project, to be built on the last large undeveloped tract of land in Tel Aviv, will include 12,500 housing units.
The Beitar Ilit project is being built by Ashdar, an Israeli construction company that has a long history of building affordable housing. Half of the 72 apartments in the project will be priced at a base cost of NIS 490,000 (about $124,000), all taxes included. Once a contract is signed, buyers will be responsible for building inflation costs (determined by a statistic published monthly) until the buyer's mortgage is approved and the full payment is made to the builder, so the final cost is likely to be between NIS 500,000 and NIS 550,000 ($125,000 to $139,000).
For the price, buyers get an 85 square meter apartment, without any of the accoutrements common in “market rate” apartments, such as built-in jacuzzis and Italian marble countertops. However, the homes are about half of what an apartment of the same size costs in the center of the country. Most new apartments are larger than 85 square meters, and most have more extensive features than these homes.
The balance of the apartments in the project will be sold at market rate. The discounted apartments will be available to eligible families based on Housing Ministry criteria. Ashdar has not announced how they will choose the buyers, assuming that more than 36 eligible families seek to buy the homes.
Comment on this story
by David Lev
Apartment prices in Israel are sky-high – but if you're willing to live in Beitar Ilit, and are one of 36 lucky families, you could score a brand new apartment at about half the going rate for similar homes in the center of the country.
Among the policies adopted recently by the government is a requirement for building companies to dedicate part of the projects they build on government-owned land to affordable housing for middle and working class Israelis. According to Ashdar's deal with the Israel Lands Administration, the company received a discount on the land and development costs in exchange for promising to build affordable housing.
A number of similar projects, to be built on land leased from the ILA, are in the works. For example, a large project planned for Tel Aviv will include 2,100 homes that will be priced within the means of young couples. Altogether, the project, to be built on the last large undeveloped tract of land in Tel Aviv, will include 12,500 housing units.
The Beitar Ilit project is being built by Ashdar, an Israeli construction company that has a long history of building affordable housing. Half of the 72 apartments in the project will be priced at a base cost of NIS 490,000 (about $124,000), all taxes included. Once a contract is signed, buyers will be responsible for building inflation costs (determined by a statistic published monthly) until the buyer's mortgage is approved and the full payment is made to the builder, so the final cost is likely to be between NIS 500,000 and NIS 550,000 ($125,000 to $139,000).
For the price, buyers get an 85 square meter apartment, without any of the accoutrements common in “market rate” apartments, such as built-in jacuzzis and Italian marble countertops. However, the homes are about half of what an apartment of the same size costs in the center of the country. Most new apartments are larger than 85 square meters, and most have more extensive features than these homes.
The balance of the apartments in the project will be sold at market rate. The discounted apartments will be available to eligible families based on Housing Ministry criteria. Ashdar has not announced how they will choose the buyers, assuming that more than 36 eligible families seek to buy the homes.
Tags: Real Estate ,Beitar Ilit ,Ashdar
More on this topic
Comment on this story
6. Northern Fire Moves Underground, Continuing to Burn Since May
by David Lev
A fire that broke out in the northern community of Ma'alot Tarshicha in May has still not been put out – and is continuing to burn underground, fed by trash and tree cuttings and mulch in a municipal dumping ground. Residents of the area complain of seeing smoke at all hours of the night, and seeing flames jump out of the ground at times. In a number of instances, the underground flames ignited a blaze above ground, requiring firefighter assistance to control the blaze.
Residents have expressed concern over not only the possibility of a major fire during the hot, dry summer, but also of the possible effects of the inhalation of smoke from the fires.
Residents of the area said that the original fire took place in May in the municipal dumping ground, which was mostly used for tree branches and other cuttings. That fire was quickly put out, but due to the amount of inflammable material and the depth of the tree cuttings, a slow-burning fire was set at the bottom of the dump. Meanwhile, the city continues to use the dump, supplying more fuel for the ongoing fire, residents said.
Environmental groups have been pressuring the local government to do something about the problem. City officials said that it was doing everything it could, including extending a water line to the site so that firefighters could use the line to pump water to put out any fires that crop up. While there was little that could be done at this point – except to wait for winter – the city said it was working to ensure that the problem did not occur again.
Comment on this story
by David Lev
A fire that broke out in the northern community of Ma'alot Tarshicha in May has still not been put out – and is continuing to burn underground, fed by trash and tree cuttings and mulch in a municipal dumping ground. Residents of the area complain of seeing smoke at all hours of the night, and seeing flames jump out of the ground at times. In a number of instances, the underground flames ignited a blaze above ground, requiring firefighter assistance to control the blaze.
Residents have expressed concern over not only the possibility of a major fire during the hot, dry summer, but also of the possible effects of the inhalation of smoke from the fires.
Residents of the area said that the original fire took place in May in the municipal dumping ground, which was mostly used for tree branches and other cuttings. That fire was quickly put out, but due to the amount of inflammable material and the depth of the tree cuttings, a slow-burning fire was set at the bottom of the dump. Meanwhile, the city continues to use the dump, supplying more fuel for the ongoing fire, residents said.
Environmental groups have been pressuring the local government to do something about the problem. City officials said that it was doing everything it could, including extending a water line to the site so that firefighters could use the line to pump water to put out any fires that crop up. While there was little that could be done at this point – except to wait for winter – the city said it was working to ensure that the problem did not occur again.
More on this topic
Comment on this story
7. Barak: A Nuclear Iran Will be Infinitely More Dangerous
by Elad Benari
Defense Minister Ehud Barak explained on Thursday why it is important that the issue of Iran's nuclear program be resolved as soon as possible.
Barak spoke at a Knesset discussion during which Avi Dichter was sworn in as Home Front Defense Minister. During the meeting, criticism was leveled at Barak and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu by members of the opposition for the way they are dealing with the Iranian issue.
Barak, however, made it clear that dealing with a nuclear Iran would be infinitely more dangerous and more expensive.
“There are risks in the situation today, it's not simple, not risk-free,” said Barak and stressed that on the other hand, “It's infinitely more dangerous, complicated, complex and costly in human lives and resources to deal with a nuclear Iran in the future.”
He clarified that the government will be the body that will decide on the matter. “The prime minister and defense minister and foreign minister have authority, we have the forum of nine senior ministers, there is a cabinet and the decision, when the time comes, will be made by the Israeli government. That is how it always was and that is how it should be. Not groups of citizens and not even editorials [will make the decision].”
Barak added, “I have been sitting for many years in government meetings. I say to you, members of the Knesset and the public, there is no issue - neither peace nor war – that has been discussed at this depth, in such detail, time after time in government, inside closed rooms, in an open and responsive manner and in a more transparent manner than ever before. That does not mean that there is no controversy, but the subject is being discussed.”
There has been continued speculation that Israel is close to striking in Iran. Some have speculated that such an attack by Israel could likely occur in September or October.
Israel’s former national security adviser, Uzi Dayan, told The New York Times on Wednesday that Netanyahu and Barak have not yet decided to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities and could be dissuaded from a strike, if President Barack Obama approved stricter sanctions and publicly confirmed his willingness to use military force.
Prior to Barak’s remarks, Kadima chairman Shaul Mofaz attacked Netanyahu over the reports about a possible Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.
“Mr. Prime Minister, you are creating panic,” he said. “You are trying to scare us and horrify us. And the truth is - we really are afraid. We are afraid of your lack of judgment, we are afraid that you are being led rather than leading, we are afraid that you are implementing a dangerous and irresponsible policy.”
Comment on this story
by Elad Benari
Defense Minister Ehud Barak explained on Thursday why it is important that the issue of Iran's nuclear program be resolved as soon as possible.
Barak spoke at a Knesset discussion during which Avi Dichter was sworn in as Home Front Defense Minister. During the meeting, criticism was leveled at Barak and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu by members of the opposition for the way they are dealing with the Iranian issue.
Barak, however, made it clear that dealing with a nuclear Iran would be infinitely more dangerous and more expensive.
“There are risks in the situation today, it's not simple, not risk-free,” said Barak and stressed that on the other hand, “It's infinitely more dangerous, complicated, complex and costly in human lives and resources to deal with a nuclear Iran in the future.”
He clarified that the government will be the body that will decide on the matter. “The prime minister and defense minister and foreign minister have authority, we have the forum of nine senior ministers, there is a cabinet and the decision, when the time comes, will be made by the Israeli government. That is how it always was and that is how it should be. Not groups of citizens and not even editorials [will make the decision].”
Barak added, “I have been sitting for many years in government meetings. I say to you, members of the Knesset and the public, there is no issue - neither peace nor war – that has been discussed at this depth, in such detail, time after time in government, inside closed rooms, in an open and responsive manner and in a more transparent manner than ever before. That does not mean that there is no controversy, but the subject is being discussed.”
There has been continued speculation that Israel is close to striking in Iran. Some have speculated that such an attack by Israel could likely occur in September or October.
Israel’s former national security adviser, Uzi Dayan, told The New York Times on Wednesday that Netanyahu and Barak have not yet decided to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities and could be dissuaded from a strike, if President Barack Obama approved stricter sanctions and publicly confirmed his willingness to use military force.
Prior to Barak’s remarks, Kadima chairman Shaul Mofaz attacked Netanyahu over the reports about a possible Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.
“Mr. Prime Minister, you are creating panic,” he said. “You are trying to scare us and horrify us. And the truth is - we really are afraid. We are afraid of your lack of judgment, we are afraid that you are being led rather than leading, we are afraid that you are implementing a dangerous and irresponsible policy.”
Tags: Ehud Barak ,Iran ,Iran Nuclear threat
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Yechimovich Comes to Peres' Defense, Criticizes Netanyahu
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Sharansky on Peres: In Israel the Prime Minister Decides
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'Family-Friendly' Hizbullah Terror Theme Park
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Professor: Call to Boycott Iran Raid 'Betrayal'
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Vilna'i: We Can Cut Expected Casualties in Iran War by 90%
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'Netanyahu and Barak Haven't Yet Decided on Iran Strike'
Comment on this story
8. Former Intelligence Officials Launch Campaign Against Obama
by Rachel Hirshfeld
A group of former military and intelligence officials launched a campaign against President Obama on Wednesday, accusing him of claiming undue credit for the Osama bin Laden raid and suggesting the administration leaked classified security information in an effort to prevent Israel from attacking Iran.
The group, called Special Operations OPSEC education Fund Inc., released a 22 minute video on its website and plans to go on air with a television ad sometime in September, Fox News reported.
In the video, retired CIA agents and other intelligence personnel claim that the administration has been leaking security details for political gain, and specifically target the president over his public handling of the raid that killed the al-Qaeda terrorist mastermind.
"Mr. President, you did not kill Osama bin Laden. America did," Navy SEAL Ben Smith said in the video. "The work that the American military has done killed Osama bin Laden. You did not."
The president has made the assassination of bin Laden a focal point in his re-election campaign, calling it one of the "gutsiest calls of any president in recent history."
Highlighting the security leaks controversy, the narrator in the video says former military and intelligence operatives who understand the importance of operational security "have had enough."
"Their mission -- stop the politicians from politically capitalizing on U.S. national security operations and secrets," the narrator says, as a picture of the president appears on the screen.
Obama has condemned the leaks, saying the issue is "a source of consistent frustration" for the administration.
A new book, titled “Leading From Behind: The Reluctant President and the Advisors who Decide for Him,” which is scheduled to be released at the end of the month, similarly argues that Obama canceled the operation to kill the terrorist mind on three separate occasions before finally approving the May 2, 2011 Navy SEAL mission.
Comment on this story
by Rachel Hirshfeld
A group of former military and intelligence officials launched a campaign against President Obama on Wednesday, accusing him of claiming undue credit for the Osama bin Laden raid and suggesting the administration leaked classified security information in an effort to prevent Israel from attacking Iran.
The group, called Special Operations OPSEC education Fund Inc., released a 22 minute video on its website and plans to go on air with a television ad sometime in September, Fox News reported.
In the video, retired CIA agents and other intelligence personnel claim that the administration has been leaking security details for political gain, and specifically target the president over his public handling of the raid that killed the al-Qaeda terrorist mastermind.
"Mr. President, you did not kill Osama bin Laden. America did," Navy SEAL Ben Smith said in the video. "The work that the American military has done killed Osama bin Laden. You did not."
The president has made the assassination of bin Laden a focal point in his re-election campaign, calling it one of the "gutsiest calls of any president in recent history."
Highlighting the security leaks controversy, the narrator in the video says former military and intelligence operatives who understand the importance of operational security "have had enough."
"Their mission -- stop the politicians from politically capitalizing on U.S. national security operations and secrets," the narrator says, as a picture of the president appears on the screen.
Obama has condemned the leaks, saying the issue is "a source of consistent frustration" for the administration.
A new book, titled “Leading From Behind: The Reluctant President and the Advisors who Decide for Him,” which is scheduled to be released at the end of the month, similarly argues that Obama canceled the operation to kill the terrorist mind on three separate occasions before finally approving the May 2, 2011 Navy SEAL mission.
Tags: President Obama ,Osama bin Laden ,Terror ,intelligence ,Security
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Video: Super-Fast Plane May Be Clincher in Missile War
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Report: Al Qaeda Training for Terrorist Attack Using Model Plane
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U.N. Agency Embraces Iranian Terror Group
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Obama to Dine with Ahmadinejad, Morsi at U.N. Assembly in NY?
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Jimmy Carter to Address DNC, Despite Jewish Objections
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'Terrorists and Morsi have Identical Aims'
Comment on this story
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