The Implications and Consequences of Expulsion for the Jewish People
Comptroller to Launch Ballot Inspection Operation
Soldiers Vote at 650 IDF Polling Stations
Fundamentally Freund: Today’s Election – A Prediction
Excerpts;
Every once in a while, a newspaper headline succeeds in capturing the true significance of an historical moment.
“Future borders at stake as Israel votes” reads the front page of today’s Jerusalem Post, summing up the importance of this election.
So, here’s my prediction for the results of the election:
Disengagement Authority Announces Another Blow to Gush Katif Evictees
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Full Text;
Beginning in April, as most Israelis are preparing their homes for the Passover seder, evictees from the former Gush Katif community of Netzarim will be wondering how they will feed their families.
Disengagement Authority officials on Monday announce that starting in April, any former Gush Katif resident not living in a temporary home will no longer receive food or food allowances. This will hit Netzarim residents particularly hard, since they are living in a dormitory building in Karnei Shomron, a facility which lacks kitchens or food preparation facilities.
Election Bomb Found on Jerusalem’s Herzl Boulevard
Missile Found Near Trash Bin in Ariel
Katyusha Fired for First Time From Gaza
Two Israeli Citizens Killed by Rocket Died From Detonation of Unexploded Kassam
Update: Three Wounded in Election Day Rocket Attack, One Very Seriously
Two Israelis Seriously Wounded by Kassam Rocket
IDF Kills Armed Terrorist Near Jenin
Three Kassams Land South of Ashkelon; None Wounded
Support for Hareidi Party Endangered
UTJ Fears Intimidation by Extremists
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Commentary;
It is truly fascinating to contrast Yaakov Litzman’s version of the situation with that of the Admor [Rebbe] of Slonim.
As one reads both articles, one finds that apparently Litzman plays the same game in Chareidi circles that Sharon and Olmert play; alienation and radicalization of any individual or group who stands in his way.
Litzman apparently has falsely lumped the Slonim Chassidic sect Edah Haredit in with Neturei Karta and other Ultra-Orthodox elements, when in reality, the question must be asked; Does MK Litzman have what to hide behind this bogus characterization of Slonim as “radical?” This author finds that the truth seems closer to the Slonim Rebbe’s account.
U.S. Expert: Israeli Media Distort Polls
Excerpts;
How reliable are pre-election polls? Local media distort survey results, fail to present accurate picture, American professor says. Polls mishandled large number of undecided voters, Kenneth Goldstein charges.
The margin of error of pre-election polls presented to the Israeli public is too large to show an accurate picture of what will unfold on Election Day, an American poll expert told Ynet.
The handling of the large number of undecided voters, which borders on mysterious, and media distortion of survey results make it difficult even for experts to predict what is in store, says Kenneth Goldstein, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin.
Acting PM Mandate is Nearing an End
Full Text;
In 2.5 weeks, the 100-day maximum permitted an acting prime minister will come to an end, bringing an end to the current term of Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
If a new government is not established by that time, a new prime minister will have to be appointed. So ruled the Supreme Court on Monday, in response to a petition calling for the appointment of a prime minister immediately and an official declaration that comatose Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is unable to carry out his duties.
Kadima’s Sheetrit: “We’ve Disengaged from All Ideologies”
Excerpts;
At the Kadima Party’s campaign-concluding conference in the northern city of Kiryat Motzkin last night, Sheetrit said, ” We have former members of Labor, and former members of the Likud, and people who were not in any party. We are no longer carrying the baggage of the legacy of Ze’ev Jabotinsky or Berl Katznelson on our backs.”
Both Sheetrit and another Kadima figure, Shimon Peres, said they are not afraid of Hamas. “We are not worried about Hamas, and they do not pose a threat to us,” Sheetrit said.
Text: Haaretz’s Ari Shavit Debates Chaim Ramon on Olmert’s Retreat Plan
For context, click here.
Excerpts;
Haim Ramon called. He really didn’t like the op-ed in which I severely criticized the Olmert plan. He was surprised – he thought we were on the same wavelength. He thought I understood that Yossi Beilin and Benjamin Netanyahu were wrong. And, of course, he didn’t agree with a single word in the piece. But perhaps it would be right to hold a serious debate on the pages of Haaretz. Perhaps it would be right to present each arguments, ahead of the elections, to the voting readers.
Excerpts;
The provocative campaign of the National Union-National Religious Party against my candidacy for the Knesset is, above all, reminiscent of the battered woman. A man beats, abuses and dishonors his wife, who, in great anger, throws him out of the house; yet, he is sure that he will return. He will convince her that he is the best husband, that there can be no one else. Perhaps he will bring her perfume or a flower; he might also explain that beatings are necessary and part of reality. In fact, most women are appeased, make up with their husbands and expect a honeymoon, but he barely walks over the doorstep and already he’s raising his hand against her.