imra Wed Feb 22 00:21:29 2006 Volume 2 : Issue 1334
In this issue of the imra daily Digest:
Ex-IDF officer alleges police brutality against girls at Amona
Hamas has 5 weeks (until Knesset elections) to form government
Jordan government stresses importance of
continued financial support to Palestinians
JMCC Poll of Palestinians:
56.2% include armed struggle to achieve goals
JMCC Poll of Palestinians:
56.2% support suicide bombing operations against Israeli civilians
Caroline Glick: Olmert Weak on Hamas
PALESTINIAN GENERAL INTELLIGENCE
TERRORIST CELL UNCOVERED IN JERICHO AREA
Acting PM Olmert Meets With Latvian
President Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga
JMCC to IMRA: Palestinians supports suicide bombings
in general but oppose attacks in context of political conditions
Gunmen Storm the Customs and Taxes Office in Gaza City
MEMRI: Friday Sermon in Tripoli
and Hizbullah Leader on Possibility of Civil War
Acting PM Olmert Tours IDF Northern Command
Excerpts: Evil Israel.Terrorist activity increases 21 February 2006
Acting PM Olmert Tours IDF Northern Command
Hamas to focus on right of return
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Ex-IDF officer alleges police brutality against girls at Amona
Ex-IDF officer alleges police brutality against girls at Amona
By Nadav Shragai, Haaretz Correspondent 20/02/2006
www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/685119.html
A retired Israel Defense Forces colonel who was present at the evacuation of
nine structures in the West Bank outpost of Amona submitted a complaint
Monday alleging police brutality against protesters who clashed with
security forces.
Colonel (res.) Moti Yogev petitioned the Justice Ministry's Police
Investigations Department for an inquiry into claims that Border Policemen,
without provocation, struck young girls who asked to exit the vicinity where
the clashes were taking place.
In his petition, Yogev writes that close to 11 A.M. on the day of the
incident, an entire Border Police unit descended on a group of girls who,
along with their teacher, were pinned against the wall, "begging [the
officers] to allow them to leave the riot area."
"The officers began shoving them and hitting them for no reason," Yogev
writes.
Yogev recalled how he approached an officer believed to be the commander of
a police unit and requested that the security forces cease striking the
girls and allow them to leave the scene.
"Three Border Policemen, among them Eyal Peri, pushed me and struck me with
clubs in my stomach," Yogev wrote. "I fell as I was struggling to breathe,
but the policemen kept pushing me and rolling me on the floor again and
again. When I managed to get up, they pushed me against, and then I hurt my
knee."
"Today I walk around on crutches with an injured knee that will require
extensive rehabilitation," he wrote.
Yogev said that he witnessed "horses trampling over people lying underneath
their horseshoes", a police commander who ordered his officers to catch
young protesters who were loitering peacefully and to "just hit them."
Yogev also recounts how police officers entered a building where girls had
locked arms. One of the girls told an officer: "My brother, don't hit me.
I'm your sister."
Yogev said the officer "answered her in a Russian accent: 'Shut up you
Jewish bitch' and brutally struck her."
Yogev, a former commander of special forces unit Sayeret Shaked and a deputy
commander of Sayeret Matkal, submitted the complaint through attorneys
Amikam Hadar and Hedva Shapira. The petition is the latest in a series of
petitions to PID alleging excessive use of force at Amona.
On Monday, a human rights groups representing the Yesha council of
settlements revealed that three policemen who were at Amona volunteered
information about the day's events, including the claim that police received
unequivocal instructions to "crack open heads."
------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Hamas has 5 weeks (until Knesset elections) to form government
President Abbas, Hamas Representatives Discuss Government Formation
http://english.wafa.ps/cphotonews.asp?num=1133
GAZA, February 20, 2006 (WAFA - PLO news agency) - Presidency Spokesperson,
Nabil Abu Rdeineh, said Monday that President Abbas received officially Mr.
Ismael Hanniya the representative of Hamas and discussed over forming the
new Government.
"The President will meet him (Mr. Hanyyia) tomorrow in Gaza to ask him
officially to form the new government according to the law," Abu Rdeineh
told reporters following the Abbas-Hamas meeting in Gaza Presidential HQ.
Abu Rdeineh added that He has three weeks to form this government and he has
the right for two additional weeks to continue his efforts to form this
government.
He pointed out that the political vision of President Abbas was clear in his
speech to the PLC on Saturday, adding "we are committed to all the
agreements and we urge and hope the new prime minister to continue the
policy of the PLO and the PNA and to respect its commitments towards
achieving lasting peace in the region. We have to be patient and we have to
wait".
A.D. (23:21 P) (21:21 GMT)
------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Jordan government stresses importance of
continued financial support to Palestinians
Judeh stresses importance of continued financial support to Palestinians
www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Feb/20/30826200.htm
Amman, Feb. 20(Petra - Jordan News Agency)-- Jordan on Monday stressed the
importance of keeping financial support flowing to the Palestinians as the
Palestinian people would be the first victim in case this support is halted.
"This support should continue because it has a direct impact on the
Palestinian people's lives, said government spokesperson Nasser Judeh at his
weekly press briefing. In reply to a question on the situation in the
Palestinian areas in the wake of Israel's penalizing measures against the
Palestinians and the approaching Israeli elections, Judeh said "we are
watching very closely what is happening, particularly with regard to the
Israeli elections turnout and how it could effect the peace process." "We
have asked all parties to go back to the roadmap plan because we think it is
the only ideal way to realize the Palestinian people's aspirations," Judeh
added.
On the projected visit by Hamas delegation's visit to Jordan, Judeh said the
basic issue is not only the visit of Hamas leaders to Jordan but how to
coordinate with all the concerned parties on the Palestinian arena to help
fulfill the Palestinians' hopes. No specific date has been set for the visit
and "I think they are busy with the formation of a new Palestinian
government," he added.
He said the Prime Minister was clear in his reply to the House of Deputies
when he said Hamas and its leadership are welcomed in Jordan as a
Palestinian organization but they are now considering the formation of this
government and we are waiting for its political program.
On the Qatari foreign minister's visit to Jordan, Judeh said the visit is
part of consultation and coordination between the two countries and the
minister's talks will cover bilateral relations and developments in the
region.
In reply to a question, Judeh denied any pressure exercised by the
government on the Parliament Financial Committee before bringing the draft
state budget to be voted upon at the House of Deputies. When there is a
budget plan it takes hours and days of discussion by the concerned ministers
and the committee to reach compromised solutions to some items in the plan,
he told reporters.
On remarks made by Mosa Abu Marzuq, one of Hamas leaders, that he refuses
dropping his Jordanian nationality, Judeh said Abu Marzuq was not holding a
Jordanian nationality and "I think he is carrying Yemeni passport."
On the situation in Iraq, Judeh said Jordan is very keen on seeing an Iraqi
government formed to lead the political process there. It is also in
Jordan's interest to see Iraq overcoming the current crisis, he told
reporters. Judeh admitted the government plan to increase fuel price.
However, he noted there will be parallel programs by the government to ease
the burden of this rise particularly on the groups directly affected by this
measure. The government procedures will be very transparent regarding this
issue, he added. End Petra/Injadat But, he UT Answering a question on the
expected rise in fuel next April, Judeh said price
202305 Local FEB 2006
------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: JMCC Poll of Palestinians:
56.2% include armed struggle to achieve goals
Jerusalem Media & Communication
Center - JMCC
Public Opinion Poll Unit
Jerusalem Media &
Communication Center -
JMCC
PO Box 25047 - Jerusalem
Tel. 02-5838266 Fax: 02-
5836837
Email: poll@jmcc.org
Website: www.jmcc.org
Poll no. 57 February, 2006
Poll results on Palestinian Attitudes towards the results of the
PLC elections held on January 25, 2006
www.jmcc.org/publicpoll/results/2006/no57.pdf
Methodology
A random sample of 1,200 people over the age of 18 was interviewed
face-to-face
throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip between 8th and 12th of February
2006.
The margin of error is 3 percent, with a confidence level of 95.
Results:
Q1. In General, What is the extent of your optimism towards the Palestinian
Future? Would you say you are optimistic, somewhat optimistic, or
pessimistic?
Optimistic 41.2 Somewhat Optimistic 38.6
Pessimistic 19.6 No answer 0.6
Q2. To what extent would you say the elections process was free and fair?
Fair 77.6 Somewhat fair 16.4
Wasn't fair 4.1 No answer 1.9
Q3. Did the elections results meet your expectations?
Met my expectations 20.3 Somewhat met my expectations 29.3
Did not meet my expectations 49.0 No answer 1.4
Q4. Did you expect Hamas overwhelming majority's in the PLC's elections?
Total Yes 24.6 No 73.9 No answer 1.5
Gaza:Yes 34.5 No 63.9 No answer 1.6
Q5. Given the elections results, to what extent you say that the elected
members
represent your point of view?
Represent my point of view 29.1
Represent my point of view to a certain extent 38.9
Do not represent my point of view 29.6 No answer 2.4
Q6. Are you optimistic about the performance of the elected council in the
future?
Very Optimistic 30.9 Somewhat Optimistic 47.0
Pessimistic 21.0 No answer 1.1
Q7. Do you think that the elected council members will comply with their
elections programs and platforms?
Will comply 32.2 Will comply to a certain extent 45.7
Will not comply 20.3 No answer 1.8
Q 8. In general, how do you evaluate the performance of the previous PLC?
Very good 2.0 Good 24.6
Bad 39.1 Very bad 32.7 No answer 1.6 1
Q 9. What do you expect with regards to the performance of the next PLC?
Very good 25.8 Good 51.5
Bad 14.3 Very bad 2.3
No answer 6.1
Q 10. What is the government structure you hope to see after the PLC
elections?
National Coalition 58.1 Hamas Government 24.1 Technocrat Government 13.8
No answer 4.0 3
Q11. The PLO and the PA signed an agreement with Israel, (Oslo Agreement) do
you think that the new government headed by Hamas should go on with this
agreement?
Hamas has to go on with this agreement 51.7
Hamas doesn't have to go with this agreement 42.0
No answer 6.3
Q12. The PA is committed to the option of political negotiations with
Israel. Do
you believe that the new government headed by Hamas has to continue with the
political negotiations, stop the political negotiations and should adopt
other
options?
To continue with the political negotiations 66.3
Stop the political negotiations 29.6
No answer 4.1
Q13. Do you see a contradiction between Hamas responsibility over the
Palestinian government and its role in resisting Israel?
I see a contradiction 44.6
I don't see a contradiction 52.3
No answer 3.1
Q14. How concerned are you from Hamas enforcing social restrictions on the
Palestinians?
Very worried 8.3 Somewhat worried 21.3
Somewhat not worried 29.3 Not worried at all 40.4
No answer 0.7
Q15. Some believe that the negotiations are the best path to achieve our
national
goals, whereas others believe that the armed struggle is the best way to do
so.
Which option is the closest to your opinion?
Through Negotiations 38.8
Through armed struggle 17.9
Through negotiations and armed struggle 40.3
Don't know 2.3 No answer 0.7
Q 16. Under the current conditions, some believe that the peace process is
dead
and there is no chance of resuming the negotiations, while others see that
the
peace process is passing through difficult times with unclear future, and a
third
group believes that the peace process is still alive and there is a
possibility of
resuming negotiations.
19.4 The peace process is dead and there is no chance of resuming the
negotiations
52.1 The peace process is passing through difficult times with an unclear
future
25.1 The peace process is still alive and there is a possibility of resuming
negotiations
00.8 Others 2.6 Don't know \ no answer
Q17. Some believe that a two-state formula is the favored solution for the
Israeli-
Palestinian conflict, while others believe that historic Palestine cannot be
divided and thus the favored solution is a bi-national state on all of
Palestine
where Palestinians and Israelis enjoy equal representation and rights. Which
of
these solutions do you prefer?
Two-state solution: an Israeli and a Palestinian 57.9
Bi-national state on all of historic Palestine 22.3
One Palestinian state * 10.5
Islamic state * 2.7
No solution 3.9
Don't know 1.6
No answer 1.1
*These answers were not included as part of the options read to the
interviewee
Q18. How do you feel towards suicide bombing operations against Israeli
civilians? Do you support them, or oppose them?
Strongly support 22.4 Somewhat support 33.8
Somewhat oppose 24.3 Strongly oppose 16.4
No answer 3.1
Q19. Do you support the resumption of the military operations against
Israeli
targets as a suitable response within the current political conditions, or
do you
oppose them and find them harmful to Palestinians national interests?
43.8 Suitable response within the current political conditions
51.5 I oppose them and find them harmful to Palestinian national interests
00.3 Others
02.8 Don't know
01.6 No answer
Q20. Hamas has executed violent operations against Israeli targets inside
Israel
and in the West Bank and Gaza strip against civilians and against military
troops, now and after Hamas victory in the PLC elections, do you believe
that
Hamas should continue with such operations or that it should halt them?
39.1 Hamas has to continue with its operations
51.7 Hamas has to stop its operations
0 9.2 No answer
Q21. Which Palestinian political or religious faction do you trust most? *
Hamas 38.7 3 Fateh 30.6 PFLP 3.9 islamic Jihad 2.4
DFLP 1.0 PPP 0.6 Fida 0.4 Al Aqsa Brigades 0.2
Other Islamic Factions 1.6 Others 1.8
I don't trust any Faction 15.
No answer 3.7
* This question was an open ended one
Q24. If you voted for Hamas , why so?*
18.8 Religious Factors
43.0 Hope to end the Corruption
10.7 Hope to live in better living conditions
10.7 For their political agenda 12.5 11.0
07.5 To stop Fateh's control over the government
02.1 Others
06.1 No answer
*This question was asked who said that they voted for Hamas
Q25. Regardless of whom you voted for, why do you think most People voted
for
them?
13.3 Religious Factors
44.0 Hope to end the Corruption
18.9 Hope to live in a better living conditions
06.1 For their political agenda
13.5 To stop Fateh's control over the government
02.7 Others
01.5 No answer
------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: JMCC Poll of Palestinians:
56.2% support suicide bombing operations against Israeli civilians
Jerusalem Media & Communication
Center - JMCC
Public Opinion Poll Unit
Jerusalem Media &
Communication Center -
JMCC
PO Box 25047 - Jerusalem
Tel. 02-5838266 Fax: 02-
5836837
Email: poll@jmcc.org
Website: www.jmcc.org
Poll no. 57 February, 2006
Poll results on Palestinian Attitudes towards the results of the
PLC elections held on January 25, 2006
www.jmcc.org/publicpoll/results/2006/no57.pdf
Methodology
A random sample of 1,200 people over the age of 18 was interviewed
face-to-face
throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip between 8th and 12th of February
2006.
The margin of error is 3 percent, with a confidence level of 95.
Results:
Q1. In General, What is the extent of your optimism towards the Palestinian
Future? Would you say you are optimistic, somewhat optimistic, or
pessimistic?
Optimistic 41.2 Somewhat Optimistic 38.6
Pessimistic 19.6 No answer 0.6
Q2. To what extent would you say the elections process was free and fair?
Fair 77.6 Somewhat fair 16.4
Wasn't fair 4.1 No answer 1.9
Q3. Did the elections results meet your expectations?
Met my expectations 20.3 Somewhat met my expectations 29.3
Did not meet my expectations 49.0 No answer 1.4
Q4. Did you expect Hamas overwhelming majority's in the PLC's elections?
Total Yes 24.6 No 73.9 No answer 1.5
Gaza:Yes 34.5 No 63.9 No answer 1.6
Q5. Given the elections results, to what extent you say that the elected
members
represent your point of view?
Represent my point of view 29.1
Represent my point of view to a certain extent 38.9
Do not represent my point of view 29.6 No answer 2.4
Q6. Are you optimistic about the performance of the elected council in the
future?
Very Optimistic 30.9 Somewhat Optimistic 47.0
Pessimistic 21.0 No answer 1.1
Q7. Do you think that the elected council members will comply with their
elections programs and platforms?
Will comply 32.2 Will comply to a certain extent 45.7
Will not comply 20.3 No answer 1.8
Q 8. In general, how do you evaluate the performance of the previous PLC?
Very good 2.0 Good 24.6
Bad 39.1 Very bad 32.7 No answer 1.6 1
Q 9. What do you expect with regards to the performance of the next PLC?
Very good 25.8 Good 51.5
Bad 14.3 Very bad 2.3
No answer 6.1
Q 10. What is the government structure you hope to see after the PLC
elections?
National Coalition 58.1 Hamas Government 24.1 Technocrat Government 13.8
No answer 4.0 3
Q11. The PLO and the PA signed an agreement with Israel, (Oslo Agreement) do
you think that the new government headed by Hamas should go on with this
agreement?
Hamas has to go on with this agreement 51.7
Hamas doesn't have to go with this agreement 42.0
No answer 6.3
Q12. The PA is committed to the option of political negotiations with
Israel. Do
you believe that the new government headed by Hamas has to continue with the
political negotiations, stop the political negotiations and should adopt
other
options?
To continue with the political negotiations 66.3
Stop the political negotiations 29.6
No answer 4.1
Q13. Do you see a contradiction between Hamas responsibility over the
Palestinian government and its role in resisting Israel?
I see a contradiction 44.6
I don't see a contradiction 52.3
No answer 3.1
Q14. How concerned are you from Hamas enforcing social restrictions on the
Palestinians?
Very worried 8.3 Somewhat worried 21.3
Somewhat not worried 29.3 Not worried at all 40.4
No answer 0.7
Q15. Some believe that the negotiations are the best path to achieve our
national
goals, whereas others believe that the armed struggle is the best way to do
so.
Which option is the closest to your opinion?
Through Negotiations 38.8
Through armed struggle 17.9
Through negotiations and armed struggle 40.3
Don't know 2.3 No answer 0.7
Q 16. Under the current conditions, some believe that the peace process is
dead
and there is no chance of resuming the negotiations, while others see that
the
peace process is passing through difficult times with unclear future, and a
third
group believes that the peace process is still alive and there is a
possibility of
resuming negotiations.
19.4 The peace process is dead and there is no chance of resuming the
negotiations
52.1 The peace process is passing through difficult times with an unclear
future
25.1 The peace process is still alive and there is a possibility of resuming
negotiations
00.8 Others 2.6 Don't know \ no answer
Q17. Some believe that a two-state formula is the favored solution for the
Israeli-
Palestinian conflict, while others believe that historic Palestine cannot be
divided and thus the favored solution is a bi-national state on all of
Palestine
where Palestinians and Israelis enjoy equal representation and rights. Which
of
these solutions do you prefer?
Two-state solution: an Israeli and a Palestinian 57.9
Bi-national state on all of historic Palestine 22.3
One Palestinian state * 10.5
Islamic state * 2.7
No solution 3.9
Don't know 1.6
No answer 1.1
*These answers were not included as part of the options read to the
interviewee
Q18. How do you feel towards suicide bombing operations against Israeli
civilians? Do you support them, or oppose them?
Strongly support 22.4 Somewhat support 33.8
Somewhat oppose 24.3 Strongly oppose 16.4
No answer 3.1
Q19. Do you support the resumption of the military operations against
Israeli
targets as a suitable response within the current political conditions, or
do you
oppose them and find them harmful to Palestinians national interests?
43.8 Suitable response within the current political conditions
51.5 I oppose them and find them harmful to Palestinian national interests
00.3 Others
02.8 Don't know
01.6 No answer
Q20. Hamas has executed violent operations against Israeli targets inside
Israel
and in the West Bank and Gaza strip against civilians and against military
troops, now and after Hamas victory in the PLC elections, do you believe
that
Hamas should continue with such operations or that it should halt them?
39.1 Hamas has to continue with its operations
51.7 Hamas has to stop its operations
0 9.2 No answer
Q21. Which Palestinian political or religious faction do you trust most? *
Hamas 38.7 3 Fateh 30.6 PFLP 3.9 islamic Jihad 2.4
DFLP 1.0 PPP 0.6 Fida 0.4 Al Aqsa Brigades 0.2
Other Islamic Factions 1.6 Others 1.8
I don't trust any Faction 15.
No answer 3.7
* This question was an open ended one
Q24. If you voted for Hamas , why so?*
18.8 Religious Factors
43.0 Hope to end the Corruption
10.7 Hope to live in better living conditions
10.7 For their political agenda 12.5 11.0
07.5 To stop Fateh's control over the government
02.1 Others
06.1 No answer
*This question was asked who said that they voted for Hamas
Q25. Regardless of whom you voted for, why do you think most People voted
for
them?
13.3 Religious Factors
44.0 Hope to end the Corruption
18.9 Hope to live in a better living conditions
06.1 For their political agenda
13.5 To stop Fateh's control over the government
02.7 Others
01.5 No answer
------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Caroline Glick: Olmert Weak on Hamas
Our World: Weak on Hamas
Caroline Glick, THE JERUSALEM POST Feb. 20, 2006
www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1139395451986&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
At its Sunday morning cabinet meeting did Israel's interim government
finally lay out a strategy for contending with the fact that Hamas has taken
over the Palestinian Authority? The Israeli and international media reports
of the meeting could easily lead a person to think so.
Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth. The interim government's
decisions Sunday show that the government has no policy for contending with
Hamas. The absence of a policy is a result of the government's lack of a
basic understanding of - or its unwillingness to understand - the threat the
Hamas takeover of the PA poses to Israel.
In declaring that the government had decided to stop all direct transfers of
funds to the PA, Sunday's headlines indicated that Acting Prime Minister
Ehud Olmert and his associates have launched a concerted campaign against
the Hamas-led PA. But the small print told a different story completely.
Over the objections of the IDF, the government is continuing to allow
Palestinians to work in Israel. The government also rejected the IDF's
recommendation to cut off all links to Gaza and transform the passages from
Gaza to Israel into international border crossings.
Far from working to cut off international funding of the Palestinians, the
Olmert government continues to support international funding of
non-governmental and UN organizations that operate in the PA; and apparently
does so unconditionally.
Finally while Olmert admitted Sunday that the PA has become a "terrorist
authority," he and his ministers failed to take any actions - either
diplomatically or militarily - that legally arise from this designation.
OLMERT'S opponents, and specifically Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu, were
quick to criticize the government's decisions. They argued that in acting in
such an ambiguous manner, the government ignored the threat Hamas - which is
supported by Iran and works in concert with Hizbullah and al-Qaida - poses
to Israel's survival.
Responding to those critics Olmert defended his government's contradictory
decisions by castigating his detractors as "fear-mongers." Olmert further
stated: "There is no reason to terrify the State of Israel by claiming that
the sky has fallen."
Olmert and his colleagues justified their limited steps against Hamas by
saying that they were motivated by "humanitarian" considerations. Foreign
Minister Tzipi Livni told reporters that Israel wants to prevent a
"humanitarian crisis" in the PA. Were such a crisis to unfold, Livni warned,
Israel would be blamed for it.
Livni, like Olmert and all other Kadima spokesmen, further maintained that
by acting in such a limited manner, the government is safeguarding
international support generally, and US support specifically, for Israel's
bid to isolate the Hamas-led PA.
PERHAPS THE strongest indication that the Olmert interim government has no
idea how to craft national strategies or advance Israel's national interest
is the fact that the US Congress and the Bush administration are both taking
much clearer stands against Hamas than Israel's government.
Perversely, far from working to build a strong and unambiguous international
consensus against the Hamas-ruled PA, the Olmert government is undermining
the efforts of Israel's friends in the US Congress. Its contradictory moves
toward the Hamas-led PA serve to undercut Israel's supporters in Washington
while strengthening the leftist American Jewish groups now working
feverishly to scuttle a concerted US response to the Hamas takeover of the
PA.
Immediately after the PA election results were announced, US Congresswoman
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who chairs the House of Representative's Subcommittee
on the Middle East and Central Asia, submitted a bill that updates US policy
toward the PA in response to the Hamas takeover. Her bill, which enjoys wide
support in both houses of Congress and is backed by AIPAC and other
mainstream American Jewish organizations, would end not only all US direct
assistance to the PA, but also bar US support for non-governmental
organizations and UN agencies operating in the PA areas that have any links
whatsoever to terrorism.
Furthermore, the Ros-Lehtinen bill designates the PA as a terrorist
sanctuary. In line with this designation, the legislation bars PA officials
from receiving visas to enter the US; bars the PA from having representative
offices in the US; and places travel restrictions on PA and PLO
representatives to the UN.
Finally, the bill bars US diplomats from having any contact of any kind with
members of Palestinian terror groups including Hamas, the Aksa Martyr
Brigades, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of
Palestine.
AS OPPOSED to other Congressional actions taken against the PA in the past,
the proposed legislation does not include a presidential waiver that would
allow the administration to ignore the law if the president deemed it
necessary for national security reasons. For this reason, the State
Department opposes its passage. But even the State Department - which has
distinguished itself for over 20 years mainly for its equivocation regarding
Palestinian terrorism - has minced no words about its view of the Hamas-led
PA.
Last Friday a State Department spokesman publicly demanded that the PA
return $50 million in direct US assistance which was transferred to the PA
before the elections. For its part, the Olmert government has made no
similar demand for the return of the $50 million in tax revenues that it
transferred to the PA after the Hamas electoral victory.
As well, on Sunday the US Treasury Department blocked the assets of
KindHearts charitable organization. That group, which is based in Toledo,
Ohio, was determined to be a terrorist organization because it funds Hamas.
According to the Akron, Ohio, Beacon Journal, since its founding in 2002
KindHearts has raised and transferred some $4 million per year to Hamas.
As the actions of Congress and the Bush administration show, the US
continues to define Hamas as a global terrorist organization, and is abiding
by US laws regarding terrorist organizations in its dealings with the
Hamas-led PA.
In light of this the Olmert government's halting and confused steps against
the Hamas-led PA seem all the more ridiculous.
THE ONLY constituency in the US that has galvanized around the Israeli
government's incoherent response to Hamas's takeover of the PA is the Jewish
American Left.
American Friends for Peace Now, the Israel Policy Forum and the Religious
Action Center of Reform Judaism are all actively lobbying Congress to derail
the Ros-Lehtinen bill. As reported in The Jewish Week, these organizations
are trying to bring about the defeat of the proposed legislation because, in
their view, it will make it impossible for the US to reward "incremental
movement [by Hamas] toward abandoning its traditional commitment to destroy
Israel."
One of the excuses the government has given for its refusal to take
concerted action against the Hamas-led PA is that it wishes to prevent the
PA's "collapse." Yet, in an address last week in Washington, former IDF
chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. (res.) Moshe Ya'alon explained: "We should
not fear collapse; the experience of Israel's security operations in recent
years shows that Palestinian society will not collapse - as the word is
commonly interpreted - even under extreme conditions. Municipalities, for
example, continued to operate and provide services even at the height of
Israel military actions against the PA."
Ya'alon further explained, "It must be remembered that the Palestinian
people elected Hamas with full awareness of its terrorist nature. It is
therefore highly important that the international community send a clear
message that terrorism does not pay."
Sadly, Ya'alon's clear and rational statements, which enjoy the support of
the US government and the American people and are already codified in US
law, are undermined by the Israeli government and by a handful of leftist
Jewish American organizations.
Through its ambiguous and contradictory policies toward the PA since the
elections, far from acting to forge an international consensus against the
Hamas-led PA, the Olmert government is undercutting US resolve to isolate
it. In so doing it is strengthening the positions of Russia, Turkey, the
Arab League and France, which advocate embracing Hamas as a legitimate
political force.
------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: PALESTINIAN GENERAL INTELLIGENCE
TERRORIST CELL UNCOVERED IN JERICHO AREA
PALESTINIAN GENERAL INTELLIGENCE TERRORIST CELL UNCOVERED IN JERICHO AREA
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Office)
Tuesday, 21 February, 2006
A joint ISA-IDF operation on 8.12.05 resulted in the arrest of Nadim Awad, a
member of the Palestinian General Intelligence from the Nablus area; Awad
confessed to having perpetrated - along with an accomplice from the
Palestinian security services - the 8.12.2000 shooting attack on the Jericho
bypass road in which Sgt. Tal Gordon (http://tinyurl.com/m99ss) was
murdered and a Israeli woman civilian was wounded. Two senior Palestinian
General Intelligence officers directed the attack.
Nadim Muhammad Fawzi Awad, born in 1974, a resident of the Nablus area
village of Salem, served in the Palestinian General Intelligence and resided
in Jericho during the aforementioned terrorist attack. Awad confessed to
perpetrating the attack along with Abdul Karim Hamed Ahmed Shatiyeh, born in
1974, from Salem, who also served in the Palestine General Intelligence.
Awad and Shatiyeh formed a terrorist cell along with Hasin Abdul Alfahat
Zabeidi, born in 1966, from Luban A-Sharkiyeh, who was killed in a February
2002 exchange of fire with IDF forces in Ramallah.
Awad confessed that the cell acted under the personal command of the
commander of the Palestinian General Intelligence Special Unit in Jericho,
Hasin Ali Muhammad Aoush, and under the personal direction of Musa Mahmud
Muhammad Fadilat, a senior Palestinian General Intelligence officer in
Jericho.
On 8.12.2000, Awad and Shatiyeh, under Aoush's direction, drove towards the
Jericho bypass road in order to shoot at Israeli vehicles. Zabeidi, Aoush
and Fadilat stayed behind at a Palestinian Force 17 checkpoint and acted as
lookouts. They informed Awad and Shatiyeh by radio each time a vehicle
approached. Aoush ordered them not to shoot at private cars or those
vehicles with few passengers; when the #963 bus approached, he ordered them
to open fire. Awad and Shatiyeh each emptied an entire magazine at the bus
and then fled back to the Force 17 checkpoint, from where they were taken
back to Jericho.
From the investigation of Awad and other Palestinian General Intelligence
operatives, it arises that many of the shooting attacks that were
perpetrated in the Jericho area during the first year of the current round
of Palestinian terrorism and violence were directly guided by senior
Palestinian security service officers and that the terrorists themselves
were also security service operatives.
------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Acting PM Olmert Meets With Latvian
President Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga
Acting PM Olmert Meets With Latvian President Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met this morning (Tuesday), 21.2.06, with
Latvian President Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, who has arrived for her first
visit to Israel along with a delegation of senior Latvian ministers.
Acting Prime Minister Olmert emphasized the importance of the world
maintaining a unified position against terrorism and on the three principles
that Israel has presented regarding relations with Hamas: Recognition of the
State of Israel, the cessation of terrorism and the abrogation of the Hamas
Covenant, and recognition of previously signed agreements between Israel and
the Palestinian Authority (PA).
Latvian President Vike-Freiberga said the European position has always
supported the vision of two states and added that there is no doubt that the
Hamas victory in the recent elections has moved the two sides backwards.
She said that Europe must press Hamas to change and not be just another
terrorist organization, and to accept the three principles. She noted that
the entire European Union intends to press the PA on this issue.
The two leaders discussed advancing bilateral trade relations (Latvian
President Vike-Freiberga was also accompanied by 75 businessmen) and the
development of cooperation in the high-tech field. The Latvian President
invited Acting Prime Minister Olmert to visit Latvia in order to advance
this issue; it was agreed that a professional seminar on the issue would be
held soon.
Acting Prime Minister Olmert thanked Latvian President Vike-Freiberga for
the struggle against anti-Semitism in Latvia, for the Latvian government's
cooperation in the struggle, and for legislation that the Latvian government
is advancing on the restoration of Jewish property.
------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: JMCC to IMRA: Palestinians supports suicide bombings
in general but oppose attacks in context of political conditions
JMCC to IMRA: Palestinians supports suicide bombings in general but oppose
attacks in context of political conditions
Aaron Lerner Date: 21 February 2006
"A majority of Palestinians (51.5%) oppose and find them harmful to the
Palestinian national interests while a ratio of (43.8%) think such
operations are suitable within the current political conditions which is a
considerable decline from (65.4%) in June 2004.
When asked about their feelings towards suicide bombing operations against
Israeli civilians, a ratio of (56.2%) still either strongly support or
somewhat support such operations compared with (49.7%) in May 2005 and
(75.6%) in April 2003. however, there has been a steady rise in ratio of
those who oppose such operations from (29.3%) in April 2003 to (38.0%) in
May 2005 and to (40.7%) this month.."
Jerusalem Media and Communications Center (JMCC) poll of Palestinians 8-12
February 2006.
www.jmcc.org/publicpoll/results/2006/no57.pdf
Khader Khader of JMCC told IMRA today that the source of the difference in
results for the two questions (56.2% support suicide bombings against
civilians while 51.5% oppose military operations against Israeli targets) is
that the question regarding suicide bombings measured the attitude of the
Palestinian public towards suicide bombings against Israeli civilians in
general while the question about military operations measured the position
that Palestinian public takes towards operations within the context of
current political conditions.
Khader noted that "suicide bombing operations against Israeli civilians"
fall with "military operations against Israeli targets ".
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: Gunmen Storm the Customs and Taxes Office in Gaza City
PCHR
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms
Attacks on public institutions and officials
Field Update
21 February 2006
Gunmen Storm the Customs and Taxes Office in Gaza City
At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 18 February 2006, scores of gunmen
stormed the Customs and Taxes office building in the Tal El-Hawa
neighbourhood of Gaza City. They threatened staff and forced them to sign
papers relating to a shipment of medicines, being held at the Rafah
International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border.
PCHR's fieldworker learned that Eid El-Abed Thieb, Assistant Director
General of Customs and Taxes, and Mohsin Mahmoud Jarada, Assistant Director
General for Administrative, Financial, and Procurement Affairs, were among
the staff members who had been threatened.
PCHR strongly condemns this attack and calls upon the Palestinian Authority,
represented by the Attorney General, to conduct a serious investigation into
this incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Mr. Eid El-Abed Thieb informed PCHR that approximately 40 armed assailants,
some of them masked, stormed the Customs and Taxes office building, close to
the building of Palestinian Television, in the Tal El-Hawa neighbourhood of
Gaza City. They were armed with rifles and hand grenades. Some of the
gunmen removed the safety pins from grenades, while inside the building. He
added that the assailants threatened to kidnap him and other staff members,
if they did not comply with their demand to sign the papers to release a
shipment of medicines. The shipment was being withheld at Rafah
International Crossing Point, as there were no supporting documents for it.
He signed the papers at gunpoint.
It is noted that the shipment has been withheld at Rafah since 8 January
2006. It was released after the attack on the Customs and Taxes offices and
following the payment of a 2000 NIS fine. The Ministry of Health indicated
that the shipment is valid and fit for consumption.
At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 19 February 2006, the Customs and Taxes
staff demonstrated against the attack for one hour in front of their office
building.
Public Document
**************************************
For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8
2824776 - 2825893
PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip.
E-mail: pchr@pchrgaza.org, Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
-----------------------------------
If you got this forwarded and you want to subscribe, send mail to
request@pchrgaza.org
and write "subscribe" in the subject line.
------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: MEMRI: Friday Sermon in Tripoli
and Hizbullah Leader on Possibility of Civil War
The following are excerpts from a Friday sermon at Ahmad Pasha Mosque in
Tripoli, Libya, aired on Libya TV on February 3, 2006, and excerpts from a
speech by Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, aired on Al-Jazeera
TV on February 16, 2006.
* Clip No. 1042: Friday Sermon in Tripoli, Libya: Millions Were Killed in
the World's Wars, Yet They Accuse Islam of Terrorism; Garaudy Defended Islam
When He Wrote about the Holocaust
Preacher: Hitler killed a million Germans, more than 1,700,000 in Russia,
and 2,700,000 at the Battle of Stalingrad - under the walls of Stalingrad.
Many millions were killed in World War I, in World War III [sic], in the
Sino-Indian War, in Vietnam, and in other wars. Millions were killed "by
their own hands" - "They destroy their own homes by their own hands, and by
the hands of the Muslims." And then they go and accuse Islam of terrorism.
Why? Because Islam has invaded the hearts, and captured the minds, without a
single drop of blood being shed. [...] One and one-third billion pledge
their allegiance to you, [Prophet Muhammad] - a pledge of death and
martyrdom, because your teachings cannot be harmed. Bravo to the martyrdom
for the sake of Allah. Bravo to the martyrdom for elevating the word of
Allah. Bravo to martyrdom for elevating the word of truth.
TO VIEW THIS CLIP: http://www.memritv.org/search.asp?ACT=S9&P1=1042
*Clip No. 1041: Hizbullah Secretary-General Nasrallah Responds to Jumblatt:
This Rhetoric Has Brought Lebanon to the Brink of Civil War
Hassan Nasrallah: It is only natural for us to talk about things that are
holy, and if the homeland is holy, then the resistance, which defended the
homeland, is holy along with the homeland. The weapons that liberated this
land are holy, and the blood that was shed upon this land, in order to keep
the Lebanese interests elevated, is holy blood. If it were not for this
holiness of the resistance, its weapons, and its blood, the armies of the
Israeli occupation would still be in Beirut. [...] Whoever has not tasted
the taste of Jihad does not understand Jihad. Whoever has not tasted the
taste of martyrdom does not understand martyrdom. Let me tell you that the
fighting of the original enemy of the prophets, of Lebanon, of the Arabs,
and of humanity has a different taste than street-fighting in dark allies.
[...] The political rhetoric we heard two days ago [from Jumblatt] brings
the country to the brink of civil war. I am not exaggerating, I am telling
it as it is. It brings the country to the brink of civil war - much of this
rhetoric, not all of it.
TO VIEW THIS CLIP: http://www.memritv.org/search.asp?ACT=S9&P1=1041
*********************
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: Acting PM Olmert Tours IDF Northern Command
Acting PM Olmert Tours IDF Northern Command
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this morning (Tuesday), 21.2.06, toured
IDF Northern Command; Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and IDF Chief-of-Staff
Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz accompanied the tour.
Acting Prime Minister Olmert received an intelligence briefing and was
apprised of the Hezbollah threat, recent events and the situation in Rajar
(<http://tinyurl.com/el6f8>). He then traveled to an overlook from which he
viewed - inter alia - the Mt. Dov area and Rajar.
Acting Prime Minister Olmert thanked Defense Minister Mofaz, IDF
Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Halutz and GOC Northern Command Maj.-Gen. Udi Adam
and said: "I was very impressed by the briefings and I want to tell you that
while it is good to read intelligence reports it is even better to hear
directly from the people who do the work on a daily basis."
Acting Prime Minister Olmert emphasized Hezbollah's efforts to kidnap an
Israeli soldier and said that he was certain that the security establishment
was aware of the dangers and was doing everything to thwart them.
------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Excerpts: Evil Israel.Terrorist activity increases 21 February 2006
Excerpts: Evil Israel.Terrorist activity increases 21 February 2006
+++THE DAILY STAR (LEBANON) 21 Feb.'06:"Israel's tactics show it's more
afraid of dialogue than terror"
QUOTES FROM TEXT:
"the U.S. and a motley collection of European and Israeli politicians
would do
well to ponder"
'Israel, lauded by the U.S. as the only real democracy in the Middle East
(closer to a lie than a statistic)"
"Lies seem to cling to Peres like superglue.This is the man - commonly
dubbed a veteran peacemaker (lie) - whose 1996 election campign included
an artillery attack on the UN compound at Qana Lebanon, killing 102
innocent civilians."
"the West should be seizing the opportunity to address wider issues and
wider problems by engaging in dialogue with the democratically elected
version of militant Islam"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCERPTS:
Editorial
... the U.S. and a motley collection of European and Israeli politicians
would do well to ponder a few real figures concerning the democratically
elected Palestinian Parliament. ... Hamas won 74 of the 132 seats ... an
absolute majority enabling it to rule without recourse to any other party.
Even so, its leaders are seeking to persuade other Palestinian factions to
join in a new government. ... that sounds like an exercise in democracy ...
beyond the level recommended by the White House for the entire Middle East.
Israel, lauded by the U.S. as the only real democracy in the Middle East
(closer to a lie than a statistic), responded by withholding from the
Palestinians around $50 million a month of their own money collected in
taxes and Customs duties. ... around a third of the Palestinian Authority's
operating budget ... a significant proportion of the money used to pay
140,000 PA employees, of whom 57,000 serve in the security forces.
The Israeli Cabinet line is that it wants to starve Hamas of funds so that
its administration will collapse but to do it in a way that will not
detrimentally affect ordinary Palestinians (enough of a contradiction to
warrant labeling it a lie). The ordinary Palestinians whose welfare is so
close to Israel's heart presumably includes those who voted Hamas into
office.
Shimon Peres told a U.S. delegation, "We must see to it that not a single
shekel reaches Hamas and terrorism and that not a single Palestinian suffers
from an economic boycott." Lies seem to cling to Peres like superglue. This
is the man - commonly dubbed a veteran peacemaker (lie) - whose 1996
election campaign included an artillery attack on the UN compound at Qana,
Lebanon, killing 102 innocent civilians.
[IMRA: How could this have helped Peres? An Al-Ahram cartoon had Peres
putting Lebanese in a meat grinder and Israeli votes coming out.]
Israel, the U.S. and the European Union believe that cutting off money to
the Palestinian Authority will either cause the Hamas administration to fail
or convince all Palestinians to accept Israel as a benevolent neighbor. ...
. More than 20 percent of the world's population is Muslim and some major
groupings have already begun to put together a financial rescue package.
They include Iran (exporting around 2.5 million barrels of oil a day at up
to $60 a barrel), the Muslim Brotherhood (with representatives in 86
countries), the Arab League (talking of donating $50 million a month) and
the Organization of Islamic Conference (which comprises 57 states). And if
those statistics aren't impressive enough, if every Muslim in the world
donated $2 a year to the PA, it would have around 35 percent more money to
spend on its people than it does now.
But all of this misses the point. Even though Arabs and Muslims sometimes
suffer a credibility gap between words and deeds where Palestinian finances
are concerned, they are unlikely to allow the PA to collapse. And in any
case, far from politically and economically boycotting Hamas, the West
should be seizing the opportunity to address wider issues and wider problems
by engaging in dialogue with the democratically elected version of militant
Islam. Attempts to starve it risk hardening its stances. Ignoring it will
not make it disappear. Israel and its allies appear to be more afraid of
dialogue than they are of suicide bombers.
+++THE JERUSALEM POST 20 Feb.'06:" Hamas victory sparks terrorist activity"
By YAAKOV KATZ and MARGOT DUDKEVITCH
QUOTE FROM TEXT:
"Hamas's victory ... and the inauguration of the new Palestinian
Legislative Council ... have sparked a sharp increase in the number of
security warnings with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) on Sunday
recording 76- compared to about 50 two weeks ago."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCERPTS:
Hamas's victory ... and the inauguration of the new Palestinian Legislative
Council ... ekend have sparked a sharp increase in the number of security
warnings with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) on Sunday recording 76 -
compared to around 50 two weeks ago.
A security official told The Jerusalem Post that the Hamas takeover of the
PA has motivated Islamic Jihad to become the vanguard of the Palestinian
struggle by escalating its terror activity. "Islamic Jihad sees the
possibility that Hamas will decrease its terror activity as an opportunity
to take over and lead the fight against Israel."
Discerning the new terror wave, the IDF stepped up its activity in the West
Bank and Gaza on Sunday and launched a widespread operation in the Balata
refugee camp in Nablus aimed at cracking the local terror infrastructure.
Four Palestinians involved in terror activities were killed in separate
incidents in the West Bank and Gaza on Sunday.
Two were hit by helicopter-launched missiles while attempting to place a
bomb near the southern Gaza security fence.
Two others were shot during clashes with soldiers operating in the Balata
refugee camp in Nablus, where a widescale IDF operation is underway to rout
out terrorists planning to launch attacks.
In the early morning, two Gazans were spotted in a restricted area 30 meters
from the security fence ... An air force helicopter on patrol was alerted
and fired two missiles killing the two bomb carriers. They were later
identified as Bilal Najer, 18, and Osama Breis, 20, of Rafah, both members
of the Popular Resistance Committee.
Hours later, Palestinian police informed the army that a bomb was found near
the site where the two were hit.
Two Palestinians were shot and killed as heavy gun battles erupted during
the army's "Northern Lights" operation in the Balata camp, aimed at damaging
the terror infrastructure there. Nine Palestinians were wounded in the
exchange of fire with soldiers.
The Palestinian media claimed one of the wounded was Dr. Anan Athira, a
female doctor who reportedly suffered a head injury while tending to
patients. Her condition was later listed as stable. Two others wounded were
identified as Muhammad Habash, 15 and Ramzi Salah, 17.
However, a Central Command officer said all those killed or wounded were
either armed or attempting to detonate bombs near troops.
. . ..
"Intensive IDF operations conducted in recent weeks to nab fugitives in
northern Samaria have weakened the terrorist infrastructure there and forced
them to transfer their anti-Israel activities to the Nablus area," an IDF
officer told The Jerusalem Post.
Four explosive belts caught by soldiers manning the Awarta checkpoint
outside of Nablus in recent weeks were part of these attempts, the officer
said.
The troops encountered fierce resistance on entering the camp. Explosives
were set off near soldiers and fierce exchanges of gunfire erupted. Soldiers
also had to contend with mobs throwing stones and firebombs.
During the day, security forces arrested a wanted Fatah terrorist in the
camp and an IDF bulldozer demolished a home where soldiers believed other
wanted men were hiding.
Elsewhere in the West Bank, troops arrested an Islamic Jihad fugitive in
Ilar north of Tulkarm. At a checkpoint at Salem northwest of Jenin, soldiers
arrested a Palestinian caught carrying two knives.
Dr. Joseph Lerner, Co-Director IMRA
------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Acting PM Olmert Tours IDF Northern Command
Acting PM Olmert Tours IDF Northern Command
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this morning (Tuesday), 21.2.06, toured
IDF Northern Command; Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and IDF Chief-of-Staff
Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz accompanied the tour.
Acting Prime Minister Olmert received an intelligence briefing and was
apprised of the Hezbollah threat, recent events and the situation in Rajar
(<http://tinyurl.com/el6f8>). He then traveled to an overlook from which he
viewed - inter alia - the Mt. Dov area and Rajar.
Acting Prime Minister Olmert thanked Defense Minister Mofaz, IDF
Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Halutz and GOC Northern Command Maj.-Gen. Udi Adam
and said: "I was very impressed by the briefings and I want to tell you that
while it is good to read intelligence reports it is even better to hear
directly from the people who do the work on a daily basis."
Acting Prime Minister Olmert emphasized Hezbollah's efforts to kidnap an
Israeli soldier and said that he was certain that the security establishment
was aware of the dangers and was doing everything to thwart them.
------------------------------
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Hamas to focus on right of return
President Abbas Asks Hamas' Hanyyia to Form New Gov't
http://english.wafa.ps/cphotonews.asp?num=1135
GAZA, February 21, 2006 (WAFA - PLO news agency) - President Mahmoud Abbas
has officially asked Mr. Ismael Hanyyia, Hamas candidate for the Prime
Minister post, to form the new government.
Following receiving the appointment letter from President Abbas, Hanyyia
told reporters that he discussed several issues with President Abbas,
including the formation of the new government.
He affirmed that he was officially asked by President Abbas to form the new
government, stressing that Hamas is discussing the issue of forming a
national unity government.
He also said that his movement will have talks with Fateh movement to join
the new government.
Hannyia revealed that the new government will leave no stone unturned to
meet the needs of the Palestinian people, alleviate their sufferings and
will focus on the rights to return and to establish a Palestinian state with
Jerusalem as its capital.
He added that the Israeli aggressions in Nablus City are classified as
collective punishment, stressing such acts must stop immediately.
A.D. (22:42 P) (20:42 GMT)
------------------------------
From: imra-owner@imra.org.il
Subject: IMRA Subscription Info
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------------------------------
End of [imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1334 (15 messages)
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