16 may 2015
Regev says ministry which deals with state issues should operate from Israel's capital; ceremony to replace ministers to be held in Sheikh Jarrah instead of Tel Aviv.
Miri Regev's first decision as minister of culture and sport is to move the ministry's offices from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Ynet has learned.
Regev has already approached Finance Ministry officials with the request to find the Culture and Sport Ministry a new home in the capital. As part of the move, the ceremony to replace ministers on Sunday will not take place at the Tel Aviv office, but rather in the ministry's existing branch in Sheikh Jarrah in Jerusalem, where the ministry's operations have been far and few so far.
One of the main reasons that led Regev to speed up the move is the fact the ministry deals with state-related issues like symbols and ceremonies, and she believes such a ministry should be operating from the state's capital.
The issue of moving government ministries to Jerusalem has been a disputed issue for years. In May 2007, the government decided to move all of the offices operating outside Jerusalem to the capital within eight years.
But the implementation of this decision was faced with a lot of difficulties, among them the fact there was no practical plan for the move. A state comptroller report from 2013, which harshly criticized the government's operations, prevented the implementation of the decision.
Last year, an amendment to the government decision was approved, extending the deadline for the completion of the move in three years. However it is once again unclear when the move would actually happen.
The move relies heavily on the motivation of senior government officials to move from central Israel to Jerusalem. Regev's appointment to the Culture and Sport Ministry was met with harsh and at times blunt criticism from prominent figures in Israeli culture.
Actor Gavri Banai called her a "behema," which means a beast, and is also a slang word to describe a vulgar person. "I'm sorry to hear these comments," she said in response. "Those who expect us to be tolerant should be tolerant themselves. I would be happy to meet with him and he will be pleasantly surprised."
When asked whether she will censor art that she considers to be inappropriate, Regev told Ynet: "Limits must be set in movies. I won't shut mouths, but if we need to censor - I will."
Israel’s Regev to move culture and sport ministry to Occupied Jerusalem
Miri Regev’s first decision as Israel’s minister of culture and sport is to move the ministry's offices from Tel Aviv to Occupied Jerusalem, Ynet reported Sunday.
Regev has already approached finance ministry officials with the request to carve out a home in Occupied Jerusalem for the culture and sport ministry.
As part of the move, the ceremony to replace ministers on Sunday will not take place at the Tel Aviv office, but rather in the ministry's existing branch in Sheikh Jarrah, in Occupied Jerusalem, where the ministry's operations have been far and few so far.
The offices of Israeli PM and other ministers are currently based in Occupied Jerusalem. Efforts have been underway by Israeli stakeholders to shift all other ministries and government offices to Jerusalem as part of intents to transform the city into the hub of Israel’s diplomatic activity and the capital of the self-proclaimed Jewish state.
Regional and international observers dubbed the move another episode in the series of Israel’s Judaization schemes aimed at wiping out the inherently Islamic character of the holy city of Jerusalem.
Miri Regev's first decision as minister of culture and sport is to move the ministry's offices from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Ynet has learned.
Regev has already approached Finance Ministry officials with the request to find the Culture and Sport Ministry a new home in the capital. As part of the move, the ceremony to replace ministers on Sunday will not take place at the Tel Aviv office, but rather in the ministry's existing branch in Sheikh Jarrah in Jerusalem, where the ministry's operations have been far and few so far.
One of the main reasons that led Regev to speed up the move is the fact the ministry deals with state-related issues like symbols and ceremonies, and she believes such a ministry should be operating from the state's capital.
The issue of moving government ministries to Jerusalem has been a disputed issue for years. In May 2007, the government decided to move all of the offices operating outside Jerusalem to the capital within eight years.
But the implementation of this decision was faced with a lot of difficulties, among them the fact there was no practical plan for the move. A state comptroller report from 2013, which harshly criticized the government's operations, prevented the implementation of the decision.
Last year, an amendment to the government decision was approved, extending the deadline for the completion of the move in three years. However it is once again unclear when the move would actually happen.
The move relies heavily on the motivation of senior government officials to move from central Israel to Jerusalem. Regev's appointment to the Culture and Sport Ministry was met with harsh and at times blunt criticism from prominent figures in Israeli culture.
Actor Gavri Banai called her a "behema," which means a beast, and is also a slang word to describe a vulgar person. "I'm sorry to hear these comments," she said in response. "Those who expect us to be tolerant should be tolerant themselves. I would be happy to meet with him and he will be pleasantly surprised."
When asked whether she will censor art that she considers to be inappropriate, Regev told Ynet: "Limits must be set in movies. I won't shut mouths, but if we need to censor - I will."
Israel’s Regev to move culture and sport ministry to Occupied Jerusalem
Miri Regev’s first decision as Israel’s minister of culture and sport is to move the ministry's offices from Tel Aviv to Occupied Jerusalem, Ynet reported Sunday.
Regev has already approached finance ministry officials with the request to carve out a home in Occupied Jerusalem for the culture and sport ministry.
As part of the move, the ceremony to replace ministers on Sunday will not take place at the Tel Aviv office, but rather in the ministry's existing branch in Sheikh Jarrah, in Occupied Jerusalem, where the ministry's operations have been far and few so far.
The offices of Israeli PM and other ministers are currently based in Occupied Jerusalem. Efforts have been underway by Israeli stakeholders to shift all other ministries and government offices to Jerusalem as part of intents to transform the city into the hub of Israel’s diplomatic activity and the capital of the self-proclaimed Jewish state.
Regional and international observers dubbed the move another episode in the series of Israel’s Judaization schemes aimed at wiping out the inherently Islamic character of the holy city of Jerusalem.
Sir Vincent Fean
Members of the European Eminent Persons Group (EEPG) have called for a fresh approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinians conflict in a letter sent to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, EU foreign ministers and copied to US Secretary of State John Kerry this week.
The letter, signed by former European prime ministers, foreign ministers and one former president, expresses their low confidence that Prime Minister Netanyahu's new Israeli coalition government is committed to negotiating for a two-state solution, or that the US Government will be able to lead negotiations with the "vigour and the impartiality that a two-state outcome demands." Noting that the collapsed peace protest also harms European interests, the EEPG urge the EU to take a more proactive role in resolving the conflict.
The letter also discusses the conditions facing Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, stating that: "Standards of living and human rights in [the Occupied Territories] have sunk shockingly low. It is no longer possible for the EU to allow these conditions to continue without grave risk to its international reputation and to its long-term interest in the stability of its neighbourhood ... Europe has yet to find an effective way of holding Israel to account for the way it maintains the occupation. It is time now to demonstrate to both parties how seriously European public opinion takes contraventions of international law, the perpetration of atrocities and the denial of established rights."
Among the recommendations made by the EEPG in the latter are a tougher stance on illegal settlements, and the introduction of 'political conditionality' for the EU's interactions with both sides, dependent on their commitment to the two-state solution. The group also recommend that EU support for UN Security Council resolutions calling for either new negotiations to establish a two-state solution or the recognition of Palestinian statehood and accession to international treaties.
Reacting to the letter, MAP trustee and former UK Consul-General to Jerusalem Sir Vincent Fean said: "This is a powerful, accurate analysis and policy prescription by a set of people who know what it is to make hard choices - and who are motivated by what is best for Israel, Palestine, Europe and the wider world ... The focus on UN Security Council action is right. The crisis requires a formal restatement of the will of the international community to guarantee the two state outcome, with consequences for rockets from Gaza, the continuation of the blockade of Gaza, and settlement activity."
Members of the European Eminent Persons Group (EEPG) have called for a fresh approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinians conflict in a letter sent to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, EU foreign ministers and copied to US Secretary of State John Kerry this week.
The letter, signed by former European prime ministers, foreign ministers and one former president, expresses their low confidence that Prime Minister Netanyahu's new Israeli coalition government is committed to negotiating for a two-state solution, or that the US Government will be able to lead negotiations with the "vigour and the impartiality that a two-state outcome demands." Noting that the collapsed peace protest also harms European interests, the EEPG urge the EU to take a more proactive role in resolving the conflict.
The letter also discusses the conditions facing Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, stating that: "Standards of living and human rights in [the Occupied Territories] have sunk shockingly low. It is no longer possible for the EU to allow these conditions to continue without grave risk to its international reputation and to its long-term interest in the stability of its neighbourhood ... Europe has yet to find an effective way of holding Israel to account for the way it maintains the occupation. It is time now to demonstrate to both parties how seriously European public opinion takes contraventions of international law, the perpetration of atrocities and the denial of established rights."
Among the recommendations made by the EEPG in the latter are a tougher stance on illegal settlements, and the introduction of 'political conditionality' for the EU's interactions with both sides, dependent on their commitment to the two-state solution. The group also recommend that EU support for UN Security Council resolutions calling for either new negotiations to establish a two-state solution or the recognition of Palestinian statehood and accession to international treaties.
Reacting to the letter, MAP trustee and former UK Consul-General to Jerusalem Sir Vincent Fean said: "This is a powerful, accurate analysis and policy prescription by a set of people who know what it is to make hard choices - and who are motivated by what is best for Israel, Palestine, Europe and the wider world ... The focus on UN Security Council action is right. The crisis requires a formal restatement of the will of the international community to guarantee the two state outcome, with consequences for rockets from Gaza, the continuation of the blockade of Gaza, and settlement activity."
15 may 2015
Federica Mogherini will conduct talks on the stalled peace process with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and officials, days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu begins his fourth term.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini will visit the Middle East next week for talks on the peace process with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Brussels said Friday.
Her visit on Wednesday and Thursday, which comes just days after Netanyahu started a new term as Israeli premier, will be "to discuss the bilateral relations as well as prospects for the Middle East Peace Process," her office said.
The former Italian foreign minister will also meet a number of other Israeli and Palestinian officials, the statement from her office said without giving further details or the exact venue of the talks.
Mogherini took over as foreign policy chief for the 28-nation European Union in November and visited Israel and the Palestinian territories shortly afterwards, saying she wanted to make a priority of pushing forward the Middle East peace process.
She has been criticized by some in Israel for her vocal insistence that a two-state solution is the only way forward and for her condemnation of Israeli settlement-building.
Mogherini said in March that the European Union was committed to re-launching the peace process, shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won re-election. "We are at a crucial moment, with many threats all over the Middle East.
"The EU staunchly supports a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in the interest of the Israeli people, of the Palestinian people and of the whole region. We are at your side, you can count on us," Mogherini assured, calling on a "bold leadership" to reach "a comprehensive, stable and viable settlement of a conflict that has already deprived too many generations of peace and security."
"It's time to turn this page and I'm confident that we can work together with the international community for a solution that will guarantee peace and security in the Middle East," she added.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini will visit the Middle East next week for talks on the peace process with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Brussels said Friday.
Her visit on Wednesday and Thursday, which comes just days after Netanyahu started a new term as Israeli premier, will be "to discuss the bilateral relations as well as prospects for the Middle East Peace Process," her office said.
The former Italian foreign minister will also meet a number of other Israeli and Palestinian officials, the statement from her office said without giving further details or the exact venue of the talks.
Mogherini took over as foreign policy chief for the 28-nation European Union in November and visited Israel and the Palestinian territories shortly afterwards, saying she wanted to make a priority of pushing forward the Middle East peace process.
She has been criticized by some in Israel for her vocal insistence that a two-state solution is the only way forward and for her condemnation of Israeli settlement-building.
Mogherini said in March that the European Union was committed to re-launching the peace process, shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won re-election. "We are at a crucial moment, with many threats all over the Middle East.
"The EU staunchly supports a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in the interest of the Israeli people, of the Palestinian people and of the whole region. We are at your side, you can count on us," Mogherini assured, calling on a "bold leadership" to reach "a comprehensive, stable and viable settlement of a conflict that has already deprived too many generations of peace and security."
"It's time to turn this page and I'm confident that we can work together with the international community for a solution that will guarantee peace and security in the Middle East," she added.
The Israeli parliament narrowly approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government as the United States insisted Israel must forge a deal with the Palestinians for its own good.
The new administration marks the government's ongoing shift to the right and looks likely to complicate Netanyahu's fraught relationships with the Palestinians and with US President Barack Obama.
"We will safeguard our security and strive for peace," Netanyahu said in a speech ahead of the parliamentary vote, which was interrupted by loud laughter from the opposition and heckling from Palestinian Israeli lawmakers, three of whom were ejected.
After two months of coalition horse-trading, Thursday's session was delayed for another two hours to give Netanyahu more time to placate senior members of his Likud party. They were dissatisfied by the portfolios they received, after Netanyahu was forced to hand out senior ministerial positions to coalition partners.
Opposition members called the premier's deal-making "a farce," and the coalition was finally approved by a razor-thin vote of 61-59.
Netanyahu stressed the need to change the system of governance to increase Israel's political stability and implied he would seek to expand his narrow coalition.
But opposition head Isaac Herzog firmly rejected any notion of joining Netanyahu's government. "No decent leader would join this circus that you've formed at the last moment with barely a majority for the sole purpose of perpetuating your regime," Herzog said. "Your way is not my way."
Netanyahu's lineup is dominated by right-wing and religious parties and commands a slender majority of 61 of the parliament's 120 seats, leaving it vulnerable should a disgruntled MP turn on the premier. On the eve of the March 17 election, Netanyahu triggered a diplomatic backlash by promising there would be no Palestinian state on his watch.
Although he has since sought to backtrack, reviving the peace process is unlikely to be a priority for his new cabinet, which features several ministers bent on expanding settlement construction on land the Palestinians want for a future state.
Netanyahu's 61 majority seats are largely right wing, some of whom faced allegations of refusing a future Palestinian state and racist politics after they acquired their Knesset seats.Newly appointed justice minister, Habayit Hayehudi's (Jewish Home) Ayelet Shaked, hasdrawn fierce criticism for allegedly "genocidal" outspoken on the Palestinians, and her attempts to advance legislation criticized as anti-democratic.
'Distant prospect'
Speaking shortly after the vote confirming the new coalition, Obama said Israel's long-term security would be best served by reaching an agreement to live alongside a recognized Palestinian state.
"I continue to believe a two-state solution is absolutely vital for not only peace between Israelis and Palestinians, but for the long-term security of Israel as a democratic and Jewish state," Obama told a Camp David news conference.
"I know that a government has been formed that contains some folks who don't necessarily believe in that premise, but that continues to be my premise," he said. "That prospect seems distant now, but I think it's always important for us to keep in mind what's right and what's possible."
The coalition groups Likud, which won 30 seats in the election, with the center-right Kulanu (10 seats), Jewish Home (eight) and two ultra-Orthodox parties: Shas (seven) and United Torah Judaism (six).
Likud members were handed portfolios during a round of bargaining with Netanyahu that lasted well into the Thursday parliamentary session. Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon was to keep his portfolio, as was Yisrael Katz, who has served as transport minister since Likud won the 2009 election.
Katz will also receive the intelligence portfolio formerly held by Yuval Steinitz, who will become energy minister and coordinate Israel's position on Iran and its nuclear program.
The premier will remain foreign minister and Tzipi Hotovely becomes deputy foreign minister. Hotovely rejects establishing a future Palestinian state, has called to annex the West Bank and make Palestinians Israeli citizens.
Gilad Erdan, the highest ranking Likud member after Netanyahu, did not receive a portfolio after refusing the premier's proposal to be internal security minister.
The new economy minister will be Arye Deri, head of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party who was imprisoned in 2000 for two years for corruption and breach of trust, felonies committed while interior minister.
Since Avigdor Lieberman relinquished his position of foreign minister and dropped a political bombshell by withdrawing his hardline anti-Arab Yisrael Beitenu from the coalition talks, Netanyahu has kept the foreign affairs portfolio for himself.
The new administration marks the government's ongoing shift to the right and looks likely to complicate Netanyahu's fraught relationships with the Palestinians and with US President Barack Obama.
"We will safeguard our security and strive for peace," Netanyahu said in a speech ahead of the parliamentary vote, which was interrupted by loud laughter from the opposition and heckling from Palestinian Israeli lawmakers, three of whom were ejected.
After two months of coalition horse-trading, Thursday's session was delayed for another two hours to give Netanyahu more time to placate senior members of his Likud party. They were dissatisfied by the portfolios they received, after Netanyahu was forced to hand out senior ministerial positions to coalition partners.
Opposition members called the premier's deal-making "a farce," and the coalition was finally approved by a razor-thin vote of 61-59.
Netanyahu stressed the need to change the system of governance to increase Israel's political stability and implied he would seek to expand his narrow coalition.
But opposition head Isaac Herzog firmly rejected any notion of joining Netanyahu's government. "No decent leader would join this circus that you've formed at the last moment with barely a majority for the sole purpose of perpetuating your regime," Herzog said. "Your way is not my way."
Netanyahu's lineup is dominated by right-wing and religious parties and commands a slender majority of 61 of the parliament's 120 seats, leaving it vulnerable should a disgruntled MP turn on the premier. On the eve of the March 17 election, Netanyahu triggered a diplomatic backlash by promising there would be no Palestinian state on his watch.
Although he has since sought to backtrack, reviving the peace process is unlikely to be a priority for his new cabinet, which features several ministers bent on expanding settlement construction on land the Palestinians want for a future state.
Netanyahu's 61 majority seats are largely right wing, some of whom faced allegations of refusing a future Palestinian state and racist politics after they acquired their Knesset seats.Newly appointed justice minister, Habayit Hayehudi's (Jewish Home) Ayelet Shaked, hasdrawn fierce criticism for allegedly "genocidal" outspoken on the Palestinians, and her attempts to advance legislation criticized as anti-democratic.
'Distant prospect'
Speaking shortly after the vote confirming the new coalition, Obama said Israel's long-term security would be best served by reaching an agreement to live alongside a recognized Palestinian state.
"I continue to believe a two-state solution is absolutely vital for not only peace between Israelis and Palestinians, but for the long-term security of Israel as a democratic and Jewish state," Obama told a Camp David news conference.
"I know that a government has been formed that contains some folks who don't necessarily believe in that premise, but that continues to be my premise," he said. "That prospect seems distant now, but I think it's always important for us to keep in mind what's right and what's possible."
The coalition groups Likud, which won 30 seats in the election, with the center-right Kulanu (10 seats), Jewish Home (eight) and two ultra-Orthodox parties: Shas (seven) and United Torah Judaism (six).
Likud members were handed portfolios during a round of bargaining with Netanyahu that lasted well into the Thursday parliamentary session. Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon was to keep his portfolio, as was Yisrael Katz, who has served as transport minister since Likud won the 2009 election.
Katz will also receive the intelligence portfolio formerly held by Yuval Steinitz, who will become energy minister and coordinate Israel's position on Iran and its nuclear program.
The premier will remain foreign minister and Tzipi Hotovely becomes deputy foreign minister. Hotovely rejects establishing a future Palestinian state, has called to annex the West Bank and make Palestinians Israeli citizens.
Gilad Erdan, the highest ranking Likud member after Netanyahu, did not receive a portfolio after refusing the premier's proposal to be internal security minister.
The new economy minister will be Arye Deri, head of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party who was imprisoned in 2000 for two years for corruption and breach of trust, felonies committed while interior minister.
Since Avigdor Lieberman relinquished his position of foreign minister and dropped a political bombshell by withdrawing his hardline anti-Arab Yisrael Beitenu from the coalition talks, Netanyahu has kept the foreign affairs portfolio for himself.
While report finds 971 crimes were committed last year and 170 people arrested on average every day in Israel, it also notes crime rates were lowest in a decade.
One person is murdered in Israel every three days, according to a new Planning Directorate crime report for the year 2014 released on Wednesday.
The report also showed there is a murder attempt every day and a half and that on a given day, 971 crimes are committed on average and 170 people are arrested.
But not all is bleak - the report noted 2014 had the lowest crime statistics in a decade, with a drop in offenses all across the board.
In 2014, there were 354,606 files opened compared to 364,403 the year before – a 2.7 percent drop.
There were 42.8 criminal files opened for every one thousand people in 2014, compared to 44.8 in 2013. On the other hand, there was an increase in the number of arrests made in 2014, with 61,975 arrested in 2014 compared to 58, 410 the year before – a six percent increase.
The most common criminal offense carried out in 2014 was property theft with 157,113 cases, followed by public order offenses (disturbing the peace, illegal congregation, blocking roads, attacking a police officer etc.) with 128,989 cases.
There were 60,607 physical offenses, and 28,422 moral offenses (pimping, soliciting prostitution, drug trafficking). Furthermore, there were 16,250 cases of fraud, 15,643 security related offenses and 5,975 sexually related crimes committed.
The total number of offenses against a person (murder, attempted murder, manslaughter and causing death) stood at 4,215 in 2014.
In 2014, 11 women were murdered by their husbands, a decrease compared to 2013 when 15 women were murdered by their spouses. However, there was an increase in the number of severe attacks that take place a day on average – 18,740 total cases in 2014 compared to 16,974 cases in 2013, a 10.4 percent increase.
One person is murdered in Israel every three days, according to a new Planning Directorate crime report for the year 2014 released on Wednesday.
The report also showed there is a murder attempt every day and a half and that on a given day, 971 crimes are committed on average and 170 people are arrested.
But not all is bleak - the report noted 2014 had the lowest crime statistics in a decade, with a drop in offenses all across the board.
In 2014, there were 354,606 files opened compared to 364,403 the year before – a 2.7 percent drop.
There were 42.8 criminal files opened for every one thousand people in 2014, compared to 44.8 in 2013. On the other hand, there was an increase in the number of arrests made in 2014, with 61,975 arrested in 2014 compared to 58, 410 the year before – a six percent increase.
The most common criminal offense carried out in 2014 was property theft with 157,113 cases, followed by public order offenses (disturbing the peace, illegal congregation, blocking roads, attacking a police officer etc.) with 128,989 cases.
There were 60,607 physical offenses, and 28,422 moral offenses (pimping, soliciting prostitution, drug trafficking). Furthermore, there were 16,250 cases of fraud, 15,643 security related offenses and 5,975 sexually related crimes committed.
The total number of offenses against a person (murder, attempted murder, manslaughter and causing death) stood at 4,215 in 2014.
In 2014, 11 women were murdered by their husbands, a decrease compared to 2013 when 15 women were murdered by their spouses. However, there was an increase in the number of severe attacks that take place a day on average – 18,740 total cases in 2014 compared to 16,974 cases in 2013, a 10.4 percent increase.
14 may 2015
French FM Laurent Fabius
Meetings between Israel and France fell apart last week after an argument erupted over French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius' revived attempt to advance a resolution on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the United Nations Security Council, Israeli media reported Thursday.
As the annual consultations between Israel and France on diplomatic and security issues are typically held to emphasize commonality and coordination between the two countries, the fall out was exceptional and came after mounting tensions between the two, according to Israeli news source Haaretz.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry had allegedly received information revealing that the French had been discussing a draft resolution in both Paris and New York with the Palestinians, Arab states and several members of the Security Council, Haaretz reported.
"You are speaking with the whole world about your initiative, just not with us," diplomats told Haaretz Israeli FM said, “You seem to have forgotten that we are also a party to this and that you ought to involve us, too.
”The disagreements came shortly after Fabius agreed to stall putting forth the resolution until a nuclear agreement is reached with Iran. The UN draft solution being pushed by Fabius initially failed months ago, after Palestinian leadership disagreed with resolution's final amendments.
The original resolution set a two-year timetable for concluding a peace treaty, without mentioning the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Meetings between Israel and France fell apart last week after an argument erupted over French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius' revived attempt to advance a resolution on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the United Nations Security Council, Israeli media reported Thursday.
As the annual consultations between Israel and France on diplomatic and security issues are typically held to emphasize commonality and coordination between the two countries, the fall out was exceptional and came after mounting tensions between the two, according to Israeli news source Haaretz.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry had allegedly received information revealing that the French had been discussing a draft resolution in both Paris and New York with the Palestinians, Arab states and several members of the Security Council, Haaretz reported.
"You are speaking with the whole world about your initiative, just not with us," diplomats told Haaretz Israeli FM said, “You seem to have forgotten that we are also a party to this and that you ought to involve us, too.
”The disagreements came shortly after Fabius agreed to stall putting forth the resolution until a nuclear agreement is reached with Iran. The UN draft solution being pushed by Fabius initially failed months ago, after Palestinian leadership disagreed with resolution's final amendments.
The original resolution set a two-year timetable for concluding a peace treaty, without mentioning the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip
A senior Israeli military intelligence official said Wednesday Israel would likely "have to" target civilian areas in Lebanon in a future confrontation with Hezbollah, given its distribution of weapons sites.
In a briefing to foreign journalists at the defense ministry in Tel Aviv, the official also warned of a heightened threat of conflict on Israel's borders in the next two years as a result of "escalation" in the region.
The official's warning came after a Hezbollah attack killed two Israeli soldiers and a UN peacekeeper in January 2015, raising fears of another all-out war.
Hezbollah had launched the attack shortly after an Israeli strike in the occupied Golan Heights killed six Hezbollah members including a commander and son of the group's deceased military leader.
In addition to tensions with neighboring Hezbollah, Israel continues to rail against a full nuclear deal emerging between world powers and arch-foe Iran. "If we speak about a war that one country or one organization will all of a sudden start against Israel, the probability is even lower than it was two or three years ago," said the official, who requested that his name not be used.
"But the probability for war as a result of escalation... or miscalculation is much higher than it was in the past, because of the situation of organisations around Israel." The official referred specifically to Hezbollah and Iran's arming of the group, with whom Israel fought a month-long war in 2006.
"The Iranian threat is a tangible threat to Israel. Iran has an aspiration to rule, to control the Middle East. "One of the tools Iran uses in order to implement this policy is Hezbollah," he said.
The official added that a nuclear deal with Iran allowing the Islamic republic to prosper economically would likely lead to more funding of its proxies in the region, such as Hezbollah.
World powers are conducting sensitive negotiations with Iran aimed at preventing it from developing nuclear weapons, in exchange for an easing of punishing economic sanctions.
The army official warned that in a future conflict with Hezbollah, Israel would "have to" target civilian areas. He said Hezbollah currently possesses more than 100,000 rockets hidden in civilian areas in Lebanese villages that could hit northern Israel, including "hundreds" which could reach anywhere in the Jewish state."Each (village) is a military stronghold.
Next time we have a war with Hezbollah, we will have to attack each one of these targets, and we hope the population will not be there," he said.
Israel is still reeling from a report by an Israeli army veterans NGO Breaking the Silence earlier this month, in which members of Israeli forces gave testimony that the military acted with complete disregard for civilian casualties during last summer's offense on the Gaza Strip.
The military has opened investigations, including into deadly incidents where the army shelled UN schools. So far, it has charged three soldiers with looting during the war that killed over 2,200 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 73 on the Israeli side, mostly soldiers.
The Palestinians are preparing to sue Israeli officials through the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes during the conflict.
A senior Israeli military intelligence official said Wednesday Israel would likely "have to" target civilian areas in Lebanon in a future confrontation with Hezbollah, given its distribution of weapons sites.
In a briefing to foreign journalists at the defense ministry in Tel Aviv, the official also warned of a heightened threat of conflict on Israel's borders in the next two years as a result of "escalation" in the region.
The official's warning came after a Hezbollah attack killed two Israeli soldiers and a UN peacekeeper in January 2015, raising fears of another all-out war.
Hezbollah had launched the attack shortly after an Israeli strike in the occupied Golan Heights killed six Hezbollah members including a commander and son of the group's deceased military leader.
In addition to tensions with neighboring Hezbollah, Israel continues to rail against a full nuclear deal emerging between world powers and arch-foe Iran. "If we speak about a war that one country or one organization will all of a sudden start against Israel, the probability is even lower than it was two or three years ago," said the official, who requested that his name not be used.
"But the probability for war as a result of escalation... or miscalculation is much higher than it was in the past, because of the situation of organisations around Israel." The official referred specifically to Hezbollah and Iran's arming of the group, with whom Israel fought a month-long war in 2006.
"The Iranian threat is a tangible threat to Israel. Iran has an aspiration to rule, to control the Middle East. "One of the tools Iran uses in order to implement this policy is Hezbollah," he said.
The official added that a nuclear deal with Iran allowing the Islamic republic to prosper economically would likely lead to more funding of its proxies in the region, such as Hezbollah.
World powers are conducting sensitive negotiations with Iran aimed at preventing it from developing nuclear weapons, in exchange for an easing of punishing economic sanctions.
The army official warned that in a future conflict with Hezbollah, Israel would "have to" target civilian areas. He said Hezbollah currently possesses more than 100,000 rockets hidden in civilian areas in Lebanese villages that could hit northern Israel, including "hundreds" which could reach anywhere in the Jewish state."Each (village) is a military stronghold.
Next time we have a war with Hezbollah, we will have to attack each one of these targets, and we hope the population will not be there," he said.
Israel is still reeling from a report by an Israeli army veterans NGO Breaking the Silence earlier this month, in which members of Israeli forces gave testimony that the military acted with complete disregard for civilian casualties during last summer's offense on the Gaza Strip.
The military has opened investigations, including into deadly incidents where the army shelled UN schools. So far, it has charged three soldiers with looting during the war that killed over 2,200 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 73 on the Israeli side, mostly soldiers.
The Palestinians are preparing to sue Israeli officials through the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes during the conflict.
Citing Shas leader's conviction for bribe-taking, Yehuda Weinstein says prime minister should consider the legal implications and possible damage to government's integrity; AG also raises lesser concerns over appointment of Yoav Galant.
Before the 34th government can be sworn in on Thursday evening, it has one more obstacle to overcome. Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it would be difficult to defend a Supreme Court petition against the appointments of Shas leader Aryeh Deri as economy minister and Kulanu MK Yoav Galant as construction minister.
Deri was convicted of taking $155,000 in bribes while serving as interior minister and served 22 months of a three-year jail sentence in 2000. He was released early due to good behavior. Weinstein dedicated 23 pages to Deri in his legal opinion, writing that after examining the legal and factual issues relating to the Shas leader, he found that it is possible to legally interpret that there is no impediment to Deri's appointment. But he did stress that there were valid concerns over Deri's "criminal past."
"This is a decision that evokes legal difficulties given Deri's criminal past, which weighs him down, and the possible damage that could be done to the public trust and the virtue and integrity of government activity as result of Deri's appointment," Weinstein said.
The attorney general asked the prime minister to consider the legal implications and take them into account. Weinstein stated that Deri does legally qualify to serve again as minister, but added that the Supreme Court ruled in the past that discretion can also be used in such cases. He noted it was not clear that Deri's case fell within the margin of government discretion. "Legal qualification and discretion should each be considered separately," the attorney general wrote, saying it was Netanyahu's responsibility to use such discretion.
He went on to say that the variety, accumulation and length of legal affairs Deri was involved in over the years present "a very grim picture."
Weinstein stated that Deri "is not one who tripped once and then immediately returned to the straight and narrow, or one who only slightly deviated from the path. He is one who acted unlawfully under the guise of 'private activity' and without consideration for his public office. He also did not recognize his sins nor take responsibility for his actions."
He pointed to the Supreme Court's comments on Deri, which determined that if one who took bribes served as minister, there would be "far-reaching consequences to the nature of governance in Israel, its good faith and fairness." To Deri's credit, Weinstein noted the passage of time, the fact Deri was elected to the Knesset by the public and stressed the prime minister's right to take into account the necessity of the appointment to the government, the stability of the government and its ability to meet its tasks.
Weinstein also said that if Deri is appointed economy minister, it would be easier "to some extent" if the authority to appoint judges to the Labor Courts was stripped from him. He also stated that the appointment of Deri to any specific ministry could raise additional difficulties that might require further examination. Weinstein said the offenses of which Deri was convicted, including bribery, are some of the gravest offenses in the area of government corruption.
These offenses harm the governing structure "and there is no doubt they carry moral turpitude." Deri, Weinstein said, "took advantage of his status and position to embezzle public funds and look after his own interests and those of his close allies... he adopted a criminal lifestyle." The attorney general pointed to the grave comments made by the Supreme Court about Deri during his appeal. He said the gravity of Deri's offenses, their essence and their accumulation "all show, based on the standards set in the ruling, that Deri's criminal past should hold considerable sway in the decision to appoint him to public office."
Regarding Galant, the attorney general stated that the three lands affairs in which he was involved, on the basis of which his appointment to IDF chief of staff was revoked, do not pose an obstacle to his appointment as a minister, nor particularly to the construction minister.
However, Weinstein noted the appointment was not free of difficulties, especially in the public arena, stating that if the proposition to strip the Construction Ministry of the responsibility over the Israel Land Council is accepted, it would ease the difficulties.
Weinstein stated that Galant unlawfully used public open spaces, and in some cases misrepresented the facts. Galant, he said, relied on "the power of the authority that came with his position in order to promote personal affairs." To Galant's credit, Weinstein wrote that he was not indicted, a long period of time had passed since the suspicions against Galant arose, the shortcomings were corrected, his appointment to chief of staff was revoked, and one could assume Galant understood the error of his ways.
The Shas party said that it "accepts with satisfaction the attorney general's legal opinion, which clearly determines there is no legal obstacle to the appointment of chairman Rabbi Aryeh Deri as economy minister.
"We welcome the respect to the voter's will and the election results. Furthermore, the events at the base of the legal proceedings in question happened over 30 years ago. Shas welcomes the prime minister's intention to complete the formation of the government without haste in order to handle the urgent needs of the state."
Before the 34th government can be sworn in on Thursday evening, it has one more obstacle to overcome. Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it would be difficult to defend a Supreme Court petition against the appointments of Shas leader Aryeh Deri as economy minister and Kulanu MK Yoav Galant as construction minister.
Deri was convicted of taking $155,000 in bribes while serving as interior minister and served 22 months of a three-year jail sentence in 2000. He was released early due to good behavior. Weinstein dedicated 23 pages to Deri in his legal opinion, writing that after examining the legal and factual issues relating to the Shas leader, he found that it is possible to legally interpret that there is no impediment to Deri's appointment. But he did stress that there were valid concerns over Deri's "criminal past."
"This is a decision that evokes legal difficulties given Deri's criminal past, which weighs him down, and the possible damage that could be done to the public trust and the virtue and integrity of government activity as result of Deri's appointment," Weinstein said.
The attorney general asked the prime minister to consider the legal implications and take them into account. Weinstein stated that Deri does legally qualify to serve again as minister, but added that the Supreme Court ruled in the past that discretion can also be used in such cases. He noted it was not clear that Deri's case fell within the margin of government discretion. "Legal qualification and discretion should each be considered separately," the attorney general wrote, saying it was Netanyahu's responsibility to use such discretion.
He went on to say that the variety, accumulation and length of legal affairs Deri was involved in over the years present "a very grim picture."
Weinstein stated that Deri "is not one who tripped once and then immediately returned to the straight and narrow, or one who only slightly deviated from the path. He is one who acted unlawfully under the guise of 'private activity' and without consideration for his public office. He also did not recognize his sins nor take responsibility for his actions."
He pointed to the Supreme Court's comments on Deri, which determined that if one who took bribes served as minister, there would be "far-reaching consequences to the nature of governance in Israel, its good faith and fairness." To Deri's credit, Weinstein noted the passage of time, the fact Deri was elected to the Knesset by the public and stressed the prime minister's right to take into account the necessity of the appointment to the government, the stability of the government and its ability to meet its tasks.
Weinstein also said that if Deri is appointed economy minister, it would be easier "to some extent" if the authority to appoint judges to the Labor Courts was stripped from him. He also stated that the appointment of Deri to any specific ministry could raise additional difficulties that might require further examination. Weinstein said the offenses of which Deri was convicted, including bribery, are some of the gravest offenses in the area of government corruption.
These offenses harm the governing structure "and there is no doubt they carry moral turpitude." Deri, Weinstein said, "took advantage of his status and position to embezzle public funds and look after his own interests and those of his close allies... he adopted a criminal lifestyle." The attorney general pointed to the grave comments made by the Supreme Court about Deri during his appeal. He said the gravity of Deri's offenses, their essence and their accumulation "all show, based on the standards set in the ruling, that Deri's criminal past should hold considerable sway in the decision to appoint him to public office."
Regarding Galant, the attorney general stated that the three lands affairs in which he was involved, on the basis of which his appointment to IDF chief of staff was revoked, do not pose an obstacle to his appointment as a minister, nor particularly to the construction minister.
However, Weinstein noted the appointment was not free of difficulties, especially in the public arena, stating that if the proposition to strip the Construction Ministry of the responsibility over the Israel Land Council is accepted, it would ease the difficulties.
Weinstein stated that Galant unlawfully used public open spaces, and in some cases misrepresented the facts. Galant, he said, relied on "the power of the authority that came with his position in order to promote personal affairs." To Galant's credit, Weinstein wrote that he was not indicted, a long period of time had passed since the suspicions against Galant arose, the shortcomings were corrected, his appointment to chief of staff was revoked, and one could assume Galant understood the error of his ways.
The Shas party said that it "accepts with satisfaction the attorney general's legal opinion, which clearly determines there is no legal obstacle to the appointment of chairman Rabbi Aryeh Deri as economy minister.
"We welcome the respect to the voter's will and the election results. Furthermore, the events at the base of the legal proceedings in question happened over 30 years ago. Shas welcomes the prime minister's intention to complete the formation of the government without haste in order to handle the urgent needs of the state."
