Ehud barak

Following Orders, But From Who?

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s removal last week of the West Bank Yeshiva Har Bracha from the Hesder Yeshiva Movement because of the statements and actions by its dean was meant to send a clear message: insubordination within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not be tolerated. It is not clear whether Barak’s move will ultimately serve to stamp out – or fan – the recent flames of discord emanating from some religious soldiers and elements within the broader national-religious camp.

Beilin Announces Planned Settlement Freeze as Barak and Peres Formulate New Peace Plan

Former Knesset Member Yossi Beilin announced yesterday that Prime Minister Netanyahu will soon declare a ten month freeze on settlement construction in the West Bank, which would not include Jerusalem. Posturing on what may happen following Netanyahu's declaration, Beilin predicted that the Americans would welcome the move and call for the renewal of talks despite their disapproval of continued building in Jerusalem and the Palestinian Authority would not be able accept it and would collapse as a result.

Syrian and Israeli leaders voice support for resuming peace talks

Syrian President Bashar Assad and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak both voiced support for resuming peace talks in an exchange of statements yesterday. Assad, during a visit to Zagreb, announced that he was in favor of renewing talks with Israel and asked for support from the European Union, citing the need for a third party's involvement. Several Israeli officials responded by voicing support for continuing dialogue with Syria.

Yossi Yehoshua reports in Yedioth Ahronoth:

A Palestinian View: The Goldstone report and its ramifications for Palestinian politics

The findings and recommendations of the Goldstone report were shocking to Israelis. They were furious at the warrant for Ehud Barak's arrest in London as a result of a court case brought by the families of the many victims of Israel's Gaza offensive. But the decision to support the deferral of a vote on the report in the UN's Human Rights Council has caused an earthquake in Palestinian politics.

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.

Barak and Peres express support for peace process in meetings with Mitchell

Special Envoy George Mitchell met with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, President Shimon Peres and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman today in Israel. Barak and Peres both expressed support for Obama's peace initiatives in the region, despite low expectations of a breakthrough.

According to Ynet:

The Prospect for a Breakthrough

Although the Obama administration's efforts to resume the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations have not, as yet, produced tangible results, the prospect for a breakthrough in negotiations may be closer today than it has been in many years. Notwithstanding the inherent skepticism about the prospect of real progress, the conversion of certain regional and international developments have altered the political dynamic and created a new set of opportunities for a negotiated settlement.

Winking and Blinking

Rarely in these hazy days that lead up to the "chagim," the Jewish High Holiday period, are major political maneuvers made. August brings the summer Knesset recess and a slowdown at government offices, quickly melting into the long season of repentance when routine comes to a stop and ordinary life is generally relegated to "acharei hachagim," after the holidays.  This is the time for stock-taking: Israelis examine the quality of their life, the performance of their government and the outlook for their future.

Time To Reevaluate The Blockade?

Since June of 2007 when Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip from Fatah, Israel has more or less imposed a total blockade on the territory for all non-humanitarian items. In effect, Israel prevents imports that could have any potential military use, be it offensive or defensive. This includes:

Sweeping restrictions on the import of industrial, agricultural and construction materials; the suspension of almost all exports; and a general ban on the movement of Palestinians through Erez, the only passenger crossing to the West Bank.