21 jan 2014
IDF soldiers in front of the Kirya in Tel Aviv
40% of Palestine land is used as military bases or military training zoon by Israel military, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported. However, it explained that Israel military ministry still spends nearly 100 million shekels ($28.6 million) annually to rent offices, apartments and even private homes for various purposes.
It reported that Israel military ministry spent more than 79, 580,305 NIS in 2013 in renting buildings for military uses , making clear that Israel army controlled 7 to 8 million dunames of Palestinian land in 2010.
According to the report , most of military bases are in south occupied Palestine while dozens of them are in central occupied Palestine especially near Jerusalem. It also noted that some military establishments are housed in civilian office buildings in Gush Dan.
The report also explained that Israel rents 32 apartments for the military ministry and the IOF, most of them for military intelligence." It is not clear what all these apartments are used for, but some are used for screening personnel for top secret army unit," Haaretz cited.
Twenty-eight of the apartments are in Tel Aviv, and there is also one in Rosh Ha’ayin, one near Beit Shemesh, one in Haifa and one in an undisclosed location. The annual rent for these apartments comes to 1.9 million shekels in total.
The military establishment also rents thousands of parking spaces all over occupied Palestine , at a cost of 2.65 million shekels. Most of the parking is in the Tel Aviv area, but there are also parking spaces rented in Jerusalem, near the Haifa wholesale market, in Tzrifin and in Tiberias.
The military also pays some 9.5 million shekels to rent space at Haifa Port, and 127,000 shekels to rent space at the Herzliya marina for a naval patrol boat stationed there.
40% of Palestine land is used as military bases or military training zoon by Israel military, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported. However, it explained that Israel military ministry still spends nearly 100 million shekels ($28.6 million) annually to rent offices, apartments and even private homes for various purposes.
It reported that Israel military ministry spent more than 79, 580,305 NIS in 2013 in renting buildings for military uses , making clear that Israel army controlled 7 to 8 million dunames of Palestinian land in 2010.
According to the report , most of military bases are in south occupied Palestine while dozens of them are in central occupied Palestine especially near Jerusalem. It also noted that some military establishments are housed in civilian office buildings in Gush Dan.
The report also explained that Israel rents 32 apartments for the military ministry and the IOF, most of them for military intelligence." It is not clear what all these apartments are used for, but some are used for screening personnel for top secret army unit," Haaretz cited.
Twenty-eight of the apartments are in Tel Aviv, and there is also one in Rosh Ha’ayin, one near Beit Shemesh, one in Haifa and one in an undisclosed location. The annual rent for these apartments comes to 1.9 million shekels in total.
The military establishment also rents thousands of parking spaces all over occupied Palestine , at a cost of 2.65 million shekels. Most of the parking is in the Tel Aviv area, but there are also parking spaces rented in Jerusalem, near the Haifa wholesale market, in Tzrifin and in Tiberias.
The military also pays some 9.5 million shekels to rent space at Haifa Port, and 127,000 shekels to rent space at the Herzliya marina for a naval patrol boat stationed there.
Two people were injured after an unidentified object exploded in Jabaliya refugee camp north of the Gaza Strip.
Spokesman for the Gaza police Ayub Abu Shaar told Ma’an that two people suffered moderate injuries as a result of the explosion.
The cause of the blast was not immediately clear.
Spokesman for the Gaza police Ayub Abu Shaar told Ma’an that two people suffered moderate injuries as a result of the explosion.
The cause of the blast was not immediately clear.
The Hamas-run government in Gaza denied reports Tuesday claiming that it had deployed additional forces at the Gaza Strip border to stop attacks on Israel.
Spokesman for the Gaza government Islam Shahwan told Ma’an that “there was no increase to the numbers of security forces deployed at the borders”.
Shahwan added that the resistance would continue acting on behalf of Palestinians.
The official was responding to reports in Israeli media that Hamas has deployed hundreds of forces to stop violence against Israel and prevent Israeli reprisals.
Israel Radio reported that the government was trying to stop rogue groups from firing rockets toward Israel.
Also Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to teach Hamas a lesson "very soon" after recent cross-border violence.
"We foil terrorist attacks when we identify that they are in the making and we respond against those who attack us," Netanyahu told reporters in Jerusalem at a joint press conference with his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper.
"If Hamas and the other terror organizations forgot this lesson, they will learn it again the hard way and very soon," he said.
His warning was issued shortly after Hamas said it had deployed forces in Gaza to "preserve the truce" following an uptick of rocket fire on Israel.
Over the past month, tensions have risen in and around Gaza after more than a year of relative calm following Israel's war on the coastal territory in November 2012 which killed over 170 people, mainly civilians, and injured thousands.
Since Dec. 20, four Palestinians and an Israeli have been killed in violence in and around Gaza.
Israeli army figures show eight rockets have struck Israeli territory since Jan. 1, and another five were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system.
Israeli airstrikes this year on targets in Gaza have injured dozens of people, mainly civilians.
Earlier, Hamas confirmed its security forces had fanned out along the frontier to put a halt to firing by various militant groups.
"National security forces have been deployed in order to preserve the truce," Hamas interior ministry spokesman Islam Shawan told AFP, referring to an Egyptian-brokered deal which ended the Israel's assault on Gaza in November 2012.
Militants fired at least one rocket at southern Israel late on Monday which caused neither casualties nor damage.
Another rocket at the weekend prompted an air strike on Gaza City on Sunday which wounded two Palestinians, one critically, with the military saying it had targeted a senior Islamic Jihad member who was behind much of the rocket fire.
A 12-year-old boy was injured in the airstrike, which was condemned by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights as an "extra-judicial execution attempt" by Israel.
The Gaza Strip has been under a crippling Israeli blockade for seven years, which has severely limited imports and exports and has led to frequent humanitarian crises and hardship for Gazans.
Hamas deploys forces to prevent rocket fire on Israel
Organization running Gaza Strip has set up security checkpoints to prevent escalation of hostilities with Israel. Diplomatic communications through Egyptian mediator help avert breakdown of status quo
The security services of the Hamas-run government in the Gaza Strip have deployed forces along the major roadways leading to the border fence with Israel and across the eastern stretch of the Strip. The move is an attempt by the terrorist organization to prevent an escalation in the scale of hostilities with Israel.
Hamas forces are searching vehicles approaching the security fence to avert any additional rocket fire on Israel. A Gazan source familiar with organization's movements said there were hundreds of security personnel deployed in the area. The same sources refused to comment on which Palestinian faction was responsible for the rocket fire over the last week, though the IDF has pointed a finger at Islamic Jihad.
Last Friday, after five rockets were fired on Ashkelon, Hamas passed a message to Israel – through Egypt – claiming the organization was not interested in breaking the status quo. A Palestinian security source told Ynet that all the different factions in the strip met on Saturday. The meet was a Hamas initiative, and the participants were clearly told they must show restraint in order to prevent additional Israeli strikes on the strip. The meeting concluded with the understanding that all factions will maintain the peace, though a rocket was fired toward Sha'ar HaNegev a mere hours later.
Hamas was furious with the shooters, who were most likely affiliated with Islamic Jihad, and immediately announced that they will resolutely operate against anyone who attempts to launch rockets towards Israel. Back-channel successThe Gazan source said that at this stage another message was passed to Israel, claiming again that Hamas was not interested in an escalation and its forces would be deployed to prevent future incidents.
The source said Israel responded through Egyptian and UN channels that it was also not interested in a military escalation, though it emphasized that the IDF will retaliate for each rocket firing. The Egyptians clarified to Hamas that the Gazan government cannot give Israel an excuse to attack, and that Hamas must neutralize the factions efficiently.
The Egyptians also mentioned that Israel would be obligated to relax its military posture should the rocket firings stop. The communication between the two sides, through the Egyptian mediator, was intensive and immediate – which could explain the rivals' desire to return to a lull in hostilities.
The source added that the diplomatic contacts with Egypt continue on a daily basis. He believed that lone-wolf elements will manage to launch off a rocket from time to time, but expressed hope that Hamas will successfully deter such efforts.
On Sunday there was mounting concerns of an escalation, after an attempted assassination of an Islamic Jihad operative by the Israeli Air Force. The man was heavily wounded, as was a 12-year-old child.
The IDF
Spokesman for the Gaza government Islam Shahwan told Ma’an that “there was no increase to the numbers of security forces deployed at the borders”.
Shahwan added that the resistance would continue acting on behalf of Palestinians.
The official was responding to reports in Israeli media that Hamas has deployed hundreds of forces to stop violence against Israel and prevent Israeli reprisals.
Israel Radio reported that the government was trying to stop rogue groups from firing rockets toward Israel.
Also Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to teach Hamas a lesson "very soon" after recent cross-border violence.
"We foil terrorist attacks when we identify that they are in the making and we respond against those who attack us," Netanyahu told reporters in Jerusalem at a joint press conference with his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper.
"If Hamas and the other terror organizations forgot this lesson, they will learn it again the hard way and very soon," he said.
His warning was issued shortly after Hamas said it had deployed forces in Gaza to "preserve the truce" following an uptick of rocket fire on Israel.
Over the past month, tensions have risen in and around Gaza after more than a year of relative calm following Israel's war on the coastal territory in November 2012 which killed over 170 people, mainly civilians, and injured thousands.
Since Dec. 20, four Palestinians and an Israeli have been killed in violence in and around Gaza.
Israeli army figures show eight rockets have struck Israeli territory since Jan. 1, and another five were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system.
Israeli airstrikes this year on targets in Gaza have injured dozens of people, mainly civilians.
Earlier, Hamas confirmed its security forces had fanned out along the frontier to put a halt to firing by various militant groups.
"National security forces have been deployed in order to preserve the truce," Hamas interior ministry spokesman Islam Shawan told AFP, referring to an Egyptian-brokered deal which ended the Israel's assault on Gaza in November 2012.
Militants fired at least one rocket at southern Israel late on Monday which caused neither casualties nor damage.
Another rocket at the weekend prompted an air strike on Gaza City on Sunday which wounded two Palestinians, one critically, with the military saying it had targeted a senior Islamic Jihad member who was behind much of the rocket fire.
A 12-year-old boy was injured in the airstrike, which was condemned by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights as an "extra-judicial execution attempt" by Israel.
The Gaza Strip has been under a crippling Israeli blockade for seven years, which has severely limited imports and exports and has led to frequent humanitarian crises and hardship for Gazans.
Hamas deploys forces to prevent rocket fire on Israel
Organization running Gaza Strip has set up security checkpoints to prevent escalation of hostilities with Israel. Diplomatic communications through Egyptian mediator help avert breakdown of status quo
The security services of the Hamas-run government in the Gaza Strip have deployed forces along the major roadways leading to the border fence with Israel and across the eastern stretch of the Strip. The move is an attempt by the terrorist organization to prevent an escalation in the scale of hostilities with Israel.
Hamas forces are searching vehicles approaching the security fence to avert any additional rocket fire on Israel. A Gazan source familiar with organization's movements said there were hundreds of security personnel deployed in the area. The same sources refused to comment on which Palestinian faction was responsible for the rocket fire over the last week, though the IDF has pointed a finger at Islamic Jihad.
Last Friday, after five rockets were fired on Ashkelon, Hamas passed a message to Israel – through Egypt – claiming the organization was not interested in breaking the status quo. A Palestinian security source told Ynet that all the different factions in the strip met on Saturday. The meet was a Hamas initiative, and the participants were clearly told they must show restraint in order to prevent additional Israeli strikes on the strip. The meeting concluded with the understanding that all factions will maintain the peace, though a rocket was fired toward Sha'ar HaNegev a mere hours later.
Hamas was furious with the shooters, who were most likely affiliated with Islamic Jihad, and immediately announced that they will resolutely operate against anyone who attempts to launch rockets towards Israel. Back-channel successThe Gazan source said that at this stage another message was passed to Israel, claiming again that Hamas was not interested in an escalation and its forces would be deployed to prevent future incidents.
The source said Israel responded through Egyptian and UN channels that it was also not interested in a military escalation, though it emphasized that the IDF will retaliate for each rocket firing. The Egyptians clarified to Hamas that the Gazan government cannot give Israel an excuse to attack, and that Hamas must neutralize the factions efficiently.
The Egyptians also mentioned that Israel would be obligated to relax its military posture should the rocket firings stop. The communication between the two sides, through the Egyptian mediator, was intensive and immediate – which could explain the rivals' desire to return to a lull in hostilities.
The source added that the diplomatic contacts with Egypt continue on a daily basis. He believed that lone-wolf elements will manage to launch off a rocket from time to time, but expressed hope that Hamas will successfully deter such efforts.
On Sunday there was mounting concerns of an escalation, after an attempted assassination of an Islamic Jihad operative by the Israeli Air Force. The man was heavily wounded, as was a 12-year-old child.
The IDF
Two Fatah-affiliated lawmakers who fled the Gaza Strip in 2007 returned to the coastal enclave on Tuesday in a sign of warming relations between the two main Palestinian factions.
Hundreds of Fatah supporters gathered near Erez crossing to welcome Majid Abu Shammalah and Alaa Yaghi, two elected members of the Palestinian Legislative Council representing the Fatah movement.
The lawmakers crossed the border escorted by senior Fatah official Sufyan Abu Zaydah, and it was the first time that they had returned to the Gaza Strip since clashes between Fatah and Hamas across Palestine drove them out in 2007.
Since 2007, the two have been living in Ramallah in the Palestinian Authority-controlled West Bank.
Their return to Gaza is part of a series of good will gestures by Hamas-run Gaza Strip government premier Ismail Haniyeh to enhance reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, which leads the Palestinian Authority.
Hamas deputy foreign minister Ghazi Hamad was at the reception near Erez crossing along with Fatah lawmaker Ashraf Jumaa.
Over the last month, Hamas and Fatah officials have made a number of moves hinting towards a potential reconciliation in the wake of the humanitarian emergency faced by the Gaza government following December's historic winter storm.
The two main rival Palestinian parties have been on cold terms since 2006, when Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections.
In the following year, clashes erupted between Fatah and Hamas, leaving Hamas in control of the Strip and Fatah in control of parts of the occupied West Bank.
The groups have made failed attempts at national reconciliation for years, most recently in 2012, when they signed two agreements -- one in Cairo and a subsequent one in Doha -- which have as of yet been entirely unimplemented.
Hundreds of Fatah supporters gathered near Erez crossing to welcome Majid Abu Shammalah and Alaa Yaghi, two elected members of the Palestinian Legislative Council representing the Fatah movement.
The lawmakers crossed the border escorted by senior Fatah official Sufyan Abu Zaydah, and it was the first time that they had returned to the Gaza Strip since clashes between Fatah and Hamas across Palestine drove them out in 2007.
Since 2007, the two have been living in Ramallah in the Palestinian Authority-controlled West Bank.
Their return to Gaza is part of a series of good will gestures by Hamas-run Gaza Strip government premier Ismail Haniyeh to enhance reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, which leads the Palestinian Authority.
Hamas deputy foreign minister Ghazi Hamad was at the reception near Erez crossing along with Fatah lawmaker Ashraf Jumaa.
Over the last month, Hamas and Fatah officials have made a number of moves hinting towards a potential reconciliation in the wake of the humanitarian emergency faced by the Gaza government following December's historic winter storm.
The two main rival Palestinian parties have been on cold terms since 2006, when Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections.
In the following year, clashes erupted between Fatah and Hamas, leaving Hamas in control of the Strip and Fatah in control of parts of the occupied West Bank.
The groups have made failed attempts at national reconciliation for years, most recently in 2012, when they signed two agreements -- one in Cairo and a subsequent one in Doha -- which have as of yet been entirely unimplemented.
Hamas movement strongly condemned the statements of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, leader of the Conservative Party, that support Israel. Harper, during a speech to the Knesset on Monday, adopted an extremist political position, by supporting “the Jewish state of Israel” and by refusing to describe it as an apartheid state.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement on Tuesday that his movement refuses the Canadian Prime Minister's remarks, and considers them racist statements that represent an attempt to liquidate the right of return.
He pointed out that according to some leaked information, Canada will be one of the main countries to which the Palestinians will be displaced according to the ongoing negotiations.
For his part, Bassem Naim, adviser of International Relations to the Palestinian Prime Minister in Gaza, said that the Canadian position "collides with all the international laws that consider the Gaza blockade and stealing the lands in the West Bank as war crimes and racist behaviors."
He also pointed out that Canada was one of the first countries to cut off financial support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for refugees to exert more pressure on the Palestinian refugees to force them give up their right to return to their homeland.
Naim demanded Canada "to reconsider its position and abide by the international laws and resolutions” concerning Israel.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement on Tuesday that his movement refuses the Canadian Prime Minister's remarks, and considers them racist statements that represent an attempt to liquidate the right of return.
He pointed out that according to some leaked information, Canada will be one of the main countries to which the Palestinians will be displaced according to the ongoing negotiations.
For his part, Bassem Naim, adviser of International Relations to the Palestinian Prime Minister in Gaza, said that the Canadian position "collides with all the international laws that consider the Gaza blockade and stealing the lands in the West Bank as war crimes and racist behaviors."
He also pointed out that Canada was one of the first countries to cut off financial support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for refugees to exert more pressure on the Palestinian refugees to force them give up their right to return to their homeland.
Naim demanded Canada "to reconsider its position and abide by the international laws and resolutions” concerning Israel.
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Harper stresses Canada's strong bond with Israel, saying 'Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state is absolute and non-negotiable', apologizes for Nazi-era negligence, denounces boycotts of Jewish State – and is heckled by Arab parliamentarians
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper addressed the Knesset on Monday as part of his four-day visit to Israel and the West Bank. He became the first Canadian leader to address the Israeli government. In a speech full of praise for the Jewish State, Harper emphasized the strong ties between the two countries, even mentioning the Canadian army's use of Israeli technologies in Afghanistan. He told Israeli parliamentarians that Canada supports Israel because it is a moral imperative: “Canada supports Israel because it is right to do so. It is a Canadian tradition to stand for what is principled and just, regardless of whether it is convenient or popular," he said. Before the Canadian leader's address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a short speech highlighting the unique position Harper enjoys as a supporter of Israel in the international community, saying: "There are those who try to deny our connection to Jerusalem and our land. Not you. You know these facts well. There are others in the international community who know these facts as well, but the difference, Stephen, is that you have the courage to speak the truth." |
Netanyahu, who was heckled at times, criticized the international hypocrisy that characterizes discourse of Israel versus the Arab world. He said: "In an age of hypocrisy there are those who choose to point the finger at Israel, the only democracy in the region that respects human rights, maintains the rule of law, and guarantees the freedom of worship to any and all faiths."
He told Harper, "Canada under your leadership is a moral compass and a beacon of candor. You fight against the attempts to deprive Israel of its legitimacy and you stand by us in the war on terror."
In a well-received speech, the Canadian prime minister reiterated his government's position that "Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state is absolute and non-negotiable" – a position many in the government see as a precondition for the successful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Harper apologized for the Canadian government's refusal to help Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany.
While condemning calls in the international community to boycott the Jewish State, Harper was given a taste of Israel's rough-and-tumble parliament as he was heckled by Arab lawmakers. Lawmaker Ahmad Tibi screamed "settlements," while a second lawmaker, Talab Abu Arar, then shouted and stormed out of the hall.
After the outburst, Harper received a standing ovation from other parliamentarians. Noting that the activists and organizations who most vocally criticize Israel rarely give equal attention to the other cases of human rights abuses across the world, Harper warned that "in the garden of such moral relativism, the seeds of much more sinister notions can be easily planted." He added, "As once Jewish businesses were boycotted, some civil-society leaders today call for a boycott of Israel."
The Canadian prime minister also addressed another of Israel's threats – the Iranian nuclear program. He expressed hope that the diplomatic process would succeed, but emphasized that Canada would not rush to lift its sanctions.
He assured the Israeli legislators that, "For now Canada's own sanctions will remain fully in place." Before leaving the podium to a standing ovation, Harper reiterated the strategic message of his speech: "Through fire and water, Canada will stand with you."
Ahmad Tibi: Why I walked out on Stephen Harper's speech
An Arab-Israeli legislator who stormed out during Prime Minister Stephen Harper's speech to the Knesset on Monday says he did so as a form of protest against Harper's bias.
Speaking to Evan Solomon, host of CBC News Network's Power & Politics, Ahmad Tibi said Harper's speech was "biased" and that he described Israel in "a very unbalanced way."
"We are 20 per cent of the population, we are suffering discrimination," Tibi told Solomon.
"That democracy of Israel is a selective democracy, ethnic democracy. Canada is a democracy and people are equal without relation to their ethnic background. Here, there's a problem with that," he said.
Tibi is a deputy speaker of Knesset and leader of the Arab Movement for Change, or Ta'al.
Canada's foreign policy toward Israel is "biased, non-balanced, and that's why Canada has a very marginal role in the Middle East," Tibi said.
He and colleague Abu Arar walked out, Tibi said, "to say that we are very much unsatisfied with the remarks and the policy of Prime Minister Harper. It is very diplomatic. It's a protest which is legitimate in any parliament."
'Confiscating, occupying lands'
He told Harper, "Canada under your leadership is a moral compass and a beacon of candor. You fight against the attempts to deprive Israel of its legitimacy and you stand by us in the war on terror."
In a well-received speech, the Canadian prime minister reiterated his government's position that "Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state is absolute and non-negotiable" – a position many in the government see as a precondition for the successful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Harper apologized for the Canadian government's refusal to help Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany.
While condemning calls in the international community to boycott the Jewish State, Harper was given a taste of Israel's rough-and-tumble parliament as he was heckled by Arab lawmakers. Lawmaker Ahmad Tibi screamed "settlements," while a second lawmaker, Talab Abu Arar, then shouted and stormed out of the hall.
After the outburst, Harper received a standing ovation from other parliamentarians. Noting that the activists and organizations who most vocally criticize Israel rarely give equal attention to the other cases of human rights abuses across the world, Harper warned that "in the garden of such moral relativism, the seeds of much more sinister notions can be easily planted." He added, "As once Jewish businesses were boycotted, some civil-society leaders today call for a boycott of Israel."
The Canadian prime minister also addressed another of Israel's threats – the Iranian nuclear program. He expressed hope that the diplomatic process would succeed, but emphasized that Canada would not rush to lift its sanctions.
He assured the Israeli legislators that, "For now Canada's own sanctions will remain fully in place." Before leaving the podium to a standing ovation, Harper reiterated the strategic message of his speech: "Through fire and water, Canada will stand with you."
Ahmad Tibi: Why I walked out on Stephen Harper's speech
An Arab-Israeli legislator who stormed out during Prime Minister Stephen Harper's speech to the Knesset on Monday says he did so as a form of protest against Harper's bias.
Speaking to Evan Solomon, host of CBC News Network's Power & Politics, Ahmad Tibi said Harper's speech was "biased" and that he described Israel in "a very unbalanced way."
"We are 20 per cent of the population, we are suffering discrimination," Tibi told Solomon.
"That democracy of Israel is a selective democracy, ethnic democracy. Canada is a democracy and people are equal without relation to their ethnic background. Here, there's a problem with that," he said.
Tibi is a deputy speaker of Knesset and leader of the Arab Movement for Change, or Ta'al.
Canada's foreign policy toward Israel is "biased, non-balanced, and that's why Canada has a very marginal role in the Middle East," Tibi said.
He and colleague Abu Arar walked out, Tibi said, "to say that we are very much unsatisfied with the remarks and the policy of Prime Minister Harper. It is very diplomatic. It's a protest which is legitimate in any parliament."
'Confiscating, occupying lands'
Harper was speaking out against what he says is a more subtle form of anti-Semitism than what the world saw ahead of the Holocaust.
"Some civil-society leaders today call for a boycott of Israel.… Most disgracefully of all, some openly call Israel an apartheid state. Think about that. Think about the twisted logic and outright malice behind that," Harper said.
"A state, based on freedom, democracy and the rule of law, that was founded so Jews can flourish as Jews, and seek shelter from the shadow of the worst racist experiment in history," he said. "That is condemned, and that condemnation is masked in the language of anti-racism. It is nothing short of sickening."
Tibi said Harper didn't mention the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Canada officially opposes Israeli control over territories occupied in 1967, although Harper has refrained from criticizing Israel for its policy.
"When you are controlling, discriminating, confiscating, occupying lands from one side and putting them in the corner without any basic rights, you are by this way ruling and committing apartheid in the occupied Palestinian Territories," Tibi said.
"If he is talking about freedom, why [is he] totally neglecting the absence of freedom of the Palestinians under occupation? It is a double-standard. These words are moral double-standard from the prime minister of Canada."
Reuven Rivlin, a member of the governing Likud Party and former Speaker of the Knesset, said Tibi has the right to speak his mind because he lives in a democracy in Israel.
"Sometimes it's annoying a lot of members of [the] Knesset," Rivlin said in an interview with Solomon.
"I believe that he, Mr. Tibi, was elected to [the] Knesset as much as I was elected to [the] Knesset. But he has to respect the rule of law and to respect the rule of majority."
Support for Jewish state 'very, very important'
Rivlin said it's important to host the Canadian prime minister, whom he referred to as one of Israel's friends. Rivlin said Canadian support for a Jewish state is "very, very important for the Israeli people."
Tibi also took issue with the idea that debating boycotts of Israeli products and using the term apartheid is anti-Semitic.
"Do you accept at any case to be under occupation and then somebody will tell you that it is absolute democracy? It is not. We are living day by day here. Palestinians under occupation are living day by day, and saying that the occupied territory is apartheid has no relation at any case with anti-Semitism," he said.
"What's the connection? If you are criticizing the policy of the state of Israel, immediately you are categorized as anti-Semitic. This is a twisted logic of Mr. Harper."
The Knesset has people from all sides and with all views, Rivlin said.
"In Israel, in spite of all differences of opinion and in spite of the idea that we are sometimes thinking that Mr. Tibi can incite against the state of Israel, he has the ability and he has the right to say his words in the Israeli parliament without any fear.
Not just a Jewish state, Tibi says
Tibi argued that with one-fifth of Israel's population made up of Arab-Israelis, Israel does not belong only to the Jewish population.
"We are citizens of this state. We are indigenous people," Tibi said.
"Israel should be defined as a state of its own nationalities. There are two nationalities in Israel. One is [the] Jewish majority, one is [the] Arab-Palestinian minority. We are not transparent. We are not nonsense, nobody. We are community, we are minority and we are a national minority. Saying that Israel is the Jewish state is neglecting our existence, our very existence and our narrative, and I will not accept that."
"Some civil-society leaders today call for a boycott of Israel.… Most disgracefully of all, some openly call Israel an apartheid state. Think about that. Think about the twisted logic and outright malice behind that," Harper said.
"A state, based on freedom, democracy and the rule of law, that was founded so Jews can flourish as Jews, and seek shelter from the shadow of the worst racist experiment in history," he said. "That is condemned, and that condemnation is masked in the language of anti-racism. It is nothing short of sickening."
Tibi said Harper didn't mention the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Canada officially opposes Israeli control over territories occupied in 1967, although Harper has refrained from criticizing Israel for its policy.
"When you are controlling, discriminating, confiscating, occupying lands from one side and putting them in the corner without any basic rights, you are by this way ruling and committing apartheid in the occupied Palestinian Territories," Tibi said.
"If he is talking about freedom, why [is he] totally neglecting the absence of freedom of the Palestinians under occupation? It is a double-standard. These words are moral double-standard from the prime minister of Canada."
Reuven Rivlin, a member of the governing Likud Party and former Speaker of the Knesset, said Tibi has the right to speak his mind because he lives in a democracy in Israel.
"Sometimes it's annoying a lot of members of [the] Knesset," Rivlin said in an interview with Solomon.
"I believe that he, Mr. Tibi, was elected to [the] Knesset as much as I was elected to [the] Knesset. But he has to respect the rule of law and to respect the rule of majority."
Support for Jewish state 'very, very important'
Rivlin said it's important to host the Canadian prime minister, whom he referred to as one of Israel's friends. Rivlin said Canadian support for a Jewish state is "very, very important for the Israeli people."
Tibi also took issue with the idea that debating boycotts of Israeli products and using the term apartheid is anti-Semitic.
"Do you accept at any case to be under occupation and then somebody will tell you that it is absolute democracy? It is not. We are living day by day here. Palestinians under occupation are living day by day, and saying that the occupied territory is apartheid has no relation at any case with anti-Semitism," he said.
"What's the connection? If you are criticizing the policy of the state of Israel, immediately you are categorized as anti-Semitic. This is a twisted logic of Mr. Harper."
The Knesset has people from all sides and with all views, Rivlin said.
"In Israel, in spite of all differences of opinion and in spite of the idea that we are sometimes thinking that Mr. Tibi can incite against the state of Israel, he has the ability and he has the right to say his words in the Israeli parliament without any fear.
Not just a Jewish state, Tibi says
Tibi argued that with one-fifth of Israel's population made up of Arab-Israelis, Israel does not belong only to the Jewish population.
"We are citizens of this state. We are indigenous people," Tibi said.
"Israel should be defined as a state of its own nationalities. There are two nationalities in Israel. One is [the] Jewish majority, one is [the] Arab-Palestinian minority. We are not transparent. We are not nonsense, nobody. We are community, we are minority and we are a national minority. Saying that Israel is the Jewish state is neglecting our existence, our very existence and our narrative, and I will not accept that."
Sofian Abu Zaidah, a member of Fatah Revolutionary Council announced that he will visit the Gaza Strip on Tuesday for the first time since the internal conflict between Fatah and Hamas on 2007. Abu Zaidah’s visit came as a response for Palestinian Prime Minister Isamil Haniyeh’s intiative.
He announced on Jan,2014 that all Fatah members, except those accused of killing Palestinians during the factional violence that broke out in 2007, could return to Gaza "without any preconditions", in addition to the release of Fatah members from Gaza prisons .
Haniyeh stated that these decisions would reinforce the internal [Palestinian] front and pave the way for reconciliation.
Abu Zaidah welcomed Haniyeh’s decisions affirming that they are “a step in the right direction”. He called Fatah members for seizing the opportunity and to get back to the Gaza Strip to regain the lost trust between the two rivals.
He announced on Jan,2014 that all Fatah members, except those accused of killing Palestinians during the factional violence that broke out in 2007, could return to Gaza "without any preconditions", in addition to the release of Fatah members from Gaza prisons .
Haniyeh stated that these decisions would reinforce the internal [Palestinian] front and pave the way for reconciliation.
Abu Zaidah welcomed Haniyeh’s decisions affirming that they are “a step in the right direction”. He called Fatah members for seizing the opportunity and to get back to the Gaza Strip to regain the lost trust between the two rivals.
Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations Mohammad Khazaei, who was speaking on behalf of the NAM at the UN General Assembly on Monday, criticized unjust Israeli policies being imposed on the Palestinian people. Iran is the current president of the NAM, Press TV reported. “The NAM reiterates its serious concern over the continued systematic human rights violations against the Palestinian people,” Iran’s envoy to the UN said.
Khazaei also cited detaining children, arbitrary arrests, and use of excessive force as some violations being committed by the Israelis.
He added that the Israeli occupation continues to arrest Palestinian civilians, including children, on almost a daily basis.
More than 4,500 Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli prisons, many of them without charge or trial.
He further touched upon the illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip by Tel Aviv, saying that “the blockade inflicts great social and economic losses and humanitarian hardship on the Palestinian people besieged there.”
He urged the international community to persist on its calls on Israel to immediately lift the blockade.
In 2011, a UN panel found that Israel’s blockade has subjected Gazans to collective punishment, which is “in flagrant contravention of international human rights and humanitarian law.” But Israel has ignored repeated international pleas to lift the blockade.
Gaza has been blockaded since June 2007, a situation that has caused a decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.
The apartheid regime of Israel denies the people in Gaza their basic rights, such as freedom of movement, jobs that pay proper wages, and adequate healthcare and education.
Khazaei also cited detaining children, arbitrary arrests, and use of excessive force as some violations being committed by the Israelis.
He added that the Israeli occupation continues to arrest Palestinian civilians, including children, on almost a daily basis.
More than 4,500 Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli prisons, many of them without charge or trial.
He further touched upon the illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip by Tel Aviv, saying that “the blockade inflicts great social and economic losses and humanitarian hardship on the Palestinian people besieged there.”
He urged the international community to persist on its calls on Israel to immediately lift the blockade.
In 2011, a UN panel found that Israel’s blockade has subjected Gazans to collective punishment, which is “in flagrant contravention of international human rights and humanitarian law.” But Israel has ignored repeated international pleas to lift the blockade.
Gaza has been blockaded since June 2007, a situation that has caused a decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.
The apartheid regime of Israel denies the people in Gaza their basic rights, such as freedom of movement, jobs that pay proper wages, and adequate healthcare and education.
The Chilean football federation has banned a top division team from using a new shirt that has the number one shaped as the map of Palestine, BBC reported. Palestino, a club founded by the large Palestinian community in Chile, has used the new kit in three matches.
The Israeli occupation complained to the Chilean Federation and succeeded in banning the shirt.
The Chilian federation issued a fine of $1,300 (£800) to the Santiago-based club.
Palestino unveiled the new shirts in December, keeping the club's traditional colours, matching those of the Palestine flag - red, green, white and black.
Jewish organizations in Chile complained, but it was the owner of first division club Nublense, Patrick Kiblisky, who put forward a formal complaint against Palestino.
It took several weeks for the football authorities to act and in the meantime the new kit continued to be used.
The club said that it had used the same design in previous seasons.
On its Facebook page, the club makes clear its views on the Middle East: "For us, free Palestine will always be historical Palestine, nothing less."
Chile is home to one of the largest Palestinian communities outside the Middle East, says the BBC's Gideon Long in Santiago.
Palestino was founded in 1920 by immigrants in the south of Chile, according to the club's website. It became a professional football team in 1952 and has won the league twice.
The Israeli occupation complained to the Chilean Federation and succeeded in banning the shirt.
The Chilian federation issued a fine of $1,300 (£800) to the Santiago-based club.
Palestino unveiled the new shirts in December, keeping the club's traditional colours, matching those of the Palestine flag - red, green, white and black.
Jewish organizations in Chile complained, but it was the owner of first division club Nublense, Patrick Kiblisky, who put forward a formal complaint against Palestino.
It took several weeks for the football authorities to act and in the meantime the new kit continued to be used.
The club said that it had used the same design in previous seasons.
On its Facebook page, the club makes clear its views on the Middle East: "For us, free Palestine will always be historical Palestine, nothing less."
Chile is home to one of the largest Palestinian communities outside the Middle East, says the BBC's Gideon Long in Santiago.
Palestino was founded in 1920 by immigrants in the south of Chile, according to the club's website. It became a professional football team in 1952 and has won the league twice.
The Palestinian government congratulated the Christian community in the Gaza Strip on their celebration of the holy birth of Jesus Christ and said that the Christians are an integral part of the Palestinian society. The government hailed the steadfastness of the Christian Palestinians in Gaza in the face of the Israeli aggression and their national role in the struggle against the occupation, and stressed the need for preserving and strengthening the Muslim-Christian social fabric in Gaza.
This came during a recent visit by a government delegation to the Church of Saint Porphyrius, the Orthodox Christian church of Gaza.
The delegation included advisor to the Palestinian premier for international relations Basem Naim and deputy minister of foreign affairs Ghazi Hamad as well as other senior government officials.
The delegation highlighted premier Haneyya's keenness on making 2014 a year for national reconciliation and unity between the Palestinians from all spectra.
The delegation met with Bishop Alexius and members of the Church council and conveyed premier Ismail Haneyya's sincerest wishes to the Christian community for a happy new year.
For his part, Bishop Alexius expressed his happiness for the visit and hailed the positions of premier Haneyya and his government towards the Christian community in Gaza and stressed the importance of such visits in strengthening the ties between the Muslim and Christian Palestinians.
This came during a recent visit by a government delegation to the Church of Saint Porphyrius, the Orthodox Christian church of Gaza.
The delegation included advisor to the Palestinian premier for international relations Basem Naim and deputy minister of foreign affairs Ghazi Hamad as well as other senior government officials.
The delegation highlighted premier Haneyya's keenness on making 2014 a year for national reconciliation and unity between the Palestinians from all spectra.
The delegation met with Bishop Alexius and members of the Church council and conveyed premier Ismail Haneyya's sincerest wishes to the Christian community for a happy new year.
For his part, Bishop Alexius expressed his happiness for the visit and hailed the positions of premier Haneyya and his government towards the Christian community in Gaza and stressed the importance of such visits in strengthening the ties between the Muslim and Christian Palestinians.
An explosive device went off in the southeastern Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning about 200 meters away from the border with Israel.
Witnesses told a Ma’an reporter that they heard thunderous blast east of al-Qarara village in Khan Younis district. They highlighted that several Israeli military vehicles arrived in the area after the explosion.
An Israeli forces spokesperson confirmed to Israeli media that an explosive device went off in Palestinian territory near the border fence.
An Israeli military patrol was scanning the border area before the device exploded, but no injuries have been reported, the Israeli spokesperson added.
Witnesses told a Ma’an reporter that they heard thunderous blast east of al-Qarara village in Khan Younis district. They highlighted that several Israeli military vehicles arrived in the area after the explosion.
An Israeli forces spokesperson confirmed to Israeli media that an explosive device went off in Palestinian territory near the border fence.
An Israeli military patrol was scanning the border area before the device exploded, but no injuries have been reported, the Israeli spokesperson added.
Dr. Nabeel Shaath is Fatah foreign relations commissioner, member of the PLO Political Committee and former foreign minister.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has visited Palestine.
He has met with President Mahmoud Abbas, and he would have been received with the grace and generosity of spirit that is characteristic of Abu Mazen and his people. Mr. Harper will be able to say that he visited Mr. Abbas.
But other than this official meeting, nobody else is asking to meet Mr. Harper. This would not have been the case with a Canadian leader only a few years ago, and it is a shame that it has become the case today.
Unlike previous governments, the current Canadian government has done everything possible in order to undermine Palestine's international status and stand in the way of our right to self-determination, acting in disrespect for international law.
The past few years have witnessed a shocking voting record in the UN, which has left Canada almost alone in many instances. Canada has declined to vote even on basic, near-universally accepted resolutions, such as the illegality of Israeli settlements or the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
Meanwhile, actions such as Foreign Minister John Baird’s meeting with Tzipi Livni in occupied East Jerusalem in June, 2013, and Canada's lobby against Palestine's UN bid have taken Canada outside of international consensus, making Canada part of the problem rather than part of the solution.
Palestine's position is in complete accordance with international law: Two sovereign and democratic states on the 1967 border, with Jerusalem as an open city and capital of two independent states whereby occupied East Jerusalem will be the capital of the State of Palestine, and West Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel, and a just solution to the refugee issue in line with UNGA resolution 194.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its policies of settlement construction, home demolition, forced displacement of population, arrests, seizure of natural resources and severe restrictions on freedom of movement and worship, especially in Jerusalem. These are only some of Israel's deeply oppressive actions against Palestine and its people that the Canadian government insists on rewarding with its blind support.
Mr. Harper has said that he will continue to support Israel "whatever the cost." This statement is illogical and dangerous when we are talking about a country that violates the sovereignty of three other nations and the human rights of millions, and refuses to abide by international law.
Thousands of Canadian citizens are of Palestinian, Syrian or Lebanese origin. They cannot comprehend how their government, regardless of its strong alliance with Israel, could go as far as to be against the right to self-determination.
Harper's support for Israeli colonization of Palestine appears to be based on religious ground. But such a position is also illogical: The Christians of the Holy Land are an integral part of the Palestinian people.
Through various initiatives such as the Kairos Document, Palestine's Christians have made it clear that, in order to fulfill even the most basic of their rights, the Israeli occupation must be brought to an end. More than this, they consider the Israeli occupation, with all its crimes perpetrated against fellow human beings, to be a sin against God.
During my last visit to Canada I saw that the Canadian public, as well as many officials, are tired of this biased and uncritical stance towards Israel's occupation. They remember the days when Canadian policy towards our region was based on international law and human rights; the days when Canada was a strong supporter of a meaningful peace process; the days when Canada chaired the committee on Palestinian refugees, supported Palestinian infrastructure and committed itself to clearing the West Bank of Israeli mines.
Canada's stand vis-à-vis the Arab world, as well as its own reputation within the UN system, has been damaged by decisions not based on Canada's own national interests, self image, and its respect for international law.
Some statements suggest that Canada is playing a "balanced" role due to its material support for institution-building projects in Palestine. But let me be clear: Yes, we do need institutions, and we are grateful for the support we get, but these projects cannot be sustainable unless the Israeli occupation is brought to an end.
Only when Palestine has control over its border crossings and an airport of its own; when we are free to determine our own imports and exports; when we have access to our own natural resources; and, most importantly, when we are free to exercise our rights to exist, to live and to love, will institutions be able to serve their real purpose.
The function of our institutions is not just to pay salaries but to take the Palestinian people from occupation to independence.
Mr. Harper and his colleagues are always welcome to our country, but I wish I could be more optimistic about this visit. I genuinely hope I am proven wrong.
I pray that during Mr. Harper’s visit to the Nativity Church, the star of hope that shone on Bethlehem 2000 years ago will enlighten his heart and mind, prompting him to change his government’s policy from blind support for colonization to principled support for human rights.
He would be playing then a constructive role as a friend of both: the Palestinians and Israelis, helping them to achieve peace, security and justice.
Originally published on The Globe and Mail on Jan. 20, 2014.
The views expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect Ma'an News Agency's editorial policy.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has visited Palestine.
He has met with President Mahmoud Abbas, and he would have been received with the grace and generosity of spirit that is characteristic of Abu Mazen and his people. Mr. Harper will be able to say that he visited Mr. Abbas.
But other than this official meeting, nobody else is asking to meet Mr. Harper. This would not have been the case with a Canadian leader only a few years ago, and it is a shame that it has become the case today.
Unlike previous governments, the current Canadian government has done everything possible in order to undermine Palestine's international status and stand in the way of our right to self-determination, acting in disrespect for international law.
The past few years have witnessed a shocking voting record in the UN, which has left Canada almost alone in many instances. Canada has declined to vote even on basic, near-universally accepted resolutions, such as the illegality of Israeli settlements or the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
Meanwhile, actions such as Foreign Minister John Baird’s meeting with Tzipi Livni in occupied East Jerusalem in June, 2013, and Canada's lobby against Palestine's UN bid have taken Canada outside of international consensus, making Canada part of the problem rather than part of the solution.
Palestine's position is in complete accordance with international law: Two sovereign and democratic states on the 1967 border, with Jerusalem as an open city and capital of two independent states whereby occupied East Jerusalem will be the capital of the State of Palestine, and West Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel, and a just solution to the refugee issue in line with UNGA resolution 194.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its policies of settlement construction, home demolition, forced displacement of population, arrests, seizure of natural resources and severe restrictions on freedom of movement and worship, especially in Jerusalem. These are only some of Israel's deeply oppressive actions against Palestine and its people that the Canadian government insists on rewarding with its blind support.
Mr. Harper has said that he will continue to support Israel "whatever the cost." This statement is illogical and dangerous when we are talking about a country that violates the sovereignty of three other nations and the human rights of millions, and refuses to abide by international law.
Thousands of Canadian citizens are of Palestinian, Syrian or Lebanese origin. They cannot comprehend how their government, regardless of its strong alliance with Israel, could go as far as to be against the right to self-determination.
Harper's support for Israeli colonization of Palestine appears to be based on religious ground. But such a position is also illogical: The Christians of the Holy Land are an integral part of the Palestinian people.
Through various initiatives such as the Kairos Document, Palestine's Christians have made it clear that, in order to fulfill even the most basic of their rights, the Israeli occupation must be brought to an end. More than this, they consider the Israeli occupation, with all its crimes perpetrated against fellow human beings, to be a sin against God.
During my last visit to Canada I saw that the Canadian public, as well as many officials, are tired of this biased and uncritical stance towards Israel's occupation. They remember the days when Canadian policy towards our region was based on international law and human rights; the days when Canada was a strong supporter of a meaningful peace process; the days when Canada chaired the committee on Palestinian refugees, supported Palestinian infrastructure and committed itself to clearing the West Bank of Israeli mines.
Canada's stand vis-à-vis the Arab world, as well as its own reputation within the UN system, has been damaged by decisions not based on Canada's own national interests, self image, and its respect for international law.
Some statements suggest that Canada is playing a "balanced" role due to its material support for institution-building projects in Palestine. But let me be clear: Yes, we do need institutions, and we are grateful for the support we get, but these projects cannot be sustainable unless the Israeli occupation is brought to an end.
Only when Palestine has control over its border crossings and an airport of its own; when we are free to determine our own imports and exports; when we have access to our own natural resources; and, most importantly, when we are free to exercise our rights to exist, to live and to love, will institutions be able to serve their real purpose.
The function of our institutions is not just to pay salaries but to take the Palestinian people from occupation to independence.
Mr. Harper and his colleagues are always welcome to our country, but I wish I could be more optimistic about this visit. I genuinely hope I am proven wrong.
I pray that during Mr. Harper’s visit to the Nativity Church, the star of hope that shone on Bethlehem 2000 years ago will enlighten his heart and mind, prompting him to change his government’s policy from blind support for colonization to principled support for human rights.
He would be playing then a constructive role as a friend of both: the Palestinians and Israelis, helping them to achieve peace, security and justice.
Originally published on The Globe and Mail on Jan. 20, 2014.
The views expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect Ma'an News Agency's editorial policy.
20 jan 2014
Israel's war minister Moshe Ya'alon said that the army will attack all those who threaten the security of the Israelis, holding Hamas responsible for the recent military escalation. Ya'alon said, in a statement on Sunday after an Israeli aircraft targeted an activist from the Jihad movement, “We will not accept the targeting of Israel, and we will act to cause damage to anyone that threatens the security of our citizens.”
He said that Hamas is responsible for any rockets fired from Gaza at Israeli targets, adding that it was not imposing its authority on the field. “Thus we will work against it and damage its interests”.
For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "We advise Hamas to take our threats seriously," adding, "The Israeli security policy toward Gaza envisages preemptive strikes to thwart attacks before they are implemented and to strongly respond to any attempt to harm us."
Earlier on Sunday, Taher al-Nunu, the media adviser to the Palestinian Prime Minister, warned the Israeli occupation of continuing the military escalation on the Gaza Strip.
Nunu advised the occupation to stop all forms of aggression against the Palestinian people, pointing out that the escalation is a risky adventure and will not enable the occupation to achieve any victory.
He said that Hamas is responsible for any rockets fired from Gaza at Israeli targets, adding that it was not imposing its authority on the field. “Thus we will work against it and damage its interests”.
For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "We advise Hamas to take our threats seriously," adding, "The Israeli security policy toward Gaza envisages preemptive strikes to thwart attacks before they are implemented and to strongly respond to any attempt to harm us."
Earlier on Sunday, Taher al-Nunu, the media adviser to the Palestinian Prime Minister, warned the Israeli occupation of continuing the military escalation on the Gaza Strip.
Nunu advised the occupation to stop all forms of aggression against the Palestinian people, pointing out that the escalation is a risky adventure and will not enable the occupation to achieve any victory.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited Bethlehem and Ramallah on Monday as part of a four-day visit to the Holy Land.
Harper met with President Abbas in Ramallah, where he was received in an official ceremony.
Abbas and Harper inspected the honor guard as delegations from both sides met. A Canadian business delegation accompanied Harper and will meet with their Palestinian counterparts to discuss join ventures and investments, official news agency Wafa reported.
It is expected that Harper will pledge over $60 million to support the Palestinian private sector.
Earlier, Harper's visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem was mired in controversy as local journalists claimed that the premier's bodyguards assaulted them as they tried to cover his visit.
Cameraman Mousa al-Shaer told Ma'an that it was agreed that Harper and his entourage would enter the church first, with journalists following afterwards.
However, the Canadian premier's bodyguards prevented local journalists from entering the church and assaulted them in the process, al-Shaer said.
The Palestinian Union of Journalists said that one journalist was punched in the face and Amir Hijazi, who works for a local TV station, was hit with a metal object.
The union urged all Palestinian journalists to boycott Harper's visit to Palestine and called on the Canadian premier to issue an official apology.
Harper met with President Abbas in Ramallah, where he was received in an official ceremony.
Abbas and Harper inspected the honor guard as delegations from both sides met. A Canadian business delegation accompanied Harper and will meet with their Palestinian counterparts to discuss join ventures and investments, official news agency Wafa reported.
It is expected that Harper will pledge over $60 million to support the Palestinian private sector.
Earlier, Harper's visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem was mired in controversy as local journalists claimed that the premier's bodyguards assaulted them as they tried to cover his visit.
Cameraman Mousa al-Shaer told Ma'an that it was agreed that Harper and his entourage would enter the church first, with journalists following afterwards.
However, the Canadian premier's bodyguards prevented local journalists from entering the church and assaulted them in the process, al-Shaer said.
The Palestinian Union of Journalists said that one journalist was punched in the face and Amir Hijazi, who works for a local TV station, was hit with a metal object.
The union urged all Palestinian journalists to boycott Harper's visit to Palestine and called on the Canadian premier to issue an official apology.
In order to divert attention from yet more Israeli violations in occupied Palestine, including the announcement of new settlement units, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman have filed baseless complaints to the European Union about "Palestinian incitement".
The PLO Negotiations Affairs Department (NAD) said in a statement Monday that these tactics are a part of an overall campaign by senior Israeli officials to undermine international efforts, while attempting to lay the blame at Palestine's door. Israeli Army Minister Moshe Ya'alon's recent defamatory comments against US Secretary of State John Kerry have made this campaign patently clear.
Such tactics are also an attempt to draw attention away from Israel's illegal settlement enterprise, which is the main obstacle to peace, it added.
According to the statement, recent comments made by high-ranking Israeli officials, including Economy Minister Bennett, ("It is our duty to encourage continuous Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria [the occupied West Bank]") and Housing Minister Ariel ("No Jewish town [settlement] will be uprooted. We'll continue building"), among many others, display Israel's true agenda.
NAD said, "Despite our firm belief that these allegations of Palestinian incitement are nothing more than diversionary tactics, we call upon the Government of Israel to accept our standing offer to resume the work of the Tripartite Committee on Incitement."
"We also invite PM Netanyahu to tackle the issue of incitement within his own government, beginning with his statements to the settler movement that the Hebron and Bet El settlements, located in the heart of Palestinian districts, are not going to be evacuated under any agreement," NAD added.
PLO Negotiations Affairs Department demands that Israel end the systematic denial of Palestinian rights and the acts of violence committed against the Palestinian people as a result of its illegal occupation, which is preventing a just and lasting peace.
The PLO Negotiations Affairs Department (NAD) said in a statement Monday that these tactics are a part of an overall campaign by senior Israeli officials to undermine international efforts, while attempting to lay the blame at Palestine's door. Israeli Army Minister Moshe Ya'alon's recent defamatory comments against US Secretary of State John Kerry have made this campaign patently clear.
Such tactics are also an attempt to draw attention away from Israel's illegal settlement enterprise, which is the main obstacle to peace, it added.
According to the statement, recent comments made by high-ranking Israeli officials, including Economy Minister Bennett, ("It is our duty to encourage continuous Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria [the occupied West Bank]") and Housing Minister Ariel ("No Jewish town [settlement] will be uprooted. We'll continue building"), among many others, display Israel's true agenda.
NAD said, "Despite our firm belief that these allegations of Palestinian incitement are nothing more than diversionary tactics, we call upon the Government of Israel to accept our standing offer to resume the work of the Tripartite Committee on Incitement."
"We also invite PM Netanyahu to tackle the issue of incitement within his own government, beginning with his statements to the settler movement that the Hebron and Bet El settlements, located in the heart of Palestinian districts, are not going to be evacuated under any agreement," NAD added.
PLO Negotiations Affairs Department demands that Israel end the systematic denial of Palestinian rights and the acts of violence committed against the Palestinian people as a result of its illegal occupation, which is preventing a just and lasting peace.
Senior Islamic Jihad leader dies of heart attack in Gaza
A senior Islamic Jihad military leader died Monday in Gaza City, the group said.
Islamic Jihad's armed wing, the Al-Quds Brigades, announced the death of Yasser al-Jaabari in a statement, saying he died suddenly from a heart attack without providing further details.
A senior Islamic Jihad military leader died Monday in Gaza City, the group said.
Islamic Jihad's armed wing, the Al-Quds Brigades, announced the death of Yasser al-Jaabari in a statement, saying he died suddenly from a heart attack without providing further details.
19 jan 2014
Mohammad, 16, works for the cleaning company "Wipe and shine" in a new shopping mall in Al Bireh
By Al-Shabaka
Al-Shabaka is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and foster public debate on Palestinian human rights and self-determination within the framework of international law.
This policy brief is authored by Tariq Dana, an assistant professor of political science at Hebron University who focuses on the transformation of Palestinian civil society from mass-based movements to neoliberal-oriented NGOs.
While most Palestinians living under Israeli occupation are struggling to survive, a powerful group of Palestinian capitalists is thriving and growing in political, economic, and social influence.
The cost, all too often, is their engagement in economic normalization projects. In other words, they deal with the Israelis as though they were a "normal" business partner rather than an occupying power that has ruthlessly violated Palestinian rights for over 65 years.
In this policy brief, Al-Shabaka Policy Member Tariq Dana sheds light on the ways in which these Palestinian capitalists exercise political influence and social control and gives examples of the economic normalization projects in which they have engaged.
A Snapshot of Palestinian Capital
The presence of Palestinian businessmen in the political sphere predates the establishment of the Palestine Liberation Organization. After the PLO's foundation, Palestinian capitalists played a variety of roles in the national liberation movement. Some PLO factions, particularly Fatah, saw the Palestinian capitalist class as a "national bourgeoisie" and as such an indispensable part of the anti-colonial struggle, and dealt with it accordingly.
At the time, Palestinian capitalists' engagement with the PLO included funding, occupying leading PLO positions, and political mediation. For example, Palestinian businessmen mediated between the PLO leadership and the Jordanian regime during Black September and between the PLO leadership and the American administration during the 1980s.
Many were also philanthropists who supported charitable, educational and socio-economic projects. A landmark in this regard was the establishment of the Welfare Association in 1983, a much-needed boost to the Palestinian national project in the educational and socio-economic spheres after the bulk of Palestinian guerrillas were expelled from their base in Lebanon during the 1982 Israeli invasion launched by the late prime minister Ariel Sharon.
Since Oslo, and particularly in recent years, the influence of Palestinian capitalists in the occupied territory has been rising in an unprecedented manner. They can be divided into three main groups:
"Returnee" capitalists, comprised of a Palestinian bourgeoisie that had emerged in the Arab countries, particularly the Gulf states, as well as in North America and Europe. Many of these businessmen had strong ties to the nascent Palestinian Authority.
Local capitalists, comprised of two main subgroups: large landowners who historically enjoyed considerable political and social influence over traditional social structures; and local interlocutors who accumulated wealth as subcontractors for Israeli companies after the 1967 occupation.
The nouveau riche, who acquired wealth in more recent times and who particularly benefited from the Oslo process in various ways as will be discussed further down.
Influencing the Policy Process
Like other Palestinians, businessmen have struggled with statelessness and sought the security that a state would provide, where their companies and profits would be better protected from regional instability and threats.
Thus, many of them supported the Oslo accords as a key step towards establishing a Palestinian state, some even imagining that Oslo's "peace dividends" would transform the West Bank and Gaza into the Singapore of the Middle East.
Early signs of capitalist influence on the nascent Palestinian Authority (PA) can be seen in Article 21 of the Palestinian basic law, which specifies that "the economic system in Palestine shall be based on the principles of a free market economy" (author's italics).
Paradoxically, even the United States, the global driver of free market capitalism, has a constitution that is flexible enough to allow for different responses to specific economic circumstances. The open espousal of neoliberalism by the PA has helped to create an institutional framework that enables economic interest groups to manipulate policies in the service of private ends.
Neoliberalism combined with political authoritarianism and corruption reinforced and consolidated what can be described as the PA's crony capitalism. From the earliest days, the PA's cronyism was expressed in special relations between powerful businesspeople and the PA political and security elite.
This system naturally had adverse effects on the economy: By favoring privileged political and economic groups it systemically impeded market competitiveness and excluded the majority of the people's access to meaningful economic opportunity. Indeed, the ability of capitalists to exert influence over government policies was further strengthened and politicians further enriched.
During the 1990s, the special relationship between certain Palestinian capitalists and ruling political circles within the PA led to the centralization of political and economic power in the hands of a few individuals who rapidly managed to transform the national project into a game of interest politics.
This was especially the case with regard to the PA elite's political and security collusion with Diaspora conglomerates in managing large-scale public-private monopolies. Monopolies protected by the PA involved over 25 key imported commodities [PDF], including flour, sugar, oil, frozen meats, cigarettes, live animals, cement, aggregate, steel, wood, tobacco, and petroleum.
These monopolies were not only an early sign of PA corruption but also the most obvious expression of the emergent political-economic alliance that found in the PA an effective political mechanism for achieving private economic interests. Furthermore, monopolies were also selectively granted to those Palestinian political-economic actors that enjoyed special proximity to Israeli companies.
As a consequence, monopolies have had a devastating impact on the Palestinian economy and small-businesses, and, conversely, benefited the Israeli economy. A number of former Israeli political and military officials became, after their retirement, business partners of some Palestinian capitalists and PA political elites. In return, Israel offered the Palestinian businessmen and politicians special privileges such as access to permits, more freedom of movement and trade and the VIP pass status.
With the appointment of the former Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and the government programs he introduced since 2008, the capitalists' influence over the political establishment increased. Businessmen and pro-capitalist technocrats often occupied key ministerial positions in Fayyad's governments.
The "reform" of the banking sector that took place under Fayyad's governance is an important aspect of rising capitalist political influence. These reforms made it possible for the government to contract long-term loans that amounted to some $4.2 billion in 2013 according to a recent estimate: That is as much as 50 percent of the GDP, with annual interest running at $200 million.
For an economy largely dependent on international aid this high level of public-sector indebtedness is alarming indeed. The ways in which the money was spent and how the PA will pay off its debts remains a mystery.
Furthermore, the high level of public debt enables capitalists to pressure the PA to adjust its policies in conformity with the interests of large private firms by threatening to withdraw some investments or to hold back others, as Alaa Tartir noted in a recent study [PDF]. Needless to say, the people pay the cost, e.g. when the PA raised income tax and cut expenditure in early 2012.
These Palestinian capitalists' role has even become prominent in the international political sphere. They put their weight behind US Secretary of State John Kerry's efforts to drive through a peace settlement with their joint Palestinian-Israeli Breaking the Impasse plan despite the dire impact this would have on Palestinian rights. Moreover, the plan was reportedly prepared without the participation of either Palestinian civil society or the PA itself.
This suggests that local Palestinian crony capitalists have become the primary recipient of international "peace" initiatives. It is difficult to believe that any peace plan they manage would contribute to the Palestinian question for self-determination, freedom, and justice. Rather, it is more likely to be just another lucrative opportunity for those benefiting from the ongoing status quo.
By Al-Shabaka
Al-Shabaka is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and foster public debate on Palestinian human rights and self-determination within the framework of international law.
This policy brief is authored by Tariq Dana, an assistant professor of political science at Hebron University who focuses on the transformation of Palestinian civil society from mass-based movements to neoliberal-oriented NGOs.
While most Palestinians living under Israeli occupation are struggling to survive, a powerful group of Palestinian capitalists is thriving and growing in political, economic, and social influence.
The cost, all too often, is their engagement in economic normalization projects. In other words, they deal with the Israelis as though they were a "normal" business partner rather than an occupying power that has ruthlessly violated Palestinian rights for over 65 years.
In this policy brief, Al-Shabaka Policy Member Tariq Dana sheds light on the ways in which these Palestinian capitalists exercise political influence and social control and gives examples of the economic normalization projects in which they have engaged.
A Snapshot of Palestinian Capital
The presence of Palestinian businessmen in the political sphere predates the establishment of the Palestine Liberation Organization. After the PLO's foundation, Palestinian capitalists played a variety of roles in the national liberation movement. Some PLO factions, particularly Fatah, saw the Palestinian capitalist class as a "national bourgeoisie" and as such an indispensable part of the anti-colonial struggle, and dealt with it accordingly.
At the time, Palestinian capitalists' engagement with the PLO included funding, occupying leading PLO positions, and political mediation. For example, Palestinian businessmen mediated between the PLO leadership and the Jordanian regime during Black September and between the PLO leadership and the American administration during the 1980s.
Many were also philanthropists who supported charitable, educational and socio-economic projects. A landmark in this regard was the establishment of the Welfare Association in 1983, a much-needed boost to the Palestinian national project in the educational and socio-economic spheres after the bulk of Palestinian guerrillas were expelled from their base in Lebanon during the 1982 Israeli invasion launched by the late prime minister Ariel Sharon.
Since Oslo, and particularly in recent years, the influence of Palestinian capitalists in the occupied territory has been rising in an unprecedented manner. They can be divided into three main groups:
"Returnee" capitalists, comprised of a Palestinian bourgeoisie that had emerged in the Arab countries, particularly the Gulf states, as well as in North America and Europe. Many of these businessmen had strong ties to the nascent Palestinian Authority.
Local capitalists, comprised of two main subgroups: large landowners who historically enjoyed considerable political and social influence over traditional social structures; and local interlocutors who accumulated wealth as subcontractors for Israeli companies after the 1967 occupation.
The nouveau riche, who acquired wealth in more recent times and who particularly benefited from the Oslo process in various ways as will be discussed further down.
Influencing the Policy Process
Like other Palestinians, businessmen have struggled with statelessness and sought the security that a state would provide, where their companies and profits would be better protected from regional instability and threats.
Thus, many of them supported the Oslo accords as a key step towards establishing a Palestinian state, some even imagining that Oslo's "peace dividends" would transform the West Bank and Gaza into the Singapore of the Middle East.
Early signs of capitalist influence on the nascent Palestinian Authority (PA) can be seen in Article 21 of the Palestinian basic law, which specifies that "the economic system in Palestine shall be based on the principles of a free market economy" (author's italics).
Paradoxically, even the United States, the global driver of free market capitalism, has a constitution that is flexible enough to allow for different responses to specific economic circumstances. The open espousal of neoliberalism by the PA has helped to create an institutional framework that enables economic interest groups to manipulate policies in the service of private ends.
Neoliberalism combined with political authoritarianism and corruption reinforced and consolidated what can be described as the PA's crony capitalism. From the earliest days, the PA's cronyism was expressed in special relations between powerful businesspeople and the PA political and security elite.
This system naturally had adverse effects on the economy: By favoring privileged political and economic groups it systemically impeded market competitiveness and excluded the majority of the people's access to meaningful economic opportunity. Indeed, the ability of capitalists to exert influence over government policies was further strengthened and politicians further enriched.
During the 1990s, the special relationship between certain Palestinian capitalists and ruling political circles within the PA led to the centralization of political and economic power in the hands of a few individuals who rapidly managed to transform the national project into a game of interest politics.
This was especially the case with regard to the PA elite's political and security collusion with Diaspora conglomerates in managing large-scale public-private monopolies. Monopolies protected by the PA involved over 25 key imported commodities [PDF], including flour, sugar, oil, frozen meats, cigarettes, live animals, cement, aggregate, steel, wood, tobacco, and petroleum.
These monopolies were not only an early sign of PA corruption but also the most obvious expression of the emergent political-economic alliance that found in the PA an effective political mechanism for achieving private economic interests. Furthermore, monopolies were also selectively granted to those Palestinian political-economic actors that enjoyed special proximity to Israeli companies.
As a consequence, monopolies have had a devastating impact on the Palestinian economy and small-businesses, and, conversely, benefited the Israeli economy. A number of former Israeli political and military officials became, after their retirement, business partners of some Palestinian capitalists and PA political elites. In return, Israel offered the Palestinian businessmen and politicians special privileges such as access to permits, more freedom of movement and trade and the VIP pass status.
With the appointment of the former Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and the government programs he introduced since 2008, the capitalists' influence over the political establishment increased. Businessmen and pro-capitalist technocrats often occupied key ministerial positions in Fayyad's governments.
The "reform" of the banking sector that took place under Fayyad's governance is an important aspect of rising capitalist political influence. These reforms made it possible for the government to contract long-term loans that amounted to some $4.2 billion in 2013 according to a recent estimate: That is as much as 50 percent of the GDP, with annual interest running at $200 million.
For an economy largely dependent on international aid this high level of public-sector indebtedness is alarming indeed. The ways in which the money was spent and how the PA will pay off its debts remains a mystery.
Furthermore, the high level of public debt enables capitalists to pressure the PA to adjust its policies in conformity with the interests of large private firms by threatening to withdraw some investments or to hold back others, as Alaa Tartir noted in a recent study [PDF]. Needless to say, the people pay the cost, e.g. when the PA raised income tax and cut expenditure in early 2012.
These Palestinian capitalists' role has even become prominent in the international political sphere. They put their weight behind US Secretary of State John Kerry's efforts to drive through a peace settlement with their joint Palestinian-Israeli Breaking the Impasse plan despite the dire impact this would have on Palestinian rights. Moreover, the plan was reportedly prepared without the participation of either Palestinian civil society or the PA itself.
This suggests that local Palestinian crony capitalists have become the primary recipient of international "peace" initiatives. It is difficult to believe that any peace plan they manage would contribute to the Palestinian question for self-determination, freedom, and justice. Rather, it is more likely to be just another lucrative opportunity for those benefiting from the ongoing status quo.
Advertisements on the separation wall near Ramallah
Social Control through Debt and Other Means
As in other parts of the world, the development of the neoliberal system has been underpinned by various mechanisms of social control to normalize the occupation and pacify and de-radicalize groups seeking to resist it using different means. Social control practices in Palestine have a particularly destructive impact because they tie into the set of colonial controls engineered by the occupation.
Crony capitalists have attempted to practice social control by recruiting civil society to serve their objectives, working alongside major international donors. One way is through the establishment of large NGOs that tend to penetrate the social fabric by promoting certain values designed by international financial institutions and development agencies to sustain the neoliberal system. These NGOs' values are expected to trickle down to other indigenous civil society organizations via capacity building and other projects.
Another aspect of social control is the facilitation of private lending, which encouraged a culture of consumption and pushed many people into the debt trap. According to the Palestine Monetary Fund, individual loans shot up to about a billion U.S. dollars in 2013 from about $494 million in 2009. It is estimated that 75 percent of public sector employees (94,000 out of 153,000) are in debt.
The personal debt is primarily used to finance consumption (including mortgages, cars, marriage costs, and electric goods) and is rarely invested in productive activities. This state of personal indebtedness has major social ramifications because it promotes a sense of individualism and drives personal private concerns, systemically pushing people to abandon crucial national issues. It fosters political apathy and undermines critical thinking and action against the very oppressive nature of the system.
Yet another method of social control is the exploitation of workers that occurs in factories owned by some local capitalists, where workers are paid much less [PDF] than the government's recently announced minimum wage of 1,450 NIS ($377) for the private sector.
"Although workers protested the PA declared minimum wage because it does not guarantee the minimum standards of living, many of us are still working under humiliating conditions, where our salaries are even less than 1000 NIS. But despite that, we have to accept this, otherwise we will be thrown into the streets" (author's interview).
This exploitation and control of Palestinian labor force is exacerbated by the lack of effective labor unions, which have been dramatically weakened by both the PA and capitalists alike.
There are fears that the system of workers' exploitation and control will be expanded and institutionalized through industrial zones that are intended to integrate Palestinian-Israeli-regional capital to exploit the pool of Palestinian cheap labor. According to Adam Hanieh, the industrial zones will not apply Palestinian or Israeli labor laws, wage levels and other workplace conditions, while the right to unionize will be prohibited.
Normalizing the Occupation the Economic Way
Economic normalization is institutionalized in a wide range of joint activities such as joint industrial zones, Israeli-Palestinian business forums, Palestinian investments in Israel and its settlements, and joint management of water resources.
This is the highest level of normalization activity in the history of the Palestinian struggle for national liberation (see the academic and cultural pages of the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement for a definition of normalization).
Groups working for Palestinian human rights and self-determination have openly denounced some of the Palestinian crony capitalists. The capitalists counter by claiming that they are simply seeking to serve the Palestinian economy and people's steadfastness.
In fact, Palestinian-Israeli joint projects represent the ugliest face of normalization because of their scale and size and, most importantly, because they help the occupying power to profit and to further infiltrate its structures into the occupied territory. A few examples of large normalization projects are listed below.
Rawabi
This planned city is one of the largest private investments in the West Bank and one of the most controversial large-scale projects. Whether it is by accepting and planting some 3,000 trees donated in 2009 by the Jewish National Fund (which were later uprooted due to criticism) or by contracting over 10 Israeli companies as suppliers, Rawabi exemplifies the way in which profits for private corporations and economic normalization are propagated under the banner of a "national project."
The Industrial Zones
The industrial zones in the occupied territory are driven by the same logic of the Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ) in Jordan and Egypt. They give life to Shimon Peres' ambition of a "New Middle East" where Israel is seen as the hegemonic economic center of the region.
Industrial zones are also highly problematic because they integrate Palestinian-Israeli-regional capital into a remorseless machine to exploit cheap labor -- Palestinian as well as foreign imported labor. Even as they benefit a few local business elites, they advance the Israeli matrix of control and perpetuate its occupation.
Palestinian investments in Israel and the settlements
According to one study, Palestinian capital is being invested in Israel and its illegal settlements at far higher rates than in the West Bank -- between $2.5 billion and $5.8 billion versus only $1.5 billion.
The Palestinian Ministry of Economy has accused the study of lacking accuracy and objectivity while some economists have said it suffers from serious methodological problems.
Yet its main message remains noteworthy. A staff member at the Ministry of the Economy said: "Many Palestinian businessmen are investing in industrial settlements such as Barkan, Ma'ale Adumim and other agro-industrial parks in the Jordan Valley." (author's interview.)
Another investigative study found that many Palestinian companies are involved in products laundering [PDF] in the Jordan Valley. They fraudulently brand settlers' agricultural products as "products of Palestine" and then export these to international markets thus evading the boycott campaigns in some European countries.
Contracting Israeli Security Companies
A recent report reveals that some Palestinian companies (Ramallah Mövenpick hotel, the Bank of Jordan, Jordan Ahli Bank, Cairo Amman Bank, Pal-Safe) are listed as clients of Netacs Ltd.
This Israeli security company is owned by reserve Major-General Danny Rothschild, who commanded Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank and Southern Lebanon and worked in military intelligence.
Palestinian-Israeli Partnership in Tech Ventures
Several Palestinian entrepreneurs are collaborating and partnering with Israeli high-tech corporations.
The case of the Ramallah-based SADARA venture is just one example. It was co-founded by Saed Nashef and Yadin Kaufmann and is managed by a team of Israeli and Palestinian experts in technological innovation and Internet services.
Forbes magazine ran a lengthy report highlighting the role of the Israeli Cisco Systems in bringing together high-tech Israeli experts and Palestinian entrepreneurs to help transform the Palestinian economy along the lines of Israel's successful "Startup Nation."
The report also reveals that several Palestinian youth in the field of high-tech are being invited to meet and work with their Israeli counterparts in the back room, which is "just one of dozens of business-driven dialogues quietly -- in many cases secretly -- proliferating across the Holy Land."
What Must Be Done?
The political and social influence of Palestinian crony capitalists and their ongoing economic normalization of Israel's occupation should alarm all those concerned about the future of the Palestinian cause.
In chasing after profits without regard to Palestinian fundamental rights and national aspirations, these capitalists have gone too far. Their mechanisms of social and political control, and their flagrant complicity in normalization projects are a structural obstacle to the anti-colonial struggle and undermine the Palestinian quest for justice. Several steps can and must be taken, including:
-- Local businessmen and investors must resist Israeli attempts to involve Palestinian capital in normalization projects. No interaction between Palestinian capital and Israeli businesses could ever serve Palestinian national development and steadfastness.
-- If it is not to be seen to be complicit, the PA must design and implement regulations that direct the way that Palestinian capital is being invested and it must rigorously monitor this process to ensure that it serves Palestinian national goals. Effective mechanisms for public accountability are needed that encompass diverse social sectors and authentic civil society actors.
-- Civil society and academic institutions are playing an important role through the studies they have conducted and by drawing attention to the issue. However, more must be done to hold those Palestinian capitalists that have strayed to account, as the BDS movement has done on occasion. Sustained campaigns are needed to make their position untenable.
-- Investment and business development must take into account Palestinian human rights and dignity and gradually reduce the levels of dependency on international aid and on the Israeli economy, creating the basic conditions for different forms of struggle and steadfastness.
More specifically, there a need to develop a model of development based on the concept of resistance economy based on self-reliance, self-sufficiency, a just redistribution of the national wealth, and a bureaucracy that serves a democratic people-driven political, economic, social and development agenda.
The change that is needed requires a major restructuring of the overall political framework. More than anything else, the Palestinians need a leadership that is dedicated to resisting the occupation and working for Palestinian self-determination, liberation, justice and equality.
Originally published on Al-Shabaka's website on Jan. 14, 2014.
The views expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect Ma'an News Agency's editorial policy.
Social Control through Debt and Other Means
As in other parts of the world, the development of the neoliberal system has been underpinned by various mechanisms of social control to normalize the occupation and pacify and de-radicalize groups seeking to resist it using different means. Social control practices in Palestine have a particularly destructive impact because they tie into the set of colonial controls engineered by the occupation.
Crony capitalists have attempted to practice social control by recruiting civil society to serve their objectives, working alongside major international donors. One way is through the establishment of large NGOs that tend to penetrate the social fabric by promoting certain values designed by international financial institutions and development agencies to sustain the neoliberal system. These NGOs' values are expected to trickle down to other indigenous civil society organizations via capacity building and other projects.
Another aspect of social control is the facilitation of private lending, which encouraged a culture of consumption and pushed many people into the debt trap. According to the Palestine Monetary Fund, individual loans shot up to about a billion U.S. dollars in 2013 from about $494 million in 2009. It is estimated that 75 percent of public sector employees (94,000 out of 153,000) are in debt.
The personal debt is primarily used to finance consumption (including mortgages, cars, marriage costs, and electric goods) and is rarely invested in productive activities. This state of personal indebtedness has major social ramifications because it promotes a sense of individualism and drives personal private concerns, systemically pushing people to abandon crucial national issues. It fosters political apathy and undermines critical thinking and action against the very oppressive nature of the system.
Yet another method of social control is the exploitation of workers that occurs in factories owned by some local capitalists, where workers are paid much less [PDF] than the government's recently announced minimum wage of 1,450 NIS ($377) for the private sector.
"Although workers protested the PA declared minimum wage because it does not guarantee the minimum standards of living, many of us are still working under humiliating conditions, where our salaries are even less than 1000 NIS. But despite that, we have to accept this, otherwise we will be thrown into the streets" (author's interview).
This exploitation and control of Palestinian labor force is exacerbated by the lack of effective labor unions, which have been dramatically weakened by both the PA and capitalists alike.
There are fears that the system of workers' exploitation and control will be expanded and institutionalized through industrial zones that are intended to integrate Palestinian-Israeli-regional capital to exploit the pool of Palestinian cheap labor. According to Adam Hanieh, the industrial zones will not apply Palestinian or Israeli labor laws, wage levels and other workplace conditions, while the right to unionize will be prohibited.
Normalizing the Occupation the Economic Way
Economic normalization is institutionalized in a wide range of joint activities such as joint industrial zones, Israeli-Palestinian business forums, Palestinian investments in Israel and its settlements, and joint management of water resources.
This is the highest level of normalization activity in the history of the Palestinian struggle for national liberation (see the academic and cultural pages of the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement for a definition of normalization).
Groups working for Palestinian human rights and self-determination have openly denounced some of the Palestinian crony capitalists. The capitalists counter by claiming that they are simply seeking to serve the Palestinian economy and people's steadfastness.
In fact, Palestinian-Israeli joint projects represent the ugliest face of normalization because of their scale and size and, most importantly, because they help the occupying power to profit and to further infiltrate its structures into the occupied territory. A few examples of large normalization projects are listed below.
Rawabi
This planned city is one of the largest private investments in the West Bank and one of the most controversial large-scale projects. Whether it is by accepting and planting some 3,000 trees donated in 2009 by the Jewish National Fund (which were later uprooted due to criticism) or by contracting over 10 Israeli companies as suppliers, Rawabi exemplifies the way in which profits for private corporations and economic normalization are propagated under the banner of a "national project."
The Industrial Zones
The industrial zones in the occupied territory are driven by the same logic of the Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ) in Jordan and Egypt. They give life to Shimon Peres' ambition of a "New Middle East" where Israel is seen as the hegemonic economic center of the region.
Industrial zones are also highly problematic because they integrate Palestinian-Israeli-regional capital into a remorseless machine to exploit cheap labor -- Palestinian as well as foreign imported labor. Even as they benefit a few local business elites, they advance the Israeli matrix of control and perpetuate its occupation.
Palestinian investments in Israel and the settlements
According to one study, Palestinian capital is being invested in Israel and its illegal settlements at far higher rates than in the West Bank -- between $2.5 billion and $5.8 billion versus only $1.5 billion.
The Palestinian Ministry of Economy has accused the study of lacking accuracy and objectivity while some economists have said it suffers from serious methodological problems.
Yet its main message remains noteworthy. A staff member at the Ministry of the Economy said: "Many Palestinian businessmen are investing in industrial settlements such as Barkan, Ma'ale Adumim and other agro-industrial parks in the Jordan Valley." (author's interview.)
Another investigative study found that many Palestinian companies are involved in products laundering [PDF] in the Jordan Valley. They fraudulently brand settlers' agricultural products as "products of Palestine" and then export these to international markets thus evading the boycott campaigns in some European countries.
Contracting Israeli Security Companies
A recent report reveals that some Palestinian companies (Ramallah Mövenpick hotel, the Bank of Jordan, Jordan Ahli Bank, Cairo Amman Bank, Pal-Safe) are listed as clients of Netacs Ltd.
This Israeli security company is owned by reserve Major-General Danny Rothschild, who commanded Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank and Southern Lebanon and worked in military intelligence.
Palestinian-Israeli Partnership in Tech Ventures
Several Palestinian entrepreneurs are collaborating and partnering with Israeli high-tech corporations.
The case of the Ramallah-based SADARA venture is just one example. It was co-founded by Saed Nashef and Yadin Kaufmann and is managed by a team of Israeli and Palestinian experts in technological innovation and Internet services.
Forbes magazine ran a lengthy report highlighting the role of the Israeli Cisco Systems in bringing together high-tech Israeli experts and Palestinian entrepreneurs to help transform the Palestinian economy along the lines of Israel's successful "Startup Nation."
The report also reveals that several Palestinian youth in the field of high-tech are being invited to meet and work with their Israeli counterparts in the back room, which is "just one of dozens of business-driven dialogues quietly -- in many cases secretly -- proliferating across the Holy Land."
What Must Be Done?
The political and social influence of Palestinian crony capitalists and their ongoing economic normalization of Israel's occupation should alarm all those concerned about the future of the Palestinian cause.
In chasing after profits without regard to Palestinian fundamental rights and national aspirations, these capitalists have gone too far. Their mechanisms of social and political control, and their flagrant complicity in normalization projects are a structural obstacle to the anti-colonial struggle and undermine the Palestinian quest for justice. Several steps can and must be taken, including:
-- Local businessmen and investors must resist Israeli attempts to involve Palestinian capital in normalization projects. No interaction between Palestinian capital and Israeli businesses could ever serve Palestinian national development and steadfastness.
-- If it is not to be seen to be complicit, the PA must design and implement regulations that direct the way that Palestinian capital is being invested and it must rigorously monitor this process to ensure that it serves Palestinian national goals. Effective mechanisms for public accountability are needed that encompass diverse social sectors and authentic civil society actors.
-- Civil society and academic institutions are playing an important role through the studies they have conducted and by drawing attention to the issue. However, more must be done to hold those Palestinian capitalists that have strayed to account, as the BDS movement has done on occasion. Sustained campaigns are needed to make their position untenable.
-- Investment and business development must take into account Palestinian human rights and dignity and gradually reduce the levels of dependency on international aid and on the Israeli economy, creating the basic conditions for different forms of struggle and steadfastness.
More specifically, there a need to develop a model of development based on the concept of resistance economy based on self-reliance, self-sufficiency, a just redistribution of the national wealth, and a bureaucracy that serves a democratic people-driven political, economic, social and development agenda.
The change that is needed requires a major restructuring of the overall political framework. More than anything else, the Palestinians need a leadership that is dedicated to resisting the occupation and working for Palestinian self-determination, liberation, justice and equality.
Originally published on Al-Shabaka's website on Jan. 14, 2014.
The views expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect Ma'an News Agency's editorial policy.
17 jan 2014
Finance minister tackles numerous pressing issues in Tel Aviv event, says settlements should be funded until evacuated, rabbis should not meddle in issues unrelated to halacha, 'his brother' Bennett was demoted to 'cousin'
In what state is the relationship between Yesh Atid chairman and Habayit Bayehudi chairman, why are the settlements still funded by the State and what will be their future – Finance Minister Yair Lapid addressed all of these pressing questions Friday morning at a Tel Aviv panel event.
When Lapid was asked about the issue of women's recruitment to the army and his past remarks noting that he would act to dismiss the chief rabbis for going against female IDF recruitment, he said: "I am not the minister responsible for (the chief rabbis), Naftali Bennett is." The interviewer then comically noted: "Our brother"; yet Lapid cynically replied: "He has been demoted to cousin," and stressed he believes Bennett should act on this matter.
"We are in an unprecedented struggle on the matter of equality of burden, and I don't think it is right for the rabbis to say they forbid women from serving in the army. This cannot be and we will act against it, unless they retract their remarks."
Lapid was asked about his opinion regarding the offshore bank account held by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the island of Jersey, and responded: "Since the State comptroller said he would look into the matter, it is improper for the finance minister to address this issue beforehand." In regards to the affair involving Rabbi Pinto and senior police officers, Lapid provided an interesting commentary:
"On an economic level, I want to draw the attention to the fact that the three Israeli tycoons that were notorious for consulting with rabbis are Moti Zisser, Nochi Dankner and Ilan Ben Dov. What is common to all three, apart from consulting with rabbis, is that their empires fell apart."
Lapid added: "It saddens me to see Judaism turn into a combination of charms and interference in matters unrelated to them. If I have a rabbi, it's Rabbi Shai Piron. If you'd ask him what's the most rabbinical thing he ever did, it'd be adopting a disabled child, because that's what a true rabbi does. He doesn't sit with all sorts of high-ranked officers or tycoons and advises them on matters unrelated to Judaism or halacha." These mixes are not good."
Lapid stressed that he is not very familiar with the details of the affair but was hopeful that "the senior police officials did nothing wrong. I don't think it only stains the police, but the chief rabbinate as well. The mixing of these two areas is unfit."
'Get rid of Palestinians'
Lapid was later asked about the political negotiation and the document that will soon be brought to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by US Secretary of State John Kerry.
"There will be an outline to the framework agreement which will be discussed in the negotiations," Lapid said. "It doesn't mean you agree to anything, it doesn't mean we think Jerusalem should be divided. It only means that these subjects are under debate as well and we don't need to be the ones who are insubordinate."
"We say – peace is not the issue, we need to get rid of the Palestinians. It threatens us, it chokes us. Ultimately the State of Israel cannot continue on while unnaturally absorbing four million Palestinians. Eventually they will tell us, 'if you don't want to give us a country of our own, let us vote.' And then, if we let them vote, it will be the end of the Jewish state. If we won't let them – it will be the end of a democratic Israel, and I won't allow that to happen."
Lapid added: "We will have to pay a price for this breakup. The price now only means they will open up a series of issues within the negotiations, and then we will explain to what we agree and to what we disagree."
The finance minister showed his support of PM Netanyahu: "I'm in the coalition because this is where things get done. And Yesh Atid bolsters the negotiations and supports the prime minister because he is running them correctly. It is not going to be easy, and every time we're asked why we don't resign from the government, I'll say – to keep it going, not for it to end."
Despite the political vision he presented, Lapid explained that until the settlements are evacuated, they must be properly funded: "Most of the budget for the Settlements Division is transferred to the Galilee and the Negev. And no new settlements are being established.
The agreement requires the evacuation of 80,000-90,000 settlers. It is not only going to change the country, it's going to change you and me. It will be the biggest Israeli drama since the State's establishment, in terms of what it does to us. It's going to be a drama that will tear us from the inside, but until that happens, there are people, good Israeli citizens, who live there, and I think it is perfectly fine to transfer money to continue their lives."
When asked about the remarks made by Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon about Kerry, he said: "It is indecent. Give credit to the defense minister that he thought he was talking in a private conversation, but even in such conversation he shouldn't speak this way, and I am glad he apologized because that was the right thing to have done."
In what state is the relationship between Yesh Atid chairman and Habayit Bayehudi chairman, why are the settlements still funded by the State and what will be their future – Finance Minister Yair Lapid addressed all of these pressing questions Friday morning at a Tel Aviv panel event.
When Lapid was asked about the issue of women's recruitment to the army and his past remarks noting that he would act to dismiss the chief rabbis for going against female IDF recruitment, he said: "I am not the minister responsible for (the chief rabbis), Naftali Bennett is." The interviewer then comically noted: "Our brother"; yet Lapid cynically replied: "He has been demoted to cousin," and stressed he believes Bennett should act on this matter.
"We are in an unprecedented struggle on the matter of equality of burden, and I don't think it is right for the rabbis to say they forbid women from serving in the army. This cannot be and we will act against it, unless they retract their remarks."
Lapid was asked about his opinion regarding the offshore bank account held by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the island of Jersey, and responded: "Since the State comptroller said he would look into the matter, it is improper for the finance minister to address this issue beforehand." In regards to the affair involving Rabbi Pinto and senior police officers, Lapid provided an interesting commentary:
"On an economic level, I want to draw the attention to the fact that the three Israeli tycoons that were notorious for consulting with rabbis are Moti Zisser, Nochi Dankner and Ilan Ben Dov. What is common to all three, apart from consulting with rabbis, is that their empires fell apart."
Lapid added: "It saddens me to see Judaism turn into a combination of charms and interference in matters unrelated to them. If I have a rabbi, it's Rabbi Shai Piron. If you'd ask him what's the most rabbinical thing he ever did, it'd be adopting a disabled child, because that's what a true rabbi does. He doesn't sit with all sorts of high-ranked officers or tycoons and advises them on matters unrelated to Judaism or halacha." These mixes are not good."
Lapid stressed that he is not very familiar with the details of the affair but was hopeful that "the senior police officials did nothing wrong. I don't think it only stains the police, but the chief rabbinate as well. The mixing of these two areas is unfit."
'Get rid of Palestinians'
Lapid was later asked about the political negotiation and the document that will soon be brought to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by US Secretary of State John Kerry.
"There will be an outline to the framework agreement which will be discussed in the negotiations," Lapid said. "It doesn't mean you agree to anything, it doesn't mean we think Jerusalem should be divided. It only means that these subjects are under debate as well and we don't need to be the ones who are insubordinate."
"We say – peace is not the issue, we need to get rid of the Palestinians. It threatens us, it chokes us. Ultimately the State of Israel cannot continue on while unnaturally absorbing four million Palestinians. Eventually they will tell us, 'if you don't want to give us a country of our own, let us vote.' And then, if we let them vote, it will be the end of the Jewish state. If we won't let them – it will be the end of a democratic Israel, and I won't allow that to happen."
Lapid added: "We will have to pay a price for this breakup. The price now only means they will open up a series of issues within the negotiations, and then we will explain to what we agree and to what we disagree."
The finance minister showed his support of PM Netanyahu: "I'm in the coalition because this is where things get done. And Yesh Atid bolsters the negotiations and supports the prime minister because he is running them correctly. It is not going to be easy, and every time we're asked why we don't resign from the government, I'll say – to keep it going, not for it to end."
Despite the political vision he presented, Lapid explained that until the settlements are evacuated, they must be properly funded: "Most of the budget for the Settlements Division is transferred to the Galilee and the Negev. And no new settlements are being established.
The agreement requires the evacuation of 80,000-90,000 settlers. It is not only going to change the country, it's going to change you and me. It will be the biggest Israeli drama since the State's establishment, in terms of what it does to us. It's going to be a drama that will tear us from the inside, but until that happens, there are people, good Israeli citizens, who live there, and I think it is perfectly fine to transfer money to continue their lives."
When asked about the remarks made by Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon about Kerry, he said: "It is indecent. Give credit to the defense minister that he thought he was talking in a private conversation, but even in such conversation he shouldn't speak this way, and I am glad he apologized because that was the right thing to have done."
General-Secretary of the United Nation, Ban Ki-moon launched a new initiative on Thursday calling 2014 a “Palestinian Solidarity Year”. Ban Ki-moon said that 2014 will be will be a crucial year for achieving a two-state solution, ending the occupation that was started in 1967, and establishing an independent Palestinian state that live side by side in with an Israeli ditto.
Ki-moon called on the International Community, especially the Israelis and the Palestinians, to work together to achieve justice and permanent peace in the region. Israel and Palestine must work to the achieve two-state solution through negotiations and to solve all the issues that were put on the table including; the road map, the Arab Initiative Peace Treaty (2002) and other issues.
He added that the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships must have political will and responsibility and to have a clear vision for a better future, through committing to advance their efforts in negotiations.
In a showing of a differing opinion,Israeli envoy to the UN, Ron Prosor has condemned the intiative of 2014 being a solidarity year.
"The UN is used as a tool in the service of Palestinian propaganda. Instead of trying to end the campaign of Palestinian incitement against Israel, the UN provides a stage for Palestinian productions for the media," Prosor said.
UN has in turn passed six resolutions condemning Israel.
Ki-moon called on the International Community, especially the Israelis and the Palestinians, to work together to achieve justice and permanent peace in the region. Israel and Palestine must work to the achieve two-state solution through negotiations and to solve all the issues that were put on the table including; the road map, the Arab Initiative Peace Treaty (2002) and other issues.
He added that the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships must have political will and responsibility and to have a clear vision for a better future, through committing to advance their efforts in negotiations.
In a showing of a differing opinion,Israeli envoy to the UN, Ron Prosor has condemned the intiative of 2014 being a solidarity year.
"The UN is used as a tool in the service of Palestinian propaganda. Instead of trying to end the campaign of Palestinian incitement against Israel, the UN provides a stage for Palestinian productions for the media," Prosor said.
UN has in turn passed six resolutions condemning Israel.
16 jan 2014
Thousands of unemployed Brazilians have created an illegal settlement on the outskirts of Sao Paulo,and named it “Nova Palestina” as a mark of solidarity with the Palestinians.
The effort, launched by the Brazilian Homeless Workers’ Movement (MTST), protests the lack of low-income public housing for workers in Sao Paulo Times of Israel reports.
The camp is divided into 21 separate “neighborhoods,” each of which shares a communal kitchen and two bathrooms.
The effort, launched by the Brazilian Homeless Workers’ Movement (MTST), protests the lack of low-income public housing for workers in Sao Paulo Times of Israel reports.
The camp is divided into 21 separate “neighborhoods,” each of which shares a communal kitchen and two bathrooms.
A "Jew free" Palestinian state would be tantamount with ethnic cleansing said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an interview with Canada's CTV, reports the algemeiner.
"It's absurd that we're willing to recognize, that I'm willing to recognize the Palestinians, but in exchange, they're not willing to recognize the Jewish state, the nation state of the Jewish people. There's something wrong there", said Netanyahu, highlighting that, due to him, the crux of the disagreement in the negotiations is not about the settlement or about territories, but about the recognition of Israel as a Jewish state.
In the interview Netanyahu also stated that the Palestinians living inside Israel have full civic rights and are not asked to leave.
Netanyahu: Jew Free Palestinian State Would Be Ethnic Cleansing
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a ”Jew-free” Palestinian state, now being contemplated in peace talks, would be tantamount to ethnic cleansing, in a trailer for an hour-long interview with Canada’s CTV to be broadcast this week.
When the interviewer, CTV’s Lisa LaFlamme, said that 1 in 5 Israelis are Arab, Netanyahu responded, “Sure. We’re not asking them to change their religion, they have full civic rights. Now in the Palestinian state, the way its being contemplated, no Jew can live there, it has to be Jew free, ethnic cleansing. Well, what is that? There are Arabs who live here, but they can’t contemplate Jews living there.”
He said that rather than the issue of settlements, the crux of the disagreement is the Palestinian Authority’s refusal to recognize a Jewish state.
“I think the issue of settlements will be resolved, the question of the territories, in general, will be resolved in the negotiations. I don’t think it’s the heart of the conflict, though I know people think of it that way, but it isn’t, it isn’t so,” Netanyahu said.
“It’s not about settlements, it’s not about territory, and it’s not even about a Palestinian state, which we agreed right from the start to recognize. It’s about a Jewish state. It’s about survival of the state of Israel. It’s absurd that we’re willing to recognize, that I’m willing to recognize the Palestinians, but in exchange, they’re not willing to recognize the Jewish state, the nation state of the Jewish people. There’s something wrong there.”
With three more months before a U.S.-set deadline for the talks, Netanyahu said he was hopeful that the talks succeed.
“I hope they don’t fail, and I hope we can do everything we can to have a successful outcome. We’re ready to do it, i’m ready to do it,” he said.
"It's absurd that we're willing to recognize, that I'm willing to recognize the Palestinians, but in exchange, they're not willing to recognize the Jewish state, the nation state of the Jewish people. There's something wrong there", said Netanyahu, highlighting that, due to him, the crux of the disagreement in the negotiations is not about the settlement or about territories, but about the recognition of Israel as a Jewish state.
In the interview Netanyahu also stated that the Palestinians living inside Israel have full civic rights and are not asked to leave.
Netanyahu: Jew Free Palestinian State Would Be Ethnic Cleansing
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a ”Jew-free” Palestinian state, now being contemplated in peace talks, would be tantamount to ethnic cleansing, in a trailer for an hour-long interview with Canada’s CTV to be broadcast this week.
When the interviewer, CTV’s Lisa LaFlamme, said that 1 in 5 Israelis are Arab, Netanyahu responded, “Sure. We’re not asking them to change their religion, they have full civic rights. Now in the Palestinian state, the way its being contemplated, no Jew can live there, it has to be Jew free, ethnic cleansing. Well, what is that? There are Arabs who live here, but they can’t contemplate Jews living there.”
He said that rather than the issue of settlements, the crux of the disagreement is the Palestinian Authority’s refusal to recognize a Jewish state.
“I think the issue of settlements will be resolved, the question of the territories, in general, will be resolved in the negotiations. I don’t think it’s the heart of the conflict, though I know people think of it that way, but it isn’t, it isn’t so,” Netanyahu said.
“It’s not about settlements, it’s not about territory, and it’s not even about a Palestinian state, which we agreed right from the start to recognize. It’s about a Jewish state. It’s about survival of the state of Israel. It’s absurd that we’re willing to recognize, that I’m willing to recognize the Palestinians, but in exchange, they’re not willing to recognize the Jewish state, the nation state of the Jewish people. There’s something wrong there.”
With three more months before a U.S.-set deadline for the talks, Netanyahu said he was hopeful that the talks succeed.
“I hope they don’t fail, and I hope we can do everything we can to have a successful outcome. We’re ready to do it, i’m ready to do it,” he said.
On Wednesday, Saeb Erekat, PLO Executive Committee member, denounced in a letter to EU High Representative Catherine Ashton the visit of the Czech Republic's Ambassador in Israel to Ariel settlement University last week.
Erekat warned that Ambassador Pojar's visit undermines the EU's efforts to support the political process and the two-state solution by legitimizing the Israeli occupation.
He said that this visit occurred one day before Israel defied the EU and the international community by announcing 1,400 new settlement housing units, including 40 new units in Ariel and one month after the 28 foreign ministers of the Union's member states unanimously deplored Israel's continuous settlement expansion.
Erekat asked the EU to "publicly disavow Ambassador Pojar's visit to Ariel University, and take appropriate action to ensure that representatives of the EU and its member states do not undermine the Union's considerable and deeply-appreciated efforts to support the two-state solution."
It's worth mentioning that Ariel sits on nearly 15,000 dunums of stolen Palestinian land deep in the occupied West Bank, 20 kilometers east of the 1967 border.
Erekat warned that Ambassador Pojar's visit undermines the EU's efforts to support the political process and the two-state solution by legitimizing the Israeli occupation.
He said that this visit occurred one day before Israel defied the EU and the international community by announcing 1,400 new settlement housing units, including 40 new units in Ariel and one month after the 28 foreign ministers of the Union's member states unanimously deplored Israel's continuous settlement expansion.
Erekat asked the EU to "publicly disavow Ambassador Pojar's visit to Ariel University, and take appropriate action to ensure that representatives of the EU and its member states do not undermine the Union's considerable and deeply-appreciated efforts to support the two-state solution."
It's worth mentioning that Ariel sits on nearly 15,000 dunums of stolen Palestinian land deep in the occupied West Bank, 20 kilometers east of the 1967 border.