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PACKERS CORNER: Jewish Population in Samaria Needs to Grow

by Ben Packer
written by Ben Packer

Something happened this last week that hasn’t happened in DECADES to Israel – an Israeli Air Force fighter jet was shot down by enemy forces, specifically Syria in this case. Thank G-d, both pilots were able to eject over Israel and are now recovering from injuries sustained during their escape from the damaged aircraft. In short, this could have been a lot worse – A LOT WORSE!

The downed aircraft was involved in operations over Syria because of an earlier incident that day when an Iranian drone penetrated Israeli airspace through Jordan. The drone was promptly shot down and recovered by Israel. This is a serious escalation in the conflict between Israel and Syria/Iran. After this incident, the Israeli Air Force inflicted significant damage to both Syrian and Iranian forces in Syria.

So as of now, things have somewhat stabilized. It’s hard to understand why Iran would think its a good idea to start up, but then again, its iran. Its kind of their thing. Someone forgot to educate obama on that before he gave them billions to spend on terrorism. whoops.




Continuing with recent developments in the Shomron (Samaria) area. Again, why is this important? It’s important because one of the longstanding (very misguided) ideas for establishing stability in Israel/the Middle East is the creation of separate state for arabs in the “West Bank”. A large part of this State would need to come from the Shomron. Additionally, and maybe more significantly, in the absence of the creation of this terrorist entity, there are prominent Israeli political leaders that propose evacuating areas of the West Bank of both civilian and military presence. A large part of the proposed retreat would be from the Shomron. Why? The short answer is: the Jewish population is not high enough. What is being done about this? Three significant developments in the past week:

1) Ariel University (in Ariel) had its status upgraded to now be on the same level as all the other universities in Israel – even though it’s physically located in the Shomron. This will have many effects, but the primary one is to allow the establishment of a state-of-the-art medical school.

2) The re-establishment of the outpost called “Evyatar” just to the east of the Tapuach Junction. The location is a former army base. At least seven structures have been built and a constant Jewish presence has been in place for the past 2 weeks. Remains to be seen how the Israeli government will react. I can say as someone who has visited the site, ITS INCREDIBLY STRATEGIC!! You can clearly see all the other Jewish communities in the area from its high perch.

3) After the terrorist murder of Rabbi Itamar Ben Gal, Israeli Government representatives told his widow and family that they are strongly considering allowing the construction of 800 housing units in Har Bracha – the community in which the Rabbi lived. This would more than double the size of the community and increase the Jewish population is the entire area significantly.

May of area – important to focus on area between the cities of Ramallah (at the bottom) and Shechem (at the top).

A disturbing incident took place this week, also in the Shomron, when 2 non-combat Israeli soldiers mistakenly entered the palestinian authority-controlled city of Jenin. The soldiers were nearly lynched and were able to escape from a large crowd with only a series of flesh wounds. The worse part about this incident is how not at all surprising it is.

And finally, the Israeli police have recommended that Prime Minister Netanyahu be indicted for bribery and some other related charges. As we have mentioned numerous times and wherever possible, respect for the Israeli police and their “competence” is very low in Israel, putting it mildly. Their recommendation has no legal authority and the Attorney General will decide whether or not to bring charges. Until then, there is no reason in the world for Netanyahu to resign. Actually, his approval rating has gone up. Nobody has left the government coalition or even threatened to leave. The Israeli “legal” system vs. the Jewish people is becoming quite the recurring theme.

We have entered the month of Adar when we are commanded to increase joy! However, our thoughts and prayers go out to the folks in Florida who have suffered from this most recent school mass shooting tragedy. Thankfully in Israel teachers are allowed to be armed so its one less thing we have to worry about.

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BordersPolitics

PACKER’S CORNER: The Middle East is a Mess

by Ben Packer
written by Ben Packer

Just when you thought the Middle East couldn’t get any messier – it does! So far this week:

-Turkey continues to attack the Kurds in northwest Syria, but the Kurds seem to be hanging tough. Additionally, the Syrian rebels shot down a Russian fighter jet and then killed the pilot on the ground (because why not?). And then the American forces in Syria killed approximately 100 Syrian soldiers as they were trying to conquer areas previously liberated from ISIS.

– Another civil war has broken out in Yemen. How many civil wars does it take to stabilize Yemen? Apparently 3 isn’t enough. Now a group has broken off from the “official government” and is fighting for a southern Yemen independent entity. Surely this will be the solution to all the problems. Meanwhile, death continues to be Yemen’s #1 commodity.

– Reports emerged that Israel has been bombing ISIS in the Sinai Peninsula – part of Egypt. How many times? Like 100! This is actually not very surprising given the dramatically changing dynamics of the region that are pushing moderate sunni muslims and Israel together to combat Iran and sunni extremism. The large number of attacks is a bit surprising. Although not many Egyptian soldiers have been killed recently by ISIS, so I guess it all makes sense now.

Speaking of Israel, let’s continue with what’s going on there!

Nearly a month after the murder of Rabbi Raziel Shevach, hy’d, of Havat Gilad, there have been serious developments. The Israeli Government has declared that Havat Gilad will be LEGALIZED! As mentioned in previous pieces, this is a very big deal (and quite rare). Additionally, the leader of the terrorist cell that committed the murder was just now killed by Israeli forces. It would seem that all involved have either been killed or captured at this point – this is a good thing.

Unfortunately, in another terrorist attack in the Shomron (Samaria) region this week, another Rabbi was murdered. This time it was a stabbing and the killer remains on the run. The Rabbi killed, Itamar Ben-Gal, hy’d, lived with his wife and four children in the community of Har Bracha. Since the murder, there have been statements by right-wing Israeli politicians calling on the Government to approve significant numbers of housing permits in Har Bracha – upwards of 800. This would not only change Har Bracha (more than double it), but the entire region! A strengthening of the Jewish Presence in the area would pressure the Israeli Government to take further, bolder steps like returning permanently to Joseph’s Tomb in Shechem (nablus) and the former Jewish communities of Homesh and Sa-Nur farther to the north. (map of the area)

There have been a few other terrorist attacks since these, thankfully, much less successful. Remains to be seen if this is a new trend or just more of the same.

In less important news, leaks are leaking out of the Israeli Police (this is about the only thing they can be depended on to do) that they plan to recommend indicting Prime Minister Netanyahu on bribery charges next week. However, its only a recommendation, the Attorney General will be make the actual decision. There are reports that he thinks the whole thing is going nowhere, but we’ll have to see what happens. Regardless, its remarkable how similar the situations with Netanyahu and Trump are – on so many levels! Fascinating!

On the “diplomatic” front, President Trump’s emissaries, Ambassador David Friedman and Jason Greenblatt, are verbally sparring with the Palestinian Authority (PA) pretty regularly at this point. One can only imagine where this will lead President Trump, but its unlikely it will go well for the PA. I’d expect a vitriolic tweet sometime soon.

Israeli Government and Economy are totally stable!

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Frontlines

Silent Intifada Weekly Report [Feb. 14 2016]

by Uri Kirshenbaum
written by Uri Kirshenbaum

The Silent Intifada is produced weekly by HaKol HaYehudi, a magazine focused on the rights of Israeli residents of Judea and Samaria.  The Silent Intifada is the newest edition to our content partnership network.

Over 140 terror attacks injure seven Jews.

This week as almost every week there were dozens of terror attacks of varying severity not reported in most major media outlets. We report on these silenced events to present a fuller picture of the reality in Israel and balance the picture presented to innocent readers abroad. We hope that by reporting these incidents we can raise awareness so that actions can be taken to rectify this problem and improve reality in the Jewish State.

This past week (Feb. 5th- Feb. 11th) there were over 140 terror attacks recorded in the Silent Intifada updates onHakol Hayehudi. Seven Jews were injured in these attacks. The attacks included stabbings, shootings, and throwing of IEDs, stones, and firebombs at individuals and property.

Three stabbings took place this past week. This past Shabbat (Feb. 6th), a 65 year old Jewish woman was stabbed in Rahat. She was injured moderately and the attacker fled the scene. On Monday (Feb. 8th) an Arab stabbed an 11 year old child in Ramle. The child was taken for treatment with moderate injuries.  On Tuesday (Feb. 9th), a resident of Rush Tzurim was stabbed near the town of Neve Daniel. He was also moderately injured.

Two police officers were injured in rioting by Arabs and two Jews were injured when stones were thrown at their vehicles.

There were also two shooting attacks this week, both of which thankfully ended without injuries. On Friday night (Feb. 5th) Arabs near Ariel shot at Jews and on Wednesday (Feb. 10th) Arabs shot at border police near Beit Horon.

Full list of attacks:

Thursday Feb. 11th

  • Arabs throw firebombs at vehicles near Al-Arub in Gush Etzion.
  • Arabs throw firebombs in Burka.
  • Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Al-Arub.
  • Arabs throw stones at IDF forces in Nachal Kfira.
  • Arabs throw stones in Beit Dako.
  • Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Al-Hadr.
  • Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Karmei Tzur.
  • Arabs throw stones at vehicles in Ras Karkar in Gush Talmonim.
  • Arabs throw stones at IDF forces in Bitunia.
  • Arabs throw stones at Rachel’s Tomb.
  • Arabs throw stones at IDF forces in Silwan in Jerusalem.
  • Arabs throw stones in Dahashiya.
  • Arabs throw stones in Juyes.
  • Arabs throw stones in Umm Salmona.
  • Arabs throw stones near Ofra.
  • Arabs throw stones near Givat Assaf in Binyamin.
  • Arabs throw stones at IDF forces in Atarot.
  • Arabs throw stones at Jews in A-Tur.
  • Arabs throw stones near Machane Ofer.
  • Arabs throw stones at Jews in Hevron.
  • Arabs throw stones at Pesagot.
  • Arabs riot in Kabatia.
  • Arabs throw stones at the town of Kiryat Arba.

22:28- Arabs throw firebombs at vehicles near Beit Anun in Har Hevron.

22:01- Arab throw stones at vehicles near Hizme.

20:39- Arabs throw stones at vehicles on Route 443.

20:18- Arabs throw firebombs at vehicles near Azun in the Shomron.

19:46- Arabs throw stones at a bus near Beit Umar in Gush Etzion.

14:46- A Jew is injured from stones thrown by Arabs near Marda in the Shomron.

14:44- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Sinjil in Binyamin.

14:38- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Al-Arub in Gush Etzion.

12:38- Arabs riot in Gush Talmonim near Harasha.

12:26- Arabs throw stones at the Pharmacy Junction in Hevron.

12:23- Arabs throw stones at vehicles at the Post Office Junction in Gush Talmonim causing damage to vehicles.

11:59- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Migdalim causing damage.

10:51- Arabs throw stones at vehicles on Route 443.

10:43- Arabs riot near the Pharmacy Junction in Hevron.

Wednesday Feb. 10th

  • Arabs riot in Azaria near Jerusalem.
  • Arabs throw firebombs at IDF forces near Beit Ur Atahta.
  • Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Beit El.
  • Arabs throw stones at vehicles on Route 443 near Makkabim.
  • Arabs riot in Silwan in Jerusalem.
  • Arabs riot near Ein Yavrud.
  • Arabs riot near Hizme in Binyamin.
  • Arabs throw stones at IDF forces in Bitunia.
  • Arabs throw stones at IDF forces in Nachal Kfira.
  • Arabs throw stones at vehicles on the Husan Bypass Road.
  • Arabs throw stones at the fence of the town of Pesagot.
  • Arabs throw stones at Jews in Hevron.
  • Arabs throw stones at IDF forces in Silwan.

22:03- Shooting: Arabs shoot at border police near Beit Horon.

20:00- Arabs throw firebombs in Anatot.

17:40- Arabs throw stones at the lighrail in Shuafat in Jerusalem.

15:55- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Halhul in Har Hevron causing damage.

16:40- Arabs riot and roll burning tires near Migdalim.

15:26- A driver is injured during riots near Migdalim.

15:23- Arabs throw stones on the Avid Bypass Road causing damage to vehicles.

15:06- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Migdalim causing damage.

13:41- Arabs place burning tires near the town of Kiryat Arba and riot. 

13:01- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Tekoa.

12:37- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Al-Arub in Gush Ezion.

00:33- Arabs throw stones near Naale.

Tuesday Feb. 9th

  • Arabs throw stones in Sharafat.
  • Arabs throw stones in A-Tira.
  • Arabs throw stones in Naama.
  • Arabs throw firebombs in Shuafat.
  • Arabs throw an IED at IDF forces in Rafidia.
  • Arabs throw firebombs in Beit Ur.
  • Arabs throw stones in Beit Anun.
  • Arabs throw stones in Nabi Saleh.
  • Arabs throw stones in Umm Salmona.
  • Arabs throw stones in Sucha.
  • Arabs throw stones near Rachel’s Tomb.
  • Arabs throw stones in Silwad.
  • Arabs throw stones in Dahit Al Barid.
  • Arabs throw stones near Pesagot.

23:57- Arabs throw smoke bombs near Kiryat Arba.

21:21- A police officer is injured during Arab rioting in silwan.

19:59- Arabs throw firebombs at IDF forces in Anatot.

17:26- Arabs throw stones at a bus between Gush Etzion and Hevron.

17:23- Stabbing: A Jew is stabbed near Neve Daniel.

17:12- Arabs throw stones at a bus near Yatib Junction in the Jordan Valley.

17:11- Arabs throw stones at a bus near Sinjil.

15:02- Arabs throw stones at a bus near Ofra in Binyamin.

13:07- Arabs throw stones at IDF forces near the Pharmacy Junction in Hevron.

13:00- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Azun in the Shomron causing damage.

9:20- Attempted stabbing: An Arab attempts to stab police officers near the Shechem Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem.

8:42- Attempted stabbing: An Arab with a  knife is arrested near Karmei Tzur.

Monday Feb. 8th

  • Arabs throw stones at IDF forces in Abu Dis.
  • Arabs throw stones in Hevron.

20:04- Arabs throw stones near Adam Junction in Binyamin.

19:14- Arabs throw stones in A-Luban in Binyamin.

18:54- Arabs throw firebombs at vehicles near Al-Hadr in Gush Etzion.

18:03- Arabs throw firebombs at a Jewish home in Abu Tor in Jerusalem causing damage. 

17:00- Stabbing: An 11 year old child is injured in a stabbing in Ramle.

16:21- Arabs throw stones at the lighrail in Shuafat in Jerusalem.

16:15- Arabs throw firebombs at the fence of Kiryat Arba.

14:39- Arabs throw stones at a bus near Al-Arub in Gush Etzion.

14:38- Arabs attempts to penetrate the town of Kiryat Arba.

14:24- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Beit Umar in Gush Etzion causing damage.

13:40- ARabs throw stones at a bus near Samtat Erez in Hevron.

13:00- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Beit Umar in Gush Etzion.

Sunday Feb. 7th

  • Arabs throw stones in Surkiya.
  • Arabs throw stones in Luben A-Sharkiya.
  • Arabs throw stones near Sawana.
  • Arabs throw stones near Tekoa.

19:13-Arabs throw stones at Elias Junction in Har Hevron.

13:55- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Beit Umar causing damage.

12:59- Arabs throw stones at IDF forces near Avud in Binyamin.

Shabbat Feb. 6th

  • Arabs throw firebombs at police in Silwan in Jerusalem.
  • Arabs riot in Dahashiya.

22:41- Arabs throw stones at vehicles on Route 443.

20:12- Arabs riot in Jenin.

20:07- Arabs riot in Al-Hadr.

20:05- A police officer is injured from stones thrown by Arabs near Rachel’s Tomb.

19:52- Arabs riot near Tekoa.

17:00- Stabbing: A Jewish woman is stabbed in Rahat.

15:09- Arabs riot in Kabatia.

14:55- Arabs riot on the Halhul Bridge.

14:53- Arabs throw stones at Jews in A T-ur in Jerusalem.

Friday Feb. 5th

  • Arabs throw stones in Gilo in Jerusalem.
  • Arabs throw stones in Atarot.
  • Arabs throw firebombs in Al-Arub.
  • Arabs throw firebombs at the Zeitim Junction in Jerusalem.
  • Arabs throw firebombs in Abu Dis.
  • Arabs throw firebombs near Anatot.
  • Arabs throw stones near the Erez checkpoint.
  • Arabs throw stones at Moshav Nativ HaAsara.
  • Arabs throw stones in Dahit Al-Bird.
  • Arabs throw stones near Rachel’s Tomb.
  • Arabs throw stones near Beit Haggai.
  • Arabs throw stones at the Yehuda Junction.
  • Arabs riot in Issawiya.
  • Arabs throw stones in Beit Umar.
  • Arabs throw stones in Beit Fajar.

20:46-Shooting: Arabs shoot at vehicles near Ariel in the Shomron.

16:36- Arabs throw six firebombs in Azariya.

15:46- Arabs throw stones and firebombs on the Halhul Bridge.

15:04- Arabs throw stones at vehicles on the road from Jerusalem to Gush Etzion.

14:57- Arabs riot near Halhul.

13:49- Arabs riot on the Modeh road.

13:44- Arabs throw IEDs at security forces in Kabatia.

12:30- Arabs throw stones at the lightrail forcing it to temporarily stop service.

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