The Poor State of Israeli Politics and Electioneering …

Katsav: Politicians, Tell the Truth

Excerpts:

“In a veiled attack on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Thursday, President Moshe Katsav complained about politicians who did not make ‘the right statements’ detailing their true objectives, and pledged that he would use the four months until election day to press voters to demand that party leaders clearly disclose their intentions.

‘Asking for clear answers on [controversial] issues must become part of the national agenda,’ Katsav said in an interview with The Jerusalem Post. This was not done in the past, he said, with the electorate subsequently accusing the prime minister of deviating from his stated platform. ‘The public didn’t ask the right questions in the past, and the political leaders didn’t make the right statements.’ read more

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A Refugee’s Critique of Government handling of the Expulsion …

Homeless in the Homeland

Excerpts:

“The government’s decision to work with evacuees as individuals rather than as communities has been widely criticized by several Israeli non-governmental organizations, including the Israel Legal Forum, the social service agency Lema’an Achai, and Jewish Family Services, Israel. According to a report compiled by Arlene Kushner for the Israel Resource News Agency, The Disengagement Authority, SELA, insisted on negotiating compensation only with individual families and refused requests from leaders of Gush Katif communities to allow the Israel Legal Forum to negotiate on their behalf as communities.” read more

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Politics: Late Night in Israel …

Adviser Reveals PM Planned Split Months Ago

Excerpts:

“A meeting of the party on Thursday exposed the truth – that contacts to establish Kadima began at least two months ago.”

Yitzhaki said to those present, ‘So, as I presented this to the prime minister two months ago,’ before realizing he was making unnecessary comments. He froze for a moment, before continuing, and attempting to free himself from the error. One of those present at the meeting told Ynet: ‘We were embarrassed. The big secret is out. Sharon has been busy building a new party for two months.'” read more

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More on the Gush Katif/Shomron Refugees …

Diaspora Jews Tour Evacuees’ Site

Excerpts:

“One of the tour’s organizers, Eve Harow of the “One Israel” fund, said that trips like the one held Thursday, during which American Jews are exposed to the evacuees’ suffering, help the foundation raise funds to benefit the former Gush Katif residents.

‘After the tour we were able to raise USD 10,000 in favor of the expelled settlers who live here in horrible conditions. This is the sixth group we have brought here since the eviction. Everyone is appalled by the hard conditions in which the Jews here live in, and they consequently open their hearts and their pockets,’ she said.” read more

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