Discussion about 09/11/2001: [imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1359 (15 messages)

Thursday, March 30, 2006

[imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1359 (15 messages)

imra Thu Mar 30 00:22:02 2006 Volume 2 : Issue 1359

In this issue of the imra daily Digest:

Khartoum Summit Declaration
The Israeli Elections and the Palestinian Peace Pulse
Excerpts Questionable report on pro-Israel
impact.Palestinian uncertainty..29 March 2006
Olmert's remarks about talks with Abbas misinterpreted?
Called for PA to act - then talk
Likud members being polled in choice
between Netanyahu and Shalom
For first time, Palestinians fire Katyusha rocket from Gaza
Suicide Bombing Thwarted
Hamas: Ideological commitment to radical Islam
& constraints of Palestinian political reality
The Opening of A Formal Investigation Regarding
the Palestinian Shepard Killed Near the Fence In the Gaza Strip
Navy joins war on Qassams
[also shoot at empty fields]
MEMRITV: Palestinian MPs Shout for Jihad
as Hamas Gov't Wins Confidence Vote
"Death for the sake of Allah is our most lofty aspiration"
US President Bush to Acting PM Olmert: We Will Meet Soon
Acting PM Olmert Speaks With Four World Leaders
B'nai Brith Canada applauds Government
for standing firm on Hamas
POLLARD BANNER CAMPAIGN

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Khartoum Summit Declaration

Khartoum Summit Declaration
www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Mar/28/559939400.htm

Khartoum, Mar.28 (Petra-Jordan News Agency) Arab leaders meeting in Khartoum
in the 18th Arab League Summit on Tuesday reaffirmed their adherence to the
Arab peace initiative approved at Beirut Summit in 2002 to settle the
Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of the relevant international resolutions
and to establish just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.

" Just and lasting peace in the Middle East can only be realized through
Israel's complete withdrawal from all the occupied Palestinian and Arab
lands including the Golan Heights and the territories in southern Lebanon
and through resolving the refugee issues according the UN General Assembly
resolution 194," said "Khartoum Declaration" that will be issued at the
conclusion of the summit deliberations.

The declaration of which Petra has solely got a copy affirmed the Arab
states' commitment to continue their financial support to the Palestinian
Authority according to the mechanism agreed upon at Beirut summit and to
contribute to Al Aqsa fund to help develop the Palestinian economy and free
it from Israel's economic grip.

The Arab leaders also voiced total support to Syria in face of U.S.
pressures and considered the law of "Syria Accountability" a violation of
the international law and the UN resolutions. They also expressed solidarity
with Lebanon's sovereign right to exercise its political options according
to its constitutional institutions and declared their support to the ongoing
national dialogue in Lebanon.

The declaration expressed solidarity with the Iraqi people and called for
respecting Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It urged for
accelerating measures to form an Iraqi national government that represent
all Iraqis and strongly condemned attacks on holy shrines in Iraq.

The declaration paid tribute to the democratic experience in the Palestinian
territories demonstrated in recent fair and honest elections. It also voiced
full support to the Palestinian National Authority and called upon the world
community to respect the Palestinian people's will in choosing their
leadership and stressed rejection to Israel's unilateral plans in the
occupied territories.
The declaration underlined the necessity to enhance cooperation, mutual
respect and dialogue amongst world nations. Respect to holy shrines and
religions is a crucial to build bridges of confidence and friendship between
nations," said the declaration, which firmly condemned insult to Prophet
Mohammad(PBUH) and desecration of religious sanctuaries.

The statement also called for increasing Arab investment particularly in
agricultural sector and animal wealth including the utilization of Sudan's
natural resources to help realize Arab food security.

The Arab leaders welcomed inclusive peace agreement in Sudan and all the
steps taken to put the agreement into effect. They also urged the concerned
regional and international parties to work for restoring stability and
security to Sudan. They also voiced support to the African Union in its
efforts to settle the Darfur crisis.

At the regional level, the declaration called Iran to withdraw from the
three Arab Island and bring them to the United Arab Emirates. This will help
maintain closer relations between Iran and the Arab world, said the
declaration.

It also underlined the importance of increasing Arab-African cooperation and
reactivate institutions involved in Afro-Arab activities.

The declaration called for conducting reforms in the world order in a way
that enhances the UN competence in face of world challenges.

Petra/ Injadat

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: The Israeli Elections and the Palestinian Peace Pulse

The Israeli Elections and the Palestinian Peace Pulse
Near East Consulting (NEC)
POB 4, Ramallah, Palestine
T. +970-2-296-1436
info@neareastconsulting.com
www.neareastconsulting.com/

Methodology

During the period 23-26 March, 2006, Near East Consulting (NEC) conducted a
phone
survey of over 1,200 randomly selected Palestinians in the West Bank, the
Gaza Strip,
and Jerusalem of which 701 were successfully completed. The survey covered a
number of issues related to factional trust, support for the peace process,
and the
upcoming Israeli elections. It is worth noting that 60% of households in the
Palestinian
territories have phone connectivity. Previous surveys conducted by the
researchers at
NEC do not show much difference in the political attitudes between
households who own
phone lines and those who do not. Finally, the margin of error is +/- 3.6%
with a 95%
confidence level.

www.neareastconsulting.com/surveys/peace/03/

Which political or religious faction do you trust most?
41.9%Hamas
26.1%Fateh
2.6%PFLP
2.1%Other
27.3%I do not trust anyone

Do you support or oppose a peace settlement with Israel?
75.9%I support a peace agreement with Israel
24.1%I oppose a peace agreement with Israel

Do you think that Hamas should maintain its position on the elimination of
the state of Israel?
31.9%Yes
68.1%No

What is your understanding of a peace settlement? Is it:
26.1%A prolonged "hudna"
36.5%A final agreement ending the conflict
22%A gradual process settling areas of contention
15.4%I do not believe in any kind of peace settlement

Concerning the upcoming Israeli elections, of the following three parties,
which would you want to win the elections next week?
07.3%kadima
25.7%Labor
04.3%Likud
62.8%it does not matter

Still concerning Israel, which party in your opinion is most likely to reach
a peace agreement with the Palestinians?
09.1%kadima
28.5%Labor
06.2%Likud
56.1%They are all the same

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Excerpts Questionable report on pro-Israel
impact.Palestinian uncertainty..29 March 2006

Excerpts Questionable report on pro-Israel impact.Palestinian
uncertainty..29 March 2006

+++ARAB NEWS (Saudi) 29 Mar.'06
"Harvard to Remove Its Logo and Distance Itself From Pro-Israel Lobby"
Barbara Ferguson, Arab News -

QUOTES FROM TEXT:
"[Report states]American foreign policy ... subordinate to Israeli
interests"

"no new revalations or insights, is riddled with factual errors and makes
arguments ... from extremists on the margins of America's political arena"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCERPTS:
WASHINGTON, 29 March 2006 - Following the fury detonated by two eminent
professors who challenged the value of the pro-Israel lobby's impact on
American foreign policy, Harvard University said it will remove its logo
from the study in order to distance itself from the paper's conclusions.
... the controversial study,..."The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy,"
... ..
[The authors] argue that the "unwavering support" of the US for Israel
cannot be justified on strategic or moral grounds and is a result of a
powerful and pernicious "lobby." ... that American foreign policy has been
subordinate to Israeli interests and accused the pro-Israel lobby of
responsibility for America's invasion of Iraq.
Part of that lobbying influence, they claim, extends deep into ...Washington
think tanks - not only the neoconservative and right-wing institutions, but
also liberal ones.
The head of the liberal Brookings Institute forcefully rejected their claims
that his prestigious Washington think-tank was part of the "pro-Israel
chorus." ....
The report ... describes "the Israel lobby" as a "loose coalition" of
politicians, media outlets, research institutions, Jewish groups and
Evangelical Christians that steers America's Middle East policy in
directions beneficial to Israel, even if it requires harming American
interests.
The report appears to have caused little mention in the mainstream press ...
.. . .
"The truth is that this really wouldn't be worth spending any time
discussing if not for the fact of where these people are located and what
their reputations are," said Ken Jacobson, associate national director of
the Anti-Defamation League told reporters.
He said the paper contains no new revelations or insights, is riddled with
factual errors and makes arguments that the ADL is accustomed to dealing
with from extremists on the margins of America's political arena. . . .

+++THE DAILY STAR (Lebanon) 29 Mar.'06:
"Hamas joins the ranks of the world's unpopular leaders"
QUOTES FROM TEXT:
"Hamas ... did not win on the basis of their own popularity, but on the
unpopularity of their
political oponents in Fatah"

"The right party for Hamas to be addressing now is Israel"

"Hamas wants peace, but will not recognize Israel"

"let the Islamist party stew in its own juices"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------EXCERPTS:
Editorial
... , Hamas joined the ranks of the world's unpopular leaders. Yes, Hamas
members swept to victory in the last elections; however, they did not win on
the basis of their own popularity, but on the unpopularity of their
political opponents in Fatah. Perhaps if ... Arafat had ... focused more on
internal affairs and put his party's house in order. He could have paved the
way for a Fatah victory in the elections. ....
The reality is that like them or not, Hamas members are now the official
leaders of the Palestinian government. ...Hamas ... is not necessarily
politically astute. Hamas can, has and will continue to make mistakes. And
perhaps Hamas leader Ismail Haniyya's offer to start peace talks with the
Quartet was one of them. ...it was diplomatically all wrong. Such offers
cannot be made from soap boxes; they can only be made after the diplomatic
groundwork for peace talks have been laid. The right party for Hamas to be
addressing now is Israel, not the U.S. or the Quartet. But Hamas has not yet
learned the value of diplomacy. So let the Islamist party stew in its own
juices for now.
... Hamas, has also become entangled in its own double-talk: Hamas wants
peace, but will not recognize Israel ... . . . .

Sue Lerner, Associate - IMRA

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Olmert's remarks about talks with Abbas misinterpreted?
Called for PA to act - then talk

Olmert's remarks about talks with Abbas misinterpreted? Called for PA to
act - then talk
Dr. Aaron Lerner 29 March 2006

"If the Palestinians are wise enough to act, then in the near future we will
sit together at the negotiating table to create a new reality. If they do
not, Israel will take its destiny in hand," Olmert said in a speech to
Kadima leaders after his victory. "The time has come to act."
www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/699377.html

Israel Radio and others have opted to interpret this remark in headlines
"Olmert calls for talks with Abbas".

But that is not what Olmert said.

"If the Palestinians are wise enough to act" = if the Palestinians act now
to fulfill their Roadmap obligations to fight terror, etc.

"then" = this is a condition

"in the near future we will sit together at the negotiating table to create
a new reality"

"The time has come to act." = the time before Israel embarks on its
unilateral program is limited.

Put another way, Olmert has given the Palestinians a choice: either they
fight terror now and then negotiate with Israel from the current lines or
don't fight terror now and Israel will carry out a massive retreat and then
later at some future time they can then negotiate with what is left of
Israel.

It should be noted that Mr. Olmert now says that the retreat would be to
internationally recognized final borders. It remains to be seen if he will
allow the expected failure to receive international recognition of the
proposed post-retreat lines as "final borders" to stop him from retreating
anyway.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Likud members being polled in choice
between Netanyahu and Shalom

Likud members being polled in choice between Netanyahu and Shalom

Aaron Lerner Date: 29 March 2006

Less than 24 hours after the Likud defeat in the Knesset elections, a
computerized telephone poll of Likud members was carried out asking who
respondents would vote for if Silvan Shalom ran against Binyamin Netanyahu
to head the Likud.

The polling company did not indicate who commissioned the poll.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: For first time, Palestinians fire Katyusha rocket from Gaza

For first time, Palestinians fire Katyusha rocket from Gaza
By Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondent 29 March 2006
www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/699804.html

For the first time, Palestinians fired a 122mm Katyusha rocket, a much
longer-range projectile than the Qassam, from the Gaza Strip into Israel,
the IDF confirmed Tuesday night.

The Katyusha was fired Tuesday morning. It caused no injuries or damage.

Israel Channel 10 Television said the rocket was apparently fired by the
Islamic Jihad, which had vowed to try to disrupt the Tuesday general
election.

Remains of the rocket were discovered in searches of areas hit by rockets
south of Ashkelon.

Military sources said the potential range of the Katyusha is some 15
kilometers, about six kilometers longer than that of the Qassam.

This would place a much larger number of Israeli towns and villages in
danger of being hit by rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, including the
southern coastal city of Ashkelon.

It is believed that the Katyusha fired from Gaza was smuggled into the
Strip, apparently across the Gaza-Egypt border from Sinai.

Army Radio said the 122mm Katyusha fired Tuesday is a model used by Iran.

In recent years the Palestinian Authority and terror organizations have
tried on numerous occasions to smuggle Katyushas into the territories, but
until now, it was thought that Israel had succeeded in foiling all of the
attempts.

In January, 2002, dozens of Katyushas were aboard the Karine A arms ship,
when it was intercepted and impounded by Israeli forces.

Palestinian gunners have fired thousands of Qassams and mortars shells at
Israel over the past five years. Of late, the rate of fire has been
increasing, to two or more daily.

Katyushas were frequently fired by Hezbollah into northern Israel during
Israel's 18-year military presence in southern Lebanon, which ended in 2000.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Suicide Bombing Thwarted

March 29th, 2006
IDF SPOKESPERSON UPDATE

Suicide bombing thwarted

A Palestinian man wearing an explosive belt arrived at a checkpoint near the
Israeli community of Bekaot, east of Nablus, a short while ago. IDF soldiers
manning the crossing uncovered the belt during the man's security check. The
man was arrested and taken for questioning by security forces. Border Police
sappers are on location and will detonate the explosives in a controlled
manner.

[IMRA: The IDF soldiers were from the ultra-orthodox Nachal Haredi]

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Hamas: Ideological commitment to radical Islam
& constraints of Palestinian political reality

Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center
at the Center for Special Studies (C.S.S) March 27, 2006
www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/gj_hamas_e.htm

Ideological commitment to radical Islam vis-a-vis the constraints of
Palestinian political reality: faced with concerns voiced by global jihad
elements that Hamas might change its ways, spokesmen for the Hamas movement
clarify that it does not intend to change its fundamental positions. They
particularly stress the continuation of terrorism (the "resistance" and
jihad) and non-recognition of Israel.

Khaled Mash'al, head of the Hamas Political Bureau, in response to
Al-Zawahiri: there can be no criticizing Hamas since its policy is based on
the "resistance" (i.e., terrorism) and it refuses to yield to external
pressures exerted upon the movement (i.e., the demands of the international
community).

Ayman al-Zawahiri, Bin Laden's deputy, calls upon Hamas to adhere to the
rule of Islamic religious law, oppose the "capitulation agreements" signed
by the Palestinian Authority (i.e., the Oslo Accords), and continue the
jihad (holy war) against "the Crusader-Zionist foe".

Overview

Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama Bin Laden's deputy, addressed Hamas in an audio
tape and a video tape published in early March. Al-Zawahiri emphasized to
Hamas a series of basic principles in the spirit of radical Islam, which, as
he claimed, ought to guide Hamas on the Palestinian scene. In addition,
spokesmen for the Chechen separatists issued sharp criticism of the Hamas
movement against the backdrop of the visit of its delegation to Moscow .

Al-Zawahiri's call and the Chechen separatists' criticism indeed reflect a
concern prevalent among global jihad elements lest Hamas, having risen to
power, embrace a pragmatic policy and abandon its basic principles. Hamas
spokesmen, on their part, made it clear once again that the movement's entry
into politics has as its goal the promotion of the Palestinian people's
interests. They further stated that Hamas would not change its policy,
particularly on such issues as the non-recognition of Israel ,
non-recognition of agreements signed with it, and the continuation of the
armed struggle ("resistance" and jihad).
These expressions of concern, and the response given by Hamas, clearly
demonstrate the dilemmas faced by Hamas in the wake of its victory in the
Legislative Council elections. They reflect the inherent tension between
Hamas' ideological fundamental positions as a radical Islamic jihadist
movement and the constraints of the Palestinian political reality, at times
necessitating the movement to muffle its radical ideological messages
(without changing its fundamental positions) and find practical solutions to
the problems at hand.

Ayman al-Zawahiri warns Hamas against abandoning the principles of radical
Islam and the way of jihad

On the night of March 4-5, 2006, an audio tape was published on the global
jihad internet message boards on behalf of Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama Bin
Laden's deputy. A video version of the tape was broadcasted on Al-Jazeera
Television (March 5). Al-Zawahiri's statements were recorded during the
month of February under the title of "The [preferred] alternative is da'wah
1 and jihad". The tape, in which Al-Zawahiri calls Muslims to jihad (holy
war) against the corrupted Arab regimes and Western countries, also includes
an address on his behalf to the Hamas movement.

In the tapes, Al-Zawahiri emphasized to Hamas a series of basic principles
in the spirit of radical Islam, which, as he claimed, ought to guide Hamas
on the Palestinian scene: attaining power is a means to instate the rule of
Islamic religious law on earth rather than a goal unto itself; no one has a
right to give up one grain of the territory of Palestine, for it is an
Islamic land occupied by infidels; Palestine will not be liberated through
elections but rather by jihad for the sake of Allah; jihad for the
liberation of Palestine is a personal duty of every Muslim and not just of
the Palestinians; participating in the Legislative Council alongside secular
representatives who "sold" Palestine is contrary to the values of Islam; the
agreements between the Palestinian Authority and Israel ("the capitulation
agreements"), which are contrary to Islamic religious law, must not be
upheld.

Senior Hamas spokesmen were quick to respond to the above statements by
rejecting them, in fact, claiming that in practice, Hamas did not change its
basic principles: Khaled Mash'al, head of the Hamas political bureau, stated
that there can be no criticizing of Hamas, since its policy is based on the
"resistance" (i.e., terrorism). He added apologetically that every movement
must deal with politics (which, as may be inferred, has negative image), but
that Hamas was doing it out of "self-respect" and "refusal to yield to
external pressures" (Dunya al-Watan, March 5). Osama Hamdan, a Hamas
representative in Lebanon, declared that the Hamas movement had participated
in the elections to effect a change in Palestinian politics that would serve
the "resistance and jihad" , while refusing to recognize the "Zionist
entity" (Al-Jazeera Television, March 5). Mahmoud al-Zahar, Hamas'
candidate for Foreign Minister in the new government, stressed that Hamas
had no intentions of abandoning the way of "resistance" (i.e., terrorism)
but rather to strengthen it (Al-Jazeera, March 5).

Criticism by the Chechen separatists and the Hamas' response

The tension between the fundamental ideological positions and the
constraints of political reality was reflected in the visit of the Hamas
delegation in Russia . The Hamas movement's long-standing empathy with the
Chechen separatists and the terrorism they use against Russia did not stop
it from quickly responding positively to President Putin's invitation to
visit Moscow . 2 In the wake of the visit (March 3-4), and against the
backdrop of statements made by the Hamas delegation during it, the Hamas was
criticized by the Chechen separatists, who had formerly enjoyed the Hamas'
ideological support and expressions of sympathy.

Ahmed Zakayev, a senior representative of the Chechen separatists, accused
Hamas of putting the Russian government's interests ahead of the interests
of religious solidarity with the Muslims in Chechnya . He called upon Khaled
Mash'al and Hamas not to alienate themselves from their Chechen brothers,
since " Palestine , Chechnya , Iraq , Afghanistan [are] all Muslim lands",
whose peoples fight against the "infidel foe". Ahmed Zakayev called upon
Hamas to implement the Islamic religious law to the letter, oppose any past
agreements signed by "the traitors" (i.e., the Palestinian Authority and the
PLO), and continue jihad to "return the lands of Islam to the faith of
Islam". 3 Movledi Odogov, another spokesman for the Chechen separatists,
also lashed out against Hamas, stating that the delegation about to visit
Russia would shake the hands of "the murderers of the Muslims in Chechnya ",
who had "committed appalling crimes". He added that Hamas would be naive to
expect that Russia , under Putin's leadership, would recognize Hamas and
become a political partner of the Palestinians. 4
Isma'il Abd al-Latif Muhammad al-Ashqar, a member of the Hamas faction in
the Legislative Council, has responded to this criticism by saying that the
Hamas movement well understands the criticism of the "Chechen brothers".
Hamas is well aware of the Chechens' pain and distress and demands freedom
to the Muslim Chechen people; yet at the same time Hamas needs the support
of a power such as Russia to stand on the side of the Palestinian people.
Isma'il al-Ashqar added that Hamas was always putting the interests of the
Palestinian people ahead of any other interest (Islam Online, March 6).
Thus, in fact, he presented a clear example of the dilemma faced by Hamas:
the contradiction between an Islamic ideology of global reach and particular
Palestinian interests. In the past, Hamas attempted to theoretically bridge
this contradiction in its charter (1988), but now, having won the
Legislative Council elections, it has resurfaced once again.

1 Da'wah -spreading Islam through preaching, propaganda, and
religious-political indoctrination carried out in an educational-cultural or
any other method. Da'wah is geared towards changing the belief systems and
values of human beings (including moderate Muslims), transforming them into
Muslim believers. The Hamas movement and radical Islamic movements worldwide
place significant emphasis on the da'wah institutions (schools, mosques,
charity associations, and various publications) as a means to spread the
ideas of radical Islam.

2 On Hamas' empathy with the Chechens, see Information Bulletin dated
September 2004 on the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center website.

3 From the website of Sheikh Hamed al-Ali, which also serves as a mouthpiece
for the Chechen separatists (March 5, 2006). Sheikh Hamed Bin Abdallah Ahmed
al-Ali is an extremist scholar on Islamic religious law, and a lecturer on
Islamic culture in Kuwait . He writes and teaches about Islamic law. He had
previously justified suicide bombing attacks in a religious ruling published
on the Hamas website.

4 Reuters, Moscow , March 3, citing the www.kavkazcentrr.com website.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: The Opening of A Formal Investigation Regarding
the Palestinian Shepard Killed Near the Fence In the Gaza Strip

March 29th, 2006
IDF SPOKESPERSON ANNOUNCEMENT

On Tuesday, March 28th 2006, the IDF Judge Advocate General instructed that
a formal Military Police investigation be launched into the circumstances of
the death of Naifa Mohammad Hussein Abu-Mas'oud, a 25 year old Palestinian
Shepherd who was killed near the security fence between Israel and the Gaza
Strip on February 13th 2006. Mas'oud was killed by an IDF force patrolling
near the fence. The Judge Advocate General ordered that a formal Military
Police investigation be opened following suspicions that the force did not
act in accordance with regulations.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Navy joins war on Qassams
[also shoot at empty fields]

Navy joins war on Qassams

For first time Wednesday, IDF vessels shell rocket launching sites in Gaza
Strip
Hanan Greenberg YNET 29 March 2006
www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3234036,00.html

The navy has joined the IDF's war on rocket attacks from Gaza Wednesday,
when for the first time vessels shelled Qassam rocket launching sites in the
Strip.

In recent months the IDF has been directing artillery shells at areas in
Gaza used by rocket launching cells, mostly in the northern part of the
Strip, in a bid to deter terror cells from operating there.

In the course of these bombardments, which in some cases lasted hours at a
time, dozens of shells were launched. The IDF has ensured the fire is very
accurate and never aimed at populated areas, in order to refrain from
hurting innocent Palestinian civilians.

Army sources noted that while the artillery attack sin Gaza do to some
extent help deter and push bck terrorists, they represent only
a part of the operations undertaken to counter the rocket threat.

In an effort to target additional regions in the Strip, army officials
decided the navy should also join the fight against Qassams. Consequently,
on Wednesday afternoon Dvora and Shaldag-type ships, which take part in
routine security operations along the Strip's coast, fired shells at Qassam
launching sites in the northern Strip, to complement ground operations.

5 Qassams fired at Israel

Earlier Wednesday, five Qassam rockets were fired at Israel. The Red Dawn
alert system identified at least four rockets that fell in open areas in the
western Negev.

Earlier a Qassam had fallen in Palestinian territory. No one was injured and
no damages were reported

On Tuesday morning a Katyusha rocket was fired at Ashkelon from the northern
Gaza Strip. The rocket landed south of the city, causing no injuries or
damage. The incident marked the first time Palestinians fire Katyushas from
the Gaza Strip. The al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic
Jihad, claimed responsibility for the attack.

The group said the rocket was a Russian-made Grad and added it "waited until
the enemy's confirmation before claiming responsibility."

(03.29.06, 20:34)

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: MEMRITV: Palestinian MPs Shout for Jihad
as Hamas Gov't Wins Confidence Vote
"Death for the sake of Allah is our most lofty aspiration"

[IMRA: Those who engage in mental gymnastics, sanitizing the term "Jihad",
should take note of the follow up cry "Death for the sake of Allah is our
most lofty aspiration".]

The following are excerpts from the PA Legislative Council meeting granting
Hamas a vote of confidence, aired on Al-Jazeera TV on March 28, 2006.

TO VIEW THIS CLIP: www.memritv.org/search.asp?ACT=S9&P1=1089

*Clip # 1089 - Palestinian MPs Shout "Jihad Is Our Path" as Hamas Government
Wins Confidence Vote

Parliament Speaker Aziz Dweik: The 10th Plestinian government, headed by the
Palestinian prime minister, brother Ismai'l Haniya, has gained the absolute
majority of the votes of the Legislative Council members.

[...]

Hamas MP: Allah Akbar, Allah be praised.

Other MPs: Allah Akbar, Allah be praised.

MP: Allah is our goal.

Other MPs: Allah is our goal.

MP: The Koran is our constitution.

Other MPs: The Koran is our constitution.

MP: The Prophet Muhammad is our model.

Other MPs: The Prophet Muhammad is our model.

MP: Jihad is our path.

Other MPs: Jihad is our path.

MP: Death for the sake of Allah is our most lofty aspiration.

Other MPs: Death for the sake of Allah is our most lofty aspiration.

MP: Allah Akbar, Allah be praised.

Other MPs: Allah Akbar, Allah be praised.

TO VIEW THIS CLIP: http://www.memritv.org/search.asp?ACT=S9&P1=1089

**********************
For assistance, please contact MEMRI TV Project at memritv@memri.org

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) is an independent,
non-profit organization that translates and analyzes the media of the Middle
East. Copies of articles and documents cited, as well as background
information, are available on request.

MEMRI holds copyrights on all translations. Materials may only be used with
proper attribution.

MEMRI TV Project
P.O. Box 27837, Washington, DC 20038-7837
Phone: (202) 955-9070
Fax: (202) 955-9077
www.memritv.org

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: US President Bush to Acting PM Olmert: We Will Meet Soon

President Bush to Acting PM Olmert: We Will Meet Soon
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke this afternoon (Wednesday), 29.3.06,
with US President George W. Bush, who had telephoned in order to
congratulate him on his victory in yesterday's elections for the 17th
Knesset. The Acting Prime Minister thanked the US President and said that
he would endeavor to quickly establish a broad coalition. Acting Prime
Minister Olmert said that he was interested in continuing the same policy
begun by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and in making progress in the
diplomatic arena. US President Bush said - inter alia - that he admired
Prime Minister Sharon's vision and added that the latter had taken a brave
and major step. The US President invited Acting Prime Minister Olmert to
visit the US immediately after forming a government.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Acting PM Olmert Speaks With Four World Leaders

Acting PM Olmert Speaks With Four World Leaders

Acting PM Olmert Speaks With Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke this evening (Wednesday), 29.3.06,
with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who telephoned in order to
congratulate him on the impressive victory in yesterday's elections for the
17th Knesset. The Acting Prime Minister thanked the Egyptian President for
both his congratulations and his support; the two men agreed to meet
immediately after the formation of the new government.
__________

Acting PM Olmert Speaks With Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke this evening (Wednesday), 29.3.06,
with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who telephoned in order to
congratulate him on his great victory. The Canadian Prime Minister said
that he intends to develop bilateral relations and added that the Acting
Prime Minister has many supporters in Canada. Acting Prime Minister Olmert
thanked Canadian Prime Minister Harper for both the telephone call and the
congratulations; the two men agreed to meet soon.
__________

Acting PM Olmert Speaks With German Chancellor Merkel
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke this evening (Wednesday), 29.3.06,
with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who telephoned in order to
congratulate him on the elections victory and wished him success in facing
the challenges that await him. The Acting Prime Minister thanked the
Chancellor for her congratulations and said that is working to form a
coalition with partners that agree with his diplomatic policy. The two
leaders also discussed Palestinian developments and agreed to remain in
close contact. Acting Prime Minister Olmert thanked Chancellor Merkel for
her friendship and support for Israel.
__________

Acting PM Olmert Speaks With UN Secy.-Gen. Annan
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke this evening (Wednesday), 29.3.06,
with UN Secy.-Gen. Kofi Annan, who telephoned in order to congratulate him
on his election victory. The latter said that a great challenge awaits the
former and added that he expects to work in partnership with him. The UN
Secy.-Gen. said that the elections for the 17th Knesset were a major and
important political event and added that an opportunity has been created to
move the diplomatic process forward and to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict.

Acting Prime Minister Olmert thanked UN secy.-Gen. Annan for his
congratulations and said that it was his goal to advance the diplomatic
process, adding that he had appealed to Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu
Mazen and told him that he must advance the Roadmap and that the PA must
meet the three demands that the international community has put to Hamas in
order to advance the negotiations between the sides.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: B'nai Brith Canada applauds Government
for standing firm on Hamas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

B'nai Brith Canada applauds Government for standing firm on Hamas

TORONTO, March 29, 2006 - B'nai Brith Canada has applauded the Government
for standing firm in its decision to refuse to recognize the Palestinian
Authority, which is now governed by the terrorist Hamas organization.

"Canada has stood true to its principles by refusing to do business with a
terrorist entity whose avowed aim continues to be the destruction of the
Jewish State," said Frank Dimant, B'nai Brith Canada's Executive Vice
President. "The Government has announced that it will 'suspend assistance'
to the Palestinian Authority, while at the same time continuing to 'support'
the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. We look to the Government
to put in place the necessary safeguards for ensuring that its humanitarian
funding to the Palestinians through UNRWA or through NGO partners on the
ground will be used for intended purposes and not diverted for terrorist
ends.

"Canadians are entitled to know with one hundred percent certainty that
their hard earned tax dollars will advance Canada's goal of peace in the
Middle East and not be used to bolster a terrorist Hamas regime."

-30-

For more information, please contact, Karen Lazar, Communications Director:
416-633-6224 X 140

B'nai Brith Canada has been active in Canada since 1875
as the Jewish community's foremost human rights agency

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: POLLARD BANNER CAMPAIGN

HANG A POLLARD BANNER TODAY!
Participate in the Pollard Nationwide Campaign

A message from:
THE COMMITEE TO BRING JONATHAN POLLARD HOME

Recirculated by J4JP - March 30, 2006

HANG A POLLARD BANNER TODAY!

The Committee to Bring Jonathan Pollard Home, headed by Nissan GanOr is now
expanding our nation-wide bus, radio and banner campaign to every home in
Israel! If you live in Israel, you too can participate!

By hanging a Pollard Banner on your balcony or building you can join the
national movement to bring Jonathan Pollard home! Beautiful cloth banners
are available in two sizes (3 meters by 1 meter, or 2 meters by 1 meter).
The beautiful graphic design includes a watermark image of Jonathan Pollard
and declares: WE WANT POLLARD HOME! There is no charge for the banners, but
your donation will enable The Committee to print more banners and distribute
them nationwide.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE POLLARD BANNERS! www.jonathanpollard.org

HOW TO ORDER YOUR POLLARD BANNER:
1) Arrange to get one or more banners by calling 054-643-7218 and leaving
your name, address and phone number when you hear the beep following the
Hebrew message.

2) Or you can order by writing to us at freepollard@gmail.com.
Enter in the subject box: "Hazmanat palrigmim".

We will be back in touch with you to confirm delivery details.

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION:
To learn more about the Pollard case visit the Justice4JP website at
www.jonathanpollard.org or the Hebrew website at www.FreePollard.org

TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR ACTIVITIES:
To receive updates on FreePollard activities, get on the Hebrew FreePollard
mailing list by sending your e-mail address to freepollard@gmail.org For
English updates write to justice4jp@aol.com.

Esther Pollard is in Jerusalem now, working on the Nationwide Campaign
(Operation Yehonatan) with Nissan GanOr and The Committee to Bring Jonathan
Pollard Home.
- 30-

Discussion about 09/11/2001

Thursday, March 30, 2006

[imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1359 (15 messages)

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