The Washington Post’s David Ignatius casts another vote in support of Palestinian Prime Minister Salaam Fayyad’s institution building plan. While nothing new, Ignatius’ op-ed provides some interesting context of the state building initiative and distinguishes it greatly from the unilateral declaration of Palestinian independence currently being floated by some PLO members. Ignatius concludes: “Don’t get […]
A new British documentary on the pro-Israel lobby in England should re-title itself to “This Is How Lobby’s Work.” The documentary, aired on the Dispatches program, explores the use of money and luncheons to gain influence in British politics. Well, I hate to break it the show’s producers, but that’s what lobbies do. The Israel […]
The row between Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s government and the Obama Administration flared up again today, as the Israeli government approved a plan to build 900 homes in Gilo, a disputed Jewish settlement outside Jerusalem on the Palestinian side of the Green Line. Increased settlements in Gilo serve two functions detrimental to the peace […]
As debate swirls on the ramifications and reality of a unilateral declaration of independence by the Palestinians, speculation and analysis revolves around how the United States should react to the move. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly expressed support for a Palestinian state through negotiations, and not unilateral declarations. He said: “We support the creation of a Palestinian […]
Comments made by Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat indicate that the Palestinians will unilaterally declare independence from Israel along the June 4, 1967 border, effectively on the green line that would include Jerusalem in the sovereign country. Palestinian leaders are actively lobbying countries for their support on the proposal and reports indicate that a measure could reach […]
President Barack Obama intends to nominate Hannah Rosenthal to serve as the administration’s Special Envoy for Global Anti-Semitism, an ambassador-at-large position within the State Department. She will largely work towards combating anti-semitic views throughout the world, an issue directly related to Israel as many countries in Europe propose or have enacted certain restrictions on trade […]
Generally, when we conjure up thoughts on the potential downfall of Israel, we consider images of an Iranian nuclear weapon striking the heart of Tel Aviv, increases in terror that would make the land unlivable for Jews, or even the existential threat of non-Jewish Arabs overtaking Jews as the majority. However, another formidable foe should […]
The Washington Post’s “On Faith” series included today two articles written on the “despair” of Israelis and Palestinians. Abraham Cooper and Harold Brackman, of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, write: “Yet what has been the reaction to Israel’s defense of itself against Hamas whose founding Charter cites the genocidal Protocols of the Elders of Zion as a blueprint for wiping […]
President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met at the White House earlier today with some media reports implying tension between the two leaders. A White House statement read: “The president reaffirmed our strong commitment to Israel’s security, and discussed security cooperation on a range of issues… The president and prime minister also discussed […]
The resignation of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas revealed another round of ramifications, this time potentially destroying the entire Palestinian leadership in the West Bank or, conversely, reigniting the peace process. (see my previous post on other issues involved regarding the Abbas resignation.) Abbas’ threatened resignation may actually serve to resolve the same issues that originally pushed […]
On the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a group of Palestinian protestors knocked over a slab of the security barrier that divides the West Bank from the Gaza Strip. This act of defiance would be powerful if it actually had merit. The Berlin Wall’s infamous reputation is largely characterized by it […]
With Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas claiming that he will not seek reelection in scheduled elections in January, speculation abounds on who will run. Additional speculation revolves around whether Abbas will renege on his decision to not seek reelection. Abbas reportedly feels frustrated with the failed peace process and the lack of unity among Palestinians. […]
The Israeli war with Iran wages onward, even though no official declaration from either country has yet to be issued or even a single bullet officially fired from the army of one of the states at the other’s military. The most recent event accentuating the war came today as Israeli Navy Seals commandeered a boat […]
On the eve of the assassination of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Israelis and the world’s leaders remember the deceased champion of the peace process and Israeli hero. Rabin, who shepherded the Oslo process from an idea to a historic signing of principles, strove for the implementation of a solution to the conflict that guarantees Israel’s […]
If you thought that you kept Kosher by refraining from eating pig and shellfish and separated milk and meat products, you’re clearly wrong. A group of orthodox rabbis want to expand Kahrut laws to the Internet, particularly the use of mobile phones to surf the Web. Many religious and non-religious residences place filters on their home computers […]