10 February 2013 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Soldiers Surround Azzoun Town
IMEMC – Israeli soldiers surrounded, on Saturday at night, Azzoun town, east of the northern West Bank district of Qalqilia, and fired dozens of gas bombs at local residents. …
Soldiers Remove “Canaan” Protest Village Installed On Threatened Lands
IMEMC – Saturday morning February 9; Israeli soldiers invaded and dismantled the Canaan protest village, east of Yatta town, near Hebron, that was installed by local nonviolent activists on Palestinian lands that Israel illegally confiscated for its settlement construction and expansion activities. …
Protests In Gaza And 40 European Cities Demand End To International Trade With Israeli Agribusiness
IMEMC – More than 300 farmers and activists in Gaza march towards the buffer zone near the border with Israel to demand boycott of Israeli agriculture firms. …
Israeli forces detain 6 overnight in West Bank raids
2/10/2013 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli forces detained six Palestinians overnight Saturday, a military representative said. Troops also clashed with Palestinians in towns in the northern West Bank on Saturday evening. At dawn, forces searched several homes in Burqa village, near Nablus, and detained Shadi Abu Omar, Fadi Abu Omar, and Munjed Daughlas. Another man, Mousa….
Fire breaks out in Israeli jail, prisoners say
2/10/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A fire broke out at Israel‘s Megiddo jail on Sunday, Palestinian prisoners said. The fire was caused by an electrical short-circuit, prisoners told Ma’an, and no injuries were reported. [END]
MK Tibi joins protest against East Jerusalem highway
2/10/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian MK Ahmad Tibi joined hundreds of protestors on Sunday to demonstrate against the construction of a highway in an East Jerusalem neighborhood. Protestors in Beit Safafa formed a human chain and set up tents to protest the construction of Road 4, which would confiscate part of the neighborhood’s….
Netanyahu says to discuss peace talks with Obama
2/10/2013 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he plans to discuss peace talks with Palestine during US President Barack Obama’s upcoming visit to Israel and the West Bank, Israeli media reported. The leaders will tackle three issues,”the Iranian attempt to arm itself with nuclear weapons….
Iran rejects Western pressure on revolution anniversary
2/10/2013 – DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Sunday Tehran would not negotiate about its disputed nuclear program under pressure, but would talk to its adversaries if they stopped “pointing the gun”. In a speech to mark the 34th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, Ahmadinejad struck a more conciliatory tone than Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali….
Israel PM, Obama to discuss Iran, Syria, Palestinians
2/10/2013 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Iran‘s nuclear ambitions, the civil war in Syria and stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts will top the agenda of US President Barack Obama’s visit to Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.” It is a very important visit that will emphasize the strong alliance between Israel and the United….
PLO officials in Syria for talks on refugees
2/10/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A high-level PLO delegation arrived in Damascus on Sunday to discuss the situation of Palestinian refugees in Syria, a PLO official said. Zakaria al-Agha, a Fatah official and Chairman of the PLO’s Refugee Affairs Department who is heading the delegation, said they will meet with Syrian officials, faction….
Health workers to escalate strike action
2/10/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Health workers in the West Bank will escalate their strike action next week, their union said on Sunday. Osama al-Najjar, the head of the healthcare union, said from Feb. 17, the health sector will go on full strike, with the exception of one day per week in order to fulfill their….
Elections delegation headed to Gaza
2/10/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A delegation from the Central Elections Commission is expected to arrive in the Gaza strip on Sunday via Israel‘s Erez crossing. The delegation will open the voting centers, and will start working on voter registry. Hanna Nasser will hold a press conference on Monday at 10 a. m….
No sign of breakthrough after Cairo unity summit
2/10/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Palestinian political parties meeting in Cairo this week over reconciliation failed to reach any concrete outcomes, participants in the summit told Ma’an on Sunday. Political leaders met in Cairo on Thursday and Friday for talks on the May 2011 deal to reunite the West Bank and Gaza, which…. Related: Official: Cairo meetings have not met expectations
PA provides financial assistance to Palestinian refugees in Egypt
2/10/2013 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — The Palestinian embassy in Egypt is providing financial support to hundreds of families fleeing the conflict in Syria, Palestinian refugees told Ma’an. Palestinian refugee families who fled to Cairo are receiving financial stipends to enable them to rent accommodation, but many are complaining that the amount is not enough….
Fayyad: No comment on Gaza ‘aid offer’
2/10/2013 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — PA prime minister Salam Fayyad on Sunday refused to comment on a Gaza official’s offer to rescue the West Bank based economy from financial crisis. Asked by a Ma’an correspondent as to his view on the offer, Fayyad laughed, saying “I refuse to comment, what do you….
Protest in Ramallah calls for political unity
2/10/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Representatives from political parties and social organizations staged a sit-in strike in Ramallah on Sunday to call for an end to political divisions. Protestors chanted slogans and waved flags in Al-Manara square, calling on Hamas and Fatah to unite. Coordinator of the campaign, Ahmad Abdul Halim, said in a statement that….
Gaza ministry creates job scheme for graduates, official says
2/10/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Gaza’s Ministry of Work has formed a committee to provide 5,000 jobs for new graduates, an official said Sunday. General director of the ministry, Maher Abu Rayya, said in a statement that the new work program will last for 11 months, and graduates with a BA degree will….
PA minister: Discussions underway over constitution
2/10/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The PA Ministry of Justice is considering setting up a committee to discuss the Palestinian constitution, the justice minister said Sunday. Ali Muhanna made the remarks during a panel discussion with Palestinian youth groups, saying that a new committee to discuss constitutional amendments is being considered, without giving further details. At….
Official: Cairo meetings have not met expectations
2/10/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Recent reconciliation meetings in Cairo between Palestinian officials have fallen short of expectations, an official said Sunday. Independent coalition chief Khalil Assaf told Ma’an TV that Palestinian factions have not done enough to fulfill the ambitions of the Palestinian people.” None of the agreed points have been implemented,” Assaf…. Related: No sign of breakthrough after Cairo unity summit
Man dies in fall from Gaza tower block
2/10/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A young Palestinian man was killed on Sunday when he fell from a residential tower block where he was working in Gaza City. Muhammad Odeh, 23, was installing glass panes on the third-floor from al-Thafer residential tower when he fell. Medics said he suffered bleeding to the brain, and was….
Tunisian president’s secular party quits Islamist-led government
2/10/2013 – TUNIS (Reuters) — The secular party of Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki withdrew its three ministers from the Islamist-led government on Sunday, saying its demands for cabinet changes had not been met. The decision by Marzouki’s Congress for the Republic Party deals a further blow to Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali’s government, already reeling….
Bahrainis start first reconciliation talks since July 2011
2/10/2013 – MANAMA (Reuters) — Bahrain’s government and opposition began reconciliation talks on Sunday for the first time since July 2011 to try to end two years of political deadlock in the strategically vital Gulf Arab island kingdom. Home to the US Fifth Fleet, the tiny state has been hit by unrest since mass pro-democracy protests….
Muslim Brotherhood want aide as top Egypt cleric
2/10/2013 – CAIRO (Reuters) — Egypt’s ruling Muslim Brotherhood has nominated one of its senior leaders for the influential position of grand mufti, the nation’s top cleric, defying critics who accuse the Islamist group of seeking to dominate all institutions. Islamic scholars chaired by the head of the ancient seat of learning, Al-Azhar, are….
Jordan’s king wants more representative parliament after boycott
2/10/2013 – AMMAN (Reuters) — Jordan’s king on Sunday called for electoral changes to make parliament more representative, after Islamists boycotted last month’s national poll saying rules were skewed against urban areas where they have most support. Independents and candidates allied to Jordan’s powerful tribal establishment, which is strongest in the countryside….
Patriarch warns Syrians of reliving Lebanon’s errors
2/10/2013 – AMMAN (Reuters) — The head of Lebanon’s Maronite Church evoked his country’s long civil war to condemn the futility of conflict, on the second day of a controversial visit to Syria‘s war-ravaged capital Damascus. At a Sunday mass broadcast live on Syrian state television, Patriarch Beshara al-Rai appeared to dismiss….
Israel’s Lieberman scoffs at Palestinian deal
AlJazeera 9 Feb 2013 – Ex-foreign minister calls peace “impossible”, saying the conflict between Palestinians and Israel can only be “managed”.
International Solidarity Movement
Canaan protest village
2/10/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 10 February 2013, Beit Ommar Popular Movement, South Hebron Hills, Occupied Palestine – Today, the South West Popular Committee along with international activists embarked on a new effort to establish a village, Canaan, on Palestinian land in South Hebron Hills. The village’s name was not accidental. We wanted to declare that we are the….
Thanks to your help Mamun Nasser, has been released from Israeli imprisonment.
2/10/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 11 February 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Madama, Occupied Palestine – Thanks to your help Mamun Nasser, has been released from Israeli imprisonment. Mamun had spent nearly two months in Israeli jails after he was violently attacked whilst working his land in Madama. The land he was working on is privately owned Palestinian land, which unfortunately for…. Related: Help release Mamun Nasser from Israeli prison
Two ISM activists facing deportation after new protest village ‘Canaan’ update
2/10/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – Update on 10 February: All Palestinian activists arrested at protest village ‘Canaan ‘ released ISM activist on huger strike! Dave and Marco are being held in Givon prison and are expecting deportation. One of them, Marco Di Renzo (54), has decided to start a hunger strike from tonight in solidarity with Palestinian political prisoners….
Alternative Information Center
NZ fund excludes three companies profiting from occupation
Alternative Information Center – The New Zealand Superannuation Fund announced Wednesday that it has excluded three companies from its $20 billion investment portfolio on responsible investment grounds. The companies: Africa Israel Investments and subsidiary Danya Cebus; Elbit Systems Limited, and…
Knesset registers remark against MK Ben Ari for incitement
Alternative Information Center – The Ethics Committee of the Israeli Knesset decided to register a remark against MK Michael Ben Ari (Strong Israel) for remarks constituting incitement. Ben Ari called out, amongst other things, “good evening good Jews and treacherous…
Bahrain opposition to join political talks
The National 11 Feb 2013 – Bahrain’s opposition says it will join the opening session of talks aimed at resolving a political crisis that began with Arab Spring-inspired protests nearly two years ago.
Anti-Muslim hate from Beitar football fans
The National 10 Feb 2013 – They are Israel‘s most racist football supporters, regularly chanting ‘Death to the Arabs’ and ‘Death to Mohammed’, but finally, there is an outcry. Vita Bekkar reports from Tel Aviv
EU debates visa-free travel for UAE citizens
The National 10 Feb 2013 – Visa waiver is time-consuming administrative process, but European officials say economic benefits to EU countries are persuasive.
Jordanian king inaugurates new parliament, will help to select PM
The National 10 Feb 2013 – Monarch pledges to press ahead with democratisation but will help choose PM despite reforms.
‘When your grandchild dies before you, your world turns dark, just dark’
The National 10 Feb 2013 – Mohammed Arif Uddin grew up under the care of his grandparents and was watched closely by his primary school teachers, who also attended his funeral yesterday.
Obama visit to focus on Iran, Syria, peace, says Netanyahu
The National 10 Feb 2013 – Iran‘s nuclear ambitions, Syria and the peace process with the Palestinians will top US President Barack Obama’s agenda on his upcoming visit to Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday.
How cycling in Dubai can make your hair stand on end
The National 10 Feb 2013 – Multiple cyclists report experiencing minor shocks as they cycled below high-voltage lines that pass above the tracks.
Bangladeshi village says farewell to a favourite son
The National 10 Feb 2013 – Mohammed Ala Uddin was one of 19 Bangladeshi men who died in one of UAE’s worst road accidents last Monday, when their bus was struck by a lorry carrying construction materials.
Israel Police used Facebook to monitor social protest leaders, court evidence reveals
Ha’aretz – 10 Feb 2013
Tense soccer match hosted in Jerusalem amid racial hatred
Ha’aretz – 10 Feb 2013
Former MK Michael Ratzon suspected of sexual harassment
Ha’aretz – 10 Feb 2013
Rabbi David Hartman, the passionate leader of Orthodox renewal
Ha’aretz – 10 Feb 2013
Daughter of slain peace activist Grunzweig: Israel imposes terror on its citizens
Ha’aretz – 10 Feb 2013
Israel’s ‘The Gatekeepers’ wins Cinema for Peace prize
Ha’aretz – 10 Feb 2013
IDF relies heavily on donations for amenities at bases – and is seeking more
Ha’aretz – 10 Feb 2013
Iran, Syria, Palestinians to top agenda of Netanyahu-Obama’s Israel meeting
Ha’aretz – 10 Feb 2013
Maybe he just never inhaled? Yair Lapid’s smoking joint
Ha’aretz – 10 Feb 2013
Unearthed board games shed light on ancient holy land trivial pursuits
Ha’aretz – 10 Feb 2013
Try it yourself: instructions for 3 ancient games
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2013
Israel’s nature authority says planned Eilat train route will derail economy
Ha’aretz – 9 Feb 2013
‘Iran building militias in Syria in case Assad falls’
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – ‘Washington Post’ quotes US, Arab officials as saying 50,000 militiamen backed by Iran and Hezbollah fighting to keep Assad in power, but with long-term goal of maintaining Tehran’s influence in the country should Assad fall.
Syria intervention
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Without foreign intervention, the chance that Assad will manage to overcome the rebels improves.
Candidly Speaking: Argentina’s pact with the devil
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – That Argentinian leaders could be a part of a cynical whitewashing of the murder of their own citizens should lead to severe condemnation.
Think About It: Two German-Israeli co-productions
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Two German-Israeli co-productions at the Cameri and Habimah theaters
Next election: Israel’s chief rabbi
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – There must be zero tolerance for any compromise in Halacha with tolerance for dealing with people politely and respectfully.
Grunzweig blames state for father’s murder
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Daughter of Emil Grunzweig says state culpable for death of father by extremist who threw a grenade at Peace Now rally in 1983.
Al-Khatib’s futile effort
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Both the Syrian government and the opposition lack the will or ability to put an end to their protracted 22-month conflict.
The legality of Israel’s use of force
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Israel has not only the right, but also the distinct obligation, to protect its citizens.
The Region: ‘Children of Dolhinov’
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Being a historian, I decided that it was ridiculous for me not to have researched my own history.
Chinese worshipers welcome Year of the Snake
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – In the Philippines, hundreds crowded into Manilla’s Chinatown to mark the Lunar New Year – and bid farewell to the Year of the Dragon.
PA ‘unaware’ of Abbas-Netanyahu meeting during Obama visit
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat says the Palestinian Authority has not been briefed by the US administration on details of possible Abbas-Netanyahu summit; denies president’s visit is behind failure of Hamas-Fatah talks.
PA ‘unaware’ of Abbas-Netanyahu meet with Obama
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Erekat says PA has not been briefed by the US administration on details of possible Abbas-Netanyahu summit.
Molina accepts J’lem prize despite boycott calls
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – President Peres almost “moved to tears” by book; Jerusalem Mayor Barkat thanks author for resisting pressures not to attend.
Former Likud MK subject of sexual harassment probe
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Police investigate Michael Ratzon after numerous employees submit sexual harassment complaints against him.
Racism persists at Betar Jerusalem game
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Fans shout for new Muslim players to “go home” during game against Bnei Sakhnin at Teddy Stadium; some 75 fans removed.
Three suspects arrested in murder of Jaffa teen
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Victim, 16-year-old Muhammed Susa was stabbed in the upper body and dropped off outside the entrance to Wolfson Hospital, where he died.
PA heads to Syria to stop attacks on Palestinians
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Delegation to ask Syrian gov’t, rebels to leave Palestinian Yarmouk refugee camp after dozens killed in fighting between two sides.
‘The Gatekeepers’ wins Cinema for Peace award
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Oscar nominated Israeli film beats national and international rivals for most important documentary film of 2012.
Bulgaria to present findings to EU on Burgas probe
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Interior minister claims fake documents used by suspects was traced to Beirut, says identity of two or three suspects is known.
Sarah Braverman, pioneer paratrooper, dies at 95
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Founder of IDF Women’s Army Corps parachuted into Nazi-controlled Europe with Hannah Senesh.
Israeli surfers rescue 8 drowning children in Hawaii
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – The three hailed as heroes by parents who watched helplessly from shore as their children were swept out to sea.
East meets West
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – These Asian-inspired main dishes are versatile because they both work for chicken or steak.
Family Matters: Sweets for my sweets
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – In honor of Family Day, conflict resolution expert Shimrit Nothman looks at the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.
Jewish philosopher Rabbi David Hartman dies
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Founder of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem passes away at the age of 81, following a long illness.
Jailed Palestinians smuggle sperm to their wives
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – 4 women said pregnant with the illicitly obtained sperm; Nablus doctor: We’re storing dozens of frozen sperm samples.
Officials: Obama visit to prevent strike on Iran
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Reason behind the urgency of Obama’s trip is to tell PM to leave the Iranian nuclear issue to the US, officials tell Army Radio.
‘Obama trip underlines strong US-Israel ties’
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – In first public comment about upcoming visit, PM says he agreed with Obama to focus on Iran, Syria and the peace process.
30 years on, Peace Now remembers its slain activist
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Peres: Memory of Emil Grunzweig’s assassination has not faded; Meretz: Left still faces incitement, delegitimization.
UK report: Slight rise in anti-Semitic incidents
Jerusalem Post 10 Feb 2013 – Community Security Trust report finds 5 percent increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Britain from 2011 to 2012.
Israel: Washington calling | Editorial
The Guardian 10 Feb 2013 – A visit by Barack Obama visit can do more than offer reassurance of US solidarity It seems the first foreign visit of Barack Obama’s second term will be to Israel. In making that choice, the president…
Yasser Arafat’s widow says her marriage was ‘a big mistake’
The Guardian 10 Feb 2013 – Suha Arafat says she tried to leave hundreds of times and would not have married if she had known what was in store Yasser Arafat’s widow has said she tried to leave her husband hundreds of…
‘We Grow, They Bulldoze, We Re-Plant’
IPS Tawfiq Mandil, 45, stands amongst hundreds of Palestinian farmers, activists, and international supporters in the Gaza Strip’s eastern Zeitoun district, about half a kilometre from the border with Israel. They are renewing a call for the boycott of Israeli goods. “The Israeli army destroyed my house and my five dunums…
Please Stop
Uruknet
JUI-F joins US-Taliban reconciliatory process for bringing peace in Afghanistan
Uruknet
Turkel report whitewashes war crimes: The ball is now in Palestine’s and Turkey’s court
Uruknet
Protests in Gaza and 40 European cities urge end to trade with Israeli agriculture firms
Uruknet
Assad government ready for talks with opposition: minister
Uruknet
General strike, mass protests shake US-backed Islamist regime in Tunisia
Uruknet
Revealed: UK anti-Semitism watchdog charity helps lead Israel anti-boycott group
Uruknet
Six Killed in Shelling of Iranian Refugee Camp in Iraq
Uruknet
Jordan’s king wants more representative parliament after boycott
Daily Star 10 Feb 2013 Jordan’s king on Sunday called for electoral changes to make parliament more representative, after Islamists boycotted last month’s national poll saying rules were skewed against urban areas where they have most support.
Bahrainis start first reconciliation talks since 2011
Daily Star 10 Feb 2013 Bahrain’s government and opposition held reconciliation talks on Sunday for the first time since July 2011 to try to end two years of political deadlock in the strategically vital Gulf Arab island kingdom.
Tunisia: President’s party quits government
Daily Star 10 Feb 2013 Tunisia’s political crisis entered a new phase Sunday with an announcement that Cabinet ministers of the president’s own party are quitting the governing coalition.
Iran nuclear fuel move may avert mid-year crisis
Daily Star 10 Feb 2013 Iran appears to have resumed converting small amounts of highly enriched uranium into reactor fuel, diplomats say, a process which if expanded could buy time for negotiations between Washington and Tehran on its disputed nuclear programme.
New US commander takes the helm in Afghanistan
Daily Star 10 Feb 2013 Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford took charge of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan on Sunday as the coalition enters the final stretch of the more than 11-year-old war.
Protest forces Iran assembly speaker to cut short speech-media
Daily Star 10 Feb 2013 Iran‘s parliament speaker Ali Larijani had to cut short a public speech on Sunday after people threw shoes and prayer tablets at him, semi-official media reported, disclosing an unusual act of aggression against a senior official.
Rebels, troops battle for key Damascus highway
Daily Star 10 Feb 2013 Opposition forces targeted Damascus with mortars, a roadside bomb and a suicide attack on Sunday as they pressed ahead in their quest for the seat of President Bashar Assad’s power.
Obama to travel after State of the Union speech
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – ….
Muslim makes Israeli football debut
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – ….
Israeli troops detain AP photographer
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – ….
Syrian opposition says willing to negotiate in northern Syria
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – ….
70 fans removed during Beitar-Sakhnin match
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – ….
A different Middle East: Israelis for Syria
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – Volunteers from an Israeli organization put their lives on the line to help civilians escape warring Syria. Watch a meeting between a Syrian family and Israeli volunteers ….
IDF moves up hesder yeshiva students’ draft
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – Army sends draft notices to some 500 hesder yeshiva students ordering them to report for duty in March. Hesder Yeshiva Union: Instead of recruiting haredi dropouts they come to us ….
Complaint: Eshel photographed other female PMO employees
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – Disciplinary complaint against senior PMO official reveals Netanyahu‘s former chief of staff took improper photos of more than one female employee ….
Monday: Netanyahu, Bennett to meet for first time in 5 years
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – Prime minister, Habayit Hayehudi chairman to meet Monday afternoon as part of ongoing coalition negoatiations ….
Iran: 100 Ahmadinejad supporters throw shoes at house speaker
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – Iran‘s parliament speaker Ali Larijani cuts speech short after 100 people throw shoes at him, in latest incident in feud with President Ahmadinejad ….
Shas’ rabbi: Lapid’s a scoundrel, don’t go with him
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – Shas’ beligerent Rabbi Ovadia Yosef lashes at nemesis Yair Lapid. ‘He hates yeshivas,’ says Yosef, while an alliance is reportedly brewing between Lapid and Bennett, threatening to sideline Shas ….
Former MK Ratzon interrogated following sexual harassment complaints
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – Police investigating complaints filed by a number of female employees against former MK Michael Ratzon. Most complaints relate to verbal harassment, but one woman said he attempted to physically assault her ….
Iran’s Ahmadinajad rejects Western pressure
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – In speech marking 34th anniversary of Islamic revolution, Iranian president says ‘You can’t point a gun at the Iranian nations and expect them to negotiate with you’ ….
Suha Arafat: I tried divorcing Arafat 100 times
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – Former Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat’s wife of 14 years, calls marriage to him ‘big mistake’ explaining she attempted leaving time and again but he prevented her from doing so ….
Include Arab party in coalition
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – Op-ed: Jewish state’s strength measured in part by its ability to protect minorities’ rights ….
Report: Iran to recall Bulgaria ambassador
YNet News, 10 Feb 2013 – Sofia news agency says Tehran slated to downgrade relations with Bulgaria after it placed responsibility for Burgas attack on Hezbollah ….
Syria debate on Hezbollah TV turns soggy
YNet News, 9 Feb 2013 – Political debate between pro, anti-Assad regime figures on Al-Manar show nearly turns violent ….
Taliban-targeted teen nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
YNet News, 9 Feb 2013 – Pakistan’s Malala Yousufzai, girls’ rights champion who escaped assassination by Taliban death squad, nominated for top international honor ….
UN: 5,000 fleeing Syria daily
YNet News, 9 Feb 2013 – UNHRC sees disconcerting increase in number of people fleeing Assad’s atrocities; say number of displaced Syrians rapidly approaching 800,000 ….
Palestinian Information Center
UNRWA concerned over growing number of Palestinians killed in Syria
PIC – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has expressed concern over the growing number of Palestinian refugees being killed in the ongoing internal conflict in Syria.
Hamdan: Reconciliation progressing but not in the aspired pace
PIC – Hamas leader Osama Hamdan has said that the meeting in Cairo about national reconciliation was positive and achieved important progress but not in the aspired for pace.
Occupation issued decision to confiscate a Palestinian’s agricultural land
PIC – The occupation authorities notified a citizen, from Al-Khader village south of Bethlehem with the confiscation of his land of five dunums and uprooting all the planted trees.
Central Election Committee’s delegation arrives to Gaza
PIC – A delegation from the Central Election Committee arrived on Sunday to Gaza, through Beit Hanoun crossing in the northern Gaza Strip
Occupation arrests and summons civilians in the West Bank
PIC – The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested at midnight last night Noureddine Abdel-Rahman Arouri, 22, from the town of Arura in the city of Ramallah.
Al-Hayya: Palestinian factions have to remove obstacles facing reconciliation
PIC – Dr. Khalil al-Hayya, member of Hamas the political bureau, said that the formation of the next government and setting the date of the elections are linked to the completion of the reconciliation.
Syrian Regular Army kills 6 Palestinian refugees
PIC – Six Palestinians were killed in Syria by the regular army’s bullets, while shelling continue to plague the refugee camps of Khan Sheikh and Husseiniya, the Work Group for Palestinians in Syria said.
Mushtahi: Capturing Israeli soldiers is still an option
PIC – Member of the Political Bureau of Hamas movement Ruhi Mushtahi stated that the movement has been working to alleviate the suffering of the prisoners and to release them.
Ahrar: Number of female prisoners in occupation jails rises to 14
PIC – Ahrar center for Prisoners’ Studies and Human Rights declared that the number of the Palestinian female prisoners has risen to 14 prisoners.
Settlers Desecrate Al-Aqsa Mosque Yards
WAFA – 10 Feb 2013
Obama to Offer Netanyahu Pressures on Iran for Ceding to Palestinians
WAFA – 10 Feb 2013
Health Sector Declares General Strike Thursday
WAFA – 10 Feb 2013
Israel to Evacuate Farmer from His Land
WAFA – 10 Feb 2013
Iran political bickering heats up as election approaches
LA Times 9 Feb 2013 – Feuding among Iran‘s political blocs has broken into the open recently, even before official candidates are announced for June’s election to replace President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. TEHRAN — Iran will stage its annual show of solidarity and defiance Sunday, a festive day of scripted rallies and…
Artists in Egypt work in a tense atmosphere
LA Times 9 Feb 2013 – The Muslim Brotherhood and Salafis give artists cause for concern. Their work reflects the country’s uneasy mood and conflicts. CAIRO — The Muslim women in Marwa Adel’s photographs are shadows, repressed by custom, religion, marriage and regret. While nude, the figures are obscured by sepia…
Israeli Says Syria Twisted Comments by Rebel Supporter
New York Times 10 Feb 2013 – Comments by a Syrian exile opposition leader were made to feed fears of a rebel government, a defense expert said.
Obama Plan to Visit Mideast Stirs Hopes, but Not Much
New York Times 9 Feb 2013 – President Obama and his new secretary of state’s plans have signaled that the United States is re-engaging in the Middle East, but both sides remain skeptical that much will change.
6 Killed in Shelling of Refugee Camp in Iraq
New York Times 9 Feb 2013 – Hezbollah in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack on the camp, which houses members of Mujahedeen Khalq, or M.E.K., an Iranian opposition group.
Modiin problems deepen as Adira pulls out of Gabriella
Globes Energy & Water – A week ago, the third licensee, Canada’s Brownstone Energy announced that it would not deposit is share of the letter of credit for the drilling.
Lawsuit: Arab pressure closed BNP Israel branch
Globes Main News – Former BNP Paribas Israel country manager Charles Reisman is suing the French bank for NIS 19.8 million.
Apple opens Ra’anana development center
Globes Main News – The new development center, Apple’s third in Israel, will be based on employees recently fired by Texas Instruments.
Fischer: You can fight the market
Globes Main News – Stanley Fischer praised the Swiss for massive foreign currency market intervention as pressure rises to weaken the shekel.
Sun: Teva buoyed by Q4 financials
Globes Main News – Strong gains by Teva failed to boost the market as an early rally faded.
Leumi says phishing attempts blocked
Globes Main News – The bank has been monitoring fraudulent attempts to obtain customers’ details.
Mild February dims chances of full Kinneret
Globes Macro Economics – The Kinneret’s water level rose another five centimeters over the weekend to 210.48 meters below sea level.
Israel Lobby Hagel Smear Continues
Tikun Olam – Sen. Ted Cruz, who wrote GOP letter demanding which corporate entities Hagel was associated with had received “foreign funding” GOP Senate mucksters (undoubtedly with the encouragement of Israel Lobby fellow travelers like Bill Kristol) are still traipsing through the ooze to find material with which to…
Graham threatens to hold up Hagel vote over Benghazi attack
Mondoweiss – Senator Lindsey Graham is dragging the Benghazi embassy attack into the debate over the appointments of John Brennan to be CIA chief and Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense. Appearing on CBS’s Face the Nation this morning, Graham threatened to hold up confirmations of both of…
PHOTO: Bassem Tamimi released from prison
Mondoweiss – Bassem Tamimi and family. Nabi Saleh, West Bank, Palestine February 10, 2013 (Photo: Activestills) Bassem Tamimi, head of Nabi Saleh’s Popular Committee, hugs his wife Neriman during his welcoming party in his house in Nabi Saleh, after being released from prison. Tamimi spent 3 months in…
Dershowitz’s hypocrisy and dishonesty over Brooklyn College BDS conference
Mondoweiss – Alan Dershowitz, famed Harvard Law Professor, is feeling besieged, bruised and battered. In his shrill campaign against Thursday evening’s BDS program presented by Omar Barghouti and Judith Butler at Brooklyn College, Dershowitz did not call for cancellation of the event, but was incensed that it was…
Code Pink ‘filiflustered’ Brennan confirmation hearing for CIA chief
Mondoweiss – Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy Code Pink literally stole the show at John Brennan’s confirmation hearing on Thursday forcing Senator Diane Feinstein to halt the proceedings, clear the chamber and call for their removal. NBC’s Tom Curry’s tweet says…
SNL on Hagel: ‘It is vital to Israel’s security for you to go on national television and perform oral sex on a donkey… Would you do THAT for Israel?’
Mondoweiss – (Hat tip Mondoweiss commenter Les)
Buenos Aires Jewish Center Leader Blasts Iran-Backed Truth Panel
The Foward Breaking News 10 Feb 2013 – The president of the AMIA Buenos Aires Jewish center said the truth commission agreed to by Argentina and Iran “will allow a third bombing in Argentina.” Click here for the rest of the article…
GOP Senator Vows To Filibuster Chuck Hagel
The Foward Breaking News 10 Feb 2013 – Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday threatened to block votes on President Barack Obama’s nominees for CIA director and defense secretary until the administration gives more information about the deadly attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Click here for the rest of the article……
Yasser Arafat’s Widow Says She Tried To Leave Palestinian Leader ‘100 Times’
The Foward Breaking News 10 Feb 2013 – Suha Arafat, the widow of Yasser Arafat, said she tried to leave him “hundreds of times, but he wouldn’t let me.” Click here for the rest of the article…
David Hartman, Rabbi and Philosopher, Dies at 81
The Foward Breaking News 10 Feb 2013 – Rabbi David Hartman, a Jewish philosopher who founded the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, has died. Click here for the rest of the article…
Boycott Israel Push Against SodaStream Could Hurt Palestinian Workers
The Forward New 10 Feb 2013 – The Israeli company, which sells a popular kitchen gadget that turns tap water into carbonated drinks, has a large factory in a West Bank settlement. But for hundreds of Palestinians, SodaStream isn’t a target; it’s their employer. Click here for the rest of the article…
Orthodox Woman’s Journey From Teen Wife to Advocate
The Forward New 10 Feb 2013 – Fraidy Reiss was married at 19 to a man she despised. She escaped her marriage and resolved to help women — Jews and others — going through what she had experienced. Click here for the rest of the article…
What’s So Wrong with BDS
The Magnes Zionist 10 Feb 2013 – Readers, this appeared in Open Zion here last week. Controversial speakers appearing on campus are as American as apple pie. So why are critics riled up about an event organized by the Brooklyn College chapter of Students for Justice for Palestine, where Prof. Judith Butler and…
Israeli Operation Cast Lead Gaza Massacre, Israeli & American War Crimes
Sabbah report 10 Feb 2013 – This “Video” graphically depicts in part the most vile, evil, inhuman Zionist Israeli behavior and actions against the ever suffering practically defenseless Palestinian people of Gaza who have no military or sophisticated American made weapons as Israel has, to defend and protect them from the unwarranted…
Activist’s death fuels anti-Muslim Brotherhood sentiment in Tanta
Al-Akhbar Blogs 9 Feb 2013 – Tanta – Every Friday, Khaled Abdul-Razeq takes his paint and brushes down to the site of demonstrations. Stationed at a small table near the Gharbya governorate building in Tanta, he is surrounded by kids and adults brandishing blank paper and cardboard waiting for their turn. In…
Lebanon: With Concrete and Plaster, a 10th Century Church Deformed
Al-Akhbar News 10 Feb 2013 – A Syrian woman lights candles as she attends early Christmas eve mass, at the Mar Elias (St. Elijah) Christian Orthodox church in Bab Tuma, on 24 December 2012. (Photo: AFP – STR) A Syrian woman lights candles as she attends early Christmas eve mass, at the…
Syria: War Moves Closer to Khan al-Sheeh Palestinian Camp
Al-Akhbar News 10 Feb 2013 – free syrian army fighters monitor pro-government forces positions through a hole in Izaa district in the Syria‘s northern city of Aleppo on 9 February 2013. (Photo: Aamir Qureshi) free syrian army fighters monitor pro-government forces positions through a hole in Izaa district in the Syria‘s northern…
Twenty-one prisoners launch hunger strike in Oman: lawyer
Al-Akhbar News 10 Feb 2013 – Omani protesters walk past a damaged signboard during demonstrations in the northern industrial town of Sohar on 28 January 2011. (Photo: Reuters – Jumana El-Heloueh) Twenty-one jailed activists in Oman launched a hunger strike over the weekend to protest delays in their judicial proceedings, a lawyer…
Tunisia PM threatens to quit if plan to avoid political “chaos” rejected
Al-Akhbar News 10 Feb 2013 – A supporter of the ruling al-Nahda party raises his fist as he shouts slogans in support of the party during a demonstration in Tunis on 9 February 2013. (Photo: Reuters – Louafi Larbi) Tunisia’s prime minister said Saturday that he would resign if his proposal to…
Iraqi TV office bombed after airing criticism of Kurdish figure
Al-Akhbar News 10 Feb 2013 – Supporters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) demonstrate in front of the office of Iraq’s satellite television channel Nalia Radio and TV (NRT) in the northern mainly Kurdish region of Iraq. (Photo: AFP – Shwan Mohammed) A bomb exploded on the roof of an Iraqi satellite…
Israeli soldiers raid West Bank villages, arrest five
Al-Akhbar News 10 Feb 2013 – Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian man during clashes with demonstrators in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Issawiya on 8 February 2013, following a demonstration in solidarity with Palestinian hunger striker Samer Issawi. (Photo: AFP – Ahmad Gharabli) Israeli forces arrested five Palestinian youths, including a 14-year-old, during…
Syria: War Moves Closer to Khan al-Sheikh Palestinian Camp
Al-Akhbar Politics 10 Feb 2013 – free syrian army fighters monitor pro-government forces positions through a hole in Izaa district in the Syria‘s northern city of Aleppo on 9 February 2013. (Photo: Aamir Qureshi) free syrian army fighters monitor pro-government forces positions through a hole in Izaa district in the Syria‘s northern…
From Tel Aviv to the Beirut Duty Free: Israeli Products Spotted at Airport
Al-Akhbar Politics 9 Feb 2013 – Lighters spotted in Beirut’s Airport bore the logo of James Richardson, the company that has operated the principal duty free license at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel since the 1980s. (Photo: Marwan Tahtah) Lighters spotted in Beirut’s Airport bore the logo of James Richardson, the company…
The Splintered History of the Tunisian Left
Al-Akhbar Politics 9 Feb 2013 – A protester gestures to police during a demonstration near the Interior Ministry in Tunis on 8 February 2013. Tens of thousands of mourners chanted anti-Islamist slogans on Friday at the Tunis funeral of secular opposition leader Chokri Belaid. (Photo: Zoubeir Souissi – Reuters) A protester gestures…
Tunisia party ‘to leave government’
BBC 10 Feb 2013 – The party of Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki says it will quit the Islamist-led government, amid the country’s worst crisis since the Arab Spring.
Syria crisis leaves medicines in short supply
BBC 8 Feb 2013 – Lack of medicines puts Syrians at risk
Articles
‘Gaza is a Bantustan’: author Samah Sabawi interviewed
Joe Catron, Gaza City, Electronic Intifada 2/10/2013
Gaza as an “Israeli-controlled Bantustan,” likening the besieged territory to the supposedly autonomous areas for black people established by the apartheid regime in South Africa.
In an article for Al Jazeera English, Sabawi states, “The currency used here is the new Israeli shekel, the IDs all the residents carry are issued by the Israeli interior ministry, all births go through the Israeli national registry, the essential products are all Israeli in this captive market” (“Israel’s Gaza Bantustan,” 5 January 2013).
A Palestinian-Australian with Canadian citizenship, Sabawi is the author of three plays — Cries from the Land, Three Wishes and Tales of a City by the Sea. She has also co-written the book The Journey to Peace in Palestine: From the Song of Deborah to the Simpsons.
As well as being a vocal campaigner on the right of return for Palestinian refugees, Sabawi is a policy advisor for the Palestinian “think tank” Al-Shabaka.
Joe Catron interviewed Sabawi during her trip to Gaza.
Joe Catron: Israel forced your family into exile in 1967, the year you were born, after occupying the Gaza Strip. How many times have you returned since then, and what is it like coming home?
Samah Sabawi: I returned to Gaza the first time when I was six years old. It was a huge deal. We needed to get permits from Israel. We got strip-searched, all of us, including myself, coming in. The visit was very emotional for my dad. I remember tears would just stream down his face. more.. e-mail
The Gatekeepers – demolishing the Zionist narrative
Lawrence Davidson, Redress 2/5/2013
There is a new documentary movie about Israel, called The Gatekeepers. It is directed by Dror Moreh and features interviews with all the former leaders of the Shin Bet, the country’s internal security organization. The Shin Bet is assigned the job of preventing Palestinian retaliatory attacks on Israel. The film
As described by Moreh, the film “is the story of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories as told by the people at the crossroads of some of the most crucial moments in the security history of the country”. Along the way, it touches on such particular topics as targeted assassinations, the use of torture and “collateral damage”.
The Gatekeepers has garnered a lot of acclaim. It has been played at film festivals in Jerusalem, Amsterdam, New York, Toronto, Venice and elsewhere. It has received critical acclaim and won the Los Angeles Film Critics Association’s Best Documentary Award. It has been nominated for an Oscar. The messages
In order to promote the The Gatekeepers, Morah has been doing interviews and recently appeared on CNN with Christiane Amanpour. He made a number of points, as did the Shin Bet leaders in the clips featured during the interview. I shall review and critique some of these below.
Moreh says that “if there is someone who understands the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it’s these guys” (the Shin Bet leaders). Actually, this not necessarily true. One might more accurately claim that these men, who led Israel’s most secretive government institution, were and are so deeply buried inside their country’s security dilemma that they see it in a distorted fashion (with only occasional glimmers of clarity). For instance…. more.. e-mail
VIDEO – The Ramallah bubble: Prosperity under occupation?
Lia Tarachansky and Max Blumenthal, +972 Magazine 2/10/2013
From street level in downtown Ramallah the economy seems to be thriving. Gleaming storefronts display an array of brand-name products, American fast food restaurants are sprouting up and the city is host to a bustling nightlife that could rival Tel Aviv. For years Israeli officials have pointed to economic growth in the West Bank, arguing the occupation is not as detrimental as many argue. Israeli Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Minister Yuli Edelstein and Eitan Dogat, head of the branch of the Israeli government in charge of the occupation (COGAT), have quoted figures showing annual growth as high as 9.6 percent in the West Bank.
These figures, promoted also by Palestinian Authority officials, come from World Bank reports, but as Palestinian economist Ibrahim Shikaki points out, behind this veneer of prosperity is an uncomfortable reality.
In September, the West Bank was rocked by anti-austerity protests, directed against Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, the chief architect of the Palestinian economy since the Oslo Accords. By signing the Paris Protocols, part of Oslo, the Palestinian Authority agreed to a forced dependency on the Israeli economy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed the situation “Peace through Prosperity.” The Real News’ Lia Tarachansky and independent journalist Max Blumenthal look at what lies behind this policy. [END] — See also: Real News: Prosperity under occupation? on YouTube e-mail
Saying goodbye to Akiva Orr
Leehee Rothschild, +972 Magazine 2/10/2013
We have very few role models in the Israeli Left – few that we can follow their footsteps, few torches to light a dark and lonely path, few lights to pave the way. Aki was one of those, and now with him gone, the road seems a little darker.
I’ve been sitting and staring at this photo for the past few minutes, trying to put together some words to go along with it. The sentence that keeps repeating in my mind is “This is exactly how I felt when Tanya [Reinhart] died.” I suppose it is quite an accurate description.
I could not say that I was well acquainted with Tanya. She was my professor in one of the most significant classes that I took in my first degree. A class in which I had relearned how to read newspapers, to look for the limitation of discourse within the text, and to search for the things said between the lines, and more importantly, for the things that are not. She had also been a partner for cafeteria talks during the breaks, and for leftist protests in the campus, during the later days of the Second Intifada. I hadn’t known her well, and yet, upon hearing on her death I felt like I was hit with a well-directed punch, and when I tried to express how I felt, I couldn’t find the words among the strong sense of loss and confusion.
I can say the same things about Akiva. I was never a student of his, but during my early days of activism, when I first walked into Salon Mazal, then on Allenby-Montefiore in Tel Aviv, Raanan convinced me to stay and hear Akiva Orr talk. I hadn’t known who he was back then, and today I don’t remember much from this lecture about cosmology, but I left it knowing that I was lucky to have met him. In the following years I got to know both Matzpen and Aki somewhat better, through books and texts, if not in person. He was the sort of person whose mere existence within the Israeli Left served as some sort of a comfort. — See also: Akiva Orr, co-founder of Israeli radical left Matzpen party, passes away more.. e-mail
‘We Grow, They Bulldoze, We Re-Plant’: Palestinian Farmers Call for Israeli Agricultural Produce Boycott
In Gaza: 10 Feb 2013 – Published at IPS – By Eva Bartlett Tawfiq Mandil, 45, stands amongst hundreds of Palestinian farmers, activists, and international supporters in the Gaza Strip’s eastern Zeitoun district, about half a kilometre from the border with Israel. They are renewing a call for the boycott of Israeli goods. “The Israeli army destroyed my house and my five dunums of land (a dunum is 1,000 square metres) on the last day of the attacks in 2009, as well as 20 other homes,” he says. With signs reading ‘Boycott Israeli Agricultural Products’ and ‘Support Palestinian Farmers’, Mandil and others protesting Israeli oppression of Palestinian farmers joined together Saturday to plant olive trees on Israeli-razed farmland and to implore international supporters to join the boycott of Israeli agricultural produce. Mandil believes that the boycott is his only hope for justice for Palestinian farmers being targeted by the Israeli army and oppressed by Israel. “We…more
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The New Dark Age 