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(Latest Information Updated on AUGUST 31, 2009)
Hamas refusing to budge on terms for Shalit deal Aug 31, 2009 / By Haaretz
Zahar (Hamas’s Top): ‘Israel offered to free Gazan inmates’ Apr 19, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
Hamas refused an offer from Israel to free all Gazan prisoners in exchange for captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, top Hamas official Mahmoud Zahar claimed on Saturday night. “We don’t discriminate between prisoners,” Zahar said in a speech in honor of Prisoner Day. “We are demanding the release of all prisoners on the list we submitted, including prisoners from the West Bank, Jerusalem and 1948 Arab prisoners.”
Hamas official: ‘Schalit will end up like Ron Arad’ Apr 16, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
(…) Abdel Latif Qanou, a Hamas representative in the northern Gaza Strip, said that the abduction of IDF soldiers was the only way to gain the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. (…) “We still haven’t heard from the new government in Israel.”
Hamas: Talks to free Schalit are currently ‘comatose’ Apr 3, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas for the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Schalit are “comatose,” Army Radio reported a senior Hamas official as having said on Friday. “The negotiations are comatose until the new Israeli government renews them,” Osama al-Mazini, the Hamas official responsible for the Schalit matter was quoted as saying. “I cannot say that a prisoner swap deal is dead when [Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu] the extremist is in office,” he continued. “The Zionist enemy has no other choice, given that all other attempts to free Schalit have failed.” In what may be a pessimistic sign for future progress in talks, al-Mazini added that the group would “not change its demands and would not show more flexibility.”
MARCH 26 – 30, 2009
JIWON:
As usual, I feel funny that whenever I announce my computer work for this poor boy, Gilad Shalit, Hamas suddenly becomes busy: Hamas: We’ve resumed Shalit talks with Israel. And I still value Hamas’s honesty higher than Phoenix-Bibi’s.
Except one thing: Is Shalit REALLY alive?
I don’t think he is. Everybody knows what THE DEAL’S OPPONENTS or ADVOCATES claim, so I feel no need to post them. I believe that this matter is now over to 13th PM Netanyahu. Then, I heartily recommend…:
1. Hamas had better wait JUST A BIT MORE… and then demand the highest price for Phoenix-Bibi’s boy. Everything will be up to public opinion among the Jewish youngsters and their parents. Bibi will face no option but accepting Hamas’ demand. It will immediately weaken his right-wing leadership.
2. 13th PM Netanyahu had better stick to his principal. Is there a better opportunity to operate the Ground Operation PLUS the Third Stage to topple Hamas? To be sure, this sage may end up with Shalit’s tragic death and it will discourage BIBI’s secular youngsters to join the IDF. Isn’t it in fact the best opportunity for the Religious Youngsters to prove their beautiful patriotism?
In any case, I strongly insist that Israel has a perfect right to execute ALL prisoners with blood on their hands, who appear in the Hamas’ list, if her youngsters have to honor the return of dead Shalit. I believe this is a part of Open Deal. I also believe that this is the Fairest Deal to EVERYONE involved in this Mideast affair; not only to USA or to EU or to Israel but also to the most(?) Arab countries, which consider Hamas to be a real headache but have no idea how to deal with pro-Hamas public opinion, including Egypt or even Palestinian Fatah…
I feel very sorry for Shalit family. However, I still don’t think it was a good idea for them, including late Goldwasser’s young, beautiful wife, to pick 12th PM Olmert and his IMPOTENT Knesset as their targets to insult-or-protest against. As usual, my most hatred lies on Phoenix-Bibi, who preferred to side with Hamas whenever Seventeenth-Knesset tried to rescue this poor boy. THUS only 13th PM Netanyahu’s favorite opinion will be honored in this open place. I’m wondering. How many Israelis know the secret of the highest price for Shalit was in fact Labor’s greatest achievement during Seventeenth-Knesset?
Even if Shalit returns home safely, I won’t edit this part. There will be another Shalit, another Goldwasser, and another Arad. Then… more and more… I feel no need to post opinions of THE DEAL’S ADVOCATES. I tried to… for a while… then gave up. IF… if this poor boy could see his family again, I just hope all his friends to spread the story all over the country; the story about my miserable life, whose hard working was stolen by Elena Bashkirova, (sic), during the past decade. To be honest, it was basically beyond my life-plan, because I could have arrived in Barenboim’s Jerusalem before the summer of 2008 if I decided not to be involved in these and those affairs, including Shalit-case. The moment I saw his poor face, I couldn’t help but doing this. Let’s just hope.
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IS SHALIT REALLY ALIVE?
Noam Shalit: We won’t stop our fight, we’ll just change tactics Mar 21, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) While talks for a prisoner exchange remain stalled, Shalit said it is critical to receive a sign of life from his grandson. “It’s been almost a year since we got a real sign of life from Gilad. We waited for a response to the letter we sent him through French mediation, and despite the promise that we’d get a reply, we have yet to get anything,” he said.
‘Red Cross seeking access to Schalit’ Mar 25, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
(…) He added that the ICRC had been involved in the matter at least since a September 2007 meeting in Washington between the families of abducted IDF soldiers and Red Cross representatives. “It is contrary to all international norms of decency to refuse Schalit contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross and his family,” said Daroff, adding, “The blame should not be cast at the ICRC, but rather with the Hamas terrorists who seized Gilad Schalit.” In recent days, negotiations between Israel and Hamas over Schalit’s release have stalled (…)
Egypt: Both sides are equally to blame for the failure to close a deal Mar 19, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) Hamdan – (group’s representative in Lebanon) – also complained that Israel wanted Shalit freed before it released the Palestinian prisoners. (…)
‘Despite pitfalls, Israel should strike deal for Schalit’ Mar 16, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post, Yaakov Lappin
(…) Nevertheless, Yoram Schweitzer, director of the program on Terrorism and Low Intensity Conflict at Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies, added that Israel should not pay “any price” for its soldiers. “The Schalit family is also saying this,” he said.
11:15 Report: Hamas rejects Qatari offer of $400 million in exchange for Shalit (Haaretz) Feb 13, 2009 / By Haaretz Flash News
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BIBI & EIGHTEENTH KNESSET
JIWON: Hum… What a fun it is to ‘choke’ BIBI’s Knesset on every(!) issue… especially after choking down my rage for years. Now that Hamas’ list includes hundreds of murders/terrorists with blood on their hands, what is 13th PM Netanyahu going to do? Also, I never knew that it was Bibi who released Yassin. Then how come this IDIOT behaved like Phoenix-Bibi on every prisoner case during Seventeenth-Knesset? I know this is the thickest skin, but still speechless…
‘Hamas, Israel showing more flexibility in Schalit talks’ Mar 27, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
Talkbacks for this article 13
1. Excuse – I’m glad there hasn’t been a solution for schalit because that gives Netanyahu an EXCUSE to go back in to Gaza and finish Hamas off once and for all. / Justin – United States (03/26/2009 18:46)
2. Long live Shalit! – I do hope for him and for his family that the Caporal is still alive! It is amazing nobody was able to see him alive for many months! Before to release a single terrorist I would pretend to see him alive. Do not trade a coffin for hundreds of criminal terrorists. In the unfortunate case he is not anymore alive, be sure that Hamas would blame IDF and Cast Lead operations. These infatuated are only bloody criminals and not human beings. / Paolo – Italy (03/26/2009 20:36)
A. Harel & A. Issacharoff: Neither Hamas nor Israel can surrender now Mar 30, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) The attention to the Shalit negotiations obscures another phenomenon, however. The Gaza border is quieter than it has been for months, with the number of rockets fired into Israel having declined to one or two a week. There are also virtually no clashes near the border fence. This shows that, in evaluating wars fought against organizations such as Hamas, as opposed to states, it’s apparently better to suspend final judgment. Deterrence in the face of terrorism is apparently too complicated a topic to be subjected to quick media analysis. Hamas has no interest in shooting rockets when it is preoccupied with rebuilding the Gaza Strip. And the other Palestinian factions, after being responsible for most of the shooting in the last two months, may also have concluded for now that their attacks are not yielding significant results, while giving Israel an excuse to tighten the blockade on Gaza and bomb the Rafah smuggling tunnels. Sooner or later, however, the military wing of Hamas will want to resume the fight against Israel if it thinks it can withstand the Israeli response.
Analysis: Hamas is not afraid to wait for Netanyahu Mar 16, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) Hamas knows that Schalit’s release could mean the reopening of the border crossings into Gaza Strip – a move that would facilitate the movement’s mission of rebuilding the houses destroyed during Operation Cast Lead, further boosting Hamas’s popularity and solidifying its control over the 1.4 million Palestinians living there. (…) Nor do the soldier’s captors seem to be afraid of dealing with a new right-wing coalition (…) According to the (Hamas) official, Olmert and Livni are desperate to leave office with some sort of an achievement (…) he continued. “I don’t believe that Hamas should reward Olmert and Livni.” (…) “It seems that Olmert is now prepared to release more than 70 percent of the prisoners who are on the list,” the Hamas spokesman said. “This means that we have made some progress, given the fact that in the past, Israel refused to release more than 70% of the prisoners.” But as far as Schalit’s captors are concerned, it’s either 100% or nothing. They are convinced that the new government will have to resume the negotiations over a prisoner exchange from the point where they ended. (…) Hamas can’t afford to make the slightest concession to Israel, particularly since the price the Palestinians have paid since the abduction in the summer of 2006 has been very high – almost 2,500 killed and thousands wounded. The kidnappers need to show the Palestinian public that the price was not unjustified. This can be achieved only if Israel releases hundreds of security prisoners, including ones with Jewish blood on their hands. And some Hamas officials really believe that Netanyahu and Lieberman might have the guts to do what Olmert and Livni are reluctant to do.
‘Low chance of Schalit deal during Olmert’s term’ From Time To Time / By Jerusalem Post
(…) The Schalit family has said they believe the change in governments will delay any deal for Gilad’s release. (…)
Olmert also briefed Netanyahu, who had hoped the Shalit case would be over before he took office Mar 17, 2009 / Jerusalem Post
(…) “It is no secret that the last thing that Bibi wants is to have to make a decision on Shalit,” a senior source at Likud told Haaretz, using Netanyahu’s nickname. “He had hoped that this matter would be over during Olmert’s tenure, so he is backing him and is not interfering,” the source added. “Nearly every person from Likud who has been designated to be a minister prefers to see the current government decide the Shalit matter. It is a huge burden.”
Netanyahu’s coalition less inclined to agree to prisoner swap Mar 18, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) Likud officials, as well as Netanyahu’s likely coalition partners, have explicitly spoken against swap. (…)
Gil Hoffman: Netanyahu doesn’t practice what he preaches on prisoners Feb 19, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
In his 1995 book, Fighting Terrorism, Netanyahu warned that exchanging prisoners for captives was “a mistake that Israel made over and over again” and wrote that refusing to release terrorists from prison was “among the most important policies that must be adopted in the face of terrorism.” “The release of convicted terrorists before they have served their full sentences seems like an easy and tempting way of defusing blackmailed situations in which innocent people may lose their lives, but its utility is momentary at best,” Netanyahu wrote. “Prisoner releases only embolden terrorists by giving them the feeling that even if they are caught, their punishment will be brief. Worse, by leading terrorists to think such demands are likely to be met, they encourage precisely the terrorist blackmail they are supposed to defuse.” But Netanyahu has not always practiced what he preaches when it comes to prisoner releases. (…) But Bibi made a point of insisting that none of the prisoners who were freed had “blood on their hands.”
Families of terror victims wage war of tears against prisoner release From Time To Time / By Haaretz
(…) Parents of fallen soldiers and terror victims hold quiet protest beside Shalit family’s tent in Jerusalem. (…)
Yoel Marcus: Not at any price Mar 20, 2009 / By Haaretz
The obligation to bring back a hostage alive never ends. The problem does not lie in the goal, but in the implementation. The Americans in Iraq, for example, don’t negotiate with kidnappers of their soldiers. Maybe that’s why there has been a significant decline in kidnappings. The obligation to bring the son home will never end for us. But wisdom, patience and the art of negotiation will determine the result in the end. Between compassion and emotion there is also the matter of common sense. (…)
Sam Ser (Editorial staff): 1,001 Arabian nights Mar 18, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
(…) Yes, there is a life at stake, and it is precious. However, there is absolutely no reason to believe that releasing hordes of Palestinian terrorists in exchange for Gilad Schalit will prevent the further loss of life, while there is plenty of evidence to suggest that it will in fact cause more of it. When Ariel Sharon negotiated with Hizbullah in 2004 for the return of kidnapped businessman Elhanan Tannenbaum and the bodies of Israeli soldiers killed in a cross-border raid four years earlier, those who warned that releasing more than 400 terrorists was a dangerous precedent were called cold, callous and short-sighted. Yet it was in emulation of that result that Gilad Schalit’s captors dug tunnels under the Gaza border fence and raided his base in the hopes of dragging home bloodied Israeli soldiers whom they could hold as bargaining chips of their own. And it was due to the success of both those raids that Hizbullah again attacked an IDF patrol along the Lebanese border less than three weeks after Schalit’s capture, succeeding in kidnapping reservists Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev.
Perhaps the saddest part of this whole saga, though, is that no one has the guts to tell the Schalits the truth: that releasing terrorists in exchange for their son is wrong, and endangers other Israelis; that treating Hamas with trepidation, out of fear for Schalit’s life, only emboldened the movement and invited it to step up its rocket attacks on the Negev, as well as profoundly complicating the recent incursion into Gaza, and that their son’s suffering is a tragedy but that it does not outweigh the greater security concerns of the entire state.
Of course, if Gilad Schalit does return home, it will be right and proper to cheer his freedom and his safety. And when the next Israeli is kidnapped to release even more terrorists, no one will dare ask him whether he feels responsible for it. Unfortunately, though, no one will ask Ami Ayalon or Ehud Olmert that question, either.
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WORDS & WORDS from HAMAS
JIWON: My fundamental problem… I used to interpret Hamas’s WORDS in the opposite way. I can’t help it. *.* What do I do when it is always… perfectly working? Anyway,
1. I start this section with MONEY from Qatar. I always follow money, but it’s hard to understand the related articles in this case. What means TAHADIYEH?
2. As usual, I find that not Shalit issue but Palestinian Unity Government rather appears as a hot potato whenever I start organizing Shalit-articles. Sigh…
3. Everybody knows that I’m NOT going to post detailed information about HOW MANY or WHICH PRISONER during the DEAL.
4. I prefer to read articles from international or Palestinian side in order to collect information on Hamas-side story. But too tired since Operation Cast Lead and Israeli Election.
Hamas official: ‘Schalit will end up like Ron Arad’ Apr 16, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
(…) Abdel Latif Qanou, a Hamas representative in the northern Gaza Strip, said that the abduction of IDF soldiers was the only way to gain the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
“The kidnapping of Israeli soldiers has become a strategic vision for Hamas,” Qanou said in a statement marking Palestinian Prisoners’ Day. “In the past, this was a tactical move endorsed by [Hamas's armed wing] Izaddin al-Kassam already in 1988 with the kidnapping of [IDF Sgt.] Avi Sasportas.”
Qanou said that Hamas was determined to do everything it could to secure the release of all Palestinians from Israeli prisons, regardless of their political affiliations. “We will use all available methods regardless of the price to release our prisoners,” he added. “International diplomacy, false promises and lousy agreements won’t do anything for our prisoners.”
The Hamas official warned that unless Israel accepted all the demands of the captors, Schalit’s fate would be similar to that of Ron Arad.
A Hamas representative in the Gaza Strip said that his movement was waiting to hear from the new Israeli government about its position regarding the possibility of reaching a prisoner exchange agreement between the two sides.
“The talks over the release of Schalit are currently frozen,” the official said. “We still haven’t heard from the new government in Israel.”
The Hamas official told The Jerusalem Post that the captors’ demands remained unchanged. He said that without the release of hundreds of prisoners from Israeli jails, “Schalit would never see daylight.”
Report: Mubarak shuns Arab League meeting in Qatar over Shalit deal Mar 30, 2009 / By Ynetnews
(…) According to Egyptian sources, Cairo has information that Qatar has been trying to influence the deal and have Shalit transferred to its territory, instead of Egypt’s, should a deal be finalized. This move was deemed by Egypt as “an inappropriate infringement” on its role as broker in the negotiations. (Roee Nahmias)
Israel to strip Hamas prisoners’ rights as pressure over Shalit. (Schalit dominates last cabinet meeting) Mar 30, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
(…) Hamas said such steps would not change its position regarding the release of Schalit. Abu Obaidah, a spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing, Izzadin Kassam, said the proposed measures against the prisoners were “evidence of Israel’s weakness, confusion and helplessness.” He said the measures were similar to those used by “gangsters, murderers and cowards.” These steps would only increase Hamas’s determination not to make any concessions on its conditions for the release of Schalit, he said. “The Zionist enemy won’t be able to blackmail us through these crimes,” Abu Obaidah said. “This enemy appears to be so frustrated because of Hamas’s strong resolve and refusal to succumb.”
(JIWON: I’ve tried NOT to post reaction from Hamas, since it is so easy to imagine. But this is worth publishing. Whether comical or not… *.*)
‘Prisoners not opposed to deportation’ Mar. 23, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
Hamas prisoners in Israeli jails said they are not completely opposed to deportation in the context of a prisoner exchange agreement with Israel. Sources close to Hamas disclosed that representatives of the movement’s prisoners met over the weekend in jail to discuss the latest developments.
“The prisoners have called on the Hamas leadership to reconsider its opposition to Israel’s demand that some of the released inmates be deported,” the sources told The Jerusalem Post. They added that a message from the Hamas prisoners was relayed to the movement’s leaders in the Gaza Strip through their lawyers and relatives who visited them in the past few days. “The prisoners made it clear that they are not worried about the deportation of a small number of their colleagues because they will always find a way to return to their homes,” a source said. In their message, the prisoners also called on Hamas not to make any concessions regarding the list of prisoners that it was demanding in return for Schalit. “You must stick by your demands even if that means holding Schalit for another 1,000 years,” the message read. Sources in Gaza say that some families would also want to see their relatives released, even if that means that some of them would be deported to the Gaza Strip or Arab countries.
This was the first time that the Hamas prisoners have made public their position regarding a possible prisoner swap, and it appears to be more flexible than that of the Hamas leadership. Talks broke down (…) Hamas legislator Mushir al-Masri added his movement was not afraid of a new right-wing government in Israel headed by Binyamin Netanyahu. (…) Musa Abu Marzouk, deputy chairman of the Syrian-based Hamas political bureau, claimed that Israel has sought the assistance of British, German, Russian and French mediators to resolve the Schalit case. He said that Hamas has rejected Israel’s attempt to keep the Egyptians away from the talks over Schalit’s release. Abu Marzouk revealed that the list of prisoners that Hamas presented to Israel included top Fatah operative Marwan Barghouti. He said that Israel refused to include Barghouti in a prisoner exchange.
Earlier Sunday, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal accused Israel of tricking his group and the Egyptians in recent negotiations. “We want to free Schalit but Olmert just doesn’t want to free our prisoners,” he told La Republica in an interview. “The conditions for an agreement have been known for three years, and the Egyptians know them, too,” Mashaal said. “They are the release of 1,000 Palestinians in two stages. “Olmert has now shuffled the cards. Out of the 450 first-stage prisoners, he doesn’t want to free all of them. So the struggle goes on, but all the while, we are prepared to free Schalit.”
Israeli government sources noted with some satisfaction Sunday that it appears Hamas is coming under public pressure to make a deal with Israel, because it realizes that more than 300 Palestinian prisoners could have been released had it not toughened its stance last week. Hamas has made comments about still making a deal for Schalit because of this pressure, one source added. “They have to justify to their own people why these 300 people, who could be released, are still in jail,” the source said. The issue of prisoner releases has moved onto the street in Gaza, where Palestinians erected a protest tent in front of the Ministry for Prisoner Affairs on Sunday, demanding that Schalit not be set free before their relatives in Israeli jails are also released. They sat next to signs in Hebrew and a life-size effigy of Schalit. “Schalit will not be freed unless all our prisoners are released,” one sign said. Another sign threatened “If our prisoners are not released, Schalit will not be the only one.”
Hamas leaders jailed in Israel meet to discuss Shalit talks Mar 22, 2009 / By Haaretz
Hamas leaders imprisoned in Israel met on Sunday evening to discuss their movement’s negotiations with Israel over a prisoner swap deal in exchange for abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, according to the Palestinian news agency Ma’an. According to the report, Prisons Service acquiesced to the group leadership’s request to convene on the grounds of the Ketziot Prison, in the Negev. Several members of the Hamas legislative body were reportedly present at the meeting, as well as leaders of the group’s military wing, a-Din a-Qassam. During the meeting, the Hamas leaders also compiled their demands for better prison treatment. Prisons Services refused to respond to the report.
Hamas: Israel deceived us during Shalit talks
(…) Meshal was quoted as saying that outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was trying to threaten Hamas with the specter of Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu, who takes a harder line toward the Palestinians. “We know that he’s putting on a little show,” Meshal said of Olmert. “But it makes no difference to us. He’s the one who is in a hurry to bring home a success, without paying a price for it.”
Abu Marzouk: Prisoner swap deal must be reached
Another exiled group leader, Moussa Abu Marzouk, declared on Sunday that Israel and Hamas had no choice but to reach a deal for Shalit’s release. (…)
Gaza protesters place effigy of Shalit in cage
(…)
Egypt: Israel has made no efforts to renew Shalit negotiations Mar 20, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) According to Salah al-Bardawil, senior Gaza Hamas leader, an escalation of measures against Palestinian prisoners, as Israel has threatened in response to the stalemate, will not improve the situation. “Taking away televisions and radios will not help the talks,” he said. (…) Palestinian analysts said Thursday that the publication of the list of prisoners Israel is unwilling to free was a critical error. They said Hamas will make the people on the list into symbols and insist on their release in any possible deal. Hamas Thursday threatened to worsen Shalit’s conditions in captivity in retaliation for a wave of arrests of Hamas lawmakers in the West Bank and Israeli plans to worsen conditions for Hamas prisoners. (…)
Khaled Meshal (Hamas in Damascus): We’ll kidnap more soldiers if Israel doesn’t show flexibility Mar 21, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) Hamas leader called on U.S. President Barack Obama to radically modify American foreign policy in the Middle East. In light of his predecessor’s “failure in the region,” Meshal pleaded that Washington not leave the Middle East peace process solely in the hands of regional players, stressing that only the U.S. could affect any real change in Israel’s policies. “We’re willing to open a new page with the U.S. and Europe,” Meshal was quoted by the Herald as saying. “Obama will continue to repeat the mistakes of those who went before him unless there is a marked change.” The Hamas leader expanded on the organization’s desire to open a “new page,” but did not mean that Hamas will do the opening, but rather that Hamas required the U.S. and the European Union to open a new page with the Islamists. “I don’t mean that Hamas will take a new [policy] position. I’m talking about a readiness on our part to deal with Washington and Europe. But they have to be serious about dealing with us on Palestinian rights,” he was quoted as saying. Meshal stressed in the interview his view that the West must abandon its decision to isolate Hamas until the Islamist group succumbs to the dictates of the West in terms of its relations with Israel, saying “They’ve been trying the wrong way and the wrong approach.”
He criticized Obama’s appointment of special Mideast envoy George Mitchell, who has already visited the region twice since his appointment, saying the appointment could have no more than a minor affect, because he is not authorized to speak with Hamas. “Would he have succeeded in Belfast if he was ordered to ignore the IRA?” Meshal asked the Herald interviewer.
Meshal also criticized Mitchell’s colleague, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, over her repeated warnings to the world to keep donations meant for the rebuilding of Gaza, following Israel’s three-week offensive, out of the “wrong hands.”
“Despite all this, Hamas has advanced and grown, [so] within the logic of real politick, it is Washington that must reconsider its position if they want to achieve an outcome that is not failure,” the Hamas leader concluded.
Palestinian unity talks break down Mar 19, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
Palestinian rights group slams Hamas, Fatah over political arrests Mar 19, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) Hamas has denied previous allegations that its security forces carry out politically motivated arrests or mistreat prisoners. The ICHR, which operates in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, said it received 2,312 complaints of arrests and prisoner mistreatment in 2008 compared with 2,007 in the previous year. (…)
A. Harel & A. Issacharoff: On Shalit deal, Hamas-Israel gaps are greater than common ground Mar 17, 2009 / By Haaretz
Reports on the Arab side of the presence in Cairo of the head of Hamas’ military wing, Ahmed Jabari, might reveal the seriousness with which the organization is taking the present round of talks. But even in Hamas there are apparently opposing interests. For Jabari it is important to release as many senior prisoners as possible, The political leadership in Gaza wants the siege on the Strip lifted. Khaled Meshal, head of the Hamas political bureau in Damascus, might be more interested in the release of prisoners from the West Bank, so as to challenge the rule of the Palestinian Authority there. Hamas’ leaders understand well the implications of the rise of a narrow right-wing government in Israel. They say they do not fear Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, but it is clear to them that he will have difficulty presenting them with a more generous offer than Olmert’s. Further delays in closing the deal will also raise the level of bitterness among the families. But Monday night, at least, it seemed Hamas was having difficulty showing flexibility on the question of the number of prisoners to be expelled.
Egypt refused to link Shalit’s release to the tahadiyeh Mar 5, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) Qatar wanted to contribute $400 million to Hamas in exchange for the release of [captive Israeli soldier] Gilad Shalit through French mediation. But Egypt refused to link Shalit’s release to the tahadiyeh, and Hamas in fact supported Egypt’s viewpoint, after understanding that Egypt’s approach is more appropriate. (…)
(JIWON: Thanks to this word, TAHADIYEH, I found one interesting article written right before the GAZA-TRUCE. So, it means HUDNA, then more headaches. Why did Egypt refuse to link Shalit’s release to the TAHADIYEH?)
Striking deals for Shalit, tahadiyeh May 19, 2008 / By Haaretz
“The talks with Mubarak are expected to focus on efforts to reach a tahadiyeh/hudna, and Israel’s demand that any deal also include progress in swap-for-Shalit. For its part, Hamas is denying claims Egypt warned the group that unless a deal for the exchange of prisoners is forthcoming, Israel’s response will be severe. (…) Ahmad Yusuf, political adviser to Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, said that Hamas is not fundamentally opposed to including Shalit in the deal for a tahadiyeh, but this must be done according to his kidnappers’ terms. Yusuf’s statements run contrary to those of Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhum, who said the group is willing to close a deal on the release of prisoners as quickly as possible, but this deal must be separate from the talks on a tahadiyeh.”
22:28 UN chief: Qatar donated $40 million for Gaza humanitarian aid (Haaretz) Feb 23, 2009 / By Haaretz Flash News
05:27 Report: Qatari PM promised Sarkozy to work for Shalit`s release (Haaretz) Feb 20, 2009 / By Haaretz Flash News
11:15 Report: Hamas rejects Qatari offer of $400 million in exchange for Shalit (Haaretz) Feb 13, 2009 / By Haaretz Flash News
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WORDS & WORDS from ISRAEL
JIWON: Who is someone defined as very close to the prime minister Olmert? May I have his name, please? Since a year ago? This is when Labor’s Barak and Phoenix-Bibi were proving the perfect ensemble… even on this issue, in the hope that it would be a piece of cake to cook Kadima’s Livni in their favorite ‘well-done’ way once they get rid of Olmert. THUS it will be very interesting if I could hear all the details from all sides. Didn’t Phoenix-Bibi complain everyday in any cases such as Cabinet approved releasing 250 Palestinian prisoners in gesture to Abbas?
Israel: Shalit talks to resume only if Hamas presents new prisoner list Mar 23, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) Shimshon Liebman, a neighbor of the Shalits who has been active in the protest campaign, vowed to “work until this government’s last day.” But he admitted that the options are limited. “A year ago, via someone defined as very close to the prime minister, we gave Olmert proposals for applying pressure [on Hamas], whether via the issue of opening the [Gaza border] crossings, jail conditions for Hamas prisoners, monetary transfers, or by the government publishing the names of the prisoners it is willing to release and transferring them to a closed compound, so that everyone would know, even in Hamas, that these prisoners would be freed immediately the minute Gilad is freed,” he said. “Unfortunately, none of this was done.”
Ayman Taha (Hamas): Shalit deal won’t remain on table forever Mar 30, 2009 / By Haaretz
Last week, Olmert’s top negotiator Ofer Dekel told Egyptian mediators that Israel would agree to resume the negotiations only if Hamas agrees to submit a new list of prisoners for Israel’s consideration. On Sunday, Yehezkel announced that Hamas had yet to submit a new list, and therefore talks have not resumed. (…) Israel says it has agreed to release 325 of the 450 prisoners Hamas has demanded by name, but is unwilling to release the remaining 125. It is therefore insisting that Hamas present a new list of names from which Jerusalem could choose the remaining 125 to round out the total, to which it has already agreed.
(JIWON: Therefore… according to other articles, the total number will be as many as 1,400 prisoners, I believe. And Deportation issue led to deadlock in Shalit talks.)
MK Bibi (Kadima): Don’t abandon prison service to backlash Mar 30, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
The Israel Prisons Service should not be abandoned by the government to face the likely backlash by security prisons in response to the worsening of their conditions, Kadima MK and former IPS head Arieh Bibi said on Sunday. MK Bibi, who headed the service between 1993 and 1997, expressed full support for measures by outgoing Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann to worsen the conditions of Hamas prisoners, but warned they would likely produce reactions like hunger strikes, turning up the heat on the service. “I back everything Friedmann has done. What I’m saying is that when the hunger strikes come along, and with it the need to provide liquids intravenously, the government should stand up and back the IPS. And if someone who went on a hunger strike dies, then they die,” Bibi said. “The IPS should not be left to fight the battle alone,” he continued. “It should not be forgotten that they need help to carry out their orders.” Bibi supports the idea of separating security prisoners from one another, and ending the collective use of canteens. “The issue of why they receive so much money for canteens should also be checked. In addition, there are all sorts of benefits that administrative prisoners receive. Hamas and Islamic Jihad should not be receiving those additional privileges,” Bibi said. “I think the next time the government pushes though a change like this, it would be good to consult with someone who has dealt with this firsthand,” he added.
Israel to strip Hamas prisoners’ rights as pressure over Shalit Mar 29, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) According to Mounir Mansour, the head of the Palestinian Prisoners Committee, these steps will not expedite the release of Gilad Shalit, but rather will only exacerbate the already existing tensions within the prisons.
Israel to strip Hamas prisoners’ rights as pressure over Shalit. (Schalit dominates last cabinet meeting) Mar 30, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
(…) Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann said, “Just because we’re the only democracy in the Middle East doesn’t mean we have to be the only suckers. We must not radiate weakness.” Among the ideas being discussed are reducing the visitation rights of Hamas prisoners, curtailing their radio, television, telephone and newspaper privileges, and limiting their ability to pursue academic degrees in prison. Friedmann told the cabinet that while these steps, apparently aimed at pressuring Hamas, were permissible under Israeli and international law, barring the Red Cross from visiting the prisoners, just as the Red Cross is barred from visiting Schalit, or banning letters to the prisoners, just as Schalit is not allowed any letters from his family, would not be legal. Likewise, the religious rights of the prisoners could not be restricted, Friedmann said. (…) Welfare and Social Services Minister Isaac Herzog (Labor) echoed Sheetrit’s words (Kadima), saying, “There is an abundance of Hamas terrorists in Israeli jails who enjoy special conditions and special treatment while our soldier hasn’t even been visited once to check his well-being.”
Shalit’s grandfather: No longer hoping for release, but rescue Mar 20, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) Shalit knows that Hamas is demanding a high price, and that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert set Israel’s “red lines,” but he says the most important principle at stake is the Israel Defense Forces’ ethical code. “I won’t get into the issue of the ‘cost’ [of a prisoner exchange], or who we should release. But I know the IDF has an ethical code that calls for returning every captured soldier, and that wasn’t done. I see this as a violation of our understanding of the IDF’s values and ethical code,” he says. (…)
Sam Ser (Editorial staff): 1,001 Arabian nights Mar 18, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
(…) And all along the government has played a duplicitous game (…) But there were bumps on that road: Hizbullah (…) then Gaza Strip (…) Then the rocket fire on the Negev became so brazen and so massive that even Olmert could not ignore it anymore, ordering a major incursion that smashed large parts of Gaza City and left no room for negotiations. Now – in his final days in office – Olmert (…) Rushing to the defense of such a deal have been not only Schalit’s parents and, especially, POLITICIANS WHO UNTIL NOW HAVE DONE NOTHING for Schalit but who suddenly see the profit in embracing the public’s sympathy for his family – but by the MEDIA, and even former security figures (from LABOR PARTY). (…)
‘Despite pitfalls, Israel should strike deal for Schalit’ Mar 16, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post, Yaakov Lappin
(…) The Egyptian-mediated cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas have been badly affected by Schalit’s captivity, Schweitzer said, adding that this in turn has increased tensions between Jerusalem and Cairo. “It is causing friction with the Egyptians. Look at the Amos Gilad affair [the recent dispute between Gilad, head of the Defense Ministry's Diplomatic-Security Bureau, and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert], which is connected to Schalit. The Egyptians want to pursue their interests, [by mediating a cease-fire], and are angered by what they see as Israel’s refusal to pay Hamas’s price for Schalit.” Nevertheless, Schweitzer added that Israel should not pay “any price” for its soldiers. “The Schalit family is also saying this,” he said.
PMO (Olmert): Hamas toughened stance and returned to positions it had held in Schalit negotiations a year ago Mar 16, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
Gideon Levy: Don’t protest for Shalit, protest for release of terrorists Mar 15, 2009 / By Haaretz
Who says the general public isn’t involved? Who dares claim it lacks a worthy civil protest movement? Just look at how the nation is shouting, nay, screaming for the release of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
(…) This protest is for spoiled people seeking deluxe activism. It’s a Purim protest, a demonstration in costume, just like the national campaign against traffic accidents or the light aircraft aerial display organized by supporters of the release of airman Ron Arad, missing since falling captive in Lebanon in the 1980s. Only one banner needs to be raised reading “release 1,000 terrorists.” That banner shouldn’t be put up outside the Prime Minister’s Residence but outside the Hadarim Prison where Palestinian prisoners are held. How many of the thousands of activists who support Shalit’s release are willing to do that? Just like other crucial matters like, say, peace, we are all in favor – but at what price? That’s another matter. Let’s not get into it. It’s enough to say we favor a two-state solution. When exactly? Why not now? What about the Jewish settlements in the West Bank? Let’s not quarrel over trifles and spoil everything.
(…) The only issue worth a real protest might be a campaign against the release of prisoners altogether, whether now or in the future. But such a campaign would be too controversial, so better stay far from that fire. Meanwhile, no one has started a campaign for releasing Palestinian prisoners that would free Shalit – not Reshet, not its sister franchisee Keshet, Ben-Ami or Sukenik. If people truly cared about Shalit’s fate and saw it as more than a media stunt or gimmick, this would be their campaign’s goal. But that would start a fierce public debate, which would be unacceptable to the decent protesters’ sensibilities and their holy political correctness. Just listen to all those who worry about Shalit’s fate; you’ll never hear them say a word about the price that needs to be paid for his release.
It bears repeating: If you want Shalit to return then shout out for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Protest the lost time wasted on a campaign of fear against the question of the “price,” or Shalit will become a second Arad. Don’t believe the tall tales that the war in Gaza helped in talks with Hamas, and campaigns for his release are damaging. Don’t believe that “progress” is being made in talks over his release. Hold to account our cowardly leaders who did not do everything they could – just as was the case with Arad. Only then can we say the public is involved and cares. Only if that cry is heard and replaces the current hollow one will we know that Israel really wants every mother’s boy to come home.
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HISTORICAL PRECEDENTS
A. Harel & A. Issacharoff: On Shalit deal, Hamas-Israel gaps are greater than common ground Mar 17, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) A senior Hamas figure said, “It is inconceivable for the organization to agree to the expulsion of prisoners from their homes.” And yet, there is a historical precedent. Hamas has even mentioned the expulsion to Lebanon of 415 of its members in 1992. About a year later, Israel let 395 of them return, barring only 20. Hamas did not agree openly to Israel’s dictates, but asked the 20 remaining prisoners to tell the Red Cross they had decided to remain abroad “willingly.” That is one way to solve the present impasse. Another possibility, from Hamas’ perspective, would be to limit the expulsion to a few years. Hamas fears a permanent arrangement. This is not just a matter of principle. The organization underwent no small trauma from the expulsion of the men who were holed up in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem in 2002.
Amos Harel: Are Olmert’s efforts to reach Shalit deal just an alibi? Mar 17, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) But it is not at all certain that Hamas leaders are quaking in their boots over Benjamin Netanyahu’s impending premiership. They remember that during his previous term as prime minister, Netanyahu was pressured into releasing Hamas leader Ahmad Yassin from prison and signing the Hebron and Wye accords.
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DO YOU CALL IT STORY BEHIND THE SCENE?
JIWON: I just hate this work. As much as I enjoy my life as Knesset-watchdog, I woke up every morning with a vow NEVER to work for a particular politician. But then, those dumb folks start boasting their dullness and I always find myself to protect Kadima’s poor leader Olmert-then-Livni. Hope to find someone to understand reason of this dumb media. To boast my generosity, I prefer NOT to post the writer’s name. ^.*
Are Olmert’s efforts to reach Shalit deal just an alibi? Mar 17, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) After all is said and done, the question that remains is what Olmert’s real goal is. Is he really trying to reach an agreement, as he has repeatedly promised over the last two months? Or is he just trying to create an alibi – to persuade the Shalit family, and the Israeli public, that he has done everything he could? He is generating an enormous media buzz, but has still not agreed to pay the high price Hamas is demanding. Anyone shocked by the suggestion that he might merely be covering his rear should review Olmert’s conduct in other sensitive matters in recent years, from the Second Lebanon War to the prisoner exchange with Hezbollah.
Please check
From Section: Nationalist-Govn’t-Please
MARCH 31 – APRIL 3, 2009
It was only after finishing Section: Arad-&-Shalit that I realized what an important issue this Shalit-case is.
(… please click this to read the entire text…)
Whenever I read old stories about those Jews, I am thinking. Those are gone. People are still missing old good days. What if they are still alive? Would all of them become another Kahanist? The foremost reason of their risking lives was to leave their Jewish State to their children. Then what kind of Jewish State were they dreaming when they died for their children? The present bloody one? Or still Greater Israel at any price? Is there something that I misunderstood while reading Israeli history?
Egypt to boycott Lieberman unless he apologizes Apr 2, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
From Section: Arad-&-Shalit
Egypt: Israel has made no efforts to renew Shalit negotiations Mar 20, 2009 / By Haaretz
From Daniel Barenboim, Tania Nasir and The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (also in Gaza…)
From Music in Jenin
Palestinian youth orchestra disbanded over concert for Holocaust survivors Mar 29, 2009 / By Haaretz
I am not Daniel Barenboim. I don’t belong to Israel or to Palestine. I’ve followed Mideastern affairs through the eyes of third person, and therefore, under the normal circumstances, I have a perfect brain and heart to openly criticize Egypt in Shalit-case and Hamas or even PA in this Holocaust event. But now… I can’t. I know the Operation Cast Lead was an inevitable happening between Israel and Hamas. I also know the IDF Soldiers’ Unbelievably Aggressive Behaviors during the Ground Operation and Civilian Excess Death Toll was also unavoidable happenings. I know.
Despite all these and those FACTS that I can simply prove by organizing the articles in chronological order, I can’t. And this is all because of Phoenix-Bibi. I can NEVER defend Israel on any issues especially after Phoenix-Bibi strategically succeeded in bringing ‘SHAS & Co.’ at any price and Labor’s Barak joined it at any price.
True that I preferred to watch Labor’s Barak accept Bibi’s invitation whenever FOLKS threatened Kadima’s Livni. I needed time; time to contact all the possible (Diaspora) Jews with my Barenboim-message until the next election.
Israel’s 32nd government sworn in at Knesset plenum Apr 1, 2009 / By Jerusalem Post
(…) Now, it was Netanyahu’s turn to speak of prioritizing Gilad’s release. (…) “Pessah awakens an emotional bond, because of the Seder, and like all of us, I recall old memories from my personal past,” Yonatan wrote. But even, he said, as he reflected on his past, “I also see myself as an inseparable link in the chain of the existence and independence of Israel.” Then Netanyahu continued where his brother had left off. “Israeli citizens, in this fateful hour, we are all an integral link” in that chain. (…)
Bibi… (ooops sorry)… PM Netanyahu always tells what I wanted to tell him. IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, Section: Arad-&-Shalit, is a great place to start. We’ll see how Bibi makes this poor Jewish boy return to his family. We’ll see how Bibi’s journalists write for both Shalit’s friends and Bibi’s Kahanists. We’ll see how Bibi’s right-wing politicians work to bring back Shalit without changing any of their right-wing dogma or Greater Israel Concept.
Netanyahu: Coalition with Labor will bring stability to Israel Mar 25, 2009 / By Haaretz
(…) “The big winners are Israel’s citizens,” the Likud chairman said. (…)
Whether or not ‘the price Bibi paid to Labor is tantamount to corruption’ as Likud HOT guys claim, this simple sentence is what I have to check in all sorts of open places, including Bibi’s FACEBOOK, until the NEXT general election. Don’t you think so?
(… please click this to read the entire text…)
Please check
From EU-Short
MARCH 21, 2009
DEAR EU & Israel+Palestine,
This is JIWON. I think I’m done with this part, Section: Nationalist-Govn’t-Please. From now on, I won’t care who will join Bibi’s Nationalist-Government. I will just keep my work. I finished this part with Shalit-case. I just hope to have more time on this issue. Sincerely yours, JIWON
Please check
From Section: Nationalist-Govn’t-Please
MARCH 15 – 20, 2009
(… please click this to read the entire text…)
(Updated on MARCH 17, 2009)
I wanted to do this, after Labor’s Barak’s Election Show pissed me off. How many times more… should I watch incomprehensible behaviors of Labor MKs, including Shelly Yachimovich, who, as PM Barak’s media-man, pushed in every way possible the withdrawal from Lebanon towards 2000 because her son was there, and then encouraged Ground Operation during OCL because her son was no more in IDF? I just can’t understand. Aren’t also Labor MKs, who made the highest price for Schalit’s safe return possible? Then, Phoenix-Bibi, who has been funded by Hamas, hilariously joined them. Now, this is what this JERK is insisting.
‘Netanyahu to comment on Schalit once new government is formed’ (Mar 15, 2009)
Sources close to Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu revealed that he would break his long-standing policy of not commenting on Schalit’s fate after he forms a government. “When he is prime minister, he will speak about the issue,” a senior source close to the Likud leader said. “But right now there is nothing positive that can come in any direction from making any comments,” the source added.
(… please click this to read the entire text…)
(Updated on MARCH 20, 2009)
This article, Aluf Benn: A way out for Netanyahu, was the only thing that my writings about Bibi’s Nationalist-Government lacked. Then, I just couldn’t ignore all those ‘patriotic’ articles. I want to stop. Now, I feel absolutely no need to write more on this issue. I want to finish my OWN business first.
We’ll see if I have time for Schalit Is Still Alive… (Regarding Hizbullah/Schalit-Deal). During the past weeks, I wanted to work for this poor boy, but too much is too much. In my view, this Shalit’s case should go back to Kuntar’s release. Is Shalit really alive? Is he staying healthy? Kuntar’s Jewish counterparts were returned dead and this crucial information, dead-or-alive, was kept secret until the last moment. This is ridiculous. This time, there are ‘Prisoners’ List’ from the Hamas.
What if Israel executes ALL of them the moment Hamas proudly announces Shalit’s patriotic death? As I wrote and wrote, I wanted Hamas to receive a fair deal. Despite the fact that it was Hamas first, who violated the international rules on this issue, I wanted to help Hamas after reading that almost every Palestinian family has a member imprisoned in Israeli jail. And I still have no idea about what kind of deal is fair to all sides; to Israel, to Hamas, and also to Egypt. (Recently, I read that something bad is happening in Egyptian side too.) Still no time for this new section, Arad-&-Shalit. I thought I should be very careful to organize articles in open place, so I wanted to do this after Shalit returns home safely. There will be another Arad and another Shalit, then there ought to be LAW. Sometimes, Hamas’ demand is really unacceptable… even for me. They even don’t know how to accept Palestinian report. What’s wrong with them?
Palestinian rights group slams Hamas, Fatah over political arrests Mar 19, 2009 / By Haaretz
Please check and use the search button with a keyword, ‘SHALIT or SCHALIT’
From Section: After-Gaza-Truce
Before Gaza-Truce (Ma’an: No unilateral ceasefire. Hamas won’t let Palestinians starve)
After Gaza Truce
Operation Cast Lead starting from Dec 27, 2008
TOO TIRED TO WRITE HAPPENINGS INBETWEEN… IN THE MEANTIME, OPERATION CAST LEAD BURST OUT.
Please check
From JIWON: Dear-Arab-Readers
JIWON: Shalit Is Still Alive… (Regarding Hizbullah/Shalit-Deal) (From June 13 to Present)
JULY 19, 2008 (9:40) Schalit Deal
‘Germany will get better Schalit deal’
Hamas: Germany will get us a better deal on returning Schalit
JIWON:
I am not sure if I am in a situation to meddle in this affair. I just can’t help saying this simple FACT.
How come Germany can do a better job when the Egyptian mediators cannot? Do the German intermediaries know better than Egyptians, know what exactly happened in recent days to the three sides, Israel, Hamas, and Egypt?
In this article, everything sounds fine except this:
“We remain committed to the Egyptian mediation efforts. However, we have suspended the talks on Schalit for two reasons: one, because the Israeli enemy has not abided by the terms of the cease-fire agreement, and two, because the Rafah border crossing remains closed,” he told Al-Jazeera.
I DO hope the Palestinian side get a fair deal, but as far as I know, it was the Hamas who broke Gaza-Truce first. They have NO right to insist on this issue. I am hysterical on this subject, because I’ve been reading the same article again and again for several years and am now so SICK of it. Hamas always sounded like this.
I know… this mail won’t work. However, I will post this one in my blog, and visit ALL the European countries with this message. As I wrote before, I have a clear request to EU members, and I am sure it will help both poor Palestinian and Israeli civilians.
We’ll see what kind of foolish German officials will believe Hamas side of story. Time will tell.
JULY 17, 2008 (14:30) What means Media?
Karnit Goldwasser threatens to petition High Court (Jun 24)
Karnit Goldwasser Fights to Stop Gov’t From Declaring Ehud Dead (Jun 24)
Look her in the eyes (Jun 24)
Family fury as Olmert zig-zags (Jun 26)
Background: The rabbis’ role in determining death (Jun 28).
Karnit Goldwasser: Cabinet vote may be last chance to bring back MIAs (Jun 28).
Karnit Goldwasser: How could PM declare captives dead? (Jun 29)
Terror victim’s family appeals against Kuntar’s release (Jul 7)
Brothers of policeman killed by Kuntar RE-appeal court (Jul 14)
After two arduous years, Karnit Goldwasser’s crusade is over… (Jul 17)
‘This humaneness will kill us all,’ says Haran’s brother (Jul 17)
Families of remaining MIAs hope for sons’ return (Jul 17)
Families of Kuntar’s victims enraged at swap (Jul 17)
JIWON:
Ehud Olmert might not be the greatest leader in Israeli history. I am not in a situation for this judgment. However, what else he could do in this sickish situation? Take Hizbullah Deal for example. No matter what PM Olmert decides, either side, whether Dorner-Barak-Yechimovich or Netanyahu-Folks, was going to stir up public mind to oust their prime minister. True that Israeli prime minister could be corrupt, but isn’t the present Israeli society that made the entire story possible?
In this situation, there were important roles for the Media. What did they do? They only contributed to exaggeration of false-or-true images, instead of leading public to the right place. The most sickish was Dorit Beinisch’s fooling women’s organization and Dalia Dorner’s supporting Dorit Beinisch behind the scenes. Everything, including Hizbullah Deal, was just one of natural outcomes.
You see… Yehezkel Beinisch updated Jerusalem Festival 2008 with the most sickish information even after Dorit Beinisch received my official ‘LEGAL’ mail. I believe. Both of You Israel and I should return to the original place. I know where I should return to. But do You Israel know where you should go? To Self-Destruction.
P.S.: Ooops, I forgot to ask you to read Talkbacks: Hizbullah/Schalit-Deal. I was too tired to follow all the articles, and it was only yesterday when I learned what meant this word, Kuntar. Now, I think everybody knew both soldiers were already dead. Or Hizbullah can’t behave like this. Even in this situation, Israel can use this tragic event as a golden opportunity to re-ignite public patriotism. But do You Israel have an ability? I doubt. The war in recent years is never same as the one in those days. It’s becoming the common sense that no side can win. Why in the world only Jews elsewhere don’t know this fact and push, push, and push Israel-insider into the place like hell? I don’t understand. Are the Jews truly bloodthirsty animals? This is what most Talkbackers want their Israel citizens to go through.
JULY 16, 2008 (11:00) When a BOY starts whining…
Steinitz (Likud): This is a bad ending to the war against terror: “This is a tragic ending for the families [of Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser], but also a bad ending to the war on terror,” Likud MK Yuval Steinitz said immediately after it became clear that the missing reservists returned by Hizbullah to Israel were most likely dead. “We have become the only country in the world willing to release terrorists in return for dead bodies.”
JIWON: You see… this foolish BOY is helping Hamas. Why do you think I constantly say that Bibi sounds like being funded by Hamas? I drop my jaw whenever they open their big mouth… Interview like JM Friedmann. He was cool, looked thoughtful.
JULY 16, 2008 (08:40)
Hizbullah transfers two coffins to Red Cross representatives
Barghouti: Schalit is being treated well by his guards (July 10)
JIWON: So, is it now a time for Shalit-deal? He is still alive. I am curious. Is the Hamas planning to kill this innocent Israeli soldier during the deal? (…) Weird that no Big-mouth in Bibi’s group comments on Hizbullah-Deal. Is it because PM-to-be Netanyahu needs to protect Barak to prepare his Unity-Government with Labor? After finding another information, this is Barak’s constant issue: Barak: UN resolution on Lebanon war is a failure (July 14)
JUNE 19, 2008 (09:25)
Orlev: Ceasefire deal a balloon that will burst: “A ceasefire agreement without Gilad Schalit is a moral crime that conveys the message of abandoning the kidnapped soldier to his fate,” Orlev added.
JIWON:
Of course, there is nothing wrong with this opinion. However… do the religious groups have a right to express this kind of opinion? For me, Haredim and Hamas are all same. (Does this term, Religious Zionist, also belong to this word, Haredim? Recently, I find that they use Haredim to refer all the religious Jews.)
1. Haredim don’t send their kids to military service. Hamas don’t raise their own kids as suicide bombers.
2. Both parties share extreme right-wing policy. They never want to compromise. Nor do they want to listen to worldwide-one-voice.
3. They always work behind scenes, using all kinds of dirty tricks. They never appear in public places.
I still don’t think I have an ability to be involved in Shalit’s case. I’m also afraid that Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh might misunderstand my previous sentence; “If I were Hamas’ PM, I would use this golden opportunity…”
If I were Hamas’ PM, I would use this golden opportunity as much as possible. IDF soldier Shalit is in his early twenties, and getting international attention. He joined Israeli Army with purer mind. (Please read his biography.) If I were Haniyeh, I would treat this younger as a VIP and give him a hope of life. I would make him ‘truly’ believe how cruel Israeli government has been to Palestinian citizens.
June 16, 2008 (09:10)
JIWON: And then… since my mail also floats over Palestinian folks, I was thinking to add this part: ‘Dear Hamas’s PM Ismail Haniyeh… I am the one who wanted to support Hamas when public chose… You are the one who betrayed the international rule first… Do you want to assassinate me? I am the one, who wants… If I were in Hamas’ PM, I would use this golden opportunity… Anyways, if Hamas harms one cell of IDF soldier Schalit, we’ll see…’ But I’m afraid. Whenever I involve myself in something, I only contributed to…, and this poor youngster is never like Barenboim or Olmert or…
JUNE 13, 2008 (08:40)
Netanyahu: If I’m PM, I’ll urge Zionist parties to cooperate against Gaza
JIWON:See… this is exactly how my English skill told me when I found Olmert’s ‘original’ thought about Gaza plan. Then, it was all messed up solely thanks to the daily hard working of Bibi and his Jewish soul-mates with their getting-louder speakers. Poor Bibi… Hum… Israel without Bibi? It will be damn boring. I am now thinking to save Bibi’s poor life if this comical figure falls into the same situation. How many articles will be written to cruelly depict all the details of his private life? It will be real fun stuffs. Can’t he just shut up and wait till I finish this writing? ^.*
Peres: ‘Barak disappointed Hamas twice today’
JIWON: The problem here is that DM Barak is doing a real hard job and his Labor members never understand this headache life of their leader. Simply, what is the reason of their betrayal? I know they are politicians, but sometimes, I just can’t understand the stories inside the left-wing parties. Or… I must blame stupid Israeli public. In this case, I can’t use this term, NAÏVE.
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