The real issues are: Who is to blame for failing to prevent Hamas’s October 7 invasion, will the failures be fixed, and will the Shin Bet be turned into a loyalty agency that looks the other way when Jewish extremists perpetrate violence against West Bank Palestinians, as many observers say happened to the police under National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which is to say under Netanyahu.
Daily Archives: 20. März 2025
Bar says firing him a ‘fundamentally invalid’ attempt to undermine Shin Bet as it probes Qatar’s influence on PM’s office
Dismissing the Shin Bet head during the investigation, Bar argues, is tainted with “extraneous considerations and a personal and institutional conflict of interest that could not be more serious.” It risks jeopardizing the investigation, he says, which is a danger to the country’s security.
He also pushes for a state commission of inquiry into October 7: “The urgent national need for such an investigation cannot be subordinated to the personal considerations of those involved in the matter, as it is the only way to ensure that such a multi-system failure will not occur again.”
At Jerusalem protest, Golan calls to throw government in garbage can of history
The Democrats party chairman Yair Golan speaks to thousands of protesters gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem to oppose the government’s anticipated dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
Protesters, many holding umbrellas amid on-and-off rainfall, cheer for Golan as he calls for new elections to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
despite the single-digit temperatures, constant rain and missile sirens, thousands in jerusalem in anti-government protests
Während in Jerusalem die Menschen im strömenden Regen gegen die Regierung protestieren… 1/x
… smashen die Cops Scheiben von Autos, weil diese angeblich die Straße blockieren…
Ex-chief justice Aharon Barak warns: Israel is heading to civil war
Barak, who previously served as attorney general, has recently explored the possibility of a plea deal in Netanyahu’s corruption cases. “I believe an agreement can be reached,” he said. Once close to Netanyahu, Barak had often praised his commitment to the rule of law.
Context: his closest advisor, the person who knows everything about him, is now suspected of espionage and money laundering.
(…)
Netanyahu Expected to Fire Shin Bet Chief Despite Protests
The Shin Bet is deeply involved in Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, providing intelligence and targets. By law, the agency is also tasked with protecting Israeli democracy.
The discord between Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Bar goes to the heart of a broader battle playing out over the nature and future of Israel’s democracy and the rule of law. Critics of Mr. Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, the most right-wing and religiously conservative in Israel’s history, accuse it of working to reduce the authority of independent state watchdogs and to remove checks and balances on the powers of the government, which holds a narrow majority in Parliament.
Live: Protest near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s residence in Jerusalem
(…)
Israeli protesters clash with police outside Netanyahu‘s home
Protesters in Jerusalem scuffled with police on Thursday (March 20) following ongoing demonstrations against the Israel government and PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Footage showed officers clashing with protesters in Azza street and a water cannon being used on some of them. The video also showed Israeli left-wing politician and leader of the Democratic Party Yair Golan falling to the ground.
Israel Police use extreme force against protesters, punch and kick demonstrators
(MARCH 20, 2025 17:05 Updated: MARCH 20, 2025 18:30)
Asked about the footage showing police officers kicking and punching protesters, Israel Police said that officers „worked within their authority to move protesters from the road to the sidewalk.“
Jerusalem protests rage for 2nd day as cabinet set to vote to fire Shin Bet head Bar
(Today, 5:07 pm)
Demonstrators rallied in Jerusalem for a second day Thursday, spurred on by an imminent cabinet meeting to discuss the dismissal of Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, the government’s efforts to renew highly controversial legislation to increase political power over the judiciary, and the collapse of the Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal.
Israeli Police Disperse Crowd with Water Cannons at Protest Against Netanyahu‘s Government | News9
Israeli police dispersed crowds with water cannons on Wednesday (March 19) as protesters demonstrated against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.
(…)
The march to Jerusalem was planned after Netanyahu announced at the weekend that he decided to sack Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency.
Cops Violently Disperse Anti-War Protests in Jerusalem and Haifa
On Tuesday evening, Police in Jerusalem violently dispersed a demonstration of hundreds of activists from Partnership for Peace, Hadash, Free Jerusalem and other organizations who were protesting against occupation and the resumption of the war. Officers kicked protesters, forcibly dragged them and tore signs and drums from their hands, ripping and breaking some of them. One police officer kicked a leading Hadash activist in the head, and some protesters were wounded.
“Israel is rampaging with murderous violence in Gaza, violating every law it can find and sacrificing the hostages, while an unbridled fascist police force attacks protesters in Jerusalem,” Free Jerusalem said in a statement. It added that the demonstrators were protesting against “against the genocide that Israel continues to commit, with over 400 killed in the last 24 hours.” The organization further said, “It’s hard to imagine the price that the hostages are paying for these war crimes.”
Three people were arrested as hundreds of people protested the renewal of the fighting in two demonstrations in Haifa. Police forcibly dispersed the protesters at the German Colony. Haifa cops snatched signs and banners and attacked protestors, and at least one was beaten brutally during her arrest.
Defying AG, cabinet schedules Thursday night vote to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar
The announcement was made despite a letter sent to the government by the Attorney General’s Office earlier in the day, which stated that the government must obtain a recommendation from an advisory committee before weighing Bar’s dismissal.
Citing a cabinet resolution from 2016, the office said that the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee must sign off on the dismissal of anyone from seven different senior civil service positions, including the head of the Shin Bet.
In shocking public spar, Herzog hits back at Netanyahu by expressing support for Israeli judiciary
(March 19, 2025)
After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweets an attack on the “leftist deep state’s weapon[ization] of the justice system[s]” in the US and Israel, President Isaac Herzog’s office quickly posts a rebuttal.
“Israel’s strong and independent judicial system is an asset to our democracy, and the president of Israel is very proud of it,” Herzog’s office tweets.
Netanyahu blasts ‘leftist Deep State’ in response to ‘Qatar-Gate’ arrests
(March 19, 2025)
According to reports, Feldstein—who previously failed a security clearance test—was unable to receive a salary from Netanyahu’s office through official channels. Instead, he was allegedly paid indirectly through Qatari-linked funds, transferred via the Qatari government, which sent the money to lobbyist Jay Footlik; Footlik himself, who transferred funds to Israeli businessman Gil Birger; and Birger, whose company allegedly funneled the money to Feldstein.
Amid probe of his aides, Netanyahu attacks ‘leftist Deep State’ in the US and Israel
(March 19, 2025)
The post comes shortly after police said they detained and questioned under caution two suspects as part of an ongoing investigation into whether thousands of dollars were funneled from Qatar to one or more of Netanyahu’s aides.
Reports say today’s 2 detainees in ‘Qatargate’ probe are suspected of contact with foreign agent
(March 19, 2025)
The arrests came hours after the Kan public broadcaster aired recordings in which Gulf-based Israeli businessman Gil Birger admitted to transferring money from a Qatari employed lobbyist to Netanyahu aide Eli Feldstein.
A sweeping court-issued gag order in effect until April 10 bars the publication of most details regarding the investigation.
Police detain, grill 2 suspects as part of probe into Qatari payments to Netanyahu aides
(March 19, 2025)
The arrests are made hours after the Kan public broadcaster aired recordings in which a Gulf-based Israeli businessman admitted to transferring money from a Qatari employed lobbyist to Netanyahu aide Eli Feldstein.
Israeli businessman Gil Birger, via a private company, paid Feldstein while the latter was working as Netanyahu’s spokesman, according to Kan.
Netanyahu moves to fire intel chief who is investigating his aides
(March 16, 2025)
– The investigation, dubbed „Qatar-Gate“ in the Israeli press, focused on alleged payments Netanyahu‘s advisers facilitated and received from Qatar in return for working on improving the image of the country in Israel.
– Qatar is one of the key mediators in the Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal. But Netanyahu‘s decision in 2018 to ask Qatar to transfer money to Hamas in Gaza for humanitarian purposes became one of the main points of criticism against him after the Oct. 7 attack.
– The Shin Bet determined a portion of that money went to Hamas‘ military build-up.
Netanyahu announces plan to fire Shin Bet chief as agency probes ‚Qatargate‘
(March 16, 2025)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday night said he will propose to the cabinet to fire Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) Director Ronen Bar about 18 months before his term expires.
Bar is probing several top aides of Netanyahu who are involved in “Qatargate,” a saga in which they allegedly were paid by Qatar at the same time as handling sensitive hostage negotiations policy for the prime minister also connected to Qatar.
Court slaps total gag order on explosive ‘Qatar-Gate’ investigation
(March 11, 2025)
Two weeks ago, Baharav-Miara stated that the probe would be conducted by the Israel Police and the Shin Bet security agency. The case focuses on three close associates of Netanyahu:
– Eli Feldstein, a spokesperson who has already been investigated and indicted in a separate case involving leaked classified documents.
– Jonathan Urich, an adviser and spokesperson also implicated in the classified documents case, where he allegedly corresponded directly with Feldstein regarding the leaked material.
– Israel Einhorn, a campaign consultant involved in Likud‘s election efforts.
Hostage Families Outraged by Alleged Leak From Prime Minister’s Office
(November 4, 2024)
During that period, the US, Qatar, and Egypt were mediating talks between Israel and Hamas, seeking a framework for a ceasefire and a potential hostage release. Both sides ultimately accused the other of obstructing progress. Hostage families, frustrated by the lack of movement, joined journalists in a petition to lift the gag order on Feldstein’s case.
Netanyahu‘s spokesman verified suspect passed leaked documents to Bild
(NOVEMBER 19, 2024)
Yonatan Urich, spokesperson for Benjamin Netanyahu, verified that the primary suspect in the Prime Minister‘s Office leaks scandal, Eliezar Feldstein, had passed classified information to the German newspaper Bild, according to a report by KAN11.
Urich, who was investigated along with other employees of the PMO, verified with Feldstein that he had passed the classified documents to the „Husid“ (devotee), the codename for Shrulik Einhorn, their main contact at the Bild.
Jerusalem Post 50 Most Influential Jews – Srulik Einhorn: The strategic mastermind behind Netanyahu’s success
(October 2, 2024)
Einhorn’s career took a decisive turn when he transitioned into the political realm as Netanyahu’s strategic advisor and chief creative director. From 2019 to 2022, he advised on five of Netanyahu’s election campaigns, where his creative strategies were instrumental in securing victory. This shift into politics established Einhorn as one of Israel’s top political consultants, leading him to advise leaders across continents in recent years’ most high-stakes geopolitical and election campaigns.
In addition to his political work, Einhorn has contributed to supporting Israel’s security efforts.
Yitzhak Rabin – The Last Speech (English Subtitles)
The last speech of prime minister and minister of defense Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated by right-wing Israeli radical on November 4th 1995 in Tel Aviv.
Srulik Einhorn for Jerusalem Post: How Israel is winning the war against progressive elites – opinion
(January 2024)
In Israel, they like to say that they are fighting a war on seven fronts: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Yemen, the West Bank, and Iraq. But the truth is that Israel has fought, and with great success, against one more front, which is not talked about much: the front of the global left and progressive activists.
This front encompasses a network of activists, academics, and media that often cast Israel in a negative light, focusing on narratives of colonialism and oppression. Israel’s victory in this campaign is perhaps the most important for the future of the world.
Daniel Neun – Der Fels
(audio)
lyrics:
Inmitten des Kosmos
am Meer aus Zeit
hier stehe ich am Abhang und
erstreckt sich weit
zum Horizont
ich seh es glühn
Zeit meinen Weg zu gehn
zu tun was ich muss
denn wisset – ich bin Sisyphos.
An der Sonne entlang
hinauf den Hang
tausend Gemälde ohne Vergleich
und aus den Tiefen steigt
der Mond und zeichnet weich
Geometrie ins Firmament
Geometrie
ins Firmament
roll ich den Fels hinauf den Hang
bin schon fast hinüber
tausend Leben lang
war ich Verdammter dieser Erde
dort wo mein Platz ist
dort wo der Fels rollt
Rollt
Mein Platz ist dort wo der Fels rollt
Dort
Dort wo mein Platz ist
dort wo der Fels rollt
Ich wollt Du könntest sehn
Deine Welt sie ist so schön
Mitten im Nichts zu sein
So viele Sterne sind
im Äther ziehn dahin
ich muss nicht mehr wie einer sein
Nicht mehr wie Einer sein
der rollt den Fels hinauf den Hang
bin schon fast hinüber
tausend Leben lang
war ich Verdammter dieser Erde
dort wo mein Platz ist wo der Fels rollt
Rollt
war ich Verdammter dieser Erde
Mein Platz ist dort wo der Fels rollt
Dort
war ich Verdammter dieser Erde
dort wo mein Platz ist wo der Fels rollt
Du willst mich kaufen
Du willst mein Herz
Was bietest Du
nur ein bisschen Erz.
Erdling, was kannst Du mir geben
Ich bin verdammt nochmal
am Leben
Den Kopf in den Sternen hab ich´s geschafft
Dir zum Zeichen werf ich sie
hinab
den Hang
die Erde bebt
sieh wer nun dort oben steht
Erdling, werde was Du bist
weil Du sonst nie am Leben bist
und das ist es doch wert, Mensch
Das ist doch wert, Mensch
Du bist es doch wert, Mensch
Du bist es wert
Mensch.
Und das ist es mir wert, Mensch
Und das ist es mir wert
Und das ist es wert, Mensch
Und das ist es wert
Here’s my last messages with Shimaa- so glad Bluesky decided that she just had to be removed right now.
Love how Bluesky zapped the account of the woman I was messaging with who’s on the fucking street in Khan Younis where there’s a ground operation
Statement on UNOPS colleague killed at UNOPS premises in Gaza
UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva said:
“This was not an accident, this was an incident. What’s happening in Gaza is unconscionable.
I am shocked and devastated by this tragic news. I saw the absolute dedication of our team in Gaza last month. They and other UN workers and premises should never be targeted. My sincere condolences to all those affected.
Attacks against humanitarian premises are a breach of international law. UN personnel and its premises must be protected by all sides. The civilian population relies on the UN for lifesaving assistance, they are an essential lifeline at the time of utter tragedy and devastation.
I renew the UN call for the resumption of the cea
UN staff member killed in central Gaza blast, five others injured
At least one UN staffer has been killed and at least five others injured – several very severely – following an explosion at two UN guesthouses in Deir al Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Wednesday. (…)
The incident took place at around 11:30 AM local time on Wednesday. It followed strikes on Tuesday that resulted in some damage, and “a near miss” on Monday, Mr. da Silva said.
The UN buildings are situated in an “isolated area” in Dier al Balah.
Live: Israeli attacks kill 71 Palestinians in Gaza overnight
21 minutes ago
Good morning Middle East Eye readers,
Here are the latest updates from the Israeli war on Gaza:
The Israeli attacks overnight have flattened at least 11 residential buildings across the Gaza Strip, killing 71 Palestinians, including newborn babies, children and women, according to Al Jazeera.