B’Tselem: 21 Nov. ’11: Video: Soldiers let settlers assault Palestinian demonstrators
A B’Tselem volunteer documented soldiers enabling settlers to enter a buffer strip around a settlement and throw stones at demonstrators. On the afternoon of 29 October 2011, a Saturday, residents of the Palestinian village Beit Ummar demonstrated against the theft of their land for the benefit of the Carmei Tzur settlement and against denial of their access to the land. The demonstration was held by the special security area (SSA) surrounding the settlement. SSAs are buffer strips that surround settlements, and are not part of the settlements themselves. In the case of Carmei Tzur, the SSA is primarily composed of privately-owned land of Palestinian residents of Beit Ummar and Halhul. The land was ostensibly taken to create a buffer strip to protect the settlers from attacks by Palestinians. In practice, settlers enter these areas freely, while the Palestinian landowners must obtain special permits to enter, and these are given sparingly.
http://www.btselem.org/settler_violence/20111029_beit_omar_settler_assault
and other news from Today in Palestine:
Israeli Interior Ministry approves the construction of 4000 units in Galilee
The Israeli Ministry of Interior approved on Sunday, a plan to build 4000 new settlement units in Deir Al-Asad, Ash-Shagour, Be’ana, Nahariya, Keebuteen, Ashalhout and Rashaveem, the Maan News Agency reported.
http://www.imemc.org/article/62533
Palestinian lawyer Ahmed Al-Ruwaidi said that Jewish settlement societies received recently the green light from the Israeli government to seize more Palestinian real estate in occupied Jerusalem.
Legislation guaranteeing settlement construction for ‘natural growth’ on the agenda
On Sunday (20 November) Israel’s Ministerial Legislative Committee postponed but did not reject discussion of proposed legislation that would guarantee yearly construction in West Bank settlements to account for “natural (population) growth.”
http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/topics/news/3917-legislation-guaranteeing-settlement-construction-for-natural-growth-on-the-agenda
Settlements pose biggest obstacle to Palestinian agriculture
More than 10,000 agricultural holdings can’t be accessed due to land confiscation and destruction resulting from the construction of the Israeli separation barrier. Military checkpoints restrict access to another 7000; 8000 have limited access due to their proximity to “closed military zones.”
http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/topics/news/3919-settlements-pose-biggest-obstacle-to-palestinian-agriculture
Yisrael Beiteinu Chair Avigdor Lieberman warns his faction would pull out of coalition if illegal West Bank outposts demolished.
In 1950, Doubleday censored frank account of Deir Yassin massacre from prominent American’s book, Philip Weiss
One of the ideological puzzles of the Ron Paul campaign is the fact that the best line on Iran and Israel from any of the candidates, by far, has come from an isolationist libertarian Republican from Texas. And the most impressive president on the Israel-Palestine issue was Dwight Eisenhower, who bucked the Israelis in Suez and insisted on the right of return of refugees. (I know, Jimmy Carter is pretty good too).
A B’Tselem volunteer documented soldiers enabling settlers to enter a buffer strip around a settlement and throw stones at demonstrators. On the afternoon of 29 October 2011, a Saturday, residents of the Palestinian village Beit Ummar demonstrated against the theft of their land for the benefit of the Carmei Tzur settlement and against denial of their access to the land. The demonstration was held by the special security area (SSA) surrounding the settlement. SSAs are buffer strips that surround settlements, and are not part of the settlements themselves. In the case of Carmei Tzur, the SSA is primarily composed of privately-owned land of Palestinian residents of Beit Ummar and Halhul. The land was ostensibly taken to create a buffer strip to protect the settlers from attacks by Palestinians. In practice, settlers enter these areas freely, while the Palestinian landowners must obtain special permits to enter, and these are given sparingly.
http://www.btselem.org/settler_violence/20111029_beit_omar_settler_assault
A former Israeli soldier speaks of the violence he witnessed and perpetrated during his army service in Hebron. Now a member of Breaking the Silence (BTS), the soldier hopes to help the Israeli public see the cost both Palestinians and Israelis pay for the occupation.
Gantz renews war threats against Gaza
Commander in chief of the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) Benny Gantz reiterated his threat to wage a large-scale war on the Gaza Strip and said it would be very painful if it happened this time.
RAMALLAH (Xinhua) — Israeli troops raided several West Bank cities early Tuesday and arrested 17 members and supporters of a leftist Palestinian faction, Israeli and Palestinian sources said. The Israeli army “concentrated its detention campaign on followers” of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine ( PFLP) in the cities of Ramallah, Jenin and Nablus, said Zaher Al- Shashtari, a member of the PFLP’s politburo. He noted that the PFLP members were arrested from their houses, adding that the PFLP was targeted “due to its position that rejects (peace) projects and sticks by resistance.” However, Israeli media quoted an army spokesperson as saying that the PFLP members were wanted for being involved in attacks against Israeli targets. The Israeli army cracks down on what it calls wanted Palestinians on a daily basis.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=750897&publicationSubCategoryId=200
Six arrested, including recently freed prisoner, by Israeli forces in morning raids
In the latest early morning raids carried out by Israeli forces in the West Bank, on Monday, Israeli troops arrested six Palestinians, including one who was released last month from an Israeli prison as part of a prisoner swap deal.
http://www.imemc.org/article/62541
Soldiers Arrest Eight PFLP Members In Jenin
Israeli soldiers invaded the northern West Bank city of Jenin and the surrounding areas at dawn on Tuesday, and arrested eight members of the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)
http://www.imemc.org/article/62542
MADA: Israel extends detention of journalist
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities have extended the detention of a Palestinian journalist arrested on Nov. 16, a rights group said Tuesday. The brother of Isra Salhab told The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) that an Israeli court decided Monday to extend her detention until Nov. 25. No charges have been brought against Salhab, 26, who works as a presenter on the satellite station Al-Quds TV.
Judge Orders Shin Bet to Surrender Abusisi Interrogation Records, Lieberman Met with Ukrainian Interior Minister Over Kidnapping, Richard Silverstein
Dirar Abusisi has now been incarcerated for nine months in an Israeli prison after his illegal kidnapping by Mossad agents from a Ukranian train last February. During that time, the State has not begun any trial against him though it has offered him a plea bargain which he refused. Also during that time, Abusisi’s lawyer, Tal Linoy lodged an appeal with the Israeli Supreme Court demanding Shin Bet records regarding the case which it was withholding (in security cases, the government may refuse to provide evidence). The State has stalled time and again arguing that this “highly unusual” procedure demanded an extraordinary amount of manpower for the prosecution to comply with it. At the last hearing, the judge, growing impatient with the State’s dithering, ordered many of the documents transferred to the defense and noted that it might order even more given to it later.
http://www.richardsilverstein.com/tikun_olam/2011/11/21/judge-orders-shin-bet-to-surrender-abusisi-interrogation-records-defense-demands-israeli-foreign-ministry-response-to-ukraine-about-kidnapping/
Prisoners concerned over next phase of swap deal
RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Prisoners detained in Israel have expressed concerns that long-term detainees might be excluded from the captive swap deal, in a letter to the Palestinian Authority. In October, Israel agreed to release over 1,000 prisoners in a deal with Hamas to free an Israeli soldier held in Gaza. On Oct. 18, Israel freed 477 detainees, and 550 are yet to be released.
The anguish of a Gaza cancer patient in Cairo, Rami Almeghari
Palestinians in Gaza needing urgent medical care are left with few treatment options because of Israel’s four-year-long blockade. Patients who are able to reach Egypt are oftentimes unable to afford or access treatment that can save their lives.
Our Weekly Protests will Continue until We Achieve Our Independence
Dozens of suffocation cases were the result of the heavy use of tear gas bombs. While some protesters were injured after severe beatings by the occupation forces who used batons and rifle butts. This violation and repression is practiced weekly by the occupation forces against the popular protests against the apartheid wall and settlement around the west bank. This week coincided with the 23rd anniversary of independence and the seventh anniversary of the death of Yasser Arafat.
Shooting in Hebron: Watch gripping trailer for Nicole Ballivian’s new project Sleeping on Stones, Ali Abunimah
The trailer for Sleeping on Stones, the feature film that is the current project of Palestinian-American director Nicole Ballivian, made my heart leap.
Bill to investigate flotilla is a ‘tool of intimidation’, Alex Kane
An interview with Khaled Jarrar: Stamping Palestine into passports
Khaled Jarrar is a Palestinian artist and photographer from Jenin, currently based in Ramallah. In addition to photographing and documenting the Israeli occupation, he has designed a ‘State of Palestine’ postage and passport stamp. This week in an interview with Alistair George of International Solidarity Movement, Jarrar explains the idea behind his stamp, past and future plans, and the extent to which art influences political resistance.
Frightened of BDS, pro-Israel groups push holiday shoppers to Buy Israel
The American holiday shopping season begins on “Black Friday,” the massive shopping day that follows Thanksgiving. Frightened by the growing BDS movement, pro-Israel groups are promoting a “Buy Israel Week,” which will take place the following week.
RAMALLAH, West Bank, Nov. 22 (UPI) — Dr. Mohammed Mustafa, chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund, is expected to be appointed the next Palestinian prime minister, Asharq al-Awsat reported. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to make the announcement after his scheduled meeting Wednesday with Hamas chief Khaled Masha’al, Palestinian sources told the London newspaper.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/11/22/Next-Palestinian-prime-minister-named/UPI-76161321966686/
Bardawil: Mishaal-Abbas meeting to agree on national strategy
Political bureau member of Hamas Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil has said that the meeting between Mahmoud Abbas and Khaled Mishaal would focus on approving a national strategy for the upcoming stage.
Denmark to support Palestine at UN General Assembly
RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Denmark said Monday that it would vote in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution to upgrade the status of Palestine in the world body. “If the Palestinians choose to put a proposal to the UN General Assembly on an upgrade to the Palestinian status, Denmark will be among the large group of Nordic and EU countries who I expect to vote in favor of the resolution,” Danish Foreign Minister Villy Sovndal said in a statement.
Jordan FM: No talks on moving Hamas offices to Amman
AMMAN, Jordan (Ma’an) — Jordan’s Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said Monday that no talks were taking place with Hamas to move the party’s headquarters to the Jordanian capital Amman. Judeh’s comments come amid growing speculation that Hamas’ politburo will leave its base in Damascus as Syrian President Bashar Assad faces increasing isolation over his brutal crackdown on protesters.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=438602
Son of Senior Israeli officer granted gag order in death threat case
An Israeli man whose father is a senior officer in the Shin Bet (secret service) was charged with issuing a death threat against members of an Israeli peace group. When the accused was brought before a judge, he requested a ‘gag order’ be issued in the case, preventing the peace group from engaging in further contact with the media about the incident.
B’Tselem: 21 Nov. ’11: The anti-democratic initiatives only strengthen our resolve
Last week the government proposed two bills to limit foreign government funding to organizations like B’Tselem. These bills are part of a broader attack on democratic institutions in Israel, like the High Court and the press, and on critics of current government policy. We are working together with partner organizations to ensure that these bills do not become law. At the same time, we refuse to allow these initiatives to distract us from our work. In fact, I see this precisely as their goal: to silence criticism, whether by actually passing legislation that obstructs our work, or at a minimum by forcing us to divert precious resources in order to defend ourselves from these initiatives.
Israeli government press adviser quits
One of the Israeli government’s press advisers, Eva Berger, has resigned because she claims journalistic freedom is being eroded. Berger, a member of the government press office’s advisory council (GPO), said: “The council’s objective is to grant its approval of an old wrong, in the guise of democracy – and I will not lend my hand to this.”
Gosh I wish I understood who Santorum is pandering to, Christians? But in the guessing game he plays above with a smart questioner, the former Senator says that “all the people who live in the West Bank are Israelis.” So is that an inadvertent recognition that it’s one political entity now, and Palestinians must have Israel voting rights? Eli Clifton reports on Iowa exchange above, at ThinkProgress:
https://mondoweiss.net/2011/11/santorum-says-west-bank-is-israels-texas-spoils-of-war.html
US backs Egypt’s military as Tahrir Square crackdown continues
Security forces have killed at least 29 as Tahrir Square protests enter their fourth day. The US has come under attack for backing the military junta despite vows to support democracy and human rights.
http://rss.csmonitor.com/%7Er/feeds/world/%7E3/6FUuPqcOTrQ/US-backs-Egypt-s-military-as-Tahrir-Square-crackdown-continues
Egypt activists call for ‘million-man’ rally
Protesters mobilise in Tahrir Square, with head of the military council scheduled to address the nation.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/middleeast/2011/11/2011112253021787298.html
Egypt military rulers must rein in security forces
Egypt’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) must urgently bring an end to the excessive use of force that has led to numerous deaths and injuries amid protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square since Saturday, Amnesty International said today. Some two dozen people have reportedly been killed in violent clashes that erupted in Cairo and Alexandria since Saturday.
Interim government quits and elections in jeopardy after three days of violence that have left at least 33 people dead.
ElBaradei approached for Egypt PM post
The ruling military council has asked opposition presidential hopeful to form new government, sources say.
Tahrir Square Under Attack: 32 Egyptians Killed, 1,750 Injured in Protests Against Military Rule
Mass protests across Egypt have entered a third day, calling on the country’s military rulers to quickly transfer power to a civilian government. The fiercest clashes are taking place in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, where thousands of protesters have battled with security forces since Saturday morning. The Associated Press reports today Egypt’s Ministry of Health has raised its casualty figures to 35 dead and more than 1,750 wounded. “Our demands at the beginning of the revolution were freedom, dignity and social justice. We have not seen social justice,” says Nasser Abdul Hadi, one of the protesters interviewed in a video report by Democracy Now! correspondent Sharif Abdel Kouddous, who is on the ground in Cairo and has covered the protests since they began. Special thanks to Jacquie Soohen of Big Noise Films.
Egypt: Free Blogger Held in Maspero Case
Egypt’s military prosecutor should immediately release an award-winning blogger charged in connection with the demonstration by Christian Copts on October 9, 2011, which turned deadly. Alaa Abdel Fattah was detained and later charged with incitement and theft of a military weapon, even though the prosecutor had presented no evidence to support the charges.His detention came as military prosecutors started questioning activists and priests about their alleged involvement in publicly encouraging Copts to demonstrate on that day.
U.S. teargas in Tahrir– headline. U.S. teargas in Palestine–circular file, Philip Weiss
Egyptians document Tahrir police violence
From Cairo to Alexandria, Egyptians have captured images of rampant police violence using handheld video cameras and mobile phones. Near Tahrir Square, a security officer was filmed being congratulated for shooting at the eyes of a protester. In Alexandria, green lasers alleged to be mounted on guns used by security forces are filmed hitting the leaves of overhead trees just before a protester is shot. Al Jazeera’s Omer al-Saleh reports.
Some of the brutally harsh tactics employed by Egyptian security forces who rushed in to clear Tahrir Square beginning on Saturday were captured on video.
Egyptian actor Khalid Abdalla speaks to AJE from Tahrir Square
Egypt’s interim cabinet has offered its resignation to the country’s ruling military council as clashes raged for a third day in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, pitting police and soldiers against protesters demanding democratic change. Al Jazeera’s Sherine Tadros speaks to British-Egyptian actor and activist Khalid Abdalla in Cairo.
Interview: Hossam El-Hamalawy on Tahrir Square
A stalemate has settled over the Egyptian capital’s Tahrir Square following a day of deadly clashes between security forces and protesters. The square, which has been the scene of street battles between riot police and activists demanding an end to Egypt’s military leadership, was relatively calm on Sunday night after protesters regained control of the area and began calling for reinforcements. Al Jazeera’s Ghida Fakhry speaks to Egyptian journalist Hossam El-Hamalawy, who is with the Revolutionary Socialists in Cairo.
Egyptian protesters streamed into Cairo’s Tahrir Square on Sunday after a night of deadly clashes that signaled the start of a violent countdown to the first polls since Hosni Mubarak’s ouster. Dozens of protesters set up barricades on the edges of the plaza as marchers poured into the square, in scenes reminiscent of the 18 days of protests which toppled Mubarak in February.
Activists: We Will Protest Until the Military Regime Falls
“The government’s announced resignation will not stop us from demonstrating,” Egyptian activist Mohammed Hamama said. “After all that has happened, we will not stop demonstrating until the military regime hands over power to a civilian government.” Part of the Egyptian Revolutionary Socialists, Hamama is one of hundreds of thousands participating in protests in the emblematic Tahrir Square for the third day running. “When the government under Mubarak resigned, we did not stop protesting. We wanted the president to go. We will not stop now. The military regime is our goal.” The Egyptian government resigned Monday evening in the wake of three days of protests in Cairo, leaving at least 35 dead. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces in Egypt (SCAF) has yet to accept the resignation.
A panel set up by the Bahrain’s king to investigate violence during protests earlier this year will come out with its findings on Wednesday. Officials say they expect the report to be critical of the government’s handling of the crisis. On Monday, Bahrain admitted it used excessive force on anti-government protesters. Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Vall has more from Manama.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AepAOn-2LIw&feature=youtube_gdata
Bahrain report must lead to action over protest abuses
The publication this week of a report on events surrounding pro-reform protests in Bahrain earlier this year is an opportunity for the government to deliver justice for the victims of human rights violations, Amnesty International said today. The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) report’s findings will be made public on 23 November in Manama, following months of investigation into alleged abuses during and after the protests in February and March.
“Excessive force” was used by security forces in Bahrain against pro-democracy protesters earlier this year, the government finds.
Saudi forces ‘open fire’ to disperse protest
Several wounded as police use live rounds to disperse demonstration after death of 19-year-old in Eastern Province.
Opposition members say president set to sign powers to his deputy as part of a GCC deal he has repeatedly backed out of.
Tunisian parties agree power-sharing deal
Three major parties formally announce agreement on eve of constituent assembly’s first meeting.
The agency’s crucial post in Beirut is affected after the arrest of several informants this year, sources say. The CIA was forced to curtail its spying in Lebanon, where U.S. operatives and their agents collect crucial intelligence on Syria, terrorist groups and other targets, after the arrests of several CIA informants in Beirut this year, according to U.S. officials and other sources.
Iraqi prisoners win battle for investigation into mistreatment claims
Judge-led inquiry into British military’s detention and interrogation practices in south-east Iraq could follow court ruling. More than 100 Iraqis who were taken prisoner by British troops in the years after the US-led invasion in 2003 have won their court battle for an independent investigation into their allegations that they were subjected to serious mistreatment.
AP – In a boost to Israel, Russia joined the U.S. and Britain on Tuesday in backing the Jewish state’s view that the Middle East cannot be turned into a nuclear arms-free zone without progress on regional peace.
Russia warns West against ‘unacceptable’ sanctions on Iran
Iran condemns sanctions targeting financial sector as ‘futile, repetitious efforts’ and a ‘show of hostility’ by Western nations.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/russia-warns-west-against-unacceptable-sanctions-on-iran-1.397032?localLinksEnabled=false
UK cuts off Iran’s banks amid nuclear fear
Britain took the dramatic step of cutting off almost all ties with Iranian banks yesterday amid growing alarm that the country is pursuing an undercover nuclear-weapons programme.
Iran summons Bahrain envoy over terror cell claim (AP)
AP – Iran has summoned Bahrain’s top diplomat in the country to protest over allegations that a terror cell uncovered in the tiny island nation has links to Tehran.
Iran: No way Israel involved in blast
Islamic Republic’s deputy chief of staff denies Israel, US involvement in Tehran military base explosion last week. ‘Mossad, CIA take credit for every natural or normal incident that happens,’ he claims.
The U.S.-sponsored 1953 overthrow of Iran’s democratically elected government is one of the most important and tragic world events of the 20th century, and the effects of this are still being felt today in the Israel+U.S. vs. Iran standoff. My friend Daniel Burwen’s studioCognito Comics has developed an interactive iPad graphic novel entitled CIA: Operation Ajax, inspired by Stephen Kinzer’s All the Shah’s Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror. Get CIA: Operation Ajax now for free for a limited time! It’s an educational and visually stunning work of art!
http://ikhras.com/2011/11/dj-khaled-the-state-department/
www.TheHeadlines.org
It is all coming to a head now. Israeli journalists meet about press freedom. Settlers attack Palestinians and expel them from homes in East Jerusalem. Anatot violence against peace activists. 3 flotillas defeated. Right wing attempts to defund Jewish human rights orgs. Orthodox takeover of Jerusalem, pushing out secular Jews. US fails to agree budget deal so Pentagon has to slash $500bn in spending. Euro on verge of breakup. Palestinian UN bid strangled. And Rafeef Ziada emerges !!
And of course soldiers let the settlers do what they want. 40% of Jewish officers are religious bigots , (as opposed to secular bigots) and under bigoted Israeli Jewish religious thinking Palestinians have no right whatsoever to live in Erez Israel. The soldiers can kill Palestinians. Nothing will happen.
I think Americans need a different frame of reference for Israel. Don’t start thinking “these could be my American neighbors” You have to assume the worst when it comes to Israel. And then some.