Confusion On The Right

4 of the Eleventh Month 5769

A7: "Confusion On The Right"
Apparently, YNET left out a sentence, when it published this article. So, I have changed the link to the Arutz 7 (Israel National News) version which published the article in its entirety. The sentence in question is marked in red.

Yoel Meltzer
3 Shevat 5796/January 28, 2009

Following the disengagement from Gaza in the summer of 2005 and the complete negligence on behalf of the government to properly handle the forced evacuees, the subsequent war in Lebanon one year later, the endless missiles fired upon the south and the recent war in Gaza, many good-minded Israelis are clearly against the establishment of a Palestinian state, in any shape or size, in Judea and Samaria.

The direct threat that such a state would impose against Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as these two large population centers become incredibly vulnerable to missile attacks, is quite obvious. In addition, in light of the disastrous handling of the disengagement refugees, it is inconceivable to think that Israel would succeed with the much larger Jewish population currently residing in Judea and Samaria.

However, despite the opposition of many Israelis to the “two-state solution,” it is quite clear and understandable that the United States has a different agenda. As a result of both an economy in disarray and widespread dissatisfaction with the continued participation of American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, the new president will likely do his utmost to bring the American troops back home and “turn inward” in order to deal with the faltering economy.

It is also just as clear that Israel will likely be required, as usual, to “pay the price” for American appeasement with the various Arab and Muslim countries. Moreover, this is not something that theoretically might happen a few years down the road, but rather, something which will most likely happen within the coming year. Once again, from an American perspective this is quite clear and understandable, since America needs to do what it must do in order to preserve its teetering empire.

Just as clear, however, is the relentless and intense pressure that will be applied to Israel within the coming year in order to agree to the creation of a Palestinian state in either all or part of a Jewish-free (or somewhat Jewish-free) Judea and Samaria.


Don’t be fooled
Having said all this, and in light of the quickly approaching national elections, it is truly amazing to see that the confusion on the Right is once again rearing its all too familiar head. Although there are several political parties that define themselves as “national” or “right-wing” - Likud, Yisrael Beiteinu, The Jewish Home, The National Union – only one of these parties says, in clear and straightforward terms, that it is 100% opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state, in any shape or size, in any part of the Land of Israel.

This party, The National Union, speaks clearly and directly with a real Jewish soul without worrying about political correctness. Moreover, its message, which is correct from a security perspective, is correct from a Jewish perspective as well. On the other hand the Likud, including several of its key members who recently cried “we told you Gaza would turn into Hamastan”(while conveniently forgetting to mention that these same key members voted in favor of the disengagement!), speaks about a demilitarized Palestinian state with Israel controlling the border security.

Yisrael Beiteinu, although different than Likud, also supports a two-state solution and suggests the trading of large population blocs (for example, Umm Al-Fahm and the “triangle” would be transferred to the Palestinian Authority in return for Israel officially annexing some Jewish areas in Judea and Samaria.) Finally, there is The Jewish Home, which is basically a reincarnation of the increasingly parve and boring National Religious Party. Some nice people, but not the type of party I would turn to when the future of the country is literally on the line.

It should be obvious then that anyone who truly cares about the future of this country should be voting for The National Union on Election Day, since it is the only party that is 100% dedicated to trying to stop the madness here. For this reason I am alarmed to hear of many good intentioned right-wing voters who are ready to place their vote with either the Likud or Yisrael Beiteinu, either because they are unaware that both these parties support a two-state solution or because they think that strengthening these parties will somehow “provide the answer.” Please don't be fooled. The future of our country is at stake.

Yoel Meltzer lives in Israel and works in the finance department of a non-profit organization. More of Yoel's articles can be found by clicking here.

Candle Light March: Don't Free Terrorists! - Free Gilad Shalit!

4 of the Eleventh Month 5769

Memorial candle light march this Sunday night, 7 Shevat (Feb. 1), at 5:00 PM to emphasize that the policy of releasing terrorists resulted in 180 Jews being murdered since the year 2000.

The march will start in Jerusalem at Kikar Tzion (Zion Square), go towards the Prime Minister's House and then on to the President's house. Freeing terrorists simply endanger Am Yisra'el.

Please join us - for more info call
02-538-8999, 052-4239870

Sponsored by Almagor, the "Terror Victims Association"

*********

As a victim of terror myself (I survived the French Hill suicide bombing, 9 Tammuz 5762/June 19, 2002.), I encourage you to take only 2 1/2 minutes of your time to find out more about this very important, non-profit organization.

"Releasing Terrorists Again?"

Don't Know Where To Vote?

3 of the Eleventh Month 5769

Don't know where to vote in the Israeli National Elections?

Didn't get your handy-dandy information card from the Interior Ministry?

No problem.

Just click here. Yes, it's in Hebrew. DO NOT PANIC! Scroll down a bit. You will see two empty lines to be filled in, the first with the numerical verification code found to the right, and the second with you te'udath zehuth (Israeli ID) number. Click the button to the immediate left. A new window will pop out and provide with the address of your polling location, and your polling station number.

Yes, it's in Hebrew. There's nothing I can do about that. Just print it out, or have someone else translate the information for you from the screen. Please try not to let Hebrew or any other potential frustration get in the way of exercising your right to vote, especially if you are a new citizen!

There are often more than one polling station at each location. This number will help you find yours more quickly, especially if you live in a big city. The polling stations with your names do not necessarily go according to the alef-beth order you might expect.

If you still have difficulties figuring out where to vote, you can always call 1-800-200-135.

The answers to your frequently asked questions [FAQs] about Israeli Elections can be found in English by clicking here.

The Esser Agaroth Guide To Israeli Political Parties

2 of the Eleventh Month 5769

First off, the National Union Party is the only party which opposes the establishment of another Arab state bordering Israel. Second, here's a look at the individuals on the party list: #1 Ya'akov Ka"tz was one of the founders of Arutz 7 (Israel National News Radio), sending the message that state-run radio was not sufficient for the Religious Zionist public, that a more independent voice was needed. When #2 Uriel Ariel has spoken in front of the Kenesseth, not only has he stated very clearly that all of the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish People, but also why: HaShem has promised it to us, as stated in the Torah. #3 Aryeh Eldad does not identify himself as religious, but has a strong Jewish identity. He does not mince words, and puts his money where his mouth is, demonstrated by his moving to a Northern Shomron community before the 5765 (2005) Kadima Expulsion of Jews. #4 Michael Ben-Ari's views, as well as a demonstration of his integrity, can be found in this recent YNET article. #5 Uri Bank made aliyah (immigrated to Israel) with his parents at the age of 12 from the U. S., served as a lone soldier in the IDF, and has some very great ideas about encouraging aliyah from western countries. #6 Ron Breiman serves on the executive board of Professors for a Strong Israel.

The Likud Party is the current front-runner in the polls, with Kadima in close second. There was an expression going around a number of years ago, "You voted for Ariel Sharon; you got Shimon Peres." Let me be the first to adapt this expression for the day after the impending elections. "You voted for Bibi Netanyahu; you got Shimon Peres." If Netanyahu's pandering to the left, his henchman Dan Meridor whispering into his ear that he should give away the Golan Heights, and plan to make a government with either Kadima or Labor isn't enough to convince you to vote for another party, then take a look at the last time he was prime minister. He adhered to Israel's commitment to the Oslo Death Accords. He complied with the agreement signed by Peres, and released Hevron into Arab hands. Under Sharon, he supported the expulsion of Jews from Gaza. To those of you who are voting for the Likud in order to secure a place in the Kenesseth for Moshe Feiglin, even though you KNOW he's only going to get screwed over, I know I'm just wasting my breath. But, I hope you KNOW that he's just going to get screwed over. Next time around, convince Feiglin, an admirable man, to join the National Union, and see a small party transform into a not so small party after all. (There are only two good things about Bibi Netanyahu: 1. His English, and his ability to convey his Prime Minister's intentions to the International Community, and 2. His economic policies, hard in the short-term, good for the Israeli economy in the long-run. Please don't throw too many rocks at me. Bibi, go back to being U. N. ambassador or Finance Minister where you belong. Your sneakiness and self-interest will serve Israel well in one of those capacities.) Um,...and did I mention that the World Likud wants to help Christians come settle here? It's hared to believe, and crazy, I know. But it's true. (Click here to learn more.)

The "Sharon doesn't get all that he wants, and his sons are threatened with prison, so he'll make up a new party by teaming up with his arch political nemesis Shimon Peres" party - Kadima's political ideology is the quintessential Israeli political party ideology: It has none. Its only interest is maintaining power, and it attempts to cover that up with its slobbering kushen tuchus of the goyim. Some of you disagree with this description, and believe that the party name kadima which can mean "moving forward" or "let's go" indicates the urgency this party has in giving away land and caving into other demands of the West. (To those of you who believe this, I think that you are giving Kadima party members way too much credit. Kadima was a way for MK's who were concerned about losing their seats to keep them. Other MK's gambled on Sharon, gaining ministerial portfolios when they gambled correctly.)

The Labor "Let's make a war to get votes" Party. (Now where have I heard that one before? "Wag the dog..." Of course, Kadima shares the guilt in this election ploy.) It is led by Ehud "allegedly sent religious and Ethiopian soldiers into an ambush in Lebanon" Baraq. (No, I don't think we need to hear anymore about the Labor Party, do we?)

Avigdor Lieberman's Israel Our Home Party is certainly more of a home than the "Jewish Home Party." Even just by living in Yehudah (Judea), south of Jerusalem, Lieberman has done more to support the settling of Yehudah and Shomron (Samaria) than the likes of Zevulun Orlev. Unfortunately, Lieberman has also stated on more than one occasion a proposal which supports the creation of yet another Arab terrorist state, side by side with Israel. Not only would this entail the secession of land in Yehudah and Shomron, but also the "trading" of additional lands in exchange for the maintaining of control over blocks of Jewish towns. Lieberman is also,...well,...let's just say he's not known for always thinking carefully before he opens his mouth. On the other hand, former Likud MK Uzi Landau is his number 2 man on the Israel Our Home list. Hopefully, he will be there to keep him in line. I'll say one thing for Lieberman, though. He is no friend to Arabs. Lieberman to Arab MKs: "We'll handle you as we dealt with Hamas." But, personally, I wouldn't take any chances by voting for them. (By the way, has anyone bothered to ask Lieberman his stand on "civil marriage" and Shabbath laws?)

The Jewish Home Party is neither Jewish, a home, nor even a party. Discuss amongst yourselves.... The most positive outcome of this election will be that the Jewish Home Party (the "new" National Religious Party) will not make into the Kenesseth. barring any tricks up the sleeve of the Israeli Supreme Court, which would be happy to have these do-nothings in Kenesseth, and could find away to get them in, at the expense of the National Union. Stay tuned.... Nonetheless, we will not have seen the last or MK Zevulun Orlev yet who will no doubt try to claw his way back up from the gutter to the top of the hill of losers and manipulators, and Uri Orbach who will no doubt continue his Haredi-bashing and rants against "extremists." (You know what an extremist is, don't you? Someone who follows the Torah, without making it up as he goes along.) Good riddance to bad rubbish! What really bugs me about the Jewish Home Party is their hypocrisy, yep, even more so that its wishy-washiness and its "I'll do anything for you" love for its seats in Kenesseth. I provide a more detailed post about the Jewish Home Party's record here. In a nutshell, it's just Kadima with a kippah.


Meretz, or what I like to call sheretz (Morfix.co.il: insect, bug; vermin) has included such illustrious members as Shulamit "I'll walk through Me'ah She'arim in a halter top if I want to" Eloni, Yossi "Cancel the reading of Megillath Esther because it's racist" Sarid, and Yossi "I'll illegally negotiate the Oslo Accords in secret, because I know what's good for Israel better than anyone else" Beilin. ("Ba'al Gaivah" Beilin negotiated the Oslo Death Accords while he was a member of the Labor Party, but sneakily worked on the Geneva Death Accords while a member of Yachad, now part of Meretz.) Now, and this will surprise most of you, say what you will about Sheretz, but at least this party is relatively clear about its message, as well as consistent. It is evil, of course, but clear and consistent, nonetheless. The Sheretz message includes the destruction of Torah and all things Jewish, the encouragement of apikoursian teaching in the Israeli school system, the indoctrination of religious children into contemporary Israeli society. and the list goes on. Issues such as so-called "civil marriage" and peaceful coexistence with Yishmaelim (Arabs) through dialogue and land giveaways are only details in it plan of suicide and destruction of the Jewish People. Two words: Eruv Rav. (Hey, I am all for peace. I am a big "peace-nik." It's just that my vision of peace looks very different than Sheretz's version. The Jewish People already have a peace plan. It's called the Torah.)

One other interesting note, MK Zahavah Gal-On actually crossed party lines, as it were, to oppose the administrative detention of Land of Israel activist No'am Federman, as she believed that such action is not appropriate without due process. Although halachah dictates that we assume she had ulterior motives in doing so, this was certainly an eye-catcher.

Too bad the feminists were silent while female residents of Yehudah and Shomron sexually harassed while being held in the Tirtzah Prison. Allegations of such treatment have spanned over the past four years. Many believe, and studies on such abuse tend to suggest, that many such incidents have gone unreported. Sheretz represents the quintessential, elitist philosophy of the "progressive" Left-wing: All Jews are equal, but some Jews are more equal than others (alla George Orwell's Animal Farm).

Led by current Vice-Mayor of Tel-Aviv Pe'er Visner, The Greens gained several seats on city and on other local councils in the latest elections, this past fall. As you might have guessed, their focus is on the environment. They see Israel as a Jewish state, and as "our natural right which does not allow for any objection." They see the Israeli - Arab conflict has one of the causes for damage to the environment, and security often used as an excuse for its neglect. I should probably do some research on Visner, which give me some insight into this party. Their website's "education" section, the section about which I was most curious, was not up yet. The Greens like trains, which gains them a few more points in my book. As a self-proclaimed "right-wing extremist tree-hugger," I certainly hope that those making it into the Kenesseth will consider some of the policies of The Greens, and be open-minded enough to cross party lines to implement some of them. You can check out their party's platform in Hebrew here.

Even with fellow blogger Asher's help, I couldn't figure out what the difference between this Green Movement party and the The Greens. According to Israel National News, this party has associations with green movements in Europe. On the other hand, I am all too familiar with Meimad, the Green Movement's partner. Meimad was the left-wing party faction of the National Religious Party which broke away to form its own party. For years now, Meimad had been running together with the Labor Party. They have since left Labor, and considered several options before joining up the Green Movement. If you have more information about either of these parties, you should feel free to mention it in the comments section. (If for no other reason, do not vote for them because of Meimad. In a nutshell, its hypocrisy and stupidity puts that of the Jewish Home Party to shame.)

RA"M - TA"L is the "new and improved," [unified] Unified Arab List (RA"M) and the Arab Renewal Movement (TA"L), both euphemisms for "We're more patient than Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad, regarding the destruction of Israel,...but we're happy to be of help." Periodically, the respective "loyalties" of party members like [gynecologist] MK Ahmed Tibi* are called into question, but the Israeli Supreme Court never fails to come to their rescue. (*Seriously, what Jewish woman in her mind would let this man touch her?)

Bala"d (National Democratic Assembly) more careless about their support for terrorists and their sponsors. The visits to Syria without wavers from the Interior Ministry are a dead giveaway. Former MK Azmi Bishara recently escaped persecution for treason, and is living in Syria or Dubai or who knows where. The Israeli Supreme Court and Israeli Attorney General also came to Bala"d's rescue, clearing the way for them to run in national elections.

Blank Ballot OK. This is not a political party, but it is a political option, if you do not want to participate in the Hellenist process of democracy, or in Israel deMOCKracy, where the Supreme Court [or Kenesseth or party leaders] just change the rules whenever they believe that power is beginning to slip away. I prefer to vote this time around, if nothing else to do my part to prevent an additional leftist or Arab from entering the Kenesseth. The current system is the one we have,...for now. I can understand not wanting to give legitimacy to the current, non-Torah system of government. But, until I see anyone begin to get serious about changing the system, I cannot sit by while leftists and Arabs freely enter the government.

I did not mention Unitied Torah Judaism nor Shas here. Chances are that you have already decided whether you will vote for one of these religious parties or not. Perhaps I will write about them later.

Conclusion:
After all of the above, the conclusion is fairy simple. The "right-wing" has does it again, shooting itself in the foot. Fasten your seat belts, ladies and gentlemen, it's going to be a bumpy ride....

Show Your Support For The National Union Party

Rosh Hodesh - the Eleventh Month 5769

"National Union - No Fear"

אני רוצה לעודד את כולכם להחליף את תמונת פרופיל שלכם בפייסבוק לסמליל (לוגו) של מפלגת האיחוד לאומי. אפשר להשיג את זה מהפרופיל שלי.

כן, אני יודע שהרעיון הזה באופנה יותר מידי בפייסבוק, אבל...

אפשר לעשות את זה גם ב"טוויטר" ובעוד מערכות חברתיות כזו.

נא להעביר את ההודעה הזאות הלאה.

I want to encourage you to change your Facebook profile picture to the Ichud HaLeumi (National Union) party logo. You may obtain it here, from the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Yes, I realize this is a bit "Facebook cliche," but,...

You can do the same on Twitter and others.

Please pass this message on.

Haveil Havalim #201 [202] Is Up!

29 of the Tenth Month/Erev Rosh Hodesh 5769

Haveil Havalim #202 is up at Super Raizy. It's the The Superhero Edition.

February Surprise

27 of the Tenth Month 5769

In the U. S., it's called an "October Surprise," something which comes to light right before elections in November, which has the power to shift the expected outcome in one direction or another.

President Ronald Reagan was accused of negotiating secretly with Iran, not only to secure the release of the American hostages being held, but to ensure that their release took place after the 1980 presidential elections. On January 20, 1981, newly inaugurated, President Ronald Reagan was then able to close his speech with the announcement that the American hostages were on a flight home, and that they had cleared Iranian airspace.

Could Tzippy Livni (Kadima) and/or Ehud Baraq (Labor) be planning something similar, even something tasteless like something with Gilad Shalit?

Rumors were already abound toward the end of the "war" that Gilad had been secured, and was being hidden. Even his parents were allegedly sworn to secrecy.

Is it possible that he will miraculously appear right before the February 10, Israeli elections?

Then in fits of ecstasy, or insanity, either way you look at it, the Israeli public will rush to the polls in order to put Livni and Baraq in power?

Then sometime after that, will Israelis awake from their coma, and exclaim, "Oh my gosh! What did we do?!"

Then they'll fall back into their numbed out state of learned helplessness.

Baraq's gains from the "Gaza Election War," have leveled off; Livni can no longer break past Netanyahu's Likud in the polls. If Kadima and Labor expect to have strong showings in this election, they will have to do something dramatic.

Whether it is dramatic, or, in the words of outgoing Prime Minister Olmert, a "terrible price," that remains to be seen.

Livni and Baraq may be worried, but they are not stupid. But their pride could end up causing their downfall, or they could simply end up turning on each other, cutting their losses and preparing to do what it takes to convince Netanyahu to take them into his coalition.

Will Netanyahu take Baraq in as his defense minister, putting Livni out in the cold? Will he be forced into a centrist coalition with Livni? Or will the election results be able to justify the forming of a right-wing and religious parties?

Whether from Livni, Baraq, or Netanyahu, I am concerned that there will be a February surprise.

Haveil Havalim #200 [201] Is Up!

22 of the Tenth Month 5769

This week's edition of the Haveil Havalim is up at The Rebbetzin's Husband. It's the "The I-Love-Nauru" edition.

What's Nauru?

You'd better check out this week's edition to find out!

CNN: "10 Things To Say To Keep The Peace."

Mossa'ei Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Shemoth 5769

Jack tipped me off [via our new toy Twitter] to this CNN story by Laurie Puhn, "10 Things To Say To Keep The Peace." He suggested that he might have to play with this one. But maybe I beat him to it. In any event, I look forward to see what he does with it.

Laurie Puhn recommends the "use [of] these 10 go-to phrases to defuse potentially volatile conversations and help you get through the coming years -- in harmony." Even though she is talking about personal relationships, I would like to throw her advice back at her Arab-loving CNN, otherwise known as the Crescent News Network.



Let's see if they think the advice is still sound if Israel were to use these phrases in its work to "harmonize" its relationships with various Arabs (and one Persian)....

1. President Mubarik, thank you for your opinion. I'll think about it.
(Egypt)

2. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is this a good time for you?
(Iran)

3. Osama Bin Laden, would you like my thoughts?
(Al-Qaeda)

4. Mahmud Abbas, why don't we get the facts?
(Palestinian Authority)

5. King Abdul, I need your help. Can you please...?
(Saudi Arabia)

6. Mouamar Qadafi, let's wait on this until we have more information.
(Lybia)

7. Ismail Haniyah, what did you mean by that?
(Hamas)

8. Sa'eb Erakat, I don't like that, so why don't we do this instead?"
(Palestinian Authority)

9. Hassan Nasrallah, I'm sorry you're upset.
(Hezbollah)

10. Ahmed Tibi, let me get back to you.
("Israeli" Arab MK)

What do you think? Are there go-to phrases something you would be willing to try on Arab terrorists?

Uri Bank, Standing By His Principles

17 of the Tenth Month 5769

When Uri Bank was called up for millu'im (IDF reserve duty) on Sunday, he went.

So did hundreds of others. So what, you may ask, is the big deal?

You see, Uri Bank is also a candidate running for K'nesseth (Israeli Parliament), holding the #5 spot on the National Union/HaTikvah Party list.

He could be out there campaigning. Time is of the essence. Elections are only a month away. But rather than try to finagle his way out of it, he met his obligation, and went to serve along side the thousands of other reservists who have recently been called up.

A source within the National Union campaign revealed that in a personal conversation, Uri said, "It's my duty."

Born in Detroit, and raised in Chicago, Uri made aliyah with his family at the age of 12. Years later, when his parents needed to return to the U. S., Uri opted to stay, and to serve in the IDF as a hayal boded (soldier alone in Israel).

Now, in millu'im, while the IDF attempts to stop the rocket fire and all other Hamas terrorist action hailing from Azza, Uri Bank once again demonstrates that he stands by his principles.

Big Surprise

16 of the Tenth Month 5769

Actually, there are two, big non-surprises here. Check out the report by Gil Ronen, with graph adapted by Arutz 7 (IsraelNN.com):

"The ruling Kadima party commissioned a poll on Day 2 of Operation Cast Lead to assess how the war affected its chances at the ballot boxes in the upcoming elections, News1 reported Sunday."

Non-Surprise #1:
The war is an election ploy.

Non-Surprise #2:
Labor has been gaining votes. Before the war began, they were projected to receive only eight mandates if the elections had been held at the time of the poll.

However, Foreign Minister Tzippy Livni (Kadima), as well as Defense Minister Ehud Baraq (Labor), may be surprised to learn that Labor has been gaining votes, not at the expense of Netanyahu's Likud Party, but at the expense of Kadima. Kadima also seems to have lost a vote or two to the left-wing Meretz Party. It is hard to tell, with gains by both Meretz and by United Torah Judaism [UTJ] of one mandate.

Livni and Baraq may also be surprised [as, quite frankly, so am I] to learn that Netanyahu's potential right of center/right-wing coalition has risen in the polls from 61 to 63 mandates. Although not significant on the surface, many have been expecting Likud to lose mandates to Labor in the polls, not gain any.

However, it seems that the usually Arab-loving, Israeli news media have finally realized that Hamas is an enemy, one which needs to be dealt with aggressively, and that negotiations as this point would only result in more Qassam rockets and Grad missiles landing on homes in the northern Negev and Shefellah Regions, all the while inching closer to Tel-Aviv,...yet another non-surprise.

Haveil Havalim #199 [200] Is Up!

15 of the Tenth Month 5769

Haveil Havalim #199 [200] is up at Jack's Place, otherwise known as Random Thoughts.

He worked really hard, didn't sleep, and included links to all of his Gaza War Round-Ups. So, it covers a tremendous amount of information from last weeks blogosphere output.

Check it out!

Rehovoth Terror Attack

Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Wayehi 5769

YNET: Axe Attack in Rehovot Foiled
01.09.09, 13:30

A 20-year-old Palestinian was arrested after trying to attack passersby on Rehovot's main street with an axe. No one was injured in the incident.

In his investigation the Palestinian said he arrived from Jenin to avenge his friend's death. (Eli Senyor)

What this report and the Arutz 7 report do not tell you is that the attack took place right in front of the police station. This is according to my sources in Rehovoth, one of whom was across the street when the incident occurred.

Was this Arab drugged up? Blinded with rage? Sent in as a test to the city's defenses? Or just stupid?

And, by the way, isn't anyone else disturbed by the fact that an Arab from Jenin can even get all the way to Rehovoth without raising suspicion?

Curiouser and curiouser....

Meanwhile, two days in a row, an Arab was let on the Egged bus from Tapu'ah Junction to Jerusalem. I warned the driver, but to no avail.

Funny, how we have been warned not to tremp (hitch-hike), but to take public transportation throughout Yehudah & Shomron (Judea & Samaria) for our own protection against kidnappings and terrorists acting in alleged solidarity with Arabs in Azza.

Letting Arabs on the bus certainly does not make me feel any safer. I think I'll take my chances on the road.

Israeli Election Ploy

10 of the Tenth Month 5769

By now, most in Israel have caught on to the election ploy that is the current Israeli Defense Forces' [IDF] action in Azza. Necessary and proper as this action is, there is no doubt that it is taking place now, and not three months ago, nor three years ago, due to our proximity to the Israeli national elections to be held on 16 Shevat/February 10.

Fortunately, some Jews in the U. S., like Debbie Schlussel, are also on the ball, and can see through the veil of this war.

I was in Tel Aviv yesterday, and the Kadima and Labor posters were up in force, starting sparsely on the border of the Greater Tel Aviv area (Petah Tiqwah), then all over the place once withing Tel Aviv and suburbs, save for the religious, and mostly Haredi city of B'nei Braq whose votes will undoubtedly go to Shas and United Torah Judaism [UTJ], with some going to the Nationl Union and Likud.

Everywhere there was a Tzippi Livni (Kadima) billboard, an Ehud Baraq (Labor) one was right next to it,...almost as if they were running mates.

In many ways, the Israeli news media has been portraying Foreign Minister Livni as the defacto prime minister,...with very little mention of standing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. And, now all of a sudden it is politically-correct to root for the IDF against the Arabs. That is because it is Kadima and Labor doing the attacking,...and trying to win an election.

Needless to say there are no such posters, let alone billboards in the Shomron (Samaria), almost all of which would be on the chopping blocks if a Kadima/Labor/Mere"tz goverment had anything to say about it. Even Kadima MK Otniel Schneller knows better than to expect any votes to come from his town in the Binyamin Area, Ma'aleh Mikhmas.

There may be some Kadima/Labor efforts in Yehudah (Judea), where two large chunks are said to be included within final status borders in any agreement between Israel and the Arabs. After all, 12% of the City of Efrat voted for Labor, back in 1999.

According to the latest polls, Binyamin Netanyahu (Likud) could still create a right of center/right wing coalition government of 61, probably too weak for his taste. He may join with Kadima in a unity government. Some time ago, Likud candidate Dan Meridor was talking of trying to convince Netanyahu to make the bold move of giving up the Golan Heights. Many want to know why Meridor is on the Likud list at all. No doubt it is to get his supporters' votes.

It seems that Meridor has been silenced,...at least for the time being. Talk of giving up the Golan will lose votes for the Likud to other farther right-wing parties, threatening the Likud's expected plurality.

Projected seats for Labor have jumped from 8 to 15. Kadima and Likud are still neck and neck. The ploy seems to be working.

I am not optimistic.

Rocket Range Increases

10 of the Tenth Month 5769

Well, now that Yavne and Eshkol have been hit, rockets from the south of Israel continue to inch closer to Ben-Gurion International Airport and to Tel-Aviv.

The map below shows the shrinking space between the reach of rockets from the south and from the north, in the event that Hizbollah were to re-enter the fray from Lebanon.

The red dots indicate locations hit from the south or from the north, two years ago.

Meanwhile, talk has been quashed of rocket-launching potential from the Shomron (Samaria). If rockets were launched from Tul-Karem, 10 miles east of Netanyah, if would add an additional front to the war.

(Click the map to enlarge it)

I was in Rehovoth last night and this morning. Some fighter jets could be heard, no doubt due to the proximity of the Israeli Air Force [IAF] base. Located just southeast of Rishon LeTzion on the map, it is in the "We're Next" range of cities (light blue, along with Yavne).

Haveil Havalim #198 [199] Is Up!

8 of the Tenth Month 5769

Haveil Havalim #198 [199] is now up at Ima On The Bima.

It's the...

"We Can't Stop Twittering/Blogging/Reading/Worrying/Watching/What's Going On in Israel Right Now Edition..."

or...

"The Stuck To My BlackBerry Like Glue Edition..."

You may also notice that this is a serious mahloqeth (disagreement) about which edition this is.

It's a conspiracy against me executed by Jack and Jameel,...obviously.

They are constant trying to cook up ways to taunt me, and to drive me crazy.

I must put a stop to this.

Stay tuned....

Gaza Updates

Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Wayigash 5769

Live-blogging of the war can be found by Jameel at The Muqata and by Aussie Dave at Israelly Cool.

Meanwhile, Jack at Random Thoughts has been compiling posts on the war, and posting periodic round-ups, so that you don't have to going searching around for the stories behind the story. Just check out Jack's place.

For on the spot reporting of the war from S'deroth, I recommend No'am Bedein and crew at the S'deroth Media Center. You can't get much more "first-hand" than that. Check out SMC's YouTube page as well.

My buddy Danny also lives down south, and I'm getting a little nervous that I haven't heard from him in a while. So, please check out The Jewish Fist for updates on the war. Leave him a comment of encouragement.

Debbie Schlussel also keeps us updated with reports from her cousins in Be'er Sheva. The Kindergarten hit by a rocket is at their kids' school.

Rafi at Life In Israel posted the IDF map of the rocket range from Azza moving outward. (Sorry, it's only in Hebrew.) It's looks like Beth Shemesh (light blue) is the next area to be in range. After that it's Ben-Gurion International Airport (green). Part of this map is posted in English by Ariel Zellman., a fellow blogger (of course!), and a Ph.D. student in political science at Northwestern University.

Also, check out the Occidental Israeli's commentary on the war.

Lastly, Gaza War Refugees Forums is a place to find some support, if you're within the current range of rocket fire, or to provide some support to those who need it.

Stay safe, everyone, and Shabbath Shalom.