 | | Sharon Plans Massive Withdrawals
Reports are increasing that Prime Minister Sharon has drafted a plan for Israel's withdrawal from almost all of Judea and Samaria by 2008.
Full Story Below |
| | | 
Land of Israel Necklace Handcrafted by artisans in Israel with beautifully layered earth from her holiest sites, The Land of Israel Necklace is truly a way to keep Israel close to your heart. We believe that proudly wearing Israel over your heart helps keep Israel in your mind, signifies your bond to the Land, creates conversation and interest, and is a unique way to demonstrate your love and support for Israel.
Click Here | |
 | Rent a Cellphone from Arutz Sheva
Don't miss any calls when you visit Israel! Arutz Sheva will provide you with an Israeli cellphone at the best price! Delivery in USA and Israel. Call 1-646-432-4542 in the USA and 02-652-2353 in Israel.
More Details |  | | Editor: Hillel Fendel
Sunday, November 27, 2005
25 Cheshvan 5766
 |
| | | 1. Sharon Plans Massive Withdrawals
|  | | By Hillel Fendel
Reports are increasing that Prime Minister Sharon has drafted a plan for Israel's withdrawal from almost all of Judea and Samaria by 2008.
| Middle East Newsline (MENL) reports in the name of "political sources" that Sharon has begun briefing senior U.S. officials of his intention to withdraw unilaterally from more than 95% of Judea and Samaria. Sharon is hoping to be elected Prime Minister for a third time - this time not in the Likud, however, but as head of his new Kadima Party.
One of the most valuable "acquisitions" of the Kadima Party, MK Chaim Ramon, formerly of Labor, said openly last week that Sharon will unilaterally
withdraw to final borders in Judea and Samaria if Palestinian terror continues. IMRA reported that Ramon said this on a live interview on Channel 10's "London and Kirschenbaum" news program just hours after he announced his decision to join Sharon's Kadima.
Ramon explained that Sharon will keep his plans secret until the elections because he wants to give the Road Map a chance.
Many public figures said, both immediately before and after Sharon's decision to quit the Likud, that this decision stems from his desire to carry out dramatic diplomatic moves that he knows the Likud would not approve. Among those who have said this are Binyamin Netanyahu, former Ashkelon Mayor and long-time Sharon confidante Eli Landau, Likud ministers, and others.
The MENL report indicates that Sharon would seek a U.S. and international security presence in Judea and Samaria, as well as yet another commitment for the dismantling of Palestinian terrorist groups.
Sharon's reported plan is to order a unilateral withdrawal, at first, from more than 90% of Judea and Samaria, while retaining control over air space. The pullout would be accompanied by a pledge of an additional withdrawal, as well as full Palestinian independence, once the PA dismantles terrorist groups and maintains security cooperation with Israel. The MENL sources said a version of the plan has already been drafted by Israel's National Security Council.
Though Sharon has denied that he plans any further disengagements, he pledged last week to "lay the foundation for a peace in which we set the permanent borders of the state, while insisting on the dismantling of the terror organizations."
 Comment on this story
| | 2. Government Convenes: Six Ministers from Likud, Six From Kadima
|  | | By Hillel Fendel
The government convened today in its new format - minus the Labor Party ministers, and split down the middle between Likud and Sharon-Kadima ministers. Peres may join Sharon.
| It has been assumed that Sharon would appoint members of his new party as temporary ministers, to replace those from Labor who quit last week. The Likud ministers even said that they would not object to the appointments.
However, Sharon decided to wait until Dec. 8, when the government officially assumes "lame-duck" status and Sharon will then be able to appoint permanent ministers. In any event, they will serve only until the national elections, set for March 28, 2006.
Front-runners to be named as ministers are MKs Roni Bar-On and Ze'ev Boim - two stalwart Sharon-supporters whom the Prime Minister tried twice before to appoint as ministers. Both times, however, the Knesset turned him down, refusing to allow him to reward his supporters in this fashion.
Among the portfolios that Sharon, as Prime Minister, will now fill - until ministers are named - are Housing, Interior, Infrastructures, Communications, Science and Environment.
It was reported this morning that Shimon Peres, who served as Labor Party Chairman for close to 20 years over the course of several terms, is strongly considering joining Sharon's new Kadima party. Peres consulted over the weekend with Chaim Ramon, the only Labor MK who has joined Kadima so far. Peres also spoke with Sharon-confidante Uri Shani.
The Likud, meanwhile, continues to try to ferret out Kadima moles within its ranks. A top activist on behalf of front-running Likud chairman candidate Binyamin Netanyahu has suggested that private detectives be hired to track Likud members who are actually acting on behalf of Sharon.
Netanyahu will officially launch his campaign for Likud Party head today. His motto is: "Netanyahu - the leader of the true Likud", which can also be read as, "Netanyahu - the true leader of the Likud." Recent polls show that he will gain a plurality of the votes in the primaries to be held on Dec. 19, and will then beat Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz in a run-off a week later.
Netanyahu announced this morning that if elected to head the Likud, he will recommend that the party's ministers quit the government.
The Shinui Party is launching its election campaign today, with the motto: "Rule of Law. Shinui - home of the secular and middle class."
Comment on this story
| |
| 3. Barghouti´s Popularity Spurs Campaign to Free Him
|  | | By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Meretz/Yahad, a potential coalition partner for PM Sharon, has called for the release of jailed terrorist Marwan Barghouti. Foreign Minister Shalom vowed Barghouti would stay in jail.
| Barghouti won a landslide victory Friday in Ramallah in the Palestinian Authority's Fatah Party primaries, taking 96% of the votes. Fatah voters in five major Arab towns - Shechem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin and Tubas - chose candidates to head the party's list in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections scheduled for January 25, 2006.
Barghouti is likely to lead the list of candidates for the ruling Fatah party, despite the fact that he is serving multiple life terms in an Israeli jail for murder and attempted murder.
"I think today there is no doubt that he is one of the top leaders in the Palestinian street," said Yossi Beilin, leader of the Meretz/Yahad party. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has stated that if his new Kadima party forms the next government, Meretez/Yahad is a likely coalition partner.
Beilin backed up his calls for releasing Barghouti by claiming it would help promote democracy in the PA. "Barghouti heads one of the Palestinian camps that do want peace," he said, "and so this is the moment to end his sentence... in preparation for an historical peace agreement with Israel."
Beilin further said, "Barghouti will be released anyway in some future deal, so why not do it now?"
Foreign Minister Shalom replied, "We must not forget that he is a cold-blooded murderer who was sentenced by the court to five life sentences." National Religious Party (NRP) Knesset Member Sha'ul Yahalom declared that freeing Barghouti would encourage terror.
The media frequently have reported there are secret plans to release Barghouti from prison. The Israeli Hebrew daily Yediot Aharonot reported this past summer that a secret document has been prepared recommending Barghouti’s release. Similar rumors often have been linked to the possibility of the United States' releasing Jonathan Pollard. Pollard has insisted he will not agree to leave jail as part of a deal to release Arab terrorists.
Media reports on Saturday quoted an unnamed senior government official as saying, "It is common that peace agreements are accompanied by the release of prisoners, but even then it is not certain that he would be released."
Other jailed convicted terrorists also won positions as candidates in the PA elections Friday. Running third behind Barghouti is a jailed Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terrorist, and the Hamas terrorist organization stated that three of its members serving time in Israeli prisons also will run in the elections.
In Jenin, terrorist Jamal Abu Rob, who nicknamed himself "Hitler," won a high position on the slate of candidates, as did the head of Shechem's Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.
IsraelNationalNews' Baruch Gordon contributed to this story.
Comment on this story
| | 4. Myriads in Hevron for Sabbath
|  | | By Hillel Fendel
Some 25,000 people participated in the annual Hevron Sabbath yesterday, praying and touring in the Machpelah Cave and elsewhere.
|
The Sabbath gathering is held annually to mark the public reading of the weekly Torah portion "Chaye Sarah." The portion recounts Abraham's purchase of the Machpelah Cave (Tomb of the Patriarchs) and the area around it as a burial plot for his wife Sarah; Abraham, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob and Leah were later buried there as well.
Many prayer services were held throughout the Sabbath in the Machpelah Cave, the nearby Avraham Avinu synagogue, and elsewhere in the Jewish quarter of the ancient city. Tours, lectures and discussion groups were also held. The IDF was out in force to protect the many visitors.
"It was just an unbelievable Shabbat," said Hevron Jewish Community spokesman David Wilder. "Over 350 people came especially from abroad just for this Sabbath." Close to 400 people took part in a Sabbath afternoon meal at Gutnick Hall, just opposite the Machpelah Cave. They were mostly members of two American groups: AFSI (Americans for a Safe Israel) and the Hevron Fund. Speakers talked of the critical need for Aliyah [immigration to Israel] and for strengthening our ties with the holy sites, the Land, Torah, and People of Israel.
One of the city's holy sites, the gravesite of the Biblical Ruth and her grandson Yishai (Jesse, the father of King David), has undergone a revamping over the past two years. Located opposite the Tel Romeida (Admot Yishai) neighborhood of Hevron, it was practically unknown to non-residents of the city. Of late, however, its floor has been newly tiled, the original courtyard floor was uncovered, a new Holy Ark, tables, chairs and study-stands (stenders) were placed inside, and signs with Biblical verses were positioned outside the entrance.
Several renovations were made especially in honor of this past Sabbath. These include introduction of a framed-and-glass Book of Ruth [pictured above], penned on traditional parchment by a scribe living in Hevron. In addition, a new mezuzah was placed on the entryway doorpost, and the library was supplemented by the addition of 40 English-Hebrew versions of books written by King David and his son King Solomon, such as Psalms and Song of Songs, and more. Visitors to Hevron are invited to frequent the holy site.
Another developing story in and around Hevron is the budding outpost neighborhood of Givat Gal, just outside Kiryat Arba. Currently populated by just two families, it is located just above and practically adjacent to the Dribben family farm.
Comment on this story
| |
 | Menshenables Judaica
Fun name, Fun-ky Judaica. Unique gifts and ritual items for every simcha and holiday.
Click Here! | | 5. EU Wants Israel to Divide Jerusalem
|  | | By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The EU has accused Israel of a de facto annexation of eastern Jerusalem. An EU conference in Barcelona is discussing the issue, with the PA calling for dividing Israel's capital.
| A European Union (EU) document, reported in The New York Times and The Guardian, urges member countries to prevent the security fence from "sealing off most of East Jerusalem" and allowing Israel a "de facto annexation" of Jerusalem. The city which was re-united after the 1967 Six Day War.
The report charges that "Israeli activities in Jerusalem are in violation of both its roadmap obligations and international law." Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and virtually every previous prime minister and leader of major parties have declared that Jerusalem will remain united. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has insisted that its proposed new Arab state will include Jerusalem as its capital.
The EU report, prepared by its diplomats in eastern Jerusalem and Ramallah and written by British consulate officials, was sent to foreign ministers of the 25 countries in the group.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said he hoped the document would not lead to a "regression to the one-sided [European] position of the past."
The report is to be published in December, but was leaked as the EU increased its involvement in PA-Israel relations by placing European observers at the re-opened Rafiah border between Gaza and Egypt. The report, along with an EU conference in Barcelona on Sunday, may put the status of Jerusalem in the forefront in the current Israeli election campaign.
PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is to attend the Barcelona meeting, but both Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom have absented themselves to continue their campaign in the upcoming elections in Israel. Finance Minister Ehud Olmert is taking their place. Abbas is expected to exploit the opportunity to demand that Israel tear down the security fence.
The EU implicitly has sided with the Palestinian Authority against Israel on the status of Jerusalem. Its official policy states, "The EU opposes... actions aimed at changing the Palestinian character of East Jerusalem."
The EU has blamed Israel for policies that it says "are reducing the possibility of reaching a final-status agreement on Jerusalem that any Palestinian could accept," because the security fence separates 230,000 Arabs from Judea and Samaria. The result is a "de facto annexation of Palestinian land," according to the report, which the Times said was leaked "from someone who wanted to publicize it."
Diplomats also accused Israel of "radicalizing the hitherto relatively quiescent Palestinian population of East Jerusalem" by discrimination against them on matters of work and building permits, house demolitions and taxation.
Comment on this story
| | 6. PA Opens Rafiah Border in Honor of ´Martyrs´
|  | | By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The Palestinian Authority (PA) opened the Rafiah border Saturday in honor of "martyrs" as Arabs jacked up bus and taxi fares in the face of demand to travel back and forth from Gaza to Egypt.
| Israel's surveillance was limited to video cameras, and final authority on who may cross the border is in the hands of the PA. At a ceremony accompanying the re-opening of the crossing, PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas praised the "Shahids [martyrs], the injured [and] the prisoners."
Arabs rushed ahead of the official opening and crossed the border as early as Thursday. Pandemonium was reported at the gate complex where taxis and buses took Gaza residents from Cairo at rates almost double the normal fare. Residents also have to pay a departure tax.
The official re-opening of the border marked the first time since 1967 that Israel has no control over traffic and is unable to prevent terrorists and weapons from entering Gaza. Israel is relying on video cameras and a staff of European Union (EU) observers who have no authority over the PA. Only a skeleton staff was on hand Saturday, and said the procedures went smoothly.
The PA considers its authority at the crossing a symbol of independence as a state in the making, complete with passports. The EU reported that 1,287 people have crossed the border.
Abbas told the crowd attending the ceremony, "This is a small dream that is part of our progress on the way to an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."
After Israel agreed to back down from demands from direct surveillance, Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz stated, "This agreement can serve as the foundation for regional cooperation."
Comment on this story
| |
| 7. Terrorists Wound Jerusalem Youth
|  | | By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
A 16-year-old Jerusalem youth was in serious/stable condition Sat. night after being stabbed by two Arab terrorists as he walked home from the Shimon HaTzaddik neighborhood, north of the Old City.
| Police are searching for the terrorists, who stabbed the boy six times in the back around 5 p.m. He was rushed to Hadassah Hospital at Ein Karem.
Terrorists two weeks ago stabbed a yeshiva student near the Shechem [Damascus] Gate in the Old City, and Arabs frequently have thrown stones at the Egged bus which runs through the Shimon HaTzadik neighborhood.
In another attack in the capital, two firebombs were thrown by Arabs Saturday night in the Jewish neighborhood of Reches Shlomo, between the Ramot and French Hill suburbs. There were no reports of damage or injuries.
IDF troops Saturday morning arrested two Arab youths who were discovered carrying 20 bullets. Friday night, troops arrested a Hamas terrorist near Hevron.
In the south, Arab terrorists fired at an IDF patrol near the security fence between the central Gaza region and the western Negev. No damage or injuries were reported.
On Friday, five Border Guard soldiers were lightly injured by stone-throwing Arabs at the weekly protest near the village of Bil'in near Ramallah. The demonstrators - Arabs, left-wing Israeli groups and the International Solidarity Movement - were protesting against the construction of the security fence.
In the northern Negev, police arrested several Bedouin on Saturday after an argument broke out over claims to land south of the Yatir Forest.
Comment on this story
| | 8. On A7tv: Singing in Memory of Reb Shlomo Carlebach
|  | | A7tv's weekly culture magazine "Israeli Salad" with Yoni Kempinski
| - They planned a totally different type of celebration, but their homes were destroyed - Yoni takes us to a Bar Mitzvah celebration for the Gush Katif kids.
- "My son did what he needed to do" - Interview with father of Corporal David Markowitz, the IDF hero who killed 4 terrorists.
- When the soul connects, the soul begins to dance - Yoni joins the 11th memorial concert for singing Rabbi Reb Shlomo Carlebach.
- Dead Sea Scrolls to tour the U.S. - David Miller is in the news studio with a "Good News" Update.
Yoni invites you to submit feedback and ideas. Click at page bottom.
Click "play" below to view video
Click here if video does not appear
Download* the hi-rez Israeli Salad Video
For more A7tv visit www.IsraelNationalTV.com.
*To download video files, right-click and choose "Save Target As". Email Readers must click through to this story from this website page and then right-click and choose 'Save Target As'
Comment on this story
| |
 | Wide Range of Judaica Items
In www.mirrys-artglass.com you will see a wide range of judaica ( mezzuzot ; menoras; kiddush cups; havdalla sets; choshen;) and other items made from glass and copper with a silver or gold plated finish.
Click Here! | | |
| | Today on IsraelNN.com: |  |  | Top Islamic Jihad Terrorist Surrenders
|   | | |  | |  | The Opening of Jihad on US Soil
The logical conclusion that Rabbi Kahane's supporters drew from his murder was crystal clear. Strangely, it coincided with the assessment of the Islamic jihad: if they can eliminate a problematic "radical" rabbi on US soil and get away with it, then the hitherto invincible and impenetrable US would become open for their jihad.
|  | | | I Have the Right to Be Unforgiving
Ms. Olevitch wrote against the idea of "We Won't Forgive and We Won't Forget". As a Gaza refugee, I have the right to be as angry and as unforgiving as I please to the Arabs who never wanted to live in peace with the Israelis but just wanted destruction -- of my town.
| Roberta Feinstein Bienenfeld | | | | | | |  | Chayei Sarah: The Camels Are Coming
Yitzchak did not understand the cause of the delay. But then, he lifted up his eyes and saw the camels approaching. And then he understood.
| Rabbi Zev Roness for Aloh Naaleh | | | | Chayei Sarah: When the Inner Sarah Dies
We each have an inner Sarah, an inner commitment to Torah values. While we often live up to our commitment and keep our Sarah alive, there at times when we renege on it and allow our inner Sarah to expire. This is when Abraham, a metaphor for the soul, arrives to negotiate.
|  | | | | |  |
Exchange Rates
| | Updated: Nov 25, 04:00 | | | Currency basket | 5.1822 | | US $ | 4.7000 | | Euro | 5.5232 | | Pound | 8.0777 | | Can. $ | 4.0080 | | 100 Yen | 3.9385 | | Swiss Franc | 3.5616 | | Australian $ | 3.4594 | | S. Africa Rand | 0.7183 |
| Weather | | Night/Monday | | Jerusalem
18°C / 64°F |  | | | | Tel Aviv
15°C / 59°F | | | | | Haifa
15°C / 59°F | | | | | Golan
11°C / 51°F | | | | | The Plains
12°C / 53°F | | | | | Galilee
16°C / 60°F | | | | | Jericho
16°C / 60°F | | | | | Beer Sheva
15°C / 59°F | | | | | Dead Sea
17°C / 62°F | | | | | Eilat
18°C / 64°F | | | | |
| Specials | Israel Gift Baskets
Israel Flowers and Wines Gift Baskets Delivery Center, 24h service
Jewish World
Create a beautiful, moving video of your wedding or Bar/Bat-Mitzvah!
Virtual Keyboard
Thanks to Virtual Keyboard, for the first time users can type normally, enabling them to work quickly
Tznius Shopper
Modest, Fashionable High-Quality clothing at affordable prices
JudaicaHeaven.com
Exclusive Israeli Bumper Stickers Here!
|
| Jewish Books | Chanukah Sale
Israeli Leading Brands! AHAVA, Premier, Hazorfim, Naot, T-Shirts, Jewelry!
Menashe Sopher
Visiting Israel? Call MENASHE SOPHER. We take care of all of your transport in Israel. Call 1-718-360-5083
|
| |
 | | |
 | 'Israeli Salad' #113
with Yoni Kempinski - A visit to The Tomb of Rachel
- Dr. Rachamim Melamed-Cohen
paralyzed author and songwriter
- The Jerusalem Cartoon Conference
- Hillary Clinton visits Magen David Adom
- Increase in tourism |
 | Arutz Sheva´s
IsraelNationalRadio
Live Political Analysis, Social Commentary,
Hourly News Reports, and much more. |
 | Arutz Sheva´s
Fundamentally Freund
Michael Freund tackles Politics and Media
with hard-hitting commentary. |
A7-IsraelNationalNews Educational Sites: a project of Beit El Institutions
ARUTZ SHEVA ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Questions, comments, and advice? Simply reply to this email, or email: feedback@israelnationalnews.com.
Advertise with IsraelNationalNews Unsubscribe or Modify your subscription (including placing a vacation hold)
This newsletter can also be received in the following formats:
Printer Friendly Version - Perfect for distribution, and reading on the go.
Plain Text Version - Without HTML code. Ideal for palm pilots, blackberries, and simple email clients.
Subscribe to this free newsletter.
You are receiving Arutz Sheva's Fully Enriched HTML Daily Email News Report. | |
| |
Click here to print this Page
To remove yourself from the mailing list please 
No comments:
Post a Comment