Arutz-7 News: Wednesday, August 1, 2001

HHMI Newsgroup Archives

To: arutz-7@israelnationalnews.com, arutz-7b@israelnationalnews.com
From: Arutz-7 Editor <feedback@israelnationalnews.com>
Subject: Arutz-7 News: Wednesday, August 1, 2001

Arutz Sheva News Service
<http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com>
Wednesday, August 1, 2001 / Av 12, 5761
------------------------------------------------

TODAY'S HEADLINES:
1. ISRAEL REJECTS CONDEMNATIONS OF STRIKE ON TERRORIST HEADQUARTERS
2. HAMAS, PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY REACTIONS

1. ISRAEL REJECTS CONDEMNATIONS OF STRIKE ON TERRORIST HEADQUARTERS
The IDF Spokesman said last night that the Hamas terrorists killed in yesterday's missile attack in Shechem were involved in the Dolphinarium attack - which claimed the lives of twenty-one Israeli youths - as well as a series of Netanya bombings and other atrocities. According to Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, they were responsible for the deaths of 37 persons and the injuring of 379. Ben-Eliezer says that the liquidation saved countless innocent lives.

Defense Minister Ben-Eliezer added that only a few are aware of what the terrorists had been planning and were capable of doing in the future. "We tried talking to the Palestinian Authority (PA), we submitted [wanted] lists, but there was no response." Government spokesmen, responding to the international criticism of the Shechem operation, explained that the policy of targeting terrorists involves a minimum amount of force, prevents unnecessary injuries to innocent persons and is effective in preventing terrorist attacks. The IDF will continue its policy of killing wanted terrorists in the ongoing effort to thwart terrorism.

The security cabinet met this morning to evaluate the major escalation in warfare by the PA and the aftermath of Israel's retaliation yesterday.

Former Director-General of the Foreign Ministry Eitan Bentzur told Arutz-7 today that Israeli spokesmen need to refine their public relations skills and learn to cope with journalists who begin with a prejudice against the Israeli position. Bentzur called for an improvement in availability for interviews and presentation of one clear, unified, and determined message from all government offices.

Regarding the harsh American reaction to the Shechem operation, Ben Tzur placed part of the responsibility on Israeli politicians who unnecessarily referred to American foreknowledge of the attack, forcing the hand of US spokesmen, eager to protect the US relationships with Arab states.

2. HAMAS, PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY REACTIONS
Reacting to the deaths of six Hamas operatives, Hamas leader Abed el-Aziz Rantisi announced that his terror organization would target a host of Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer. Palestinian television is broadcasting direct calls by Palestinian Arab leaders for attacks on Jews throughout Israel (see item below). In a phone call made to a French news agency, a Fatah member threatened American and Jewish targets in Israel and abroad.

Anti-Israel demonstrations took place in PLO-controlled Shechem and Hevron during the night. Arab residents threw stones at PA buildings in Shechem, demanding that action be taken against Israel, and that all collaborators in jail be sentenced to death. Meanwhile, near Tzur in Lebanon, over 3,500 persons participated in similar demonstrations, burning Israeli flags and calling for "Death to the Jews."

*****************************************************************

To: arutz-7@israelnationalnews.com, arutz-7b@israelnationalnews.com
From: Arutz-7 Editor <feedback@israelnationalnews.com>
Subject: Arutz-7 News: Thursday, August 2, 2001

Arutz Sheva News Service
<http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com>
Thursday, August 2, 2001 / Av 13, 5761
------------------------------------------------

TODAY'S HEADLINES:
1. ISRAEL WILL CONTINUE PREEMPTIVE STRIKE POLICY
2. MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS IN ISRAEL

1. ISRAEL WILL CONTINUE PREEMPTIVE STRIKE POLICY
The Prime Minister's Security Cabinet convened yesterday for over five hours to assess the current security situation and the increase in PLO warfare. Following the meeting, the government confirmed that its policy of an "offensive defense" - striking terrorists that pose an immediate threat to Israel - would continue. Many Arab terrorists who were operating out in the open in coordination with Arafat's PA have now gone underground in fear of Israel's "far-reaching arm."

The US State Department called the IDF action in Shechem "excessive" and "provocative." In a letter to Secretary of State Colin Powell, ZOA National President Morton A. Klein wrote: "The State Department's condemnation of Israel is excessive--because Israel has every right to hit terrorists before the terrorists carry out more atrocities--and it is provocative, because it will encourage the terrorists to believe that they have America's sympathy or understanding, which could help provoke them to attack again. No country in the world --including the United States-- would sit idly by and allow terrorists to massacre its citizens." Prime Minister Sharon says that he conversed with US Secretary of State Colin Powell yesterday "in a most congenial atmosphere." Sharon says that the US understands Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism.

Uzi Arad, a former senior Mossad agent and aide to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, said on Arutz-7's news magazine that Israel must continue to neutralize the terrorist operations: "We must carry out actions like the one executed in Shechem. I can't think of a more justified target to hit than commanders and those directly involved in terrorist activities. If you don't fight them, then who do you fight? Do they want to disarm Israel completely? I think it was a limited, very surgical strike, which actually demonstrates a considered policy of active, defensive warfare, carried out according to plan."

Regarding the harsh American criticism of the Tuesday night retaliation, Arad said: "Precisely in the same way that you fight terror in the field you can fight in the political arena and utilize every available argument. Our justification here is so very clear that I see no reason to fold up the flag and take an apologetic stance. Absolutely not. We are behaving in a more controlled manner than any other enlightened nation that I know that has had to face this kind phenomenon... We need to limit the number of incidental casualties, but we have to be consistent in attacking any active force that can do us damage. Either we get hit or they get hit, and we prefer that their people get hit."

Arad concluded: "The question is if all of a sudden our spirit collapses or if we continue with the same spirit that led us to achievements in the past. I believe there is great spiritual fortitude in the nation, I believe there are great capabilities. I think there can be leadership that harnesses the people to the continuation of the struggle until we overcome. We have deep roots here, that's why we are here."

2. MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS IN ISRAEL

At The Technion:

Damage sustained during a heart attack may now be reversible, thanks to the efforts of a team of researchers from Israel's Technion Institute and the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa. Researchers have succeeded, for the first time in the world, in growing human heart cells in a lab from embryonic stem cells. This has allowed them to create tissue that spontaneously beats and has the electric and mechanical characteristics of young heart tissue. The research may enable future applications such as implanting muscle cells into impaired areas to improve heart function.

The research is being published in the August issue of the prestigious scientific journal, "Journal of Clinical Investigation." The study was conducted by Dr. Itzhak Kehat under the direction of Dr. Lior Gepstein of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at the Technion, and of Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, respectively.

At Hebrew University:

A second major discovery this week was announced yesterday at Hebrew University's School of Pharmacy. Researchers have developed a new method for ensuring that prescribed drugs reach their intended target areas in the body. Chemical substances in many drugs are soluble in fatty or oily solutions, but not in water, thus limiting their penetrability in the body. Prof. Shimon Benita of the School of Pharmacy at the Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine has developed a method using positively charged oil droplets in water emulsions for improving the delivery and absorption of these lipophilic drugs.

The Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University has registered two worldwide patents on the technology. A new, French biotechnology company, Novagali SAS, has obtained the license to develop the technology for commercial pharmaceutical purposes. Two French venture capital companies have invested 4 million euros in the project.

****************************************************************

To: arutz-7@israelnationalnews.com, arutz-7b@israelnationalnews.com
From: Arutz-7 Editor <feedback@israelnationalnews.com>
Subject: Arutz-7 News Brief: Friday, August 3, 2001

Arutz Sheva News Service
<http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com>
Friday, August 3, 2001 / Av 14, 5761
------------------------------------------------

TODAY'S HEADLINES:
1. A POLITICAL TURN-AROUND AMONG IMMIGRANTS FROM THE FSU
2. A PLAN TO IMPOSE INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS?

1. A POLITICAL TURN-AROUND AMONG IMMIGRANTS FROM THE FSU
The Global Jewish Agenda reports on a survey published this week by the Mutagim Institute indicating that the immigrant oriented political parties in Israel have, for the first time, lost their preeminence among voters from the FSU. The leading political party among Russian immigrants is now the Likud, with the support of 30% of this population segment (equal to 8-10 Knesset seats), as compared to 18% support two years ago. Immigrant parties Yisrael B'Aliyah and Yisrael Beitenu follow with 14-15% support each (4-5 Knesset seats per party). Meanwhile, Russian immigrant support for the Labor party dropped to a mere 4% - a reduction of two-thirds from its peak of support for Ehud Barak in 1999.

In the personal popularity arena, PM Ariel Sharon currently enjoys greater support than Binyamin Netanyahu had in his prime, with two-thirds of all Russian immigrants supporting him and his policies; he is followed by Avigdor Lieberman, with Binyamin Netanyahu running third and Natan Sharansky fourth with 18% support. The only figure from the Left to make the list was Shimon Peres, with only 4% support. "There is no leader on the Left at present who can garner any support on the Russian street" said Dr. Michael Feldman, who conducted the survey for Mutagim.

2. A PLAN TO IMPOSE INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS?
The Guardian newspaper in London reports on a secret British, European and American plan to impose international observers in the areas of Judea, Samaria and Gaza. A senior diplomatic source quoted by the Guardian said that "the United States is working on a detailed plan exploring the possibilities of sending a team of observers." The Guardian says that an official announcement regarding the plan will be forthcoming in the near future.

*********************************************************************

To: arutz-7@israelnationalnews.com, arutz-7b@israelnationalnews.com
From: Arutz-7 Editor <feedback@israelnationalnews.com>
Subject: Arutz-7 News: Sunday, August 5, 2001

Arutz Sheva News Service
<http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com>
Sunday, August 5, 2001 / Av 16, 5761
------------------------------------------------

TODAY'S HEADLINES:
1. TERRORIST STRIKES "KIRYA" DEFENSE MINISTRY
2. FOUR HOURS LATER: IDF RETALIATES
3. REACTIONS TO TEL AVIV ATTACK
4. UN ADMITS "ERROR" BUT REFUSES TO RELEASE PERSONAL BELONGINGS

1. TERRORIST STRIKES "KIRYA" DEFENSE MINISTRY
The latest attack to be endured by the Israel populace occurred in the heart of Tel Aviv shortly before 12:30 PM today, right outside of the "Kirya," the nerve center of the IDF and the offices of Israel's Defense Ministry. An Arab stopped his car at the defense compound, got out and shot automatic gunfire into a crowd of unexpecting passers-by, wounding eight soldiers, one Israeli civilian, and a Romanian foreign worker. As he fled the scene in his car, traffic officer Ilan Zamir, who witnessed the shooting, fired a warning shot in the air as the get-away car sped towards him. He then fired two rounds from his pistol at the terrorist's head. At the same time, a soldier fired at the car. The Arab gunman was seriously wounded in the head, and the car crashed into an electric pole. The wounded were transported to Ichilov Hospital with light-to-moderate injuries.

According to Zamir, the terrorist was firing an M-16 in all directions in an attempt to hit as many soldiers as possible. Zamir stated with certainty that the terrorist was firing short, automatic bursts of gunfire, not single shots. Police later found a knife which they theorize the terrorist planned to use as well. A young female soldier at the scene said that she "couldn't believe that the Arab was nonchalantly smoking a cigarette" as he was spraying bullets towards the sidewalks. The M-16 assault rifle was determined to be of IDF issue.

Police say that the perpetrator of the shooting is atypical as far as the 'terrorist profile' is concerned; he is a 30-year-old Arab Israeli citizen from Jerusalem, married with three children and steadily employed. The General Security Service (Shin Bet) reports that the terrorist has no record of security violations. Officials were quick to say that this may signify a new stage in the ongoing PLO warfare, now involving eastern Jerusalem residents who are Israeli citizens.

2. FOUR HOURS LATER: IDF RETALIATES
Military and government officials are confirming that Israel Air Force helicopters fired air-to-surface missiles at the car of Hamas terrorist Amar Mansur Hassan Hadiri, 26, in PLO-controlled Tul Karem shortly before 5:00 PM today. Hadiri was killed in the operation. According to military intelligence, Hadiri was planning a major suicide bombing, and there was no alternative but to strike first to avoid the killing of innocent Israelis.

Hadiri was a university student in Tul Karem with a record of security offenses. Israeli authorities arrested him in 1995 and 1998. Although during his incarceration, he admitted to Israeli agents that he was a member of the Izzadin el-Kassim wing of Hamas, notorious for its bloody terror attacks, he was released in the framework of the Oslo Agreements' "confidence building measures."

3. REACTIONS TO TEL AVIV ATTACK
Herut Chairman Knesset Member Michael Kleiner said in reaction to the shooting attack in Tel Aviv: "The source of our troubles is the diplomatic immunity that the Sharon Government has granted Arafat and the heads of the terror gangs. Arafat is a man of death, and every day that he breathes the air of the Middle East is another day of blood and death for the Jews. An end must be put to this and we must stop fearing world reaction. It is better to risk a sharp diplomatic rebuke than erect memorial monuments in every street and crossroads."

Minister of Tourism Rechavam Ze'evi said that the thousands of members of Israel's left-wing community who marched in the area of the Defense Ministry Saturday night got their response in the Sunday afternoon terrorist attack. The left-wing activists were calling upon the government to immediately resume negotiations with Yasser Arafat.

4. UN ADMITS "ERROR" BUT REFUSES TO RELEASE PERSONAL BELONGINGS
The United Nations report released over the weekend regarding the October 7th 2000 videotape made 18 hours after of the abduction of IDF soldiers indicated that the UN is taking responsibility for "serious errors in judgment" in their decision not to release the tape immediately. The UN also reaffirms that a second videotape was made on the day of the kidnapping but reiterated, that it does not shed any light on the case. But Hayim Avraham, the father of kidnapped soldier Benny Avraham, told Arutz 7 today that there are in fact three videotapes, and analysis of them leads to "some extremely serious conclusions" about the timing of the making of the films. Avraham also said that he flatly refuses to travel to UN headquarters in New York to look at the videotapes. "There are no UN offices in Israel?" he asked rhetorically.

Israel has demanded the unedited videotapes, but UN officials have denied requests from high-level officials, including the Prime Minister and Defense Minister. UN officials explained that they were balancing Israel's demands against opposing demands from the government of Lebanon. In the parts of the video released by the UN thus far, the amount of blood seen in the vehicle used for the abduction indicates that the three soldiers may have been seriously injured or killed in the abduction by Hizbullah, but nothing definitive can be determined.

The UN Secretary General has offered to allow Lebanese and Israeli officials to look at an edited version of the videotapes and to view items retrieved from the vehicles that UNIFIL forces removed from the scene. The items include bloodstained personal belongings of the IDF soldiers. But the UN refuses to turn them over to the army or to the families, or allow Israeli laboratories to examine the bloodied articles. UN stonewalling aside, Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer said that efforts to bring the soldiers home would continue.

******************************************************************

Return to Newsgroup Archives Main Page

Return to our Main Webpage

©2011 Hebraic Heritage Ministries International. Designed by Web Design by JB.