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To: arutz-7@israelnationalnews.com, arutz-7b@israelnationalnews.com From: Arutz-7 Editor <feedback@israelnationalnews.com> Subject: Arutz-7 News: Monday, October 22, 2001
Arutz Sheva News Service <http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com> Monday, Oct. 22, 2001 / Cheshvan 5, 5762 ------------------------------------------------
TODAY'S HEADLINES: 1. JERUSALEM RALLY TONIGHT: EXPEL ARAFAT! 2. POLL: ISRAELI CONCESSIONS WOULD ENCOURAGE TERRORISM
1. JERUSALEM RALLY TONIGHT: EXPEL ARAFAT! Many tens of thousands of people are expected to take part in tonight's mass demonstration in downtown Jerusalem demanding a firmer hand in the war against Palestinian terrorism. The theme of the event: "Expel Arafat - Fight Terrorism!" The rally will be held in memory of a man who was to be one of its main speakers, the assassinated Minister of Tourism, Rehavam Ze'evi. Hundreds of policemen will guard the rally, and traffic in the city center will be stopped starting in the afternoon hours.
Yesha Council spokesman Yehoshua Mor-Yosef explained today, "Arafat was thrown out of Lebanon, he was thrown out of Jordan, and it's high time that he gets thrown out of Gaza as well." He said that among the speakers tonight will be Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert, political leaders, rabbis, representatives from Yesha, "and a surprise that I cannot divulge as of yet."
"The fact that there is no dispute between [the Likud and Labor] that at the end of an as-yet undetermined period of quiet on the part of the Palestinian terrorists, we will resume negotiating with them shows, in simple words, that we have learned nothing." So writes former Yesha Council Spokesman Aharon Domb on Ynet today. "If you wake up one morning and find an enemy in your house, the naive approach is to persuade yourself that the enemy is just a 'potential friend,' and that his hatred is dependent on you giving him something that you can afford to go without. Fooling ourselves into trying to turn an enemy into a friend is an experience that we have already gone through, and we continue to pay the price. The strategic flag that we must raise now must be this: One national Jewish entity from the Mediterranean to the Jordan, where Jews can walk safely everywhere. This approach, that of recognizing the enemy and pushing him out, is the only possible conclusion that can be reached based on the failure of the peace process."
2. POLL: ISRAELI CONCESSIONS WOULD ENCOURAGE TERRORISM Americans believe, by a large margin, that U.S. pressure on Israel to make concessions to the Palestinians would encourage more terrorism. A nationwide survey conducted by the New American Initiative and The Chicago Sun Times earlier this month finds that 62% feel that forcing Israel to give up territory - including dividing Jerusalem - for a Palestinian state would encourage terrorism. Less than 10% thought that pressuring Israel would end terrorism, and the rest expressed no opinion. Some 63% of the respondents said that last month's attacks in New York and Washington would have happened even if the U.S. did not support Israel.
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To: arutz-7@israelnationalnews.com, arutz-7b@israelnationalnews.com From: Arutz-7 Editor <feedback@israelnationalnews.com> Subject: Arutz-7 News: Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2001
Arutz Sheva News Service <http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com> Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2001 / Cheshvan 6, 5762 ------------------------------------------------
TODAY'S HEADLINES:
1. ISRAEL REJECTS U.S. COMMAND TO WITHDRAW
2. MASSES DELIVER MESSAGE TO SHARON: "EXPEL ARAFAT! DEFEAT
TERRORISM!"
3. NATIONAL UNION MAKES DEMANDS
1. ISRAEL REJECTS U.S. COMMAND TO WITHDRAW The latest official U.S. position is that Israel must immediately withdraw from the areas it took over this weekend after handing them over to the PA during the Oslo years. Reading from a prepared statement, State Department spokesman Phil Reeker said yesterday, "Israel Defense Forces should be withdrawn immediately from all Palestinian controlled areas and no further such incursions should be made." Prime Minister Sharon has rejected the demand, and Defense Minister Ben-Eliezer explained that Israel alone is responsible for its security.
Former Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami said today that what is chiefly driving the United States in this situation is the desire to placate the Arab nations and keep its coalition intact. It was later learned that U.S. President Bush himself was planning to give the same "get out" directive to visiting Foreign Minister Peres later today.
The State Department spokesman continued, "We deeply regret and deplore Israel Defense Forces actions that have killed numerous Palestinian civilians over the weekend. The deaths of those innocent civilians under the circumstances reported in recent days are unacceptable, and we call upon Israel to ensure that its armed forces exercise greater discipline and restraint." At the same time, Afghan sources were announcing that the American bombings there over the past two weeks had killed some 1,000 civilians. The Americans say that the number of civilians killed is less than 20. The dead civilians, according to the Afghans, include 100 in a hospital, ten in a mosque, and the 13-year-old son of Taliban leader Mola Omar.
2. MASSES DELIVER MESSAGE TO SHARON: "EXPEL ARAFAT! DEFEAT TERRORISM!"
Close to 100,000 people gathered in Zion Square in Jerusalem last night to demand that Israel expel Arafat and fight the terrorism-sponsoring Palestinian Authority. Among the speakers was New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who addressed the crowd by phone (on an Arutz-7 line).
Other speakers included National Infrastructures Minister Avigdor Lieberman, NRP leader Rabbi Yitzchak Levy, Tzfat Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Rabbi Eliezer Melamed of Shavei Shomron, MK Benny Elon, the Mayor of Hadera, and many others.
Rabbi Levy said, "The government is speaking with two voices: One says that Arafat is a partner, while the other says he is a terrorist. If he is a terrorist, Mr. Prime Minister, then you must fire Peres!"
Minister Lieberman (National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu): "Not only the left [in Israel], but the whole world is running away from the truth, namely, that this is a war between civilizations - the Western civilization, of which we are a part, and that of extremist Islam."
MK Benny Elon (NUYB): "We can no longer tolerate a zig-zag policy within the government. I remember when you, Arik [Sharon], stood here [at a similar rally against then-Prime Minister Barak] and demanded, 'Let the IDF win!'"
Opposition MK Michael Kleiner (Herut): "Arafat need not merely be expelled, he is a murderer who is deserving of death. A government that allows him to live is responsible for the blood of hundreds of innocent citizens killed by Arafat."
Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu of Tzfat called out questions to the crowd and received positive answers for each: "Are you willing to fight for Eretz Yisrael?! Do you love Eretz Yisrael?! Do you want the Beit HaMikdash [Holy Temple]?! Do you want Geulah [redemption]?! Do you want Moshiach?! So let's all call out: We want Beit HaMikdash!" He then led the crowd in the recital of several verses of prayer.
Following the murder of National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu leader Minister Rehavam Ze'evi six days ago, the rally's organizers made two major decisions: to dedicate the rally to his memory, and not to attack Prime Minister Sharon personally. Yesha Council sources say that despite the general lack of personal criticism, Sharon will not be able to ignore the show of strength of those who demand Arafat's expulsion.
Labor MK Effie Oshaya has asked the Attorney-General to open an investigation against the rally's organizers on suspicion of inciting against Foreign Minister Peres. Oshaya says that some of the demonstration's participants may have been influenced by signs that read, "Peres = Destruction," "Expel Peres," and "Oslo Criminals to Trial."
3. NATIONAL UNION MAKES DEMANDS
National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu leaders, meeting last night with Prime Minister Sharon, set down several conditions under which they would retract their pre-assassination decision to resign from the government. These include the following:
* Sharon must declare the PA a terrorist-sponsoring entity, as he promised in the past.
* Sharon must make a declaration against the formation of a Palestinian state, nullifying his previous statements in support of one.
* The army must re-take the Abu Sneineh and Haret A-Sheikh hills overlooking the Jewish neighborhoods in Hevron.
* Steps must be taken to strengthen Judea and Samaria, such as additional construction permits in accordance with the coalition agreement, construction in Ma'aleh Adumim to better connect it with Jerusalem, bypass roads, and permanent construction in Hevron.
* The status quo on the Temple Mount must be restored whereby Jews will be allowed to visit the site; the Waqf's heavy equipment must be removed from the site; and there must be tight police supervision over the Arab construction there.
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To: arutz-7@israelnationalnews.com, arutz-7b@israelnationalnews.com From: Arutz-7 Editor <feedback@israelnationalnews.com> Subject: Arutz-7 News: Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2001
Arutz Sheva News Service <http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com> Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2001 / Cheshvan 7, 5762 ------------------------------------------------
TODAY'S HEADLINES: 1. AMERICANS DEMAND WITHDRAWAL; NUYB MAY RESIGN 2. NATIONAL UNION-YISRAEL BEITEINU MAY QUIT
1. AMERICANS DEMAND WITHDRAWAL; NUYB MAY RESIGN Amidst UN reports that the Americans had bombed a hospital and killed up to 100 civilians in Afghanistan came an American demand that Israel withdraw from areas in and around six PLO-controlled cities. At the same time, the U.S. is also placing heavy pressure on Yasser Arafat to bring all fighting against Israel to an absolute halt. Messages to this effect were given him by the Consul-General in Jerusalem, a series of European emissaries, and even in a personal letter from U.S. President George Bush.
The U.S. is also giving moral support to Israel on the northern front. It warned the Lebanese government not to allow Hizbullah attacks on Israel, saying that it would not be able to stop an Israeli retaliation.
Yossi Ben-Aharon, former head of ex-Prime Minister Yitzchak Shamir's office, explained why Prime Minister Sharon said that there are those who are needlessly sowing panic regarding a "crisis" in American-Israeli relations: "There is absolutely no crisis, and Sharon is right. True, the U.S. would like there to be quiet here, so that there won't be an excuse for Arab nations not to help in the coalition. But the U.S. is also not closing its eyes to our situation, and knows of all the provocations that we faced. But it's easier for the U.S. to pressure Israel, and to play on our democracy, while the totalitarian Arab regimes are less 'pressurable.' They simply claim, 'I can't do anything about it or else I'll get murdered,' and that's that."
The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations reacted strongly to the American demand for an Israeli withdrawal. Calling it "unrestrained" and "offensive to common sense," the organization's statement said, "The demand for a withdrawal is a blow to Israel's right to self-defense."
Polls continue to show overwhelming support in the Israeli public for the IDF's actions in Area A. A survey in Yediot Acharonot today shows that 68% of Israelis feel that the American pressures on this matter must be rejected.
2. NATIONAL UNION-YISRAEL BEITEINU MAY QUIT MK Yuri Stern, who is currently serving as head of the National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu faction in the Knesset, estimates that if the government in fact agrees to leave those areas in the coming days, the chances are high that the party will resign from the government. "Such a withdrawal would be a violation of the promise Prime Minister Sharon made when he told us that the assassination of Gandhi had changed the picture and that Israel would no longer act as it had before," Stern said today. The faction will convene again this coming Friday. The party's new MK, Uri Ariel, will be sworn in next Monday. Ariel, who replaces the assassinated Moledet party leader Rehavam Ze'evi, is a leader of Gush Emunim and the Yesha Council. His four-year term as mayor of Beit El was scheduled to end next month in any event.
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To: arutz-7@israelnationalnews.com, arutz-7b@israelnationalnews.com From: Arutz-7 Editor <feedback@israelnationalnews.com> Subject: Arutz-7 News: Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001
Arutz Sheva News Service <http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com> Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001 / Cheshvan 8, 5762 ------------------------------------------------
TODAY'S HEADLINES: 1. THE NEW SHARON PLAN: ARAFAT STOPS VIOLENCE, RECEIVES A STATE 2. NATIONAL UNION REMAINS IN GOV'T 3. LABOR MKs COME UP WITH NEW SEPARATION PLAN
1. THE NEW SHARON PLAN: ARAFAT STOPS VIOLENCE, RECEIVES A STATE Prime Minister Ariel Sharon intends to present the Palestinians with a state - as part of an interim agreement. According to the plan Sharon hopes to show U.S. President George Bush next month in Washington, the state would be established even before its final borders are drawn. Sharon will emphasize to Bush, however, that the plan will not get off the ground until Arafat stops the violence completely, and that only military and international pressure on Arafat can accomplish that.
The new state would be demilitarized, Israel would have the right to use its air space, Israeli forces are to remain in the Jordan Valley, and Israel would control its borders with Egypt and Jordan. Issues such as Jerusalem and the refugees would be pushed off for "later." The matter of the Yesha communities was not immediately clear.
2. NATIONAL UNION REMAINS IN GOV'T The National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu faction in the Knesset decided today not to resign from the government. Its previous decision to resign nine days ago was rescinded when one of its two leaders, Minister Ze'evi, was assassinated only hours before the resignation was to go into effect. At the time, Ze'evi and his co-leader National Infrastructures Minister Avigdor Lieberman explained that the army's withdrawal from the Abu Sneineh and Haret A-Sheikh hills in Hevron was the "last straw" and that Sharon was not fighting a strong enough war against Arafat's terrorism. Today, however, Lieberman recommended that his colleagues not vote to quit the government.
When asked if the revelations about Prime Minister Sharon's plans for a Palestinian state would affect the decision to remain in the government, NUYB Knesset Member Yuri Stern said, "Our goal at present is to get Sharon to adhere to his firm fight against the PA and the terrorism. When developments begin on the diplomatic scene, we will plan our strategy appropriately - but not now." The Yisrael Beiteinu party, headed by Minister Lieberman, has four MKs, giving the joint National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu faction a total of seven.
In wake of Gandhi's murder, the three-MK National Union faction, which encompasses Tekumah and Moledet, will undergo some changes. Beit El Mayor Uri Ariel (Tekumah) will be sworn in as a Member of Knesset on Monday; he joins his Tekumah colleague MK Tzvi Hendel. This leaves Benny Elon of Moledet as a minority of one in the faction. Despite this, Arutz-7 has learned that he is likely to be chosen as the replacement for Minister Ze'evi in the government. The final decision will be made in the coming days.
The opposition National Religious Party has submitted a no-confidence motion in light of the government's apparent intention to quit the PA-controlled areas. The NRP calls the IDF offensive "limited and ineffective." The motion can be withdrawn, NRP spokesmen said, any time before its scheduled vote this coming Monday.
3. LABOR MKs COME UP WITH NEW SEPARATION PLAN Leading Labor Party MKs Shlomo Ben-Ami and Chaim Ramon have proposed a new "separation" plan. Israel, according to the plan, should set an "interim border," and unilaterally withdraw from certain areas in Judea and Samaria along the Green Line. These areas will then be handed over to the control of an international force headed by the United States. Settlements in those areas will be dismantled, according to Ramon and Ben-Ami, and the residents will be relocated in large settlement blocs.
Ramon and Ben-Ami were criticized within their party for sitting out the internal election against Avraham Burg and Binyamin Ben-Eliezer last month (an election that has still not yet been officially decided). Many members felt that Ramon and Ben-Ami chose to wait on the sidelines until public support for Labor increases. The two expressed sorrow today that there are those within Labor who still feel that Arafat is a potential peace partner, and also criticized those in the Likud who feel that the PA must be destroyed.
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To: arutz-7@israelnationalnews.com, arutz-7b@israelnationalnews.com From: Arutz-7 Editor <feedback@israelnationalnews.com> Subject: Arutz-7 News Brief: Friday, Oct. 26, 2001
Arutz Sheva News Service <http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com> Friday, Oct. 26, 2001 / Cheshvan 9, 5762 ------------------------------------------------
TODAY'S HEADLINES: 1. CABINET VOTES TO WITHDRAW - CONDITIONALLY 2. PRESSURE FROM THE RIGHT
1. CABINET VOTES TO WITHDRAW - CONDITIONALLY The security mini-cabinet decided late last night to begin a gradual withdrawal from the PA-ruled areas that the IDF took over almost a week ago. The withdrawal was made contingent upon the Palestinian fulfillment of the conditions that Israel has been demanding for a while, namely, the capture of the murderers of Minister Ze'evi who are still at large, the arrest of other terrorists, and significant action against the terrorism infrastructure. These conditions will apparently be worked out in a meeting this afternoon of Israeli and Palestinian military representatives and American observers.
The forum that convened last night is a three-member body composed of Prime Minister Sharon, Foreign Minister Peres, and Defense Minister Ben-Eliezer. Last night, however, Ministers Lieberman, Yeshai, Sharansky, and Shalom were also invited, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Sha'ul Mofaz and other security leaders briefed the group on the situation. Peres was in favor of a quicker withdrawal, but could not convince Sharon and Ben-Eliezer. In the end, the decision was unanimous. The withdrawal will be implemented first in Beit Jala, which is considered to be "quiet" despite the continuing fire on Gilo from nearby Bethlehem and other areas.
It is expected that the army will complete its withdrawal within a week, in time for the Prime Minister's visit to U.S. President George Bush in Washington early next month.
The army, for its part, is fuming at the decision. Senior officers note that since the current major offensive began, the number of Arab shooting incidents in Yesha has gone down drastically, and that it will certainly increase if the army withdraws. IDF Intelligence Chief Maj.-Gen. Amos Malka said yesterday that there are serious warnings of impending suicide attacks, and that the Palestinian Authority is doing nothing about arresting the many terrorists walking around freely in its midst. Malka also had criticism for the international community: "They applauded Arafat too early," he said, apparently referring to U.S. President George Bush's remarks earlier this month in praise of Arafat's actions. "The PA translated this to mean that it had received a passing grade, and stopped working to thwart terrorism."
The Yesha Council was very sharp in its condemnation of the government's decision. "The Cabinet has essentially decided to abandon Israel's citizens to the mercies of Arafat and his terrorists," read the Council's statement this morning. "The past week has proven that the IDF can beat terrorism, and that it's only the politicians who are obstructing it."
2. PRESSURE FROM THE RIGHT
An umbrella organization of nationalist grassroots organizations is beginning a public campaign against Prime Minister Sharon's intentions to agree to a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. Headed by Nadia Matar and Moshe Leshem, the group demands that Sharon retract his support for a Palestinian state - and if not, it will work to topple his government. The National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu party is so far not cooperating, however. Although, contrary to reports yesterday, an official decision has not yet been made, it does appear that the party will remain in the government. MK Yuri Stern told Arutz-7 that at present, they are more concerned with the war against terrorism, and that they will deal with "diplomatic developments" as they occur.
The two factions of the National Union party, Tekumah and Moledet, will decide early next week if they wish to resign from the government. At present, Tekumah is leaning towards remaining, while Moledet - the late Rehavam Ze'evi's party - is not as sure.
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To: arutz-7@israelnationalnews.com, arutz-7b@israelnationalnews.com From: Arutz-7 Editor <feedback@israelnationalnews.com> Subject: Arutz-7 News: Sunday, Oct. 28, 2001
Arutz Sheva News Service <http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com> Sunday, Oct. 28, 2001 / Cheshvan 11, 5762 ------------------------------------------------
TODAY'S HEADLINES:
1. POLL FINDINGS 2. POWELL: PALESTINIAN TERRORISTS MAY BE JUST "FREEDOM FIGHTERS"
1. POLL FINDINGS
Arutz-7 commissioned the Communal Research Institute of Bar Ilan University to carry out a survey regarding Israelis' opinions in light of the violence that has overtaken the country. Some 500 adult Israeli Jews were asked last week the following four questions, and gave the following answers:
1. "In light of the recent events, what is your attitude towards the Oslo agreements?" 58% said that their attitude was negative, 30% said that it was positive.
2. "What is your attitude towards [what has come to be known as] the Rabin Legacy?" 63% - positive, 17% negative.
3. "What is your attitude towards Rabin Memorial Day?" - 73% - positive, 12% negative.
4. "What do you think are the reasons for the continuing delays in the trial of Avishai Raviv?" 8% said they think the reasons are of a justified legal nature; 48% feel that the delay is politically-based, and 38% think that the delay is due to GSS-delaying tactics.
2. POWELL: PALESTINIAN TERRORISTS MAY BE JUST "FREEDOM FIGHTERS" Reuters reports that U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Thursday that some groups sometimes described as terrorist might be seeking to redress grievances, gain rights or achieve freedom from oppressors. "In language that contrasts strongly with the Bush administration's previous rhetoric on terrorism," Reuters reported, "[Powell] said that not every case would be 'black and white' and that there would be 'gray areas' that might need to be treated politically."
Powell told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda organization is a clear case of a terrorist group, as "probably" are the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and the Real Irish Republican Army in Northern Ireland. "But then you start to run into areas where one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter, and that's where you have to apply judgment,'' he added. "To test whether groups qualify as targets against which the United States could sustain an alliance, one would have to ask whether they have a better way to 'express grievances', 'change the political problem,' and 'gain their rights,' Powell said. "These are difficult calls to make... You can be quite challenged in explaining these differences with respect to the Middle East,'' he added.
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To: arutz-7@israelnationalnews.com, arutz-7b@israelnationalnews.com From: Arutz-7 Editor <feedback@israelnationalnews.com> Subject: Arutz-7 News: Monday, October 29, 2001
Arutz Sheva News Service <http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com> Monday, Oct. 29, 2001 / Cheshvan 12, 5762 ------------------------------------------------
TODAY'S HEADLINE:
ISRAEL WITHDRAWS FROM BETHLEHEM AREAS Despite the grave attacks of yesterday within the Green Line ceasefire lines, the IDF withdrew its forces last night from Bethlehem and Beit Jala, south of Jerusalem. The move is widely assumed to be the result of American pressure. Israeli and Palestinian security representatives, as well as CIA personnel, will meet today to coordinate further measures.
Col. (res.) Moshe Givati, former commander of the Hevron region, said two months ago on Arutz-7 that the Bethlehem-Beit Jala offensive at the time was insufficient, and that "the entire area should be taken and cleansed of its weapons in one fell swoop." Asked today if he supports last night's withdrawal, he responded, "I feel that it is too early and that it is not a correct move. I do understand, however, that American pressure is being exerted here, and since we receive such large aid from them, we have no choice, but the way I see it, it will be only a temporary withdrawal, because we will certainly have to return, and in a much deeper fashion."
Arutz-7's Haggai Segal then asked, "What do you think should be done?" Givati responded,
"[Now that even many on the left agree that] the Oslo process has collapsed, we simply have to go in and bring down the PA, collect the weapons that we gave them, and start a new, smarter diplomatic process. We'll never reach any agreement with Arafat because he has no interest in reaching an agreement with us, so we have to throw him and his cronies out, and find a leadership with whom we can talk and come to an agreement. Obviously we will have to live with them in the future, but today we have to stop these grave terrorist attacks. Our response of going into and out of the [PA-controlled] cities is leading us nowhere. At this rate, there will be no quiet - not that there was quiet when we controlled these areas, but it was not like it is now. It simply can't be that PA policemen come out of Jenin, pass through all the checkpoints and start shooting in the heart of Hadera - it just cannot be. We need a much more painful surgical solution."
Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer appeared before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee today. He said, "If the IDF forces hadn't been in Area A, 20 Israelis a day would have been killed." Meretz MK Zahava Gal'on attacked him: "By that logic, we should have stayed there forever." Ben-Eliezer continued, "I hope the Palestinian actions will justify continued withdrawals like the one last night... We would be willing to return [sic] additional areas to those who guarantee to maintain security."
In and around Jenin, however, the story is a different one. The IDF continued digging a five-kilometer gully around parts of the city, to prevent terrorists from leaving the city and crossing the Green Line. The terrorists who committed the murders in Hadera yesterday came from Jenin.
Ben-Eliezer also told the MKs that the IDF thwarted a major attack in Tel Aviv yesterday, but he did not elaborate.
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