Category: Articles

Isaac Herzog, the chairman of the Jewish Agency and former chief of Israel’s Labor Party, was elected President of Israel Wednesday. Herzog is the son of Israel’s Sixth President, Chaim Herzog.

Israel Prize laureate, bereaved mother, and educator Miriam Peretz faced off against Herzog. Herzog won by a wide margin, receiving 87 votes to Peretz’s 26, the Knesset announced Wednesday afternoon. Six MKs abstained from the vote.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid congratulated Herzog in a statement shortly after the results were released. “I congratulate my friend, Isaac ‘Bougie’ Herzog on his election as President of the State of Israel. A worthy and wonderful man who is always focused on the good of the country and the Jewish people. Good luck Mr. President!”

AFSI sends its best wishes and hatzlacha to Isaac Herzog on his election as President of the State of Israel. We look forward to his service to the Jewish people and to the new paths he will forge between Israel and the Diaspora. We are confident his tenure will also lead Israel to continued prosperity and development for the next generation.

Source:
Isaac Herzog elected as President of Israel, by Arutz Sheva Staff, June 2, 2021

Whereas the United States has made statements promising renewed financial support to the Palestinian Authority, the PA is ineligible for US funding. According to US law to be eligible for funding from the Economic Support Fund (ESF), the PA must not “initiate” or “actively support” any International Criminal Court investigation “that subjects Israeli nationals to an investigation for alleged crimes against Palestinians.”

Palestinian Media Watch’s (PMW) recent report reveals that the Head of the PA Attorney’s Office for International Legal Cooperation Jamil Sajadiyeh admitted that the PA, ignoring the above US condition, is very actively supporting investigations against Israelis at the ICC:

“Around 80 meetings have been held between Palestine and the ICC, of course with the office of [ICC] General Prosecutor [Fatou Bensouda]. There are nearly 60 cases and letters that have been submitted, all of them telling about the Israeli violations. Monthly reports are being submitted to the ICC via the general prosecutor through the [PA] Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” [Official PA TV, Palestine This Morning, May 25, 2021]

United States law is very clear. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 passed in January 2014 prohibited Economic Support Fund (ESF) aid if the PA “initiate an International Criminal Court judicially authorized investigation, or actively support such an investigation, that subjects Israeli nationals to an investigation for alleged crimes against Palestinians.” The same provision has been adopted every year since, most recently as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, passed in December 2020.

According to PMW, there is no doubt that the PA initiated the ICC investigation against Israel. Does this surprise you? It doesn’t surprise AFSI. The fact that Fatou Bensouda turned a deaf ear to the Consolidated Appropriations Act and allowed the PA to go forth in blatant violation of it is a breach of her duties. It’s also pure anti-Semitism. We don’t need to go any further to find an explanation for her disgusting and politically biased actions.

Source:
The PA met 80 times with the ICC – mocking and violating conditions for US funding, by Itamar Marcus/Palestinian Media Watch, May 31, 2021

 

 

 

Yamina leader Naftali Bennett delivered his long-awaited announcement on Sunday that he would join a government with Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid. Bennett seeks to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he accused of leading Israel to national suicide for his own personal reasons.

Yesh Atid and Yamina began negotiations immediately following the announcement on Sunday night in an effort to reach an agreement by Wednesday’s deadline. If formed, Lapid and Bennett have agreed that Bennett will serve first as prime minister until September 2023, and Lapid will take over until the term ends in November 2025.

Likud has been trying its best to torpedo the move of this dangerous formation. Just this morning, Likud sent a letter to the president, the president’s legal counsels and the Knesset asking not to approve the move. Their reasoning is that as long as Lapid does not present the president with the exact composition of the government portfolios and additional details about it, nothing should be approved.

Likud demands that the president make it clear to Lapid that if he does not present the full details of his proposed government by midnight on Wednesday, the mandate would pass to the Knesset for 21 days. If at the end of the three weeks during which the mandate is in the Knesset and its members fail to form a government, Israel would go to the polls in accordance with the law and the president would have no discretion on the issue.

It should also be understood that Likud wrote the two legal counsels: “You are also asked to clarify to MK Yair Lapid that according to the Basic Law: Government, a Knesset member who is assigned to form a government cannot be an alternative prime minister but must head the government in its first term.” The argument has already been rejected.

Important to keep in mind is that during Ra’am chief Mansour Abbas’ recent meeting with Ayelet Shaked, Abbas demanded that one of his party’s lawmakers be appointed deputy interior minister. Shaked, who reports have indicated will be interior minister if the government if formed, was said to express fierce opposition to the demand. Any demands by the Arab faction are troubling for Israel.

The ever astute Caroline Glick, conveys a clear list of the problems a Unity government presents. “The leftist government that Bennett and Shaked are about to form will not be able to oppose Biden’s policies because most of its cabinet ministers support those policies. And this spells the demise of the Abraham Accords. The rationale for those peace deals is Arab faith in Israel’s willingness to confront Iran even in defiance of the US. Once that is gone, the Abraham Accords will be dead in the water.

The leftist government that Bennett and Shaked are now forming will guarantee that the Palestinian Authority will complete its seizure of Area C, endangering Israel’s strategic interests and imperiling its communities in Judea and Samaria. Most of the members of the government object to any steps to secure Israel’s rights and strategic interests in the areas. Not only are they themselves ideologically committed to undermining Israel’s rights in Judea and Samaria. They will never dare to defy the Biden administration, which supports Palestinian land theft.”

There are MKs in Yamina who are still hesitant about joining the formation of what has the potential to be a dangerous left-wing government. They see it as radical, weak and a threat to Israel’s security. The Israeli people have been through enough but is settling for this type of government what they should tolerate? We agree! However, Israel is a Sovereign nation. We in the diaspora,have to wait and see how this plays out and pray for a government that guarantees Sovereignty and security.

Sources:
Bennett announces plan to form gov’t with Lapid that will oust Netanyahu, by Gil Hoffman/Jerusalem Post, May 30, 2021

The strategic consequences of Bennett’s megalomania, by Caroline Glick/Israel Hayom, May 30, 2021

Ra’am chief meets Shaked, reportedly demands deputy interior minister role, by TOI Staff, May 31, 2021

Likud Fighting Tooth and Nail to Prevent an Increasingly Inevitable Bennett-Lapid Government, by David Israel/Jewish Press, June 1, 2021

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Tuesday that he would not shy away from a clash with the US as part of his efforts to counter Iran’s nuclear program to ensure Israel’s survival.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for newly appointed Mossad chief David Barnea, Netanyahu vowed that “Israel will deny Iran nuclear weapons” even if that complicates its relations with “our greatest friend: the United States.”

According to Netanyahu, Israel might have to ultimately choose between “friction with the US and removing an existential threat” and it will choose the latter, which he said was constantly growing, but he added that he hoped Israel would not have to make that choice.

Netanyahu added: “The greatest threat we face is the existential threat created by Iran’s attempts to get nuclear weapons. This could be in the form of threatening us – a small and clustered country – with annihilation, or with tens of thousands of missiles that would get a nuclear umbrella. This could pose a threat to the Zionist enterprise and we must counter this without stopping.”

Netanyahu certainly has Israel’s most pressing issue at the top of the list. We applaud him for holding firm in assuring that Iran NEVER gets nuclear weapons.

Source:
PM vows to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions even at cost of ‘friction with US’, by Lilach Shoval/Israel Hayom, June 1, 2021

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Tuesday for meetings with the country’s leadership. The declared mission of the meeting was to “support their efforts to solidify a ceasefire” following the end of Operation Guardian of the Walls.

This is Blinken’s first visit to the Jewish state since taking office as the US’ top diplomat.
He met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu warned Blinken that Israel “will give meaning to our commitment to our self-defense if Hamas breaks the calm and attacks Israel. Our response will be very powerful.” On Iran, he expressed hope that the US “will not go back to the old JCPOA, because we believe that deal paves the way for Iran to have an arsenal of nuclear weapons with international legitimacy. Whatever happens, Israel will always reserve the right to defend itself against a regime committed to our destruction, committed to getting the weapons of mass destruction for that end.”

Additionally, Netanyahu said that “there could be a situation in which our paramount goal – ensuring that the ayatollahs do not put a stop to the existence of the Jewish people, which has continued for thousands of years – will require us to make courageous and independent decisions. The State of Israel will not allow Iran to arm itself with nuclear weapons.”

“In any case, with or without an agreement [between the US and Iran], we will do everything to prevent Iran from arming itself with nuclear weapons and this is because it concerns our existence,” he underscored.

Israel and the US have common goals of peace, security, and prosperity. We know Israel’s plan is based on Sovereignty and security of the country. However, the way in which the US intends to accomplish these goals is dangerous for all concerned. We are secure knowing that Netanyahu holds firm to his commitment that Iran never obtains nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, we know the US is delirious to get Iran back into the “deal.”

Blinken underscored that “Biden made crystal clear throughout the violence that the US fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks such as Hamas firing rockets indiscriminately against civilians.” That’s a very nice statement, but the root of the problem is that Iran must cease funding Hamas. We wanted to hear Blinken condemn all of this. Why didn’t he?

We know the current US administration fully understands that Iran is the problem. They’ll never admit it though. What exactly buddying up to Iran – the #1 state sponsor of terror – holds for US politicians may seem like a mystery to some. The moment of clarity is when you understand that using anti-Semitism for their selfish agendas and power grabs are the reason. All of this is deeply alarming especially in light of the chilling rise of anti-Semitism in the US – most recently the attacks on the streets of US cities. With the in-your-face and unapologetic displays of a growing anti-Semitic US Congress, and the weak Biden “leadership” and his puppeteers, we remain concerned for the safety of Israel and the Jewish people.

Source:
Netanyahu and US Sec. Blinken Discuss Ceasefire, How to Prevent Hamas’ Rearmament, by Aryeh Savir/TPS, May 25, 2021

A measure in the US Senate would require the Biden administration to obtain congressional approval before inking a deal with Iran. This is according to a copy of the draft amendment obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.

The amendment would establish a significant roadblock in the Biden administration’s bid to reenter the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The Republican-backed amendment would prevent the Biden administration from signing any new deal without Senate approval.

With the body divided along party lines, it is likely the amendment will be broadly supported by the GOP and opposed by Democrats.

AFSI thanks the GOP for introducing this critically needed amendment. Spearheading the amendment is Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and its co-sponsors James Risch (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and John Barrasso (R-WY). We pray the Senate’s initiative will successfully block Biden’s dangerous liaison with Iran.

Please take a moment to contact these legislators to
thank and support them for their introduction of this amendment to
block Biden from re-entering the Iran deal!
Each Senator’s name is linked to their contact information.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI)

James Risch (R-ID)

Ted Cruz (R-TX)

Marco Rubio (R-FL)

John Barrasso (R-WY)

Source:
Republicans seek congressional approval before Iran deal, by Elad Benari/Arutz Sheva, May 27, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

During the 11 days of the IDF’s counterterrorism Operation Guardian of the Walls, Gaza-based Hamas launched some 4,360 rockets toward the State of Israel, of which about 3,400 crossed into Israel, about 680 fell in the Gaza Strip, and about 280 fell into the sea.

About 90% of the rockets fired into Israel were intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system. 12 Israelis were killed by the attacks or while running for shelter.

The IDF attacked some 1,500 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror targets in the Gaza Strip.

These targets included Hamas’ Metro underground city strategic project. About 100 km of tunnels were destroyed.

25 senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad senior commanders were killed, as well as over 200 additional terrorists.

About 340 launch pits were bombed, as well as 70 multi-barreled launchers and 35 mortar launchers.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) also hit five banks dealing in terrorist funds, and nine high-rise buildings used as a terrorist infrastructure.

The IDF thwarted Hamas’ attempts to launch cross-border raids, hit dozens of anti-tank squads, and prevented a paragliders attack.

The IDF crowned its achievements as “significant,” stating “some of which are unprecedented.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Friday after the ceasefire came into effect that “Israel didn’t initiate this conflict. We were attacked in an unprovoked manner by the Hamas terrorist organization that fired four thousand rockets into our capital and into our cities. No country will sit aside when it’s attacked in such a criminal fashion. Israel is no different.”

As was expected, the UN Security Council failed to mention and condemn Hamas in any way. Israel continues to remain on high alert so it can be prepared for any scenario in order to defend its Sovereignty and legal rights. AFSI hopes for (but does not necessarily expect) a lasting ceasefire and, as much as possible, a return to normal life for the Israeli people.

Source
4,360 Rocket Attacks; 25 Senior Terrorists Killed – Operation Guardian of the Walls by the Numbers, by TPS/Tazpit Press Service, May 23, 2021

UN Security Council Ignores Hamas Rocket Attacks on Israel, by Aryeh Savir/TPS, May 23 May, 2021

 

Thousands gathered on Sunday for a pro-Israel rally in New York in response to Operation Guardian of the Walls and a series of anti-Semitic attacks on Israeli and Jewish American communities in the United States.

The demonstration, “United Against Antisemitism. United Against Terror. United for Us,” took place at Ground Zero as well as 14 other cities across the US, among them Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, Austin, Denver, Houston, and more. It was organized by the Israeli American Council together with 100 other Jewish community organizations.

The World Trade Center site in downtown New York was chosen because it is a symbol of America’s resilience in the face of terrorism and hatred.

Despite recent displays of Arab hatred perpetrated against Jews on the streets of New York City, California, Florida, and other states, AFSI applauds the Jewish community and its friends for showing up in strong numbers to let the enemy know we all stand strong with Israel and the Jewish people.

Source:
Thousands attend pro-Israel rally in New York, by Dan Lavie/Israel Hayom, May 24, 2021

Israel’s three most senior cabinet members – PM Benjamin Netanyahu, DM Benny Gantz, FM Gabi Ashkenazi – spoke with US counterparts.

The latest flare-up in violence between the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and Israel might be drawing down, after a night of reduced rocket fire – approximately 70 in the 12 hours from 7:00pm to 7:00am according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The military said that at least 10 rockets fell inside Gaza and that the Iron Dome missile defense system maintained its success rate of downing 90 percent of the rockets fired at Israel.

Despite Biden’s call for a ceasefire, Netanyahu has stated that the operation would take as long as it needed to degrade the ability of Hamas to attack Israel. Israel doesn’t need Biden or his Israel bashing staff budding in, especially when they are so desperate to stay cozy with Iran.

Source:
LIVEBLOG: Latest conflict round could be drawing to close as ceasefire talk intensifies, by i24NEWS, May 20, 2021

Why is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu behaving the way that he is during Israel’s latest crisis? There is no doubt that Netanyahu is showing the influence of and ideological compass of his father, Benzion Netanyahu. Benzion was a disciple of Ze’ev Jabotinsky.

“It is an excellent rule to begin an article with the most important point, but this time, I find it necessary to begin with an introduction, and, moreover, with a personal introduction.

I am reputed to be an enemy of the Arabs, who wants to have them ejected from Palestine, and so forth. It is not true.

Emotionally, my attitude to the Arabs is the same as to all other nations – polite indifference. Politically, my attitude is determined by two principles. First of all, I consider it utterly impossible to eject the Arabs from Palestine. There will always be two nations in Palestine – which is good enough for me, provided the Jews become the majority. And secondly, I belong to the group that once drew up the Helsingfors Programme , the programme of national rights for all nationalities living in the same State. In drawing up that programme, we had in mind not only the Jews, but all nations everywhere, and its basis is equality of rights.

I am prepared to take an oath binding ourselves and our descendants that we shall never do anything contrary to the principle of equal rights, and that we shall never try to eject anyone. This seems to me a fairly peaceful credo.

But it is quite another question whether it is always possible to realise a peaceful aim by peaceful means. For the answer to this question does not depend on our attitude to the Arabs, but entirely on the attitude of the Arabs to us and to Zionism.

Now, after this introduction, we may proceed to the subject.

Source:
The Iron Wall (Original in Russian), by Ze’ev Jabotinsky/Razsviet, November 4,1923