[odayjassim1978_476]

hanging by a thread..good Herzog said NO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,U can only lie/promise so many things….good things don’t happen to a bigot

[Unknown Member]

That’s fine.
 
Let them build settlements all over the West Bank.
 
Soon it will become impossible to separate out the West Bank from the rest of Israel.
 
That will effectively spell the end of a Jewish democratic state.
 
It will have to then choose to be either Jewish or democratic – but it won’t be possible to be both.
 
We know which side the world will support.
 
So, then, the Jewish state will end.
 
We’ll be left with a mixed Jewish Arab state which will a REAL democracy – and that’s actually what many of us – myself included – really want. 
  
 
Ayalet Shaked is one of the most hardline Israeli politicians there is – she campaigned to deport African refugees from Israel.
 
Ms Shaked reinforces the message that Israel is for Jews only – Jews seeking refuge in Israel are welcome – but any other persecuted human beings – including refugees fleeing genocide in Darfur – are not welcome in Ms Shaked’s Israel.[i]  [/i]
[i] [/i]
 

[Unknown Member]

On the other hand, before we all beat up on the hard right government too much, consider this –
 
This is a map of the area ISIS wishes to control.
 
Scary if you consider the fact that it includes present day Israel.
 
As much as I resent the new hard right Israeli government, I’d much rather have an idependent Israel and the Pal territories ruled by even a hard core Kahanist faction than to see Israel taken over by ISIS.
 
 
[image]http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4607099/ISIS_map.jpg[/image]

[kaldridgewv2211]

It would appear the Beebs maybe getting indicted for corruption.  At least that’s what the Israeli police are recommending.  or maybe he’ll  have some Hillary Clinton luck rub off on him.
 
[link]http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43051249[/link]

[100574]

Bebe has lost it
he will soon see just how much Trump will go on a limb for him cause he ain’t Putin

Quote from DICOM_Dan

It would appear the Beebs maybe getting indicted for corruption.  At least that’s what the Israeli police are recommending.  or maybe he’ll  have some Hillary Clinton luck rub off on him.

[link=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43051249]http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43051249[/link]

[100574]

LA Times
 
Less than one week after Israeli police recommended that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be indicted on several corruption charges, a new legal minefield has opened up beneath his feet.

Seven Israelis were arrested on Sunday in what the police call “Case 4000,” a new investigation in which members of Netanyahu’s innermost circle are suspected of intervening with regulators to help the Bezeq group, an Israeli communications giant then run by a close friend of the prime minister, in exchange for favorable coverage of Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, on a news portal owned by the company.

[b] [/b][i] [/i][u][/u][strike][/strike]
 

[100574]

Bebe needs to move on –he keeps using that Iranian drone as a prop but an Israeli jet was lost–weak, ineffective.  Fresh air is needed-he has been there too long with nada results.

[btomba_77]

[h2][link=https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2022/12/28/hundreds-us-rabbis-protest-new-israeli-government-public-letter/]Hundreds of U.S. rabbis protest new Israeli government in public letter[/link][/h2]

[link=https://pdfhost.io/v/ev3CqzNaS_A_CALL_TO_ACTION_FOR_CLERGY_IN_PROTEST_OF_ISRAELI_GOVERNMENT_EXTREMISTS]The letter[/link], drafted by two prominent retired rabbis, drew more than 300 signatures from rabbis in the Reform, Conservative, Renewal and Reconstructing movements of Judaism.
 
We, the undersigned, who care deeply about the security and well-being of the democratic State of Israel, are signing this letter of protest, pledging to not invite any members of the RZP bloc including but not limited to Otzma Yehudit leaders to speak at our congregations and organizations, the letter said, referring to the nationalist parties that will fill out the new Netanyahu government.

…
{M}any of the far-right lawmakers do not recognize the U.S.-centered liberal Jewish movements and are unlikely to speak to its members, barring them from U.S. synagogues is symbolic.
 
But the letter is a sign of the rising tensions between the United States and Israel. The Biden administration has indicated that it will hold Netanyahu [link=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/12/20/biden-israel-netanyahu-far-right-00074685]personally responsible[/link] for the actions of his more-extreme cabinet members and avoid any direct contact with those members.

[/QUOTE]
______________[/h2]  
 
 
 
 

[btomba_77]

[h2][link=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/12/29/israel-government-netanyahu-religious-zionism/]Israels far-right government sworn in amid surge of resistance[/link][/h2]

The new government returns Netanyahu Israels longest-serving leader who is embroiled in a corruption trial to power for the third time, after a year and a half on the sidelines. His coalition, which controls 64 of the 120 seats in the Knesset, was billed as a return to stability after years of political crisis. But it is anchored by Religious Zionism, a bloc of once-fringe, far-right parties that have promised to transform the country in their image.
 
They are already pursuing plans to restrict the rights of minorities, alter the system of checks and balances, hollow out the Israeli judiciary, exert influence over the army and security forces, and allow harsher treatment of Palestinians in Israel and the occupied territories.

…

Though Netanyahu has said he will protect minorities, he has already signed onto an agreement canceling an anti-discrimination law, allowing hospitals, hotels and other businesses to deny service to the LGBTQ community and[b] [/b]others on the basis of religious belief. As long as there are enough other doctors who can provide a service, it is forbidden to force a doctor to give treatment that contradicts their religious position, said Orit Struck, a politician from Religious Zionism who will head the newly established National Missions Ministry.
 
Netanyahu has also helped push through legislation in recent days allowing politicians with past criminal convictions to take office including Deri, a close ally who was convicted of tax fraud, and Itamar Ben Gvir, the leader of the Jewish Power Party who was convicted of supporting a terrorist group and of racist incitement.
[/QUOTE]
 

[kayla.meyer_144]

Sounds like what a large number if not a majority of Republicans want in USA. From dergons quote from link:
 
But it is anchored by Religious [i]Christianity[/i], and blocs of once-fringe, far-right parties [i](Q, John Birchers, Proud Bois, outright Nazis & Fascists & admirers, etc)[/i] that have promised to transform the country in their image.

[satyanar]

 Nice, its now a large number if not a majority from the author of the Proof. 
 
I couldnt be more optimistic.  

[kayla.meyer_144]

Be optimistic if you like. Eventually your optimism will pay off just as it did with COVID.
 
In the meantime the majority[/u] of Republicans are still wetting their diapers about opposing Trump; Q-MTG got re-elected as did gunslinging Lauren Boebert as did many crazies in the GQP,DeSantis won in a landslide and in general Red states remain voting Republican. A lot of etc going with those Republican results. The majority of Republicans still support crazy according to the numbers. Independents seem to be gaining some semblance of rational thinking & young Democratic voters seem to have helped. Repubs still have a long way to go.

[satyanar]

Wait. Now you are changing your mind and it is “the majority” again? 
 
Doesn’t matter. The freaks are on the run. Many are leaning in. We are moving towards the middle which will lead to people voting in your favor 93% of the time. Sorry it can’t be 100%. That would be too left for a majority.

[kayla.meyer_144]

Idiotic non sequitur. No one wants 100% unanimity. Except those admiring authoritarian governments where for instance everyone voted for Putin or Kim Jong-un. 

As Ronnie said, The person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally – not a 20 percent traitor.
 
The problem is that remains a steadfast Republican problem still today, more even than in Ronnies time.
 
Correction, its more of a problem today as those who do not toe the Republican line 100% are RINOs as so many have found out.
 

[satyanar]

Huh. I thought Sinema was a POS because she was 93%

[stlmchenry_510]

Its a great place to visit if you havent been. Its pretty magical whatever your religious affiliation.

[satyanar]

Quote from Frumious

Idiotic non sequitur. No one wants 100% unanimity. Except those admiring authoritarian governments where for instance everyone voted for Putin or Kim Jong-un. 

As Ronnie said, [b]The person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally – not a 20 percent traitor.[/b]

The problem is that remains a steadfast Republican problem still today, more even than in Ronnies time.

Correction, its more of a problem today as those who do not toe the Republican line 100% are RINOs as so many have found out.

 
I had to sit on this for a bit to figure out what you were trying to say. Of course, I agree with you completely. You once asked what independents stand for. We stand for the bolded. Centrist independents and the RINOs and the DINOs. There are more than enough of us to move away from the poles and away from the 100%ers (yes, one side is much worse). 
 
 

[btomba_77]

[b]Netanyahu Faces Mass Protests in Israel[/b][/h1]  
 
Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in central Tel Aviv on Saturday night to protest plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus new government to overhaul the legal system and weaken the Supreme Court a step that critics say will destroy the countrys democratic system of checks and balances, the [link=https://apnews.com/article/politics-israel-government-protests-and-demonstrations-benjamin-netanyahu-6e1a649c7f1e8420a718a4cab90f2269]AP[/link] reports.

 

[btomba_77]

Im a fascist homophobe, but Im a man of my word.
 
 
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, quoted by [link=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-01-16/ty-article/.premium/israels-far-right-finance-minister-im-a-fascist-homophobe-but-i-wont-stone-gays/00000185-b921-de59-a98f-ff7f47c70000]Haaretz[/link].

___________

[h1]Israels Far-right Finance Minister Says He’s ‘A Fascist Homophobe’ but ‘Won’t Stone Gays'[/h1] In a recording published by the Kan public broadcaster on Monday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich can be heard airing his thoughts on LGBTQ people. I wont stone gays, and you wont feed me shrimp
 

[btomba_77]

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fworld%2F2023%2F01%2F18%2Fderi-ineligible-israeli-supreme-court%2F]Israeli court disqualifies senior minister, throwing government into chaos[/link]
 
Ten of the eleven Supreme Court judges agreed that Aryeh Deri, the leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party who is serving as interior and health minister, was ineligible to hold public office due to a series of past criminal convictions.
 

Today the Supreme Court, which claims to represent minorities, threw away the ballots of 400,000 Shas voters, who represent the underprivileged in Israel and went to the polls just two months ago, said a Shas spokesman in a statement following the decision.
 

Last year, Deri was convicted of tax fraud. He claimed that he had been targeted due to racism, referring to his Moroccan heritage, but confessed to the charges, signed a plea deal, and received a suspended jail sentence after vowing that he would not serve in government. Last month, the Knesset passed a law known as the Deri Law, allowing him take office despite his recent convictions.
 

On Monday, Deri told members of his Shas party that he did not plan to step down as minister if he was disqualified by the Supreme Court, according to Israels Channel 13.

 

[stlmchenry_510]

I have enjoyed working with both Jewish and Muslim people throughout my career. It pains me to see all this violence and hatred in Israel. I feel that there must be away for people to come together in some type of understanding, to pave the way for a more peaceful future together. Concessions will likely need to be made on both sides. If it can come to this, which I believe it can, it wont be an easy or quick process. I think the thinking that these two sides can never see eye to eye, is fatalistic and flawed. The true problem is when people stop listening to each other.

[btomba_77]

[link=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-01-21/ty-article/.premium/dictatorship-of-criminals-130-000-israelis-protest-governments-anti-democratic-reforms/00000185-d61c-d3a8-a3cf-d73c1e1c0000] ‘Dictatorship of Criminals:’ Over 130000 Israelis Protest Netanyahu Government’s Anti-Democratic Reforms[/h3]  
 
[/link]
 

[btomba_77]

[h3][link=https://theintercept.com/2023/02/16/israel-jeff-yass-kohelet/]GOP Megadonor Is Funding Far-Right Israeli Think Tank[/link][/h3]
Pennsylvania billionaire Jeffrey Yass is bankrolling groups dedicated to shutting down critiques of [i]Israeli[/i] human [i]rights[/i] abuses.

Kohelets stated aims are to secure Israels future as the nation-state of the Jewish people and broaden individual liberty and free-market principles in Israel. Pulling from the playbook of the American Legislative Exchange Council a Koch-backed group that [link=https://theintercept.com/2020/07/21/alec-coronavirus-corporate-liability-bill/]writes model legislation for conservative lawmakers[/link] across the U.S. Kohelets founder [link=https://www.jpost.com/blogs/think-with-me/making-it-obvious-israel-is-the-nation-state-of-the-jewish-people-565567]helped draft[/link] the law that became Israels Basic Law on the Nation-State in 2018. The controversial policy established Jewish people as having the sole right to self-determination, downgraded Arabic from its status as an official language, and declared the development of Jewish settlement a national value. Kohelet also drafted a new law that gives Israels Parliament the power to override Supreme Court decisions, grants the government [link=https://www.timesofisrael.com/levin-unveils-bills-to-weaken-top-court-enable-laws-to-be-immune-to-judicial-review/]complete control[/link] over judicial appointments, and abolishes the courts[link=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-01-19/ty-article/.premium/israels-reasonableness-standard-is-in-the-news-but-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/00000185-ca85-d3a8-a3cf-cfb54d660000] reasonableness doctrine[/link], which was most recently used to disqualify a thrice-convicted criminal and Netanyahu ally from serving as health and interior minister.

…

Kohelets aims are not restricted to Israels domestic politics.Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, noted that the groups director of international policy has supported U.S. legislation that would make boycotts against Israel illegal and has worked to effectively change U.S. laws so that we no longer view boycotts of Israel or settlements as a legitimate form of protest.

…
Eugene Kontorovich, head of Kohelets international law department and director of the Center for the Middle East and International Law at George Mason Universitys Antonin Scalia Law School, has been involved in efforts to pass domestic legislation opposing protests of Israel. Kontorovich has [link=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2017/07/27/israel-anti-boycott-bill-does-not-violate-free-speech/]helped provide policy drafts[/link] and counsel for [link=https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/cuomo-and-b-d-s-can-new-york-state-boycott-a-boycott]state[/link] and federal [link=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/06/05/south-carolina-passes-historic-anti-boycott-law/]legislation[/link] opposing the [link=https://theintercept.com/2021/11/29/boycott-film-bds-israel-palestine/]boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement[/link] against Israel. 

[/QUOTE]
 

[btomba_77]

[h2][link=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/02/23/yuval-noah-harari-israel-democracy-disaster/]A disaster for democracy looms in Israel[/link][/h2]
{[i]Yuval Noah Harari is the author of Sapiens, Homo Deus and Unstoppable Us and a professor of history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This op-ed was adapted from an article in Hebrew for Ynet in Israel.}

[/i]

What is happening with the Israeli governments attempted [link=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/israels-netanyahu-advances-judicial-changes-despite-uproar/2023/02/20/48842ee0-b0e8-11ed-94a0-512954d75716_story.html?itid=lk_inline_manual_4]Supreme Court overhaul[/link] is not a judicial reform but more akin to an antidemocratic coup. The governments far-right coalition, which [link=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/12/29/israel-government-netanyahu-religious-zionism/?itid=lk_inline_manual_4]came to power[/link] less than two months ago, is legislating at breakneck speed a series of extremely controversial laws, which taken together mean one very simple thing: The government would have the power to pass any law it wants, and interpret existing laws in any way it likes, without checks on its power and without protection for minority rights.
 

In most democracies, the governments power is checked and minority rights are protected through a number of mechanisms, such as a constitution, an independent Supreme Court, a federal system and recognition of international tribunals. None of these mechanisms would apply in the proposed new Israeli legal regime.

In its rhetoric, the government does not disown [link=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-25/netanyahu-says-legal-reform-will-strengthen-democracy-economy]democracy[/link]. Like the far right elsewhere, it [link=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001438835]claims[/link] to be even more democratic than its critics. But this is based on a very narrow definition of democracy, focusing exclusively on an electoral majority, and in effect equating democracy with unrestricted majority dictatorship. Under the new legal regime, it is unclear what would prevent either the present government or a future one from passing laws that, for example, close down opposition newspapers, deny workers the right to strike, abolish academic freedom, criminalize homosexuality, outlaw Arab parties, disenfranchise Arab citizens or perhaps most crucially change the electoral system itself in a way that would guarantee a permanent hold on power.

When asked what would preclude such scenarios, protect minority rights and shield even the majority of citizens from governmental abuse of power, coalition members [link=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/r1ytfbk6j]answer[/link], in effect: Our goodwill. Trust us. This is a blood-curdling answer, familiar to the victims of every tyrant, mobster and abusive spouse in history. Dictators always say trust us, we will protect you. But be careful not to lose our goodwill, yes? We dont want anything bad to happen to you. If you happen to meet anyone describing the antidemocratic coup in Israel as a benign democratic reform, there is one key question to ask them: Explain to me: What mechanism would limit the power of the government under the new regime? Is there even one thing that the government will not be allowed to do?

The threat is especially palpable because Israel is a very polarized society, and members of the ruling far-right coalition have often [link=https://www.srugim.co.il/607253-%D7%A1%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%98%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%A5-%D7%90%D7%AA%D7%9D-%D7%A4%D7%94-%D7%9B%D7%99-%D7%91%D7%9F-%D7%92%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%95%D7%9F-%D7%9C%D7%90-%D7%92%D7%9E%D7%A8-%D7%90%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A2]expressed[/link] their [link=https://www.haaretz.co.il/magazine/the-edge/2023-01-11/ty-article-magazine/.highlight/00000185-a0a9-da33-a9e7-ecf918420000?lts=1677146842440]disdain[/link] for minority [link=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/elections/2021-04-26/ty-article/0000017f-e8af-dea7-adff-f9ffb8550000]groups[/link]. Indeed, when the legislation was being debated in the Knesset this week, coalition member Almog Cohen from the Jewish Power party [link=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-video-from-knesset-far-right-mk-likens-lawmaker-from-arab-party-to-farm-animal/]live-streamed[/link] the debate while making racist commentaries on members of Arab parties, comparing them to beasts. To what extent can Arabs and other minorities entrust their basic human rights to the goodwill of people like Cohen?

[/QUOTE]
 

[btomba_77]

[h1]Israel Is Courting Disaster[/h1] [link=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/05/opinion/michael-bloomberg-israel-netanyahu.html]Michael Bloomberg[/link]:

In more than 20 years of public life, I have steadfastly supported Israel and its people in both word and deed, including by building [link=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/02/nyregion/02dad.html[link=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/02/nyregion/02dad.html]https://www.nytimes.com/2…02/nyregion/02dad.html[/link]]medical[/link] [link=https://www.jta.org/archive/michael-bloomberg-named-a-health-center-in-jerusalem]facilities[/link] there, co-founding [link=https://www.bloomberg.org/government-innovation/supporting-city-leaders/bloomberg-sagol-center/]a leadership center[/link], supporting its innovative [link=https://www.timesofisrael.com/12-israeli-cities-to-get-tools-for-renewal-with-bloomberg-innovation-plan/]local programs[/link] and funding other good causes. I have never gotten involved in its domestic politics or criticized its government initiatives. But my love for Israel, my respect for its people and my concern about its future are now leading me to speak out against the current governments attempt to effectively abolish the nations independent judiciary.
 
Under [link=https://constitutionnet.org/news/israeli-governments-proposed-judicial-reforms-attack-israeli-democracy]the new coalitions[/link] proposal, a simple majority of the Knesset could overrule the nations Supreme Court and run roughshod over individual rights, including on matters such as speech and press freedoms, equal rights for minorities and voting rights. The Knesset could even go as far as to declare that the laws it passes are unreviewable by the judiciary, a move that calls to mind Richard Nixons infamous [link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMt8qCl5fPk]phrase[/link] When the president does it, that means that it is not illegal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government is courting disaster by trying to claim that same power, imperiling Israels alliances around the world, its security in the region, its economy at home and the very democracy upon which the country was built.

Israels security is based partly on a relationship with the United States built on shared values freedom, equality, democracy that can only be sustained by a commitment to the rule of law, including an independent judiciary capable of upholding it. If Israel retreats from that long-term commitment and moves its model of governance toward one that mirrors those of authoritarian countries, it risks weakening its ties to the United States and other free nations.
 
…

That would be a devastating loss for Israels security, harm prospects for a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian conflict and could even imperil the future of the Jewish homeland. It would also undermine the deep attachment millions of people around the world feel toward the country, often because of the pride our parents instilled in us not only for its Jewish character but also for its strong commitment to freedom.

In the United States, our founding fathers insistence on checks and balances to control the tyrannical tendencies of majorities was part of their genius. Our Constitution is not perfect no law is but its many checks and balances have been essential to protecting and advancing fundamental rights and maintaining national stability. It was only through those safeguards that the United States has managed to withstand extreme shocks to our democracy in recent years including a disgraceful attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power without a catastrophic fracturing.
[/QUOTE]

 

[btomba_77]

[b]Dissent is growing inside the IDF[/b]
[hr] First, it was reserve pilots. Now, reserve IDF intel officers are threatening to ignore call ups.

JERUSALEMDissent is growing inside Israels military over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus [link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fapple.news%2FPwhtfwDr-e_IaJTUoH6voaC]planned judicial overhaul[/link], with the defense establishment warning that the proposal threatens to undermine morale and erode the countrys military capabilities.

Hundreds of senior officers, including from the military-intelligence branch, ground forces and air force, have signed letters saying they would refuse to show up for reserve duty if the judicial overhaul passes. The threats from reserve officerswho are essential to the tiny countrys ability to wage warshave further heightened tensions around the proposed legislation.

This is an emergency, said a letter signed by more than 300 military-intelligence officers. If this legislation continues with its aim to turn the justice system into a political body without independencethat is to say, the erasure of Israeli democracywe wont continue to volunteer for reserve duty.

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fapple.news%2FAaK-5sgU9TzuhMYaF60iILA]https://apple.news/AaK-5sgU9TzuhMYaF60iILA[/link]

[btomba_77]

[h1]Netanyahu Urges Military Chief to Contain Reservist Protest[/h1]  
 [link=https://apnews.com/article/israel-protest-courts-netanyahu-military-6c7e6592e38ddb95a78a5b605c9292df]AP[/link] 

I expect from the military chief of staff and the heads of the branches of the security services to aggressively combat the refusal to serve. Theres no place for refusal to serve in the public discourse, he said. A state that wishes to exist cant tolerate such phenomena and we will not tolerate it as well.
 
The military had no immediate comment about Netanyahus remarks. The militarys chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi, has reportedly warned Netanyahu that the reservists protest risks harming the militarys capabilities. He has pledged to make sure it doesnt and keep the military outside of the public debate on the overhaul.
 
Opposition leader Yair Lapid tweeted in response that if Netanyahu suspended the overhaul, reservists would stop refusing to serve.

[/QUOTE]
 

[btomba_77]

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Fopposition-decries-political-arrests-as-several-central-protest-leaders-detained%2F]Opposition decries political arrests as several central protest leaders detained[/link]

Several leaders and prominent members of the protest movement against the governments judicial overhaul were arrested during the course of the nationwide demonstrations on Thursday, including Shikma Bressler, Kalanit Sharon, Rotem Perelman-Farhi and Moshe Radman.

The arrests led several opposition figures and politicians to accuse police of conducting political arrests, although the force insisted in at least two cases that the arrests were made due to disturbances of public order.

***
The arrests came during a day of paralysis across the country Thursday against the governments radical legal reform package, in rallies that have involved acts of civil disobedience including the blocking of major highways.

________

And this gem, very in the Trumpy mold of governing –

[b]Likud MK warns police chief he could face probes, prosecution over protests[/b]
A Likud lawmaker said Monday night at the Knesset that the day will come when numerous individuals will be investigated and prosecuted over their part in nationwide protests against the government, warning the chief of police that he could find himself among them.
***
The day will come, not far off, when we will set up a commission of inquiry into everything that happened here in the last two months, said Amsalem, who is [link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Fsupreme-court-critic-amsalem-to-join-justice-ministry-as-2nd-minister%2F]slated to be appointed a minister[/link] in the Justice Ministry.

You will see how many people here will be interrogated under caution and prosecuted, Amsalem predicted. I suggest that you not be one of them. You are responsible, this is your watch.

[btomba_77]

[h1]Israel Spirals Into Chaos[/h1] [link=https://www.axios.com/2023/03/26/netanyahu-gallant-fires-judicial-overhaul-plan-israel]Axios[/link]:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister on Sunday, a day after Yoav Gallant called for suspending the governments judicial overhaul plan and warned opposition, including within the military, to the legislation was undermining Israels national security. 
 
The sacking is likely to further enrage anti-government protesters and escalate the instability the country has faced since Netanyahus right-wing government unveiled the judicial overhaul plan earlier this year.
 
[link=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/03/26/israel-judicial-reform-netanyahu-protests/]Washington Post[/link]: As the upheaval nears its fourth month with no sign of easing, and even spreads into the ranks of Israels revered military, the prime minister seems unable, or unwilling, to apply his vaunted touch.
 

[btomba_77]

things moving in Israel –
 
A few headlines:

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Fliveblog_entry%2Fpoweful-labor-union-expected-to-announce-strike-over-judicial-overhaul-reports%2F]Powerful labor union expected to announce strike over judicial overhaul reports[/link]

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Fliveblog_entry%2Fehud-barak-netanyahu-has-gone-off-the-rails-must-be-removed-from-office%2F]Ehud Barak: Netanyahu has gone off the rails, must be removed from office[/link]

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Fliveblog_entry%2Fseveral-mayors-announce-hunger-strike-over-judicial-overhaul%2F]Several mayors announce hunger strike over judicial overhaul[/link]

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Fliveblog_entry%2Fpolice-use-water-cannons-against-protesters-outside-netanyahus-home-in-jerusalem%2F]Police use water cannons against protesters outside Netanyahus home in Jerusalem[/link]

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Fliveblog_entry%2Fnetanyahu-said-mulling-freezing-overhaul-legislation%2F]Netanyahu said mulling freezing overhaul legislation[/link]

Channel 12 adds that Shas leader Aryeh Deri supports halting the legislation.

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Fliveblog_entry%2Fover-600000-said-demonstrating-nationwide-jerusalem-protesters-march-toward-knesset%2F]Over 600,000 said demonstrating nationwide; Jerusalem protesters march toward Knesset[/link]

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Fliveblog_entry%2Fnetanyahu-said-considering-halting-the-judicial-overhaul-levin-threatening-to-resign%2F]Netanyahu said considering halting the judicial overhaul, Levin threatening to resign[/link]

[btomba_77]

Bibi’s house reportedly surrounded by thousands of protestors. Water cannon run out of water. … at midnight Israel

[btomba_77]

[b]Israels Largest Union Launches Strike[/b][/h1]  
 
The head of Israels largest trade union group says it is launching a general strike in protest over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus plans to overhaul the judiciary, the [link=https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-politics-legal-overhaul-protests-a61c758ad1e523d38006b3e0ea972be2]AP[/link] reports.
 
The decision on Monday by the Histadrut, which represents more than 700,000 works in numerous sectors, from banks to transportation to health workers, could paralyze large parts of Israels economy.

 

[kaldridgewv2211]

The people are really taking a stand against Bibi and his authoritarian swing.  Impressive.

[btomba_77]

Bibi announces he will pause judicial reform.
 
 
But he has also promised that it will pass the Knesset by summer … so expect protests to continue  

[btomba_77]

[link=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/27/opinion/israel-netanyahu-judiciary-protests.html]https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/27/opinion/israel-netanyahu-judiciary-protests.html[/link]
[h1]Israels Crisis Has a Distinctly American Flavor[/h1]

As in America, many on the Israeli right have stopped defining themselves based on policies and have resorted instead to nativism and resistance to democratic norms. The political wedge issues in Israel are no longer questions around Palestinian statehood but rather the independence of the courts, good governance and plain decency. Its no surprise, then, that the heirs of Israels earlier generation of conservatives can no longer find their place in the ruling Likud party. Theyve become Israeli versions of so-called RINOs, or Republicans in name only.
…

Like America, Israel now finds itself hopelessly polarized along numerous societal fault lines: religious and secular, rural and urban, educated and not, traditional and progressive, hawks and doves. And, like the United States so often during the Trump years, those differences have spilled out into the streets. But for a small country in a tough neighborhood, one whose survival depends on an engaged citizenry and mandatory military service, the stakes in Israel are that much higher.

…
 
There is a distinct taste of Americanism to this fresh conservative Israeli persona. Mr. Netanyahu, the countrys biggest panderer to identity politics, is Israels most American-style politician. He spent many years in the United States, and many of his pollsters and [link=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/19/us/politics/arthur-finkelstein-innovative-influential-conservative-strategist-dies-at-72.html]strategists[/link], not to mention his [link=https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/israel-middle-east/articles/bibis-brain]inner circle[/link], came straight from right-wing Republican campaigns. Much of the appeal he has cultivated over the past decade owes to the backing of the free daily newspaper [link=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ex-aide-testifies-netanyahu-enlisted-sheldon-adelson-to-take-down-rival-paper/]Israel Hayom[/link], the outlet of the late billionaire Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson. (Mr. Adelsons widow, Miriam, has [link=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-03-12/ty-article/invoking-husband-miriam-adelson-says-israel-should-slow-down-judicial-overhaul/00000186-d63a-def2-a5b7-f63b68e20000]recently criticized[/link] the rush toward judicial reform.)
 
Its in the Jewish settlements of the West Bank, though, where the American import has been most devastating. In Israels version of the Wild West, he who captures the hilltop is king, and Gods will overrules the laws of man. This brazen flouting of the states authority over the years has often been delivered with the accent of an American gunslinger.
 
…

The primary motivation for these cabinet ministers in neutering the courts seems to be to remove any future obstacles to their West Bank aspirations and to make sure that withdrawals never happen again. For the ultra-Orthodox, the aim is to perpetuate their avoidance of military service and maintain their preferred status. And for Mr. Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, the goal is most likely to stay in power and stay out of jail (even though he denies such a motive).
 
…
 
Now this unholy alliance of zealots, cynics and charlatans is following the lead of Republicans in the United States by trying to turn the Supreme Court into an explicitly political body.
 
…
 
If there is one positive American influence to point to these days, it is the awakening of a civil resistance movement that seems as impressive as that of any democracy since the civil rights movement and anti-Vietnam protests of the 1960s.
 

 
 

[btomba_77]

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedailybeast.com%2Fbiden-should-consider-helping-israelby-withholding-aid]Biden Should Consider Helping IsraelBy Withholding Aid
[image]https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif[/image][/link]

For all these reasons, the Biden administration needs to send a clear message privately to Netanyahu that any further moves to curtail democracy will lead to an immediate pause of a meaningful portion of U.S. aid to Israel. We have the leverage. We should use it. Moreover, as Israels most steadfast ally, we have an obligation to defend it. Standing in the way of tyranny from within is one way in which the U.S. can live up to its commitment to defend Israel.

Absent a solid promise not to pause but to actually fully stop the judicial reform effort, the administration should also rethink the invitation Israel has to participate in the upcoming Democracy Summit. (The administration says the criteria for attending the event must remain flexible to countries with differing degrees or systems of democracy. Fair enough. But undercutting that position is the fact that invitations to democracy backsliders like Turkey and Hungary were, appropriately, withheld.)

[kayla.meyer_144]

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedailybeast.com%2Fbiden-should-consider-helping-israelby-withholding-aid]Biden Should Consider Helping IsraelBy Withholding Aid 
[image]https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif[/image][/link] 
 
MOST DEFINITELY! The only way that Israel will listen, hit them in the pocketbook.

[kaldridgewv2211]

I was reading remarks from Bibi towards Biden about how they’re no longer a star on the US flag.  Some real BS Bibi being Bibi.  Biden should say fine you’re cut off.  Bibi can’t have a blank check from the US.

[btomba_77]

Quote from DICOM_Dan

I was reading remarks from Bibi towards Biden about how they’re no longer a star on the US flag.  Some real BS Bibi being Bibi.  Biden should say fine you’re cut off.  Bibi can’t have a blank check from the US.

[h2][link=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/3922859-biden-on-israels-proposed-judicial-reforms-they-cannot-continue-down-this-road/]Biden on Israels proposed judicial reforms: They cannot continue down this road.” [/link][link=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/03/29/israel-biden-netanyahu-judicial-reform/]

[/link][/h2]

Like many strong supporters of Israel, Im very concerned, and Im concerned that they get this straight. They cannot continue down this road, Biden told reporters after a speech in North Carolina on the economy.
 
Hopefully the prime minister will act in a way that he can try to work out some genuine compromise. But that remains to be seen, Biden added.
Biden said Netanyahu wont be invited to visit the White House in the near term.

[/QUOTE]

[h2][link=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/03/29/israel-biden-netanyahu-judicial-reform/]Biden-Netanyahu spat bursts into full view[/link][/h2]
President Biden signaled misgivings about Netanyahus path in recent weeks as the prime minister has pursued changes to the Israeli judicial system. Netanyahus defiant response to Biden shook Israels political and security establishment.

The dispute escalated late Tuesday following comments by Biden that appeared to question Netanyahus ability or willingness to compromise on his contentious judicial-overhaul plan, which has sparked months of protests and instability in Israel. Under pressure, Netanyahu has agreed to postpone the overhaul but has shown no signs of dropping it.
 
Netanyahus defiant response to Biden overnight Wednesday shook Israels political and security establishment and exposed the prime minister to criticism for purportedly jeopardizing the countrys most vital diplomatic relationship. In the United States, the exchange reverberated across the political landscape, as Republicans accused Biden of undermining a key ally, and some Democratic activists called for him to take an even stronger stance in calling out Israel for potential antidemocratic moves.

Netanyahu responded to Bidens comments in a 1 a.m. [link=https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1640835888362946560]string of tweets[/link], saying that Israel is a sovereign country which makes its decisions by the will of its people and not based on pressures from abroad, including from the best of friends.

Hard-line members of Netanyahus governing coalition were even more defiant, accusing Biden of meddling in Israels domestic affairs. One minister from Netanyahus Likud party posted that Biden had been duped by fake news, before deleting the tweet.
[/QUOTE]
 

[kaldridgewv2211]

Israel is a sovereign country which makes its decisions by the will of its people”
 
Big if true but the protests seem to show otherwise.  

[btomba_77]

Netanyahu’s Justice Minister wants to appoint to the Supreme Court only justices who will understand why Israeli Jews would not want to live near Israeli Arabs.

[link=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Flevin-calls-for-justices-who-understand-why-jews-dont-want-to-live-near-arabs%2F]Levin said to call for judges who understand why Jews dont want to live near Arabs[/link]

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the chief architect of the suspended judicial overhaul legislation, reportedly told the cabinet on Sunday that the Supreme Court must feature justices who understand why Jewish Israelis would not be prepared to live with Arabs in mixed localities.

Arabs buy apartments in Jewish communities in the Galilee and this causes Jews to leave these cities, because they are not prepared to live with Arabs. We need to ensure that the Supreme Court has justices who understand this, said Levin, according to the Kan public broadcaster.
—
It came as the cabinet also held a discussion on a proposed government resolution advanced by the far-right Otzma Yehudit party to assert Zionist values in government policy, a move that would seemingly enable giving Jewish Israelis preferential treatment in housing planning and construction.

[stlmchenry_510]

Theres seems to be a major lack of balance of power there now. That is a problem.

[kayla.meyer_144]

The end of what had been bragged as the only democracy in the Middle East.
 
Not that Arab citizens counted much. This clears the way for settlers to steal Palestinian land, owned for centuries by Palestinian families to create Jewish settlements.
 
 

[kaldridgewv2211]

Yup. Then there will be some kind of viciousness from a Palestinian / hezbolllah or whatever towards Israelis. And then itll be all shrugs. Like whatd I do.

[stlmchenry_510]

I feel like we are going back in time. Except for the atomic bomb.