LATEST POLL
Poll: Kadima 42 Labor 19 Likud 16, deciding issue:
Security 24% Social 19% Investment in education 17% Economics 15%
By Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 24 January 2006
Maagar Mochot for Mishal Cham television program - telephone poll of a
representative sample of 513 adult Israelis (including Arab Israelis)
carried out on 23 January 2006. [all results are net undecided]
42 [00] Kadima
16 [40] Likud
19 [21] Labor
00 [15] Shinui
10 [11] Shas
08 [08] Arab parties
05 [06] Yachad [Meretz]
06 [07*] National Union
05 [07*] Yisrael Beiteinu [Lieberman]
06 [05] Yahadut Hatorah
03 [06] NRP
00 [00] Tafnit headed by Uzi Dayan
00 [00] Aleh Yarok (legalize hashish)
* National Union & Yisrael Beiteinu together have 7 seats 00 = did not
pass minimum percentage. Of the following personalities who do you
most trust? Olmert 31% Netanyahu 22% Peretz 20% Other replies 27%.
What is the most important subject when deciding which party to vote
for?. Security 24% Social 19% Economics 15% Personal trustworthiness
in the leaders 14%. Investment in education 17% Dealing with
corruption 11%
____________________________________
Updated Summary of IDF Humanitarian Aid
Delegation to Kenya
The IDF rescue delegation which left last night for Kenya following
the collapse of a building in Nairobi has been working since the early
hours of the morning at the disaster site, assisting in rescuing and
providing medical treatment to those trapped under the rubble. As of
yet the delegation has rescued two trapped people and uncovered three
bodies. Kenyan President Mr. Mwai Kibaki arrived at the site this
afternoon and met with the Head of the IDF Home Front Command, Maj.
Gen. Gershon (Jerry) Yitzhak, Israeli Ambassador Mr. Emanuel Seri and
the rest of the delegation and thanked them for their efforts. The
delegation will do everything in its power to make use of the
professional knowledge and experience which the IDF has attained in
order to save lives.
_________________________________________
Departure of IDF Humanitarian Aid
Delegation to Kenya
Following the collapse of a building in Nairobi, Kenya
and in accordance with the decision of the Defense Minister, it has been
decided to send an IDF rescue delegation carrying humanitarian and
medical aid from Israel to the disaster area in Nairobi. The delegation,
which has been coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, left
tonight, January 24th, 2006 from the IAF base in the city of Lod.
Members of the delegation will assist in rescuing and providing medical
treatment to those trapped under the rubble. The delegation,
commanded by Maj. Gen, Gershon (Jerry) Yitzhak, Head of the Home Front
Command, will be comprised of some 80 IDF search and rescue
professionals and medical personnel. The delegation will transport
technological rescue equipment, as well as humanitarian equipment, to
the disaster area. The delegation will do everything in its power
to make use of the professional knowledge and experience which the IDF
has attained in order to save lives.
_________________________________________
The following are
excerpts from an interview given by Iranian political analyst
Dr. Majid Goudarzi, which was broadcast on the Iranian News Channel
Dr. Majid Goudarzi: He [white
supremacist Paul Fromm] said something very interesting: "In Europe you
can deny the existence of God, but you cannot deny the Holocaust." I
read in the Italian constitution that the fine for blasphemy is around
three dollars, but if someone in France denies the Holocaust he is fined
at least 3,000 francs. In addition, he is silenced and is fired from his
job. [...] In 23 days, the Jews will mark the Holocaust celebrations.
This will be on January 27. They have this celebration. They claim that
there were attempts to commit genocide against them. But I refer to the
Bible itself: The Book of Esther, Chapter 9. They themselves say there
was a woman named Esther, who was brought into the court of Xerxes, by a
man called Mordechai the Jew. She was incited into killing around
170,000 Iranians. She killed many people in what is known today as the
city of Susa. They celebrate this every year. They hold a two-day annual
celebration of the killing of Iranians, acelebration of the
genocide against the Iranians. 23-24 centuries ago, 170,000 constituted
the population of an entire country. They were the ones who wanted to
annihilate an entire country's population. They are the ones who commit
genocides - not us.
_________________________________________
Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and
Strategy Institute for Policy and Strategy Patriotism and Israel's
National Security Herzliya Patriotism Survey 2006
Uzi Arad Gal Alon, by the Institute for Policy and
Strategy
[IMRA: The sampling and interviews were conducted by the Statistics
Department at Haifa University in early December 2005, of a
representative sample of the adult population in Israel - about 800
adult Israeli citizens, including about 150 Muslims and about 20
Christian Arabs. It should be noted that the statistical error for the
results for the small sample of 170 Arab is +/- 7.5 percentage points.
Key Findings: The study and discussion of patriotism in Israel, as
a conceptual whole andas a sociopolitical phenomenon, has long been
shunted aside for various reasons, some of which derive from
processes that Israeli society has undergone. In view of the fact that
the Institute for Policy and Strategy and the annual Herzliya
Conferences focus on assessing the balance of national strength and
security, and since it is impossible to measure a country's strength
without addressing the patriotic component among its citizenry, a
direct examination of patriotism is required. Thus, we have taken it
upon ourselves to study patriotism on various levels, mapping it via
a specific and in-depth survey - which we aspire to conduct annually
- through an analysis of all its aspects. This document presents the
first survey results in detail, as well as the questionnaire used in
it. In preparing and conducting the survey, we built upon similar
existing questionnaires and surveys undertaken by universities and
research institutes in the U.S. and other countries. In addition, the
document includes two conceptual discussions of patriotism in order
to place it in the relevant context. Our main interest focuses on the
implications of the degree of patriotism in society on Israel's
national security. Following are several significant findings in this
vein: The citizens of Israel possess a large degree of Israeli
patriotism according to two intrinsic criteria - willingness to fight
for it (85%) and the desire to remain planted on its soil (87%). In
comparison to other developed countries in the West, there is none
that surpasses Israel in this declared readiness to fight for one's
country. On the other hand, the pride of Israeli citizens in their
country (77%) is low compared to other countries, and is certainly
not "blind pride". The main sources of pride for Israelis are the
scientific and technological achievements of their country (97%) and
its security forces (86%), while the lowest levels of pride are
attributed to the way its democracy works (38%) and its social welfare
system (22%). In general, it seems that the current spirit of Israeli
patriotism - more than being fed by ideology or Israel's historic
heritage, or utopian aspirations (to be "a light unto the nations") -
is anchored in a deep attachment to country and a sense of its being
under threat. Most of the Israeli Arabs are not proud of their
citizenship (56%), and are not ready to fight to defend the state
(73%). But the rate of Arab Israelis who believe that Israel is
better than most other countries (77%) is among the highest in the
developed world with regards to this measure. Notably, the number of
Arabs who are proud of the welfare system (53%) is three times higher
than that among Jews (17%). There are differences between the type
and expression of patriotism among Jewish citizens of Israel and those
of Arab citizens. Among the latter, patriotic feeling is subdued.
When patriotic sentiment is given expression, twice as many Arabs
define themselves as Palestinian patriots than as Israeli patriots.
The patriotism of the Jewish citizens is stronger among the right than
in the ranks of the left; stronger among the religious and
traditional than among the secular; stronger among the more affluent
than among the less affluent; stronger among older people than among
younger ones; and stronger among those without university education
than among those with academic degrees. Alienation is felt among
low-wage earners in the Jewish public: They are hesitant in their
willingness to fight, and about a tenth of them are not prepared to do
so. Although their sense of attachment to the country is high, they
are nonetheless reluctant to define themselves as ardent patriots.
There is a noticeable "patriotic decline" through the generations.
Unlike those born during the years of the state's establishment,
among younger people the elements of patriotic sacrifice and
rootedness have weakened. While refusal to fight was almost unheard
of among older people, one in every seven young Jewish citizens
claims that he is not willing to fight to defend his country (14%).
Two in every five are prepared to leave the country if their standard
of living would be significantly improved by moving abroad (44%). The
full findings of the survey warrant study and analysis. These are
likely to yield lessons and conclusions which merit discussion. For
example, the weakening of the patriotic spirit among the young Jewish
generation, which is perhaps the most troubling finding in terms of
the threat to the future strength of Israel, raises questions about
the educational conclusions to be drawn - should the weaknesses be
dealt with or should the strengths be further nurtured? Two different
approaches towards the "patriotic deficit" can be identified. One
approach, which is post-Zionist in essence, accepts the change and
suggests adapting the state's values to the multicultural reality that
is developing within it. The second approach, on the other hand,
advocates weaving a new Zionism that preserves Israel's formative
values as a Jewish state and aspires to adapt them to the agenda of
the 21st century. Inasmuch as the responsibility for instilling and
inspiring a spirit of patriotism rests with Israel's leaders and
educators, it is their task to resolve the dilemma and cope with the
challenge highlighted by this survey. The Key Findings of this
document, together with the chapter on "Patriotism and National
Strength in Israel," were written by Prof. Uzi Arad. The survey
findings, together with the chapter dealing with "Conceptual Outlines
for Patriotic Affinity," was written by Mr. Gal Alon. Prof. Ephraim (Efi)
Yuchtman-Yaar served as an advisor to the Patriotism Project. Mr.
Kalman Gayer assisted with the sampling process. The taskforce that
contributed to the survey analysis included Dr. Faisal Azaiza, Prof.
Maoz Azaryahu, Dr. Amos Carmel, Mr. Amnon Lord and Ms. Ahuva Yanai.
Complex statistical analysis was conducted with the assistance of Ms.
Yasmin Alkalai.
_________________________________________
Senior Islamic
Jihad terrorist arrested in Silat A-Hartiya
During a joint IDF, ISA and Border Police activity, this morning,
January 22nd 2006, in the village of Silat A-Hartiya, northwest of
Jenin, forces arrested Hassin Bahgat Anis Jaradat, 33, one of the
leading figures of the Islamic Jihad terrorist infrastructure in
northern Samaria. Jaradat was arrested in the 1990s for his activity
in the Islamic Jihad terror organization. Following his release in
1996 he resumed his terror activity in the organization. The Islamic
Jihad terror cell in the northern West Bank, of which Jaradat is one
of the leading figures, executed five suicide bombing attacks in
Israel during the year 2005, in which dozens of Israeli civilians were
murdered and hundreds were wounded:
* Suicide bombing at the "Stage" club in Tel Aviv in February 2005, in
which five Israeli civilians were murdered.
* Suicide bombing at the "Sharon" mall in Netanyah in July 2005, in
which five Israeli civilians were murdered.
* Suicide bombing at the Hadera market in October 2005, in which six
Israeli civilians were murdered.
* Suicide bombing at the "Sharon" mall in Netanyah in December 2005,
in which five Israeli civilians were murdered.
* Double suicide bombing at an IDF security crossing south of Tulkarm
in December 2005 - two suicide bombers on their way to carry out an
attack inside Israel during the holiday season exploded the explosives
concealed on their persons, killing an IDF officer, Lieut. Uri Binamo.
|
Vice Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert's Speech at the Herzliya Conference
January 24, 2006. Translation provided by the Israel Government Press
Office
Distinguished Guests,
Unfortunate circumstances have led to my appearance before you here this
evening in place of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Two years ago, at this
Conference, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon delivered his speech later known
as "the Herzliya Speech", the speech in which he announced the
Disengagement Plan. From this place, one of our greatest commanders
embarked on the most dramatic and significant, campaign of his life, the
diplomatic, public and political campaign of the Disengagement Plan.
That speech, and the Disengagement Plan which followed, are milestones
in the history of the State of Israel. I had the honor working beside
Ariel Sharon throughout this bold political process. I accompanied him
during the long months of internal conflict and confrontation. I
witnessed how he withstood the supreme test faced by every leader: the
temptation to preserve the status quo and not take the risks even if
these could ensure a better future. Arik Sharon did not act in this
manner. His policy always prioritized initiative over inaction,
breakthrough over the monotonous route. He knew it was better for
Israel to initiate political steps, and not be dragged into dangerous
moves forced on it by others.
The State of Israel is still a young nation. There are many more steps
we must take in order to build a ethical society with strong values:
building a value-based education system, infusing our lives with Jewish
content, strengthening our connection to the Jews of the Diaspora,
shaping a system of equal opportunities with the Arab minority, based on
rights and responsibilities, and developing a strong, just,
compassionate and reactive economy. However, there is no doubt that the
most important and dramatic step we face is the determination of
permanent borders of the State of Israel, to ensure the Jewish majority
in the country. Zeev Jabotinsky defined the importance of a Jewish
majority in his insightful and keen way: "The term 'Jewish nation' is
absolutely clear: it means a Jewish majority. With this, Zionism began,
and it is the basis of its existence, it will continue to work towards
its fulfillment or it will be lost." The existence of a Jewish majority
in the State of Israel cannot be maintained with the continued control
over the Palestinian population in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip.
We firmly stand by the historic right
of the people of Israel to the entire Land of Israel. Every hill in
Samaria and every valley in Judea is part of our historic homeland. We
do not forget this, not even for one moment. However, the choice
between the desire to allow every Jew to live anywhere in the Land of
Israel to the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish country -
obligates relinquishing parts of the Land of Israel. This is not a
relinquishing of the Zionist idea, rather the essential realization of
the Zionist goal - ensuring the existence of a Jewish and democratic
state in the Land of Israel. In order to ensure the existence of a
Jewish national homeland, we will not be able to continue ruling over
the territories in which the majority of the Palestinian population
lives. We must create a clear boundary as soon as possible, one which
will reflect the demographic reality on the ground. Israel will maintain
control over the security zones, the Jewish settlement blocs, and those
places which have supreme national importance to the Jewish people,
first and foremost a united Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty. There
can be no Jewish state without the capital of Jerusalem at its center.
This is the path Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced several years
ago. We - who were his partners in its formation - worked with him in
order to establish a new public movement, which will determine our path
in the coming years, and which will propel Israel forward. The existence
of two nations, one Jewish and one Palestinian, is the full solution to
all the national aspirations and problems of each of the peoples,
including the issue of refugees who will be absorbed solely in a
Palestinian state. We will not allow the entry of Palestinian refugees
into the State of Israel. This is our clear stance, which is backed by
the unequivocal American position expressed in the United States
President's letter of April 2004, to the Prime Minister. The only way
to achieve this goal is the full implementation of the Roadmap, and of
President Bush's vision of June 2004 (2002). The Roadmap is based on a
simple and just idea: if the Palestinians abandon the path of terror,
and stop their war against the citizens of Israel, they can receive
national independence in a Palestinian state with temporary borders,
even before all the complicated issues connected to a final agreement
are resolved. All these issues will be resolved later during
negotiations between the two countries, in the accepted manner in which
countries resolve their differences. On the eve of elections in the
institutions of the Palestinian Authority, I say here, on behalf of the
Government of Israel, that we will uphold all the obligations we have
taken upon ourselves in the framework of the Roadmap, and we demand that
the leadership in Ramallah do likewise. Israel has already proven,
including through the Disengagement, that it is prepared to advance
peace. It will continue to act so in relation to the commitments it has
taken upon itself, in exchange for Palestinian commitments.
This includes: limiting
construction in the settlements, improving the quality of life of the
Palestinian population, and dismantling unauthorized outposts. The
Government of Israel will not be deterred by the threats of a minority
of lawbreakers. The unauthorized outposts will be dismantled, and I
have already given the appropriate instructions in this regard to our
security forces and those entrusted with upholding the law. We will
forcefully defend the values of the rule of law, even when attacked from
within. We have begun fulfilling our commitments, which are not easy to
implement given the internal disagreements in our country, and the
disengagement from the land of our ancestors. Loyal to the path of
Sharon, we prefer the wisdom of compromise to emotion, and we demand
that the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority and his government act
similarly. The Palestinians, headed by Chairman Mahmoud Abbas have
committed themselves to implementing a series of concrete steps, which
will abrogate the capability to threaten Israel and the political
process with terror. Among them is the dismantling of all terror
organizations starting with the Hamas, confiscating illegal weapons,
enforcing law and order in their territory, implementing government,
security and financial reforms, and ceasing the incitement and education
of hatred against Israel. The key to moving the political process
forward is for the Palestinians to abandon the path of terror. This is
not a matter for words, statements and empty promises - we had our fill
of these in the past. The Roadmap determines that, only after all these
steps are fully completed, will they be entitled to the status of
national independence and equal rights and obligations in the
international community. This is not solely an Israeli demand. This is
a general international prerequisite required of them. Led by the
United States, the countries of the European Union, Russia, the UN and
the moderate Arab states, led by Egypt and Jordan. The Government of
Israel, under my leadership, will insist on the full implementation of
the Roadmap, and of all its phases, exactly as was agreed, because this
is the only way to preserve security and bring about peace. It would be
a serious, historic mistake to allow the Palestinians to avoid the
fulfillment of their commitment to dismantle terror organizations. We
must adhere to the Roadmap, conduct negotiations on its implementation,
and act to create massive international pressure on the Palestinians to
fight terror. Those who are in a rush have asked whether, because of the
elections, the present Government has already committed to another
disengagement if future contacts with the Palestinians are not
successful. We would prefer an agreement. If our expected partners in
the negotiations in the framework of the Roadmap do not uphold their
commitments, we will preserve the Israeli interest in every way. The
elections taking place tomorrow in the Palestinian Authority are an
historic opportunity for the Palestinians to take a giant step towards
realizing their goal - to achieve national independence in a country of
their own. In 1947, the Palestinians rejected the offer to establish a
country. History has provided them with another opportunity to establish
an independent state. The actualization of this opportunity involves
relinquishing some of their national dreams, just as we have
relinquished some of our national dreams. In the elections tomorrow, and
in the steps which will follow, they will have to decide: whether to
take their fate into their hands or to again leave the key in the hands
of the extremists, those who led them from bad to worse and condemned
them to a life of misery and suffering. It is important to be clear: we
are interested in neighborly relations which are good, productive and
progressive. We support the establishment of a modern, democratic
Palestinian state which respects civil rights, and is economically
prosperous. Their welfare is our welfare, their well-being is our
well-being, their stability is our stability.
I am following the Palestinian elections closely. We have made
important decisions whose purpose is to allow the existence of free and
orderly elections. I hope that the results will allow the elected
government under the leadership of Mahmoud Abbas to move forward towards
a settlement. I am not a partner to all the doomsayers who are already
telling us how hard and horrible it will be here after the elections in
the Authority. Israel will know how to operate and act in any
circumstance, faced with any scenario, in order to preserve its security
and political horizons, and advance the hopes for a changed
reality. Backed by broad international support, Israel will continue to
demand that all the phases of the Roadmap be carried out. If the
Palestinians continue to evade their commitments, we have the ability to
defend Israel and strike back at terror and those who carry it out, as
we have until today, and even with more intensity. The difficult war
against terror has not stopped, and will not stop as long as there is a
threat to the security of the citizens of Israel. Acceleration of the
construction of the security fence, together with the improved ability
of the IDF and other security forces, as well as Israel's increased
latitude - will be our answer to terror.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Alongside our significant effort to realize our dream of tranquility,
peace and security, we cannot ignore what is occurring within us, the
quality of life within our home - our commitment to building a strong,
value-based society is complete and unequivocal. For several years, the
State of Israel suffered a severe economic recession, which threatened
its social stability. We began taking significant steps to pull out of
the recession. The Government steps jumpstarted economic growth. We
achieved a growth rate of 5.2% in 2005, higher than that which exists in
Europe and the United States. We stabilized employment and lowered the
unemployment rate from 11% to approximately 9%. We encouraged foreign
investors to invest unprecedented sums in Israeli industry and the
Israeli financial system. The amount of direct foreign investment in
the Israeli economy reached more than $6 billion in 2005. All the
economic indicators point to a strong Israeli economy, which serves as
an attractive target for foreign investors. These steps were taken by
the Government, headed by Ariel Sharon, with his full and unprecedented
backing, and under the leadership of then-Minister of Finance Benjamin
Netanyahu. Nevertheless, we have still not done enough to narrow the
gaps in society. We have not done enough to defend those sectors of the
public which are in dire need. We have not shown enough compassion
towards those who have nothing. Since I took upon myself the
responsibility of shaping the State of Israel's economic and social
policy, we have decided to change our emphasis, and determine a new set
of priorities. Achieving this goal will not be realized through a return
to the regime of distributing allowances and support, rather by
determining clear goals in the two central spheres of modern society:
education and employment. We must allow equal opportunities for every
citizen of Israel, and achieve equality in the possibility to realize
these opportunities. Every Israeli citizen deserves the best
education, and a supportive and stimulating environment in which to earn
an honorable living. Combining these two components is the key to
growth and narrowing the social gaps. Before his hospitalization, the
Prime Minister directed that work plans be prepared, which would include
clear goals and detailed paths of action in those spheres. These plans
will be presented to the public shortly, and will constitute the core
building blocks of the Government's policy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to end on a personal note. For 32 years, I have served the
State of Israel. From the position I have assumed due to Prime Minister
Sharon's illness, I see an Israel fighting difficulties and great
hardships, but I also see the glimmer of hope in the eyes of many
Israelis, for the first time in many years. And as Ariel Sharon said:
"We must not let this new spirit, which grants our peoples hope, pass us
by and leave us empty-handed - I have no intention of missing this
opportunity." From here, from this podium, I declare: I believe in the
people of Israel and in the State of Israel. I believe in the genuine
will of the citizens of Israel to live in peace, security and
tranquility, and I believe in our ability to achieve this goal when we
are united. From here, I send my wishes for a speedy recovery to the
man who, over the past five years, has led us into a reality in which
there is a chance for a better future. I hope that we will soon be able
to stand before him and tell him: we have walked in your light.
Thank you.
___________________________________________________
EU Says
Donations to PNA Could Not Be Unconditional European Union Suspends $42m
in Aid, World Bank Freezes 60% of Funding
Palestine Media Center - PMC. Facing a "suffocating financial crisis,"
Palestinian officials have no immediate comment yet on an EU decision on
Tuesday to suspend 35 million euros ($42 million) in aid to the
Palestinian National Authority (PNA), coming shortly after freezing 60%
of funding for the PNA's operational budget by the World Bank. The
European Union has suspended 35 million euros ($42 million) in aid to
the Palestinians, citing their lack of budgetary discipline, visiting
EU's commissioner for external relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner said in
Jerusalem on Tuesday. Ferrero-Waldner said European aid to the
Palestinians had previously been held up in 2002 and 2003, said such
donations "could not be unconditional."
The Palestinians reportedly
receive about $1 billion a year in international aid - about half
the PNA's budget. The European Union is the largest donor to the
PNA and EU assistance is slated to reach $312 million in 2006. The EU
"sanction underscored intensified foreign donor scrutiny on the PNA
since Israel quit the Gaza Strip last year after 38 years of occupation.
The impoverished territory is widely seen as a testing ground for
statehood," Reuters reported on Tuesday. Visiting the region ahead
of Palestinian legislative elections on January 25,
Ferrero-Waldner said half of 70 million euros ($84 million) donated
through the World Bank in November has not been released, and that the
issue was under discussion. "The biggest donor is the European
Commission, and we have not paid because the benchmarks have not
been fulfilled," she told reporters in Jerusalem. "We have a long-term
commitment with the Palestinian people that we would like to
improve their living conditions (but) we are not only pumping money
into the Palestinians without asking for very clear benchmarks," she
said. "There has to be a credible finance minister, but there also has
to be a budget and the budget should also remain within the limits
of what the budget has foreseen," she added.
There has been no replacement
appointed for Salam Fayyad, who quit as Palestinian finance
minister in November to run for parliament, leading the "Third
Way" national list. Before resigning, Fayyad predicted aid from a World
Bank trust fund would be cut in response to ballooning Palestinian
government wage costs. The trust has paid out at least &230
million to the Palestinians since its founding in 2004. Early in
January, Fayyad said that, "there is no doubt that the Palestinian
Authority is going through a suffocating financial crisis," adding: "We
are in desperate need of Arab aid." A tour by Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas in the GCC countries early in January has
yet to yield results.
|
Budgetary Discipline . a
Pretext?
Budgetary discipline, cited by Ferrero-Waldner as the reason for
freezing the EU 43 million dollars in aid to the PNA, could be confused
by Palestinians as a pretext to cover US and EU latest threats to review
their aid to the PNA should the Islamic Resistance Movement "Hamas" join
a new
Palestinian government after the January 25 elections. The United States
and the European Union blacklist Hamas as a "terrorist
organization" and joined their Quartet partners, the United Nations and
Russia, recently in a statement opposing Hamas' participation in the
elections unless it disarms and recognizes Israel's right to exist as a
state.
The EU and US positions vis-à-vis Hamas adopts the Israeli official
policy and corners Palestinian President Abbas in a very difficult
position. The EU move could not be strictly isolated from Palestinian
accusations of pressuring the PNA on Hamas and of interference in
Palestinian elections. "It will be complicated for the European Union to
continue financing Palestinian Authority activities if Hamas
continues to play a negative role in the process and will not
renounce violence," said EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana on
December 18. "The taxpayers in the European Union, members of the
parliament of the European Union, will not be in a position to sustain
that type of political activity," Solana added. However some Palestinian
candidates have accused the ruling Fatah movement of using the PNA to
employ thousands of would-be voters and raise the salaries of others to
improve their chances in the elections.
The First Donors' 'Sanction'
Nonetheless the EU move was the second "sanction" by the donors to
the PNA. The World Bank had frozen 60% of the funding for the PNA's
operational budget shortly earlier. The World Bank representative in the
West Bank and the Gaza Strip, Nigel
Roberts, told Israeli online daily Haaretz on January 10 that the PNA's
lack of responsibility "forced the Bank, supported by the European
Commission," to freeze 60 percent of funding the PNA's operational
budget. This far-reaching step was taken because the Palestinians did
not fulfill their commitments on "budget control," he said, adding that
the PNA raised salaries "at a time when resources are unavailable."
However Roberts warned also that the PNA "is facing a crisis that could
unable it, as early as next month, from paying the salaries of at least
130.000 officials and members of its security forces." The PNA "is on
the verge of functional bankruptcy; its failure to pay the hundreds of
thousands of employees will make them unable to buy their basis daily
needs, which will directly affect thousands of suppliers and merchants
who earn their living from the employees," he added.
Roberts noted that the amount of assistance the PNA is getting -
reportedly $5 billion in five years, or $300 per capita annually - is
the highest granted to any entity since World War II, Haaretz reported.
"To maintain the deep involvement of the donors, and their diplomatic
attention, as well as the desire of the private sector to invest
additional money, the PA must improve its performance," he said. A
donors' conference in London in December refused to pledge aid to the
PNA until after the legislative elections. Palestinian Central Bureau of
Statistics (PCBS) said that there was an increase of 9% in the number of
unemployed persons between 2nd and 3rd
quarter of 2005 while the consumer price index increased in the Occupied
Palestinian Territories (OPT) by 1.93% during October 2005.
_______________________
IRAN COULD ACHIEVE NUKE CAPABILITY IN 2006
Iran has acquired sufficient technology and equipment to produce nuclear
weapons, a report said. A report published by the U.S. Army War College
asserted that Iran has virtually completed the nuclear fuel cycle and
was ready to assemble weapons. The report, financed by the Defense
Department, said Iran could reach nuclear weapons capability as early as
2006. "The truth is that Iran soon can and will get a bomb option," the
report, entitled "Getting Ready for a Nuclear-Ready Iran," said. "All
Iranian engineers need is a bit more time: 1 to 4 years at most." The
report, released in late 2005, differed significantly from CIA and State
Department estimates on Iran's nuclear program. The U.S. intelligence
community has assessed that Iran would need another decade to produce
nuclear weapons. _______________________
Riots break out in
northern Israel after police officers kill suspect;
later, police disperse rioters
[IMRA: Highway 65 - in Wadi Awa - was the site of Israeli Arab rioting
that let to the shooting deaths of rioting Israeli Arabs during the
Barak administration.]
Riots in northern Israel: Highway 65 in the north of the country was
blocked for a short while Thursday afternoon after Arabs in the area
began rioting in response to the killing of a local resident by police
officers. Policemen were eventually able to disperse the rioters, who
were stoning police and security forces. An initial investigation showed
police detectives were attempting to search a suspect's home. The
officers said the suspect aimed a gun at them, prompting them to fire at
him in self defense. The man was taken to hospital for treatment but
shortly thereafter succumbed to his wounds. The riots on the highway
broke out about an hour after the incident. Police officials said an
intelligence tip prompted them to raid the suspect's home on suspicion
of drug dealing. According to the information, the man also possessed a
large quantity of weapons in his home. According to police, the suspect
emerged from the house armed after detectives knocked on his door. The
officers reportedly asked the man to hand over his weapon but he
refused, and cocked it instead, prompting the officers to fire at him.
However, the man's relatives said the suspect was sleeping when police
arrived and was shot after he woke up even though he was not armed.
Hundreds of police officers were dispatched to the scene of the riots
and senior security officials also arrived in the area.
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