Israel Behind the News [Dec 28, 2015]

Saudi Grand Mufti says ISIS are ‘Israeli soldiers’

The grand Arab infantalism continues. The idea that ISIS is are Israeli soldiers is about as preposterous as the idea that Turkey is not buying ISIS oil. The Arab world has to come to grips with the fact that Whabiism, which is Saudi in origin has produced some of the leading extreme Islamic Jihadism the World is witnessing.

Major Defeat for ISIS: Iraqi army reclaims key city of Ramadi

ISIS can lose after all. Then again the defeat only happened after the USA, Russia, and Iran decided to work together alongside the Iraqi military.  If it continues, it may be a strategy to use across the wider conflict.

Duma Suspects Continue to be Tortured While Known Arab Murderer Walks Free

If there was ever a proof that something just is not right in the Duma investigation, it is the fact that Asher Hasno murderer walks freely in Hevron, while young Jews are imprisoned by the Shabak for suspected terrorist attacks. It is no wonder that many residents of Judea and Samaria feel like they have no one to turn to in the security establishment.

 

 

Israel Behind the News [Dec 27, 2015]

Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in Syria

The deconfliction mechanism seems to be in effect as Israel continues to be aloud to attack Hezbollah with impunity. As we have noted before, this serves Russia’s interests by keeping Iran and its client groups in check. The question remains though, at what juncture does this sort of thing get in the way of Putin’s Syria strategy or what happens if the deconfliction mechanism fails?

ISIS Leader directly threatens Israel

Although Russia is destroying ISIS throughout Syria, the leader of the Caliphate El-Baghdadi saw the need to reassert himself into the geopolitical situation by threatening Israel.  Don’t expect direct attacks yet, but using Israel to rally Jihadists from around the world is a clever strategy.  It also means that those who oppose El-Baghdadi are in support of Israel.

Yehuda Glick Next in Line for Likud in Knesset

Yehuda Glick, one of the leading Temple Mount activists is surprisingly set yo enter the Knesset if one more Likud member leaves or is forced to resign.  This will put Jewish prayer rights on the mount center stage in the Knesset, something the Prime Minister fears, but can do very little about.

 

Israel Behind the Headlines [Dec 24,2015]

ISIS in Israel, Nabbed

Unfortunately, this will only get worse.  ISIS is an ideology as much as it is a terror organization/caliphate. The ideology spreads like an infection. The Muslim Arabs within the Land of Israel, even those that are citizens have been radicalized by their leaders. If the government must make it clear to those leaders that supporting ISIS is a red line.

Aliyah to Israel on the Rise, especially from France

The Jews of France are fleeing.  Many of the Jews in France are from Middle Eastern background and they understand that the Arabs moving in are not like the native Moroccan and Tunisian neighbors they have in France. The mass exodus will only continue as Europe ruptures and collapses under the migrant crisis.

Knife Attack Summary

[podcast] Duma: The War From Within

Shai and I discuss the current investigation concerning the Duma arson in the Northern Shomron and why this is a landmark civil rights case involving torture and human rights violations in connection with the alleged suspects. We also touch on the tension between statism and individual liberties in Israel and the need to put an emphasis on individual liberties despite the security situation and the desire for the system to preserve itself.

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Israel Behind the News [Dec 23, 2015]

Breaking News: Israel Uncovers Hamas Suicide Cell in Jerusalem

Hamas was planning large scale suicide bombing attacks in Jerusalem.  At least 25 Arabs were arrested planning these attacks. Where?  In Abu Dis University.  It is good to know that the University is teaching live training.

Facebook Photo Makes Waves in the Arab World

Arabs from around the Middle East agree: Israel is not our enemy.  Over 100 thousand likes support an image showing the difference between the suffering of an Arab prisoner of a Syrian jail and Samir Kuntar in an Israeli prison. The difference is clear, the Syrian prisoner looks starved and frail, while Kuntar is plump.  Arabs are finally waking up to the realization that Israel is not their enemy. Let’s see if the trend continues.

Turkey is Playing Games with Rapprochement

Well the fabled rapprochement seems to be stuck in neutral.  Turkey is wiggling for room, but cannot have it both ways.  More likely than not this won’t go anywhere, especially since Russia and Israel are collaborating on far deeper level than originally thought.

Dermer Gives Obama Some Unexpected Holiday Gifts

Ron Dermer, the Israelis Ambassador to the USA, gave the White House presents for the holidays.  There is only one thing, they were all gifts produced in Judea, Samaria, and the Golan.