1 aug 2019
Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday inaugurated a new promenade for Jewish settlers during a visit to the illegal settlement of Efrat, south of the occupied West Bank.
Netanyahu also announced his intent to advance plans for a further 8,250 housing units to be built in Efrat.
As he was touring Efrat settlement, Netanyahu said that no West Bank settlement homes would be demolished on his watch.
“No settlement or settler will be uprooted. That is over. What you’re doing here is forever,” he said
On Tuesday, Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved 6,000 construction licenses for homes in neighboring settlements.
Netanyahu also announced his intent to advance plans for a further 8,250 housing units to be built in Efrat.
As he was touring Efrat settlement, Netanyahu said that no West Bank settlement homes would be demolished on his watch.
“No settlement or settler will be uprooted. That is over. What you’re doing here is forever,” he said
On Tuesday, Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved 6,000 construction licenses for homes in neighboring settlements.
The former head of Israel’s Shin Bet security service, Yoram Cohen, warned of the annexation of so-called “Area C” in the West Bank to Israel, would lead to “an unnecessary bloodbath”.
“Steps should be taken to reduce the occupation in the West Bank, improve transportation, improve work, and transfer areas from Area B to Area A, which is entirely under the control of the Palestinian Authority,” Cohen said.
Area B is under Palestinian civilian control and Israeli security control. Area C, which accounts for 60 percent of the West Bank, is under full Israeli control under the Oslo Accords.
Earlier this week, the Israeli cabinet approved a plan to build 6,000 housing units in Israeli settlements in area C and only 700 housing units for Palestinians.
Cohen referred to the armed clash at the security fence in the eastern Gaza Strip last night, during which Hamas fighter Hani Abu Salah was killed when two officers and two soldiers were moderately wounded. “The state is investing billions in manpower, technology and intelligence to prevent such events.
But in this case the work was done well. ”
He added that launching an Israeli attack against the Gaza Strip in the wake of such an operation could lead to another round in which hundreds of rockets were fired at the “Gaza envelope” (the region of Israel surrounding the Gaza strip). “Our deterrence may have been damaged by the fact that we did not want to degenerate into a major battle or a war,” he said.
Cohen added that, during the Gaza offensive in 2014, “we did not know the places of the tunnels on the Israeli side, and we were not able to correctly estimate the intentions of the other side for the war.”
“Steps should be taken to reduce the occupation in the West Bank, improve transportation, improve work, and transfer areas from Area B to Area A, which is entirely under the control of the Palestinian Authority,” Cohen said.
Area B is under Palestinian civilian control and Israeli security control. Area C, which accounts for 60 percent of the West Bank, is under full Israeli control under the Oslo Accords.
Earlier this week, the Israeli cabinet approved a plan to build 6,000 housing units in Israeli settlements in area C and only 700 housing units for Palestinians.
Cohen referred to the armed clash at the security fence in the eastern Gaza Strip last night, during which Hamas fighter Hani Abu Salah was killed when two officers and two soldiers were moderately wounded. “The state is investing billions in manpower, technology and intelligence to prevent such events.
But in this case the work was done well. ”
He added that launching an Israeli attack against the Gaza Strip in the wake of such an operation could lead to another round in which hundreds of rockets were fired at the “Gaza envelope” (the region of Israel surrounding the Gaza strip). “Our deterrence may have been damaged by the fact that we did not want to degenerate into a major battle or a war,” he said.
Cohen added that, during the Gaza offensive in 2014, “we did not know the places of the tunnels on the Israeli side, and we were not able to correctly estimate the intentions of the other side for the war.”
For the fourth year in a row, and despite the urging of several leading human rights organizations and experts, including United Nations Special Rapporteurs, the United Nations has failed again to include Israel in its annual blacklist of armed forces that commit atrocities against youth, said Hanan Ashrawi, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), today.
“This failure is inexcusable, given Israel’s dismal human rights record and its documented abuses against Palestinian children, including the arbitrary detention of hundreds of children every year, its use of torture against them and other grave violations, including the deliberate killing and maiming of roughly 2,800 Palestinian children in 2018 alone.
Turning a blind eye to Israeli crimes and failing to apply such nominal standards of accountability emboldens the occupying power to escalate its flagrant violations, as documented and reported by human rights organizations,” she said in a statement, according to WAFA.
“In light of the international community’s abdication of its responsibilities vis-à-vis international law, it is no surprise that Israel continues to commit war crimes and violate international law and human rights on a daily basis with shameful impunity.
Additionally, the right-wing in Israel is exploiting the current US-Israeli partnership to create new facts on the ground with absolute disregard to international law and declared rejection of the internationally-endorsed requirements of peace, including Palestinian statehood.
This was clearly evident in the Israeli Cabinet’s farcical “approval” of Palestinian homes in so-called Area C in the occupied West Bank as a way to whitewash the construction of 6,000 new illegal settlement units on stolen Palestinian land.
In this regard, we reaffirm that all settlement construction in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, is illegal and constitutes a war crime under the Rome Statute. Israeli intransigence and American collusion cannot change this legal fact or set it aside.”
Ashrawi concluded by stressing that “the international community and its bodies have a legal and moral obligation to hold Israel accountable for its relentless criminality and rogue conduct, to preserve the standing and relevance of the international rules-based system, and to ensure that the Palestinian people enjoy their inalienable and absolute rights to self-determination and freedom.
“Peace and prosperity in the region will remain elusive so long as racist and colonial agendas that dismiss Palestinian rights are perpetuated by international inaction on the one hand and US collusion on the other.”
“This failure is inexcusable, given Israel’s dismal human rights record and its documented abuses against Palestinian children, including the arbitrary detention of hundreds of children every year, its use of torture against them and other grave violations, including the deliberate killing and maiming of roughly 2,800 Palestinian children in 2018 alone.
Turning a blind eye to Israeli crimes and failing to apply such nominal standards of accountability emboldens the occupying power to escalate its flagrant violations, as documented and reported by human rights organizations,” she said in a statement, according to WAFA.
“In light of the international community’s abdication of its responsibilities vis-à-vis international law, it is no surprise that Israel continues to commit war crimes and violate international law and human rights on a daily basis with shameful impunity.
Additionally, the right-wing in Israel is exploiting the current US-Israeli partnership to create new facts on the ground with absolute disregard to international law and declared rejection of the internationally-endorsed requirements of peace, including Palestinian statehood.
This was clearly evident in the Israeli Cabinet’s farcical “approval” of Palestinian homes in so-called Area C in the occupied West Bank as a way to whitewash the construction of 6,000 new illegal settlement units on stolen Palestinian land.
In this regard, we reaffirm that all settlement construction in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, is illegal and constitutes a war crime under the Rome Statute. Israeli intransigence and American collusion cannot change this legal fact or set it aside.”
Ashrawi concluded by stressing that “the international community and its bodies have a legal and moral obligation to hold Israel accountable for its relentless criminality and rogue conduct, to preserve the standing and relevance of the international rules-based system, and to ensure that the Palestinian people enjoy their inalienable and absolute rights to self-determination and freedom.
“Peace and prosperity in the region will remain elusive so long as racist and colonial agendas that dismiss Palestinian rights are perpetuated by international inaction on the one hand and US collusion on the other.”
31 july 2019
Saudi blogger Mohammed Saud at Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. (Twitter)
Six Arab bloggers and journalists arrived in Israel earlier this month at the invitation of Israel’s foreign ministry.
The delegation included individuals from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan and Egypt, according to Israeli media.
With the exception of Jordan and Egypt, none of these countries has formal diplomatic ties with Israel, but some have made moves towards normalization in recent months.
Yuval Rotem, the director general of Israel’s foreign ministry, said the visit would allow the delegation “to get to know the Israeli society in all its diversity from up close.” tweet
The delegation had dinner with foreign ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Nahshon, who called it “a moment of great emotion.” tweet
The delegates made the trip through the Allenby Bridge crossing from Jordan into the occupied West Bank, according to Israel’s i24 News.
The foreign ministry said the itinerary would include a tour of northern Israel, a visit to Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, and a stop at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
Normalizers not welcome
The only member of the delegation identified by local media was Saudi student and activist Mohammed Saud, who regularly tweets in support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Saud was chased out by Palestinians and worshippers from the al-Aqsa mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem on 22 July when they realized he was a member of the delegation.
Local media circulated videos showing Palestinians calling him “cheap,” telling him to “go pray in the Knesset,” spitting on him and throwing chairs and objects at him: tweet tweet
One can be heard saying that the al-Aqsa mosque is a “pure place” and that it doesn’t welcome “normalizers.”
Saud’s visit came on the same day as Israeli forces began the demolition of some 100 apartments in the Wadi Hummus neighborhood on the outskirts of Sur Bahir, a village southeast of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank.
Another member of the delegation was also heckled by Palestinians in Jerusalem on 23 July: tweet
Local media said he was a Jordanian but did not identify him.
Israeli occupation forces detained at least three Palestinians for alleged involvement in protesting Saud.
Another Saudi blogger and a friend of Saud appeared on the Israeli public broadcaster Kan on 23 July.
“What happened to my friend Mohammed is unbelievable,” he said. tweet
“The level of meannes and villainy that the Palestinian people have reached, they have ruined the image of Islam and Muslims.”
The Saudi blogger called on Israel to seize control over Jerusalem’s holy places from Jordan, which acts as custodian. Al-Aqsa mosque is one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Saudi journalist Abd al-Hamid al-Ghabin appeared on Israel’s i24 News during the same week and said that the custodianship of the al-Aqsa mosque should be transferred to Saudi Arabia. tweet
He added that Jordan’s recent warming up to Qatar and Turkey “will not save it from its inevitable fate as an alternative homeland for the Palestinians.”
Turning Jordan into an alternative state for Palestinians, so that Israel can seize the whole of historic Palestine, is a longstanding dream of the Israeli far right.
Anti-Palestinian propaganda
Outraged Saudi social media users expressed solidarity with Palestinians with the hashtag “Saudis against normalization” in Arabic.
Others are doing the opposite, posting anti-Palestinian videos under the Twitter hashtag “they sold the issue and then cursed us” – a false accusation that Palestinians themselves willingly gave up their homeland to the Zionist movement.
This anti-Palestinian propaganda is similar to that disseminated by Egyptian elites starting a generation ago in order to justify Egypt’s peace treaty with Israel despite Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian and other Arab land. tweet1 tweet2 tweet3 tweet4 tweet5 tweet6 tweet7 tweet8
Posing with Likud officials
Six Arab bloggers and journalists arrived in Israel earlier this month at the invitation of Israel’s foreign ministry.
The delegation included individuals from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan and Egypt, according to Israeli media.
With the exception of Jordan and Egypt, none of these countries has formal diplomatic ties with Israel, but some have made moves towards normalization in recent months.
Yuval Rotem, the director general of Israel’s foreign ministry, said the visit would allow the delegation “to get to know the Israeli society in all its diversity from up close.” tweet
The delegation had dinner with foreign ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Nahshon, who called it “a moment of great emotion.” tweet
The delegates made the trip through the Allenby Bridge crossing from Jordan into the occupied West Bank, according to Israel’s i24 News.
The foreign ministry said the itinerary would include a tour of northern Israel, a visit to Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, and a stop at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
Normalizers not welcome
The only member of the delegation identified by local media was Saudi student and activist Mohammed Saud, who regularly tweets in support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Saud was chased out by Palestinians and worshippers from the al-Aqsa mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem on 22 July when they realized he was a member of the delegation.
Local media circulated videos showing Palestinians calling him “cheap,” telling him to “go pray in the Knesset,” spitting on him and throwing chairs and objects at him: tweet tweet
One can be heard saying that the al-Aqsa mosque is a “pure place” and that it doesn’t welcome “normalizers.”
Saud’s visit came on the same day as Israeli forces began the demolition of some 100 apartments in the Wadi Hummus neighborhood on the outskirts of Sur Bahir, a village southeast of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank.
Another member of the delegation was also heckled by Palestinians in Jerusalem on 23 July: tweet
Local media said he was a Jordanian but did not identify him.
Israeli occupation forces detained at least three Palestinians for alleged involvement in protesting Saud.
Another Saudi blogger and a friend of Saud appeared on the Israeli public broadcaster Kan on 23 July.
“What happened to my friend Mohammed is unbelievable,” he said. tweet
“The level of meannes and villainy that the Palestinian people have reached, they have ruined the image of Islam and Muslims.”
The Saudi blogger called on Israel to seize control over Jerusalem’s holy places from Jordan, which acts as custodian. Al-Aqsa mosque is one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Saudi journalist Abd al-Hamid al-Ghabin appeared on Israel’s i24 News during the same week and said that the custodianship of the al-Aqsa mosque should be transferred to Saudi Arabia. tweet
He added that Jordan’s recent warming up to Qatar and Turkey “will not save it from its inevitable fate as an alternative homeland for the Palestinians.”
Turning Jordan into an alternative state for Palestinians, so that Israel can seize the whole of historic Palestine, is a longstanding dream of the Israeli far right.
Anti-Palestinian propaganda
Outraged Saudi social media users expressed solidarity with Palestinians with the hashtag “Saudis against normalization” in Arabic.
Others are doing the opposite, posting anti-Palestinian videos under the Twitter hashtag “they sold the issue and then cursed us” – a false accusation that Palestinians themselves willingly gave up their homeland to the Zionist movement.
This anti-Palestinian propaganda is similar to that disseminated by Egyptian elites starting a generation ago in order to justify Egypt’s peace treaty with Israel despite Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian and other Arab land. tweet1 tweet2 tweet3 tweet4 tweet5 tweet6 tweet7 tweet8
Posing with Likud officials
Likud lawmaker Yehuda Glick poses with Saudi blogger Muhammad Saud near Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. (Twitter)
Glick is a leader of the Israeli-government backed Jewish extremist movement that aims to destroy the al-Aqsa mosque and replace it with a Jewish temple.
Saud also posed with the Israeli foreign ministry’s spokesperson for Arabic-language media, Hassan Kaabia, who called the Saudi blogger his “friend”: tweet
Kaabia told The Times of Israel that Saud took being protested by Palestinians “somewhat harshly, but he understood that this is the real face of the Palestinians.”
The delegation also met with Netanyahu. The prime minister apologized to Saud on behalf of Israel for being protested in Jerusalem.
Kaabia added that Saud sang a Hebrew song by Israeli poet Leah Goldberg to show support for Israel, according to The Times of Israel.
Condemnation from journalist unions
The Iraqi Journalists Syndicate condemned the alleged participation of an Iraqi journalist in the visit.
The syndicate said it “rejects all forms of normalization with the Zionist entity.” tweet
It added that it would punish any Iraqi journalists found to have participated, including suspension from the union.
The Palestinian Democratic Press Society also condemned the delegation, stressing that it rejects “all such visits and displays of normalization.”
The Federation of Arab Journalists denied that any journalists from Arab states even made the trip.
The federation said it “conclusively ascertained” that no journalists belonging to member syndicates in Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia or Iraq took part.
It added that the journalists who took part may be Arab nationals living in other countries and holding passports from their countries of residence.
The Bahraini Society Against Normalization with the Zionist Enemy also condemned the visit, and called for a boycott of anyone who made the trip.
Meanwhile, Israeli foreign minister Yisrael Katz publically met with Bahrain’s foreign minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa at the US State Department earlier this month. tweet
“I will continue to work with the Israeli Prime Minister to advance Israel’s relations with the Gulf countries,” Katz wrote on Twitter.
Katz visited the UAE last month to attend a climate conference and push his plan to build a regional rail network through Jordan, Iraq and several Gulf states, linking them to the Mediterranean via Israel. tweet
It was the first visit by an Israeli minister to an Arab country with which Israel has no relations following the US workshop in Bahrain last month.
In a video message published on Israel’s Arabic-language propaganda Twitter account last week, Katz urged normalization of ties between Iraqis and Israelis.
He announced that the Israeli foreign ministry was launching a special Facebook page aimed at an Iraqi audience. tweet
“We have many things in common,” he said.
“We hope relations will grow in a manner that serves both peoples.”
Glick is a leader of the Israeli-government backed Jewish extremist movement that aims to destroy the al-Aqsa mosque and replace it with a Jewish temple.
Saud also posed with the Israeli foreign ministry’s spokesperson for Arabic-language media, Hassan Kaabia, who called the Saudi blogger his “friend”: tweet
Kaabia told The Times of Israel that Saud took being protested by Palestinians “somewhat harshly, but he understood that this is the real face of the Palestinians.”
The delegation also met with Netanyahu. The prime minister apologized to Saud on behalf of Israel for being protested in Jerusalem.
Kaabia added that Saud sang a Hebrew song by Israeli poet Leah Goldberg to show support for Israel, according to The Times of Israel.
Condemnation from journalist unions
The Iraqi Journalists Syndicate condemned the alleged participation of an Iraqi journalist in the visit.
The syndicate said it “rejects all forms of normalization with the Zionist entity.” tweet
It added that it would punish any Iraqi journalists found to have participated, including suspension from the union.
The Palestinian Democratic Press Society also condemned the delegation, stressing that it rejects “all such visits and displays of normalization.”
The Federation of Arab Journalists denied that any journalists from Arab states even made the trip.
The federation said it “conclusively ascertained” that no journalists belonging to member syndicates in Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia or Iraq took part.
It added that the journalists who took part may be Arab nationals living in other countries and holding passports from their countries of residence.
The Bahraini Society Against Normalization with the Zionist Enemy also condemned the visit, and called for a boycott of anyone who made the trip.
Meanwhile, Israeli foreign minister Yisrael Katz publically met with Bahrain’s foreign minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa at the US State Department earlier this month. tweet
“I will continue to work with the Israeli Prime Minister to advance Israel’s relations with the Gulf countries,” Katz wrote on Twitter.
Katz visited the UAE last month to attend a climate conference and push his plan to build a regional rail network through Jordan, Iraq and several Gulf states, linking them to the Mediterranean via Israel. tweet
It was the first visit by an Israeli minister to an Arab country with which Israel has no relations following the US workshop in Bahrain last month.
In a video message published on Israel’s Arabic-language propaganda Twitter account last week, Katz urged normalization of ties between Iraqis and Israelis.
He announced that the Israeli foreign ministry was launching a special Facebook page aimed at an Iraqi audience. tweet
“We have many things in common,” he said.
“We hope relations will grow in a manner that serves both peoples.”
Official says Kushner, who is currently meeting regional leaders in Mideast , will upon returning 'discuss the many potential next steps to expand upon the success of the Bahrain workshop'
A senior White House official denied Wednesday that President Donald Trump is planning a summit of Arab leaders at Camp David to unveil his self-styled "deal of the century" for Middle East peace.
The plan to hold the summit was first revealed in Ynet's sister publication Yedioth Ahronoth on Wednesday morning.
According to the American official, “no summit has currently been planned."
He said that the U.S. team on the Middle East, which is headed by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and is at present in the region, "will report back to the president, the vice president, the secretary of state and the National Security Council upon returning to discuss the many potential next steps to expand upon the success of the Bahrain workshop.”
The official was referring to the June conference in Bahrain, which focused on advancing the peace process via economic benefits for the Palestinians but whose leaders were not invited to attend.
Kushner was meeting Wednesday with the Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman and later in the day with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. He and his entourage will then holds talks in Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
A Washington official who has been following the preparations for Kushner's trip said that the current intention is that Netanyahu will not attend the Camp David conference, as his participation would make it difficult for Arab invitees to accept.
The summit was reportedly planned together with Netanyahu and his ambassador to the U.S., Ron Dermer.
Trump is expected to present the deal without going into binding detail. For example, he will agree to a Palestinian entity, but not necessarily a state, he is likely to say yes to a Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem but not necessarily as the capital of a Palestinian state, and so on.
The American denial came hours after the Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the planned U.S. summit.
The summit, according to the Palestinian Authority, is aimed at strengthening Netanyahu ahead of the September elections, establishing normalized Israeli-Arab relations and pushing aside the Arab League-endorsed Saudi peace initiative of 2002.
Furthermore, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said, holding the conference is a sign that the U.S. does not view the Palestinian leadership as a partner for peace - and that Washington wants to reach an agreement without the Palestinians, thereby also eliminating the concept of a two-state solution.
The Palestinians have warned the U.S. against coming to the aid of Netanyahu, whom they say is trying to implement Israeli law in the West Bank and beyond.
Abbas is expected to reject the plan outright, while Netanyahu is likely to praise the move, but say he has many reservations, without elaborating. The Arab rulers will lend the process legitimacy by attending the Camp David conference.
A senior White House official denied Wednesday that President Donald Trump is planning a summit of Arab leaders at Camp David to unveil his self-styled "deal of the century" for Middle East peace.
The plan to hold the summit was first revealed in Ynet's sister publication Yedioth Ahronoth on Wednesday morning.
According to the American official, “no summit has currently been planned."
He said that the U.S. team on the Middle East, which is headed by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and is at present in the region, "will report back to the president, the vice president, the secretary of state and the National Security Council upon returning to discuss the many potential next steps to expand upon the success of the Bahrain workshop.”
The official was referring to the June conference in Bahrain, which focused on advancing the peace process via economic benefits for the Palestinians but whose leaders were not invited to attend.
Kushner was meeting Wednesday with the Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman and later in the day with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. He and his entourage will then holds talks in Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
A Washington official who has been following the preparations for Kushner's trip said that the current intention is that Netanyahu will not attend the Camp David conference, as his participation would make it difficult for Arab invitees to accept.
The summit was reportedly planned together with Netanyahu and his ambassador to the U.S., Ron Dermer.
Trump is expected to present the deal without going into binding detail. For example, he will agree to a Palestinian entity, but not necessarily a state, he is likely to say yes to a Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem but not necessarily as the capital of a Palestinian state, and so on.
The American denial came hours after the Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the planned U.S. summit.
The summit, according to the Palestinian Authority, is aimed at strengthening Netanyahu ahead of the September elections, establishing normalized Israeli-Arab relations and pushing aside the Arab League-endorsed Saudi peace initiative of 2002.
Furthermore, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said, holding the conference is a sign that the U.S. does not view the Palestinian leadership as a partner for peace - and that Washington wants to reach an agreement without the Palestinians, thereby also eliminating the concept of a two-state solution.
The Palestinians have warned the U.S. against coming to the aid of Netanyahu, whom they say is trying to implement Israeli law in the West Bank and beyond.
Abbas is expected to reject the plan outright, while Netanyahu is likely to praise the move, but say he has many reservations, without elaborating. The Arab rulers will lend the process legitimacy by attending the Camp David conference.
Kushner sets off to for Mideast visit to persuade leaders to attend the conference, set to take place before the Israeli September 17 elections; Netanyahu involved in the designing of peace plan Trump will present, but will not attend the conference
Senior White House advisor Jared Kushner is set to invite Arab Mideast leaders to a peace conference in the U.S. during his visit to the region, launched on Wednesday.
The peace conference is to take place in Camp David, the U.S. President's country retreat, and U.S. President Donald Trump is set to present his Mideast Peace Plan during the conference.
According to an unnamed source in Washington, the conference is set to take place before the September 17 elections in Israel; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dremer were involved in the designing the plan.
However, the source believes Netanyahu will not take place in the conference, since his presence will make it difficult for Kushner to convince Arab leaders to attend it.
The peace conference serves both Trump and Netanyahu's election campaigns; it portrays Netanyahu as a global leader and could affect Blue and White and the Labor parties' refusal to join his coalition after the elections.
On Tuesday, the security cabinet unanimously approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to build 700 housing units for Palestinians living in the West Bank’s Area C, which is under full Israeli civil and security control.
The decision, that outraged rightist circles, was set to assist Kushner in convincing Arab leaders in taking part in the planned peace conference.
Kushner is set to travel to Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to hold talks during his current visit.
Trump is expected to present the peace plan in Camp David without going into details and conditions; yes to a Palestinian entity, but not necessarily a Palestinian state, yes to Palestinian presence in Jerusalem, but not necessarily as a capital.
PA leader Mahmoud Abbas is likely to rule the plan out, while other Arab leaders will legitimate the move simply by attending the conference. Netanyahu, on his hand, is likely to praise the move and say he has many reservations without specifying.
Last week, Jordanian King Abdullah II met with Abbas in Amman. After the meeting, the two published an announcement supporting a Palestinian state with a capital in East Jerusalem — both demands that Kushner aspires to get off the table.
"Both sides believe it is important to reach a steady peace between Israelis and Palestinians and stress that they will continue to back Palestinians in getting their legal rights and establishing a state based on the 1967 border, with East Jerusalem as its capital," said the mutual statement.
Senior White House advisor Jared Kushner is set to invite Arab Mideast leaders to a peace conference in the U.S. during his visit to the region, launched on Wednesday.
The peace conference is to take place in Camp David, the U.S. President's country retreat, and U.S. President Donald Trump is set to present his Mideast Peace Plan during the conference.
According to an unnamed source in Washington, the conference is set to take place before the September 17 elections in Israel; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dremer were involved in the designing the plan.
However, the source believes Netanyahu will not take place in the conference, since his presence will make it difficult for Kushner to convince Arab leaders to attend it.
The peace conference serves both Trump and Netanyahu's election campaigns; it portrays Netanyahu as a global leader and could affect Blue and White and the Labor parties' refusal to join his coalition after the elections.
On Tuesday, the security cabinet unanimously approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to build 700 housing units for Palestinians living in the West Bank’s Area C, which is under full Israeli civil and security control.
The decision, that outraged rightist circles, was set to assist Kushner in convincing Arab leaders in taking part in the planned peace conference.
Kushner is set to travel to Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to hold talks during his current visit.
Trump is expected to present the peace plan in Camp David without going into details and conditions; yes to a Palestinian entity, but not necessarily a Palestinian state, yes to Palestinian presence in Jerusalem, but not necessarily as a capital.
PA leader Mahmoud Abbas is likely to rule the plan out, while other Arab leaders will legitimate the move simply by attending the conference. Netanyahu, on his hand, is likely to praise the move and say he has many reservations without specifying.
Last week, Jordanian King Abdullah II met with Abbas in Amman. After the meeting, the two published an announcement supporting a Palestinian state with a capital in East Jerusalem — both demands that Kushner aspires to get off the table.
"Both sides believe it is important to reach a steady peace between Israelis and Palestinians and stress that they will continue to back Palestinians in getting their legal rights and establishing a state based on the 1967 border, with East Jerusalem as its capital," said the mutual statement.
The Socialist International (SI), which concluded today its conference held in Ramallah, affirmed its solidarity and stand by the Palestinian people in facing the American "deal of the century", which is aimed at liquidating the Palestinian cause, according to Nabil Shaath, advisor to President Mahmoud Abbas on International Relations and Vice President of SI.Shaath said in a telephone interview with WAFA that the participants in the conference unanimously condemned the violations and crimes of the Israeli occupying power against the Palestinian people, including killings, arrests, home demolitions and expansion of the illegal Israeli settlements, and affirmed the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the 4 June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He pointed out that the conference was held specifically to support the struggle of the Palestinian people against the Israeli occupation and “all conspiracies” aimed at the liquidation of the Palestinian cause, explaining the importance of positions issued by members of the Socialist International, particularly since some of them govern in their countries.
"The convening of the conference in Palestine with the participation of dozens of the ruling Socialist parties and the opposition from different countries of the world serves as an important international support for the Palestinian people and their leadership at this difficult stage in which the Palestinian issue is facing the most dangerous liquidation plans," Shaath said.
He noted that the Israeli Meretz Party participated in the conference and approved all the decisions contained in its final communique.
"The Palestinian issue has been on the agenda and events of the Socialist International since its inception in 1951, which re-affirmed during its conferences all international resolutions related to Palestine," said Shaath.
He noted that Fatah becoming a full member in the SI in 2011 and with the National Initiative and the Popular Struggle Front joining it have contributed to great deal in introducing the Palestinian narrative and position from various developments, which prompted SI to adopt dozens of important decisions on Palestine.
Shaath said that the most important decisions of SI were to invite its members to play a role with their governments to unconditionally recognize the state of Palestine on the borders of June 4, 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital, in addition to its clear position on Israeli settlement activities in the Palestinian territories, which it said constitute a flagrant violation of international law and an obstacle to peace.
Socialist International is a political organization with 162 member organizations and political parties from around the world.
He pointed out that the conference was held specifically to support the struggle of the Palestinian people against the Israeli occupation and “all conspiracies” aimed at the liquidation of the Palestinian cause, explaining the importance of positions issued by members of the Socialist International, particularly since some of them govern in their countries.
"The convening of the conference in Palestine with the participation of dozens of the ruling Socialist parties and the opposition from different countries of the world serves as an important international support for the Palestinian people and their leadership at this difficult stage in which the Palestinian issue is facing the most dangerous liquidation plans," Shaath said.
He noted that the Israeli Meretz Party participated in the conference and approved all the decisions contained in its final communique.
"The Palestinian issue has been on the agenda and events of the Socialist International since its inception in 1951, which re-affirmed during its conferences all international resolutions related to Palestine," said Shaath.
He noted that Fatah becoming a full member in the SI in 2011 and with the National Initiative and the Popular Struggle Front joining it have contributed to great deal in introducing the Palestinian narrative and position from various developments, which prompted SI to adopt dozens of important decisions on Palestine.
Shaath said that the most important decisions of SI were to invite its members to play a role with their governments to unconditionally recognize the state of Palestine on the borders of June 4, 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital, in addition to its clear position on Israeli settlement activities in the Palestinian territories, which it said constitute a flagrant violation of international law and an obstacle to peace.
Socialist International is a political organization with 162 member organizations and political parties from around the world.
30 july 2019
Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh described, during the annual conference of Socialist International (SI) hosted this year by the State of Palestine, the administration of US President Donald Trump as "stupid" stressing that Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is not a partner in peace.
The premier described Trump's administration as "stupid” for thinking that it could push the Palestinian people to surrender, stressing that the Palestinian people proved that they will not be defeated nor surrender, and will not accept less than the minimum of freedom, independence, and the establishment of a sovereign state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.
He accused the Trump administration of extorting the Palestinian people through its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and transferring its embassy there, shutting down the PLO office in Washington, and drying up the Palestinian Authority's financial resources.
Shtayyeh said that the Trump administration said it would solve the Palestinian issue and complete the century deal, which we welcomed at first and showed all good intentions toward, but were surprised by the unprecedented steps in its hostility and realized that all this was part of America's approach to market the deal of the century. “What is happening is dangerous for the future of Palestine, the region, and the world."
Shtayyeh said Netanyahu and the right-wing governments he has led have never been a political partner; Israel steals our land and money and kills our sons, he said, adding that, “We want an Israeli partner in peace based on a two-state solution.”
He said that Israel has ed options left under Netanyahu’s rule; either the two-state solution or the demographic death, either the two-state solution or no Jewish democratic state, either the two-state solution or no peace.
He called on the SI to stop the Israeli theft of Palestinian territories, oblige Israel to pay for its human rights violations, pressure the governments of countries to ask settlers who carry their nationalities to leave the Palestinian territories, and to support President Abbas' initiative for the convening of an international peace conference in the Middle East based on international legitimacy.
He said that in light of Israel's non-compliance with any of the bilateral agreements signed with the PLO, the Palestinian leadership has decided to suspend these agreements because Israel does not respect any of them and violates them systematically, stating that a committee was formed today to study mechanisms for implementing this decision.
“We are peace seekers who are committed to all agreements, but it is not reasonable to remain a committed party, while the other party is not committed in any way," said Shtayyeh.
For his part, Luis Ayala, the Secretary General of the Socialist International, said the current decisions of the US administration on Middle East issue, break away from international consensus and international legitimacy.
He said that the issue of Palestine is a global issue and not just a regional issue, adding that, “our mission is to move forward in promoting people's freedom and rights."
The premier described Trump's administration as "stupid” for thinking that it could push the Palestinian people to surrender, stressing that the Palestinian people proved that they will not be defeated nor surrender, and will not accept less than the minimum of freedom, independence, and the establishment of a sovereign state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.
He accused the Trump administration of extorting the Palestinian people through its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and transferring its embassy there, shutting down the PLO office in Washington, and drying up the Palestinian Authority's financial resources.
Shtayyeh said that the Trump administration said it would solve the Palestinian issue and complete the century deal, which we welcomed at first and showed all good intentions toward, but were surprised by the unprecedented steps in its hostility and realized that all this was part of America's approach to market the deal of the century. “What is happening is dangerous for the future of Palestine, the region, and the world."
Shtayyeh said Netanyahu and the right-wing governments he has led have never been a political partner; Israel steals our land and money and kills our sons, he said, adding that, “We want an Israeli partner in peace based on a two-state solution.”
He said that Israel has ed options left under Netanyahu’s rule; either the two-state solution or the demographic death, either the two-state solution or no Jewish democratic state, either the two-state solution or no peace.
He called on the SI to stop the Israeli theft of Palestinian territories, oblige Israel to pay for its human rights violations, pressure the governments of countries to ask settlers who carry their nationalities to leave the Palestinian territories, and to support President Abbas' initiative for the convening of an international peace conference in the Middle East based on international legitimacy.
He said that in light of Israel's non-compliance with any of the bilateral agreements signed with the PLO, the Palestinian leadership has decided to suspend these agreements because Israel does not respect any of them and violates them systematically, stating that a committee was formed today to study mechanisms for implementing this decision.
“We are peace seekers who are committed to all agreements, but it is not reasonable to remain a committed party, while the other party is not committed in any way," said Shtayyeh.
For his part, Luis Ayala, the Secretary General of the Socialist International, said the current decisions of the US administration on Middle East issue, break away from international consensus and international legitimacy.
He said that the issue of Palestine is a global issue and not just a regional issue, adding that, “our mission is to move forward in promoting people's freedom and rights."
Israel's Security Cabinet has been discussing a new settlement plan put forward by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for "Area C" in the occupied West Bank.
Haaretz newspaper on Tuesday reported that Netanyahu's plan suggests the construction of 6,000 housing units in Israeli settlements.
The discussion of Netanyahu's proposal comes a few days ahead of a scheduled visit by Jared Kushner, the US president's senior advisor, to Israel.
Kushner is also responsible for the implementation of the so-called "Deal of the Century", which, the US claims, is aimed at settling the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Haaretz newspaper on Tuesday reported that Netanyahu's plan suggests the construction of 6,000 housing units in Israeli settlements.
The discussion of Netanyahu's proposal comes a few days ahead of a scheduled visit by Jared Kushner, the US president's senior advisor, to Israel.
Kushner is also responsible for the implementation of the so-called "Deal of the Century", which, the US claims, is aimed at settling the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
28 july 2019
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A New York-based author and commentator says acts of infanticide by the Saudi and Israeli regimes continue because they have the support of the United States government.
Riyadh and Tel Aviv have been designated respectively the first and second regimes on a United Nations (UN) list of international child killers. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently submitted the list — the annual Children and Armed Conflict Report — to the UN Security Council, where the US is a permanent member. Author and commentator Naseer al-Omari told Press TV’s The Debate program on Saturday that, owing to Washington’s support for the two |
regimes, “not much” had happened as a result of the UN’s successive condemnations of the acts of bloodshed by Riyadh and Tel Aviv.
The Saudis have even “executed more people and enlisted children in war” as US President Donald Trump’s administration would increase its support for them in the aftermath of every UN measure.
According to the UN list, over the past year, the Saudi-led coalition waging war on Yemen killed 729 children, while Israel killed 57 kids and injured more than 2,600 across the occupied Palestinian territories.
Most recently, Trump vetoed a congressional move against American arms sales to Saudi Arabia last Wednesday, “allowing the Saudi to have more weapons,” Omari said.
“Make no mistake about it, the Saudi regime and the Israelis are protected by the Trump administration,” he said.
Michael Lane, the North Carolina-based founder of the American Institute for Foreign Policy think tank, who was also a guest on the show, acknowledged that “it’s horrific and it’s grotesque” for any regime’s name to make the UN list.
Asked why the UN measures had failed to stop Riyadh and Tel Aviv’s infanticide, he said, “The United Nations is not the most effective organization in the world.”
He also alleged that the Saudis “are actively taking steps to reduce that number.”
Related: Saudi crown prince offered Abbas $10 billion to accept Trump's plan: Report
The Saudis have even “executed more people and enlisted children in war” as US President Donald Trump’s administration would increase its support for them in the aftermath of every UN measure.
According to the UN list, over the past year, the Saudi-led coalition waging war on Yemen killed 729 children, while Israel killed 57 kids and injured more than 2,600 across the occupied Palestinian territories.
Most recently, Trump vetoed a congressional move against American arms sales to Saudi Arabia last Wednesday, “allowing the Saudi to have more weapons,” Omari said.
“Make no mistake about it, the Saudi regime and the Israelis are protected by the Trump administration,” he said.
Michael Lane, the North Carolina-based founder of the American Institute for Foreign Policy think tank, who was also a guest on the show, acknowledged that “it’s horrific and it’s grotesque” for any regime’s name to make the UN list.
Asked why the UN measures had failed to stop Riyadh and Tel Aviv’s infanticide, he said, “The United Nations is not the most effective organization in the world.”
He also alleged that the Saudis “are actively taking steps to reduce that number.”
Related: Saudi crown prince offered Abbas $10 billion to accept Trump's plan: Report
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