Israel and The Sin of Expulsion
The Implications and Consequences of Expulsion for the Jewish People
This author reiterates what was posted to this blog just a couple of days ago regarding DM Peretz’s designation of a commission of investigation;
“Wouldn’t a more thorough, objective analysis and judgement come from the likes of Generals Giora Eiland, director of Israel’s national security council and Moshe Ya’alon, former IDF Chief of Staff preceding Halutz, or by State Controller Michal Lindenstrauss?” MB
Supreme Court to Hear Petition Calling For Gov’t Investigation
Commentary;
Slimey Israeli politicians always say, “Trust me” and we learn that with those words uttered, one is totally justified in cynicism. But, in the humble opinion of this author, Trust me, there will be many more revelations. You can take it to the bank! MB
Ramon Forfeits Immunity and Hearing, to Resign Sunday
Excerpt;
“Ramon will stand trial on charges of committing an indecent act without consent, Mazuz informed Ramon on Thursday. He is suspected of having used force to kiss a female soldier on the lips and insert his tongue into her mouth on the day the soldier celebrated her last day of work as a clerk in a government office.”
Hizbullah Encourages Palestinian Terror
Excerpt;
“Palestinian terror cells operating in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in conjunction with Hizbullah are under orders by the Lebanese-based terror group to escalate their attacks against Israel.”
Israel Protests Russian Missile Sales to Iran
Excerpt;
“Russian-made anti-tank missiles reached Hizbullah guerrillas in Lebanon and were used in the 34-day conflict. The anti-tank missiles proved to be one of Hizbullah’s most effective weapons in face-to-face combat with the IDF, killing many of the 118 soldiers that died in the fighting. Russia sold the weapons to Iran and Syria, known supporters of Hizbullah, who passed them on.”
Evacuee: I Should Have Blown Myself in Gush Katif
Excerpt;
“Nevertheless, some 80 percent of the evacuees have already received full compensation from the government.”
Commentary;
For context, click here.
This article seems like a caring, compassionate appraisal of the negative impact of last year’s expulsion upon families, upon husbands and wives, upon parents and off-spring. That is until one reaches this sentence;
“Nevertheless, some 80 percent of the evacuees have already received full compensation from the government.”
Dead Man Walking, By Ari Shavit
Excerpts;
Here is the news: Aliza and Ehud Olmert will be summoned to an investigation in the State Comptroller’s office within a few days.
The prime minister and his wife will be presented with these findings: The price they paid for their new house on 8 Cremieux Street in Jerusalem is lower than its market price by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The difference between the sum they paid – some $1.2 million – and the house’s value – $1.6-1.8 million – is hard to explain. It raises suspicion that the prime minister and his wife illicitly received about half a million dollars.
MKs: Convergence May be PM’s Undoing By Sheera Claire Frenkel
(Jerusalem Post)
Excerpts;
The convergence plan that served as a cornerstone of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s rise to office may lead to his downfall, members of the coalition said Wednesday.
“If you asked me now what could break up the coalition, I would say convergence,” said a senior Labor minister. “We can’t support a plan which calls for unilateral moves.”
The plan, which calls for a withdrawal from large swaths of the West Bank, allows for a unilateral withdrawal if a “partner” is unavailable for negotiations, said MK Otniel Schneller, the Kadima MK who helped draft the plan.
Peretz Appoints War Inquiry Committee
Excerpt;
“DM Peretz appointed former Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. (res.) Amnon Lipkin-Shahak to head external inquiry commission investigating the IDF’s management and preparation for war in Lebanon. Defending the army, head of the army’s Planning Directorate Maj.-Gen. Yitzhak Harel: “We were prepared. We could have prepared more, but we were busy with other things.”
Commentary;
What “other things” was the IDF PLanning Director busy with on the eve of a war anyway? And how can former Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. (res.) Amnon Lipkin-Shahak, who held OJT Defense Minister Peretz’s hand throughout the war be expected to give unbaised, uncolored judgement as head of the War Inquiry Committee?
Lebanese Soldiers Cross Litani River, Begin Deployment in Southern Lebanon
Excerpt;
“Israel Defense Forces said Thursday that it had begun ‘transferring responsibility’ over southern Lebanon with the deployment of the Lebanese army in the area. Hezbollah’s top official in south Lebanon, Sheik Nabil Kaouk, told reporters that ‘…Hezbollah …will not be any visible presence now.”
Enemy Didn’t Know What Hit Him
Excerpt;
“It was one of the most impressive battles in the war. Dozens of terrorists were killed, many weapons – including a 24-head rocket launcher – were destroyed, and not a single IDF soldier was hurt. The ‘Spearhead’ paratroopers reserves brigade succeeded, a moment before the ceasefire, to surprise and strike at Hezbollah.”
For context, click here.
Analysis: Unworthy of Command? By Yaakov Katz and Anshel Pfeffer (Jerusalem Post)
“He was handpicked by prime minister Ariel Sharon to replace the deposed Moshe Ya’alon and lead the disengagement from Gush Katif and Northern Samaria. Halutz was seen as Sharon’s protege and many believed that after his term as chief, the next stage would be the political scene, perhaps even as Sharon’s successor.”
Excerpts;
Despite severe criticism of the management of the second Lebanon war, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz had been expected to survive with his career intact. Some generals were expected to pay with their heads for a campaign that ended with 118 soldiers dead and failed to achieve any of its original goals, but not Halutz.
For context regarding the Gush Katif refugees, click here,
here and here. There are are many other citings. To view them all, click here.
Tax Authority Launches Compensation Administration for Northern Residents
Excerpts;
“To date, over 8,000 claims for property damage caused by Hizbullah rockets have been submitted to the Tax Authority. 6,000 claims have been submitted for indirect damage to trade, services, industry, hotels and agriculture. The Tax Authority estimated that 90,000 claims in total for indirect war damage would be filed.”