31 aug 2018
What might it look like to be a minority in an apartheid state that has spelled out your second-class status, sanctioned discrimination against you, and not-so-secretly wants to get rid of you? Here’s how that looks in Israel.
Israel’s new Nation State Law, just over 1 month old, has already increased the discrimination against Palestinians in Israel to absurd levels: they’re being prohibited from raising chickens, planting potatoes, gathering traditional herbs. Small sewing and knitting factories are being closed down and moved to Jordan. The only logical explanation: it’s part of a plan to make survival in Israel impossible, to initiate a “soft transfer” or “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians, because mass deportation – as in the Nakba – is no longer practical.
By Zuhair Andraus, Nazareth, Raialyoum; translated by Ziyad Shihadah
Israel is increasing its economic, political, and security siege on the 1.6 million Palestinians of 1948 – the Palestinians who make up 21% of Israel’s population. Its discriminatory policies have reached a level in which Palestinians are prevented from raising chickens and planting potatoes, small textile factories have been closed and transported to Jordan, and other products and ways of life have been impacted as well.
This is a racist phenomenon with the deliberate goal of “soft transfer” or “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians, because mass deportation – as in the Nakba – is no longer practical.
Help Wanted – with a catchBut before we get into the details, it must be noted that every job in Israel, whether governmental or non-governmental, has as a condition that the applicant has served in the occupation army, which clearly prevents the Arabs of 1948 from entering the labor force. This explains why Arabs undisputedly have the highest level of unemployment, and why 50% of Palestinian children at home live below the poverty line.
In addition to that, on the facades of many, many shops from the far north to the far south of the Jewish State, Help Wanted signs are posted for salespeople. In Eilat (Umm al-Rashrash), this writer saw a help wanted sign in an underwear shop with a requirement that the candidate has served in the occupation army.
What is the relationship of the army to underwear? Perhaps the answer can be found in the many advertisements by Jewish call girls. They say clearly what others hint at: “We do not welcome Arabs!” Of course there are clear obscene messages in public places, like “Arabjarrab” (Arabs are lepers) and other filthy insults and curses.
Chickens, eggs, and potatoesIn the context of the economic persecution of Palestinians, the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture lately decided to prohibit the 1948 Arabs from raising chickens. As a result, they prevented them from obtaining eggs, asserting that this product should come only from Jews in the moshavim (cooperative villages) . Within days, Arab eggs disappeared from the markets and were replaced by Israeli eggs, which came from moshavim built on the ruins of Palestinians villages destroyed since the Nakba.
Israeli authorities also issued a law forbidding Arabs to plant potatoes, thanks to pressure from Israel’s large potato farmers – after authorities discovered that potato cultivation is inexpensive and that potatoes are a valuable source of income for Palestinians. The eggs and potatoes are examples of the institutional racism in the Jewish state.
No more free thyme
Israel’s new Nation State Law, just over 1 month old, has already increased the discrimination against Palestinians in Israel to absurd levels: they’re being prohibited from raising chickens, planting potatoes, gathering traditional herbs. Small sewing and knitting factories are being closed down and moved to Jordan. The only logical explanation: it’s part of a plan to make survival in Israel impossible, to initiate a “soft transfer” or “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians, because mass deportation – as in the Nakba – is no longer practical.
By Zuhair Andraus, Nazareth, Raialyoum; translated by Ziyad Shihadah
Israel is increasing its economic, political, and security siege on the 1.6 million Palestinians of 1948 – the Palestinians who make up 21% of Israel’s population. Its discriminatory policies have reached a level in which Palestinians are prevented from raising chickens and planting potatoes, small textile factories have been closed and transported to Jordan, and other products and ways of life have been impacted as well.
This is a racist phenomenon with the deliberate goal of “soft transfer” or “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians, because mass deportation – as in the Nakba – is no longer practical.
Help Wanted – with a catchBut before we get into the details, it must be noted that every job in Israel, whether governmental or non-governmental, has as a condition that the applicant has served in the occupation army, which clearly prevents the Arabs of 1948 from entering the labor force. This explains why Arabs undisputedly have the highest level of unemployment, and why 50% of Palestinian children at home live below the poverty line.
In addition to that, on the facades of many, many shops from the far north to the far south of the Jewish State, Help Wanted signs are posted for salespeople. In Eilat (Umm al-Rashrash), this writer saw a help wanted sign in an underwear shop with a requirement that the candidate has served in the occupation army.
What is the relationship of the army to underwear? Perhaps the answer can be found in the many advertisements by Jewish call girls. They say clearly what others hint at: “We do not welcome Arabs!” Of course there are clear obscene messages in public places, like “Arabjarrab” (Arabs are lepers) and other filthy insults and curses.
Chickens, eggs, and potatoesIn the context of the economic persecution of Palestinians, the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture lately decided to prohibit the 1948 Arabs from raising chickens. As a result, they prevented them from obtaining eggs, asserting that this product should come only from Jews in the moshavim (cooperative villages) . Within days, Arab eggs disappeared from the markets and were replaced by Israeli eggs, which came from moshavim built on the ruins of Palestinians villages destroyed since the Nakba.
Israeli authorities also issued a law forbidding Arabs to plant potatoes, thanks to pressure from Israel’s large potato farmers – after authorities discovered that potato cultivation is inexpensive and that potatoes are a valuable source of income for Palestinians. The eggs and potatoes are examples of the institutional racism in the Jewish state.
No more free thyme
Potatoes have always been an important cash crop for Palestinian farmers – but in a moment’s time, their clientele has dried up: now that it is perfectly acceptable to discriminate in Israel, Israeli potato farmers have demanded all of the action, and gotten it.
It is well known that Palestine is a fertile agricultural land, rich in many types of plants that grow in the wild. Some of these, such as thyme and hibiscus, are harvested and used by Palestinians for food, but not known or eaten by Jews.
The Israeli government has recently instructed the so-called “Nature Protection Authority” to declare that these plants are on a list of “protected” plants, and that those who harvest them are breaking the law.
At the same time, many Jewish merchants who discovered the importance of these plants for Palestinians have applied to the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture for the necessary permits to grow these plants and then sell them in Arab markets. Thus, the Palestinian has become a profitable market for Israeli trade for a product that used to be available for free.
Tobacco and textiles are out
It is well known that Palestine is a fertile agricultural land, rich in many types of plants that grow in the wild. Some of these, such as thyme and hibiscus, are harvested and used by Palestinians for food, but not known or eaten by Jews.
The Israeli government has recently instructed the so-called “Nature Protection Authority” to declare that these plants are on a list of “protected” plants, and that those who harvest them are breaking the law.
At the same time, many Jewish merchants who discovered the importance of these plants for Palestinians have applied to the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture for the necessary permits to grow these plants and then sell them in Arab markets. Thus, the Palestinian has become a profitable market for Israeli trade for a product that used to be available for free.
Tobacco and textiles are out
Tobacco is another crop important to economic survival for Palestinian farmers – which makes it an excellent target for those seeking to ruin them.
In this context, the occupation authorities found another outlet to narrow the economic space to the Palestinians, with the Dubek, the only Israeli cigarette producer, stopped purchasing tobacco from Arab farmers. Keep in mind that tobacco is one of the main cash crops for Palestinians in the Galilee (West Bank), within the so-called “Green Line.” Thus, Israel has eliminated the market for one of the most important Arab agricultural products in Palestine. Instead of Arab tobacco, Israel has turned to its ally Turkey, and is importing Turkish tobacco.
To make things even worse in the economic war against the Palestinians – and in cooperation with Jordan – Israel recently closed a number of small sewing and knitting factories in the Galilee, the Triangle (a cluster of Israeli Arab villages near the Green Line), and the Negev areas. These factories, the source of income for a large number of Palestinian families, are now being moved to Jordan with the excuse of cheap labor. It is rumored that this is an attempt to support Jordan’s fragile economy, but clearly the occupation wants to cut off income sources of the 1948 Arabs.
And on and on
It is worth mentioning that Israel’s economically strangling policies to date have led to a 33% unemployment rate in the Negev and Umm al-Fahm, and widened the employment gap between Palestinians and Israelis: unemployment among Palestinians reached 25%, vs. 6.5% among Israelis.
To illustrate the depth of Israeli racism, it is enough to point to the humiliation the 1948 Arabs face during Israeli airport searches and unnecessary, inciting investigations. In addition, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office does not employ even one Arab; homes are demolished; towns and villages are not allowed to expand and build. Finally, Israeli trains do not pass through any Arab cities or towns inside Palestinian land.
In this context, the occupation authorities found another outlet to narrow the economic space to the Palestinians, with the Dubek, the only Israeli cigarette producer, stopped purchasing tobacco from Arab farmers. Keep in mind that tobacco is one of the main cash crops for Palestinians in the Galilee (West Bank), within the so-called “Green Line.” Thus, Israel has eliminated the market for one of the most important Arab agricultural products in Palestine. Instead of Arab tobacco, Israel has turned to its ally Turkey, and is importing Turkish tobacco.
To make things even worse in the economic war against the Palestinians – and in cooperation with Jordan – Israel recently closed a number of small sewing and knitting factories in the Galilee, the Triangle (a cluster of Israeli Arab villages near the Green Line), and the Negev areas. These factories, the source of income for a large number of Palestinian families, are now being moved to Jordan with the excuse of cheap labor. It is rumored that this is an attempt to support Jordan’s fragile economy, but clearly the occupation wants to cut off income sources of the 1948 Arabs.
And on and on
It is worth mentioning that Israel’s economically strangling policies to date have led to a 33% unemployment rate in the Negev and Umm al-Fahm, and widened the employment gap between Palestinians and Israelis: unemployment among Palestinians reached 25%, vs. 6.5% among Israelis.
To illustrate the depth of Israeli racism, it is enough to point to the humiliation the 1948 Arabs face during Israeli airport searches and unnecessary, inciting investigations. In addition, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office does not employ even one Arab; homes are demolished; towns and villages are not allowed to expand and build. Finally, Israeli trains do not pass through any Arab cities or towns inside Palestinian land.
PM says that while he sympathizes with frustration expressed by residents during anti-migrant demonstration, Israeli society has 'no place' for burning pictures of a minister; opposition leader hints Netanyahu responsible for fanning flames of anger in Israeli society.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned on Friday the burning of pictures of Interior Minister Aryeh Deri at a demonstration staged the previous night in south Tel Aviv against the government's failure to remove illegal African migrants from the area.
“I condemn the wrong act of burning pictures of Minister Deri. We have no place for acts such as these,” the prime minister said in a statement issued a day later.
In the same statement, Netanyahu said that he sympathized with frustration expressed by south Tel Aviv’s residents, who complain that they are forced to contend with the large presence of illegal African migrants.
“I sympathize with the plight of the residents of south Tel Aviv. The government, under my direction, together with Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, is undertaking constant efforts to remove the infiltrators from Israel, in both overt and covert ways,” Netanyahu said.
South Tel Aviv has been seriously affected by the wave of illegal migration in recent years that swept through Israel’s once-porous southern border.
The roughly 35,000 - 37,000 Africans, mainly from war-torn Sudan and dictatorial Eritrea, began arriving in Israel in 2005 through its border with Egypt after Egyptian forces violently quashed a refugee demonstration and word spread of safety and job opportunities in Israel.
Tens of thousands crossed the desert border, often after enduring dangerous journeys, before Israel completed a barrier in 2012 that stopped the influx.
Since then, Israel has wrestled with how to cope with those already in the country. Many took up menial jobs in hotels and restaurants, and thousands settled in southern Tel Aviv, where Israeli residents began complaining of rising crime.
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman also castigated the protesters for the burning of the pictures of the Shas leader, which one MK said, justifies a launching of an investigation into incitement.
“No protest justifies the burning of picture of ministers. These kinds of images are appropriate in other countries, not ours,” Lieberman wrote on his Twitter page. “I expect the heads of the protest in south Tel Aviv to condemn the act.”
Other senior political officials quickly joined the chorus of condemnation sparked by the controversial act carried out by a handful of the 400 demonstrators on the corner Levinsky Street and Levanda Street.
“The right to demonstrate is one of the most important in our democracy, but I condemn any act of violence. I support the justified protest of the south Tel Aviv residents, but the burning of the pictures of Minister Deri last night crossed the line,” said Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein.
The demonstration’s slogan—“Sophie is still waiting! Returning sovereignty!”—was selected as a reference to a meeting held between an elderly lady and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the area last year, who explained her difficulties and was promised by the prime minister that the migrant issue would soon be resolved.
Angry residents vented their frustration at what they say was an unfulfilled promise by Netanyahu last August to “return south Tel Aviv to Israel”, waving placards bearing slogans such as, inter alia, “Bibi, you promised. Deliver!” and “We live in Africa.”
Other MKs hailing from the ultra-Orthodox parties continued the torrent of condemnation, including United Torah Judaism Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman.
“This is a crossing of a red line in a legitimate dispute. It was an act that expresses wild and dangerous incitement against a serving minister, a public representatives” Litzman said, adding that it “cannot be accepted.” He further called on the police to bring those responsible to account.
Criticism also poured in from the Left of the political aisle, with Zionist Union leader Avi Gabbay blaming leaders for the manifestation of violence.
“The irresponsible discussions by leaders causes violence among extremists. That is both true when they attack Arabs just because they are Arabs, and when they burn pictures of a minister at a protest,” Gabbay said.
“Over the last decade our society has been torn within. The hand that lit the fire lost control and is still adding fuel. The wider public sees this and will bring about a change,” Gabbay continued in an apparent jab at Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned on Friday the burning of pictures of Interior Minister Aryeh Deri at a demonstration staged the previous night in south Tel Aviv against the government's failure to remove illegal African migrants from the area.
“I condemn the wrong act of burning pictures of Minister Deri. We have no place for acts such as these,” the prime minister said in a statement issued a day later.
In the same statement, Netanyahu said that he sympathized with frustration expressed by south Tel Aviv’s residents, who complain that they are forced to contend with the large presence of illegal African migrants.
“I sympathize with the plight of the residents of south Tel Aviv. The government, under my direction, together with Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, is undertaking constant efforts to remove the infiltrators from Israel, in both overt and covert ways,” Netanyahu said.
South Tel Aviv has been seriously affected by the wave of illegal migration in recent years that swept through Israel’s once-porous southern border.
The roughly 35,000 - 37,000 Africans, mainly from war-torn Sudan and dictatorial Eritrea, began arriving in Israel in 2005 through its border with Egypt after Egyptian forces violently quashed a refugee demonstration and word spread of safety and job opportunities in Israel.
Tens of thousands crossed the desert border, often after enduring dangerous journeys, before Israel completed a barrier in 2012 that stopped the influx.
Since then, Israel has wrestled with how to cope with those already in the country. Many took up menial jobs in hotels and restaurants, and thousands settled in southern Tel Aviv, where Israeli residents began complaining of rising crime.
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman also castigated the protesters for the burning of the pictures of the Shas leader, which one MK said, justifies a launching of an investigation into incitement.
“No protest justifies the burning of picture of ministers. These kinds of images are appropriate in other countries, not ours,” Lieberman wrote on his Twitter page. “I expect the heads of the protest in south Tel Aviv to condemn the act.”
Other senior political officials quickly joined the chorus of condemnation sparked by the controversial act carried out by a handful of the 400 demonstrators on the corner Levinsky Street and Levanda Street.
“The right to demonstrate is one of the most important in our democracy, but I condemn any act of violence. I support the justified protest of the south Tel Aviv residents, but the burning of the pictures of Minister Deri last night crossed the line,” said Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein.
The demonstration’s slogan—“Sophie is still waiting! Returning sovereignty!”—was selected as a reference to a meeting held between an elderly lady and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the area last year, who explained her difficulties and was promised by the prime minister that the migrant issue would soon be resolved.
Angry residents vented their frustration at what they say was an unfulfilled promise by Netanyahu last August to “return south Tel Aviv to Israel”, waving placards bearing slogans such as, inter alia, “Bibi, you promised. Deliver!” and “We live in Africa.”
Other MKs hailing from the ultra-Orthodox parties continued the torrent of condemnation, including United Torah Judaism Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman.
“This is a crossing of a red line in a legitimate dispute. It was an act that expresses wild and dangerous incitement against a serving minister, a public representatives” Litzman said, adding that it “cannot be accepted.” He further called on the police to bring those responsible to account.
Criticism also poured in from the Left of the political aisle, with Zionist Union leader Avi Gabbay blaming leaders for the manifestation of violence.
“The irresponsible discussions by leaders causes violence among extremists. That is both true when they attack Arabs just because they are Arabs, and when they burn pictures of a minister at a protest,” Gabbay said.
“Over the last decade our society has been torn within. The hand that lit the fire lost control and is still adding fuel. The wider public sees this and will bring about a change,” Gabbay continued in an apparent jab at Netanyahu.
Shas MK Yinon Azoulay calls for investigation into incitement after handful of some 400 protesters burn pictures of interior minister Deri as they protest government's failure to deport illegal African migrants from area; 'Netanyahu, for a moment I believed your promises' says protest ringleader.
Residents of south Tel Aviv rallied in the streets on Thursday evening in a display of anger over the government’s failure to fulfil promises made last year to rid the area of illegal African migrants, with some protesters burning pictures of Shas leader and Interior Minister Aryeh Deri.
The demonstration’s slogan—“Sophie is still waiting! Returning sovereignty!”—was selected as a reference to a meeting held between an elderly lady and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the area last year, who explained her difficulties and was promised by the prime minister that the migrant issue would soon be resolved.
Residents of south Tel Aviv rallied in the streets on Thursday evening in a display of anger over the government’s failure to fulfil promises made last year to rid the area of illegal African migrants, with some protesters burning pictures of Shas leader and Interior Minister Aryeh Deri.
The demonstration’s slogan—“Sophie is still waiting! Returning sovereignty!”—was selected as a reference to a meeting held between an elderly lady and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the area last year, who explained her difficulties and was promised by the prime minister that the migrant issue would soon be resolved.
Angry residents vented their frustration at what they say was an unfulfilled promise by Netanyahu last August to “return south Tel Aviv to Israel”, waving placards bearing slogans such as, inter alia, “Bibi, you promised. Deliver!” and “We live in Africa.”
Shas MK Yinon Azoulay called for the opening of an incitement investigation after pictures of Deri were set alight while protesters calling for the migrants’ deportation assembled on the corner Levinsky Street and Levanda street.
He also called on Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan to assign Deri additional security until the matter was clarified.
“Freedom of speech cannot tolerate calls for murder at all, and especially not against a government minister. The severity of the act demands the involvement of law enforcement officials,: Azoulay said.
South Tel Aviv has been seriously affected by the wave of illegal migration in recent years that swept through Israel’s once-porous southern border.
Around 400 activists gathered as they called for the deportation of the roughly 35,000 - 37,000 Africans, mainly from war-torn Sudan and dictatorial Eritrea, who began arriving in Israel in 2005 through its border with Egypt after Egyptian forces violently quashed a refugee demonstration and word spread of safety and job opportunities in Israel.
The protesters carried signs insisting that the migrants were neither endangered refugees or asylum seekers, but were rather “invaders and infiltrators.”
They also called for the reopening of the Holot detention facility where many of the migrants were being held before its closure.
“How does a person feel when his country betrays him?” asked Shefi Paz, a resident of southern Tel Aviv and one of the leaders of the Liberation of South Tel Aviv Front movement who is also one of the initiators of the protest. “Like the vomit smeared on the floor of the detention room,” she answered as she addressed the crowds on a microphone.
“Like an infiltrator is spitting in your face ... Like the drug addict hanging out at the entrance to the house. Like the empty promises,” she continued, before lashing out at Netanyahu.
“Benjamin Netanyahu, a year and three months ago you said ‘I promise’ and I was so afraid of believing you. Then, exactly one year ago, here in south Tel Aviv, you smiled and said: ‘You see, I promised and I fulfilled’ and for a moment … I chose to believe you. Then the fear returned which accompanied me until April, until everything crashed. The fear of hoping and deceiving the broken people,” she said.
The deportation plan, she complained, collapsed like a house of cards. The deportation activists, Paz insisted, stopped Israel from “surrendering” to the UN after Netanyahu announced that he was suspending the implementation of the plan reached with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on the deportation of African immigrants, just hours after announcing that he had approved it.
“We stopped it … because we knew that this deal was bad for Israel and that the boats from Africa were already on the way and that we must not give up,” she said.
“Now the time has come to speak openly and without political correctness. We don’t want you here. Eritreans, Sudanese, Indians, Georgians, Moldovans, Ukrainians, Colombians, Nepalese, Filipinos or anyone else who entered into Israel illegally or who stayed here illegally,” Paz declared.
“When you want, Netanyahu, you can do something. But you really have to want. Like in the days when you boldly and courageously built the fence. Find a way,” she urged the prime minister.
“Be smart. Think outside the box. Reopen the Holot facility. Put an end to this labor dispute in the Immigration Authority. Enforce the law. Give the deterrence powers back to the police. Arrest those without a status for any offense. Hand out heavy punishment against anyone caught without valid residency permits. The main thing is that you fulfil your promise that you gave to Sophie a year ago,” Paz concluded.
Shas MK Yinon Azoulay called for the opening of an incitement investigation after pictures of Deri were set alight while protesters calling for the migrants’ deportation assembled on the corner Levinsky Street and Levanda street.
He also called on Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan to assign Deri additional security until the matter was clarified.
“Freedom of speech cannot tolerate calls for murder at all, and especially not against a government minister. The severity of the act demands the involvement of law enforcement officials,: Azoulay said.
South Tel Aviv has been seriously affected by the wave of illegal migration in recent years that swept through Israel’s once-porous southern border.
Around 400 activists gathered as they called for the deportation of the roughly 35,000 - 37,000 Africans, mainly from war-torn Sudan and dictatorial Eritrea, who began arriving in Israel in 2005 through its border with Egypt after Egyptian forces violently quashed a refugee demonstration and word spread of safety and job opportunities in Israel.
The protesters carried signs insisting that the migrants were neither endangered refugees or asylum seekers, but were rather “invaders and infiltrators.”
They also called for the reopening of the Holot detention facility where many of the migrants were being held before its closure.
“How does a person feel when his country betrays him?” asked Shefi Paz, a resident of southern Tel Aviv and one of the leaders of the Liberation of South Tel Aviv Front movement who is also one of the initiators of the protest. “Like the vomit smeared on the floor of the detention room,” she answered as she addressed the crowds on a microphone.
“Like an infiltrator is spitting in your face ... Like the drug addict hanging out at the entrance to the house. Like the empty promises,” she continued, before lashing out at Netanyahu.
“Benjamin Netanyahu, a year and three months ago you said ‘I promise’ and I was so afraid of believing you. Then, exactly one year ago, here in south Tel Aviv, you smiled and said: ‘You see, I promised and I fulfilled’ and for a moment … I chose to believe you. Then the fear returned which accompanied me until April, until everything crashed. The fear of hoping and deceiving the broken people,” she said.
The deportation plan, she complained, collapsed like a house of cards. The deportation activists, Paz insisted, stopped Israel from “surrendering” to the UN after Netanyahu announced that he was suspending the implementation of the plan reached with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on the deportation of African immigrants, just hours after announcing that he had approved it.
“We stopped it … because we knew that this deal was bad for Israel and that the boats from Africa were already on the way and that we must not give up,” she said.
“Now the time has come to speak openly and without political correctness. We don’t want you here. Eritreans, Sudanese, Indians, Georgians, Moldovans, Ukrainians, Colombians, Nepalese, Filipinos or anyone else who entered into Israel illegally or who stayed here illegally,” Paz declared.
“When you want, Netanyahu, you can do something. But you really have to want. Like in the days when you boldly and courageously built the fence. Find a way,” she urged the prime minister.
“Be smart. Think outside the box. Reopen the Holot facility. Put an end to this labor dispute in the Immigration Authority. Enforce the law. Give the deterrence powers back to the police. Arrest those without a status for any offense. Hand out heavy punishment against anyone caught without valid residency permits. The main thing is that you fulfil your promise that you gave to Sophie a year ago,” Paz concluded.
30 aug 2018
Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel’s growing unofficial ties with major Arab countries reached an unprecedented and unexpected level.
Netanyahu made his remarks at a ceremony held on Wednesday at the nuclear research facility in Dimona to rename the facility after former Israeli president Shimon Peres.
"The process of normalization of major Arab countries with the strong state of Israel is happening before our very eyes, on a scale that would have been impossible to imagine just a few years ago; a process that will hopefully result in peace. But it is impossible to deny the fact that there remain many enemies in this region and beyond,” the premier said, alluding to Israel’s discreet relations with Gulf Arab states that see Iran as a common foe.
“In the Middle East, and in many parts of the world, there is a simple truth: there is no place for the weak. The weak are collapsing, slaughtered, erased from history; and the strong, for better or for worse, are the ones who survive. The strong are respected, the strong enter into alliances, and ultimately the strong make peace," he added. video
Netanyahu warns Israel’s enemies at nuclear center's ceremony
Speaking at renaming ceremony of the Negev Nuclear Research Center, PM says: ‘anyone who tries to harm us will be harmed'; Referring to the Iran-Syria deal: 'We are determined to prevent Iran's military buildup in Syria, no agreement will deter us.’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Negev Nuclear Research Center near Dimona on Wednesday and warned the country's enemies that Israel has the means to destroy them, in what appeared to be a veiled reference to the country's assumed nuclear arsenal.
"Those who threaten to wipe us out, put themselves in a similar danger, and in any event will not achieve their goal," the prime minister said during a ceremony to rename the nuclear research center after the late Israeli statesman Shimon Peres.
"Our enemies know very well what Israel is capable of, they know our policy, and anyone who tries to harm us—we will harm them," Netanyahu added.
The prime minister stressed the necessity for Israel to stand strong in the face of its enemies: "In the Middle East, and in many parts of the world, there is a simple truth: there is no place for the weak. The weak are collapsing, slaughtered, erased from history; and the strong, for better or for worse, are the ones who survive. The strong are respected, the strong enter into alliances, and ultimately the strong make peace."
Netanyahu also referred to the agreement between Iran and Syria saying,"the IDF will continue acting with full determination and with full might against Iran's attempts to station forces and advanced weapons systems in Syria, and no agreement between Syria and Iran will deter us, nor will any threat frighten us."
“We are working to prevent Iran's military buildup in Syria. We will not let go of this goal, just as we did not let go of the effort to bring about the cancellation of the nuclear agreement with Iran, which was perceived as impossible when I first placed it on the international agenda a few years ago," he added.
Israel has carried out scores of attacks against suspected Iranian and Hezbollah emplacements or arms transfers in Syria, while Russia, Damascus's big-power backer, has turned a blind eye.
The prime minister credited the Peres, his predecessor and a Nobel Peace laureate, with setting up the nuclear reactor in the 1950's as part of a vision of "normalization between core countries in the Arab world and the State of Israe.l"
"On the political level, we will continue to apply pressure against the dangerous and extremist regime in Iran. Only yesterday we saw the fruits of this pressure in the words of the Iranian president, who said that many Iranians have lost faith in Iran's future and its strength because of the renewed economic sanctions," he added.
The prime minister also discussed the deepening relations with the moderate Arab states: "The process of normalization of major Arab countries with the strong State of Israel is happening before our very eyes, on a scale that would have been impossible to imagine just a few years ago; a process that will hopefully result in peace. But it is impossible to deny the fact that there remain many enemies in this region and beyond.
“I am not merely using empty slogans, I am describing a consistent, clear and determined policy. This is our strategy and it is backed up with appropriate preparation and ready for the moment an order is issued," Netanyahu concluded.
Netanyahu made his remarks at a ceremony held on Wednesday at the nuclear research facility in Dimona to rename the facility after former Israeli president Shimon Peres.
"The process of normalization of major Arab countries with the strong state of Israel is happening before our very eyes, on a scale that would have been impossible to imagine just a few years ago; a process that will hopefully result in peace. But it is impossible to deny the fact that there remain many enemies in this region and beyond,” the premier said, alluding to Israel’s discreet relations with Gulf Arab states that see Iran as a common foe.
“In the Middle East, and in many parts of the world, there is a simple truth: there is no place for the weak. The weak are collapsing, slaughtered, erased from history; and the strong, for better or for worse, are the ones who survive. The strong are respected, the strong enter into alliances, and ultimately the strong make peace," he added. video
Netanyahu warns Israel’s enemies at nuclear center's ceremony
Speaking at renaming ceremony of the Negev Nuclear Research Center, PM says: ‘anyone who tries to harm us will be harmed'; Referring to the Iran-Syria deal: 'We are determined to prevent Iran's military buildup in Syria, no agreement will deter us.’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Negev Nuclear Research Center near Dimona on Wednesday and warned the country's enemies that Israel has the means to destroy them, in what appeared to be a veiled reference to the country's assumed nuclear arsenal.
"Those who threaten to wipe us out, put themselves in a similar danger, and in any event will not achieve their goal," the prime minister said during a ceremony to rename the nuclear research center after the late Israeli statesman Shimon Peres.
"Our enemies know very well what Israel is capable of, they know our policy, and anyone who tries to harm us—we will harm them," Netanyahu added.
The prime minister stressed the necessity for Israel to stand strong in the face of its enemies: "In the Middle East, and in many parts of the world, there is a simple truth: there is no place for the weak. The weak are collapsing, slaughtered, erased from history; and the strong, for better or for worse, are the ones who survive. The strong are respected, the strong enter into alliances, and ultimately the strong make peace."
Netanyahu also referred to the agreement between Iran and Syria saying,"the IDF will continue acting with full determination and with full might against Iran's attempts to station forces and advanced weapons systems in Syria, and no agreement between Syria and Iran will deter us, nor will any threat frighten us."
“We are working to prevent Iran's military buildup in Syria. We will not let go of this goal, just as we did not let go of the effort to bring about the cancellation of the nuclear agreement with Iran, which was perceived as impossible when I first placed it on the international agenda a few years ago," he added.
Israel has carried out scores of attacks against suspected Iranian and Hezbollah emplacements or arms transfers in Syria, while Russia, Damascus's big-power backer, has turned a blind eye.
The prime minister credited the Peres, his predecessor and a Nobel Peace laureate, with setting up the nuclear reactor in the 1950's as part of a vision of "normalization between core countries in the Arab world and the State of Israe.l"
"On the political level, we will continue to apply pressure against the dangerous and extremist regime in Iran. Only yesterday we saw the fruits of this pressure in the words of the Iranian president, who said that many Iranians have lost faith in Iran's future and its strength because of the renewed economic sanctions," he added.
The prime minister also discussed the deepening relations with the moderate Arab states: "The process of normalization of major Arab countries with the strong State of Israel is happening before our very eyes, on a scale that would have been impossible to imagine just a few years ago; a process that will hopefully result in peace. But it is impossible to deny the fact that there remain many enemies in this region and beyond.
“I am not merely using empty slogans, I am describing a consistent, clear and determined policy. This is our strategy and it is backed up with appropriate preparation and ready for the moment an order is issued," Netanyahu concluded.
27 aug 2018
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The Israeli regime has set up a system based on ethnic superiority, which is much worse than the apartheid system, says an activist.
Mick Napier, from Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, told Press TV on Monday that “a Jew born in ... Palestine may be rich or poor, but he or she is superior to a Palestinian from the day they are born to the day they die and this superiority is economic [and] political.” “The system in Israel is much, much worse than the apartheid system. It is not a carbon copy. It is much worse than the apartheid system that once reined in South Africa.” new video |
Arab members of the Israeli Knesset, of the Joint Arab List, aim to present a resolution at the United Nations to condemn the Nationality Law, in coordination with Palestinian representative to the UN, Riyad Mansour.
Hebrew-language news sites reported that Israeli diplomats have been informed that MKs of the Joint List have met with senior UN officials, including the Under-Secretary-General of Political Affairs.
Members of the Joint List reportedly presented the text of the Nationality Law saying it contains "Apartheid" provisions.
Israeli National News site reported that Israeli officials believe that the move may lead to a debate and a vote, and are now trying to wage an all-out battle against it.
According to the news site, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein responded to the report saying that "members of Knesset from the Joint List who receive salaries from the state and win all the parliamentary tools still dare to besmirch our name in the world."
"Anyone who collaborates with the Palestinian Authority against Israel should ask himself whether his place is in the Palestinian or Israeli parliament," Edelstein wrote in his Twitter account.
The UN General Assembly will be holding its annual session next month.
Hebrew-language news sites reported that Israeli diplomats have been informed that MKs of the Joint List have met with senior UN officials, including the Under-Secretary-General of Political Affairs.
Members of the Joint List reportedly presented the text of the Nationality Law saying it contains "Apartheid" provisions.
Israeli National News site reported that Israeli officials believe that the move may lead to a debate and a vote, and are now trying to wage an all-out battle against it.
According to the news site, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein responded to the report saying that "members of Knesset from the Joint List who receive salaries from the state and win all the parliamentary tools still dare to besmirch our name in the world."
"Anyone who collaborates with the Palestinian Authority against Israel should ask himself whether his place is in the Palestinian or Israeli parliament," Edelstein wrote in his Twitter account.
The UN General Assembly will be holding its annual session next month.
26 aug 2018
Arabs attacked in Binyamina
After 3 Arabs filed complaint with police for being beaten by Jews at Kiryat Haim beach in Haifa, 2 Tayibe residents who were moderately and lightly wounded say they were attacked by Jews because they are Arabs; police say incident not nationalistically motivated.
Two Tayibe residents filed a complaint with the police Sunday against Jews who allegedly had attacked them in Binyamina where they work, claiming the attack was nationalistically motivated, while an initial police debrief argued a fight broke out between construction workers based on work seniority feud.
The incident follows the attack on three Arabs from Shfaram at at the Kiryat Haim beach in Haifa last week.
One of the complainants who suffered stabbing injuries in his upper body was moderately wounded, while the second one was stabbed in his hands and face and was lightly wounded.
Both Arabs were taken to the Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba. In addition, it was reported five Jews were wounded in the incident.
According to the police, all those involved in the violent clash are contractor workers employed in Binyamina.
The police siad that a fight broke out near an educational institution between infrastructures renovation workers.
An initial debrief that took place in Zichron Yaakov police station concluded that the spat occurred amid work seniority disagreement, and that the workers' origin had nothing to do with the incident.
Seven of those involved were evacuated to receive medical attention and an investigation had been launched into the matter.
After 3 Arabs filed complaint with police for being beaten by Jews at Kiryat Haim beach in Haifa, 2 Tayibe residents who were moderately and lightly wounded say they were attacked by Jews because they are Arabs; police say incident not nationalistically motivated.
Two Tayibe residents filed a complaint with the police Sunday against Jews who allegedly had attacked them in Binyamina where they work, claiming the attack was nationalistically motivated, while an initial police debrief argued a fight broke out between construction workers based on work seniority feud.
The incident follows the attack on three Arabs from Shfaram at at the Kiryat Haim beach in Haifa last week.
One of the complainants who suffered stabbing injuries in his upper body was moderately wounded, while the second one was stabbed in his hands and face and was lightly wounded.
Both Arabs were taken to the Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba. In addition, it was reported five Jews were wounded in the incident.
According to the police, all those involved in the violent clash are contractor workers employed in Binyamina.
The police siad that a fight broke out near an educational institution between infrastructures renovation workers.
An initial debrief that took place in Zichron Yaakov police station concluded that the spat occurred amid work seniority disagreement, and that the workers' origin had nothing to do with the incident.
Seven of those involved were evacuated to receive medical attention and an investigation had been launched into the matter.
Tayibe resident lightly wounded after being stabbed in hands, face.
However, Tayibe's residents claim the attack was nationalistically motivated. They also added that they did not know their assailants.
"This wasn't a fight. After a man had wanted to enter the premises we were working in, we asked him to move his car and he refused," they explained.
"Suddenly he began shouting "Arab terrorists." A woman accompanying him called the police and claimed we wanted to rape her. After a few minutes, several additional men arrived to the scene and one of them stabbed me," Tayibe's resident who was wounded in his upper body recalled.
"We fled the scene and came to the Kedma police station. When I entered the station I collapsed and an ambulance took me to the hospital," he went on to say.
"This could have ended in disaster. I could have been shot because they said I'm a terrorist," he lamented.
The Arab who was lightly wounded said, "I was surprised when the police said a fight broke out. The attack was nationalistically motivated. We didn't hurt anyone and we don't know the people that hit us."
"I wonder why the police are attempting to shake off all responsibility. This incident is severe, we saw death facing us," he lashed out.
However, Tayibe's residents claim the attack was nationalistically motivated. They also added that they did not know their assailants.
"This wasn't a fight. After a man had wanted to enter the premises we were working in, we asked him to move his car and he refused," they explained.
"Suddenly he began shouting "Arab terrorists." A woman accompanying him called the police and claimed we wanted to rape her. After a few minutes, several additional men arrived to the scene and one of them stabbed me," Tayibe's resident who was wounded in his upper body recalled.
"We fled the scene and came to the Kedma police station. When I entered the station I collapsed and an ambulance took me to the hospital," he went on to say.
"This could have ended in disaster. I could have been shot because they said I'm a terrorist," he lamented.
The Arab who was lightly wounded said, "I was surprised when the police said a fight broke out. The attack was nationalistically motivated. We didn't hurt anyone and we don't know the people that hit us."
"I wonder why the police are attempting to shake off all responsibility. This incident is severe, we saw death facing us," he lashed out.
