Rockets 'fired from Lebanon hit Israel'

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/11/201111290937555890.html

 

Israel hits suspected Lebanon rocket sites

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/11/201111297555593841.html

 

I've got no idea where but someone some place must have blinked. Yesterday we had rockets and artillery exchanges and today Israel releases Palestinian funds.

Israel to release frozen Palestinian funds
PM says money owed to PA to be freed as Palestinians appeared to have suspended "unilateral moves" for UN recognition.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/11/20111130122540554749.html

 

Panetta: Israel must 'get to the damn table'
US defence secretary urges Israel to resume negotiations with Palestinians and mend ties with regional powers.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/12/20111231539907422.html

 

I don't know why Panetta said that, he can't sway or influence Israel.

Obama has said more than that to them and they blew him off as well.

 

The 2008 Israeli invasion of the Gaza strip did not occur in a vacuum. Before you condemn Israel for conducting an unprovoked attack on Hamas, perhaps you might want to look at the incidents that lead to the attack.

I organized my information by dates so it would be easier for you to follow but I got all my information and cut and pasted it from Wikipedia so you can verify it for accuracy.

The Gaza War, known as Operation Cast Lead in Israel and as the Gaza Massacre in the Arab world, was a three-week bombing and invasion of the Gaza Strip by Israel, and hundreds of rocket attacks on Israel by the Palestinians, which started on December 27, 2008. Israel's stated aim was to stop rocket fire into Israel and arms import into the Gaza strip. Israeli forces attacked police stations and other Hamas government buildings in the opening assault, striking in the densely populated cities of Gaza, Khan Younis and Rafah.

Background</SPAN>
November 4 incident</SPAN>

On November 4, 2008, Israel launched a military strike on Hamas to destroy what Israel said was a tunnel on the Gaza-Israel border dug by militants to infiltrate into Israel and abduct soldiers. According to Israel, the raid was not a violation of the ceasefire, but a legitimate step to remove an immediate threat.

A gunfight broke out, in which one Hamas fighter was killed. Hamas responded with a barrage of mortar and rocket fire at Israeli troops. Three Israeli air strikes on Hamas mortar and rocket positions then killed five Hamas fighters. Hamas said it would take revenge for what it perceived as an act of Israeli aggression that had violated the truce. Hamas launched 35 rockets into southern Israel in what was described by Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum as a "response to Israel's massive breach of the truce.

The Intensity of rocket attacks targeted at Israeli cities near Gaza sharply increased during November 2008, approaching pre-truce levels. Clashes also took place along the border, during which 11 Palestinian militants were killed.. In the period between November 4 incident and mid-December, more than 200 Qassam rockets and mortar shells landed in the western Negev region of Israel.

On December 14, a Hamas delegation in Cairo proposed that Hamas was prepared to stop all rocket attacks against Israel if the Israelis would open up and not be allowed to close or reduce commercial traffic through the Gaza border crossings and pledge not to launch attacks in Gaza. On the same day, Hamas officials told that earlier reports, quoting Khaled Meshaal as saying there would be no renewal of the truce, were inaccurate.

On December 18, a day before the truce officially expired, Hamas declared the end of the cease-fire. More than 20 rockets were launched from Gaza into southern Israel on that day.

On December 19, Hamas refused to enter talks to renew the six-month truce and Hamas spokesman announced that it would not extend the cease-fire.

December 21. Diskin said he thought Hamas was "interested in continuing the truce, but wants to improve its terms... Three Qassam rockets fired from the northern Gaza Strip landed in Israel.

On December 22, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that his country will not accept the ongoing rocket fire from the Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

On December 23, senior Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar said that Hamas was willing to renew the cease-fire under the original terms. Despite the temporary ceasefire declared by the armed Palestinian factions, eight Qassam rockets and eight mortar shells hit Israeli Negev on that day. Also that day, Israeli Defense Forces killed three Palestinian militants, caught planting explosives on the border.

On December 24, an Israeli air strike hit a group of militants in Gaza Strip. An Israeli military spokesman said that the militants had fired mortars at Israel. Palestinian medics said that one Hamas militant was killed in the strike and two other Palestinians were wounded, including a cameraman from Hamas's television station. On that day, Hamas military wing issued a statement saying that it began an operation code-named "Operation Oil Stain". 87 Palestinian mortar shells, Katyusha and Qassam rockets hit the Negev. Al-Qassa Brigades said they are going to expand the "Oil Stain" to put thousands of Israelis "under fire". Hamas said they are ready for the war:

On December 25, after Israel had "wrapped up preparations for a broad offensive," Israeli Prime MinisterEhud Olmert delivered a final warning in an interview with the Arabic language satellite channel al-Arabiya. He said "I am telling them now, it may be the last minute, I'm telling them stop it. We are stronger." Another 6 Qassams landed in southern Israel.

------------------------------

It takes two to tango and Hamas provoked the attacks by it's many hostile acts. Furthermore, they put their fighters and rocket and mortar launchers in heavily populated areas of the city thereby assuring that they would sustain major civilian casualties that they could them exploit for propaganda purposes.

HD

 

If the United States shared a border with a country where a political party that was dedicated in its charter to the destruction of the United States won elections, and if rockets were fired from that country into the United States, we would not negotiate with that country, we would annihilate that country. We would kill everything but the rats and the cockroaches.

The forbearance of the Israelis in the face of intolerable provocations by sub human maniacs is incomprehensible to me.

 

read nothing in this thread but...

Just had a thought what if while they doing their peace negotiation talks, a naked person streaked between them?

 

Israelis don't have a problem with nudity. However, the Arabs would probably call for her head (if it was a woman). Talk about too much ankle!

 

They prob would think those two round things on chest are bombs

 

Guardian investigation uncovers evidence of alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza

Palestinians claim children were used as human shields and hospitals targeted during 23-day conflict

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/23/israel-gaza-war-crimes-guardian

 

Some people here like to point out Israeli actions taken during the war while totally ignoring the actions of Hamas.

They condemn Israel for civilian casualties that occurred while Israel was fighting Hamas forces that chose to fight from civilian neighborhoods while dressed in civilian clothing.... but ignore Israeli civilian casualties resulting from Hamas rocket and mortar attacks on Israeli civilian areas that were far from the fighting. Why is that not considered a war crime?

Here I cut and paste from a Wikipedia article on the Gaza war.

Controversial tactics used by Hamas

Use of civilian clothes by Hamas combatants

Several reports stated that Hamas fighters shed their uniforms shortly after the start of the ground incursion.[268][269][270][271][272] Reports said that unwilling to come into the open space, Hamas militants are fighting in civilian clothes; even the police have been reportedly ordered to take off their uniforms.[129] An eyewitness to the only incident investigated by the UN mission that clearly involved Palestinian combatants said that three Palestinian fighters Israeli troops had surrounded in his neighbour's house were, "wearing military camouflage and headbands of the al-Qassam Brigades."[273] The UN Mission did note that reports by other human rights groups indicate that not all members of Palestinians armed groups were always dressed in military uniform.[273] In another instance Hamada Al-Samouni, a survivor of the Zeitoun incident, said he had seen the bodies of eight Hamas fighters dressed in civilian clothing lying in the streets around Zeitoun.[274]

Use of densely populated areas by Hamas combatants

The NY Times quotes a study published by the Israel-based Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, charging Hamas with methodically building its military infrastructure in the heart of population centers. According to the study, Hamas not only hides among the population, but has made a main component of its combat strategy "channeling" the army into the densely populated areas to fight.[275]
On October 16, 2009 the former commander of the British forces in Afghanistan Col. Richard Kemp delivered a statement at UN Human Rights Council 12th Special Session. He testified:

“During Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli Defense Forces did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare. Israel did so while facing an enemy that deliberately positioned its military capability behind the human shield of the civilian population.[276][277]”


Use of medical facilities and uniforms by Hamas combatants

Several testimonies from local Gazan population and from IDF soldiers stated that Hamas operatives donned medic uniforms and commandeered ambulances for fighters transportation.[203][278][279][280] After the Israeli airstrike on the central prison which resulted in prisoners being released into the streets, several of the 115 prisoners accused of collaboration with Israel who had not yet been tried, were executed by Hamas militants in civilian clothes in the Shifa hospital compound.[281] An IDF probe released on April 22, 2009, stated that an incident involving a UN vehicle attacked by the IDF occurred after the IDF identified a Palestinian anti-tank squad disembarking from the vehicle.[278] The Palestinian Authority's Health Ministry accused the Hamas-run government's security services of using several hospitals and clinics in Gaza as interrogation and detention centers, where medical staffers have been expelled, during and after the war.[282] The IDF probe made similar charges and stated that Hamas operated a command and control center inside Shifa Hospital in the Gaza City throughout the War.[283]
Amnesty International rejected the charges by Israel that Hamas had systematically used medical facilities, vehicles and uniforms as a cover, stating that no evidence had been provided proving such actions.[284] Further, Magen David Adom's submission to UN Mission investigating the war stated that, "there was no use of PRCS ambulances for the transport of weapons or ammunition ... [and] there was no misuse of the emblem by PRCS

=================

The people that post the "anti Israeli" accusations, know all about how Hamas conducted themselves during the war but choose to ignore that information because it does not support their prejudice and bigoted views.

HD
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I found this story interesting on several levels. First because its not really attributed to anyone. Just a bunch of anonymous sources. So I had to wonder if that's the case why's it there in Politico? And I'd be open to anyone's guess or analysis.

Israel upset with Clinton

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/69751.html#ixzz1fd1XNgYQ
​

​

 

It sure looks to me like the Obama Administration is engaged in a full court press to make Israel return to the peace negoations. And some in the administration like Leon Panetta are going where angels fear to tread.Israel should emulate MSNBC?

http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/1211/leon_panetta_bf4ddc3a-992d-4517-8291-866ff6068cb0.html

 

How's this for pressure?

Obama backs envoy after Israel remarks
President's opponents called for US envoy to Belgium to be fired over comments linking Israeli actions to anti-Semitism.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2011/12/2011126231822136.html

 

I doubt many if any will read this article but its one of the best I've seen in describing both the history of US politics with Israel and the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as the current state of relations which clearly shows an erosion in the blind support Israel has always enjoyed before.

Israel rift roils Democratic ranks

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/69929.html

 

Now this could be real trouble and while it appears the Israeli authorities are taking it very seriously I have my doubts about that.

Jerusalem Mosque Torched

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/14/jerusalem-mosque-torched_n_1147705.html

 

Israel set to release Palestinians under deal
​

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/12/20111215101725232496.html

 

Ok now this is a problem. I don't know how many of you have noticed but ever since some South American nations started recognizing Palestine as a state there has been lots of reports that there are suspected terrorist connections between South American countries and the Palestinians.

Fine, lets see the Israel supporters try to claim Iceland is in cahoots with with terrorists.:excited:

Iceland recognises Palestinian state
​

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2011/12/2011121520139228504.html

 

American Jews eye Obama's 'anti-Israel' appointees

Nominees have been accused of being anti-Israel and touted as evidence showing Obama's bias.

By Natasha Mozgovaya Tags: Israel news


Every appointee to the American government must endure a thorough background check by the American Jewish community.
In the case of Obama's government in particular, every criticism against Israel made by a potential government appointee has become a catalyst for debate about whether appointing "another leftist" offers proof that Obama does not truly support Israel.

A few months ago, boisterous protests by the American Jewish community helped foil the appointment of Chaz Freeman to chair the National Intelligence Council, citing his "anti-Israel leaning."
The next attempt to appoint an intelligence aide, in this case, former Republican senator Chuck Hagel, also resulted in vast criticism over his not having a pro-Israel record.
American Zionists are urging Obama to cancel Hagel's appointment because of what they call a long and problematic record of hostility toward Israel.
The president of the Zionist Organization of America, Morton A. Klein, described Hagel's nomination as such: "Any American who is concerned about Iran's drive to obtain nuclear weapons, maintaining the Israeli-U.S. relationship and supporting Israel in its legitimate fight to protect her citizens from terrorism should oppose this appointment."
Republican Jews have also protested Hagel's appointment, citing an incident in 2004 when Hagel refused to sign a letter calling on then-president George Bush to speak about Iran's nuclear program at the G8 summit that year.
In August of 2006, Hagel refused to sign a letter requesting the UN declare Hezbollah a terrorist organization.
In a speech at the conference of self-declared "pro-peace, pro-Israel" lobby J Street, Hagel spoke about his views on the issue of Israel and the Middle East.
"The United States' support for Israel need not be - nor should it be - an either-or proposition that dictates our relationships with our Arab allies and friends. The U.S. has a long and special relationship with Israel, but it must not come at the expense of our Arab relationships," Hagel said.
The latest round of heated debate has been over the nomination of Hannah Rosenthal to head the Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism in the Obama administration.
Rosenthal, who is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, served as a Health Department regional director under the Clinton administration, and held positions in different left-leaning Jewish organizations.
Between 2000 and 2005, Rosenthal was the head of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs; she was also the executive director of the Chicago Foundation for Women. In recent years, she has served on the advisory board of the J Street lobby.
The president of Americans for Peace Now lauded Obama's appointment of Rosenthal. Even Anti-Defamation League chairman Abraham Foxman came out in support of Rosenthal's appointment.
"This appointment signals the continued seriousness of America?s resolve to fight anti-Semitism," Foxman said in a statement.
Shortly after the announcement of Rosenthal's nomination, conservative Jewish web sites began to attack her, some of them declaring that Obama appointed an anti-Israeli to fight anti-Semitism.
Rumors brewed that she had accused Israel of systemically strengthening anti-Semitism. Bloggers argued that her appointment would cause Jews and Israelis to cast doubt on Obama and his relationship with Israel.
In one of her articles, Rosenthal criticized conservative voices in the Jewish community who she accused of taking over the discourse regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"It's a scary time, with people losing the ability to differentiate between a Jew, any Jew, and what's going on in Israel," Rosenthal said.
In an interview with the new online Jewish magazine, Tablet, Rosenthal said that she loves Israel.
"I have lived in Israel. I go back and visit every chance I can. I consider it part of my heart. And because I love it so much, I want to see it safe and secure and free and democratic and living safely," Rosenthal said.


http://www.haaretz.com/news/american-jews-eye-obama-s-anti-israel-appointees-1.2773