Israel's Security

Obama is Clearly on Israel's 'Side'

Jackson Diehl’s March 28 op-ed column, “Man in the middle,” was perplexing given President Obama’s record of support for Israel, particularly in the midst of the upheaval that has engulfed Israel’s neighborhood. 

Responding to Violence with a New U.S. Strategy

This week has seen renewed bloodshed with a horrific terrorist bombing at a bus station in Jerusalem, a flurry of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into Israel, and Israeli counter strikes in Gaza. Tit-for-tat violence in the region is back—even if it never was really gone. The violence indicates that while revolutionary protests are calling for change across the broader Middle East, the status quo in Israel-Palestine appears as entrenched as ever. 

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: