Israel Behind the News [Jan. 13, 2016]

Iran Proxy Terror Groups

Top Israeli official: Iran wants to make Syria its province
Israel’s Foreign Ministry director explains that Iran is looking to turn Syria into a “province of Iran.” This should come as no surprise since Shi’ite Iran always supported the Assad regime and always looked to have greater control in the region. Should Iran succeed, Israel will need to realize the greater threat it would have on the northern border, even though the Syrian terrorist group, Hezbollah, is a proxy for Iran and has been in the northern border with Israel for a while now. This is in addition to Iran’s recent pledge to continue support for anti-Israel terrorism.

Israel Air Force Strikes Gaza Terror Cell Today
The Israel Air Force struck a terrorist cell in northern Gaza which was in the process of attempting to plant an explosive device on the border with Israel on Wednesday morning, the army said. 1 terrorist was killed and a few others injured. Israeli residents close to the Gaza border are being warned of  retaliation by Hamas in the form of rocket attacks, though none have been reported so far.

Israeli Researchers Offer HIV Carriers Hope
Two Hebrew University scientists believe they have reached a breakthrough in destroying cells infected with HIV virus; clinical trials on human beings are set to begin within three months.

Palestinians, leftists riled up over Airbnb listings of settler homes
According to Al Jazeera, dozens of Israeli settlers in the West Bank are offering their homes to tourists for rent via Airbnb, the popular online accommodation, rent and lodging service. A Palestinian official was quoted as saying that Airbnb “is promoting stolen property on stolen land.” However, we all know that the Jewish people have always been indigenous to Israel and that the land is not stolen at all. This is just another Palestinian ploy to stir worldwide condemnation of Israel by creating bogus claims and headlines on the back of a popular internet service.

Airbnb listings of homes in the West Bank
Airbnb listings of homes in the West Bank. (photo credit:Courtesy)

 

 

 

 

Running from the State

Samuel the Prophet says the following concerning Israel’s demand to have a King (Samuel 1 8:12-16): “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots.  Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants.  He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants.  Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.”

We know that the people of Israel did not want to listen to the warnings Samuel told them and G-d told the prophet to listen to them anyway.  King Saul, despite his righteousness went mad with jealousy of David and eventually took the Kingdom down because of it as he stumbled in war against the Philistines.

David rose up and eventually took the reigns of power from the previous system of government.

****

As I stand over the river bed that David took to run away from Saul, it occurs to me as it always does, that it wasn’t just Saul who chased after David, but the entire system. David was fleeing from a system that lacked the flexibility for independent thought and true service of the divine. It was David and his 400 followers on the run from King Saul and the rest of the Nation.

Systems that are not rooted in the Divine almost always lean towards totalitarianism before they fall. The concept of a centralized state is an anathema to the Torah, which provides for power to be held locally, leaving the King as a uniter and central symbol for the Nation, whose collective energies are expressed by uniting the individual talents of each member.

The modern State of Israel and the system that rules it, is based on a statist concept of governing.  This is a system which lifts the needs of the State above the expression of individual thought and freedom. Loyalty to the State is paramount and those who express it are hoisted above all other citizens as paragons for true righteousness.

The State is everything and everything is the State. The individual’s liberties are only granted to them because the State wills it. The move to false collectivism occurred early on in the modern Zionist movement through the socialist wings usurpation of the National Zionist Congress in the early 1900’s.

The Haganah and the Labor Zionists won over the young State over Begin’s Irgun and the Lehi, when the Haganah fired on the Altalena, destroying armaments needed to ensure a hold on Jerusalem as well taking all of the Land of Israel in 1948.  Begin didn’t fight and with that the old boys network that had become the mainstream Zionist movement expanded complete control over the courts, media, labor, and government.

The young state, small in population and resources had no time to discuss the nature of the bureaucracy forming in its nascent stages. Allegiance was paramount or all would fall apart.

By the time Menachem Begin took the reigns of power, the citizenry’s concept of the State as the ultimate provider of rights was second nature.

The right swept into power time and again, but the bureaucracy remained enshrined in its original form, unmoving, and ever present.

By 2005 the State of Israel reached a crossroads. Ariel Sharon, the architect of the settlement enterprise decided to uproot the very communities he birthed.  After all they were his to build and destroy. The State is always right.

The States decides when to destroy personal property for the sake of the State and when not to. It is arbitrary. The security forces selectively punish one group, but others get away with a slap of the wrist. Security is afforded to the center of the country, but rockets can reign freely on the periphery as long as they don’t bother the cafes of Tel Aviv. Settlers are left to drive on roads surrounded by terrorists, while checkpoints are thrown up stifling morning traffic for both Israelis and Palestinians in order to ensure a false sense of security for the major population centers.

It is no longer about right or left, but about Statism and Individualism. If one critiques the government, loyalty is questioned.

Israel and Zionism have been synonymous since the Jews began to return to their ancient homeland. The question that needs to be asked now is whether Zionism’s goal was a state like all others or does the State act as a tool to further the dreams and aspiration of Zionism and the people who live within the Land of Israel.

The admonishment of Samuel the Prophet rings as true today as it did when he first said it. The dangers of a centralized government are clear. When one side uses their controls over the levers of power to stifle opposition, free thought, and expression, then the transformation into something much darker has begun.

Sometimes we want so much to change the situation that we see no other way to do it but to rise up in open rebellion. We cannot afford that here in the Middle East. Perhaps David’s way is a far more potentially successful approach. Run and build.  Statism never lasts forever. Maximum control breaks when exerted to its limits.  The truth is that all rights that are truly eternal are rooted in the Creator. For that reason, they can never be taken away no matter who controls the levers of power.

Israel can and will reach its true potential only when the Nation understands it can no longer live under a bureaucracy that places the State above individual liberties. When that happens a true awakening will occur and a true revelation and union between the individual expression of Divinity and the collective consciousness of the Kingdom will crystallize.

Israel Behind the News [Dec 30, 2015]

China and Israel create a union of tech superpowers

  • China and Israel are partnering on a number of projects that are aimed to help both countries excel in research, both academic and practical.
  • In early January, representatives from large technology companies from both Israel and China will meet in Beijing for the first annual China-Israel Technology, Innovation and Investment summit.
  • Israel is currently ranked #5 in the Bloomberg Innovation Index for 2015.

Israel-Indian missile system Barak 8 carries out successful trial in Indian Ocean

  • The Israeli-Indian developed Barak 8 missile system carried out two successful interceptions from an Indian Navy ship over the past day.
  • The Barak 8 missile system is designed to protect naval ships and offshore gas rigs from hostile aircraft, missiles and rockets.
  • The missile deploys its own electromagnetic sensor as it approaches the target, guiding it on its last phase.

Ramallah urges talks to stem unrest; Israel says not until attacks stop

  • Israel is refusing to consider steps toward restarting stagnant peace talks with the Palestinians until the ongoing wave of violence comes to a close.
  • A PLO committee is expected to convene sometime in the first half of January to discuss demands being made in light of the wave of violence, and may even present concrete proposals.
  • During recent meetings to jumpstart talks, the PLO demanded, as preconditions for new negotiations, a moratorium on settlement building and the release of the 36 prisoners Israel refused to let out, as well as an agreement to negotiate based on the pre-1967 armistice lines.

 

Israel Behind the News [Dec 29, 2015]

Palestinian organizations call for escalation of ‘intifada’

It’s true, the Israeli government says there is no Intifada, but the Palestinians think otherwise.  If there is an escalation, it will move from knifings and the occasional shooting attack to full fledged gun battles and bus bombings.  The challenge for the Israeli government is to actually believe the words of the Palestinians instead of disregarding them as propaganda for the street.

After Nasrallah threats, Eisenkot says IDF ready for any challenge from North

The Israeli government and security apparatus has always been on the ball in relation to threats from the outside. The fact is now is the time for Nasrallah to attack in order to stay relevant in the fast changing Middle East. More importantly for Nasrallah is Putin’s growing influence in the region.  By harming Israel, Hezbollah can reinvigorate its value in Russia’s eyes, while lowering Israel’s stature.

Sanity still exists in a small part of Israel.  If the court did not rule in favor of being allowed to raise your hands on the Temple Mount, the next place the battle for prayer rights on the Mount or any rights for Jews and Christians are concerned is not being allowed to even look at up or worse not show concern for the holiest site in Judaism.  Thankfully the court ruled in favor of freedom of worship.

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.

Sources:

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.

Israel Behind the News [Dec 21, 2015]

Rockets Hit Northern Israel

Here we go again, so the theory would go, but more likely than not the retaliation we will surely see for Kuntar’s demise will be in another form, most likely an attempt to infiltrate the North as was Kuntar’s plan. The rocket attack is more or less a way for the Arabs in Hezbollah to let some steam off.

Mahmoud Abbas in Greece, Waiting for PA Recognition as New Nation

This must be the Greeks’ way of trying to stay relevant.  Remember there is a gas deal with Israel and their own Prime Minister referred to Jerusalem as Israel’s historic capital. Whatever the reason, it is sad that the world cannot move on beyond supporting independence of a non-entity, never mind the fact that Palestine was not a Nation.

Benjamin Netanyahu ‘threatens to strip Jerusalem residency from 230,000 Palestinians’

Well the above link just shows you how out of touch the liberal media is to sovereignty issues. No one is stripping the “Palestinians” in Jerusalem of residency (which as a sovereign nation they are allowed to do), but rather those Arabs who are aiding and abetting terror.  The same debate is going on across the globe.