The Gaza invasion What should Abu Mazen do?

Prompted by the arrests of 8 Ministers of the Hamas-led PA government and a further 25 Hamas-affiliated PLC members, in addition to the 12 PLC members who were already in prison, the Near East Consulting team on Thursday night 29 June and Friday morning 30 June conducted a short phone survey in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip mainly asking the respondents what Abu Mazen should do given the current situation. In total, 704 interviews were successfully completed. The margin of error for this survey is +/- 3.6 with a 95% confidence level. Given the current situation in which 8 PA Ministers and 20 PLC members have been arrested in the latest military invasion, what should Abu Mazen do?

46% Call for an emergency government
08% Dissolve the PA
20% Call for international control
22% Let the situation take its course
04% Hand-over control to Jordan & Egypt

In light of the situation, some people are calling upon Abu Mazen to take full control over the government, do you agree or disagree?
50% Agree
50% Disagree

Factional trust: Before Israel's military actions 24 June 2006 Fateh 38% Hamas 30% PFLP 2% Others 5% Do not trust any 25%. Since Israel's military actions  30 June 2006. Fateh 34% Hamas 24% PFLP 2% Others 7% Do not trust any 33%

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JUNE 2006 MAJOR NEWS

Imad Abu Hamad,  head of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades organization in the Gaza Strip, was injured in an IDF aerial attack.

 In a security forces operation tonight, June 20th 2006, Imad Abu Hamad, head of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades organization in the Gaza Strip, was injured in an IDF aerial attack. As part of the continuous effort of security forces to target terrorists in the Gaza Strip, IDF forces targeted Imad Mahmad Ibrahim Abu Hamad, 36, resident of Gaza city, who directed terror attacks against Israel and was deeply involved in the funding and establishing of the organization's rocket launching capabilities. Hamad, a former intelligence officer in the Palestinian police, had undergone extensive military and surveillance training. He began his activity against Israel in the early 90s, when he served in Fatah's shock troops in northern Gaza. During his time he recruited and trained many military units. In 2002 Hamad began operating under the command of Jammal Abu Samhadana in the" Popular Resistance Committees" organization. In this role he established close contacts with Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon, and with several activists in Gaza and in the West Bank. In mid 2004 Abu Hamad returned to operate in the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades organization, establishing himself as a central contact between Hezbollah and the 'Al Aqsa' infrastructure in the field. During this time Abu Hamad pursued and directed various terror activities, among them attempts to kidnap Israeli civilians. He also gathered intelligence on the locations of Israeli forces and civilians for future attacks. On Passover eve on April 12th 2006, Abu Hamad was responsible for dispatching two armed gunmen who were killed on their way to carry out an attack inside an IDF base located near the security fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. Abu Hamad is also known to have smuggled large amounts of weaponry into the Gaza Strip, for the use of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Recently, Abu Hamad was involved in an attempt to carry out a large scale terror attack at the Karni crossing and in attempts to smuggle suicide bombers into Israel through Sinai. The IDF is determined to continue its battle against the terror organizations. The responsibility for the continued rocket fire from the Gaza Strip lies with the leadership of the Palestinian Authority.

Peres Center for Peace: Severe, Ongoing Harm to Palestinian, Israeli Private Sectors due to Limited Functioning of Karni

TEL AVIV,  (WAFA- PLO news agency)- The Peres Center for Peace said that there is a severe and ongoing harm to Palestinian and Israeli private sectors due to limited functioning of Karni commercial crossing at the north of the Gaza Strip. In an e-mail sent Wednesday to WAFA, the Center stated that despite Israeli Minister Amir Peretz statement that he instructed the army to open Karni to the movement of goods from the Gaza Strip, only small improvement in the crossing's throughput. It said the economic impact of this "improvement" has been negligible and exports during this period have been only "symbolic". "For instance, during this period, the Crossing was closed to the export of Palestinian goods for 8 days, on days in which the crossing was open, a total of 454 trucks left the Gaza Strip, an average of 23 trucks a day, the Center said. "Meanwhile, imports have improved slightly and since Peretz's statement, with an average of 400 trucks entering the Gaza Strip every day. Moreover, there is an enormous gap between the number of entering and exiting trucks that is disproportionate to the population's needs." For the purpose of comparison, the Center added, in the Agreement on Movement and Access signed in November 2005, it was established that the Government of Israel would allow the exit of 150 trucks per day by the end of 2005, and 400 trucks per day by the end of 2006. "These specific numbers were chosen according to an estimation of what would be necessary to improve economic development and the humanitarian situation. In reality, Israel is currently permitting the exit of only 10% of the number of trucks agreed upon for the end of 2005." Peres Center said the Karni Crossing operates for an average of 7 hours a day, and considering the small number of trucks being allowed to exit, it is clear that the crossing is operating at a very limited capacity, and is producing low throughputs, well below its potential capacity. "The justification for such limited operating hours is unclear, as the security argument regarding the danger of working after daylight hours is no longer relevant in the summer, when there is 12-13 hours of daylight," it argued. "The resulting limited quantity of goods reaching the Gaza Strip leaves the 1.4 million Palestinians with a minimal livelihood and only basic subsistence, preventing both basic economic functioning and any real humanitarian improvement," the Centre mentioned. "Despite the military reality and the threats to the crossing, the optimal balance point must be found between Israel's legitimate security needs and opening the Palestinian population's lifeline." It revealed that the limited functioning of the crossing continues to exacerbate the economic and humanitarian collapse in the Gaza Strip, causing fatal harm to the private sector in the Gaza Strip, and the loss of tens of millions of dollars to the Palestinian economy. "Dozens of factories and greenhouses have already closed and thousands of people have lost their jobs. The closure of the crossing has also caused heavy damage to the Israeli private sector at the level of tens of millions of shekels (Israeli currency) in the textiles, furniture, agriculture and other industries," the Center stated. "This situation disallows the continuation of bilateral trade between the two sides, and puts an end to the economic relations between the parties - to the dismay of both sides," it added. "The status of the Karni Crossing has a major impact on the definition of Palestinian-Israeli relations. The solution or lack of solution to the problem will undoubtedly dictate the direction of future economic relations between Israel and the Palestinians, and will ultimately influence prospects for future economic cooperation," it said. Peres Center considered that Peretz declaration regarding the opening of the crossing and its functioning capacity should be translated into a clear policy, that "should be implemented on the ground in an expedient manner in order to address this current crisis."
 

PM Olmert Convenes Ministerial Disengagement Committee to Discuss Assistance to the Residents. (Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser). Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this morning  convened the Ministerial Committee on Implementing the Disengagement Plan in order to discuss assistance to residents.  Industry, Trade and Employment Minister Eli Yishai, Justice Minister Haim Ramon, Interior Minister Ronnie Bar-On, Minister Rafi Eitan, Minister Yitzhak Cohen and the Directors-General of the ministries concerned attended. SELA Disengagement Authority Director Yonatan Basi gave the Committee a status report, including details on claims filed with the Authority, and the compensation that has been paid for residences, businesses, agriculture and the Erez Industrial Zone.  The Committee was also briefed on the situation at the temporary and permanent residential housing sites, the special social assistance provided to evacuees and the Authority's work with the various local councils that have absorbed evacuees. Prime Minister Olmert said that since this was a population group that underwent a trauma, it had to be treated with flexibility and special attention. The Committee made the following decisions: * To allocate NIS 1 million to the Housing and Construction Ministry for statutory and infrastructure planning for the construction of permanent housing at kibbutz Palmahim.  Contacts on implementing the planning will be carried out after receiving commitments from groups of families from Elei Sinai that would like to build homes at Palmahim. * To allocate, in the framework of the SELA Disengagement Authority's current budget, NIS 2 million for the following goals: Collecting information on public structures and institutions in the communities that were evacuated in the context of the Disengagement Plan; and drawing up plans for the construction of public structures, including feasibility studies and the preparation of cost estimates. * To allocate to the Prime Minister's Office, in the framework of the SELA Disengagement Authority's operating budget, a supplementary budget of NIS 18 million for contacts with hotels and guest facilities and companies that are providing economic and/or other assistance services, via the Defense Ministry, for the continued lodging of residents of the Gaza Strip and northern Samaria in the context of their moving to temporary housing by the end of this month. * To transfer advances of 50% of the amounts to be determined for assistance to local councils that have absorbed evacuees. Prime Minister Olmert said: "Dealing with the evacuees is a special mission that must be carried out with empathy and patience.  While there is no place to apologize for Government decisions, we must understand those who carried on their backs legitimate Government decisions.  We must act to provide answers also for those for whom no solutions have been found in existing frameworks.  Education is an issue of utmost importance and we must act with full sensitivity while providing full assistance.  We have more than a moral obligation to see to the last of the evacuees and to handle them with sensitivity."

Sderot: Qassams land during president's visit. Two rockets land in Sderot area as Katsav, Peretz visit Qassam-battered town. 'I have no intention of making restraint part of my work plan; restraint has run its course - we have the moral legitimacy to act,' defense minister says. President: PA leadership directly responsible for rocket attacks. Leaders set to meet with hunger strikers in show of sympathy for residents' distress. Two Qassam rockets landed Monday afternoon in the Sderot area at the same time President Moshe Katsav was visiting the southern town with Defense Minister Amir Peretz. One rocket landed north of the town, while the other fell at the local cemetery. A woman suffered from shock, but no damage to property was reported. While visiting Mayor Eli Moyal's Sderot Municipality office, Katsav said that as far as Israel is concerned "the Palestinian leadership is directly responsible (for the rocket fire.) We will not examine each Qassam to determine which faction owns it; the Palestinians have a leadership, they have a chairman, an Authority and a parliament - and they are all responsible. "Since the disengagement military action aimed at thwarting their activity has become legitimate," the president added. Peretz, who accompanied Katsav to Moyal's office, said "I have no intention of making restraint part of my work plan; restraint has run its course. We have the moral legitimacy to act." The defense minister added that he is making every effort to stop the Qassam fire, adding that the attacks did indeed stop temporarily after he had relayed a harsh message to leaders of Palestinian groups. "I have the moral legitimacy to act because I am a man of peace," Peretz said. "We have answers and we will not put and the area's children at risk," he said. "I hope that in the coming days we will see a change in the terror organizations and that they will realize that they must halt their fire; there is no distinction among the factions - this is the message here. At the entrance to the town, the two were met by Anat Shaviro (47), a resident of Sderot who complained to them of the fragile security situation, but mostly of her financial difficulties. "I cannot even have a Bar-Mitzvah for my son," she said. Katsav and Peres promised to help her. 'I am sure I will bring calm back to the area'. Peretz and Katsav are set to visit the hunger strikers tent in town, where Sderot residents have been protesting in the last week and-a-half, in a show of sympathy for their distress in face of the ongoing rocket strikes. The president's visit has postponed for a short while the locals' plans for an escalation of protest activities, but the town's people stated they will  go ahead with the plans once Katsav leaves. In the framework of the protest, Sderot members intend to block the entrances to the town and bar all passage into Sderot. Earlier Peretz told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee "We are using all the tools and are implementing all the steps before entering a massive operation," hinting that Israel was working to convey diplomatic messages to Hamas leaders. "If that doesn't help," Peretz said, "I am sure I will bring calm back to the area. I will not allow the fire to continue." "There is no doubt that the organizations operating today understand our message, but if it does not bring calm, we will definitely step up operations and stop the fire," he added. Sderot children were treated to a field trip on Monday to get their minds off the routine of rocket drills, at least for a little while. Twelve buses packed with 550 4th-6th graders arrived at the National Yarkon Park and the Fortress of Antipatrus by Rosh Haayin as part of an initiative by the Nature and Parks Authority. 'Power should be shut down in Gaza' "My parents are already looking for apartments outside of Sderot and  Ashkelon because of the Qassams," sixth grader Danny Iskov told Ynet. "I don't  want to leave my friends though." Meanwhile, opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for his treatment of the incessant Qassam rocket fire. "The prime minister doesn't see, hear or act because he is abroad all the time," Bibi said. "He did not even phone the Sderot mayor, and passed by him in a Knesset corridor as if he was air." According to Netanyahu, "the power should be shut down in Gaza, not in  Sderot. The prime minister's primary responsibility is to look after the  well-being of all the citizens." "We are with Sderot," he said. By S. Haddad . Ian Marcianno contributed to the report

'Israel's weapons used against Jews'

Terrorist says that rifles transferred last week by Israel to Abbas for security have been employed in shooting attacks against Israelis. Weapons transferred last week by Israel to Force 17, the presidential guard units of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, will be utilized for attacks against Jews, a senior member of Force 17 told WorldNetDaily in an exclusive interview today. The militant, Abu Yousuf, hinted the weapons already were used in two shooting attacks the past few days that killed one Israeli civilian and wounded another. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced earlier this week he had approved a shipment of weapons and ammunition, which reportedly include over 370 assault rifles and were destined for Force 17. The shipment reportedly  originated in Jordan and needed Israel's approval for transport. Olmert said the shipment was meant to bolster security forces loyal to Abbas amid an increasingly violent power struggle between the PA chairman's Fatah party and Hamas, which won recent Palestinian parliamentary elections. "I did this because we are running out of time and we need to help Abu  Mazen," Olmert told reporters Tuesday. The weapons reportedly were escorted by Israel to Ramallah and to the Gaza  border where they were received by Force 17 members.

Weapons 'won't be used against brothers'. Abu Yousuf said the weapons will be fired at Israelis. "These weapons will not be used in an internal war but against Israelis," he said. "Force 17 is proud that we were the first to lead the Palestinian people during tough times such as resistance operations (against the Israeli army during large-scale operations in northern Samaria in 2002). We will also be the first to lead the Palestinians in the current struggle against Israeli occupation." Several Force 17 members, including Yousuf, also are members of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a terror group linked to Abbas' Fatah party responsible for scores of suicide bombings and shooting attacks. Yousuf himself previously participated in anti-Israel terrorism, including recent shootings, attacks last month against Israeli forces operating in Ramallah and a shooting attack in northern Samaria in December 2000 that killed Benyamin Kahane, leader of the ultranationalist Kahane Chai organization. After the Kahane murder, Yousuf was extended refuge by Yasser Arafat to live in the late PLO leader's Ramallah compound, widely known as the Muqata. Yousuf still lives in the compound. Abbas earlier this week appointed Mahmoud Damra to head Force 17. Damra, who is on Israel's most wanted list of terrorists, was offered shelter in Arafat's compound in Ramallah in 2002 after Israel accused him of masterminding a string of terrorist attacks. Israeli security officials say that since September 2000, Damra has led a terror cell based in Ramallah that has carried out deadly attacks, including shootings at Israeli vehicles, attacks against Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria and the planting of roadside bombs. Yousuf told WorldNetDaily Israel transferred the weapons to his Force 17 unit "for its own political purposes. We are not concerned with the reasons. The weapons will not be used against our brothers, only (against) Israelis."

Rifles already employed for terror

Sources close to the Al Aqsa Brigades told WND assault rifles transferred by Israel to Force 17 already were used in two separate anti-Israel shooting attacks in recent days. One attack killed a 35-year-old Israeli Arab on a major West Bank highway on the outskirts of Jerusalem this past Sunday. Israeli security officials say the shooters likely mistook the victim for a Jew. The second attack, which occurred Tuesday on the same highway, lightly wounded an Israeli. Yousuf refused to confirm whether Israeli weapons were used in the recent spate of highway shootings, but he hinted the information was accurate. He told WND members of Al Aqsa Brigades live with him in the Muqata and that "resistance tools" are shared regularly. Reproduced with permission from WorldNetDaily

FM Livni addresses EU ministers in Luxemburg
(Communicated by the Foreign Minister's Bureau). Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni today concluded her two-day visit to the European Union's Council of Ministers in Luxemburg by stressing the common goals of Europe and Israel. "There is complete agreement between Israel and the European Union on the central objectives of the political process, in particular the existence of two national states," she told the ministers. "This is our joint interest and goal. Even if there are differences of opinion between us from time to time concerning the correct way to achieve this goal, these are only on the tactical level and not on the substantive level." Livni's words were welcomed by her European counterparts, both in working meetings with them as well as at open sessions. "Both sides understand today that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is no longer a zero-sum game," she said. "Instead, there is the understanding that we must act jointly in order to find a solution that will be good for all sides." She noted that, "The Middle East conflict has claimed a great number of victims, some of them innocent civilians. The international community must make a clear moral distinction between the terrorist who seeks to kill civilians, women and children, supported by a society that sanctifies deliberate attacks on civilians and considers terrorists to be cultural heroes, and a society engaged in an ongoing struggle to defend its citizens from terrorism; a struggle that sometimes, to our sorrow, entails harm to the innocent. Civilians will never be a military objective of the IDF." Minister Livni added that, "Only within the framework of action in defense of our civilians can Israel's military operations in the territories be understood." She lauded the EU's position on the Hamas government in the Palestinian Authority, praising its steadfast stand on the three minimal conditions for its becoming a partner in negotiations (abandoning terrorism, recognizing Israel, and fulfilling previous PA agreements). "Only such a position can convey an unequivocal message to terrorism and strengthen the moderate elements in the Palestinian leadership," Livni said. With regard to the international mechanism for transferring money to the Palestinian people, Livni said that, "Israel fully shares in the necessary distinction between the need to preserve the illegitimacy of the Hamas government and the need not to punish the Palestinian population and to provide for its needs. We must ensure that this mechanism does not legitimize Hamas either directly or indirectly." European External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner characterized Livni's visit as a "step forward in the upgrading of Israeli-European relations." Considerable progress was achieved in a number of areas on Israel's agenda with the EU, particularly Israel's request to be included in the EU educational agreement (which today has only three non-European signatories: the US, Japan, and Australia), to join the European space program, the EU environmental agreement, and the union's R&D program. The EU has such agreements with only three other countries: Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco. Minister Livni held a marathon of political meetings with her European counterparts, among them the foreign ministers of Britain, Austria (whose Ursula Plassnik is the current EU Council president), Finland (the next council president), Greece, Denmark, Holland, Poland, and Luxemburg. She also met with the foreign ministers of the European troika, with External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and with High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana. In addition, Livni held a working meeting with her Egyptian counterpart. The visit concluded with Minister Livni's appearance before the EU council's plenum.
 

FM Livni meets with Russian envoy Yakovlev. (Communicated by the Foreign Minister's Bureau). Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni met today  with Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy to the Middle East, Sergei Yakovlev. She told him that a two-state solution means two nation states, where each provides a suitable solution for its people." She said that the international community must make it clear to the Palestinians that their demand for a solution to the refugee problem can only be achieved in the framework of an independent Palestinian state. Just as Israel serves as a national home to the Jewish people, and the establishment of the state resolved the problem of the Jewish refugees, so will the establishment of a Palestinian state be the national solution for the Palestinians, including their refugees. Foreign Minister Livni added that a message to this effect from the international community would further a two state solution and serve the real interests of solving the conflict. Livni sees the international community as playing a central role in promoting an arrangement that will meet the needs of both parties: "Israel hopes to advance the peace process in cooperation with the Palestinians, not without them." The Russian envoy reiterated his country's position in support of Israel's well-being and security. Earlier, Foreign Minister Livni spoke by phone with her German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. They discussed the results of her visit to Luxembourg where she appeared before the plenum of the EU-Israel Association Council and met with eleven of her colleagues.

IDF aerial attack against terror cell en route to launch Katyushas (Communicated by the IDF Spokesperson). The IDF carried out an aerial attack in the northern Gaza Strip against a vehicle loaded with rockets and carrying a Islamic Jihad terrorist cell en route to launch long-range Katyusha (Grad) rockets against Israel. Thirty-eight rockets have been launched at Israel from the northern Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours; over 100 rockets have been launched at Israel since Friday, 9 June 2006. According to Palestinians reports three terrorists who operated in the cell were killed, as well as eight civilians. After the attack the terror cell was seen removing the rockets from the vehicle. "I state clearly that we are saddened by the deaths of these innocent Palestinians but hold absolutely no responsibility for them. The responsibility lies entirely on the shoulders of the Palestinians," said the Chief of Staff Dan Halutz last night, who added that "the incident must be evaluated in its context, which is that Palestinians attempted to launch Grad rockets against Israel, and we acted with determination to prevent their firing." This is the fourth time in the past two months in which terrorist cells attempt to launch Grad rockets at Israel. On Knesset election day (March 28)
a rocket fell south of Ashkelon; about a month later another attempt was thwarted. On the third attempt, which occurred on May 15, the rocket hit an Israeli community north of the Gaza Strip, and damaged civilian infrastructure. These rockets are capable of causing much more serious damage than the Qassam rockets, because they can reach a range of 15 to 20 kilometers and carry much more explosives. Since Friday morning terrorists have launched over 100 projectile rockets at Israel, 38 of these within the last 24 hours.

Sharabati Wall
By The Jewish Community of Hebron


Yesterday afternoon Hebron appealed the IDF decision to rebuild the Sharabati Wall. The appeal was presented to Supreme Court justice Prokatzia, who is not know for her right-wing leanings. It requested a temporary injunction preventing rebuilding of the wall. The appeal contained several points, however it centered around the forced closing of the Hebron kindergarten, which is illegal. The judge ordered the government to respond to Hebron's charges, and recessed, waiting for the response. The government never responded. And the judge went home without ruling one way or the other. A few hours later IDF attorneys appeared at the judge's home, begging her to reject Hebron's appeal. She did so, and signed an order okaying the rebuilding of the wall. So much for the high court of 'justice,' This morning, at about 5:30, dozens of police, riot squad, border police, soldiers and officers appeared at the Avraham Avinu neighborhood. The quickly realized that community residents were not going to surrender quietly to the planned wall. A group of over 20 girls had locked themselves into the community kindergarten, one of the areas declared officially off-limits, part of the 'closed military zone.' It took the security forces a couple of hours before they were able to break thru the kindergarten gate and pull the girls down, some of whom were sitting atop the building's roof. Fortunately no one was injured but 19 of the girls were arrested. Some were pushed and shoved, others man-handled, and others, carried away. A few were released and others were taken to court in Jerusalem, where the prosecutor is demanding that some be remanded in prison until the conclusion of all proceedings against them for having 'attacked the police.' The girls are all minors, between the ages of 12 and 15. Following the arrests, workers moved in and started the process of rebuilding the Sharabati wall. The work has continued all day and will continue tomorrow, when they are expected to finish. A Hebron spokesman issued the following statement: We have been inundated with queries, 'why the protest?'  It should be clear: we have no intentions of living behind walls, especially when they are built to protect Arab terrorists. The IDF knew very well how to expel some 10,000 people from their homes, when the reasons suited them. There is absolutely no reason in the world why a known terrorist family should be awarded a home overlooking a Jewish neighborhood in Hebron. Their presence is a constant danger to the neighborhood's children and other residents. We will continue to protest the existence of the wall until it is removed from our midst, one way or another.
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Peretz signals end of military restraint

Shortly after IAF air strike against Qassam cell in Gaza, defense minister says 'restraint shown after incident on Gaza beach has ended'
By Hanaan Greenberg


Defense Minister Amir Peretz on Tuesday signaled the end of Israel's military restraint after the recent incident in which seven Palestinian civilians were killed. "We showed restraint in the face of the international outcry over the incident on Gaza beach but this has come to an end," he said on a tour in the north. Peretz spoke minutes before an air strike in Gaza in which 9 Palestinians were killed when the air force targeted a van carrying Islamic Jihad terrorists on their way to fire rockets into Israel. Peretz spoke during an exercise of the Home Front Command. Peretz also met with Northern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Yoav Galant and Southern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Udi Adam. Peretz recently instructed the army to be vigilant while carrying air strikes in Gaza to avoid harming innocent civilians. 'Civilian casualties cannot be totally avoided'
At least five civilians were killed in Tuesday's strike, less than 12 hours ahead of the publication of the results of a military probe into the killing of seven members of the Ralia family on a Gaza beach Friday afternoon. "No evaluation will alter our commitment to defend the citizens of Israel. If the probe proves that it is was not an IDF shell we will launch a PR campaign," said Peretz when asked about the probe. IAF Maj. Gen. Eliezer Shkedy said although the Air Force spares no effort to avoid harming civilians, civilian casualties cannot be totally avoided since terrorists operate from within populated areas.

Dozens hurt in train accident. [IMRA: The continuation of Qassam attacks this morning kept the pressure on DM Amir Peretz to approve military action (he went so far as to have his wife speak on the radio to defend him).  The train accident though should give Peretz a break for a while as the media goes through its traditional cycle of coverage of the accident: coverage of the accident itself, follow  up with wounded, determining who to blame for the accident.], By Dr. Aaron Lerner.


Dozens of passengers hurt after train making its way from Tel Aviv to Haifa hits car stranded on railroad tracks, derails in Herzliya area. At least two train cars overturn; 30 injured evacuated to hospitals so far, one in serious condition. Dozens of passengers were hurt Monday noon after a train that was making its way from Tel Aviv to Haifa crashed into a car in the Beit Yehoshua vicinity north of Herzliya. At least two train cars overturned as a result of the collision. One source reported that at least 150 passengers were wounded. Thirty injured people have been evacuated from the scene of the accident to the Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera, the Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba and the Laniado Hospital in Netanya. The Magen David Adom emergency services reported that one of the people evacuated was seriously injured, two were moderately injured and the rest sustained light wounds.
Video: Channel 2. Train supervisors called for assistance and requested that helicopters be dispatched to the place. According to an initial report, dozens were hurt in the accident. Eyewitnesses told Ynet that passengers who were trapped inside the train smashed the windows in a bid to escape the overturned wagons. All railroad traffic between Tel Aviv and Haifa has been suspended on both directions.Sources in Israel Railways told Ynet that shortly before the crash, inspectors warned the train conductors that the barrier near Beit Yehoshua has been breached, but the warning apparently came too late, as the train's conductor did not have enough time to brake, and consequently hit the car stranded on the railroad. An Israel Railways employee told Ynet that large rescue teams are already at the scene, attending to about ten injured people. "As far as I know, no one was killed in the accident. The locomotive and the first two cars flipped over as a result of the derailment. We are currently busy rescuing the passengers," he said. Simona, one of the passengers on the train, recounted the accident: "I sat in the car and felt a massive jolt and then the train derailed. a window was broken and we climbed outside. We turned over and I heard cries and screams." According to Simona, "the train was not quite full at the time of the clash." Another passenger, David, told Ynet: "I can see the first cars that flipped upside down. People are trapped inside and gas is leaking from the train. We were instructed to stay away from the train. Rescue teams are pulling the injured one by one from the cars." -By Raanan Ben-Zur. Oren Rice and Meital Yasur-Beit Or contributed to the report.

Poll: Public opposes Olmert's Convergence Plan 56%:37%
By Dr. Aaron Lerner  

The following are the results of a poll of a representative sample of 515 adult Israelis (including Israeli Arabs) carried out on the evening of 7 June by Dialog for Haaretz.  The poll was supervised by Prof. Camille Fuchs of Tel Aviv University.  Sample survey error +/-  4.4 percentage points: Do you support convergence?  [AL: aka "Consolidation" aka withdrawal from most of the West Bank], Support 37% Oppose 56% Don't know 7%. Do you think that the Convergence will be carried out or not? Yes 51% No 32% Don't know 17%. Are you satisfied by the performance of: Olmert: Yes 35% No 35%, Livni: Yes 53% No 17%, Peretz: Yes 31% No 41%. Who should be the next president - Rabbi Lau or Reuven Rivlin? Lau 47% Rivlin 28% Other replies 25%. Who should be the next president (open question). Peres 32% Lau 26% Aharon Barak 16% Rivlin 8% Ben Eliezer 4% Other 13%. Who should be the next leader of the Likud? (Likud voters only). Netanyahu 67% Katzav 13% Shalom 9% Other 9%. Are you planning to buy the package to view all the world soccer competition games? Already did 5% Haven't but plan to 5% Won't 84% Undecided 6%.

PM Olmert Speaks With US President Bush
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this evening (Thursday), 8.6.06, spoke with US President George Bush and commended him on the successful action in Iraq in which Musab al-Zarqawi was eliminated.  The Prime Minister told the US President that it was an example of the way in which terrorism must be fought and added that the determination and leadership shown by the latter are the only way to defeat terrorism.  US President Bush thanked Prime Minister Olmert and said that he had spoken earlier today with the commanders on the ground and had commended them on the successful action.

University of Haifa Iraq Expert Baram: End of al-Qaida in Iraq

By A. M. Goldstein, Div. of External Relations

HAIFA. "The death of Zarqawi signals the beginning of the end of the al-Qaida organization and of Sunni rebellion in Iraq." One of the world's leading experts on Iraq, Prof. Amatzia Baram of the University of Haifa, made this prediction today after learning of Zarqawi's death in an American air strike.  Zarqawi was the terror organization's number one man in Iraq and a sworn loyalist to Osama bin Laden.  According to Baram, who has advised the White House on Iraq, the ending of the rebellion and the terrorist organizations will still take a number of years and there will still be heavy casualties.  But the end is in sight.  "The blow that al-Qaida took today is a heavy one, but not mortal," Baram cautioned, explaining that Zarqawi was mainly a symbol. "Nevertheless, we are talking about a very import symbol who had great influence on the insurgents' morale.  They received their inspiration from him," Baram said. "Organizationally, too, Zarqawi was the most efficient executor of mass terror attacks, especially against the Shiites, with car bombs and suicide bombers." Baram added that the Jordan-born Zarqawi's elimination was also a blow to the quiet but extensive support that the terrorist had in the Sunni Muslim world.  "I hope," the Iraqi expert said, "that this will lead to some realism in the Muslim world about the chances of success that terror will have as a political instrument although it is not at all sure it will." Director of the recently inaugurated Center for Iran and Gulf Studies at the University of Haifa, Baram expects bin Laden to use the death of his most senior man in Iraq as a lever to carry out more terror attacks. "Zarqawi's death hurts bin Laden, and we can soon see bin Laden describing Zarqawi as a "Shahid," or martyr.  He will try to exploit his memory to intensify al-Qaida activity.

In Baram's opinion, bin Laden's success will be limited.  "Most actions under al-Qaida's inspiration are carried out by independent cells that will now, in the wake of Zarqawi's death, need to think very carefully about the chances of their success.  On the one hand, his personal example will continue to be a source of inspiration.  On the other hand, his elimination will constitute a warning sign for potential terrorists." As for Jordan's attitude, and that of his family, toward Zarqawi's death, the University of Haifa scholar thinks the Jordanians will make every effort to prevent a cult from building up around the Zarqawi image.  "His family informed everyone a number of weeks ago that it was 'vomiting' him out of their system," Baram recalled. "It is not at all certain, therefore, that a memorial tent will be put up to mourn his memory," Baram believes.  "But in theevent that one is set up, it will serve the extremists in the country." The Israeli historian stresses that Zarqawi's death will be received differently in Jordan.  There are those who will be happy, because he had been responsible for many murders of innocent Jordanian citizens.  But there are also those, his radical Islamic followers, who will cry for him and try to use his memory to increase terror in Jordan, Baram said.- By Raanan Ben-Zur
 

Israeli aerial attack on Popular Resistance Committees training camp kills group's leader and PA Interior Ministry chief Jamal Abu Samhadana; total of four Palestinians dead, seven wounded in strike; Abu Samhadana was on Israel's wanted list since first intifada. The Air Force has killed the Palestinian Authority's Interior Ministry  General Supervisor, Jamal Abu Samhadana, who ruled over one of the most powerful terrorist organizations in Gaza. At least three other people were killed in the attack. Abu Samhadana was considered to be one of the most wanted individuals by Israel. He survived at least four previous assassination attempts and was wanted from the time of the first intifada. An Air Force craft attacked a training camp of the Salah al-Din Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committee, in the Rafah area. The IDF confirmed that it carried out an aerial attack. According to the IDF, the camp was at the time being used to train terrorists for a wide-scale attack, including training to cross the electronic border fence, the placing of explosives, and an attempt to attack one of the Israeli communities near Gaza. Abu Samhadana belonged to the largest clan in southern Gaza. The Popular Resistance Committee supported Hamas in the PA general elections. Since the withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza, the Air Force has been increasingly used to carry out attacks against terror cells, and the IDF has struck a number of training camps used at the time by terrorists, despite most of the bases being hidden. Palestinian Information Minister Yusef Rizka told the al-Jazeera Arab news network after the attack that "Amir Peretz is proving that he is a criminal no less than Mofaz." "This Israeli crime is a result of the silence and the European and American approval for the enemy to continue his aggression against the Palestinian people. This, alongside the siege they are holding against the Palestinian people," said Rizka. Abu Samhadan's organization carried out a large number of attacks against IDF soldiers and settlers in Gaza. Among others, members or the organization killed soldiers by blowing up a Merkava tank, and in another attack, soldiers were killed in an armored vehicle. The organization also took part in attacks through tunnels packed with explosives. Members of the organization are thought to be the main suspects by Israel and the Americans in the murder of US security personnel killed by a bombing of their convoy in the Erez crossing. Members of the Committee openly took part in the elections alongside Hamas members. Defense Minster Amir Peretz said Thursday afternoon that "there will be no insurance for any terrorist from any organization." Peretz heard from defense sources that once again, Hamas members were involved in Qassam rocket attacks on Israel on Thursday. He ordered for specific activities to continue.

Hanan Greenberg contributed to this story.
 

ENTIRE SPEECH OF PRIME MINISTER OLMERT TO THE US CONGRESS

On behalf of the people and State of Israel, I wish to express my profound gratitude to you for the privilege of addressing this Joint Meeting of the US Congress. This building, this chamber, and all of you stand as testament to the enduring principles of liberty and democracy. More than 30 years ago, I came to Washington as a young legislator, thanks to a program sponsored by the State Department. I had a chance to tour this building, and I saw then what I believe today - that this institution, the United States Congress, is the greatest deliberative body in the world. I did not imagine then, that a day would actually come, when I would have the honor of addressing this forum as the Prime Minister of my nation, the State of Israel. The United States is a superpower whose influence reaches across oceans and beyond borders. Your continued support, which, I am happy to say, transcends partisan affiliations, is of paramount importance to us. We revere the principles and values represented by your great country, and are grateful for the unwavering support and friendship we have received from the US Congress, from President George W. Bush and from the American people. Abraham Lincoln once said, "I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me, and I didn't have the heart to let him down." Israel is grateful that America believes in us. Let me assure you that we will NOT let you down. The similarities in our economic, social and cultural identities are obvious, but there's something much deeper and everlasting. The unbreakable ties between our two nations extend far beyond mutual interests. They are based on our shared goals and values stemming from the very essence of our mutual foundations. This coming Monday, the 29th of May, you commemorate Memorial Day for America's fallen. The graves of brave American soldiers are scattered throughout the world: in Asia and in the Pacific, throughout Europe and Africa, in Iraq and throughout the Middle East. The pain of the families never heals, and the void they leave is never filled. It is impossible to think of a world in which America was not there, in the honorable service of humanity. On Monday, when the Stars and the Stripes are lowered to half-mast, we, the people of Israel, will bow our heads with you. Our two great nations share a profound belief in the importance of freedom and a common pioneering spirit deeply rooted in optimism. It was the energetic spirit of our pioneers that enabled our two countries to implement the impossible. To build cities where swamps once existed and to make the desert bloom. My parents Bella and Mordechai Olmert were lucky… They escaped the persecution in Ukraine and Russia and found sanctuary in Harbin, China. They immigrated to Israel to fulfill their dream of building a Jewish and democratic state living in peace in the land of our ancestors. My parents came to the Holy Land following a verse in the Old Testament in the book of second Samuel "I will appoint a place for my people Israel and I will plant them in their land and they will dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more". Distinguished members of Congress, I come here - to this home of liberty and democracy - to tell you that my parents' dream, our dream, has only been partly fulfilled. We have succeeded in building a Jewish democratic homeland. We have succeeded in creating an oasis of hope and opportunity in a troubled region. But there has not yet been one year… one week… even one day… of peace in our tortured land. Our Israeli pioneers suffered, and their struggle was long and hard. Yet even today, almost 60 years after our independence, that struggle still endures. Since the birth of the state of Israel and until this very moment, we have been continually at war and amidst confrontation. The confrontation has become even more violent, the enemy turned even more inhumane due to the scourge of suicide terrorism. But we are not alone. Today, Israel, America, Europe, and democracies across the globe, unfortunately, face this enemy. Over the past six years more than 20,000 attempted terrorist attacks have been initiated against the people of Israel. Most, thankfully, have been foiled by our security forces. But those which have succeeded have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians… and the injury of thousands - many of them children guilty ONLY of being in what proved to be the wrong place at the wrong time. These are not statistics…. These are real people with beautiful souls that have left this earth far too soon. In the decade I served as mayor of my beloved City, Jerusalem, we faced the lion's share of the seemingly endless wave of terrorism. I remember Galila, a twelve year old girl, an Ethiopian immigrant, whose parents worked in the King David Hotel. On one particular morning, Galila's parents' fear of their daughter taking the bus overwhelmed them, and they asked to drive her to school. She refused, assuring her parents "Don't worry, I know where it is safe to sit". She found a seat she thought was safe. Unfortunately, a suicide bomber ascended that very bus Galila was on and exploded himself right next to her. When I visited her grieving parents, Galila's mother came to me and pleaded "you are the mayor of Jerusalem. Please find me some item, anything, of remembrance belonging to my daughter, even a shoelace". I did everything a mayor could do, checking repeatedly with the police, insisting that they continue to scour the wreckage of the burned out bus. But the police confirmed the terrible truth: not even a shoelace could be found. Among the victims of this brutal and unremitting terror, I am sorry to tell you, are also American citizens. Only last week, Daniel Cantor Wultz, a 16 year old high school student from Weston, Florida, who came to spend the Passover holiday with his parents in Israel, succumbed to his sever injuries, incurred in Israel's most recent suicide attack. I asked Daniel's parents and sister, Yekutiel, Sheryl and Amanda Wultz, who only finished the traditional period of mourning two days ago, to be with us here today. Daniel was a relative of Congressman Eric Cantor of Virginia, an honorable member of this house. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I bring Galila's memory, Daniel's memory, and the loss of so many others, with me to my new post as Prime Minister. I also bring with me the horrific scenes I saw with my own eyes when I visited New York just a few days after the devastating attacks on September 11th. A tragedy that transcends any other terrorist attack that has ever occurred. As I told my good friend Rudy Giuliani, on that dreadful day, our hearts went out to you. Not only because of the friendship between us, but because, tragically and personally, we both know what it is to confront the evil of terrorism at home. Our countries do not just share the experience and pain of terrorism. We share the commitment and resolve to confront the brutal terrorists that took these innocent people from us. We share the commitment to extract from our grief a renewed dedication to providing our people with a better future.

Let me state this as clearly as I can: we will NOT yield to terror…we will NOT surrender to terror….. and we WILL WIN the war on terror and restore peace to our societies. The Palestinian Authority is ruled by Hamas - an organization committed to vehement anti-Semitism, the glorification of terror and the total destruction of Israel. As long as these are their guiding principles, they can never be a partner. Therefore, while Israel works to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian population are met, we can never capitulate to terrorists or terrorism. I pay tribute to the firmness and the clarity with which the President and this Congress uphold this crucial principle which we both firmly share. Israel commends this Congress for initiating the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act which sends a firm clear message that the United States of America will not tolerate terrorism in any form. Like America, Israel seeks to rid itself of the horrors of terrorism. Israel yearns for peace and security. Israel is determined to take responsibility for its own future and take concrete steps to turn its dreams into reality. The painful but necessary process of Disengagement from the Gaza Strip and Northern Samaria was an essential step. At this moment, my thoughts turn especially to the great leader, who, in normal circumstances, should have stood here. Ariel Sharon, the legendary statesman and visionary, my friend and colleague, could not be here with us but I am emboldened by the promise of continuing his mission. I pray, as I am sure you all do too, for his recovery. Ariel Sharon is a man of few words and great principles. His vision and dream of peace and security transcended time, philosophy and politics. Israel must still meet the momentous challenge of guaranteeing the future of Israel as a democratic state with a Jewish majority, within permanent and defensible borders and a united Jerusalem as its capital - that is open and accessible for the worship of all religions. This was the dream to which Ariel Sharon was loyally committed. This was the mission he began to fulfill. It is the goal and the purpose of the Kadima party that he founded and to which I was the first to join. And it is this legacy of liberty, identity and security that I embrace. It is what I am working towards. It is what I am so passionately hoping for. Although our government has changed, Israel's goal remains the same. As Prime Minister Sharon clearly stated: "The Palestinians will forever be our neighbors. They are an inseparable part of this land, as are we. Israel has no desire to rule over them, nor to oppress them. They too have a right for freedom and national inspirations." With the vision of Ariel Sharon guiding my actions, from this podium today, I extend my hand in peace to Mahmoud Abbas, elected President of the Palestinian Authority. On behalf of the State of Israel, we are willing to negotiate with a Palestinian Authority. This authority must renounce terrorism, dismantle the terrorist infrastructure, accept previous agreements and commitments, and recognize the right of Israel to exist. Let us be clear: peace, without security, will bring neither peace nor security. We will not, we cannot, compromise on these basic tests of partnership. With a genuine Palestinian partner for peace, I believe we can reach an agreement on all the issues that divide us. Our past experience shows us it is possible to bridge the differences between our two peoples. I believe this - I KNOW THIS - because we have done it before, in our peace treaties with Egypt and with Jordan. These treaties involved painful and difficult compromises. It required Israel to take real risks. But if there is to be a just, fair and lasting peace, we need a partner who rejects violence and who values life more than death. We need a partner that affirms in action, not just in words, the rejection, prevention and elimination of terror. Peace with Egypt became possible only after President Anwar Sadat came to our Knesset and declared, once and for all, "No more war and no more bloodshed." And peace with Jordan became possible only after the late King Hussein, here in Washington, declared the end of the state of belligerency, signed a peace treaty with us, and wholeheartedly acknowledged Israel's right to exist. The lesson for the Palestinian people is clear. In a few years they could be living in a Palestinian state, side by side in peace and security with Israel. A Palestinian State which Israel and the international community would help thrive. But no one can make this happen for them if they refuse to make it happen for themselves. For thousands of years, we Jews have been nourished and sustained by a yearning for our historic land. I, like many others, was raised with a deep conviction that the day would never come when we would have to relinquish parts of the land of our forefathers. I believed, and to this day still believe, in our people's eternal and historic right to this entire land. But I also believe that dreams alone will not quiet the guns that have fired unceasingly for nearly a hundred years. Dreams alone will not enable us to preserve a secure democratic Jewish state. Jews all around the world read in this week's Torah portion: "And you will dwell in your land safely and I will give you peace in the land, and there shall be no cause for fear neither shall the sword cross through the Promised Land". Painfully, we the people of Israel have learned to change our perspective. We have to compromise in the name of peace, to give up parts of our promised land in which every hill and valley is saturated with Jewish history and in which our heroes are buried. We have to relinquish part of our dream to leave room for the dream of others, so that all of us can enjoy a better future. For this painful but necessary task my government was elected. And to this I am fully committed. We hope and pray that our Palestinian neighbors will also awaken. We hope they will make the crucial distinction between implementing visions that can inspire us to build a better reality, and mirages that will only lead us further into the darkness. We hope and pray for this, because no peace is more stable than one reached out of mutual understanding not just for the past but for the future. We owe a quiet and normal life to ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. After defending ourselves for almost 60 years against attacks, all our children should be allowed to live free of fear and terror. And so I ask of the Palestinians: How can a child growing up in a Culture of Hate dream of the possibility of peace? It is so important that all schools and all educational institutions in the region teach our children to be hate-free. The key to a true lasting peace in the Middle East is in the education of the next generation. So let us today call out to all peoples of the Middle East: replace the Culture of Hate with an outlook of hope. It is three years since the Road Map for Peace was presented. The Road Map was and remains the right plan. A Palestinian leadership that fulfils its commitments and obligations will find us a willing partner in peace. But if they refuse, we will not give a terrorist regime a veto over progress, or allow it to take hope hostage. We cannot wait for the Palestinians forever. Our deepest wish is to build a better future for our region, hand in hand with a Palestinian partner, but if not, we will move forward, but not alone.

We could never have implemented the Disengagement plan without your firm support. The Disengagement could never have happened without the commitments set out by President Bush in his letter of April 14, 2004, endorsed by both houses of Congress in unprecedented majorities. In the name of the People of Israel, I thank President Bush for this commitment and for his support and friendship. The next step is even more vital to our future and to the prospects of finally bringing peace to the Middle East. Success will only be possible with America as an active participant, leading the support of our friends in Europe and across the world. Should we realize that the bilateral track with the Palestinians is of no consequence, should the Palestinians ignore our outstretched hand for peace, Israel will seek other alternatives to promote our future and the prospects of hope in the Middle East. At that juncture, the time for realignment will occur. Realignment would be a process to allow Israel to build its future without being held hostage to Palestinian terrorist activities. Realignment would significantly reduce the friction between Israelis and Palestinians and prevent much of the conflict between our two battered nations. The goal is to break the chains that have tangled our two peoples in unrelenting violence for far too many generations. With our futures unbound peace and stability might finally find its way to the doorsteps of this troubled region.

Mr. Speaker,

Allow me to turn to another dark and gathering storm casting its shadow over the world…. Every generation is confronted with a moment of truth and trial. From the savagery of slavery, to the horrors of World War Two, to the gulags of the Communist Bloc. That which is right and good in this world has always been at war with the horrific evil permitted by human indifference. Iran, the world's leading sponsor of terror, and a notorious violator of fundamental human rights, stands on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons. With these weapons, the security of the entire world is put in jeopardy. We deeply appreciate America's leadership on this issue and the strong bipartisan conviction that a nuclear-armed Iran is an intolerable threat to the peace and security of the world. It cannot be permitted to materialize. This Congress has proven its conviction by initiating the Iran Freedom and Support Act. We applaud these efforts. A nuclear Iran means a terrorist state could achieve the primary mission for which terrorists live and die: the mass destruction of innocent human life. This challenge, which I believe is The Test of Our Time, is one the West cannot afford to fail. The radical Iranian regime has declared the United States its enemy. Its President believes it is his religious duty and his destiny to lead his country in a violent conflict against the infidels. With pride he denies the Jewish Holocaust and speaks brazenly, calling to wipe Israel off the map. For us, this is an existential threat. A threat to which we cannot consent. But it is not Israel's threat alone. It is a threat to all those committed to stability in the Middle East and the well being of the world at large.

Mr. Speaker, our moment is NOW. History will judge our generation by the actions we take NOW…by our willingness to stand up for peace and security and freedom, and by our courage to do what is right. The international community will be measured not by its intentions but by its results. The international community will be judged by its ability to convince nations and peoples to turn their backs on hatred and zealotry. If we don't take Iran's bellicose rhetoric seriously now, we will be forced to take its nuclear aggression seriously later.

Mr. Speaker,

The true Israel is not one you can understand through the tragic experiences of the complex geopolitical realities. Israel has impressive credentials in the realms of science, technology, high-tech and the arts and many Israelis are Nobel Prizes laureates in various fields. A land with limited resources, eager to facilitate cooperation with the United States, Israel devotes its best and brightest scientists to Research and Development for new generations of safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly sources of energy. Both our countries share a desire for energy security and prevention of global warming. Therefore, through the United States - Israel energy cooperation act and other joint frameworks, in collaboration with our US counterparts, Israel will increase its efforts to find advanced scientific and technological solutions, designed to develop new energy sources and encourage conservation. Just one example of Israel's remarkable achievements is the recent 4 billion dollar purchase by an American company of Israel's industrial giant Iscar. This is an important endorsement of the Israeli economy, which has more companies listed on NASDAQ than any country other than the United States and Canada. It is also a vote of confidence in Israel's strategic initiative to enhance the economic and social development of our Negev and Galilee regions. But above all it is recognition that what unites us, Israel and America, is a commitment to tap the greatest resource of all - the human mind and the human spirit. We believe in the moral principles shared by our two nations and they guide our political decisions. We believe that life is sacred and fanaticism is not. We believe that every democracy has the right and the duty to defend its citizens and its values against all enemies. We believe that terrorism not only leads to war but that terrorism is war. A war that must be won every day. A war in which all men and women of goodwill must be allies. We believe that peace among nations remains not just the noblest ideal but a genuine reality. We believe that peace, based on mutual respect, must be and is attainable in the near future. We, as Jews and citizens of Israel, believe that our Palestinian neighbors want to live in peace. We believe that they have the desire, and hopefully the courage, to reject violence and hatred as means to attain national independence. The Bible tells us that as Joshua stood on the verge of the Promised Land, he was given one exhortation: 'Chazak Ve'ematz' 'Be strong and of good courage". Strength, without courage, will only lead to brutality. Courage, without strength, will only lead to futility. Only genuine courage and commitment to our values, backed by the will and the power to defend them, will lead us forward in the service of humanity. To the Congress of the United States and to the great people of America, I wish to say 'Chazak Ve'ematz' be strong and of good courage, and we, and all peoples who cherish freedom, will be with you.

And God Bless America,

Thank you

___________________________________________________

LATEST NEWS FROM ISRAEL

Prime Minister's Office Director-General Ilan Cohen Announces That He Will Resign Upon Formation Of The New Government
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Director-General Ilan Cohen this morning agreed with Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that Ra'anan Dinur will succeed the former as PMO Dir.-Gen. by the beginning of May and the formation of the new Government. PMO Dir.-Gen. Cohen had expressed his desire to resign and return to the private sector following the hospitalization of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.He proposed an orderly transition with Ra'anan Dinur in order assure continuity in the administration of the PMO and of the special projects in the various stages of planning and implementation, such as the Negev development strategy, the multi-year Jerusalem development plan, finishing dealing with the former residents of Gush Katif and various budgetary and economic issues. PMO Dir.-Gen. Cohen expressed his satisfaction that his successor will be Raanan Dinur, whom he esteems highly in light of the successful cooperation and friendship between them. Acting Prime Minister Olmert thanked PMO Dir.-Gen. Cohen for his service and commended his work in planning and implementing the Disengagement Plan, in managing various crises and in his work during the absence of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon from his post due to the latter's illness. Acting Prime Minister Olmert and PMO Dir.-Gen. Cohen agreed that the latter would continue to serve as a special adviser to the former for various projects. PMO Dir.-Gen. Cohen said: "These have been among the most complex and dramatic years in the history of the State of Israel in every respect. I very much appreciate the Acting Prime Minister for cooperating with the PMO and for his warm relationship with me during the transition period. I will always remember the unique opportunity of having been called to work with Ariel Sharon." Prime Minister Ariel Sharon appointed Ilan Cohen PMO Director-General on 9.5.04 in order - inter alia - to coordinate the disengagement project, implement socio-economic reforms and promote multi-year planning in the Government.

Summary of IDF activity in the Gaza Strip last night

IDF SPOKESPERSON ANNOUNCEMENT: In light of the continued firing of projectile rockets at Israel from the  Gaza Strip, aimed against Israeli citizens and civilian infrastructure, the IDF has increased its activity against projectile rocket launching cells in the Gaza Strip. As part of this activity, the IDF carried out aerial attacks last night, March 31st 2006, targeting three projectile rocket launching grounds, open areas on the outskirts of Gaza, ten access routes and a bridge. These, in addition to artillery fire and naval artillery fire at launch sites, are meant to disrupt Palestinian terror cells' repeated attempts to fire rockets at Israel and to cause harm to Israeli civilians

Results compared to last pre-election Polls & Likud members prefer Netanyahu over Shalom 49%:26%

By Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 31 March 2006

#0 = Actual results

#1 Telephone poll of a representative sample of 503 adult Israelis (including Arab Israelis) carried out by Maagar Mochot on 25 March after the end of the Sabbath for the Mishal Cham television program.. #2 Telephone poll of a representative sample of adult Israelis (including Arab Israelis) carried out by Dialogue for Channel 10 and Haaretz on 26 March 2006 (poll completed early afternoon).. #3 Telephone poll of a representative sample of adult Israelis (including Arab Israelis) carried out by Dahaf for Yediot Ahronot on 26 March 2006...#4 Telephone poll of a representative sample of adult Israelis (including Arab Israelis) carried out by Teleseker for Maariv on 26 March 2006 Knesset election vote expressed in mandates [current in brackets]. #0 is actual outcome :

#0 #1 #2 #3 #4
29 34 36 34 34 [00] Kadima
12 12 14 13 14 [40] Likud
20 19 18 21 17 [22] Labor
00 00 00 00 00 [15] Shinui (both the party and the break-away "Secular
Zionist Party")
12 08 11 11 12 [11] Shas
09 07 08 07 07 [08] Arab parties
05 06 06 05 05 [06] Yachad [Meretz]
09 08 12 09 11 [07* & 6] National Union & NRP
11 15 07 12 12 [07*] Yisrael Beiteinu [Lieberman]
06 07 06 06 06 [05] Yahadut Hatorah
07 02 02 02 02 [00] Gil [retired people's party headed by Rafi Eitan]
* National Union & Yisrael Beiteinu together have 7 seats

Telephone poll of a representative sample of Likud Party members carried out by Maagar Mochot on 30 March (two days after the elections) for the Hatzofe newspaper and published on 31 March in Hatzofe: Who would you like to lead the Likud Party - Netanyahu or Shalom?  Netanyahu 49% Shalom 26% Neither 13% Don't know/refuse reply 12%

Ehud Olmert claims victory in Israeli election

Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, left, and elder statesman Shimon Peres hug each other during celebrations of the victory of the centrist Kadima party in Israel's general elections, in Newe llan, 15 km. west of Jerusalem, early Wednesday.

"Today, Israeli democracy has spoken its piece, in a loud and clear voice," Olmert declared.

Israeli acting prime minister Ehud Olmert declared victory for his centrist Kadima party in elections Tuesday, insisting he will act on his own if necessary to draw Israel's final borders and "painfully" uproot Jewish settlers if negotiations with the Palestinians are not possible. Standing below a massive portrait of his mentor Ariel Sharon, Olmert addressed chanting Kadima members after exit polls and news reports of early results predicted the party would have enough seats to form a coalition government. Building on the vision of Sharon, who formed the party shortly before succumbing to a devastating stroke that left him in a coma, Olmert claimed a mandate to withdraw from much of the West Bank of the Jordan River and set Israel's borders, which he has said he will do by 2010. The turnout was the lowest in Israel's history and the results showed voters turning away from conventional political parties to an assortment of third parties with agendas ranging from pensioner rights to the legalization of marijuana. The aftermath will likely be a period of difficult negotiations between Olmert and potential coalition partners. "Today, Israeli democracy has spoken its piece, in a loud and clear voice," Olmert declared. "Israel wants Kadima," which means forward in Hebrew. Olmert said he is ready for new peace talks and prepared to make painful compromises such as uprooting some Jewish settlements on the West Bank and allowing Palestinians to have a state. But he demanded the Palestinians be willing to compromise in return. "In the coming period, we will move to set the final borders of the state of Israel, a Jewish state with a Jewish majority," Olmert said. "We will try to achieve this in an agreement with the Palestinians." Olmert has said he would govern only with parties that accept his program and projections showed a centre-left coalition capturing 61 to 65 seats in the 120-member legislature. Rightist parties fell far short of their plan to win enough seats to block Olmert's program.

As Israel held its election, the Palestinian legislature approved a new cabinet led by the Hamas militant group. Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh told Al-Jazeera television he opposes Olmert's plan. "Such a plan definitely won't be accepted by the Palestinian people or the Palestinian government," he said. Allies of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a moderate from the Fatah party, called for immediately renewing talks on the internationally backed "road map" peace plan under the auspices of the Palestine Liberation Organization, which he heads. Olmert has said he supports the road map but will not wait indefinitely for a peace deal and would move unilaterally after a reasonable period of time. Turning to the Palestinians, Olmert said: "We are prepared to compromise, give up parts of our beloved land of Israel, remove, painfully, Jews who live there, to allow you the conditions to achieve your hopes and to live in a state in peace and quiet." "The time has come for the Palestinians...to relate to the existence of the state of Israel, to accept only part of their dream, to stop terror, to accept democracy and accept compromise and peace with us," he said. Israeli officials have ruled out talks with Hamas, unless the Islamic group renounces violence and accepts Israel's right to exist, demands Hamas has so far rejected. It remains unclear whether Olmert would negotiate with Abbas without a change in Hamas' position. With results in from 99 per cent of the polling stations, Kadima was winning 28 seats, Labour 20 and Likud 11. That was in line with TV projections which showed Kadima winning 29 to 32 seats, fewer than the 34 projected in recent polls. "Kadima has won today. The next prime minister is Ehud Olmert," said Roni Bar-On, a Kadima legislator. The leader of the largest party is traditionally asked first to try and form a ruling coalition. Whether Olmert chooses to form a government with leftist parties or more hardline factions could determine his ability to carry out his plan. Olmert could form a coalition with Labour, Meretz and the party that advocates pensions for retirees, or he could add the ultra-Orthodox Shas or United Torah Judaism parties to his government. Olmert, vice-prime minister and former mayor of Jerusalem, took over the party after Sharon suffered a devastating Jan. 4 stroke and immediately became the favourite to win the elections. Much of Kadima's campaign was built around Sharon, Israel's most popular politician and his legacy resonated with many voters. "It was important for me to vote, to continue the way of Sharon," said Rina Golan, 65, who voted for Kadima. But Sharon had been much more circumspect than Olmert about his post-election plans. He never spoke of drawing final borders and said there would not be an additional unilateral pullout on the West Bank.

Israel warned against developing air force at expense of other services

Israel has been warned against developing the air force at the expense of other services in the military. A leading military expert has asserted that Israeli leaders have been presented an exaggerated picture of the capabilities of the nation's air force. The expert, a longtime intelligence officer, warned that unlike the army and navy, the air force was highly vulnerable to changes in technology and planning. "The policymakers must understand the limitations of the air force," [Res.] Maj. Gen. Yaakov Amidror said. "My feeling is that the air force does not sufficiently stress its weaknesses." Addressing a Tel Aviv University seminar on air power on Tuesday, Amidror, the former head of military intelligence's research division, reviewed the performance of the Israel Air Force. Amidror said the air force, overwhelmed by Soviet-origin surface-to-air missiles, failed to support the army during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

Magen David Adom: 2 killed following Qassam strike
By Hannan Greenberg and Shmulik Haddad

The Magen David Adom emergency services reported that two people, a man and a child, were killed after being hit by a Qassam rocket in an open area between the Karni crossing and Kibbutz Nahal Oz. The IDF is checking whether the people were hit by a Qassam or were killed  after an old rocket dud exploded. [IMRA: South correspondent Nissim Keinan of Israel Radio reports that the daughter of the murdered man was also there and was able to report that she heard the shriek of an incoming rocket or mortar shell before the explosion. The media team covering Amir Peretz was nearby and rushed to the scene to cover the story. Keinan reports that Israel is responding with artillery fire in the direction of the assumed source in Gaza. ]

Last Pre-Election Polls: Kadima 34-36 Labor 17-21 Likud 12-14 Yisrael Beiteinu 7-15 NRP/Nat'lUnion 8-12

By Dr. Aaron Lerner 

Dialogue found 28 seat for "undecided". #1 Telephone poll of a representative sample of 503 adult Israelis (including Arab Israelis) carried out by Maagar Mochot on 25 March after the end of the Sabbath for the Mishal Cham television program. #2 Telephone poll of a representative sample of adult Israelis (including Arab Israelis) carried out by Dialogue for Channel 10 and Haaretz on 26 March 2006 (poll completed early afternoon). #3 Telephone poll of a representative sample of adult Israelis (including Arab Israelis) carried out by Dahaf  for Yediot Ahronot on 26 March 2006. #4 Telephone poll of a representative sample of adult Israelis (including Arab Israelis) carried out by Teleseker  for Maariv on 26 March 2006. Knesset election vote expressed in mandates [current in brackets]
#1  #2 #3  #4
34 36 34 34 [00] Kadima
12 14 13 14 [40] Likud
19 18 21 17 [22] Labor
00 00 00 00 [15] Shinui (both the party and the break-away "Secular Zionist Party")
08 11 11 12 [11] Shas
07 08 07 07 [08] Arab parties
06 06 05 05 [06] Yachad [Meretz]
08 12 09 11 [07* & 6] National Union & NRP
15 07 12 12 [07*] Yisrael Beiteinu [Lieberman]
07 06 06 06 [05] Yahadut Hatorah
02 02 02 02 [00] Gil [retired people's party headed by Rafi Eitan]
01 ----------[00] Green Party (environment)
01 ----------[00] Green Leaf (hashis)
* National Union & Yisrael Beiteinu together have 7 seats. * at least two seats are required - 2.5% of the vote - to pass the threshold.

Maagar Mochot also aksed: Who would you prefer as treasury miniser? Netanyahu 37% Peretz 11% Shitreet 29% Other replies 23%. Who would you prefer as minister of education? Livnat 7% Tamir 41% Reichman 13% Other replies 39%. Who would you prefer as minister of defense? Mofaz 42% Ayalon 25% Landau 16% Other replies 17%
 

Votes Received by parties that failed to meet threshold - 2003, 1999

[The qualifying threshold is now 2%]

28 January 2003 elections: The qualifying threshold (1.5%) from all valid  votes is 47,226 votes.


37,855  Green Leaf (Ale Yarok)
36,202  Herut
20,571  Progressive National Alliance
12,833  Greens (Hayerukim)
07,144  Yisrael Aheret
05,468  Ahavat Yisrael
02,023  Tzomet
01,961  Center
01,925  Democratic Action Organization
01,566  Citizen and State
01,284  Men`s Rights in the Family (Ra-ash)
01,181  Lahava
00,894  Za-am - Social Justice
00,833  Leeder


1999 Elections for Knesset
The qualifying threshold (1.5%) from all valid votes is 49,641 votes:


44,953 Penina Rosenblum
37,525 Power for Pensioners (Koah LaGimlaim)
34,029 The Green Leaf Party
26,290 The Third Way
13,292 Israel Green Party (HaYerukim)
07,366 Hope (Tikva)
06,540 The Casino Party
06,311 Lev - Immigrants for Israel
04,324 The Negev Party
04,128 Tzomet - The Movement for Renewed Zionism
02,924 The Natural Law Party
02,797 The Progressive Center Party (for Romanian immigrants)
02,151 Democratic Action Organization (Daam)
02,042 The New Arab Party
01,257 Men`s Family Rights
01,164 Tradition of the Fathers (Moreshet Avot)


ISRAEL'S CABINET COMMUNIQUE
(Communicated by the Cabinet Secretariat). At the weekly Cabinet meeting

1. Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's made the following remarks: "This morning, we are holding the last Cabinet meeting before Tuesday's elections.  This will be the last meeting of the Government that Ariel Sharon led for the past five years.  Even as we are on the threshold of new elections and the subsequent formation of a new Government, there is no doubt that the spirit and path of Ariel Sharon will continue to an important component in the public and diplomatic affairs of the State of Israel for years to come. Elections for the 17th Knesset will be held in two days.  I call on all Israeli citizens to realize their right to participate in the elections and to vote.  There is no more appropriate and significant expression of civil rights than of voting and thus determining the fate of the country and the composition of its government.  Therefore, I call on all Israeli citizens to vote."

2. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Ze'ev Boim, Health Minister Ya 'akov Edery, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Yossi Yishai, Health Ministry Director-General Avi Yisraeli and Defense Ministry Deputy Director-General Victor Bar-Gil briefed ministers on the Government's response to the bird flu issue ( http://tinyurl.com/jbm88  & http://tinyurl.com/gpmz7 ).  The flu broke out in three waves.   The first wave was on 16.3.06 at Hulit, Ein Hashelosha, Nahshon and Sde Moshe; 714,000 birds, including 118,000 that were infected, were culled.  The second wave was on 19.3.06 at Nur Oz and Amioz; 470,000 birds, including 180,000 that were infected, were culled.  The third wave was on 23.3.06 at Bekaot; 16,000 birds were culled.  The total cost of the culled birds was NIS 21 million. Health Minister Edery and Health Ministry Director-General Yisraeli briefed ministers on contacts with the Palestinians, in the framework of which preventive medicines and information on the treatment of bird flu were sent to them. Acting Prime Minister Olmert thanked all those who struggled against bird flu and emphasized that there had been an impressive effort to control and contain it in order to prevent it from spreading.  All elements acted properly and bird flu must continue to be dealt with responsibly and with due consideration.

3. Public Security Minister Gideon Ezra, in his capacity as Chairman of the Ministerial Committee on the Struggle Against Violence, briefed ministers on the Committee's work. Deputy Attorney-General Livnat Mashiach briefed ministers on the status of legislation related to the need to struggle against violence. Acting Prime Minister Olmert discussed the needs both to devote greater resources to the struggle against violence and to change the priorities of the law enforcement authorities.  To these ends, he discussed the need to fashion new policies, including among educational institutions and said (inter alia): "The State of Israel cannot absorb such violence and such victims.  It invests super-human resources, unlike any other country in the world, in order to defend itself against external violence, against various murderers and terrorists who try to infiltrate into the country in order to hurt us, and it shows in this struggle extraordinary resourcefulness and ability in coordinating all agencies, capabilities and technologies to achieve results.  And on the other hand, it daily faces internal violence, including murder, which can be prevented if we utilize our strength and our forces."  See  http://tinyurl.com/r998f for further details.

4. Ministers discussed extending the validity of the State of Emergency pursuant to Article 39 of Basic Law: The Government ( http://tinyurl.com/2v5nk ) and decided to propose that the Knesset - in accordance with Article 133 of the Knesset bylaws - declare a State of Emergency for one year; this is in continuation of the Knesset's 30.5.05 decision to declare a State of Emergency from 14.6.05 to 13.6.06, and is due to the current security-diplomatic situation in the country.  A series of essential laws (including - inter alia - the 1948 Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance;  http://tinyurl.com/zba4p )that confer important authority to deal with the prevailing security situation depend on the extension of the State of Emergency.  Security officials reported that during 2005-2006, considerable use was made of the authority anchored in the emergency laws to - inter alia - construct the security fence ( http://tinyurl.com/ghfg4 ). It was also reported that between 2003-2006, considerable use was also made of the authority conferred under the 1948 Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance. The Justice Ministry is currently coordinating interministerial staff work on reconsidering legislation affected by the State of Emergency, and has been requested by the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and Law, Constitution and Justice Committee to submit a plan for severing legislation from the State of Emergency.

Acting PM Olmert Tours Rutenberg Power Station in Ashkelon
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today (Monday), 20.3.06, toured the Rutenberg Power Station in Ashkelon.  Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, National Infrastructures Minister Ronnie Bar-On, Ashkelon Mayor Ronnie Mehatzri, senior Israel Electric Corporation officials, Mekorot representatives and senior Israel Police officers (inter alia) accompanied the Acting Prime Minister. Acting Prime Minister Olmert held discussions on issues related to the city of Ashkelon, including security, the absorption of Gaza Strip evacuees, the employment situation, etc. Acting Prime Minister Olmert commended the Israel Electric Corporation on its incoming and outgoing Directors-General.  Regarding the security situation, the Acting Prime Minister emphasized that no restrictions have been imposed on IDF actions and noted that the security forces have had many recent counter-terrorist successes. Acting Prime Minister Olmert said that the Ashkelon region was vital to the State of Israel: "This is a region that must attract both a strong population and tourists.  The State of Israel will not countenance actions that harm the region's quality of life.  We cannot detail everything but we are optimistic regarding our counter-terrorism efforts and I believe that terrorism will be significantly reduced."


IMRA: "the Acting Prime Minister emphasized that no restrictions have been imposed on IDF actions" = the best that the IDF can do to stop rockets slamming into the power station is to fire artillery shells into empty fields?   It should be noted that Mr. Olmert cites this achievement as a model for security in the center of the country after the retreat he proposes is carried out.]
 

145,200 Tourists Enter Israel in February, Up 31 Per Cent Over February 2005. Communicated by Spokesperson's Office, Israel Ministry of Tourism

Figures released today by Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics and Ministry of Tourism show 145,200 tourists entered the country in February 2006, a 31 per cent rise over the same period in 2005. Tourism Minister Avraham Hirchson says the goal of bringing three million tourists to the country this year is in reach. Continued efforts to open Israel's skies and ongoing marketing abroad will contribute to the positive tourism trend and provide employment to Israelis. In the first two months of 2006, 280,600 tourists entered the country, a rise of 24 per cent over the same period a year earlier. Increases were registered in the number of visitors arriving by air, land and sea.