Hamas War

Friday, November 30, 2012

Standing Ovation for the Displacement/Destruction/Replacement of Israel

I came home from work just as Abbas was speaking in the United Nations General Assembly.  He got more cheers for his speech than anyone ever.  When he finished, the vast majority of the delegates rose and cheered more for him, a resounding standing ovation.  And then they voted to upgrade the Palistinians' status to a nonmember observer state.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is greeted by a standing ovation before speaking to the U.N. General Assembly about a vote on a resolution to upgrade the status of the Palestinian Authority to a nonmember observer state on Thursday, November 29, 2012, at U.N. headquarters in New York City. CNN



Simply put:
This is bad for the security and existence of the State of Israel.

All common sense and historic precedence prove it.

It doesn't matter how you slice it, what conditions, promises, whatever.  It's not going to work. It's going to be bad for the Jews all over the world, not just here in the HolyLand.

Prime Minister of Israel, Benyamin Netanyahu opened Pandora's Box a few years ago when he tried to be "diplomatic," Centrist and gave his support for the so-called "Two State Solution."  And now he's still trying to convince the country, the rest of the world and maybe even himself that there's a way to make it work safely for Israel.



I'm not buying.

There's no way that a Palestinian State can be good for the State of Israel.  The entire concept of a "Palestinian People" was invented by those who did not want a Jewish State here.  International terrorism is related to the Arab terrorism we suffer from here in Israel.  By strengthening the so-called Palestinians the entire world will be in danger.

Personally I don't expect any help or assistance from any other country.  History proves that.  No country went against Nazi Germany to help the European Jews who were being murdered.  The only attacks against the Nazis were to protect the sovereignty of other European countries.

During all of the wars Israel has endured since 1948, we have always had to fight alone.  And no doubt, this will continue.  I don't expect things to change.  Our greatest victories were when it was just the Jewish People and G-d fighting the Arab enemies.

I'll be very grateful when in a few short hours, the sun will begin to set and our Shabbat, Sabbath will begin.  It's a time when phones and television and computers are all off.  We will be with our only ally, HaKodesh Baruch Hu, Blessed G-d Almighty.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Dangers on Multiple Fronts

I've been debating on writing "Dangers to Israel..."  or "Dangers to World Peace..." as my title here.

It should be "Dangers to World Peace," because if Israel is in danger so is the rest of the "free world."  The biggest mistake international leaders, thinkers etc make is thinking that they wouldn't be affected if Israel was G-d forbid wiped off the map.  This tiny country in the midst of the volatile, have you read about the slaughter in Syria for example? Middle East is the key to the world's stability.

The terrorists in Syria have recently received a boost by the West, arranging for them a political front in Doha, Qatar to act as the reasonable “face” for their armed terrorism, portraying the premeditated destabilization by foreign terrorists as an indigenous struggle for “freedom and democracy.” Already, even that front has suffered setbacks, as its newly US-Qatari appointed leader, Moaz al-Khatib, has been revealed as not only involved with Western oil corporations, but also has declared on Al Jazeera his intentions of establishing an “Islamic state.”


The rapidly developing nuclear weapons industry in Iran is not to destroy Israel, it's to destroy the United States and its allies. Iran May Be Close to a Plutonium Bomb, German Defense Experts Warn 
It would take only three or four months to convert the plutonium from the Bushehr reactor’s spent fuel rods into weapons-grade plutonium, the authors report. Depending on how long the fuel rods were used before Iran removed them on Oct. 22, they would yield between 150 kg and 300 kg of plutonium, or enough fissile material for 25 to 50 bombs.
Western negotiators previously ignored the Bushehr reactor, on the grounds that it constituted peaceful use of energy. Oliver Thränert, head of the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich, told Die Welt, “If Iran does not give a convincing explanation for the early removal of fuel rods, a correction in this policy should be urgently considered.”
So, Obama and crew shouldn't be claiming that it's for Israel to clean up.  Israel is so tiny that it would be a waste of an expensive nuclear bomb to use it on Israel.  Jordan, Syria and Lebanon would also suffer, besides all of the Arabs in Israel.  Iran has much bigger game in its sights.

A more serious and immediate danger is the recognition of the Arab terrorists as a "State of Palestine."  Consider what the Gazan Government has been doing with the money the world, diplomats and NGO's keep on shtupping it, claiming "humanitarian needs."
The destructive role of these NGOs and state funders was highlighted by Rafi Schutz, from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the Jerusalem Post, Schutz filed a protest with the UK, Denmark, Ireland and the EU. Schutz reportedly noted that some of the NGOs “such as the Irish Trocaire, were involved in the boycott and divestment movement against Israel.” Other NGOs that did not support the BDS-based labeling were excluded from EU discussions.
Professor David M. Weinberg's article in Israel Hayom discusses the diplomatic status of the Arab terrorists' quest for recognition of a "Palestinian" state.

I highly recommend reading Ruthie Blum's interview in NRO National Review Online.  As regular readers of this blog know, I'm a fan of Ruthie Blum and consider he one of the best political analysts writing today.
Winter is “fast approaching” in the Arab world, Ruthie Blum warns.
One U.S. president “enabled the rise of and spread of a pernicious form of radicalism that threatens the globe to this day.” That president was Jimmy Carter, who “opened the door to this radicalism in Iran three decades ago.” But it is our current president, she contends, whose “policies are laying out the welcome mat for it to flourish in the rest of the Middle East today.” Blum talks with National Review Online’s Kathryn Jean Lopez about her new book To Hell in a Handbasket: Carter, Obama, and the “Arab Spring” — and about the Mideast’s past, present, and future.

I hope the movers and shakers of today's world wisen up quickly!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The "Palestine Quiz," Some History

Dry Bones has joined the fray.


Here's most of my comment:
And the PLO was established 28 May 1964. The concept of a "Palestinian people" was a European idea to block the establishment of a Jewish State in the mandated territory.


On the whole it's a good idea to try to bring out the truth like this, but whoever wrote the quiz didn't do all that good a job.  It's no secret that the PLO was established in 1964.  That's one of the proofs given that it wasn't YESHA the Arabs wanted from Israel; it's all of pre-1967 Israel they want.

Great Britain spent most of the time, if not all, they had as administrators of "Mandated Palestine" to groom Arabs to take over and displace the Jews.  Stage one was when they gave the Hashemites all of the land east of the Jordan River. Their new historyless country was dubbed "Jordan."

Then they, the British conspired with other countries and the newly formed United Nations to divide the remaining territory, giving most to what they called the Palestinians.  The proposed map, the 1947 Partition Plan was a recipe for the defeat and destruction of a Jewish state.

In 1947, Great Britain relinquished to the UN the power to make decisions relating to the status of the Land of Israel. The General Assembly appointed a special committee that collected evidence and decided unanimously that Israel should be granted independence. Most of the committee members favored partitioning the land into two states, a Jewish state and an Arab state, with Jerusalem under international supervision. On November 29, 1947, the UN General Assembly accepted the partition resolution, 33 to 13.

© Koret Communications Ltd. www.koret.com
Thank G-d and volunteers from all over the world, Israel defeated the British backed Arabs. 

Israel had no allies when fighting for independence, and I don't think I'm paranoid when I say that push comes to shove  today we still don't have any country we can depend on when in danger.

Déjà Vu! Don't Give them The Ca$h to Buy Guns and Deadly Missiles

Déjà vu, again we go...

Just like the Oslo nightmare that armed the Arab terrorists with deadly police weapons they then used to kill us, this new "cease fire" agreement has been facilitating the filling of the terrorist coffers with the funding to build and purchase their effective modern missiles they use to kill and destroy Israelis all over the country.  Read Ruthie Blum's Israel Hayom article.
On Sunday, a truck filled with money was delivered to Gaza from Israel. That a large vehicle was needed for the transport was already a given. Not only does $13.5 million in cash take up a lot of space, but the procedure itself has been going on monthly for years.
The earmark for the dollars is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. To be more specific, it is supposed to cover the salaries of the UNRWA employees stationed in Gaza. This is in spite of two facts: that Gaza is run by Hamas, a terrorist organization whose stated aim is to destroy the Jewish state; and that UNRWA never misses an opportunity to blame Israel for the plight of the residents used as human shields by their leaders...
It is, as well, the height of chutzpah that on Monday, the day after the money was moved — a mere four days after the Hamas-Israel cease-fire was declared — UNRWA Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi called for “the illegal Israeli blockade [of Gaza] to be lifted in all its aspects,” warning that if this did not happen, “it would be only a matter of time till violence resumed.”
Why do we keep on making the same deadly mistakes?

I remember attending numerous Women in Green demonstrations post-Oslo Accords chanting:
אל תתנו להם רובים!!!
Al titnu lahem rovim!!
Don't give them rifles!!
credit
One of the "gifts" to the terrorists in that agreement, which wasn't negotiated by Israeli officials, was to allow the Pseudistians aka Palestinians a fully armed police force.  That "upgraded" their terror against Jews from stones to high-powered weapons.

The Gazan Arab terrorists are well-funded.  They get money to pay salaries and buy medicines, equipment etc and they get medicines, equipment etc and more donations.  There's lots of corruption, too.  And even when they are attacking us, Israel doesn't stop the flow of aid. 

Arlene Kushner has also written an excellent detailed article about how the recent "cease fire" aka "reload" is a danger to Israel.

I wrote once already about the fact that we are now permitting Gazans to come closer to the fence along Israel's border, while Gazan fisherman can go out farther into the Mediterranean. According to reports I'm seeing, there seems little question that these "adjustments" have taken place; but they've been done in a very low key fashion, with a certain amount of ambiguity adhering to the arrangements.
What particularly concerned me is this:
"...an Israeli government official told The Times of Israel. "Easing restrictions also helps reinforce the quiet in the south."
...What is most galling is that there is no equivalency to the concessions. That is, Hamas is not expected to give anything. Most specifically, there is no commitment to stop weapons smuggling; Hamas leaders have made it clear that they believe they have a right to do this and fully intend to continue:
"Gaza's ruling Hamas will not stop arming itself, the No. 2 in the Palestinian group told The Associated Press on Saturday..."
Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy to Hamas' top leader in exile Khaled Mashaal, rejected demands that Hamas stop arming itself:
"These weapons protected us and there is no way to stop obtaining and manufacturing them." IMRA
Each time Israel agrees to something with the terrorists it strengthens them and endangers us.  When will we learn?

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Lots of Partying on Israel's Left

This election carnival time here in Israel is lots more fun than in the dodgy USA where there are only two parties competing (or having a chance) and winner takes all.  In Israel, the loser doesn't really lose, because being head of the opposition is a real position.  And when there are a few parties in the opposition all of those party leaders demand their daily "15 minutes" or more.  Sometimes they get so much time to criticize the government on the media that we don't even hear from the government officials.

Now, that was really rude of Tsippi Livni (not that we'd expect anything else from her) to make her grand announcement immediately post Likud Primaries.  Yes, Tsippi is starting a new Opportunist Breakaway Party which she's calling "The Movement," a name which is giving the anglos here good laughs.  It sounds more like she's clerking in a colonoscopy clinic than being a serious politician.
Less than seven months after quitting politics, former foreign minister and opposition leader set to launch comeback.

Tzipi Livni
Photo: Ben Hartman

Former foreign minister Tzipi Livni released the name and campaign logo for the political party she was expected to launch at noon Tuesday. The name of the party as printed on a release of campaign materials is "The Movement."
My guess is that she was trying to deflate the Likud's post-primary excitement, but those who are happy about the Likud results are even happier that Livni is long gone from the party of her father, the late Eitan Livni, who was also an Etzel fighter.

Other party leaders on Israel's Left, Shelly Yachimovich-Labor and Yair Lapid-Yesh Atid, have admitted trying to negotiate with her to join their parties and work with them, but she refused all offers.  Livni still has delusions that she can be Prime Minister.  Think about it; even after Kadima's greatest victory, when it got more votes than Likud, she couldn't convince other politicians to work with her.  Now she's irrelevant, but what do I care... let her run and keep on running... the movement?

Will It Really Be Feiglin In and Barak Out?

Xinhua News Agency / eyevine
While most people here in Israel who care about Israel's future and security were busy guessing about the results of the expanded to a second day Likud Primaries, Ehud Barak ברח barach fled from the political scene.  More exactly he announced his retirement from Knesset politics.  If you read his announcement carefully, you'll see that, unfortunately, it doesn't mean that we're finished with him:

Defense Minister Ehud Barak delivered the following remarks this morning (Monday, 26 December 2012):
"Good morning everyone,
The State of Israel has experienced some tough times during the past two weeks, and I am proud to be part of the team that directed Operation Pillar of Defense, both militarily and diplomatically, to its successful conclusion. Fifty three years ago, in November 1959, I enlisted to the IDF and for forty seven years, I have served the people of Israel to the best of my ability. Today I stand before you to tell you about my decision to retire from political life, instead of running in the upcoming Knesset election. I took this decision not without doubts, but ultimately with a whole heart.
I would be lying if I said that the warmth that I felt from the public, and even the positive coverage that I received from some of you [journalists] – not of course from all of you – did not please me. For someone who has not always been spoiled with this [positive media coverage], I know how to appreciate support and was glad to receive it.
Practically, I will finish in my role as defense minister with the formation of the new government in approximately three months. This is the culmination of seven and a half years in this office, two terms under three governments, one of which I was at the head. Years in which, along with others, I led the defense establishment and the IDF, through the rehabilitation after the Second Lebanon War, strengthening our 'long arm' and building our operational capabilities to cope with the Iranian threat for if and when a decision should be made, pushing through the 'Iron Dome' and the multi-layer interception system. And no less important, we secured the nature and depth of the relationship with the US in the operational, political and intelligence spheres.
I am proud that in the last year and a half, alongside important operational achievements, a real spirit of openness and clarity of opinion has returned to the IDF; quiet confidence and modesty, things that have been damaged from time to time in the past.
We restored the essential elements of the ethical code and an uncompromising acceptance of the democratic foundations of our lives here; understanding and internalizing the subordination of the military to the political.
The decision to retire stems from the fact that I want to spend more time with my family, that I have exhausted the practice of politics – something for which I never had any special desire in the first place – and that the fact that there is space to allow for new people to enter senior positions in Israeli politics. Replacing the [personnel] in positions of power is a good thing.
There are many ways to contribute to society and the country; not only politics.
As a former chief of staff and prime minister, as well as the current defense minister, and as long as my council is sought after and received, then I will present it before the prime minister and the heads of the establishment on any diplomatic or military matter, as and when I am requested to do so.
I would like to thank with all my heart the commanders of the IDF, the soldiers in the reserves and of the regular army, the personnel of the ministry of defense and the intelligence establishment, for enabling me to function successfully as minister of defense.
I am proud to stand at the head of [a network of] such wonderful people. I would like to thank the prime minister, members of the government, my devoted friends in the leadership and ranks of the Independence Party, who have all provided me with strength during long hours, every day, with many tough tasks. Thank you to everyone.
For the next three months, we will continue to tackle every challenge together, and I promise you, there will be many challenges."

One thing that he'll be doing for sure is making oodles of money on the lecture circuit.  I remember Natan Sharansky admitting that an advantage of retiring from the Knesset and cabinet was to free him from restrictions on outside income. 

Ehud Barak's defense policy is more in tune with that of Barack Obama's than of mine and others here in Israel such as Otzma L'Yisrael's, Strength of Israel Arieh Eldad and Michael Ben-Ari, or Likud's Moshe Feiglin.

Yes, it does seem that Moshe Feiglin has a very realistic chance of being voted into Knesset.  I have no doubt that he and Tzipi Hotovelli will be used, very effectively, by the Bibi Netanyahu campaign machine to get Right votes.  But mind my words, that does not mean that they will have any real influence on policy. 

Please, don't be naive and trusting.

Israel's Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is one of the most consummate and crafty politicians alive today.  He will find a way to use them to attract votes and then isolate totally from power and influence. 

Garden orbweaver with prey
The easy way for him would be to give them an impressive sounding cabinet portfolio with more strings attached than a spider web.

Lietz, Robert 

Bucking Bronco, 1973

Hold onto your hats and expect a very bumpy ride!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Post-Primaries Likud List, I'm Screaming Like Watching Sports Competition

As I type I'm listening to the radio to find out the instant, ok almost instant results of the Likud Primaries.

We're hearing all sorts of interesting news.  The latest scream I screamed was because the report is that Tzippi Hotovelli is the woman who got the top votes. 

Earlier there were reports that Moshe Feiglin made the top ten, though nothing is 100% at this point. That's for tomorrow if ever. Now, they're saying that he's closer to number twenty.  As I listen his name seems to be lower and lower. 

It looks like two "Herut princes" (second generation Revisionist leaders) Benny Begin and Dan Meridor got low votes and have very small chances of getting into the Knesset.  Each was for different reasons, but the one thing in common was that they're not in tune with Likud members. 

Begin had been riding on his father's name and sentiments for years, but has been a disappointment for those who wanted the strong ideology he was once known for.  Dan Meridor has been at the Left of the Likud for years and has not real support.

Now, the big question is how much power will Bibi Netanyahu give to the pro-Jewish Rights in the Land of Israel, like Danon, Hotovelli etc who have done well in the primaries?  Will Bibi do his usual and give them some cabinet portfolio, a muzzle on the mouth and a noose around the neck?  Bibi is very good at that.

So, now the next stage is the important one, Knesset Elections.

Mukata has this posted as final:
11:14 PM Final Results of Likud Primaries:
1. Benjamin Netanyahu
2. Gidon Saar
3. Gilad Erdan
4. Silvan Shalom
5. Yisrael Katz
6. Danny Danon
7. Ruby Rivlin
8. Moshe "Bogey" Yaalon
9. Zev Elkin
10 . Yariv Levin
11. Yuli Edelstein
12. Chaim Katz
13. Tzippi Hotovelli
14. Miri Regev
15. Moshe Feiglin
16. Yuval Steinitz
17. Tzachi HaNegbi
18. Limor Livnat
19. Ophir Akunis
20. Gila Gamliel
21. Carmel Shama
22. Benny Begin


11:07 PM Preliminary results in order of number of votes (not final)

1 Gidon Sar
2 Gilad Erdan
3 Silvan Shalom
4 Danny Danon
5 Ruby Rivlin
6 Moshe Yaalon
7 Zev Elkin
8 Yariv Levin
9 Yuli Edelstein
10 Yisrael Katz
11 Tzippi Hotovelli
12 Miri Regev
13 Moshe Feiglin
14 Yuval Steinitz
15 Tzachi HaNegbi
16 Limor Livnat
17 Ophir Akunis
18 Gila Gamliel
19 Carmel Shama
20 Benny Begin

Off the list, Dan Meridor and Avi Dichter....

The Muddy Path to Israeli Democracy, Likud Style



The area around the polling station in Shiloh looked festive, but we had to walk through the mud to get there.


Because I had night shift at work, I needed to vote in the morning.  A friend had called me up in a panic just before I left the house.  She had gotten two text messages telling her not to vote.  According to them, she should wait until the afternoon, since there were computer problems.  She wanted to know if I had any idea if they were legitimate.  I gave her the phone number of our top local Likud guy who then told her to show up; the glitches weren't all that bad.

While waiting for my friend I spoke to some of the young people manning the tables scattered around the parking lot near the polling station.  I felt like I was giving a lecture in Israeli Political Science 101.  The Leah Nes employees (all were hired hands from what I could gather, not real fans of the candidates) were upset when I pointed out that I have very good reasons not to support her.  They told me I should vote for Nes, because she's a religious woman.  I asked how I could vote for her when she got low rating on the Mattot Arim statistics, not that they really knew what I was referring to, so I had to explain.  I told them that the numbers speak loudly. Their candidate didn't support or vote against the crucial bills that prove loyalty to Jewish Rights in the Land of Israel.  They mentioned that she's a deputy minister and that explained it all.  I told them that I don't want to vote for someone who cares more about saving her seat, driver, perks than principles.  This was a totally new view of Israeli politics for them.  If I hadn't been so busy I would have spent more time teaching the kids working there.


Computerized elections do have their downsides.  One of the disadvantages is that there are always glitches-foul ups, technical problems.  Another problem is that it takes so long for many people to vote.  Some people, and it's not a matter of age, become paralysed when facing one of those interactive touch screens.

While waiting for a computer to be free, we were all given an easy to read (large print) piece of paper that included the names and code numbers of the candidates for us to check off and prepare ourselves so the actual voting could be as easy and quick as possible.  It would have had been nicer to have real privacy for this, but considering that I blog my politics, I really didn't care if someone spied my list. 

The hardest part was combining the Mattot Arim list of sitting MKs whom they rated as best for Jewish Rights in the Land of Israel with the wannabes in the Manhigut Yehudit (aka Feiglin) list.  We had to choose exactly twelve 12 of the candidates.

When it was finally my turn I very quickly voted and, just like last time,  I was upset to see that everyone else took so much longer.

I tried to avoid the mud when making my way home.  I mentioned the mud to a few people that I considered the mud and dirt sadly symbolic of the Likud.  Most people chuckled and agreed with me.  The greatest suspense seemed to be how would Bibi distort these primaries?

We all knew that he was scared that his supporters wouldn't bother to vote

It wasn't too disturbing when I got an sms telling me polls would close at midnight rather than 10pm, but this morning the news is that Netanyahu and henchmen are keeping under half the polling stations open today.  No doubt they are in his territory, not Feiglin's.

I guess the title of the Israeli political science course should really be "Turning Democracy into Corruption" or "Corrupting Israeli Democracy."

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Bibi Shouldn't Blame the Rain if His Favorites Don't Do Well in Primaries

I'd hate to think that Likud members are stupid.  My regular readers know that I mumble/criticize democracy as the rule of idiots.  It's  a risk for sure when just anyone can vote regardless of his/her knowledge or comprehension of the issues.  Call me what you want for saying this "out loud;" I don't care.

Apparently, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is hoping for good weather, because all political pundits know that difficult weather holds people back from voting.  The more ideologically dedicated people are, the more they're willing to "suffer" to vote.  That's another meaning of "fair-weather friends."
Likud Primaries: Rain could Wash Away Meridor
Forecast for rain has Netanyahu supporters worried, because Feiglin supporters are more dedicated.
Bibi is loyal to Dan Meridor, but Dan Meridor isn't loyal to the ideology that most Likud voters and party members subscribe to.  He has been out of step for a very long time and shouldn't be returned as a Likud MK.

To be perfectly honest, I don't think that Bibi is quite in step with most potential  Likud voters.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called on the Likud’s 125,351 members to vote in Sunday’s tight primary race, while activists released lists of recommended candidates in light of Operation Pillar of Defense and the security situation in the South.
“I call on you to come vote for the Likud candidates in the next Knesset,” Netanyahu said in a prerecorded call to party members. “In this primary, you will choose the country’s leadership in the coming years. Come influence, decide and vote.” (complete article)
That's Bibi's biggest problem.

It's davka the timing of the cease fire that will effect the Likud Primaries more than anything else.  We all know how short the public's memory is, but considering that the IDF reserve soldiers have barely unpacked their bags and their laundry may not yet be dry from their week's wait for action... I have a feeling that more Likud members than ever will be checking recommended lists, like I did, to get guidance re:whom to vote for.

My neighbors, Mateh Le'umi Likud activists, Shevach Stern and Natan Engelsman have been working day and night to contact all possible Likud member voters.  I hope to hear form them soon about a name to substitute for Yuli Edelstein, because I don't want to vote for Edelstein.  Esser Agaroth has revealed that Edelstein is one of the pro-Christian  politicians. Another problem in the Christian support group is Danon....

As you probably know by now, I support Jewish-Israel, which is a group that outs Jewish and Israeli leaders whose support for Christian groups crosses the line.
We at JewishIsrael understand that this is a time of existential danger and - for many - spiritual confusion. We acknowledge that there are certain rabbinic and community leaders in Israel and America who attribute the current outpouring of fundamentalist Christian support for Israel to a prophetic era of apocalyptic change. We must remind them that regardless of one’s worldview, we Jews are obligated to hold our spiritual and physical ground and there is no rationale for breaking halachic fences, blurring lines, and jeopardizing or compromising the Jewish faith by openly embracing and encouraging evangelical designs for Israel. (About Jewish Israel)
That's why you will find posts and messages from Jewish Israel on this blog.  As I write this, I'm trying to find out what other names to vote for.  Since Edelstein isn't the only pro-Jewish Life in the Land of Israel with very strong Christian ties.  I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place, as the saying goes.

For purists like myself, this won't be an easy decision.

Frequent commenter "shy guy" just reminded me that the Mattot Arim and Feiglin lists aren't the same.  This is confusing.  I'll have to get a new, cleaned up list from my Shiloh people who run המטה הלאומי.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

And About Those Likud Primaries

I'd say the "cease fire" is good for the anti-Bibi candidates in the Likud Primaries. 

Breitbart
It's no secret that people are angry with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.  They feel let down. 

I think that Mattot Arim's list will be very popular tomorrow in the voting.  I must admit that I got a list from people I trust as an sms (phone message) which is convenient.  I just have to take my phone in with me to vote.


In previous elections I tried to choose on my own, but now I just don't trust anyone of my old friends

I was surprised to hear that Tzachi Hanegbi was running again.  I love his mother, but I won't vote for him.  He no longer stands for any principles, other than opportunism.  He was in Kadima!  And Benny Begin may be a fine, honest, honorable man, but he has no ideological backbone.

At this point, after all that has happened in the past decade in Likud, it's important that the "powers" see that the primary voters who care about Jewish Rights in the Land of Israel are sticking together.

And to make it all worse, I don't think that the individual MKs or even government ministers have any real influence in government policy.  The bigger the cabinet the less power for the individual minister. 

Bibi keeps his cards close to his chest.  He does not "poll" the Likud Mks or ministers.  Bibi doesn't care what the Likud Knesset Members or cabinet ministers or even the voters think.  He meets with his "buddies," what was called in Golda's day the "kitchen cabinet."  As Prime Minister Netanyahu has a small circle of people he trusts, and they have a lot of power.  Unfortunately Ehud Barak is one of them.  So, when you vote Likud, you get ol' Ehud  barach, the guy who fled.

That's why even though I've been a member of the Likud for whatever reasons, I'm not going to vote for them in the Knesset Elections.

You must be asking yourself:
"So, why does she think it's important to vote for the Right wing Likud people in the primaries?  What's the point if they don't have power?"


The more strong Right wing MKs in Likud the harder it will for Bibi to enforce voting discipline.  He should fear that they will break away and join Eldad and Ben-Ari.  We must have Eldad and Ben-Ari in the Knesset to be a Right magnet.  I'd love for there to be a Likud breakaway to join up with them.  And Bibi actually needs them in Knesset so he can use them as an excuse when under foreign pressure.  The worst thing for him will be to be considered the party furthest to the Right.  More about that in posts leading up to the elections....

I Vote: Ruthie, Caroline and Latma!

Yes, I really think the world would be better if women were running it, but then Hillary comes to mind.... that lady needs more than a good hairdresser!

Ruthie Blum's latest article in Israel Hayom gets to the point of the issue.  Suddenly Hillary, of all people, has appointed Egypt's Morsi as our judge, jury and executioner.
Then it was Clinton’s turn. “…The people of this region deserve the chance to live free from fear and violence, and today’s agreement is a step in the right direction that we should build on,” she said. “Now we have to focus on reaching a durable outcome that promotes regional stability and advances the security, dignity, and legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis alike. [Egyptian] President [Mohammed] Morsi and I discussed how the United States and Egypt can work together to support the next steps in that process. ... Ultimately, every step must move us toward a comprehensive peace for all the people of the region.”


And Caroline Glick isn't shy about reminding us of the series of bad calls we suffer from.
The cease-fire agreement that Israel accepted Wednesday night to end the current round of Palestinian rocket and missile attacks is not a good deal for Israel by any stretch of the imagination.
At best, Israel and Hamas are placed on the same moral plane. The cease-fire erases the distinction between Israel, a peace-seeking liberal democracy that wants simply to defend its citizens, and Hamas, a genocidal jihadist terrorist outfit that seeks the eradication of the Jewish people and the destruction of Israel.
...Then there is the cease-fire's elevation of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood government to the role of responsible adult. Hamas is the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Egyptian President Muhamad Morsi openly supports Hamas. Morsi sent his Prime Minister Hesham Kandil to Gaza to personally express the Egyptian government's support for Hamas's criminal assault against Israeli civilians.

There's nothing like Latma to show us the Right way of looking at the news.



Here's Caroline Glick's explanation of this week's program:

This week's Tribal Update the weekly satirical newscast produced by Latma, the Hebrew-language satirical media criticism website I run was written and filmed before the wonderful ceasefire Wednesday night. But it is still relevant and hilarious now. We bring you Max Damage from the BBC explaining the BBC's definition of Israel's right to defend itself. We bring you our favorite Palestinian terrorists Jamil and Awad who present Hamas's most updated demands on Israel. And we bring you Israel's defensive system developer who presents a whole new line of brilliant defense systems that promise to give Israel maximum protection without causing any inconvenience whatsoever to the Palestinians!


Friday, November 23, 2012

Stop The Blame and Start Taking Repsonsibility

We here in the State of Israel are in this mess because it's our fault.

I'm sick and tired of hearing about how
  • the United Nations only cares about the Arabs and ignores when Israel is attacked, "Hypocrisy exposed: U.N. ignored Israel's repeated pleas to act against Hamas rockets, then rushed to stop Israel's self-defense"
  • Obama/Clinton exerted pressure on Bibi, "The understandings are seen as an achievement for Hamas, which, since the cease-fire negotiations began, has demanded an Israeli obligation not to enter Gazan territory, including the 500-meter-wide buffer zone on the Palestinian side of the border. Another perceived accomplishment for Hamas is that the understandings do not force upon it the responsibility for enforcing the cease-fire on the other organizations in the Gaza Strip."
I can go on, but it makes me too sick and depressed to do so.  Yes, I agree with Arlene Kushner's description "grim."
"I entitled this posting "grim," because this is very much the mood of the nation here. From the right and from the left there is criticism of the ceasefire agreement concluded yesterday. Somewhere in this country there must be someone who thinks this was a good move, but I have yet to encounter that person. Unless there is a huge shift in the situation, it seems that Netanyahu and his Likud party may suffer in the coming election for what has happened."


How many times can we make the same mistake?  Déjà vu for sure.  I can just repost what I'd written before about leaving the terrorists to rearm with the extra danger of all of the information it has gathered about its fire power.

What's the Mideast word for cease fire? Reload
No doubt you've seen this one before, but it fits so perfectly.

But my real message is that our salvation, our security does not rest in the United Nations, United States or even the equipment in the hands of the IDF.  The greatest military leader we, the Jewish People, have ever had was King David.  And King David knew that our victories were/are only due to the Help of G-d.

2 Samuel Chapter 22 שְׁמוּאֵל ב
א וַיְדַבֵּר דָּוִד לַיהוָה, אֶת-דִּבְרֵי הַשִּׁירָה הַזֹּאת, {ס} בְּיוֹם הִצִּיל יְהוָה אֹתוֹ {ר} מִכַּף כָּל-אֹיְבָיו, וּמִכַּף שָׁאוּל. {ס} 1 And David spoke unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul;
ב וַיֹּאמַר: יְהוָה סַלְעִי וּמְצֻדָתִי, {ר} וּמְפַלְטִי-לִי. 2 and he said: The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
ג אֱלֹהֵי צוּרִי, אֶחֱסֶה-בּוֹ; {ס} מָגִנִּי וְקֶרֶן יִשְׁעִי, {ר} מִשְׂגַּבִּי וּמְנוּסִי, {ס} מֹשִׁעִי, מֵחָמָס תֹּשִׁעֵנִי. {ר} 3 The God who is my rock, in Him I take refuge; my shield, and my horn of salvation, my high tower, and my refuge; my saviour, Thou savest me from violence.
ד מְהֻלָּל, אֶקְרָא יְהוָה; {ס} וּמֵאֹיְבַי, אִוָּשֵׁעַ. {ר} 4 Praised, I cry, is the LORD, and I am saved from mine enemies.
War isn't simple Arithmetic.  It doesn't matter what our physical weapons are to determine final victory.  It only matters what our spiritual strength is.  That is what King David understood from the youngest age, when he was just the family shepherd, guarding and protecting the flocks.

I have no doubt that our Moshiach ben David is somewhere here preparing to save us.  And just like the Biblical David, he is difficult to recognize.  He (or is it she?) is difficult to recognize.  David did not look like a casting director's idea of a king.  
1 Samuel Chapter 16 שְׁמוּאֵל א
ז וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל-שְׁמוּאֵל, אַל-תַּבֵּט אֶל-מַרְאֵהוּ וְאֶל-גְּבֹהַּ קוֹמָתוֹ--כִּי מְאַסְתִּיהוּ: כִּי לֹא, אֲשֶׁר יִרְאֶה הָאָדָם--כִּי הָאָדָם יִרְאֶה לַעֵינַיִם, וַיהוָה יִרְאֶה לַלֵּבָב. 7 But the LORD said unto Samuel: 'Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him; for it is not as man seeth: for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.'
יב וַיִּשְׁלַח וַיְבִיאֵהוּ וְהוּא אַדְמוֹנִי, עִם-יְפֵה עֵינַיִם וְטוֹב רֹאִי; {פ}

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה קוּם מְשָׁחֵהוּ, כִּי-זֶה הוּא.
12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of beautiful eyes, and goodly to look upon. {P}

And the LORD said: 'Arise, anoint him; for this is he.'
But there was something in his eyes, a strength, leadership, charisma and faith.  And G-d willing, we'll have the wisdom to quickly recognize the David of our time.

In the meantime, the problem is in us.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Déjà Vu, The Bible: Did Our Waiting IDF Reservists Feel Like....

Just before I took a walk around the neighborhood, I caught some very upsetting interviews with our IDF reservists as they began making their way home, since the cease fire cancelled the ground operation which was to destroy the terrorist rocket launchers.  They were angry and disappointed.  The had wasted a week waiting to get the job done and clear out the terrorist missile launchers in Gaza.  The potential personal dangers of such an army action seemed unimportant to them.  They know that by not doing that difficult job, the murderous terrorists will just get stronger and kill Israelis again.  I guess some outsiders would think that the soldiers would be happy to be spared battle, but that isn't the case.


IDF soldiers spell with their bodies: "Bibi is a loser" following the cease-fire with Hamas
As I walked in the dark, misty night, listening to the thunder in the distance, I began picturing a Biblical scene.  Déjà vu, how did King Saul's soldiers feel sitting around, waiting for action while Goliath kept on taunting them with murderous threats and insults?

1 Samuel Chapter 17 שְׁמוּאֵל א
ב וְשָׁאוּל וְאִישׁ-יִשְׂרָאֵל נֶאֶסְפוּ, וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּעֵמֶק הָאֵלָה; וַיַּעַרְכוּ מִלְחָמָה, לִקְרַאת פְּלִשְׁתִּים. 2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

ד וַיֵּצֵא אִישׁ-הַבֵּנַיִם מִמַּחֲנוֹת פְּלִשְׁתִּים, גָּלְיָת שְׁמוֹ מִגַּת: גָּבְהוֹ, שֵׁשׁ אַמּוֹת וָזָרֶת. 4 And there went out a champion from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
ח וַיַּעֲמֹד, וַיִּקְרָא אֶל-מַעַרְכֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל, וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם, לָמָּה תֵצְאוּ לַעֲרֹךְ מִלְחָמָה: הֲלוֹא אָנֹכִי הַפְּלִשְׁתִּי, וְאַתֶּם עֲבָדִים לְשָׁאוּל--בְּרוּ-לָכֶם אִישׁ, וְיֵרֵד אֵלָי. 8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them: 'Why do ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. ט אִם-יוּכַל לְהִלָּחֵם אִתִּי, וְהִכָּנִי--וְהָיִינוּ לָכֶם, לַעֲבָדִים; וְאִם-אֲנִי אוּכַל-לוֹ, וְהִכִּיתִיו--וִהְיִיתֶם לָנוּ לַעֲבָדִים, וַעֲבַדְתֶּם אֹתָנוּ. 9 If he be able to fight with me, and kill me, then will we be your servants; but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.' י וַיֹּאמֶר, הַפְּלִשְׁתִּי, אֲנִי חֵרַפְתִּי אֶת-מַעַרְכוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל, הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה; תְּנוּ-לִי אִישׁ, וְנִלָּחֲמָה יָחַד. 10 And the Philistine said: 'I do taunt the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.' יא וַיִּשְׁמַע שָׁאוּל וְכָל-יִשְׂרָאֵל, אֶת-דִּבְרֵי הַפְּלִשְׁתִּי הָאֵלֶּה; וַיֵּחַתּוּ וַיִּרְאוּ, מְאֹד. {פ} 11 And when Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. {P}
Nobody paid much attention when David the shepherd showed up with some supplies for his brothers.  Back at the ranch, far from the frontlines, everyone assumed there was heavy fighting going on.  So in order to feed the troops, an army marches on its stomach, nu,  David's father Jesse had sent him.

יט וְשָׁאוּל וְהֵמָּה וְכָל-אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל, בְּעֵמֶק הָאֵלָה; נִלְחָמִים, עִם-פְּלִשְׁתִּים. {ס} 19 now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, are in the vale of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.' {S}

G-d had commanded King Saul to destroy the Philistines.  No doubt, David was surprised to see the army and king just sitting around, quaking in fear.  King Saul had all of the most up-to-date armor of the time, but it wasn't being used.

After David heard the taunts he volunteered to take up the challenge and fight Goliath.

לב וַיֹּאמֶר דָּוִד אֶל-שָׁאוּל, אַל-יִפֹּל לֵב-אָדָם עָלָיו; עַבְדְּךָ יֵלֵךְ, וְנִלְחַם עִם-הַפְּלִשְׁתִּי הַזֶּה. 32 And David said to Saul: 'Let no man's heart fail within him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.'
It took David a bit of convincing, but King Saul finally accepted his offer.

לט וַיַּחְגֹּר דָּוִד אֶת-חַרְבּוֹ מֵעַל לְמַדָּיו וַיֹּאֶל לָלֶכֶת, כִּי לֹא-נִסָּה, וַיֹּאמֶר דָּוִד אֶל-שָׁאוּל לֹא אוּכַל לָלֶכֶת בָּאֵלֶּה, כִּי לֹא נִסִּיתִי; וַיְסִרֵם דָּוִד, מֵעָלָיו. 39 And David girded his sword upon his apparel, and he essayed to go[, but could not]; for he had not tried it. And David said unto Saul: 'I cannot go with these; for I have not tried them.' And David put them off him.

What's reason David took off King Saul's armor?  The English translation is "for I have not tried them."  That could mean, "because I'm not used to wearing them," but I have a different idea.  The Hebrew is ".כִּי לֹא נִסִּיתִי"  The Hebrew spelling is נִסִּיתִי nisiti which does mean I tried, but the letters נ ס  when together spell נס nais, which means miracle.

When David was explaining to King Saul why he wasn't afraid of Goliath he told how G-d had miraculously helped him kill a lion and bear.  Could David have really meant that G-d won't make the miracle, be with him, help him kill Goliath if he puts his faith in that armor?

Our great victories, and that includes modern Israeli wars, is not due to the weapons we have, it's due only to G-d's miracles.




Halachic guidelines on gentile support and challenges to Rabbi Riskin

Posted by JewishIsrael

Rabbinic Committee Formulates Policy Regarding the Acceptance of Assistance from Christian Sources 

A document of principles regarding the acceptance of monetary and manpower assistance from Christian organizations or individuals has been formulated by the Committee of Binyamin Region Rabbis. The halachic document which can be read here in Hebrew should be reviewed by any Jew in Israel who is involved in any way with Christian sources. It is very thorough, clear, and addresses many of the concerns which JewishIsrael has brought to the attention of the public over the years. The document enjoys the endorsement of an impressive list of prominent rabbinic leaders in Israel…more

JewishIsrael Responds to Rabbi Riskin's Reinterpretation of Rav Soloveitchik's Position

JewishIsrael feels Rabbi Riskin's feature article in Makor Rishon inverted the inherent intent of Rabbi Joseph Dov Ber Soloveitchik’s (the Rav) major essay on the subject, "Confrontation", and JewishIsrael has responded with a comprehensive report.
In the report, JewishIsrael takes a very in-depth look at Rabbi Riskin's article and his reinterpretation of the Rav’s directives. Our report explores the activities and aspirations of some of the major personalities and "friends" mentioned in Rabbi Riskin's article, who almost without exception are not only partnering with and supporting the Christian messianic movement and missionaries in Israel, but are actively engaged in advancing a theological unification of the Judaic and the Christian, something the Rav was adamantly against...more


Dr. David Berger Responds to Rabbi Riskin in Makor Rishon

In May 2012 the Israeli newspaper Makor Rishon ran a lengthy feature article by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin. The subject matter was whether or not Jewish-Christian theological dialogue is permissible. In that article Rabbi Riskin appeared to have inverted the long-standing position of Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik, z"l.
In a lengthy rebuttal of Rabbi Riskin's position, Rabbi Dr. David Berger, a recognized scholar on Jewish-Christian relations who serves on the Rabbinical Council of America's (RCA) Interfaith committee, has upheld Rav Soloveitchik's stance as it has long been understood...more


Hospital History in the Holy Land: a Proactive Jewish Response to Christian Missionary Activity

Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, is celebrating their centennial anniversary. Hadassah and other Jewish medical foundations were founded, in part, as a proactive response to Christian missionary hospitals which were fiercely dedicated to converting Jews in pre-state Israel. Jewish Israel feels it is especially timely to review some hospital history because today's modern state of Israel is embracing evangelizing entities and becoming progressively more dependent on donations from those sources. The reaction to missionary activity among today's Jewish leadership stands in startling contrast to the historic norm. …more


Bibi, Likud, You'll Pay in The Polls

The Israeli Elections can't be too soon as far as I'm concerned.  Two months are too far away for me.  Of course who knows what will happen before then.  Did Hillary promise PM Bibi that they'd "try not to interfere against him" if he signed on the dotted line?  Was that the offer he can't refuse?




Some day we'll know the truth, and the truth right now is that the Israeli public is disgusted and disappointed and wary of what's next.

We were waiting and ready to finish off our enemies.  The People are strong and motivated

Hamas Violates Cease-Fire; 70% of Israelis Oppose It
 
Even Tel Aviv was beginning to realize that they are only part of the State of Israel and not some la la bubble immune from the hate, violence and fighting.  Israel's Leftist elite have been delusioned that their pro-Palestinian State ideology would save them from the terrorism that has endangered Israel's south, north and Judea-Samaria.  This past war has proven their dream a lie.  The Gazan missiles have davka been aimed at Tel Aviv, and the biggest terror attack was in the heart of their city.
Hamas praised the terrorist bombing of a bus in Tel Aviv Wednesday afternoon, but stopped short of claiming responsibility.
"Hamas blesses the attack in Tel Aviv and sees it as a natural response to the Israeli massacres...in Gaza," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters. "Palestinian factions will resort to all means in order to protect our Palestinian civilians in the absence of a world effort to stop the Israeli aggression."
 

So why did Binyamin Netanyahu capitulate to American pressure so quickly?  No fight in him?  He's no leader.  He's an embarrassment.  Next week is the Likud Primaries and we'll have to vote very carefully to put as many good reliable people in top numbers, although I have little doubt that it will really help.
  • Bibi runs the Likud like a dictator.  He makes policy without taking into account what the voters want.  His top advisor is loser-Leftist Ehud Barak.
  • Last time, Bibi distorted the primaries results and pushed his supporters over a block of more Right-pro-Jewish Rights in the Land of Israel.  He even got the "judicial" of Likud to support him on that.
That's why I consider it of utmost importance to support the new party MKs Dr. Arye Eldad and Dr. Michael Ben-Arie have set up.


עוצמה לישראל Otzmah l'Yisrael
Strength to Israel

We need strong medicine to cure us of what's ailing.

Jerusalem Post

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

NNNNOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! WE HAVEN'T DONE THE JOB!

Photo: REUTERS
Like most Israelis, I don't want a ceasefire until the job is done.  And what's the job?  The job is to destroy the Arab terrorists, destroy Amalek of the day.

Egyptian official says formal announcement of truce to be made shortly following Morsi, Clinton meeting in Cairo; sources say Israel will not lift Gaza blockade; IAF strikes, rocket fire continue amid cease-fire push. complete article
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was given the wrong name by his parents.  Or, with a name like Binyamin we shouldn't be surprised that he's acting like King Saul.
1 Samuel Chapter 9 שְׁמוּאֵל א

כא וַיַּעַן שָׁאוּל וַיֹּאמֶר, הֲלוֹא בֶן-יְמִינִי אָנֹכִי מִקַּטַנֵּי שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, וּמִשְׁפַּחְתִּי הַצְּעִרָה, מִכָּל-מִשְׁפְּחוֹת שִׁבְטֵי בִנְיָמִן; וְלָמָּה דִּבַּרְתָּ אֵלַי, כַּדָּבָר הַזֶּה. {ס} 21 And Saul answered and said: 'Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou to me after this manner?' {S}

G-d deposed Saul, the Benjaminite, from kingship for not destroying the Philistine enemy.
1 Samuel Chapter 13 שְׁמוּאֵל א


י וַיְהִי, כְּכַלֹּתוֹ לְהַעֲלוֹת הָעֹלָה, וְהִנֵּה שְׁמוּאֵל, בָּא; וַיֵּצֵא שָׁאוּל לִקְרָאתוֹ, לְבָרְכוֹ. 10 And it came to pass that, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt-offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.
יא וַיֹּאמֶר שְׁמוּאֵל, מֶה עָשִׂיתָ; וַיֹּאמֶר שָׁאוּל כִּי-רָאִיתִי כִי-נָפַץ הָעָם מֵעָלַי, וְאַתָּה לֹא-בָאתָ לְמוֹעֵד הַיָּמִים, וּפְלִשְׁתִּים, נֶאֱסָפִים מִכְמָשׂ. 11 And Samuel said: 'What hast thou done?' And Saul said: 'Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together against Michmas;
יב וָאֹמַר, עַתָּה יֵרְדוּ פְלִשְׁתִּים אֵלַי הַגִּלְגָּל, וּפְנֵי יְהוָה, לֹא חִלִּיתִי; וָאֶתְאַפַּק, וָאַעֲלֶה הָעֹלָה. {ס} 12 therefore said I: Now will the Philistines come down upon me to Gilgal, and I have not entreated the favour of the LORD; I forced myself therefore, and offered the burnt-offering.' {S}
יג וַיֹּאמֶר שְׁמוּאֵל אֶל-שָׁאוּל, נִסְכָּלְתָּ: לֹא שָׁמַרְתָּ, אֶת-מִצְוַת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֲשֶׁר צִוָּךְ, כִּי עַתָּה הֵכִין יְהוָה אֶת-מַמְלַכְתְּךָ אֶל-יִשְׂרָאֵל, עַד-עוֹלָם. 13 And Samuel said to Saul: 'Thou hast done foolishly; thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which He commanded thee; for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.
יד וְעַתָּה, מַמְלַכְתְּךָ לֹא-תָקוּם: בִּקֵּשׁ יְהוָה לוֹ אִישׁ כִּלְבָבוֹ, וַיְצַוֵּהוּ יְהוָה לְנָגִיד עַל-עַמּוֹ--כִּי לֹא שָׁמַרְתָּ, אֵת אֲשֶׁר-צִוְּךָ יְהוָה. {ס} 14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue; the LORD hath sought him a man after His own heart, and the LORD hath appointed him to be prince over His people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.' {S}

If only Benzion Netanyahu had named his second son David or Yoav, Asa'el or Avishai who weren't afraid to fight to the finish... 

At least Bibi looks pretty unhappy in this video with Hillary, but he definitely doesn't look like the confident leader we need.  He looks like a whipped dog.




We all know much too well what happens after each of these ceasefires.  The Arabs use it to rebuild and reinforce the weapons against us.  Bibi speaks all over the world about the Iranian threat, which is serious, but the immediate threat to Israel is the Arab one from Gaza.  We must wipe them out!  We need a leader who is willing to do it. Actually, we need a leader!

The Nightmare, Danger of a Cease Fire

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives in Tel Aviv,
 Israel, Nov. 20, 2012, in this handout picture provided
 by U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv. / U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv
 via Getty Images Read more:
I had trouble falling asleep last night.  The idea that there may be a ceasefire at this point in the war is frightening, terrifying. 

Recently re-elected American President Barack Hussein Obama has sent his Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to try to force us into signing away our chance of cleaning up and preventing a future slaughter of Israeli civilians.

Clinton arrived in Jerusalem late Tuesday night amid reports that a deal on a truce between Israel and Hamas was imminent.
Israel Radio quoted an Israeli official saying a truce was held up due to "a last-minute delay in the understandings between Hamas and Israel". complete article

Hamas has been working hard, testing their launching power to check exactly how far their deadly missiles can go.  They are also figuring out how to beat the Iron Dome.  Yesterday the Jerusalem area was targeted again, as was central Israel.
Photo: BEN HARTMAN
IDF soldier, civilian killed as over 140 rockets hit Israel
Gazan fire killed an IDF soldier and an Israeli civilian on Tuesday, as over 140 rockets rained down on Israel throughout the day.  complete article
Never underestimate one's enemy.

Read the latest Ruthie Blum article in Israel Hayom.  Ruthie is right. It may not be pc to say so, but the truth is that the Arabs don't value life the way we do. Our (Israelis) biggest error is trying to pretend that Arabs will like us "if only...."
Gaza proves Golda right

“Peace will come to the Middle East when the Arabs love their children more than they hate us,” then Foreign Minister Golda Meir said in 1957, during an address to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Meir, one of the signatories of Israel’s Declaration of Independence in 1948, made her pronouncement long before the Six-Day War, when Israel was nearly annihilated by a host of Arab armies, emerging victorious by the skin of its teeth and the grace of God. This was the war that resulted in the unification of Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty, and the repossession of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), and the Gaza Strip.
If the Arabs want peace, they can have peace with Israel, because we haven't started any of the wars or aggressions.

The cartoonist is Mike Smith
There is no way a peace can be "brokered."  Israel, the people, do not want to give Hamas terrorists a chance to rearm and attack again.  We must destroy them and their terror equipment, launchers, rockets, missiles, kassams, EVERYTHING!

There must be a way to sue all of the NPO's, governments, international organizations etc who have been supporting the Arab terrorists in Gaza and other parts of the Land of Israel, even those who claim to be donating food and medical supplies, because they are enabling and encouraging those Arabs to attack us!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Is The War Over? A Report on the Israeli Media and Society

Just after I posted my rant last night about how the tax-supported Israeli television has been giving the Arab enemy airtime and that it must be war if we have news instead of regular programming, I returned to the living room and saw a soccer game on Channel One and some sort of local comedy? program was on Channel Two.  The failing commercial (financially unstable) Channel 10 still had their war news desk broadcasting.  This morning, the news desks are all back in action.

To be honest, I am very skeptical about what I hear from those stations.  Weather reports have been getting more accurate with modern technology, but anything related to politics and what isn't in Israel? generally has a very Leftist slant here.

Yes, that's the way it has always been.  The secular Left, the ideology of David Ben-Gurion and Golda Meir, Labor Zionism, has always controlled things.  They and their successors have been indoctrinating, preaching their "religion" since before the declaration of statehood May 14, 1948.

The secular Left has always controlled the universities, the reason why the Ariel University has been having so much trouble getting official recognition, the media, the reason why even during this war they feature Arabs and Leftist opposition politicians but not MKs Dr. Arye Eldad or Dr. Michael Ben-Arie.  The Left has been panicking over its gradual loss of the IDF to the Dati Le'umi (national religious) community.  Statistics show that larger and larger percentages of soldiers from Dati Le'umi homes and schools are going into elite forces and officers training.  There are two very simple and unstoppable reasons for this. 
  • One is simple numbers, demographics.  The population of Israel has been changing.  Dati Le'umi families have more children than secular Leftists.  This has been going on for decades resulting in many more Dati Le'umi army aged kids than in the early days of the State of Israel.
  • Two is motivation, the result of ideology.  Since Leftist ideology mocks the value of the Land of Israel and the concept of risking one's life or dedicating one's life for it, those youth aren't interested in the most challenging and dangerous (elite) units of the IDF.  The vacuum has been enthusiastically filled by the Dati Le'umi.
It's not just the Knesset, Israel's parliament that controls the State of Israel.  You can predict the future by checking out the various Maternity Wards in hospitals all over the country.

Many of my neighbors, Shiloh is a Dati Le'umi by ideology and religious observance community, don't even have televisions, and of those who do generally at a time of war prefer the news to sports or secular Left humor.  The mainstream Israeli media's ideology doesn't speak to us; it speaks against us and our values.  With G-d's help, we'll take over that, too.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Sympathizing With The Arab Agressors on Israeli News, No Way!

I quickly changed channels and not for the first time.  It seems that I'm always changing channels when watching the news nowadays.  At least I have a choice of news channels.  I know it's really a war on here in Israel, because all of the channels are offering war coverage, news, interviews etc.

The problem is that most of the politicians and "experts" we are offered are from the far Left.  I'm really not interested in some Meretz MK or "thinker" telling me that it's our fault because we haven't "made peace" with the Arabs.  And I don't see the point in interviewing some Israeli Arab who has family in Gaza to ask him how he feels about Israeli bombing his sweet loving relatives.  That's especially when he answers claiming that "nobody supports this cruel war" Israel has imposed on the Arabs.

My fingers go hyper clicking looking for something else to watch when our Israeli TV keeps showing Arab demonstrations abroad protesting our self-defense.  I haven't caught any reports of pro-Israel demonstrations or meetings.  I can't believe there haven't been any.  Nu, have there?

On rare occasions there are even some coalition MK's and even ministers, but they are rarely permitted to complete a sentence.  The so-called journalists interviewing them are rude to say the least.  They argue as if they are the experts and the MK's and ministers are just a bunch of idiots.  Well, at least the politicians were elected, which is more than any of those TV people can say for themselves.
Meir Amit site
The television news is our internal hasbara, information campaign.  Its job is to keep the public confident and motivated not to encourage sympathy with the enemy nor unwarranted fear.

On occasion they have done well, especially when interviewing Israelis of all ages from the south.  Ordinary people, even kids, seem to have a better grasp of security and the actual situation.  There were some teenagers interviewed who very easily made the tv journalist look scared and ridiculous.  That's a clip that should be repeated over and over.  The younger generation is fantastic.

If you're not in Israel or are but don't have television, then you can access Israeli news here in English and here in Hebrew.  Generally the English news is more pro-Israel and less multi-cultural than the Hebrew.  And of course there are other Israeli news sites.

I needed the rant, sorry and thanks.