Muslim writer touts Israeli tolerance of minorities

by Ariel Ben Solomon
Jerusalem Post
May 24, 2013

"This country does not fit the description of an apartheid state," says author Qanta Ahmed in visit to Israel.


DR. QANTA AHMED speaks at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem Photo: Deston Productions

British author Dr. Qanta Ahmed spoke on Wednesday at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem about the difficulties for minorities in Islamic societies and how Israel is the only country in the Middle East that tolerates them.

The event was organized by Alan Schneider, director of the B’nai B’rith World Center in Jerusalem, and cosponsored by the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity as part of their joint Liaison Committee forum.

The forum serves as an informal initiative aimed at fostering better mutual respect and understanding between local Christians and Jews.

Ahmed is a British sleep-disorder specialist working in New York State, whose parents came from Pakistan after moving there from India.

She visited Israel for the first time and gave a lecture at the symposium on Wednesday evening dealing with radicalization and minority persecution in the Islamic world.

The rise of political Islam that has been particularly pronounced as a result of the Arab uprisings is a threat to minorities and to Muslims who do not agree with the ascendent radical ideology, Ahmed said.

To read the entire article click here.

Experts reject that Israel may directly intervene in Syria

by Ariel Ben Solomon
Jerusalem Post
May 24, 2013

Ex-officials say Israeli intervention in Syria unlikely, unwise.

Syrian President Bashar Assad heading a cabinet meeting in Damascus, February 12, 2013. Photo: REUTERS/SANA/Handout

A New York Times report on Wednesday stated that Israel is contemplating directly intervening in Syria’s civil war with the possible creation of a buffer zone inside Syria or by supporting a proxy force such as the Druse. The report noted that Israeli security forces are quietly working with Syrian villagers, supplying humanitarian aid and gaining intelligence information.

Several Israeli experts and ex-government officials told The Jerusalem Post that any direct intervention in Syria’s civil war by Israel is both unlikely and unwise. Itamar Rabinovich, the vice chairman of the Institute for National Security Studies, a former ambassador to the US and Israel’s chief negotiator with Syria from 1992 to 1995, is one of the experts quoted in the Times report. Rabinovich clarified to the Post that he does not see Israel getting involved before Syrian President Bashar Assad falls, but would not rule it out in case he does.

“Assad currently has the wind at his back,” said Rabinovich emphasizing that the situation is not an Israeli concern, but an international one, and that “we must not leap to the head of the line.”

Commenting on what the future could hold in Syria, Rabinovich opines the longer the civil war lingers, the more danger it creates because the country could fall into the hands of jihadists and destabilize neighbors such as Jordan. He urged US President Barack Obama to intervene, but not with troops on the ground – only by arming and aiding certain rebel elements.

A failure to act demonstrates weakness, he said.

Dore Gold, the former Israeli ambassador to the UN and the president of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, told the Posthe does not see Israel getting involved either by proxy or by creating a buffer zone. “It is not Israel’s approach to use proxies,” he said.

To read the entire article click here.

'Chaos caused by Libyan war delays action in Syria'

by Ariel Ben Solomon
Jerusalem Post
May 21, 2013

Expert tells 'Post' that the lessons drawn from the intervention in Libya affect Western decisions regarding Syria.

A fighter from the Islamist Syrian rebel group Jabhat al-Nusra Photo: REUTERS

Libya is now a center of jihadist terror. The Western intervention in Libya in 2011 accelerated the destabilization of the Libyan state and the North African and Sahel regions, and as a result chaos, weapons, and jihadist groups have spread outside of the state’s borders, said Prof. Yehudit Ronen of the political science department at Bar-Ilan University.

After the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya became a weak state that fails to exert control over its territory and borders, and various armed militias have now come to power.

In a lecture at a symposium on post-revolution Libya at the Moshe Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, Ronen described the current situation in the country and how the results of the war have made many Western governments scared of intervening in Syria. Various radical Islamic groups that were kept at bay by Gaddafi suddenly sprang into action during the Libyan civil war in 2011, forming the base of the opposition forces, as has been the case in other countries that underwent uprisings.

She also stressed the geographical importance of Libya, as it lies between two other “Arab Spring” states – Tunisia and Egypt.

Libya is predominantly Sunni, with some ethnic minorities such as the Tuareg and black Africans, which made up much of Gaddafi’s security forces, many of whom fled the country to neighboring states after the government fell.

To read the entire article click here.

Report: Egyptian army pushes to attack kidnappers

by Ariel Ben Solomon
Jerusalem Post
May 19, 2013

Army waits for green light; Morsi seeks negotiations. Lead commentator says Israel and Egypt need to amend current treaty.

Egpytian soldiers mourn the death of a comrade killed by Gazan insurgents in August 2012. Photo: REUTERS

The Egyptian Army is pushing President Mohamed Morsi for a green light to attack the kidnappers of seven security officers who have been held since last Thursday, Sunday’s Asharq al-Awsatreported.

Islamic leaders close to Morsi have been negotiating with the kidnappers for two days, as the president would prefer to resolve the standoff without deaths.

The paper quoted presidential spokesman Omar Amer saying “all options were now open” in dealing with the kidnappers.

An Egyptian official said the army’s patience was “running out.”

Morsi had given instructions to proceed cautiously and not resort to violence too quickly.

The Egyptian daily Al-Shorouk quoted him on Sunday saying his government would have “no dialogue with criminals,” contradicting reports that he quietly was trying to negotiate a solution to the crisis. Morsi also denied media rumors about disagreements on how to handle the crisis, asserting there were no differences between the presidency and other organs of the state, according to the daily.

In response to the abduction by suspected jihadists, Egyptian police continue to keep the Rafah border crossing with Gaza closed in protest.

The closure spread on Sunday to include the al-Awja crossing, 40 km. south of Rafah, where trucks from Egypt cross into Israel.

To read the entire article click here.

Desert divisions

by Ariel Ben Solomon
Jerusalem Post
May 16, 2013

A heated debate can be expected when Knesset reads draft law on the explosive issue of regulating Beduin settlement in the Negev.

Beduin settlement map from Regavim Photo: Courtesy, Regavim

In the beginning of May, the Ministerial Committee on Legislation reviewed a draft law known as the Prawer-Begin plan, for regulating Beduin settlement in the Negev. The plan brought the never-ending Beduin issue back to the front pages of Israeli newspapers, as a possible “final resolution” to solve the issue.

In an effort to understand the nuances involved, The Jerusalem Post reviewed documents and spoke to people involved in the issue. In essence, the Beduin and their supporters claim that the plan does not give them enough land, while opponents claim it is too generous.

As it stands, the plan passed the committee and now heads to the Knesset for debate. A few last-minute changes were made that gained Bayit Yehudi’s support. Construction and Housing Minister Uri Ariel, who belongs to the party, came to an agreement with Bennie Begin, who has been responsible for putting together and promoting the plan. The key point was that a specific map would be drawn up to include exact details delineating any final settlement.

Ari Briggs, the international relations director of Regavim, an NGO that states that it seeks to ensure responsible, legal and accountable use of Israel’s national land, sponsored a tour of the Negev for the Post.

Briggs said Regavim understands there needs to be a compromise in order to come to a final solution to the problem, but that this solution should not threaten the future existence of the state. In regard to the plan on the table, which Regavim opposes, Briggs said he might support it if it is actually implemented – and stops future illegal Beduin settlement expansion.

To read the entire article click here.

Tibi decries racism ahead of Nakba Day

by Ariel Ben Solomon
Jerusalem Post
May 14, 2013

This year, Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says, police are not preparing for any special deployments or reinforcements.

Palestinians at the Damascus Gate on 'Nakba Day' Photo: Marc Israel Sellem

This year’s Nakba Day on Wednesday, on which Palestinians annually lament the establishment of the Jewish state, appears to lack the hype or build-up of the past two years.

In 2011 the event made international news when Syrian Palestinians breached the border fence in the Golan Heights, and shooting erupted on the border-fence with Lebanon as well.

By the day’s end 15 people had been killed by Israeli security forces. As a result of the clashes, there was high anticipation before Nakba Day in 2012.

Ahead of the coming Nakba Day MK Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta’al) said that “we find ourselves in a difficult and cruel reality where racism has become mainstream and is controlling Israeli society, the Knesset, and government.”

This year, Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said, police were not preparing for any special deployments or reinforcements for Nakba Day. That said, because it falls at the same time as Shavuot, police will already be deployed in and around Jerusalem by the thousands to safeguard Jewish visitors to the city.

To read the entire article click here.

'Turkey closer to energy agreement with Israel'

by Ariel Ben Solomon
Jerusalem Post
May 13, 2013

FM refutes allegations of cooperation, says won't discuss Syria with J'lem, or accept Israeli input in affairs of Muslim countries.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu Photo: REUTERS/Osman Orsal

Turkey is closer to coming to an agreement over joint energy projects with Israel, according to a report on Friday in the Turkish daily Today’s Zaman.

The recent natural gas discoveries off Israel’s coast led to a discussion over how to best transfer the gas to Europe.

The paper quotes top Turkish officials as stating they are moving to be in favor of “extensive cooperation” with Israel and Cyprus. Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Energy Minister Taner Yildiz were said to have discussed the issue on Friday at an energy conference in Istanbul. Gul said at the conference that Turkey is “ready to contribute to any constructive project,” according to the report.

While Greek Cyprus disputes the gas finds with Turkish Cyprus and Ankara, building a pipeline through Turkey remains the most economical option. The report also stated that the rapprochement between Turkey and Israel will allow Ankara to cooperate with Jerusalem on a gas project, and that Yildiz has already begun planning for possible options.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told the Turkish Star last week that Ankara will not accept Israel’s interference in any Muslim country, thus ruling out cooperation with Jerusalem over the crisis in Syria. He also said that the negotiations over the Mavi Marmara flotilla and the conflict in Syria were two separate issues.

To read the entire article click here.

State destroys illegal Beduin outpost for 50th time

by Ariel Ben Solomon
Jerusalem Post
May 12, 2013

After bulldozers destroy the village, one Beduin man claims he now lives in the village cemetery, the only structure left standing.

Resident Aziz Al-Toro speaks in al-Arakib last week. Photo: Ariel Ben Solomon

Police demolished structures for the 50th time in two years at the former illegal Beduin village of al-Arakib in the Negev on Thursday, according to the Palestinian Ma’an News Agency.

A large police force and bulldozers came in to destroy homes, former resident Aziz al-Toro told the news agency.

The Jerusalem Post spoke with Toro last week in al-Arakib; he said he was born in the village and now lives in the cemetery, which was the only structure left standing. He expressed his determination to stay and rebuild the village.

Ma’an quoted Toro as expressing the same sentiment after the bulldozing of the village: “We confirmed that we will stay steadfast in our lands, despite the injustice and tyranny of the Israeli authority.... We will rebuild our houses, even if they demolish them [a] thousand times,” he said.

Ari Briggs – international director for Regavim, an NGO that seeks to ensure responsible, legal and accountable use of Israel’s national lands – told the Post in reaction to the report, “Regavim is happy to hear that the police are enforcing the law in this illegal village and would like to see the police apply the law equally throughout the region where there are thousands of illegal buildings.”

To read the entire article click here.

NGO: Decrease in child allotments will hurt Arabs

by Ariel Ben Solomon
Jerusalem Post
May 10, 2013

Yesh Atid MK Lipman tells 'Post' that Lapid budget will help haredim and Arabs with programs to help them join workforce.

First grade school children Photo: Marc Sellem Israel/The Jerusalem Post

Adalah – The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel called on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Yair Lapid on Thursday to cancel the planned cuts in child allotments, which they claim primarily hurt Arabs, where more than half of the children are living below the poverty line.

Sawsan Zaher, a lawyer and director of the social and economic rights unit at Adalah, told The Jerusalem Post that her organization works against anything that negatively affects the Arab sector. She added that the bill would also hurt the haredim (ultra-Orthodox) who tend to have larger families.

Adalah, an NGO, released a press statement saying the new budget, that reduces child allotments from NIS 175 to 140 a month, will have a significant impact for families with many children. Today, a family of six receives NIS 1,938 a month and this would decrease to NIS 840 under the new plan.

To read the entire article click here.

After Syria attack, Assad seeks Hezbollah support

by Ariel Ben Solomon
Jerusalem Post
May 10, 2013

Analysis: Syrian leader says he may pass more advanced weapons to Lebanese group – a move Nasrallah welcomes, and that could change the region’s strategic balance.


A screenshot from footage claimed to be of an alleged Israeli air strike in Syria, May 4, 2013. Photo: Screenshot

Israel’s alleged attack against Syria seems to have led President Bashar Assad to hunker down and more fully align his regime with the Iran-Hezbollah axis. As he fights for his regime’s survival, holding on to what some analysts say could become an Alawite ministate, he is publicly moving to a more hostile position vis-à-vis Israel and the West.

Assad told a local Lebanese paper that Syria was becoming a resistance state similar to the one Hezbollah has created in Lebanon.

“We have decided that we must advance toward them and turn into a resistance nation like Hezbollah [did in Lebanon], for the sake of Syria and future generations,” Assad told the Al-Akhbardaily on Thursday, according to the Lebanese Daily Star.

He added that Syria would be cooperating more closely with Hezbollah, stating, “That’s why we have decided to give them everything.”

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah echoed this sentiment, with the Now Lebanon website quoting him as stating on Thursday that Syria’s role in the resistance against Israel was important and strategic. He then moved to accept Syria’s offer for new arms, saying, “We are ready to receive any sort of physical weaponry, even if it is going to disturb the balance [in the region].”

To read the entire article click here.

'Syria to permit Palestinians to attack Israel'

by Ariel Ben Solomon
Jerusalem Post
May 7, 2013

Ban condemns detention of four UN peacekeepers monitoring cease-fire line in Golan Heights.


Palestinians in Syria protest [file] Photo: REUTERS

Following alleged Israeli air strikes near Damascus over the weekend, Syrian authorities have considered allowing Palestinian armed groups to launch attacks against Israel across the Golan Heights border, Syrian daily Al Watan reported on Monday.

According to the report, the initiative was set to be discussed in upcoming meetings between Syria and Palestinian faction leaders, said Khalid Abd al-Majid, secretary-general of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front.

In light of recent developments, Syria has the “right and duty to respond using all available means,” Majid was reported as saying.

Majid’s faction is close to the Syrian regime, and the strength of the forces under his control is subject to dispute.

Prof. Eyal Zisser – an expert on Syria at Tel Aviv University’s Moshe Dayan Center – told The Jerusalem Post he doubts the report because there is no real presence of strong Palestinian forces that would be able to carry out such an attack.

However, Zisser did not rule out the possibility that Syrian President Bashar Assad might attack Israel in an indirect manner, via a third party.

To read the entire article click here.

Draft law passed to regulate Beduin settlement

by Ariel Ben Solomon
Jerusalem Post
May 6, 2013

Proposed map would clearly demarcate Negev land, provide for new Jewish community near Arad.


View of illegal beduin settlements Photo: Ariel Ben Solomon

On Monday, the Ministerial Committee for Legislation reviewed a draft law known as the Prawer-Begin plan for regulating Beduin settlement in the Negev.

The Jerusalem Post received a statement from the office of Bayit Yehudi MK Ayelet Shaked stating that the bill was passed after some changes were made to garner the support of those in opposition.

Construction and Housing Minister Uri Ariel (Bayit Yehudi) came to an agreement with Benny Begin, who has been responsible for putting together and promoting his plan for resolving the Beduin issue.

The first demand that was met in the redrafted proposal was an agreement to first draw up a specific map that includes exact details of the plan, which delineates the areas that would be given to Beduin and those reserved for the state or Jewish settlement. Second, a ministerial committee headed by the Prime Minister will be established to monitor the implementation of the plan. Third, the timetable of the plan would be shortened from five years to three. And fourth, a Jewish settlement would be established on the outskirts of Arad in the Negev.

To read the entire article click here.