Israel's Security

Conference Call: Improving the Prospects for Obama's Success

In late October, IPF convened a Policy Roundtable of analysts, academics and former policy makers in Israel to discuss Israeli perceptions of President Obama and ways he can improve his peacemaking efforts in the region. Dr. Steven L. Spiegel will moderate a discussion between two of the Roundtable's participants, Former Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh and Brig. Gen. (ret.) Shlomo Brom on Monday.

For more information and to RSVP for the call, please read more here.

MK Mofaz discusses peace plan with IPF

Earlier today, MK Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz discussed his newly-announced peace plan with IPF National Scholar Steven L. Spiegel. MK Mofaz is currently number two in the Kadima Party, which heads the opposition in the Knesset. He formerly served as Minister of Defense and Chief of Staff of the IDF.

Lebanese Government Formed; Hezbollah has a Seat at the Table

Earlier today, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri formed a unity government. Importantly, this government includes two ministers affiliated with Hezbollah. Since June, Hariri has been trying to assemble a government among the various Lebanese factions and interests.

IDF investigates Operation Cast Lead probes

In light of the Goldstone Report on Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli human rights organization, B'Tselem, has published details of criminal investigations that are currently being held by the IDF's Southern District Military Police Investigations Unit. Israel's Foreign Ministry has said that of the 23 incidents currently under investigation by military police, 7 are mentioned in Goldstone's report.

The Jerusalem Post reports:

Hamas Rocket Test; Hezbollah Arms Shipment Seized

In a series of military related events in Gaza and the Mediterranean Sea, it is apparent that Hamas and Hezbollah are stockpiling and testing weapons systems. On Tuesday, Israel’s head of military intelligence, Gen. Amos Yadlin, revealed that Hamas, under the cover of stormy weather, recently tested a rocket capable of firing 37 miles. This test means that Hamas now has the means to be able to strike Tel-Aviv and its surroundings.

The status of Jerusalem

A report published last week by the The Israeli Macro Center for Political Economics and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation found that within 20 years, Palestinians will make up a majority of the population of Jerusalem. 

Report of Israel-Iran secret meeting

According to the Israel Atomic Energy Commision Spokesperson Yael Doron, Israeli and Iranian representatives participated in a nuclear non-proliferation conference in Egypt this past September. Iran has denied that the meeting took place; however Egypt's foreign ministry confirmed the report.

Ha'aretz reports:

What's Behind the Israel-Turkey Rift?

On December 22, 2008, outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert travelled to Turkey to meet with Prime Minister Tayyep Erdogan to discuss efforts to launch direct Israel-Syria peace talks. Days earlier, Olmert had expressed optimism that talks could resume with Turkey’s mediation, and there were reports that Syria had produced a document outlining its terms for direct negotiations.

Israeli officials stress need to maintain relationship with Turkey

After Turkey excluded Israel from an international aerial military exercise due to criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead, top Israeli officials warned that Israel must work to maintain its relationship with Turkey.

Maya Bengal and Amri Buhbut in Ma'ariv report on fears that Turkey is becoming closer with Iran and starting a process of Islamization. Israeli officials are trying to prevent a change in Turkey's secular character.