EU Prepares To Impose Crushing Sanctions on Israel - Thomas Rose - http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2014/10/08/EU-Prepares-To-Impose-Crushing-Sanctions-Against-Israel
Even as details of the latest ISIS plot to behead innocents on the streets of London emerges, the machinery of the European Union's massive bureaucracy is well along its plan to impose crippling economic and cultural sanctions on Israel if the Jewish state does not agree to unilaterally withdraw behind the 1949 Armistice lines.
The Times of Israel and other sources are now reporting that EU officials are preparing a far reaching list of sanctions that can be imposed against Israel whenever the EU's political leadership decides to proceed with efforts to economically devastate the small but heavily trade-dependent Jewish state. The essence and purpose of the plan, coming just weeks after the end of Hamas' 50 day terror war against Israel, is not only to punish Israel economically but to deprive the small but vibrant democracy of its political legitimacy; something that the international community, including the EU, extends to virtually every other country on earth, including Cuba, North Korea, and Iran.
The revelations of the latest EU plans come on the heels of Sweden's decision earlier this week to become the first sitting member of the 28 nation EU to recognize the so-called "State of Palestine." Four Eastern European members of the EU voted to recognize "Palestine" in the 1980's when they were Warsaw Pact puppet states firmly in the orbit of the former Soviet Union.
The latest "Israeli outrage" to which the EU and others, including US President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry, are taking such offense, is the announcement by the Israel Lands Authority to solicit private sector tenders for the construction of roughly 2600 apartment units slated to be built in Jerusalem's burgeoning Givat Hamatos neighborhood. In fact, there is nothing at all new in these plans, which have long been a part of Jerusalem's municipal development plan and were first announced more than three years ago.
In its statement accompanying its decision to recognize "Palestine," the Swedish Foreign Ministry claims that Israel's housing plans "represents a further highly detrimental step that undermines prospects for a two-state solution and calls into question Israel's commitment to a peaceful negotiated settlement with the Palestinians."
No mention was made in Sweden's statement criticizing Israel of any recent Palestinian steps, such as Hamas' 50 day terrorist war against the Jewish state in which it launched more than 4000 rockets against civilian targets that it viewed as "detrimental steps that undermine prospects" for peace in the Middle East. Nor is there any apparent concern that stifling Israel's economic development would first be felt by Palestinians first and most harshly, since their very growth and emergence as a people has always been inextricably linked to that of their Jewish neighbors.
Before the first group of Jewish settlers fleeing pogromist Russia arrived in Palestine in the late 19th century, the local Arab population living inside what is today Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, was estimated at the time to be no more than 200,000 with an average lifespan of less than 40 years. Today, more than 5 million Arabs, with an average lifespan of 70.5 years, live either in Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza. Of course, neither the increase in Palestinians per se, nor the length and health of their lives could have been possible without the emergence and development of Israel. Every previous effort that stunted Israel's growth or impeded its development has resulted in economic dislocations far more devastating to Palestinians than to Israelis.
While strong pro-Israel support by the US Congress and among the American people prevents President Obama from imposing sanctions similar to those being drawn up by the EU now, the Obama administration has used its executive powers to develop a series of its own stealth punishments against the Middle East's only democracy. Just last May it was reported that with little fanfare the State Department suddenly and dramatically increase the number of Israeli tourist applications it would reject in order to prevent Israel from participating in the visa waiver program designed to expedite travel from allegedly US-friendly nations. There are currently 38 nations whose citizens do not need a visa to enter the US for short-term tourist or business travel. Until recently that list included Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.
EU Threatens Israel Over Construction Plans in Jerusalem - http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/185782#.VDFn0Jt0x9C
Once again, EU says the future of its Israel relations depend on 'commitment to peace' - following their agenda in the Middle East.
The European Union (EU) on Friday condemned Israel's plans to build 2,610 new homes in a Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem, calling it "highly detrimental" to diplomatic efforts for Israeli-Palestinian peace, according to AFP.
Brussels called on Israel to "urgently reverse" actions leading to expansion in Jerusalem, which the Palestinian Authority (PA) hopes to claim as the capital of a future state, following a smear campaign against the project launched by extreme leftist group Peace Now.
"This represents a further highly detrimental step that undermines prospects for a two-state solution and calls into question Israel's commitment to a peaceful negotiated settlement with the Palestinians," the EU's diplomatic service said.
The housing units, which have been slated for construction since 2012 in the neighborhood of Givat Hamatos, were given final approval last week.
The EU also condemned Israel for allowing Jews to move into buildings legally transferred from Arab to Jewish ownership in Silwan, a neighborhood close to the City of David historical site and the Western Wall.
The EU took the opportunity to once again threaten Israel, saying that the "future of EU-Israel relations" depends on Israel's "commitment to peace."
The bloc has threatened Israel multiple times to further its agenda in the Middle East, dangling unprecedented aid packages to both Jerusalem and Ramallah if a two-state solution is implemented. Despite this, it has denied threatening Israel - or promoting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement - on multiple occasions.
The project has also drawn sharp criticism from France, as well as the United States, with President Barack Obama on Wednesday telling Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Washington's "deep concern" over the proposed development.
In response, Netanyahu issued a sharp rebuke, reportedly telling Obama during an in-person meeting to "check the facts" before issuing criticism.
Hamas Vows Fight to 'Last Drop of Blood' on Temple Mount Friday - Ari Yashar - http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/185998#.VDf1GJt0x9B
Apparently Israel's "gesture" to allow 500 Gazans to pray on the Temple Mount on the Eid al-Adha "sacrifice of Ishmael" - which fell on Yom Kippur and Shabbat - wasn't enough to appease the terrorist group Hamas.
Hamas on Thursday threatened to attack Israel on the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism, this Friday during the Muslim day of rest.
"We will fight till the last drop of blood," Hamas declared in its call for Muslims to gather at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and "defend it."
That call comes shortly after Jerusalem district police decided Thursday to limit entry on Friday to Muslim visitors, allowing only men over 50-years-old out of fear of renewed riots and violence. Police added that forces will be spread out in the eastern parts of the city and the Old City from the morning to prevent rioting.
The latest round comes after Muslim rioters hurled rocks and fireworks at police on Wednesday ahead of the first day of Sukkot, wounding at least four officers.
Jordan, whose Waqf (Islamic trust) maintains de facto control over the site and forbids Jews to pray there, condemned Israel for arresting the attacking rioters.
Arab rioters likewise attacked before Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year), and have recently been stepping up their violence on the holiest site in Judaism as part of a general "silent intifada" that has been hitting Jerusalem hard.
As for Hamas's threats to act on the Temple Mount, their influence on the site has already been revealed.
Shabak (Israel Security Agency) revealed in May that senior Hamas terrorist Mohammed Toameh had been captured and admitted in investigation that the group funds violent riots on the Temple Mount.
Toameh stated that Islamist groups in Israel launder Hamas cash and "donate" it to young Muslims to "study Islam" on the Temple Mount - in fact, they were earning between 4,000 and 5,000 shekels a month to throw rocks when Jews visit the site so as to block Jewish access.
UN Resolution Calls For Israel To Withdraw From West Bank, East Jerusalem - http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/10/02/palestinians-draft-un-resolution-calling-for-israel-to-withdraw-from-occupied/
The Palestinians are pushing a United Nations resolution that makes stiff demands against Israel and could put the Obama administration in a difficult position should it come to a vote.
The draft resolution, which was given to Fox News on Wednesday by a diplomat who wished to remain anonymous, calls on Israel to withdraw from the West Bank and East Jerusalem by November 2016 as part of a new push for independence and full U.N. recognition. The resolution has not yet been shared with all of the Security Council's 15 members.
But it would be the first time that the U.S. has had to consider such a forceful draft Security Council resolution.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power said on Tuesday that Washington's position remains that a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be reached through negotiations. Several Arab diplomats have told Fox News that they expect U.S. opposition to the text. They say, however, that if Washington vetoes the resolution it will isolate the United States in world opinion. The United States is one of five permanent, veto-holding members of the Security Council.
Despite the U.S. position, the Obama administration nevertheless issued a striking rebuke of Israel on Wednesday just hours after President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House. U.S. officials warned Israel that plans for a controversial new housing project in East Jerusalem would distance Israel from "even its closest allies" and raise questions about its commitment to seeking peace with Palestinians.
The new resolution calls for Israel to return all territory seized since the 1967 Six-Day War, a condition that Israel has not agreed to in any of the recent U.S.-backed peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu has argued that ongoing rocket attacks from the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, as well as Israel's relatively small amount of territory, make it too perilous for his government to accept a return to the pre-1967 borders.
Jordan, as the Arab Group's representative on the Security Council, would be charged with introducing the resolution.
The draft calls for intensified efforts, including through negotiations, to reach a peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and "a just resolution" of the status of Jerusalem as the capital of two states and of the Palestinian refugee problem.
The Associated Press reported that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told a meeting of the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah on Wednesday evening that the draft was submitted last Friday "and we hope to get an answer within a month."
"Of course we are not sure whether the Security Council will agree on it or whether we will get the right number of countries on our side. But whatever will happen, we have something to say. We put it in writing and this is clear. We don't need to repeat it again," he said.
In his address to the U.N. General Assembly last Friday, Abbas said that he would ask the council to set a deadline for a pullout and dictate the ground rules for any further talks with Israel. Abbas also accused Israel of conducting a "war of genocide" in during the 50-day conflict in Gaza over the summer, a charge that drew a furious response from Netanyahu Monday.
Decrying Hamas for its use of human shields and rocket attacks against Israeli civilians, Netanyahu said, addressing Abbas, "these are the war crimes committed by your Hamas partners in the national unity government which you head and you are responsible for. And these are the real war crimes you should have investigated, or spoken out against from this podium last week."
Israel PM warns Iran greater threat than IS jihadists - By Carole Landry - http://news.yahoo.com/israel-pm-warns-nuclear-armed-iran-gravest-threat-171243536.html
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Monday at the United Nations that a nuclear-capable Iran would pose the gravest threat to the world, far outstripping the jihadist terror from Iraq and Syria.
"Make no mistake, ISIS must be defeated," Netanyahu told the UN General Assembly, referring to the Islamic State group.
"But to defeat ISIS and leave Iran as a threshold nuclear state power is to win the battle and lose the war."
Netanyahu spoke a week after US President Barack Obama took to the UN podium to appeal for international support for the US-led coalition firing air strikes to defeat the IS jihadists.
The prime minister took a swipe at Iran's "smooth-talking" President Hassan Rouhani, accusing him of seeking a deal on Tehran's nuclear program without scrapping any bomb-making capacity.
"The Islamic republic is now trying to bamboozle its way to an agreement... that will cement Iran's place as a threshold military nuclear power," he said.
"Allowing that to happen would pose the gravest threat to us all."
A week-long round of talks between Iran and six world powers in New York ended on Friday with no breakthrough toward a deal to ensure Tehran's nuclear program cannot be used for military purposes.
Iran and the so-called P5+1 comprised of Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States plus Germany have set a deadline of November 24 to reach a historic agreement.
The six powers are asking Iran to scale back uranium enrichment, which could be used to make a nuclear bomb, but Tehran has long denied that its atomic program would be used to build a weapon.
The prime minister derided Rouhani, who spoke out against jihadists during his UN address last week, accusing him of shedding "phony tears" while engaging in a "terror campaign" of his own.
"To say that Iran doesn't practice terrorism is like saying Derek Jeter never played shortstop for the New York Yankees," he quipped, referring to the Yankees captain, who retired to great fanfare at the weekend.
"Would you let ISIS enrich uranium? Would you let ISIS build a heavy-water reactor?" he asked.
"Iran's nuclear military capabilities must be fully dismantled," Netanyahu told the Assembly, drawing applause.
Israel has repeatedly warned the West against making concessions to Tehran in talks on its nuclear program and asserted that it reserves the right to weigh military action to confront the Iranian threat.
Netanyahu made a splash two years ago when he turned up at the UN General Assembly with a large cartoon drawing of a bomb to illustrate the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program.
At this year's gathering, he showed a photograph purportedly of Hamas rocket-launchers with children playing next to them -- a scene the Israeli leader said proved that Hamas had used civilians as human shields in Gaza.
Netanyahu said jihadists in Iraq and Syria share a radical ideology with the Palestinian Hamas group that has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007, declaring: "ISIS and Hamas are branches of the same poisonous tree."
Hanan Ashrawi, an executive member of the Palestine Liberation Organization, called Netanyahu's comments a "blatant manipulation of facts" and accused him of using "hate language."
Netanyahu also drew a parallel with Nazis, saying that while they believed in a "master race", ISIS believes in a "master faith."
Netanyahu took to the podium of the world's largest diplomatic gathering, saying he wanted to expose "brazen lies" after Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas last week accused Israel of waging a 50-day "war of genocide" in Gaza.
In his address on Friday, Abbas called for an end to Israeli occupation, accused Israel of "genocidal crimes" during the Gaza war and said Palestinians living under Israeli rule faced a future of "apartheid".
Netanyahu offered a rebuttal, saying Israeli forces who fought in Gaza "deserve not condemnation but admiration" and said Israel was being "demonized."
"In what moral universe does genocide include warning the enemy civilian population to get out of harm's way or ensuring that they receive tons of humanitarian aid?" he asked.
Abbas' speech also drew a sharp rebuke from the United States, which said it contained "offensive characterizations" and undermined peace efforts.
A Different Look At The Palestinian/Israeli Conflict - Belle Ringer - http://www.salvationandsurvival.com/2014/09/a-different-look-at-palestinianisraeli.html
Last week our President joined world leaders to speak before the United Nations General Assembly about the various crises in the Middle East. At the top of everyone's list was stopping the barbarism and evil that is the Islamic State. But always at the center of any discussion of the Middle East is the ongoing tension between the Palestinians and the Israelis; a battle that has been in view since Joshua captured the Land of Canaan as far as Gaza. Unfortunately, this conflict is also blamed for much of the tension and hostilities in the region.
If you do not have an accurate Biblical worldview, it is easy to get caught up in the emotions of the Palestinian situation and to see only through a narrow focus. Many people, including Christians and secularists alike, view Gaza and the West Bank as belonging to the Palestinian people, who have been removed from their homeland to make way for what they believe is an illegally transplanted race of people, the Jews. But, if one were to do an in-depth study of who the Palestinian people are, it is not as simple as the afore-mentioned argument would have you believe.
Here are some interesting thoughts to digest: although the idea of a distinct and defined "Palestinian" national identity is relatively new (dating from the early 20th century), modern Palestinians are actually the descendants of the peoples who have lived in Palestine over the centuries -- through all the various wars and exoduses spanning all the great Empires of the world.
Also, despite the heated rhetoric over "national" and "religious" identification ... Arabs vs. Israelis; Muslims vs. Jews ... did you know that "Genetic analysis suggests that a majority of the Muslims of Palestine, inclusive of Arab citizens of Israel, are descendants of Christians, Jews and other earlier inhabitants of the eastern Mediterranean whose core may reach back to prehistoric times? A study of high-resolution haplotypes demonstrated that a substantial portion of Y chromosomes of Israeli Jews (70%) and of Palestinian Muslim Arabs (82%) belonged to the same chromosome pool." [Statistics from research done by Ann Gibbons of the American Academy for the Advancement of Science, and from proceedings involving M.F. Hammer of the U.S. National Academy of Science.]
All this background information barely scratches the surface of why one must look beyond current emotions and political biases to see a Biblical view of this crisis. To begin with, "the same chromosome pool" points to a common Biblical ancestor, Abraham, who was the father of Ishmael, the progenitor of Arabs and Muslims, as well as the father of Isaac, the forefather of the nation of Israel, including the tribe of Judah, and consequently, the Jews. The Bible, and recorded history, show us that there has been animosity between these two groups of peoples since their inception. And there will be trouble between them until the end of this world as we know it.
Which brings me back to the series of speeches before the U.N. General Assembly. Leaders of the major players in this conflict -- from the U.S. to Iran to Israel, and more -- are attempting to offer their solutions as to how the major conflicts in the regions of the Middle East can best be handled. But when the subject of Palestine and Israel comes up, both Christians and Secularists tend to miss the big picture.
With a clear understanding of the Bible, I believe you will find that Israel is to be a blessing to the nations of the world while living in the Land that God bequeathed to them (the whole land of ancient Canaan) -- but only as long as Israel is faithful to her God. A failure to be faithful will result in correction, loss of land, and potential wars; and God will use the surrounding nations to dispense His judgment. You can see this pictured by the continual concessions Israel has made in giving up "land for peace", and by the numbers of Israelis who identify themselves as "secular" or "not very religious" (67%), versus those who say they are "ultra-Orthodox", "religious", or "traditionally, Jewish" (33%).
As Christians, it is naive of us to think that just because the "Jews are back in the Land", that they are guaranteed to occupy it or deserve it. I believe that the Bible very clearly says that God will not let them be in the Holy land without being holy people... so I believe that Israel will continue to struggle in the coming years until she is finally backed into a corner, and the only way out will be to turn to her Savior.
So while leaders stand before the podium at the UN General Assembly, and offer their solutions for peace, there is not a political solution to this crisis; only a Biblical answer. To be a Biblical Zionist is not to be a political Zionist. But I also want to caution those who might think that God's way of dealing with His chosen people involves His endorsement of Hamas, the PLO, or Islamic jihad. God's discipline concerning Israel will never include such evil ideologies. No, God has a much wider purpose in the Middle East conflicts .. it is to glorify Himself and to give the surrounding nations an opportunity to come into relationship with Him.
Whether secularist or Christian, it is important to look beyond the narrow scope of political and nationalistic passions. We must all pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for those nations who are currently hostile to her; the true salvation of the Jewish people and Arabs, alike, depends upon their recognition of Israel's Messiah. I urge you to read what this Holy Book says about the final stages of God's redemptive plan --- for all the people of the World. It is most definitely focused in this hotly contested geographic region, and the peoples of Palestine, the Middle East and Israel will all play a part. But we must never forget ... the ultimate victory will be His!
Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
Jordan Blasts Israel for Responding to Riots on Temple Mount - Elad Benari - http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/185983#.VDaq6Jt0x9C
Jordan condemns the conduct of Israeli security forces who were responding to Arab riots on the Temple Mount.
Hours after Arab rioters attacked Israeli security forces at the Temple Mount, Jordan criticized Israel on Wednesday over security forces' conduct in reaction to the riots.
"The forces of the occupation ... prevented religious officials entering (the compound) and cleared it of all Muslims, while at the same time enabling Jewish extremists to storm it, and pray with security forces protection," government spokesman Mohammed Momeni said in a statement quoted by the AFP news agency.
He called on Israel to "stop its devastating campaign against the Al-Aqsa mosque, religious officials and worshippers," slamming "police... firing bullets and bombs inside the compound, which injured dozens of people."
Jordan, whose Waqf has had de facto rule of the Temple Mount since the 1967 Six Day War, made the comments after masked Arab rioters threw fireworks and rocks at security forces on the Temple Mount on Wednesday, hours before the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
Riot police pushed the attackers back by setting up roadblocks, but it was not enough to deter the unrest.
The rioters continued to throw rocks, bricks and iron bars at police from inside the Al-Aqsa mosque, while shooting fireworks at police and spraying an unidentified flammable liquid on them.
They also threw a firebomb at police, which ignited, wounded four officers lightly.
The police later restrained the rioters and removed all barriers protecting the entrance to the mosque. The wounded policemen were treated on the spot.
The Jordanian Waqf keeps an iron fist on the Temple Mount and its activities; Jews face constant discrimination and violence for visiting the site, and there is a blanket ban on Jewish prayer there.
Muslims and Christians, however, have free reign to worship at and visit the Mount - the IDF even allowed 500 Gazans to ascend to the Mount as a "gesture" during peace talks with Hamas in Cairo - and the Jerusalem Arab community recently celebrated the Eid al-Adha holiday there on the same day as Yom Kippur.
This is not the first time that Jordan has condemned Israel over issues related to the Temple Mount. In June, Jordan took issue with Israel allowing 400 Jews to ascend the Mount.
Israel says Palestinian leader doesn't want peace - Edith M. Lederer - http://news.yahoo.com/israel-says-palestinian-leader-doesnt-want-peace-145437242.html
Israel's foreign minister said Monday it's clear that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has no intention of making peace with Israel, calling his speech to world leaders last week "a message of hatred and incitement."
Avigdor Lieberman also questioned Abbas' legitimacy to speak on behalf of the Palestinian people, saying he doesn't control the Gaza Strip, where Hamas remains in charge of security and elections have been postponed for more than four years.
Lieberman spoke to reporters ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the annual ministerial meeting of the U.N. General Assembly. Netanyahu said before leaving for New York that he will refute "all of the lies directed at us" about Israel's recently concluded war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Abbas accused Israel in his speech on Friday of carrying out "war crimes" and conducting a "war of genocide" in Gaza, but stopped short of saying he would pursue war crimes charges against Israel. He said he would ask the U.N. Security Council to dictate the ground rules for any talks with Israel, including setting a deadline for an Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian lands.
With memories of the Nazi Holocaust still fresh in Israel, use of the word "genocide" is regarded as particularly provocative both to Netanyahu and Israelis in general. An angry Netanyahu promised an appropriate response in his U.N. speech.
Lieberman said Abbas has "lost his way."
"Because he failed with all his domestic issues, he tries to resolve his domestic problems with some escalation in his rhetoric here in U.N., on the international arena," Lieberman said. "But it's clear he has no support."
Mohammed Ishtayeh, an aide to Abbas, responded to Lieberman's comments, saying: "If Lieberman and his government seek peace, why they are building settlements on our land? They left no land without settlements, no land for the Palestinians to live in."
Ishtayeh added: "Lieberman was trying to cover the war crimes his government committed in Gaza, but we have prepared the indictment list to take Israel to the ICC," using the acronym for the International Criminal Court. "We are going to build an international coalition against the Israeli occupation and its crimes, particularly building settlements on our land."
During the 50-day Gaza war, which ended Aug. 26, Israel launched thousands of airstrikes against what it said were Hamas-linked targets in the densely populated coastal territory, while Gaza militants fired several thousand rockets at Israel. More than 2,100 Palestinians were killed, the vast majority civilians, and some 18,000 homes were destroyed, according to U.N. figures. Sixty-six soldiers and six civilians were killed on the Israeli side.
The 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the world's largest bloc of Islamic countries, has been lobbying Abbas to seek membership in international agencies, including the ICC. That would open the door to war crimes charges against Israel for its military actions in Gaza and Jewish settlement construction on West Bank land the Palestinians want for a future state.
However, Abbas' speech last week made no mention of a bid to join the International Criminal Court or a deadline for ending the occupation.
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