Israel elects 18th Knesset

The centrist Kadima Party won a plurality of the seats in Knesset, the Israel parliament, in Tuesday's election beating out the right-wing Likud Party by a single seat.

The ninth and current Israel President Shimon Peres will call on Tzipora Malka "Tzipi" Livni, Kadima party leader to attempt to form a government through a coalition. This will be difficult for Livini as Hard line parties including Likud won a majority of the seats in the Knesset. Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu might be tapped to form a coalition government if Livni fails. 65.2% percent of the voting population voted on Tuesday.

The key issue which has faced some 5.3 million registered voters, in 9,000 polling stations nationwide is which leader can best assure the security of the state while chances of a peace deal seem remote amid a campaign that generated little enthusiasm.

Political analysts are predicting that Mr. Netanyahu, not Ms. Livni, will be asked by Israel's president to form the next government.

Both Ms. Livni and Mr. Netanyahu are courting the third-place Yisrael Beitenu Party, headed by Avigdor Lieberman. Yisrael Beitenu party which won 15 seats is seen as critical in securing the 61 seats required in the country's 120-seat parliament.

Another possible political scenario would be a power-sharing government between Ms. Livni and Mr. Netanyahu, in which each leader would serve as prime minister for two years, rotating midway through the four year term.

"Netanyahu and Livni complement one another. You have the common sense of Livni and the broader strategic vision of Netanyahu. Bibi needs her and she needs him,” said Daniel Schueftan, a senior Israeli academic and deputy director of the National Security Studies Center at the University of Haifa, where he also serves as a senior lecturer in the School of Political Sciences.

The Knesset (כנסת) is the legislature of Israel, located in Givat Ram, Jerusalem. It was first convened on February 14, 1949, following the elections held on January 20th 1949. As the legislative branch of the Israeli government, it enacts laws, elects the president and prime minister (although s/he is ceremonially appointed by the President), supervises the work of the government, reserves the power to remove the President of the State and the State Comptroller from office and to dissolve itself and call new elections.

The composition of the current Knesset was determined by the 2006 election, the Seventeenth Knesset. Though it has not yet happened in the current session, in every Knesset to date (save the remarkably stable 1955 Third), parties have split up during the Knesset's term, leading to the creation of new parties or resulting in MKs sitting as independents.

Last December, a record 43 parties had registered with the parties registrar, compared to 31 for the 2006 elections, although in the end, only 34 parties submitted a list of candidates. On 12 January 2009, Balad and the United Arab List–Ta'al alliance were disqualified by the Central Elections Committee on the grounds that they failed to recognise Israel as a Jewish state and called for armed conflict against it. Balad and Ta'al were also disqualified from the 2003 election, but won a Supreme Court case which allowed them to run. On January 21, the Supreme Court, by a vote of 8 to 1, again revoked the ban.

Every 4 years (or sooner if an early election is called, as is often the case), 120 members of the Knesset (MKs) are elected by Israeli citizens who must be at least 18 years old to vote. The Government of Israel must be approved by a majority vote of the Knesset. 120 seats are allocated by party-list proportional representation, using the d'Hondt method. The election threshold for the 2006 election was set at 2% (up from 1.5% in previous elections), which is a little over two seats.

After official results are published (on February 18, in this election), the President of Israel delegates the task of forming a government to the Member of Knesset with the best chance of assembling a majority coalition (usually the leader of the largest party.) That designee has up to 42 days to negotiate with the different parties, and then present his government to the Knesset for a vote of confidence. Once the government is approved (by a vote of at least 61 members), he/she becomes Prime Minister.

Kadima leaders believe that Livni can form a coalition with at least Labor, Meretz and Israel Beiteinu. Livni and Netanyahu have started meeting with potential government coalition partners, Livni with Avigdor Lieberman of ultranational party, Yisrael Beiteinu and Netanyahu with Eli Yishai of the Shas, an ultra-Orthodox party.

Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu (בִּנְיָמִין "ביבי" נְתַנְיָהוּ) was the 9th Prime Minister of Israel (June 1996 to July 1999) and is Chairman of the conservative Likud Party. He is the first (and to date only) Prime Minister of Israel to be born after the State of Israel's foundation.

Netanyahu was Finance Minister of Israel until 9 August 2005, having resigned in protest at the Gaza Disengagement Plan advocated by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. He retook the Likud leadership on 20 December 2005.

As of December 2006, he became the official leader of the Opposition in the Knesset and Chairman of the Likud Party. In August 2007 he retained the Likud leadership by beating Moshe Feiglin in party elections.

On May 4, 2006, Ehud Olmert (אהוד אולמרט) became the 12th and current Prime Minister of Israel. He was the mayor of Jerusalem from 1993 to 2003, was elected to the Knesset and became a minister and an Acting Prime Minister in the government of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

On January 4, 2006, after Sharon suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke, Olmert began exercising the powers of the office of Prime Minister. He led Kadima to a victory in the March 2006 elections (just two months after Sharon had suffered his stroke) and continued on as Acting Prime Minister.

On April 14, 2006, Sharon was declared permanently incapacitated, allowing Olmert to legally become Interim Prime Minister. On 4 May, 2006, Olmert and his new, post-election government were approved by the Knesset, thus Olmert officially became Prime Minister of Israel.

Olmert faced corruption charges amid a challenge for leadership from Kadima by Foreign Minister Tzipora Malka "Tzipi" Livni (ציפורה מלכה "ציפי" לבני), age 50, the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel. Livini is a lawyer, mother-of-two and former agent for Mossad Israel's foreign intelligence agency who has moved from a strongly Zionist nationalist background to become a leading Israeli advocate of a two-state solution with Palestinians.

On July 30, 2008, Olmert announced that he would not seek re-election as party leader and that he would resign from his position as Prime Minister immediately after a new Kadima leader was named. On September 17, 2008, Livni won the election and became the new leader of the Kadima party. She sought to form a new government that would gain support from a majority of the Knesset.

After failing to reach agreement with various parties, Livni's attempts at forming a new government were unsuccessful and instead an election was scheduled for February 10, 2009. Aside from Livini and Netanyahu, the other candidates were Ehud Barak, the 10th Prime Minister of Israel, and current Minister of Defense, deputy prime minister and leader of Israel's centre-left Labor Party, and Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of the far-right party Yisrael Beiteinu.

The hiatus allowed Olmert to cling to his Prime Minister post for at least a further five months as head of a caretaker government. On December, 2008, Operation Cast Lead was launched on Gaza. The February 10 election came three weeks after a 22-day Israel–Gaza conflict, where Israeli military offensive in the Palestinian-ruled Gaza Strip killed more than 1,300 Palestinians and 13 Israelis.

Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman, whose Yisrael Beiteinu faction received 15 Knesset seats, thereby holding the key to the makeup of the 18th Knesset, has on Thursday  unexpectedly departed for vacation abroad, leaving his suitors from Kadima and Likud -- as well as the Israeli public -- in the dark about his intentions.

“Our position is already clear and I know exactly what I am going to tell President Shimon Peres. [But] in order to know whom we are going to recommend, we will wait six more days,” Lieberman said. “I think it is too early and there is no point saying whom we support. I have met with both Livni and Netanyahu and with additional people in the political system but my position is already clear and solid. When we go to the President we will say very clear things,” he added.

The Israeli Central Elections Committee, charged under the 1969 Knesset Elections Law to carry out the elections for the Knesset has planned to release the final results on February 18 after tallying more than 150,000 ballots, consisting mainly of votes of absentees (those from abroad - soldiers in military camps and foreign service staff, overseas diplomat missions, prisoners, hospital staff, and surplus votes that are calculated to move to other parties to form the final results within 48 hours of the closing of the polls).

These remaining votes could tip the balance in the gridlocked election and determine the leadership. The elections officials have also released the List of Knesset members. *The Knesset Board of Elections on Thursday states on their site that results are "final but not official."

The unofficial election results (based on 99.7% of votes) has raised one question - whether Netanyahu might be chosen to serve as Prime Minister, given Likud's possible political ability to form a coalition with Yisrael Beiteinu. Another alternative was for Kadima to form a national unity government. But this has seemed unlikely given that it would probably require Tzipi Livni to win Likud's support for any such unity coalition.

The real resolution of the electoral deadlock has hinged on the actions of President Shimon Peres, age, 85, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, as the official in charge of deciding which party should be chosen to form a governing coalition. Observers have pointed to his personal political similarities with Livni as one possible reason for choosing Kadima. On the other hand, Netanyahu's ability to form a true coalition also seemed like one significant consideration.

However, the stability of a right-wing/religious coalition is questionable. The six right wing parties control just 65 seats, leaving such a coalition vulnerable to internal dissention. In any case, President Peres has announced that he will not entertain any attempts to form a government until February 18, when the final results will be certified.

President Barack Obama has phoned Peres Wednesday and wished him well in overseeing the formation of a new government. “You have only two political parties -- we have 12,” Peres told Obama. The new coalition government that emerges after February 18, whether it is led by hard-line Netanyahu or his moderate rival, Tzipi Livni, is likely to find common ground on two burning issues: Hamas and Iran.

Two dire scenarios emerged Wednesday as President Obama faces double dilemmas in Mideast: a narrow coalition of hawks who would stall peacemaking with the Palestinians and a power-sharing arrangement that would give Israel a more moderate face and greater international support.

"We want to do things differently in the region. That would involve accelerating efforts to promote Mideast peace talks as well as having discourse with Iran in an environment of mutual respect," Obama said at his White House news conference Monday. "We certainly hope that a new (Israeli) government will continue to pursue a path to peace. I see no reason to think a new government would do something otherwise," US State Department spokesman Robert Wood said.

"Divisions in the Israeli electorate are likely to create 'paralysis in the political process' during the period of coalition building and perhaps beyond. This could lead to an extended "hiatus" in peacemaking while the Palestinians confront their own deep political divisions. Nevertheless, the United States should work hard to firm up the Gaza cease-fire and not to give up on the longer-term goal of a two-state solution," said Daniel C. Kurtzer, a former top U.S. diplomat in the Mideast and a recent adviser to Barack Obama.

"The Israeli political system has been fractured and at odds with itself for many years, so having an outcome in which the two big blocs--the center-right and moderate-right blocs--split the vote was not at all unexpected. There will be a paralysis in the political process, certainly during the period of coalition building and perhaps even beyond, depending on what kind of coalition emerges. The hiatus in peacemaking could be rather extended," he explained.


以色列大選前進黨領先 最終贏家仍未分曉

2月10日，以色列舉行了議會選舉，這次在中東和平問題的重要關頭的以色列大選備受世人矚目，外界都揣測著加沙戰爭之後，誰能執以色列政壇之牛耳。

據以色列中央選舉委員會稱，目前99%的選票已經點算，外交部長齐皮·利夫尼領導的中間派政黨前進黨獲得最多的28席；而前總理本雅明·内塔尼亚胡領導的右翼政黨利庫德集團則取得27席。兩黨的得票率十分接近。至於前總理、國防部長埃胡德·巴拉克領導的左翼政黨工黨就比民調遜色得多，只取得13席。不過與此同時，極右翼的政黨以色列我們的家園則異軍崛起，一舉拿下15席，躍升為第三大黨。

這次大選會選出120個議席，因而必須要取得超過61席才能組閣執政，而沒有一個單一政黨獲得足夠的絕對多數。不過兩大黨前進黨和利庫德集團都已經宣稱自己獲得勝利了。前進黨總部的支持者的深夜得知前進黨獲勝後歡呼雀躍，利夫尼則向支持者揮手致意，「民眾今天選擇了前進黨！……我們是唯一同時獲得左翼和右翼選票的政黨」利夫尼充滿自信地說，同時她還邀請內塔利亞胡和利庫德集團加入她組成聯合政府。而另一方面，內塔利亞胡則宣布「我將領導下一屆政府！」，分析認為，內塔利亞胡這樣的自信不是沒有理由的，利庫德集團雖然比前進黨少1個議席，但是這次選舉中右翼的政黨如以色列我們的家園、猶太人家園等的議席都有增加，如果這樣政黨和利庫德集團結盟的話，那麼利庫德集團就應該有足夠的力量要求總統希蒙·佩雷斯授權組閣。

以色列我們的家園的主席利伯曼成為令牌爭相拉攏的對象。有分析指出，未來幾周之內，他倒向哪一邊，哪一邊就能執政。因此從某種程度來說，他才是贏家。


Israel Journal: The Holy Land has an image problem

Wikinews reporter David Shankbone is currently, courtesy of the Israeli government and friends, visiting Israel. This is a first-hand account of his experiences and may — as a result — not fully comply with Wikinews' neutrality policy. Please note this is a journalism experiment for Wikinews and put constructive criticism on the collaboration page.

At 70 miles per hour halfway to Kennedy Airport the scent of alcohol filled the back of the cab when the driver turned around and said, “There is no traffic.  It is good.  Quick.”  It was fitting.  Up to that point I sat staring out the window thinking about all the warnings my family and friends gave me about taking care of my safety in Israel.  Although I have traveled a good deal and never found a place I visited to be as it was depicted in the American media--Cuba is nothing like it is portrayed--the intonations to steer clear of pizza parlors and buses weighed on me.  “Whatever you do, David, don’t go to Gaza or take a bus!  Don't.  Go.  To.  Gaza,” my mother said several times, “Just, you know, there’s a war going on over there.  If you see anyone praying to Allah and sweating, run!”

Until the cab driver turned around and smiled through his boozy breath, my mind had raced with thoughts of my life ending head bowed on Al-Jazeera, surrounded by gunmen forcing me to denounce my country.  I thought about Gay Talese, desperate to go to Iraq, who told me he would tell “the bastards” to “go ahead, make my day” because he would die doing what he loved: working on a story.  Strangely, I found solace in my drunken driver to distract me from these thoughts, and instead I thought about Carolyn Doran, the former Wikimedia COO who has caused a firestorm for the foundation when they hired her unaware that not only is she a quadruple-convicted drunk driver, but that she also shot a boyfriend.

My flight from Kennedy to Tel Aviv had the hallmarks of a caricatured bad flight:  Despite my request for an aisle, I found myself in a center seat.  To my right was a morbidly obese woman in a purple beret breast-feeding her baby.  In the seat to my left was another infant in a baby seat, and to his left was his mother holding yet a third baby in her lap.  When I woke two of the babies were suspended from the wall in what looked like airplane baby crib trampolines.  Surprisingly, it was one of the better 11 hour flights I have had.  All three babies slept through the entire trip and when I woke from one nap I found myself lying against what felt like memory foam, but turned out to be the obese woman, whose largess had spilled over our hapless arm rest and into my seat.  It was...not unpleasant.

Upon arrival at our hotel in Tel Aviv we were given exactly ten minutes to shower and change before we had to leave to have dinner with Dr. Yossi Vardi--the father of Israeli invention, as he is known.  Jimmy Wales had introduced me to him over e-mail, and I had done my research on the man who funded and sold the ICQ network.  On the bus over there Stacy Perman and David Saranga spoke about how Israel is trying to brand itself today.  In particular, Perman, who writes for Businessweek,  mentioned a spread in Maxim Magazine that Saranga, who is in charge of media relations for the Israeli consulate in New York, was responsible for arranging.  Its theme was “The Women of the Israeli Army” and featured buxom, beautiful scantily-clad Israeli girls from the armed forces.  It rubbed Perman the wrong way.  “The spread seemed so Lowest Common Denominator to me.  What was the thinking behind that?” asked Stacy.

Saranga had no apologies for appealing to the male libido in his never-ending drive to sell Israel.  “Look, I would love for Maxim’s 2.5 million readers to pick up that magazine and read about Israeli technology and our wonderful culture here.  But in truth, they are not so interested in that.  When we approached Maxim they asked why they should do it; after all, there are beautiful women every where.  Why Israeli beautiful women?  We said, ‘But Israel is the only army where women are actually fighting alongside the men.’  So they did it.  Not with guns and ammunition, but just the…beautiful women of the Israeli army.  When we tested how that piece worked, we found it was very, very successful.”

But what is success?  The issue, Saranga explained, is Israel has an image problem.  Saranga is one of the key people in the Israeli Foreign Ministry working to create a new brand name for the holy land.  Indeed, one scheduled dinner for the journalists on this trip is hosted by Ido Aharoni, whose title is Head of Israel Brand Management Team.  A country's brand name is what this trip is all about.  More accurately, about rebranding.

When people think of Israel, Saranga explained, they think the same things my friends and family think: it is dangerous, it is a place where you may be blown up.  It is difficult to find in the American media stories that travel outside of Israeli-Palestinian-Lebanese conflict narrative.  The effect, according to Saranga, has been that people do not want to come to Israel.  It is too dangerous and even if safety is not an issue, it does not look like a fun place to go.  According to the test research the Israeli government has conducted, people see Israel as a place that is deeply religious--it is, after all, a Jewish state--and besides holy sites such as the Temple Mount and retracing the steps of Jesus Christ, most secular American thrill seekers think there is little for them to do.

In reality, Israel is a multi-dimensional and pluralistic society with a large Arab—the majority of whom identify themselves as Palestinian—population in one of the most stable democracies in the Middle East.  This trip, however, is mostly modeled to show the technology journalists what is by any measure one of the most thriving centers of innovation in the world.  What we won't see is Israel's Arab side.  When I suggested to Saranga that I would like to venture to the Jaffa Market, Tel Aviv’s thriving Arab bazaar, he looked at me perplexed, “Why would you want to go there?!”  When I replied that it would be a good place to look for things to buy people back home, he still did not see why I would choose to go there.  It was only when I mentioned it would also be good for photography--another purpose for this trip--did he say, "Well, that's true.  I suppose it has color."

At dinner Dr. Yossi Vardi discussed the future of Israeli technology and pointed out that after California and Boston, Israel attracts the highest amount of venture capital incubator dollars in the world.  After his speech, he turned to me with what the standard complaints I hear about Wikipedia; namely, that it is not always accurate and it is arbitrary in how it decides what is notable (in particular, the article on a product he is financing, Fring, has been deleted five times, he said, despite being a market leader).  “How do you decide what is right and what is notable?” asked Vardi.

It was the same question raised by the Haaretz reporter when he interviewed me later that night for an article about my trip.  With both Vardi and Haaretz I brought up the on-going Santa Claus battle on Wikipedia, in which I was heavily involved.  Several editors do not want us to point out that Santa Claus is not real (think of the children!) or, absent outright supporting the myth, that we should hide he is made up.  The problem is that Wikipedia is not responsible for supporting cultural myths, but to explain them.

“But I believe in Santa Claus” replied Vardi.  “Who are you to say he is not real?”  It is a question that was raised in the Santa talk page discussion, and a difficult challenge to answer.  And like the pro-Santa editors on the Santa Claus discussion, Vardi asked “What about God?  Can you say that God does not exist?”  But are Santa and God really the same beyond an academic philosophical discussion, I replied.  God is typically taught to explain aspects of the world around us that we can not explain ourselves through our knowledge and technology. Santa, on the other hand, is a story parents know to be false.  They tell their children to believe in something and then make an elaborate effort to support something they know is not true (milk and cookies consumed; gifts given by Santa; Father Christmas tracked on the Air Force website).  Eventually, the time comes when parents reveal to their children that he never existed; it was them all along eating those cookies.

“But perception," Dr. Vardi responded, "is reality.  So who are you to say?  It is the question of the tree falling in the woods and whether anyone hears it."  I responded that to take knowledge to such academic and philosophical realms is fine for spirited dinner conversation, but useless when trying to engage in practical pursuits.  "After all, Dr. Vardi, how would you ever solve an engineering problem if all it takes for reality to be formed is to believe something to be true?  You must come across many people who believe fervently that products they are developing will be successful; do you invest based upon their beliefs?  The question is always whether a tree falling makes a sound.  The question is never framed as, 'Has the tree fallen?'  It's a given."

Cnaan Liphshiz, the Haaretz reporter, relayed similar concerns about Wikipedia as Vardi, although less philosophical.  Are we a reliable source of information?   "The short answer is no," I said.  He looked at me surprised  "The problem with such a question is not whether Wikipedia is reliable, but is any one source of information reliable?  Studies continually show that Wikipedia is reliable at redacting information and presenting what others say to be true.  But are our sources right?  No person should rely upon one source for anything.  They should seek several sources to form an opinion.  Does Wikipedia do a better job of presenting several opinions than The New York Times or Fox News?  Yes, I believe they do."

My presence on this trip, I offered Haaretz, raised the interesting question that Web 2.0 presents: how did the Israeli foreign ministry decide on David Shankbone to report for Wikinews and Wikipedia on this trip?  25% of the answer lies in my accreditation with Wikinews and that I am able to be an original source of reporting.  But 75% of the reason rests upon my contributions to Wikimedia projects, which made me stand out over other contributors.  Between my photography and my interviews, I have done high profile projects on Wikipedia and its sister projects.  So can other commoners like me take off to Israel when we make worthwhile contributions to high-profile Web 2.0 sites like Wikipedia?  Maybe.  The challenge for firms, governments and organizations today is to figure out who amongst a morass of disparate and sometimes bizarre user names can actually produce substantive work.  The answer is that those who want to contribute information to the public sphere need to expend time to find who out there in Web 2.0 is worth contacting, and whether people in Web 2.0 can even do anything for them.  This is the same advice I gave the Rubenstein Public Relations company (who manages PR for the Tribeca Film Festival), which is how the Israelis found me.

On a trip like this, what are the Israelis' goals for Wikimedia?  For David Saranga, it goes back to the rebranding of Israel.  They simply want people to highlight aspects of their country that do not involve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  Hence, we are here to look at Israel's technology sector in a head-spinning array of meetings.  This made Wikipedia and Wikinews, influential sources of information that attempt to present the world as it is, an attractive option.  "The fact is, there is so much going on in Israel today that nobody knows about because the media does not write stories about Israel outside of the conflict," said Saranga.  The opportunity to have someone from the Internet's major encyclopedia visit the Weizmann Institute, the Technion and some of the holy sites was golden for them.  Just don't go to the Arab parts and whatever you do, don't go to Gaza.


Israel-Tagebuch: Das Heilige Land hat ein Imageproblem

Tel Aviv (Israel), 26.01.2008 – Der Wikinews-Reporter David Shankbone war im Dezember 2007 auf Einladung der israelischen Regierung und von Freunden auf Besuch in Israel. Hier werden seine Erfahrungen aus erster Hand geschildert und können im Ergebnis möglicherweise nicht vollständig das Neutralitätsgebot auf Wikinews einhalten. Dies ist ein journalistisches Experiment auf Wikinews; konstruktive Kritik ist jederzeit willkommen.

Bei 70 Meilen pro Stunden wehte der Geruch von Alkohol in den Passagierraum des Taxis auf halbem Wege zum Kennedy Airport, als der Fahrer sich umdrehte und sagte: "Kein Verkehr - das ist gut. Schnell." Das passte. Bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt hatte ich aus dem Fenster gestarrt und an die Warnungen gedacht, die meine Familie und Freunde mir gegeben hatten. Ich solle unbedingt für meine Sicherheit sorgen in Israel. Obwohl ich eine ganze Menge gereist bin und dabei noch nie einen Ort gefunden habe, der seiner Darstellung in den amerikanischen Medien entspricht - Kuba ist kein bisschen so, wie es porträtiert wird - wogen die Ratschläge, Pizzerien und Linienbusse zu meiden, schwer auf mir. "Was auch immer du tust, David, fahr' nicht nach Gaza oder steig' in einen Bus! Geh. Nicht. Nach. Gaza." sagte meine Mutter mehrmals. "Weißt du, da drüben tobt ein Krieg. Wenn du jemanden siehst, der zu Allah betet und schwitzt - lauf!"

Bis der Taxifahrer sich umwendete und mich durch seinen Fuselatem anlächelte war mein Bewusstsein voller Gedanken an das Ende, das ich nehmen würde: Inmitten von Bewaffneten kauernd im Nachrichtensender Al-Dschasira, die mich zu Haßreden auf mein Land zwingen. Ich dachte an Gay Talese, der verrückt darauf war, in den Irak zu gehen, und mir sagte, er würde "den Mistkerlen" schon sagen, was sie ihn könnten, schließlich würde er sterben bei dem, was er am meisten liebte: bei der Arbeit an einer Story. Seltsamerweise fand ich Trost ausgerechnet in der Ablenkung durch meinen angetrunkenen Fahrer, und dachte stattdessen an Carolyn Doran, die ehemalige Wikimedia-Leiterin, die einen Feuersturm für die Foundation ausgelöst hatte, denn als sie eingestellt worden war, hatte niemand vermutet, dass sie nicht nur viermal wegen Fahrens unter Alkoholeinfluss verurteilt worden war, sondern auch einen ihrer Lebenspartner niedergeschossen hatte.

Mein Flug von New York nach Tel Aviv trug alle Anzeichen einer Karikatur eines schrecklichen Fluges: Trotz meiner Bitte um einen Platz am Gang saß ich in der Mitte. Rechts von mir war eine lebensbedrohlich fettleibige Frau mit einer lila Baskenmütze, die ihr Baby stillte. Links von mir lag in einem Säuglingssitz ein weiteres Baby, und noch einen Platz weiter hielt die Mutter ein drittes auf dem Schoß. Zwei der Babys wurden schließlich in Vorrichtungen an der Wand befestigt, die aussahen wie die Flugzeugversion von Babytrampolins. Erstaunlicherweise wurde es doch einer der besseren Elf-Stunden-Flüge, die ich mitgemacht habe. Alle drei Kleinkinder verschliefen die gesamte Reise, und als ich aus einem Nickerchen aufwachte, lehnte ich gegen etwas, das sich anfühlte wie eine sich den Körperformen besonders gut anschmiegende Matratze - und sich als die fette Frau herausstellte, deren schiere Masse die Armlehne zwischen uns überwunden hatte. Es war ... nicht unangenehm.

Nach der Ankunft in unserem Hotel in Tel Aviv blieben uns exakt zehn Minuten zum duschen und umziehen, bevor wir zum Abendessen mit Dr. Yossi Vardi aufbrechen mussten, dem Vater des israelischen Erfindergeists, wie er auch bekannt ist. Jimmy Wales machte ihn mir per E-Mail bekannt, und ich hatte meine Recherchen zu diesem Mann gemacht, der das ICQ-Netzwerk gegründet und verkauft hatte. Im Bus zum Essen sprachen Stacy Perman und David Saranga darüber, wie Israel heute versucht, sich als Marke zu entwickeln. Genauer gesagt erwähnte Perman, der für Businessweek schreibt, gegenüber dem PR-Veranwortlichen des israelischen Generalkonsulats in New York eine Fotostrecke aus dem Magazin Maxim. Deren Thema waren "Die Frauen der israelischen Armee", die äußerst ansprechend fotografiert und hübsch bekleidet präsentiert wurden. Perman nahm daran Anstoß. "Die Strecke kam mir vor wie der kleinste gemeinsame Nenner. Was war der Gedanke dahinter?" fragte Stacy.

Saranga hatte keine Bedenken, in seinem nie enden wollenden Bestreben, Israel zu verkaufen, auch an die männliche Libido zu apellieren. "Sehen Sie, ich würde es auch lieben, wenn die 2,5 Millionen Leser von Maxim das Heft kauften, um über israelische Technologie und Kultur zu lesen. Aber in Wahrheit sind sie nicht so sehr daran interessiert. Als wir bei Maxim anklopften, fragten sie uns, warum sie so etwas bringen sollten. Schließlich gäbe es überall schöne Frauen. Warum also israelische schöne Frauen? Wir antworteten, dass die israelische Armee weltweit die einzige sei, in der Frauen an der Seite männlicher Soldaten tatsächlich im Kampfeinsatz seien. Also haben sie es gebracht. Nicht mit Waffen und Munition, nur die ... schönen Frauen der israelischen Armee. Als wir ausprobiert haben, ob es funktioniert, haben wir herausgefunden, dass es sehr, sehr erfolgreich war."

Worin besteht dieser Erfolg? Die Sache sei, erklärte Saranga, dass Israel ein Imageproblem habe. Saranga ist eine der Schlüsselfiguren im israelischen Außenministerium, die daran arbeiten, einen neuen Markennamen für das Heilige Land zu erschaffen. Und tatsächlich wird eines der vorgesehenen Abendessen unter dem Vorsitz Ido Aharonis stattfinden, der den Titel "Leiter des Israel-Markenmanagement-Teams" führt. Der Markenname eines Landes ist es, um das bei der Reise gehen wird. Genauer gesagt: Es geht um Rebranding.

Wenn Menschen an Israel denken, führte Saranga aus, denken sie eben an diese Dinge, an die auch meine Fraunde und Familie denken: es ist gefährlich, es ist ein Ort, an dem man in die Luft gesprengt werden kann. Es ist schwierig, in der US-Presse Geschichten über Israel zu finden, die sich abseits von Erzählungen über den palästinensisch-israelischen-libanesischen Konflikt bewegen. Das Ergebnis, so Saranga, ist, dass man nicht nach Israel kommen wolle. Es ist zu gefährlich, und selbst wenn die Sicherheit kein Problem wäre, erschiene es nicht als ein Ort, an dem man Spaß haben könnte. Laut den Umfragen, die die Regierung Israels durchgeführt hat, sehen die Leute Israel als tief religiösen Ort - es ist schließlich noch immer ein jüdischer Staat - und neben heiligen Stätten wie dem Tempelberg und dem Wandeln auf Jesus' Spuren sind säkulare amerikanische Touristen, die Aufregung und Abwechslung suchen, nicht der Meinung, dass es viel für sie zu tun gäbe.

In Wirklichkeit ist Israel eine vieldimensionale, pluralistische Gesellschaft mit einem großen arabischen Bevölkerungsanteil - von denen sich die meisten als Palästinenser sehen - in einer der stabilsten Demokratien des Nahen Ostens. Diese Reise dient hauptsächlich dazu, den Technikjournalisten das zu zeigen, was man als eines der blühendsten Innovationszentren des Globus bezeichnen kann, ganz gleich, welchen Maßstab man anlegt. Was wir jedoch nicht sehen werden, ist die arabische Seite des Landes. Als ich Saranga vorschlug, beim Markt von Jaffa vorbeizusehen, dem geschäftigen arabischen Basar Tel Avivs, blickte er mich überrascht an. "Warum sollten Sie dorthin wollen?" Als ich entgegnete, dass es eine gute Stelle sei, um nach Mitbringseln zu shoppen, sah er noch immer nicht ein, was ich dort wollte. Erst als ich erwähnte, dort biete sich gute Gelegenheit, um ein paar Fotos zu machen - ein weiterer Zweck unseres Aufenthalts - lenkte er ein: "Ja, das stimmt. Es ist farbenfroh, denke ich."

Beim Diner sprach Dr. Yossi Vardi über die Zukunft der israelischen Technologie und betonte, dass Israel gleich nach Kalifornien und Boston die größten Investitionen von Venture-Kapital überhaupt verzeichne. Nach seiner Rede wandte er sich an mich mit der Standardklage, die ich über Wikipedia zu hören bekomme: sie sei nicht immer zuverlässig und außerdem willkürlich in ihrer Entscheidung über Relevanz (speziell sprach er einen Artikel über ein von ihm finanziertes Produkt an, Fring, der fünfmal gelöscht worden war, wie er sagte, obwohl es Marktführer sei). "Wie entscheiden Sie, was relevant ist und was nicht?" fragte Vardi.

Das war die gleiche Frage, die mir ein Reporter von Ha'aretz stellte, als er mich später am Abend für einen Artikel über unsere Reise interviewte. Beiden gegenüber beschrieb ich den noch immer andauernden Konflikt über den Weihnachtsmann-Artikel in der englischsprachigen Wikipedia, an dem ich maßgeblich beteiligt war. Einige Autoren wollten verhindern, dass darin festgestellt würde, den Weihnachtsmann gäbe es nicht (Denkt an die Kinder!), beziehungsweise, wenn schon nicht gesagt werden könne, dass der Weihnachtsmann existiere, dass wenigstens verschwiegen werden solle, dass es sich um eine Erfindung handle. Das Problem ist jedoch, dass Wikipedia nicht dazu da ist, kulturelle Mythen zu transportieren, sondern dazu, sie zu erklären.

"Aber ich glaube an den Weihnachtsmann", antwortete Vardi. "Wer sind Sie, dass Sie sagen können, er sei nicht real?" Das ist eine Frage, die auf der Diskussionsseite des Artikels aufgeworfen worden war, und der nur schwer zu begegnen ist. Und wie auch die Pro-Weihnachtsmann-Autoren argumentierte Vardi: "Was ist mit Gott? Können Sie sagen, dass Gott nicht existiert?" Aber sind jenseits der akademischen philosophischen Diskussionen der Weihnachtsmann und Gott wirklich vergleichbar, war meine Antwort. Gott wird gewöhnlich dazu herangezogen, Aspekte der Welt um uns zu erklären, auf die wir uns keinen Reim machen können mit all unserem Wissen und unserer Technologie. Vom Weihnachtsmann wissen die Eltern, dass es ihn nicht gibt. Sie behaupten es trotzdem ihren Kindern gegenüber und spielen es ihnen vor (vor die Tür gestellte Kekse und Milch verschwinden, Weihnachtsgeschenke erscheinen, die US-Luftwaffe ortet auf ihrer Website die Position des Weihnachtsmanns). Einmal kommt der Punkt, an dem die Eltern ihren Kindern enthüllen, dass er niemals wirklich existiert hat und sie es waren, die die Kekse gegessen haben.

"Aber Wahrnehmung ist Wirklichkeit", insistierte Dr. Vardi. "Also wer sind Sie, zu urteilen? Es ist die Frage nach dem Baum, der im Wald umfällt und ob jemand es hört." Ich hielt dem entgegen, dass solche akademischen und philosophischen Höhen sich vielleicht nett bei einem Plausch beim Abendessen machten, für praktische Zwecke jedoch nutzlos seien. "Schließlich, Dr. Vardi, könnten Sie doch niemals ein technisches Problem lösen, wenn die Realität sich einfach durch den Glauben an etwas formen ließe. Sie treffen sicher ständig Leute, die zutiefst überzeugt sind, dass die Produkte, die sie entwickeln, erfolgreich sein werden. Investieren Sie auf Grundlage dieser Überzeugung? Die Frage ist doch immer, ob der umgestürzte Baum ein Geräusch macht oder nicht. Die Frage ist nie, ob er überhaupt umgestürzt ist. Das wird vorausgesetzt."

Cnaan Liphshiz, der Journalist von Ha'aretz, brachte ähnliche Besorgnisse wie vorher Dr. Vardi zum Ausdruck, wenn auch weniger philosophisch. Sind wir eine zuverlässige Informationsquelle? "Die kurze Antwort ist nein", sagte ich, und er sah mich erstaunt an. "Die Schwierigkeit an einer solchen Frage ist nicht, ob Wikipedia zuverlässig ist, sondern ob überhaupt irgendeine Quelle zuverlässige Informationen liefert. Studien zeigen laufend, dass Wikipedia zuverlässig arbeitet, was die Redaktion von vorliegenden Informationen angeht und die Präsentation als mit Quellen belegte Wahrheit. Aber haben die Quellen recht? Niemand sollte sich jemals auf eine einzige Quelle stützen. Man sollte verschiedene Quellen aufsuchen, um sich eine Meinung zu bilden. Macht Wikipedia eine bessere Arbeit, was das Aufzeigen verschiedener Meinungen betrifft, als die New York Times oder Fox News? Ja, ich glaube schon."

Meine Anwesenheit bei dieser Reiseveranstaltung, erklärte ich, werfe doch eine interessante Frage zum Web 2.0 auf. Wie hat das israelische Außenministerium entschieden, dass ich, David Shankbone, für Wikipedia und Wikinews auf diese Reise geschickt werde?  25 % der Antwort bestehen aus meiner Akkreditierung bei Wikinews und dass ich fähig bin, als Reporter als Quelle aus Erster Hand zu arbeiten. Aber 75 % ergeben sich aus meinen Beiträgen zu anderen Wikimedia-Projekten, die mich über die anderen Beitragenden herausragen ließen. Zwischen meinen Fotos und meinen Interviews habe ich prominente Projekte bei Wikipedia und den Schwesterprojekten verwirklicht. Könnten also andere gewöhnliche Leute wie ich nach Israel fliegen, wenn sie in bekannten Web 2.0-Seiten wie Wikipedia mitarbeiten? Vielleicht. Die Herausforderung an Firmen, Regierungen und Organisationen besteht heute darin, zu erkennen, welche Benutzer in der Masse der vielfältigen und manchmal bizarren Namen tatsächlich substanzielle Arbeit abliefern können. Die Antwort lautet, dass diejenigen, die zur Information in der öffentlichen Sphäre beitragen wollen, Zeit aufwenden müssen, um herauszufinden, wer im Web. 2.0 wert ist, kontaktiert zu werden, und ob diese Leute überhaupt etwas für sie tun können. Den selben Ratschlag hatte ich der PR-Agentur Rubenstein gegeben, die die Pressearbeit für das Tribeca Filmfestival macht und über die mich die Israelis gefunden haben.

Auf einer Reise wie dieser stellt sich die Frage, was die Ziele der Israelis im Zusammenhang mit Wikipedia sind. Für David Saranga geht es um eine Neuerfindung der Marke Israel. Sie wollen schlicht, dass Aspekte ihres Landes betont werden, die nicht den israelisch-palästinensischen Konflikt betreffen. Deshalb sind wir hier, um uns in einer rasenden Folge von Meetings den Technologiesektor Israels anzusehen. Wikimedia und Wikinews als einflussreiche Quellen von Informationen, die versuchen, die Welt so zu beschreiben, wie sie ist, sind für sie attraktive Optionen. "Es ist eine Tatsache, dass heute so viel in Israel vor sich geht, von dem niemand etwas weiß, weil die Medien nichts schreiben, was nicht mit dem Konflikt zu tun hat", sagte Saranga. Die Gelegenheit, dass jemand von der wichtigsten Enzyklopädie im Netz das Weizmann-Institut, das Technion und ein paar der heiligen Stätten besuchen kommt, war ihnen Gold wert. Geh nur nicht zu den arabischen Teilen, und was immer du auch tust, geh nicht nach Gaza.


Israel launches airstrikes against Gaza Strip, kills Hamas commander

Israel has launched a series of airstrikes against military targets inside the Gaza Strip, killing a senior Hamas leader. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) launched the offensive named 'Operation Pillar of Defense' in response to over 100 rockets fired into Israel from Gaza over the past few days.

"The IDF has begun a widespread campaign on terror sites & operatives in the Gaza Strip, chief among them Hamas & Islamic Jihad targets," said an IDF spokesperson in a post on the social networking site Twitter.

According to reports, the IDF bombed at least 20 underground locations believed to house an array of long range missiles which the IDF says have the ability to reach Tel Aviv and used tanks to fire on targets. The bombings also killed Hamas commander Ahmed Jabari, who was in charge of Izz el-Deen Al-Qassam, the armed division of Hamas. "The first target we targeted was Ahmad Jabari. A short time ago we completed another phase in the operation which included 20 different targets of rocket launcher pads. Israel is exercising its right to protect itself, and Jabari has a lot of Israeli blood on his hands", said Avital Leibovich, an IDF spokesman. At least ten people, some children, were killed in the airstrikes including Jabari and an unnamed associate which some reports say was Jabari's son.

"The occupation has opened the gates of hell on itself," said Hamas in a statement following the killing of Jabari. Hamas says all options against Israel are "now open and they include suicide attacks and quality attacks in Israel cities. Israel has declared war on Gaza and they will bear the responsibility for the consequences".

The fighting could last for days with the possibility of a ground offensive by the IDF. "There are preparations [for ground troops], and if we are required to, the option of a entry by ground is available," said Yoav Mordechai, a Brigadier-General with the IDF. Leibovich also added that "all options are on the table for us. We will do whatever necessary to protect the people of Israel."


„Israel is under attack“ - Nahostkonflikt droht zu eskalieren

Tel Aviv (Israel), 17.11.2012 – Erstmals seit dem Golfkrieg 1991 ist in Tel Aviv am Donnerstag wieder Luftalarm ausgelöst worden, nachdem die Hamas verstärkt begonnen hat, den Westen Israels zu bombardieren. Zu der Eskalation war es nach der gezielten Tötung von Ahmed Dschabari gekommen, dem Anführer der Qassam-Brigaden. Die israelischen Streitkräfte hatten, kurz nachdem eine Qassam-Rakete in Israel eingeschlagen war, die „Operation Wolkensäule“ gestartet. Hamas kündigte daraufhin Vergeltung an.

Im Rahmen dieser Vergeltungsaktion wurden durch die Hamas, die Qassam-Brigaden und die Organisation „Islamischer Dschihad“ vom Gazastreifen aus 306 Raketen auf Israel abgeschossen, wobei drei israelische Zivilisten getötet und mindestens zwölf verletzt wurden. Von israelischer Seite wurden „320 Ziele im Gazastreifen angegriffen. 16 Menschen starben, mehr als 150 wurden verletzt.“ Als am späten Nachmittag des 15. Novembers vereinzelt Raketen bis in die Nähe der bisher als sicher geltenden Stadt Tel Aviv flogen, wurde erstmals seit 1991 wieder Luftalarm ausgelöst und die israelischen Streitkräfte meldeten: „Israel is under attack.“ Verteidigungsminister Ehud Barak gab anschließend bekannt, 30.000 Reservisten einzuberufen und ließ erklären, dass „keine Option vom Tisch“ sei. Ab Freitag wurden verstärkt Soldaten in den Süden Israels verlegt, „um für einen Einmarsch bereit zu stehen, sollte der Befehl kommen, sagte ein ranghoher Beamter in Tel Aviv“.

Gestern ertönten nun auch in Jerusalem die Luftschutzsirenen. Raketen der Hamas schlugen auf unbewohntem Land und dem Meer auf, durch israelische Angriffe wurden derweil fünf Menschen getötet. Noch am Vormittag hatte der ägyptische Ministerpräsident Hischam Kandil den Gazastreifen besucht und dabei seine Solidarität mit der radikal-islamischen Hamas bekundet: „Er sagte, Ägypten stehe unverbrüchlich auf der Seite der Palästinenser. Die Opfer der israelischen Angriffe bezeichnete er als „Märtyrer“. Und auch Ägyptens Präsident Mohammed Mursi sicherte den Palästinensern die Unterstützung seines Landes zu.“ Währenddessen gingen Palästinenser, Ägypter und Israelis auf die Straßen, um sowohl für, als auch gegen eine militärische Intervention zu demonstrieren.

Die Staatengemeinschaft reagierte unterdes beunruhigt auf die sich zupitzenden Ereignisse, da ein erneuter Nahost-Krieg befürchtet wird. Die ägyptische Regierung verurteilte die Angriffe Israels und rief die Regierung auf, weitere Provokationen zu unterlassen. Infolge der andauernden Kampfeinsätze Israels wurde daraufhin der ägyptische Botschafter abgezogen. Auch der französische Präsident François Hollande versuchte, Israel zu einer Beruhigung der Lage zu drängen, während hingegen US-Präsident Barack Obama Ministerpräsident Benjamin Netanjahu schon am Mittwoch ausdrücklich seine Unterstützung zugesichert und „das Recht Israels auf Selbstverteidigung“ betont hatte, gleichzeitig aber auch durch einen Außenministeriums-Sprecher verlauten ließ: „Wir bitten Ägypten, seinen Einfluss in der Region für eine Deeskalierung zu nutzen“. Die Organisation für Islamische Zusammenarbeit verurteilte die Luftangriffe auf den Gazastreifen als „Angriff gegen die Gesamtheit der islamischen Nation“, außerdem beschäftigten sich die Vereinten Nationen in einer Dringlichkeitssitzung mit der Lage in Nahost, woraufhin sie vor „möglicherweise katastrophalen Folgen“ warnten, sollten die Kampfhandlungen nicht bald niedergelegt werden. Auch Bundesaußenminister Guido Westerwelle sprach von einer außerordentlich gefährlichen Lage: „Es sei von großer Bedeutung, dass keine neue Spirale der Gewalt entstehe“.

Experten befürchten nun, da die Präsidentschaftswahlen in den USA vorüber sind, dass Israel derzeit einen weiteren Nahost-Krieg vorbereitet. Für Israels wichtigsten Verbündeten wäre ein unpopuläres militärisches Eingreifen während des Wahlkampfes unvorteilhaft gewesen. Jetzt sind die Wahlen in den USA allerdings vorbei, während sie in Israel derzeit bevorstehen; das lässt die Vermutung aufkommen, dass Ministerpräsident Netanjahu durch ein rigoroses militärisches Handeln gestärkt werden würde und deshalb ein bevorstehender Krieg nicht mehr sonderlich unwahrscheinlich erscheint. Die israelische Regierung kündigte derweil an, dass sie künftig die Zivilbevölkerung warnen wolle, bevor sie bestimmte Ziele bombardiere. Ob es aber bei Luftangriffen bleibt, oder ob Israel tatsächlich, wie derzeit vermehrt berichtet, eine erneuete Bodenoffensive nicht nur vorbereitet, sondern auch umsetzt, wird sich zeigen. Anti-Kriegs-Mahner, wie die Chefin der linken Meretz-Partei, Zehava Galon stehen allerdings zunehmend alleine da. Die Politikerin hatte kürzlich noch vor einem Krieg gewarnt und an Netanjahu appelliert: „Nutzen Sie die Gelegenheit, dass der ägyptische Regierungschef nach Gaza gekommen ist. Nutzen Sie das als Ausstiegs-Strategie. Ändern Sie die Spielregeln und bringen Sie den Bürgern des Südens Frieden“. Ebenso rufen Bürgerbewegungen sowohl auf Seiten Israels, als auch in Palästina schon seit Monaten zu einer friedlichen Lösung des Konflikts auf und haben dabei zuletzt ein weltweites Medien-Echo erfahren. Doch angesichts der Tatsache, dass die israelische Armee bereits 16.000 Reservisten vorsorglich eingezogen hat (weitere 75.000 stehen auf Abruf bereit) und Berichte zeigen, wie Panzer und Panzerhaubitzen in der Nähe des Gazastreifens positioniert werden, vermuten zahlreiche Experten, dass weitere militärische Eskalationsstufen unmittelbar bevorstehen. Dies würde einen neuen Nahost-Krieg bedeuten – mit ungewissem Ausgang.


Израиль активизирует авиаудары по сектору Газа

Израильская авиация в четверг нанесла удары по нескольку десятков целей в ходе воздушных налётов, направленных против боевиков в секторе Газа.
Это произошло спустя день после того, как в результате израильского ракетного удара в этой палестинской территории был убит командующий боевого крыла группировки ХАМАС.

В ответ в сторону Израиля из сектора Газа был выпущен шквал ракет.
В результате одного из ракетных ударов по многоквартирному дому погибли по меньшей мере три израильтянина.

Корреспондент «Голоса Америки» Скотт Бобб, находящийся на месте событий на юге Израиля, сообщает, что в одном жилом квартале было разрушено три многоквартирных дома.
По его словам, местные жители остаются за закрытыми дверями в ожидании ожесточенных сражений в этом районе.

Сотрудники сил безопасности Израиля рекомендуют жителям, услышавшим вой сирен, искать укрытия в укрепленных бомбоубежищах или общественных учреждениях.
На юге Израиля закрыты школы, а многие коммерческие компании в радиусе 40 километров от границы сектора Газа в четверг не открылись из опасений обстрела со стороны палестинских боевиков.

В секторе Газа палестинцы также укрываются от обстрела, покидая свои убежища только для того, чтобы запастись продуктами питания. Израиль сбросил над сектором листовки, предупредив палестинцев, что им следует держаться подальше от зданий и объектов, которыми пользуется военное крыло группировки ХАМАС.

Циклическое возмездие

Несмотря на новые израильские авиаудары, в четверг из сектора Газа не поступало сообщений о гибели людей. Ранее палестинцы заявили, что в результате израильских авиаударов по исламистским боевикам в секторе Газа в среду погибли по меньшей мере 10 человек.

Израильские власти заявляют, что эти бомбардировки являются прямой реакцией на ракетные удары со стороны палестинцев, которые происходят почти ежедневно.

В среду командующий военного крыла ХАМАС Ахмед аль-Джабари был убит израильской ракетой в тот момент, когда он ехал по городу Газа на автомобиле. Израиль предупредил, что другим членам группировки ХАМАС не следует «показываться на свет Божий» в ближайшие несколько дней.

Израильская служба разведки «Шин Бет» объявила, что Джабари стал жертвой собственной террористической деятельности, которую он вел на протяжении более чем десятилетия. К числу его акций Израиль относит похищение в 2006 году израильского солдата Гилада Шалита.

Джабари стал самым высокопоставленным представителем ХАМАС, который был убит с момента вторжения Израиль в сектор Газа четыре года назад.
ХАМАС объявил, что Израиль «отворил врата ада» и пообещал отомстить.

В среду израильская система противоракетной обороны перехватила 13 ракет. Однако по меньшей мере одна ракета упала в городке Биршеба.

Международный интерес

Совет Безопасности ООН провёл ночью экстренное совещание по запросу, который Египет и временный член Совбеза Марокко сделали от имени палестинцев.

Постоянный представитель Индии Хардип Сингх Пури, который в этом месяце возглавил состоящий из 15 членов совет, выразил надежду, что это совещание приведет к де-эскалации насилия в секторе Газа.

Министр иностранных дел Франции Лоран Фабиус заявил в четверг в интервью, что Израиль имеет право на самооборону, призвав при этом обе стороны проявлять сдержанность.

«От имени Франции я призываю проявить выдержку, потому что в регионе, где ситуация и так сложная, эскалация приведет к катастрофе», — заявил он.

Посол Израиля в Соединенных Штатах Майкл Орен сообщил телеканалу CNN, что Израиль продемонстрировал «сверхчеловеческую» выдержку в то время, как град палестинских ракет обрушивался на юг Израиля практически ежедневно.

По словам Орена, нанесенные в среду авиаудары по сектору Газа стали для ХАМАС ясным сигналом о том, что насилие должно прекратиться.

Премьер-министр Израиля Биньямин Нетаньяху заявил, что Израиль продолжит делать все необходимое для защиты своих граждан.

Как объявил Белый дом, президент Барак Обама сообщил по телефону Нетаньяху, что Соединенные Штаты поддерживают право Израиля на самооборону. Он призвал израильского премьера приложить все возможные усилия, чтобы избежать жертв среди гражданского населения.

Американский президент также переговорил с президентом Египта Мухаммедом Мурси, и оба лидера согласились, что очень важно принять меры по скорейшему разряжению обстановки. Египет отозвал своего посла в Израиле после того, как осудил убийство командующего боевым крылом ХАМАС.

Египетский МИД в четверг объявил, что призвал Вашингтон «использовать свои контакты с Израилем», чтобы положить конец израильским атакам.

Также сообщается, что министр иностранных дел Египта Мухаммед Камель Амр сказал в среду вечером госсекретарю США Хиллари Клинтон, что ситуация может выйти из-под контроля, если Израиль не прекратит свои атаки.

16 ноября 2012 года


Izraelske trupe idu ka Gazi, vojni pozivi rezervistima

15. novembar 2012.Jerusalim/ Izrael  (Beta-AP) Izrael je počeo da pomera trupe ka pojasu Gaze i šalje vojne pozive rezervistima, zbog moguće kopnene ofanzive na palestinsku teritoriju. Najmanje desetak kamiona sa tenkovima i oklopnim vozilima viđeno je u četvrtak uveče kako se kreću ka graničnoj oblasti sa Gazom, dok se vojnici prevoze autobusima.

Ministar odbrane Ehud Barak objavio je da je dao ovlašćenje vojsci da pozove rezerviste za moguću operaciju na Gazu. Vojska je saopštila da bi na taj način moglo da bude angažovano oko 30.000 vojnika.

Izraelske vazduhoplovne snage pokrenule su juče ofanzivu protiv ekstremista iz Gaze, koji su danas ispalili skoro 150 raketa na jevrejsku državu, prilikom čega je ubijeno troje ljudi, a rakete su pale i na južne obode Tel Aviva.

Izrael je naveo da je pogodio više od 230 meta u Gazi, a u njegovoj ofanzivi, kao odgovoru na raketne napade palestinskih ekstremista, do sada je poginulo 15, a ranjeno više od 100 Palestinaca.


Israel masses troops, tanks along Lebanon border

Israel has warned civilians in Southern Lebanon to leave their homes and villages and move into the city of Beirut as Israel masses tanks, armored personnel carriers, bulldozers and at least 5 battalions of troops totaling at least 3,000 reserves along its border with Lebanon. Villagers were warned to leave the area before 2:00 p.m. in at least 12 villages in Lebanon that border Israel.

Chief of the Israeli army, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz says that operations conducted on the ground will be limited. "We shall carry out limited ground operations as necessary in order to strike at the terrorism which strikes at us.", Halutz said during a press conference. Senior Israeli army commanders have left open the possibility that a large-scale ground invasion would soon be launched. "It's possible that in the coming days our ground operations will increase," said Israeli Brigadier-General Alon Friedman

The Lebanese government has warned Israel that if an invasion occurs, the Lebanese army would engage in battle with Israel's army."The Lebanese Army will resist and defend the country and prove that it is an army worth of respect," said Elias Murr, Lebanon's Defense Minister. "Our constitutional duty is to defend Lebanon as a Lebanese army. This is our role. But for the resistance (Hezbollah) to enter the army and fight alongside the army, this is not an option".

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud said that Lebanon are not going to "let anybody take our land. We are not going to let them come back and take it." However, according to Mail & Guardian Online which is quoting an anonymous Israeli military official, there will not be a "full-scale incursion into Lebanon."

On the other hand, Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora was quoted in the Milan-based daily "Corriere della Sera" calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah. "It's not a mystery that Hezbollah answers to the political agendas of Tehran and Damascus," Siniora said to the Corriere. "The entire world must help us disarm Hezbollah. But first we need to reach a cease-fire."  Siniora later denied the interview, but "Corriere della Sera" stands by its report. "The interview was recorded," a senior staff member said.

"The important thing now is to restore full Lebanese sovereignty in the south, dismantling any armed militia parallel to the national army," said Siniora. "The Syrians are inside our home and we are still too weak to defend ourselves. The terrible memories of the civil war are still too alive and no one is ready to take up arms."

So far, Lebanon's army has not engaged in battle with Israel's army except for firing anti-aircraft guns at Israeli warplanes.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah issued a strongly worded statement indicating, as he has before, that he will not release any Israeli prisoners except through a prisoner-exchange. Nasrallah stated that Israeli reports of having destroyed half of Hezbollah's missile stores were erroneous and that, "the leadership of Hezbollah has not been touched." He promised "more surprises".

While Nasrallah asks for an exchange of Israeli-held prisoners for two IDF soldiers captured by a Hezbollah incursion into Israel following the G8 summit, the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan called for an immediate cease-fire between the two bordering nations on Thursday. But the UN holds little sway in Lebanon.

The Lebanese government is the first elected by a popular vote following last year's resignation of the Syrian backed government of Omar Karami in February. Demonstrations and pressure from the international community led to a complete withdrawal by Syria and free and democratic elections in June.  The current Israel-Lebanon crisis is the most serious challenge faced by the relatively inexperienced government.


Israel vor einer Bodenoffensive in den Libanon?

Jerusalem (Israel), 21.07.2006 – Im Laufe des gestrigen Tages verdichteten sich Anzeichen, wonach Israel möglicherweise vor einer Bodenoffensive in den Libanon steht.

Das israelische Militär forderte die Einwohner im Süden Libanons in Flugblättern, die von Flugzeugen abgeworfen wurden, dazu auf, ihre Dörfer zu verlassen und hinter den Fluss Litani zurückzuweichen, der 20 Kilometer von der israelisch-libanesischen Grenze entfernt liegt. In diesem Gebiet sollen ungefähr 300.000 Menschen leben. Die Nachrichtenagentur Reuters berichtete über tausende Flüchtlinge im Süden Libanons, die offenbar versuchten, weiter nach Norden zu fliehen. Die libanesische Regierung in Beirut schätzt, dass bis zu 500.000 Menschen auf der Flucht sind. Auf israelischer Seite wurden weitere Reservisten an der Grenze zum Libanon konzentriert. Wie aus Militärkreisen verlautete, soll es sich dabei um „mehrere tausend Soldaten“ handeln. Laut Reuters könnten im Laufe des Wochenendes bis zu 20.000 Soldaten an der Grenze zum Libanon zusammengezogen werden. Außerdem sollen dort massive Panzer- und Artillerieverbände stationiert worden sein.

Der libanesische Verteidigungsminister kündigte für den Fall einer israelischen Invasion den Widerstand des libanesischen Militärs an. Bisher hatte sich das Militär des Libanon nicht an den Kampfhandlungen zwischen der Hisbollah und der israelischen Armee beteiligt.

Die Auseinandersetzungen zwischen der Hisbollah-Miliz im Süden Libanons und Israel entbrannten, als zwei israelische Soldaten auf israelischer Seite von Hisbollahkämpfern entführt worden waren. Daraufhin hatte die israelische Armee eine See-, Luft- und Landblockade über den Libanon verhängt. Israelische Kampfflugzeuge greifen seit Tagen Stellungen der Hisbollah auf libanesischer Seite an. Die Hisbollah antwortete mit dem Abschuss von Raketen auf israelische Städte. Auf libanesischer Seite sollen seit Beginn der Kämpfe 330 Menschen, überwiegend Zivilisten, getötet worden sein. Israel gibt 32 Todesopfer an, darunter 15 Zivilisten.

{{subst:Libanon}


Israel offers peace treaty with Lebanon

Ehud Olmert, the Prime Minister of Israel has offered to make peace with Lebanon, calling for an end to "hostility, fanaticism and hatred" towards each nation by "shaking [each other's] hands."

"How natural it would be if the Lebanese prime minister replied to the many requests I conveyed to him, through different people, to sit down together, shake hands, make peace and end once and for all the hostility, fanaticism and hatred that part of his country feels towards us," said Olmert, who was speaking to students at a school in Ma'alot.

Olmert also said that he "hopes that day comes soon."

"We have to have a situation, where we do not see those lorries coming from Syria, full of Iranian missiles, full of Iranian rockets. That will just make Hezbollah strong again. That is not good for Lebanon; it is not good for Israel," he added.

Fouad Siniora, the Prime Minister of Lebanon said that no treaty or invitation to talk has reached his office and that any such treaty or invitation would be turned down.

"Nobody has conveyed such invitations. [Both] are rejected before they arrive," said a statement from Siniora's office.

The statement continued saying, "what is required from Israel is that it ... withdraw from the Lebanese territory it has occupied and from the Shebaa farms and stop violating the [UN truce] resolution by ending its unjust blockade of Lebanon. Lebanon will be the last state to sign peace with Israel and that can only happen based on the Arab peace initiative."


Israël offre un traité de paix au Liban

Le premier ministre israélien, Ehud Olmert, a proposé une offre de paix au Liban. Il demande qu'une fin à "l'hostilité, la haine et au fanatisme" entre les 2 pays soit scellée par "une poignée de main".
"Comme ce serait simple si le premier ministre libanais repondait enfin aux nombreuses demandes, que je lui ait faites, par le biais de nombreuses personnes, pour s'asseoir ensemble, se serrer la main et faire la paix et terminer definitivement toute hostilité, haine et fanatisme que recent ce pays" a dit le premier ministre lors d'une allocution dans une école de Ma'alot.
Il a ajouté qu'un tel jour devrait arriver.

De son côté, le premier ministre libanais, Fouad Siniora, a indiqué qu'il n'avait reçu aucun traité ou demande de discussion à son bureau et que de telles demandes seraient rejetées.


Israel opposition parties announce coalition, form new government

Opposition parties to Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, led by Yesh Atid's Yair Lapid informed president Reuven Rivlin of the formation of an eight-party coalition just ahead of Wednesday's midnight deadline, preventing what could have been the country's fifth election in two years.

The "government of change", which Lapid announced had the support of a majority of opposition parties in the Israeli parliament, or Knesset, still needs to pass a parliamentary vote of confidence expected to take place this week.  Should it do so, Netanyahu's twelve-year tenure of fifteen years total as Israel's longest-serving prime minister would end, being replaced by head of right-wing party Yamina Naftali Bennett, a staunch advocate for the controversial Israeli settlement in the West Bank and opponent of an independent state of Palestine.

Under the rotation agreement agreed by the eight parties, Bennett will serve as prime minister for the first two years of a four-year term, and Lapid foreign minister, according to CNN.  The two men will then swap on August 27, 2023 according to the BBC.

The coalition is comprised of parties with a wide array of interests, including the United Arab List, also known by its Hebrew acronym Ra'am and led by Mansour Abbas, which became the first Arab party in Israeli history to partner in the formation of a government.  According to the Associated Press (AP), the agreement secured a number of concessions in Abbas' favour, including legal recognition for villages by the Bedouin minority in southern Israel and a plan to invest ILS30 billion and reduce violent crime in Arab communities.

According to the BBC, the other five parties that ensured a 62-seat majority of a required 61 in the 120-seat Knesset are Blue and White with eight seats and led by Benny Gantz, Yisrael Beiteinu with seven seats and led by Avigdor Lieberman, the Israeli Labor Party with seven seats and led by Merav Michaeli, New Hope with six seats and led by Gideon Sa'ar and Meretz with six seats and led by Nitzan Horowitz.  Yesh Atid has seventeen seats and is the largest opposition party.

The parties have little in common with one another apart than a desire to oust the prime minister.

In announcing the coalition, Lapid promised "[t]his government will work for all the citizens of Israel, those that voted for it and those that didn’t. It will do everything to unite Israeli society".  According to the AP, Michaeli said "[t]oday, we succeeded. We made history".  A tweet by Gantz translated by The Jerusalem Post called last night one "of great hope".  On the decision of the United Arab List to join the coalition, the BBC reported Abbas calling the decision "hard" and with "several disputes but it was important to reach agreements".

Former justice minister Yossi Beilin told Al Jazeera, "The situation in which eight medium and small parties are forming a coalition has never happened before. It will not be easy. [...] We should cross our fingers and hope that this government will not only oust Netanyahu, but it will also be able to perform and to be sustainable".  Leader of the Religious Zionist Party with six seats in the Knesset Itamar Ben-Gvir tweeted sarcastically "I managed to form a government with supporters of terrorism. Yours, Naftali Bennett".

While Netanyahu has yet to speak on the matter, member for his party of Likud Miki Zohar tweeted "The Left celebrates, but this is a very sad day for the State of Israel."  On Sunday, according to CNN and The Guardian, the prime minister called the proposed coalition "a leftwing government dangerous to the state of Israel" and the "fraud of the century", accusing Bennett of being someone who "only cares about himself."

A working coalition was sought by both Netanyahu and the opposition after the 2021 Israeli legislative election this March left neither side with a majority.  According to Al Jazeera, Yamina, with seven seats in the Knesset, refused to work with emergent "kingmaker" of the United Arab List with four.


Эра Нетаньяху на посту премьер-министра Израиля завершается

Долгая эра пребывания Биньямина Нетаньяху на посту премьер-министра Израиля, похоже, завершается. В 12 часов, в ночь на 3 июня, истек крайний срок, отведённый ведущим партиям страны на переговоры о коалиции. И вот, соперник Нетаньяху, Яир Лапид – лидер оппозиционной партии «Еш Атид» («Есть будущее») – сообщил президенту страны Ривлину, что смог, наконец, сформировать правящую коалицию. Это означает, что, если политический процесс не нарушат какие-либо экстраординарные события, Биньямин Нетаньяху уйдет в отставку, после 12 лет на посту премьера (не считая его первого премьерского срока в 1996-1999 гг.).

Центральной фигурой политического процесса, который, скорее всего, приведет к завершению 12-летнего лидерства Биньямина Нетаньяху, стал политик-центрист Яир Лапид. На выборах в марте его партия «Еш Атид» – в переводе: «Есть будущее» – заняла второе место.

Консервативная партия «Ликуд» под руководством Нетаньяху набрала больше всего голосов. Но у нее, уже в четвёртый раз за два последних года, не оказалось решающего перевеса. Нетаньяху заявлял, что усилия его оппонентов ослабят Израиль. В минувшие выходные он выступил с призывом к лидерам правого и центристского толка объединиться.

«Сейчас мы переживаем критически важный момент для безопасности, будущего и духа Израиля, – сказал, в частности, премьер-министр. – Мы, главы правых фракций, включая меня, подписали долгосрочное предложение.., которое предотвратит установление опасного правительства левого крыла и обеспечит установление сильного и стабильного правительства правого крыла. Оно позаботится обо всех гражданах Израиля».

Усилия премьер-министра не увенчались успехом. Вдобавок, израильская пресса отмечала, что Нетаньяху стал поляризующей фигурой в израильской политике из-за продолжающегося судебного процесса по делу о коррупции, в котором он фигурирует.

В то же время шансы на успех Яира Лапида во многом зависели от Нафтали Бенета – бывшего министра обороны Израиля. «Рейтер» описывает его как политика, мечтающего присоединить к Израилю большую часть Западного берега реки Иордан. Создание палестинского государства Бенет характеризует как «самоубийство для Израиля». Его недавно созданная ультраправая партия «Новые правые» имела всего шесть кресел в 120-местном парламенте – Кнессете, но этого оказалось достаточно, чтобы сыграть решающую роль в создании коалиции. И вот, Нафтали Бенет и Яир Лапид поздно вечером в среду позвонили президенту страны Реувену Ривлину по телефону и сообщили о создании коалиции.

«Господин президент, я звоню сообщить Вам, что я добился успеха в формировании правительства, – обратился к главе государства Яир Лапид. – Все [участвующие в коалиции] партии дали мне свое согласие и подтвердили мой успех [в этом процессе]. Вот почему я звоню Вам сообщить, что формирование [коалиционного] правительства успешно завершено».

Среди прочих, в коалиции участвует также небольшая арабская партия «Объединённый арабский список», или РААМ. Как ожидается, новый кабинет министров будет приведён к присяге 14 июня. Партии «Новые правые» и «Есть будущее» договорились о ротации поста премьера: первые два года его будет занимать Бенет, затем должность перейдёт Лапиду, который пока возглавит МИД Израиля.

Что касается судьбы нынешнего премьера, то формирование «правительства единства» может означать для Биньямина Нетаньяху не только уход в отставку, но и крах его надежд на то, что парламент наделит его иммунитетом от уголовной ответственности в деле о коррупции.

Журналист, репортер, обозреватель, продюсер; автор и ведущий программ на русскоязычном ТВ и радио; опубликовал более тысячи статей в различных американских изданиях; за свою работу удостоен награды Национальной академии телевизионных искусств США

3 июня 2021 года


Israel orders evacuation in northern Gaza Strip

In leaflets dropped by Israel this morning in northern Gaza Strip, civilians were told to leave "for their own safety" by 12:00 today, local time (0900 UTC).  The leaflets also said the planned Israeli military operation in the area would be brief.

As part of the attacks in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military reported commando soldiers have destroyed a launching site in the northern part of the Strip early today.  An Israeli Military spokesperson said four soldiers were slightly injured in the operation.  This is the first ground operation the Israeli military conducted inside Gaza since the escalation began.

Yesterday, all fifteen members of the UN Security Council called on both sides to return to the understandings reached in the November 2012 ceasefire agreement.  Also yesterday, Israeli operations in Gaza expanded to include targeting Hamas-related civilian institutions.


Israelo militeniras en Gazan Sektoron

Israelo invadis ĉi-dimanĉe matene Gazan Sektoron laŭ raportoj de lokaj radiostacioj kaj posta informo de la novaĵ-agentejo AFP.

La Israela armeo petis al la loĝantoj de Norda Gazo horoj antaŭe, vakigi sian hejmon tujtuje. Tiam, kelkaj tankoj moviĝis al la landlimo inter ambaŭ nacioj.

Dimanĉe matene certiĝis la militeniro de Israelo en Gazon. Alia raporto certigas, ke soldataro israela eniris en Gazan Sektoron por detrui raked-lanĉilan platformon de la terorisma grupo Hamas.

De la Tvitera konto de la israela armeo oni konfirmis la teran operacion en Gazo. Post la militenirado, la militistoj konsilis al la loĝantoj forlasi la domojn "Por ilia propra sekureco".

La ofensivo de Israelo en Gaza Sektoro postlasis dum la pasintaj 6 tagoj pli ol 160 forpasintajn personojn; laŭ UN 77% estas senkulpaj personoj, la plej multo infanoj.


Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners

The Israeli Government has agreed to release ninety Palestinian prisoners as a gesture of 'good faith', in an attempt to Palestinian support of President Mahmoud Abbas over the rival Hamas party.

Israel had originally said it would release a hundred Palestinian prisoners, but announced that ten of the prisoners could not be released as planned - a judgment typically reserved  for those who have committed violent crimes against Israelis. The list of names is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Abbas praised the measure, but still called for the release of 11,000 other Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

The ruling Hamas party also welcomed the measure. Last year Hamas captured an Israeli soldier and demanded a prisoner exchange with Israel, though terms have still not been finalised.

Israel had already decided last June to free 250 prisoners convicted of non-violent offences.

"Israel follows a 'revolving door' politic in which she arrests Palestines when she wants and releases them when she wants. I think this is not accepted by our people", stated Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhum.


Israel liberará noventa prisioneros palestinos

23 de septiembre de 2007Jerusalén, Israel —

El gobierno de Israel acordó liberar a noventa prisioneros palestinos como muestra de buena voluntad ante el inicio del mes sagrado musulmán Ramadán.

El Presidente de Palestina, Mahmud Abbas, recibió con gusto la medida pero aun así exigió que se liberaran a todos los soldados palestinos capturados;

Por su parte, el grupo radical palestino Hamas, que se encuentra en una feroz batalla por el poder con Abbas, dio la bienvenida a la medida, pero a la vez la recibió con desdén.
Hamas, en un intento por obtener la libertad de prisioneros palestinos, secuestró a un soldado israelí durante una operación fronteriza contra un puesto de control israelí cerca de la Franja de Gaza el 23 de junio de 2006. Hasta el momento han fracasado todas las negociaciones para lograr la liberación del soldado Gilad Shalit.

Los israelíes habían prometido liberar a cien prisioneros, pero la cifra bajo a noventa ya que diez no reunían las condiciones, reportaron portavoces de Israel. La lista de nombres con los palestinos liberados será decidida en las próximas 48 horas.

Abbas declaró que en las prisiones de Israel se encuentran mas de once mil prisioneros palestinos y árabes, entre ellos algunos que han cumplido sentencias de más de treinta años.

Israel había decidido liberar 250 prisioneros no acusados de actos sangrientos en junio pasado.

"Israel sigue una política de 'puerta giratoria', por la que arresta a palestinos cuando quiere y los libera cuando quiere. Creo que esto no es aceptado por nuestro pueblo", declaró Fawzi Barhum, portavoz de Hamas, y añadió que el único lenguaje que entiende la ocupación israelí es el de la fuerza.


Israele libera novanta prigionieri palestinesi

Il governo di Israele ha deciso di rilasciare novanta prigionieri come dimostrazione di buona volontà prima dell'inizio del mese sacro dei musulmani, il Ramadan.

Il presidente palestinese, Mahmud Abbas, detto Abu Mazen, ha ricevuto con piacere la notizia, ma ha anche chiesto che vengano liberati tutti i soldati palestinesi ancora prigionieri.

Da parte sua, il gruppo radicale palestinese Hamas, che che nelle ultime settimane si sta scontrando con Abbas per il potere sul popolo palestinese, ha ben accolto la decisione, ma non ha annunciato misure di risposta come la liberazione di prigionieri israeliani. Hamas aveva sequestrato il 23 giugno 2006 un soldato israeliano durante una operazione di frontiera contro un posto di controllo israeliano sulla Striscia di Gaza, ma fino a questo momento Hamas ha rotto le trattative per la liberazione del soldato, Gilad Shalit.

Gli israeliani avevano promesso di liberare cento palestinesi, ma la cifra si è ridimensionata a novanta perché sono intanto mutate le condizioni, secondo quanto detto da portavoce di Israele. La lista dei nomi dei palestinesi sarà decisa nelle prossime ore.

Abbas ha dichiarato che i prigionieri in mano di Israele sono circa undicimila, fra palestinesi e arabi, fra i quali alcuni hanno a carico sentenze per oltre trent'anni di reclusione.

Israele aveva deciso di liberare 250 prigionieri non accusati di delitti di sangue nel giugno scorso.

«Israele segue una politica a 'porta girevole', secondo la quale arresta e libera i palestinesi a seconda del bisogno. Credo che questo non può essere accettato dal nostro popolo», ha dichiarato Fawzi Barhum, portavoce di Hamas, e ha aggiunto che l'unico linguaggio che Israele comprende è quello della forza.


Israel says cluster bomb use was legal

An Israeli military investigation has announced that the use of cluster bombs during the Israeli-Lebanon conflict last year did not violate international law.

The UN General Assembly stated that Israel's use of the bombs were "shocking and immoral." Israel holds that "the use of the weaponry was a concrete military necessity."

U.S. State Department findings last January found that Israel's use of the American-made cluster bombs likely violated agreements between the two countries. State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack said "there may -- likely could have been some violations," specifically under the Arms Export Control Act.

An anonymous Lebanese government official responded to the decision saying that "the Israeli decision indicates that
there is no difference between the judicial authority and political authority in Israel. They all work to commit and
cover up crimes which are against humanity."

It is estimated that Israel dropped up to four million cluster bombs last year, one million of which did not explode, still posing a danger to civilians in Lebanon. According to the United Nations, at least 38 people have been killed and 217 wounded by cluster bombs since the 34-day conflict ended.

The month-long war began in July last year when members of Hezbollah killed five Israeli soldiers and captured two during a cross-border raid. It is estimated that around 1200 civilians in Lebanon were killed and around 150 in Israel.


Israël indique que l'usage des bombes à fragmentation est légal

Une enquête militaire israélienne a annoncé que l'usage des bombes à fragmentation lors du conflit israélo-libanais de l'an passé ne violait pas la loi internationale.
L'Assemblée générale des Nations unies a déclaré que l'utilisation par Israël de ces bombes était « choquant et immoral ». Israël a répliqué que « l'utilisation de cet arsenal était une nécessité militaire avérée ».
Les enquêtes du Département d'État des États-Unis ont prouvé en janvier dernier que l'utilisation par Israël des bombes à fragmentation de fabrication États-Unis d'Amérique était susceptible de contrevenir aux accords passés entre les deux pays. Le porte-parole du Département d'État Sean McCormack a déclaré : « il y a pu peut-être avoir des violations », et plus spécifiquement de l'Arms Export Control Act.
Un membre anonyme du gouvernement libanais a répondu à cette décision que « la décision israélienne montre qu'il n'y a pas de différence entre l'autorité judiciaire et l'autorité politique en Israël. Ils travaillent tous de concert pour commettre et couvrir des crimes contre l'humanité ».
On estime qu'Israël a largué jusqu'à quatre millions de bombes à fragmentation l'an dernier, dont un million n'a pas explosé, devenant un danger pour les civils libanais. Selon les Nations Unies, au moins 38 personnes ont été tuées et 217 blessées par ces armes depuis la fin du conflit qui avait duré 34 jours.
La guerre d'un mois avait commencé en juillet l'année dernière lorsque des membres du Hezbollah avaient tué cinq soldats israéliens et en avaient capturé deux lors d'une expédition au travers de la frontière. On estime qu'environ 1200 civils ont été tués au Liban et environ 150 en Israël.


Israel sets 36 hour ultimatum for Hamas

Israel warned Hamas yesterday to cease rocket fire and threatened a widening offensive if Hamas continues. Hamas maintains Israel "is the aggressor."

The ultimatum comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the Israel Defence Force (IDF) was "prepared for a significant expansion of the operation" and after 75,000 army reservists were drafted for duty.

"We are at a junction. Either we go toward a calm or toward a meaningful widening of the operation… including a possible move to achieve complete military decision", said Israeli Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz to IDF Radio.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is in the region meeting with the Arab Leauge in an attempt to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. There has been some optimism as Netanyahu met with his cabinet members to discuss a phased ceasefire agreement.

Israel has led an air campaign targeting high ranking Hamas commanders, rocket launcher locations, and Hamas communication sites, but has come under scrutiny with the rising number of civilian deaths in Gaza.


ХАМАСу дали 36 часов на размышление

ХАМАСу дали 36 часов на размышление.
Если движение не прекратит ракетные удары по территории страны и снабжение сектора Газа оружием, то Израиль усилит своё наступление.

О выдвижении ультиматума 19 ноября заявил израильский министр финансов Юваль Штайниц.
Также он сообщил, что требование было передано ХАМАСу при посредничестве Египта.
По словам министра, еврейское государство сейчас находится «на распутье»: либо наступит затишье, либо начнется серьезное расширение военной операции. В последнем случае речь может идти о «полностью военном решении» вопроса, уточняет Лента.ру.

Также стало известно, что Израиль с 17 ноября с целью обеспечения безопасности изменил маршруты движения самолетов в своем главном международном аэропорту имени Бен-Гуриона недалеко от Тель-Авива.
На расписание вылетов и прилетов это не повлияло.

Израильская военная операция началась 14 ноября в ответ на ракетный обстрел с палестинской стороны.
По данным на 19 ноября, в ходе конфликта погибло уже более 80 палестинцев, потери с израильской стороны оцениваются в три человека.

19 ноября 2012 года


Israel to build new settlements in West Bank

Israel announced Sunday that it plans to build several hundred new housing facilities in the occupied West Bank, days after several Israelis were killed in an attack on Friday.

According to officials, a meeting on Saturday of a government committee resulted in the decision to build up to 500 new housing units, all within existing settlements.  The new buildings are to be constructed in areas that Israel expects to retain control of in the event of any potential peace accord with Palestine.

A Palestinian spokesperson said that Israel's decision was "wrong and unacceptable and will only create problems." The building of settlements by Israel is widely criticized; in February fourteen of the fifteen United Nations Security Council members, with the US the only exception, supported a resolution that would demand Israel stop further construction.

The announcement of the new buildings came days after five Israelis were stabbed to death on Friday night, in an attack suspected to be of Palestinian origin. In response to the attack, residents of the area had asked the Israeli government to build new housing facilities.

The attacks were referenced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said in a statement that he had "noticed that several countries that always hasten to the U.N. Security Council in order to condemn Israel, the state of the Jews, for planning a house in some locality, or for laying some tiles somewhere, have been dilatory in sharply condemning the murder of Jewish infants."


Israel construirà nous assentaments a Cisjordània

Israel va anunciar el diumenge que planeja construir diversos centenars d'habitatges nous en els territoris ocupats de Cisjordània, dies després que diversos israelians foren morts en un atac durant el divendres passat.

Segons els informes oficials, una reunió del dissabte d'un comitè governamental va resultar en la decisió de construir fins a 500 noves unitats d'habitatge, totes dins dels assentaments existents. Els nous edificis es construiran en les zones sobre les que Israel espera mantenir el control en cas que hi haja qualsevol acord potencial de pau amb Palestina.

Un portaveu palestí va dir que la decisió d'Israel ha estat “equivocada i inacceptable i que només crearà problemes”. La construcció d'assentaments per part d'Israel és àmpliament criticada; en el febrer catorze dels quinze membres del Consell de Seguretat de les Nacions Unides, amb l'única excepció dels EUA, van donar suport a una resolució que demana a Israel d'aturar la construcció addicional.

L'anunci dels nous edificis es va produir dies després que cinc israelians van ser apunyalats fins a la mort en la nit del divendres, en un atac presumptament d'origen palestí. En resposta a l'atac, els residents de la zona havien demanat al govern israelià de construir noves instal·lacions d'habitatge.

Els atacs van ser esmentats pel primer ministre Benjamin Netanyahu, que va dir en un comunicat que s'havia “adonat que diversos països que sempre s'afanyaven en anar al Consell Seguretat de l'ONU per tal de condemnar a Israel, l'estat dels Jueus, per la planificació d'una casa en alguna localitat, o per la col·locació d'unes rajoles en algun lloc, han estat dilatoris de forma pronunciada en condemnar l'assassinat de nens jueus.”


Израиль планирует создавать новые поселения на Западном Берегу реки Иордан

В воскресенье Израиль заявил, что планирует построить несколько сотен жилых строений на оккупированных территориях Западного Берега. Всего за несколько дней до этого, в пятницу, несколько израильтян было убито в результате террористической атаки.

Если верить официальным лицам, на состоявшемся в субботу заседании некоего правительственного комитета было решено построить до 500 жилых строений на указанной территории. Все эти новые строения должны находиться в границах уже существующих поселений. При этом всё это планируется делать только в тех районах, которые наверняка останутся за Израилем даже в случае заключения какого-либо возможного мирного договора с Палестинской Автономией.

Представитель палестинской стороны заявляет, что решение Израиля «неверно, неприемлемо и только создаст новые проблемы». Создание Израилем поселений на «арабских» землях вообще часто подвергается критике. В феврале 14 из 15 членов Совета Безопасности ООН (т.е. все члены Совбеза за исключением США) поддержали резолюцию, требующую от Израиля прекратить дальнейшее расширение поселений.

Заявление же Израиля о строительстве нового жилья в поселениях последовало буквально через несколько дней после того, как в пятницу вечером 5 израильтян были зарезаны в результате нападения террористов, предположительно палестинских. В ответ на указанное нападение жители территорий попросили правительство Израиля построить новые жилые дома.

Премьер-министр Израиля Беньямин Нетаньягу в своём заявлении упомянул о нападении, а также указал, что «заметил, что страны, постоянно торопящие Совет Безопасности ООН осудить Израиль, еврейское государство, за планирование строительства на определённых территориях, не спешат осуждать убийство еврейских детей».

13 марта 2011 года


Israel to welcome President Bush with 'open arms'

Israel is gearing up for the visit of U.S. President George Bush this week.  But as Robert Berger reports, the high-profile visit comes amid escalating tension between Israel and the Palestinian government in the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says Israel will welcome President Bush with "open arms."

Mr. Olmert told the Cabinet the president has shown great friendship toward Israel throughout his term and has been a strategic ally.

He said Israel will discuss security issues with Mr. Bush, including what he described as the ongoing "terror" from the Gaza Strip.  Mr. Olmert said a longer-range Palestinian rocket that hit the major Israeli city of Ashkelon last week marked an escalation, and the Israeli army would respond by stepping up raids into Gaza.

In addition, Palestinian officials say Israeli fuel cuts to Gaza will force residents there to live without electricity eight hours a day beginning Sunday.  Israeli officials said the cuts are a "stern message" to the Islamic militant group Hamas to halt the rocket attacks.

Israel has tightened sanctions on Hamas since it seized control of Gaza in June, when it routed the Fatah forces of western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.  He now heads a moderate government in the West Bank.

Officials in the Abbas government have condemned the Israeli fuel cuts and raids into Gaza, saying they are harming the atmosphere in peace talks which resumed last month after a seven year break.

President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert will meet Tuesday to discuss Gaza and other issues, a day before President Bush arrives for a three-day visit to Israel and the West Bank.

It has been reported that nearly 400,000 US Dollars have been spent to prepare for the visit.


Israel se prepara para darle la bienvenida a Bush

Israel se está preparando para recibir al presidente estadounidense George W. Bush esta semana. Esta visita ocurre en medio de una tensión escalante entre ese país y el gobierno provisional de los Territorios Palestinos en la Franja de Gaza.

Ehud Ólmert, el primer ministro israelí, dijo que su país le dará la bienvenida al mandatario estadounidense "con los brazos abiertos".

Ólmert le dijo a su gabinete que el presidente Bush ha sido muy amigable con Israel y un aliado estratégico.

También dijo que Israel discutirá cuestiones sobre la seguridad con Bush, incluyendo lo que describió como el "terrorismo" que se está desarrollando en Franja de Gaza. Dijo que un misil palestino de larga distancia que atacó a la ciudad israelí de Ascalón la semana pasada marcó una escalación y que su ejército respondería con incursiones en Gaza.

Además, unos oficiales palestinos dijeron que los cortes de combustible de Israel en Gaza harán que los residentes de esa área esten forzados a vivir sin electricidad por ocho horas al día empezando hoy. Unos oficiales israelíes dijeron que estos cortes son un "mensaje severo" al grupo militar islamita Hamás para que pare los bombardeos.

Israel ha enforzado sus sanciones a Hamás desde que esta organización obtuvo control de Gaza en junio, cuando dirigió a las fuerzas de Al-Fatah del presidente palestino, Mahmud Abbas.

Unos oficiales del gobierno palestino han condenado los cortes e incursiones diciendo que hieren la atmósfera de las discusiones de paz, que se reestablecieron en noviembre del año pasado, después de una pausa de siete años.

Abbas y Ólmert se reunirán el martes para discutir las cuestiones sobre Gaza y otros un día antes de la visita de tres días del presidente Bush a Israel y a Cisjordania.

Se reportó que casi US$400.000 se han gastado en la preparación para esta visita, la cual causará grandes congestiones vehiculares.

En su viaje, Bush también visitará a los países medio-orientales del Kuwait, Bahréin, los Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Arabia Saudita y Egipto para pedirle a sus mandatarios que participen en las discusiones para la paz del conflicto israelí-palestino y para consultarlos sobre la llamada "guerra contra el terrorismo". También se reunirá con oficiales estadounidenses para una actualización sobre la guerra en Iraq.


Israeli Air Force attacks militant bases in Lebanon

Lebanese officials have stated that jets from Israel have bombed the bases of a Palestinian militant group near Beirut. Reports say missiles were fired at camps run by the PFLP a few hours after an Israeli soldier was hurt when a rocket which was fired from Lebanon hit an army base near the Israeli town of Safed.

Israeli officials stated that they were holding the government of Lebanon responsible for the attack that originated from within the latter country's borders. According to the Associated Press, Israel is going to make an official complaint to the United Nations Security Council. A spokeswoman for the Israeli Army said, "The state of Israel holds the Lebanese government responsible for any terror attack emanating from its territory."

No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, although the Lebanese extremist group Hezbollah and Palestinian militants based in Lebanon have, in the past, claimed responsibility for such attacks. Israel has also responded to such incidents by conducting air-operations similar to the one it conducted today. There were reports that the Israeli planes fired up to eight missiles during the two runs they conducted, but there do not seem to be any casualties.

Hezbollah said Israel's air strikes were "part of Israel's targeting of security and stability in Lebanon".


以色列黎巴嫩在边境停火

不知道黎巴嫩出于什么原因，有人在黎巴嫩境内向以色列境内发射了火箭。以色列随后出动战斗机，向黎境内的数个游击队基地发起攻击，据悉打死了两名武装人员。

在联合国稍后的斡旋下，以色列和黎巴嫩达成停火协议。

以色列政府表示，黎巴嫩政府必须为所有从该国境内向以色列发起的攻击负责。

在过去，此类攻击一般是黎巴嫩真主党游击队或黎巴嫩境内的巴勒斯坦武装分子所做。


Israeli Air Force attacks targets in Gaza

Shortly after midnight (UTC +3) the Israeli Air Force (IAF) attacked several Hamas targets in Gaza. The attack was in reaction to the rocket and mortar attack on Israel today. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

One of the buildings that were attacked is an ammunition warehouse in Khan-Yunus and another one is an office of the Hamas in the Jabalia refugee camp, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported.

Six missiles were fired from helicopter gunships, according to Palestinian sources. The missiles at Jebalia were fired on a Hamas religion studies center and the others were fired on a rocket launch site near the Khan-Yunus cemetery. A third firing was at an empty building in the Deir el-Balah area.

Electric power was lost in wide parts of Gaza.

The IDF has decided to divide the Gaza Strip into three parts in order to prevent the passage of weapons and militants between different parts of the strip. This is the first time in months that the IDF has taken such a step, which is a burden on the Palestinian civil population.


イスラエル軍が空爆、ハマス幹部殺害

イスラエル軍は7月15日、現地時間の深夜（国際協定時+3）、ヨルダン川西岸ナブルス近郊とパレスチナ自治区ガザでヘリコプターからロケットで空爆し、イスラム原理主義組織ハマスの6人から7人を殺害した。イスラエル軍は、今回の空爆の理由を、ハマスがロケットでイスラエル軍のヘリコプターを攻撃しようとしていたためなどとしている。

イスラエル政府は、2005年8月に撤退を予定しているガザのユダヤ人入植地を全て封鎖した。また、イスラエル首相のアリエル・シャロンは、非居住者がユダヤ人入植地へ立ち入ることを禁止する命令を出した。さらに、イスラエル国防相のシャウル・モファズは地上戦に備えるよう命令した。

空爆の影響で、ガザ地区では広範囲に渡って電力の供給が止まっている。

イスラエルとパレスチナ自治政府は2005年2月に停戦合意していたが、ハマスの民兵が爆弾による襲撃を行い、イスラエル政府がこれを非難し、パレスチナ自治政府が15日非常事態宣言をするなど、緊張が高まっていた。


Israeli air strikes hit government compounds in Gaza

Israel has launched with at least 30 simultaneous missiles strikes on Hamas installations in Gaza City, causing heavy damage. F-16 fighters targeted security compounds in the city’s centre.

The “massive” air strikes on Saturday have claimed at least 220 lives, including Gaza police chief Maj. Gen. Tawfiq Jaber. More than 700 were injured, while others were still buried under the rubble, according to Health Ministry officer Moawiya Hassanain. Gaza City hospitals, including Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s main treatment center, are crowded with wounded victims. In response thirteen rockets and mortar shells had also hit southern Israel on Friday, damaging an unoccupied house.

Meanwhile, Hamas declared  it would retaliate, by launching rocket attacks on and sending suicide bombers to Israel. “Hamas will continue the resistance until the last drop of blood,” warned Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Hamas’ rival,  says he “condemns this aggression” and calls for restraint.

When the Egyptian-mediated truce terminated last week, Israel warned of their potential to launch a major offensive on Gaza, amid senior leaders’ call to topple Hamas. “I will not hesitate to use Israel’s strength to strike at Hamas and Islamic Jihad,” Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced on Thursday, issuing a dire warning that ”tens of thousands of children and innocents” would be at risk “as a result of Hamas’ actions.” Defense Minister Ehud Barak says Israel has temporarily opened some border crossings Friday to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip in response to the international community’s pleas.

Two hours after IAF missiles targeted Hamas installations in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian gunmen launched on Saturday a massive attack with Qassam rockets on Israeli territory. Seven struck Ashkelon, killing one person, while another suffered serious injuries, and four others were moderately wounded when their house was hit. They were rushed to the Soroka hospital in Beersheva.

According to the IDF, Hamas militants had further launched more than 110 rockets since Saturday, IDF says. Meanwhile, a Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour has called on the United Nations to condemn the deadly violence. "There is no justification for punishing 1.5 million in the Gaza Strip because of the actions of a few. We hope we don't fail in having a reaction from the Security Council tonight," he said. Dr Moawiya Hassanein has said "we have counted 271 dead and 620 wounded since Saturday."

The 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict, referred to as "Operation Cast Lead" (מבצע עופרת יצוקה - also known as "Operation Solid Lead") by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), is an Israeli air strike operation launched on December 27, 2008 at 11:30 am local time (9:30 am UTC) against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials justified the offensive as a retaliation against daily Palestinian Qassam rocket and mortar fire on Israel's southern communities.


Ивицата Газа - ескалация на напрежението

След 6 месеца примирие конфликтът между Израел и Палестина в ивицата Газа се изостря. Вчера Израел отвори границите за да позволи преимнаването на хуманитарна помощ и снабдаването в ивицата Газа с продоволствия и продукти от първа необходимост в това число: бензин, газ, лекарства и хранителни продукти – кокто не бяха допускани месеци наред от Израел.

Правителството на Израел изпълни заплахите от преди няколко дена за масиран военно въздушен удар над ивицата Газа. Били са старателно избрани 40 цели в ивицата Газа за въздушно нападение от израелската армия и едновременно ударени 40 позиции и инсталация на палестинското движение Хамас. Над 150 са убитите жертви след военно въздушното нападение на Израел към 14 ч. българско време.

Иран с помощта на Червеия Кръст извести, че ще изпрати храна за жителите от Газа, без да изпраща оръжие за да не повишава допълнително напрежението в тази гореща точка на света.

Египет отваря граничния терминал с ивицата Газа и приема ранени след рейдовете на израелската армия. Десетки Палестинци към обед бяха преминали в Египет през тези територии и се предвижда около 200  ранени да бъдат приети в болницата на Рафах.

Египет осъди израелската военна агресия, а Хосни Мобарак заяви че: и че отговорността и вината за ранените и убитите принадлежи на Израел, като окупаторска сила.

Хавер Солана, Бен Ки Мун, Белия Дом и Вашингтон, Лондон Никола Саркози от името на Европейската Общност призовават към непосредствено умиротворяване в района.

Москва също призова да бъде преустановена мащабната операция срещу Газа и Хамас, а Хамас да спре да обстрелва израелската територия.

В неделя ще бъде свикана спешно среща на върха на Арабската Лига.

46% от Израелците се противопоставят на тези масирани военни действия в Газа а 40% са благоприятни към такава военна интервенция

27 декември 2008 г.