‘Lamed-Heh’ March: Meaningful Action or More Yesha Council Symbolism Over Substance?

Gush Etzion Promoting Image with ‘Lamed-Heh’ March, by Anshel Pfeffer (Jerusalem Post)

Excerpts;

About 600 soldiers and high-school students marched throughout Thursday night in the Jerusalem Hills, recreating the route taken 59 years ago by the fabled “Lamed-Heh” (the Hebrew letters representing the number 35) who were killed in battle on their way to help relieve the siege on Gush Etzion during the War of Independence.

This is not just a lesson out in the field. The battle of the Lamed-Heh, four months before the state’s establishment, is still material for historical dispute and also has current and future political relevance. read more

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A President Peres Would Pardon Barghouti

Barghouti Pardon a Campaign Issue

Commentary;

This is essentially a repeat of Peres’ statement of 3 months ago. Leftist Elitist message to the Islamic enemy; terrorism, murder and kidnapping pays — handsomely! MB

Full Text;

A number of foreign diplomats have been asking candidates for the Israeli Presidency whether they would be willing to pardon Tanzim head and convicted murderer Marwan Barghouti. A popular Arab leader seen as key to peace in the region, Barghouti has been in Israeli prison since being convicted for participating in the murder of five Israelis. There is speculation that he will be freed as part of a deal for the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit. read more

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Olmert’s Continuing Lebanon Delusions

Olmert Says Lebanon War Was a Success, by Ronny Sofer (Ynet)

For context on some of the glaring failures last summer’s Lebanon action, click here, here and here.

Excerpts;

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Thursday evening that the second Lebanon war was a success.

Olmert spoke at a meeting with the Israel Defense Forces General Staff members, where he heard the lessons drawn from the war and praised Resigning Chief of Staff Dan Halutz .

The major conclusions and findings of the various teams that investigated the failures of the war were presented to the prime minister at the meeting. Former IDF Chief of Staff Dan Shomron, who examined the work of the General Staff, came to the meeting to present its actions during the war. read more

Shavit: “Our Political Elite has Become Unfit”

Corrupt Elite Decried at Herzliya Conference, by Ezra HaLevi (Israel National News)

Journalist Ari Shavit: “‘The development towns, the agricultural communities and the settlements are where the loyalty lies,’ he said. ‘It is amazing that the very people the state neglects most are those who remain faithful to the state. There is a certain type of Jewish identity that cannot be defined that is alive there.’”

Full Text:

The high level of government corruption and the influence of Israel’s wealthiest families on the functions of the state were the hot topics on the last day of the Herzliya Conference. read more

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Effie Eitam’s Advice for COS Ashkenazi: Revive IDF’s Fighting Spirit, Restore Old Values

“This platform, which proved itself more than once in the past, is made up of thousands of combat troops, combat supporters, and headquarters’ soldiers. Each one requires his own training and attention, but most of all, each one needs a leadership that talks to him or her in the right way, according to rank and position; a leadership that conveys the sense that the ship’s helm is manned by captains that see far into the future.”

“We must rid ourselves of the notion that someone else will fight for us – the Americans, Palestinian leader Abbas, the Lebanese government, or a multinational force. There’s no substitute for IDF action and capabilities, and only the IDF can constitute the security wall around us.” read more

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Thursday War News

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Blockbuster: Convergence Disguised as “Peace Agreement” Being Secretly Prepared by Olmert Regime to Be Sprung on the Jews

Wednesday War News

IDF fires at Palestinians [North of Kissufim], Killing One

Related Stories; Army Foils Attack Near Kissufim, Third Terrorist Injured, Arrested

Israel Faces Nuclear Holocaust Warns Gingrich

Excerpt:
Gingrich: “Israel is in the greatest danger it has been in since 1967. Prior to ’67, many wondered if Israel would survive. After ’67, Israel seemed military dominant, despite the ’73 war. I would say we are (now) back to question of survival.”

IDF Arrests Forty Wanted Terrorists read more

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Supreme Court Rules Against Watchdog Bid for Injunction: PM, DM Agree on Ashkenazi for COS

For context, click here.

PM Authorizes Ashkenazi as IDF Chief, By Yaakov Katz and Dan Izenberg (Jerusalem Post)

Excerpts;

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz released a joint statement Monday night announcing their decision to appoint Defense Ministry Dir.-Gen. Maj.-Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi to the post of IDF chief of General Staff.

The announcement was made following a rare joint meeting between the two at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem.

Peretz plans to bring the appointment to the cabinet for approval Sunday after Ashkenazi is approved by a judicial committee headed by former judge Ya’acov Terkel. Ashkenazi will become the 19th chief of staff and the first from the Golani Brigade. He will replace Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz, who announced his resignation last Tuesday. read more

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