Tag Archive for Israel Politics

| December 2, 2013
No comments

Binyamin Netanyahu: I won’t ‘shut up’ when Israel’s interests are at stake

 

Netanyahu responds to criticism from previous PM on his approach to Iranian deal.

Olmert: Netanyahu has “declared war” on the U.S. by slamming closest ally’s role in brokering interim accord. Olmert continued saying Israel should urge the U.S. to lead efforts on preventing a nuclear Iran.

By HERB KEINON, HENRY ROME
 

 

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his predecessor Ehud Olmert battled over Israel’s Iran policy Sunday, with Olmert slamming Netanyahu for “waging war” against the US administration and Netanyahu responding that he would speak out loudly when Israel’s security is at stake.

“As opposed to others, when I see that interests vital to the security of Israel’s citizens are in danger, I will not be quiet,” Netanyahu said in Rome in a clear reference to comments Olmert made earlier in the day. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , ,
| November 17, 2013
No comments

Palestinian Chairman Abbas’ Newest Demand: Change Israeli Coalition Gov’t

Palestinian Authority advisor to Abbas insists that negotiations cannot continue unless Israel changes its current democratically elected coalition gov’t – and demands that it does.

By Tova Dvorin

 

Nimer Hamed, the political advisor to Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, has expressed optimism in the success of peace talks – but only in the event that the PA and Israel can agree on matters related to security, including the crucial Jordan Valley region.

According to Reshet Bet, Hamed also claims that the PA cannot move forward with negotiations unless Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu changes the current coalition government.

Hamed added that the PA expects “concrete steps” from Israel following meetings with US Secretary of State John Kerry – but the PA refuses to give any details about what those steps may entail. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| November 17, 2013
No comments

Jerusalem prohibits former gov’t official from participating in U.S. anti-terrorism case

Israel’s decision draws criticism from families of victims of Palestinian terrorism, that Jerusalem is caving under Chinese pressure.

By  

 

The Israeli government is prohibiting a former security official from testifying in an anti-terrorism case in an American court, drawing accusations from victims of Palestinian violence that it is bowing to pressure from China.

A woman walks past a Bank of China sign in Bejing,

Bank of China sign in Bejing,- Photo: Reuters

In a petition to an American federal court, the government asked to quash the deposition subpoena issued to Uzi Shaya, who could have tipped the scales in a case filed by families of victims of suicide bombers who accuse the Bank of China of facilitating terrorist funding via branches in the United States.

Continue Reading »
Category: Israel News | Tags: , , , ,
| November 12, 2013
No comments

Amid commotion & uproar in Knesset, Lieberman sworn in as FM

 

After his acquittal last week, which ended 17 years of investigations, MK Avigdor Lieberman was re-sworn in as Israel’s Foreign Minister.

MK Gal-On: Untimely appointment is like planting an explosive device in the peace process.

By Moran Azulay

 

After his acquittal from charges of fraud and breach of trust last week, MK Avigdor Lieberman‘s return to the post of foreign minister has been given the green light. On Monday evening, Lieberman was sworn in to the role he was forced to resign due to the legal process against him.

Lieberman sworn in at Knesset – Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg

Meretz Chairwoman MK Zahava Gal-On said before the swearing in ceremony that “appointing Lieberman as foreign minister is like planting an explosive device in the peace process.” Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| November 5, 2013
No comments

Histadrut labor federation chief resigns

 

New leader to sit on top of Israel’s organized labor federation as Histadrut chief announces resignation following major policy successes &  diminishing personal political strength with leading Israeli party heads.

By

 

 

 

The Histadrut labor federation’s chairman announced on Tuesday he will leave the position he has filled since 2006 next year on February 1.

Ofer Eini

Ofer Eini. – Photo: Moti Milrod

Ofer Eini will step down in the middle of his third term, which be began in May 2012. He made his announcement to the heads of the various factions of the political coalition that runs the Histadrut. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , ,
| October 30, 2013
No comments

Knesset Speaker declares French president ‘persona non grata’

French president snubs Knesset, opting to appear before university students instead. Knesset Speaker Edelstein responds in kind, won’t invite French dignitaries to ceremonies.

French Embassy reports: President Hollande’s schedule still not final.

By LAHAV HARKOV
 

 

French President Francois Hollande is not welcome in the Knesset, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein declared Wednesday.

Hollande speaks during the opening of the Qatari-French Business Forum in Doha June 23, 2013.

Hollande speaks during the opening of the Qatari-French Business Forum in Doha June 23, 2013.- Photo: REUTERS/Mohammed Dabbous

Hollande decided to speak to university students, not the Knesset, during his visit to Israel in three weeks, and Edelstein responded to the snub in kind.

“Whoever disrespects the Knesset does not deserve the Knesset’s respect,” Edelstein wrote on Facebook.

Continue Reading »
Category: Israel News | Tags: , , , ,
| October 29, 2013
No comments

Livni’s misguided political strategy

Livni’s national security track record show, whatever her intentions may be, she is totally incompetent to understand, secure or advance Israel’s national security.

By CAROLINE B. GLICK
 

 

For Justice Minister Tzipi Livi, all politics are personal.She can be trusted, because she is good. Her opponents must be rejected, because they are evil.

Artwork by Stephen E Hughes

In her speech at The Jerusalem Post’s Diplomatic Conference in Herzliya last Thursday, Livni insisted that the only “legitimate” basis for opposing a Palestinian state is ideological. Livni stridently rejected the notion that one can oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state – in the two-state solution framework – for security reasons.

Continue Reading »
Category: Israel News | Tags: ,
| October 25, 2013
No comments

Israel’s Knesset to vote on bill prohibiting prisoners’ release

 

Naftali Bennett’s party, Habayit Hayehudi, announces it will propose bill forbidding political prisoners’ release to vote on Sunday, shortly before 2nd group of murderous Palestinian prisoners to be freed.

By Attila Somfalvi

 

Habayit Hayehudi announced Thursday that on Sunday the party intends to raise to vote a bill prohibiting the release of terrorists, shortly before the scheduled second release of terrorists, as agreed under the renewed talks.

“Releasing terrorists in return to Tzipi Livni‘s right to meet with (Saeb) Erekat is very severe,” a Habayit Hayehudi official said about the peace talks, which are at an impasse.

The party official referred to the reports that Netanyahu will promote settlement development beyond the green line, saying: “The attempt to bind building in the settlements with releasing murderers is cynical and morally wrong. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| October 23, 2013
2 comments

State comptroller: Jewish Marriage Protocols a Disaster

 

Israel’s State comptroller finds a hornet’s nest of irregularities in the marriage process for Jewish citizens, with rabbis double-charging, religious councils overcharging couples,  bookkeeping & receipts lacking, and almost no objective oversight.

By Israel Hayom Staff

 

The marriage registration process is all tied up in knots, characterized by missing records, financial irregularities and lack of enforcement of laws and regulations, the state comptroller’s annual report has found.

Groom ready to break wineglass in Jewish ceremony – Photo: Yehoshua Yosef

The Knesset State Control Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday morning to discuss the sorry state of marriage registration in Israel.

Continue Reading »
Category: Israel News | Tags: , , ,
| October 19, 2013
No comments

Likud MK: Returning to 1967 Borders will Bring Down Gov’t

Deputy Minister in PM’s Office Ofir Akunis, says the current terror spike is the result & fault of the Palestinian Authority’s continued public support of terrorists and their calls of incitement.

By Gil Ronen

 

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), MK Ofir Akunis (Likud), said at week’s end that “an Israeli government that presents a diplomatic accord that is based on a return to [pre-]1967 borders and uprooting of communities will not survive politically and will lose in a plebiscite as well.”

MK Ofir Akunis (Likud)

MK Ofir Akunis, Likud – Photo: Marc Israel Sellem

Akunis also made clear that Israel is placing the blame on the Palestinian Authority (PA) and its head, Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), for the recent spike in terror acts by Arabs against Jews.

Continue Reading »
Category: Israel News | Tags: ,
| August 21, 2013
No comments

Comptroller: Feiglin, Danon & Bennett raised too much campaign money in US

 

Contrary to PM’s directive, Deputy Defense Minister Danon was absent from this year’s budget votes to be at a fundraiser.

By LAHAV HARKOV

 

 

 

State Comptroller Joseph Shapira singled out three politicians with close ties to the US Wednesday for raising too much funds on their primary campaigns: Economy Minister Naftali Bennett, Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon and Likud Beytenu MK Moshe Feiglin.

Naftali Bennett.

Naftali Bennett. – Photo: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post

Shapira expressed disapproval of politicians who raise money for their primary campaigns abroad, saying that, in his opinion, it should be illegal.

Donations from abroad consisted of a quarter of the total contributions candidates received in the six parties that held primaries: Likud, Bayit Yehudi, HaTikva, Kadima, Meretz and Labor.

Continue Reading »
Category: Israel News | Tags:
| August 13, 2013
No comments

Anti-Israel MK Zoabi considers running for Mayor of Nazareth

Knesset Member and ardent anti-Zionist Hanin Zoabi reported on Tuesday that she’s ‘seriously considering’ running for mayor of Nazareth.

Fellow Balad party members are divided on this issue.

By Hassan Shaalan

Knesset Member Hanin Zoabi (Balad) announced Tuesday morning that she was “seriously considering” running to in the Nazareth mayoral race.

Zoabi told Ynet that though her decision was not final, she expressed interest in running for mayor and will announce her final decision soon.

A senior Balad official told Ynet: “The issue of Hanin Zoabi running for Nazareth mayor came up a while ago. We are still deliberating – today we’re holding another meeting in an attempt to reach decisions. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| August 12, 2013
No comments

Temple Mount now reopened to Jews

 

 

 

Non-Muslim visitors allowed onto Judaism’s most holy site for 1st time since end of Ramadan.

Temple activists say police closing Mount to Jews was unnecessary, asking for site’s opening ahead of Jewish High Holidays. ‘It’s our basic right & it must be respected,’ their representative tells Knesset committee.

By Kobi Nachshoni

 

Dozens of Jews on visited the Temple Mount on Sunday morning as it was opened to tourists for the first time since the end of the month of Ramadan and the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr last week.

Temple activists are accusing the police of closing the Mount unnecessarily throughout most of the month of Ramadan, including for two whole weeks, thus discriminating against non-Muslims seeking to visit the site. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| August 4, 2013
No comments

MK Steinitz slams Yair Lapid as Supercilious, Arrogant

 

Likud Minister Yuval Stinitz reacts bitterly to incident in which PM forced him to leave security cabinet meeting at Lapid’s request.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
 

 

International Relations Minister Yuval Stinitz referred to Finance Minister Yair Lapid as “boastful and arrogant” on Saturday, in response to Lapid’s request late last month that Steinitz be removed from a security cabinet meeting.

Ougoing finance minister Steinitz and incoming minister Lapid at office change over, March 19, 2013.

Outgoing finance minister Steinitz and incoming minister Lapid at office change over, March 19, 2013. – Photo: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post

Steinitz, who is not a member of the security cabinet, was incensed after he was forced by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to leave the meeting in question at Lapid’s request, according to a Channel 2 report. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| August 1, 2013
No comments

WATCH clip: PM Netanyahu’s response to Arab MK who said, ‘Arabs were here 1st’

Arab Knesset member rejects Jews’ claim on Israel in late-night Knesset debate: “We were here before you; we will be here after you”.

This prompts PM Netanyahu to deliver a rebuttal: “The 1st part is not true & the 2nd will never take place.”

By Israel Hayom Staff

 

 

Late Wednesday night, the Knesset voted on a bill to make the controversial “referendum law” a basic law, which would necessitate a national referendum on any peace deal that would require territorial withdrawals.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – Photo: Dudi Vaaknin

During the plenum debate, Arab MK Jamal Zahalka (National Democratic Assembly) said that the bill was irrelevant because it referred to “occupied territory, and as such, what applies is international law; the referendum should apply to the nations of the world.”

Continue Reading »
Category: Israel News | Tags: , , ,
« Older Entries   Recent Entries »