Israel elections arriving in three weeks. Benjamin Netanyahu is counting on his success in vaccinating the nation which has brought down the number of hospitalizations below one thousand to 700 to bring to him additional mandates for him to continue to be Prime Minister. His opponents are still fighting against the popularity of Netanyahu from both sides the left and right. The only solid supporters of Netanyahu are his Likud friends and the religious parties. The other right parties Yamina led by Naftali Bennet and Gidyon Saar of New Hope party want to be Prime Minister. There is a much greater majority of mandates of right wing parties than left wing parties including the Arabs. For a right-wing party to join with the left side including the Arabs is doubtful.
Tag: Israel

Israel Supreme Court Accepts Reformed and Conservative Conversions
After more than 15 years of petitioning and just three weeks ahead of elections, the High Court of Israel ruled that those that had converted to Judaism through reformed and conservative conversions in Israel will be recognized as Jewish by the State. The court also ruled that converts will be allowed to become full Israeli citizens under the law of return.

God Rules the World – God Wants Peace
God rules the world. God will not compromise on truth. Truth is one of the names of God. Peace is another name of God. Every day God displays his humility. In humility God gave to man free choice. God is the father; and mankind are his children. The father wants his children to enjoy the gift of life. The gift of life is in two worlds. It begins with this physical world and continues into another realm of existence, the existence of souls and spirit. The father watches over his children. He allows them to choose but works in the background to guide them to make the right decisions.

Israel — Joe Biden and Abraham Accords
The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is the ongoing struggle between Israelis and Palestinians that began in the mid-20th century amidst the greater Arab–Israeli conflict. Various attempts have been made to resolve the conflict as part of the Israeli–Palestinian peace process. Most Recently by Donald J Trump resulting in the historic Abraham Accords.

Israel – US Relationship: It’s Complicated
The change of leadership in the US has caused a dramatic change in the US – Israeli relationship dynamics. The dynamics between US president Donald Trump, and the Israeli government led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden couldn’t be more opposite.

Israel Diplomacy – Election polls
Israel a small nation of no more than 10 million people in a world of much larger nations considers diplomacy of utmost importance to its existence. It is faced with a crisis concerning relations with its neighboring states Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria about the future of a Palestinian state. It has also danger from Iran who is interested in being the major power in the Middle East when it will complete its project to make nuclear weapons. The world is seeking a peaceful solution to the Middle East crisis, stabilization of the region. America has interest in maintaining peaceful relations with Israel and in stabilization of the region.

Holiday of Purim Celebrated in Israel and the Jewish World
Judaism is the biblical religion of the Jewish people which is based on the teachings of the Bible the Old Testament which were given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai. In Jewish tradition there are three major holidays Passover, Sukkot and Shevuot. Passover commemorates the Exodus of the Jewish people from slavery to King Pharoah in Egypt. Sukkot commemorates the period of forty years after Passover in which the Jews lived in the Wilderness of Sinai on the way to the land of Israel. Shavuot which means weeks commemorates the period of time of seven weeks between Passover and the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.

Bibi Warns Biden About Rejoining Iran Nuclear Deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned about the unfolding US–Iranian nuclear-talk developments. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister, Israel remains committed to deterring Iran from having nuclear weapons. This is despite talks with the US.

Israel Roundup — February Snowstorms Bring March Elections
Israel witnessed its first snowstorm of the year this week. There is snow in the mountain areas, including Jerusalem, and rain in other parts of the country. Snow is more common than one might think in Israel. However, Israelis only see snow once or twice in a winter season.

Israel Discovers Miracle Cure for Healing Severe Cases of Corona
Israel is in the middle of an outbreak of Corona virus which has grown rapidly in the country due to the British, South African, and Brazilian mutations. Despite a lockdown for four weeks, the number of daily infections has almost seen almost no change. Unlike previous lockdowns, the third lockdown has almost been unsuccessful to reduce the percentages of infection. Even after administrating over 3 million vaccinations primarily to those in immediate danger from Corona, the mortality rate continues to be the highest in Israel Corona history. Hospitalizations are continuing almost without reduction, severe cases and those on ventilators.

Israel Roundup — Elections Coming, Lockdowns Remain
Israel’s attention is focused on the March elections. Many consider the leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu insufficient to meet the needs of the public amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic. The Israeli public is frustrated by the lockdown that is planned to be extended for another week because of the still-soaring infection rate.

Biden to Consult with Netanyahu on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is looking to avoid a clash with US President Joe Biden on matters related to the Iranian deal. This is according to Israeli government officials who spoke with Axios. The prime minister is apparently looking to tone down abrasive sentiments that may cause problems when dealing with the new administration.

Israel Extends Lockdown, Gets to Know Biden
This week, on Wednesday, Holocaust Remembrance Day was observed around the world. Of course, the commemoration could not be like every year, but the message of remembrance of the Holocaust is necessary to be repeated every year. There is always the fear of genocide, which, after the Holocaust, can never be accepted.

Impatience, Anxiety, Poverty Cause Riots During Corona Pandemic
As lockdowns spread out throughout the world they bring with them sometimes violent response. Such is the case in many places in the world where there are demonstrations against the leadership of their nation.
In Israel this week in the city of Bnei Brak the police cracked down on Ultra-Orthodox religious offenders of Corona lockdown restriction which brought violent response. The Ministry of Health in Israel has given orders that all schools should be closed. Public Gatherings inside allow only five people and outside 10 people. The religious communities throughout Israel consider sacred their organized communal prayers and education for the youth. In the last lockdown before the winter season it was easier to organize learning and prayer outside in the open air where there is less danger of spreading infection.

Iran Urges Biden to Back Nuclear Deal
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has implored the Joe Biden administration to get back to the Iran nuclear deal that was signed by the Obama administration in 2015. Under the agreement, Iran would adhere to uranium enrichment restrictions in exchange for a sanctions reprieve.

Israel Extends Lockdown, Settlements
The lockdown in Israel against the Coronavirus has been extended for another two weeks. The lockdown has not been successful in getting down the number of daily infections. Instead, Israel has seen a change in the number of younger people that have become hospitalized from the Coronavirus in the last two weeks.

Iran Asks IAEA to Stop Discordant Statements
Iran has asked the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to stop publishing discordant statements related to its nuclear program. The asseveration comes just a day after the IAEA issued a disclosure indicating that Iran was working to start processing uranium metal. The following is an excerpt from the statement made by Iran’s nuclear department:

Israel Roundup – Inoculations, Adelson, Airstrikes
Two million Israelis have already received first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, over 20% of the Israel population. An additional 110,000 have already received the second dose. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that vaccination campaign success will allow Israel to ease restrictions while Europe plans lockdowns well into March and April.

Pompeo Claims Iran is Supporting Al Qaeda
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has claimed that Iran is assisting Al Qaeda operatives in the region by providing them with legal documentation and logistical support. According to the official, Iran and AL Qaeda got into an agreement soon after the signing of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. That said, no official intelligence records have been cited regarding this.

Israel and World Diplomats React to Capital Hill Violence
American adversaries and allies shook their head in dismay at the assault on the heart of US democracy. Many foreign leaders noted the importance of American’s role as a nation of self-rule by a free population urging a rapid return to stability. Several place the blame on President Trump. Others placed the blame on the news media, fake news during the Trump Administration before the Corona Pandemic which created doubts in the minds of Americans that justice was being upheld.

India Tests Ballistic Missiles, MKs Launch Campaigns
Israel Aerospace Industries successfully tested its medium range surface to air missile in India. It is able to shoot down enemy aircraft at a range of 50-70 kilometers. It is meant to help protect India from enemy aircraft. It is used by the Israeli navy, as well as the Indian navy and ground forces.

Israel Roundup — Pollard Arrives, Elections are Coming
Jonathan Pollard arrived in Israel after having been released from parole restrictions in the United States. Pollard was convicted of spying for Israel when he was working as an intelligence analyst in 1984. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. Israel considered the sentence severe because his espionage was for them, an ally of the United States.

Netanyahu Extends Invitation to Morocco King
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Morocco’s King Mohammed VI to Israel following a meeting with the king in Rabat. The two leaders met to discuss closer ties between their two nations. The US-Israeli delegation arrived in Morocco early last week to finalize talks related to a normalization treaty.

Israel Suspicious of Erdogan’s Motives for Alliance
Israel is uncomfortable with Turkey’s motive for an alliance. This was revealed by a high-ranking Israeli diplomat who spoke to the Jerusalem Post this week. According to the official, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan wants closer economic ties between his country and Israel while maintaining a host of connections that are problematic for Israel and its allies.

Iranian Tensions With US, Israel Escalate
On December 24th, Iranian officials made a statement regarding the deployment of additional air defense systems. The Russian-made systems will be deployed under emergency measures. They will be strategically positioned near Iranian nuclear facilities to guard against possible US or Israeli strikes against them.

Israel Roundup — Corona Christmas, Lockdowns, Elections
Christians are struggling to celebrate Christmas in Israel, like the rest of the world, because of the Coronavirus Pandemic. The Corona Pandemic has dampened Christmas Joy in Bethlehem and elsewhere. The officials in Bethlehem tried to make the most out of the situation. They remarked, Christmas is a holiday that renews hope in the souls.

Coronavirus — Israel to Begin Third Lockdown
The Israeli Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new lockdown, the third since the beginning of the pandemic, which will come into force next Sunday, as reported by a section of the country’s local media. The new general shutdown would last for at least two weeks and seeks to stop the spread of the virus.

Israel Heads to New Elections, Again
A final attempt in the Israeli Knesset to stop new elections failed Monday night. The bill to avoid dissolution failed to pass. After three elections, the Israeli coalition government reached a compromise between the two major parties, Likud and Blue and White, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Israel Begins Coronavirus Vaccination
On Saturday night immediately after the first Saturday following the holiday of Hanukah Israel began vaccination of its people using Pfizer vaccine. The first to vaccinate was Prime Minister Netanyahu at the Sheba Medical Center Israel’ largest medical center in Tel Aviv. Joining Netanyahu to vaccinate was Yudi Edelstein the Minister of Health.

Iran — Netanyahu Warns “Return to Normalcy” a Mistake
It would be a “mistake” to return to normalcy with Iran,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a joint news conference with US National Security Adviser, Robert O’Brien on Sunday. Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke of Israel’s resistance to the usual approaches of the past regarding the international nuclear dispute with Iran.

Israel Peace Extends Outward to Morocco
President Trump announced that Israel and Morocco will normalize relations. Both countries will open in Tel Aviv and Rabat. Morocco will grant overflights and direct flights to and from Israel. The U.S. will recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Sahara.
The deal was brokered with the help of America making Morocco the fourth Arab country to set aside hostilities to Israel and normalize relations. The border conflict which Morocco had for decades with Algeria over Sahara, America agreed to recognize the sovereignty of Morocco which helped bring Morocco and Israel together. Trump sealed the agreement on Thursday with a telephone call with Moroccan King Mohammed VI. The agreement further enhances Israel security while creating opportunities for Morocco to improve their economy and the lives of their people.

Coronavirus — Israel to Begin Vaccination December 27
Israel will begin vaccinating its citizens against the coronavirus pandemic, effective from December 27, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday. Speaking during a televised press conference, the Prime Minister asserted that Israel will vaccinate 60,000 people per day.

Coronavirus — Israel Prepares for Vaccines by December 27
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the first vaccines against the coronavirus will be given in Israel on December 27. He said he wants to be first in Israel to receive the vaccine, and Israel will be able to vaccinate 60,000 people a day. Yuli Edelstein, Minister of Health, said that the goal is that every citizen who wishes can be vaccinated.

Iran: Fakhrizadeh Killed by Intelligent Machine Gun
The deputy commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards says that the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the country’s main nuclear physicist, was carried out remotely with a machine gun equipped with “an intelligent satellite-controlled system.” Iran had previously claimed that Fakhrizadeh was the victim of a “complex” operation using “completely new” technology.

Israel Braces for Fourth Election in Two Years
The Israeli Knesset approved a preliminary vote on Wednesday on a bill to dissolve itself. This threatens to plunge Israel into a fourth elections in less than two years. The bill needs to pass three more readings before the fourth elections will be called. After the vote, the bill was sent to the Knesset House Committee for deliberation.

Assassination of Fakhrizadeh Fuel for Anti-Semitism
Iran is blaming the State of Israel for assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, their Chief of Staff in production of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Israel has in the past been accused of targeting killings. The second suspect for the assassination is the United States under the leadership of President Trump. The week before the assassination Netanyahu made an unannounced visit to Saudi to meet Mike Pompeo and the Prince of Saudi Arabia. The purpose of their meeting the danger of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons to the stabilization of the Middle East which has already begun with the Abraham Accords.

Turkey- Condemns Murder of Iranian Scientist Fajrizadeh
“We regret that the Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh lost his life as a result of an armed attack in Tehran. We condemn this heinous murder and extend our condolences to the government of Iran and the family of the deceased,” said Turkey’s Foreign Ministry in a statement.

Iran Accuses Israel, Vows Retaliation Over Death of Scientist
Iranian President Hassan Rohani on Saturday accused Israel of the murder of it’s scientist,“sowing chaos” and acting as a “mercenary” of the United States. The murdered scientist was one of the top scientists in Iran working on the Iranian nuclear program. Iran has thus vowed retaliation over the murder.

Israel — Trouble at Home, No Problems with the Neighbors?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an unannounced visit to Saudi to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the beginning of the week. The Prime Minister did not inform his partner in the government, Benny Gantz, that he was making this trip abroad.

Coronavirus — City of Nazareth Called Red Zone
Nearly half of the new Coronavirus cases in Israel are amongst Arabs. Nazareth, the largest Arab city in Israel, has been declared a red zone by the Israeli Ministry of Health due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. On Friday, it will be decided by the government if the city will be put in lockdown.

Israel Raids Syrian, Iranian Targets
At least 3 soldiers died and another was wounded following an air attack by Israel against positions in Syria belonging to the Syrian army forces and the Iranian Quds Force on Tuesday night. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the death toll includes about 10 dead, including three Syrians and other soldiers of foreign origin, presumably Iranian.

Israel Attacks Military Targets in Syria as Pompeo Visits Israel
Bahrain Foreign Minister Aldulallatif Al-Zayani arrived in Israel to meet with Netanyahu and Mike Pompeo to sign bi-lateral agreements during the visit. This is the first official delegation to Israel. Gabi Ashkenazi Israel foreign minister greeted the delegates from Bahrain at Ben Gurion airport as the two countries look to broaden cooperation after establishing formal ties in September.

Report: Trump Considered Attack on Natanz
Two months before the end of his term in office, U.S. President Donald Trump has been investigating an attack on an Iranian nuclear facility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke about this issue after the publication of the results related to the US presidential election.

Iran Denies al-Qaeda Leader Killed in Tehran
Iran has rebuffed claims made by the New York Times alleging that a high ranking al-Qaeda member was recently assassinated by Israeli operatives in its capital. According to the Times story, Abu Muhammad al-Masri, who is believed to be the Number 2 in al-Qaeda’s top hierarchy, was killed alongside his daughter, Miriam on August 7.

Report: Israel Assassinated al-Qaeda #2 in Iran
The New York Times reported this week that Israeli operatives killed Abu Mohammed al-Masri, al-Qaeda’s #2 leader, in Iran in August. Al-Masri, who is accused of masterminding the bombing of two United States embassies in Africa, was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle in the streets of Tehran.

Biden Appoints Klain Chief of Staff
American Jews will play a prominent part in the new administration of President-Elect Joe Biden. Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris is married to Doug Emhoff, making him the first Second Gentleman of the United States and the first Jewish spouse of an American President or Vice President.

Coronavirus — Netanyahu Addresses Global Conference
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed COVID-19 vaccines and other ways of ending the pandemic at a video conference with world leaders. The video conference was hosted by the Chancellor of Austria, Sebastian Kurz, with the participation of the Prime Ministers of Austria, Norway, Denmark, Greece and the Czech Republic.

Plane With Israeli Tourists Lands in Dubai
For the first time, a Boeing 737 Emirates FlyDubai plane transported an Israeli tourist group to Dubai Airport on Sunday. The flight is another step towards normalizing relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. According to the Associated Press, the plane flew between Bangorion Airport in Tel Aviv and Dubai Airport in about three hours.