The statement, which also repeatedly urged “compromise” in the judicial reform, also marked a rare moment of the US weighing in on the domestic affairs of another country – let alone those of a close ally like Israel. But heavy opposition to the proposed reforms among US-based pro-Israel groups has given the White House more leeway to insert itself into the debate.
Archiv: Weltöffentlichkeit / World Public Opinion
As Israel erupts, Biden faces politically volatile pressures
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has not abandoned his unprecedented push to change the country’s system of checks and balances, is one of several world leaders the Biden administration invited to speak Wednesday at a “Summit for Democracy. The gathering is part of Biden’s signature effort to herald judicial independence and other values that critics — including many in Israel and even in the prime minister’s orbit — say Netanyahu is actively undermining.
Israel’s Opposition Overtakes Netanyahu Bloc to Reach Majority, Polls Show
According to the polls, conducted by Channel 12 and public broadcaster Kan, if an election were held today, the parties that make up the current ruling coalition – Netanyahu’s Likud, Religious Zionism, Otzma Yehudit, Shas and United Torah Judaism – would amass a total of just 54 seats, seven short of the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. The opposition, made up of National Unity, Yesh Atid, Yisrael Beytenu, Meretz, Ra’am and Labor, is projected to win 61 seats. Hadash-Ta’al would garner the remaining five seats.
No indictment for Netanyahu
(20. April 1997)
Netanyahu told CNN’s Walter Rodgers he was „glad that the truth came out,“ and said the entire incident was „blown out of proportion and twisted out of shape.“
„It’s politics,“ he said in an interview shortly after the attorney general released his report. „Of course there were people out to get us. But this is going nowhere. It’s done. It’s finished.“
With Netanyahu’s Coup in Full Swing, His Trial Is Stuttering. Not by Accident
(05.03.2023)
The trial and the coup are now simultaneously underway, but while the first is lumbering along, the second is galloping forward. The hearings in the Jerusalem District Court will resume only after Passover. Until the judges return from their hiatus, the wings of the High Court of Justice might be clipped, the Judicial Appointments Committee might be under full control of the politicians, or Israel might be in the throes of a historic constitutional crisis.
Netanyahu Announces Freeze to Judicial Overhaul as General Strike Shutters Israel
(March 27, 2023 8:13 pm)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday he would temporarily freeze his government’s controversial plans to enfeeble the judicial system, following a night of mass demonstrations across the country and an unprecedented general strike.
Netanyahu said that he ordered „the timeout“ on the controversial legislation until after the Knesset recess in order „to give a real opportunity for real dialogue.“
Petition for Netanyahu’s removal from office rejected by High Court
(March 27, 2023 15:45)
The court rejected the petition by the Defenders of Israeli Democracy on all grounds, saying that judicial intervention was a last resort after all other avenues had been exhausted.
The petition was viewed as unacceptable in its framing, and the petitioners were ordered to pay NIS 5,000 for expenses to the state treasury.
Israel’s Parliament passed legislation early Thursday that would make it more difficult to remove prime ministers from office, a move that critics said was aimed at protecting the country’s leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption.
(23.03.2023)
Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak (@barak_ehud) on @CNN: “if this were the United States, #Netanyahu would have been impeached by now.”
I’m not sure that avoiding a conflict with Netanyahu rises to the level of a Star Trek Prime Directive, but @aarondmiller2 does a great job of outlining Biden’s political calculations in deciding if he should confront Bibi the way we wish he would.
Netanyahu tells Piers Morgan democracy is safe in Israel despite his moves to wrest control of ‘too powerful’
n a world exclusive interview with me for my show „Piers Morgan Uncensored“ (airing on Fox Nation tomorrow, Monday) Netanyahu said: „There is one other thing that characterizes the judiciary in Israel and that is that the judges veto the appointment of judges, they effectively select themselves and that doesn’t exist in any democracy. The reform that we’re dealing with right now corrects that.“
While I am a strong supporter of the Biden Admin on many things, they have been too timid with their criticism of Bibi Netanyahu and the threat he represents not only to Israel but to US interests in the Middle East. This is no time for the „compromise“ the US has called for.
Who is on strike in protest of legislation to overhaul judiciary
Head of the Federation of Local Authorities, himself a member of the ruling Likud, Haim Bibas said the rift in Israeli society had nearly crossed the point of no return.
„We call on the prime minister to immediately halt his legislative push to overhaul the judiciary and reinstate ousted defense minister Gallant,“ he said. Netanyahu must recalibrate his path and enter immediate dialogue to bring about a broad agreement and preserve the unity of the country,“ he said.
Netanyahu survives no-confidence vote as angry protests, strikes paralyze Israel over judicial reforms
The government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu survived a no-confidence vote in the Knesset, the country’s parliament, amid what is possibly the largest wave of demonstrations in Israel’s history.
Mass protests are rocking Israel, and the country’s largest labor union announced a major strike Monday in opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s months-long attempt to push through widely-derided judicial reforms that opponents say will pull the country toward an autocracy.
Ben Gurion departures halted as Histadrut declares ‘historic’ strike over overhaul
“We are all worried about Israel’s fate,” Histadrut chief Arnon Bar-David said during a press conference alongside business leaders and public officials. “Together we say, enough!”
“We have lost our way — this is not about left or right,” he continued. “We can no longer polarize the nation.”
The announcement came ahead of an expected statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he is freezing the legislation.
‚Time to Flood the Streets‘: How Israel’s Historic Night of Pro-democracy Protests Was Born
Netanyahu’s reckless decision to fire his defense minister for speaking out against the judicial overhaul spooked Israelis into action. They texted family and friends, and hundreds of thousands took to the streets
Israel’s Night of Chaos: Growing Calls Inside Netanyahu’s Coalition to Delay Judicial Overhaul After Defense Minister’s Sacking, Massive Protests
Netanyahu ally and chairman of ultra-Orthodox party Shas, Arye Dery, reportedly expressed support for halting the process, as did ministers Ron Dermer and Yoav Kish of Likud who spoke to Netanyahu on the subject, according to a source in the party.
Meanwhile, United Torah Judaism party’s Degel Hatorah faction expressed support for the „prime minister and his decisions,“ while far-right coalition party Otzma Yehudit called on Netanyahu not to stop the legislation.
Netanyahu Is Now Pyromaniac-in-chief of a Government of Arsonists
Netanyahu has made it clear to Israel that he is not only prepared to risk a constitutional crisis, but he is willing to take on the entire security establishment just so he can pass a law that allows his coalition to pick the next Supreme Court justices
Israel’s Netanyahu fires defense minister over opposition to judicial overhaul; protests erupt
Netanyahu’s office released a short statement saying that the prime minister „has decided, this evening, to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.“
Gallant, a member of Netanyahu’s ruling Likud party, said in a televised speech on Saturday that the judicial overhaul is „a clear, immediate and tangible danger to the security of the state.“
Turkey to uphold Chinese Ukraine initiative if it promotes peace talks
(26 Mar 00:17)
The top Turkish official confirmed that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is planning to discuss the settlement of the Ukraine conflict with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky after similar talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Earlier in the day, Putin and Erdogan held phone talks and discussed, among other things, the settlement of the Ukraine conflict.
Zelensky said that he gave „straight messages“ through the diplomatic channels that he wanted to speak with China’s leader Xi Jinping but didn’t get a response. “I did not get a proposal from China to mediate. I didn’t get a proposal to meet,” he said.
Ukrainian President Zelensky said that he had signaled through diplomatic channels that he would like to talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping. “I did not receive an offer from China to mediate. I did not receive an offer to meet. I also gave a direct signal through diplomatic channels that I want to talk to the Chinese leader” – Ukrainska Pravda #ukraine
We want a constitution guaranteeing minorities rights. We want a stop to the judicial coup.
Tel Aviv, today. Estimated as the largest protest in the history of Israel
(10 hours ago)
Students dance on Ayalon Highway (TLV), one of Israel’s major highways, while police look on.
בן גביר בוא מהר ותקרא לנתניהו. נפלתם על הדור הלא נכון!
Hundreds of Thousands Protest Netanyahu’s Judicial Coup, as His Defense Minister Urges Halting Legislation
– Netanyahu’s defense minister publicly calls on him to halt judicial overhaul legislation
– Protesters erect massive slab bearing Israel’s Declaration of Independence in central Tel Aviv
– Police source: over 20,000 protesting in Haifa
– Tens of thousands rally in Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street
– Israel’s government preparing anti-judicial legislative blitz ahead of Passover recess
– Israeli weapons manufacturing employees warn judicial overhaul will harm industry
– Hundreds protesting in front of Defense Minister Gallant’s home
‘We must sit, talk:’ Wave of coalition members call to halt judicial reform legislation
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Saturday followed in the footsteps of other coalition members in calling on the government to cease the process of pushing through with the controversial judicial overhaul legislation, and urged that all parties „sit and talk“ as hundreds of thousands of protestors took to the streets nationwide.
Israeli army chief warns of curbed military ops amid absent reservists – report
(25.03.2023)
Israel’s army Chief of Staff General Herzi Halevi has reportedly warned his government that the military could possibly reduce the scope of operations due to reservists refusing to report for duty in protest of the controversial judicial overhaul.
Dozens of active-duty Israeli soldiers join protest against judicial reform
(25.03.2023)
Dozens of active-duty Israeli soldiers announced on Saturday they were joining the protest against the judicial reform by not reporting to training.
Until now, only reserve officers resorted to such measures.
China’s Foreign Ministry avoids answering questions about Xi Jinping’s talks with Zelensky
(24.03.2023)
China maintains communication with all interested parties regarding the „Ukrainian issue“.
This was stated by the spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mao Ning, during a briefing today, Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrinform.
Zelensky advisor flags obstacle to Xi talks Chinese President Xi Jinping & his Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky may hold negotiations but the preparatory work has stumbled into certain complications, Mikhail #Podoliak, a senior aide to the Ukrainian leader said
Anti-Netanyahu Rally in London Gives pro-Israel and pro-Palestine Protesters a Common Cause
“It’s strange and rather sad to be protesting against your country’s government while in another country,” said Amos Morris-Reich, a history professor at Tel Aviv University, currently on sabbatical at University College in London. “But anyway, my head is constantly in Israel and everything that’s happening there, so it’s almost as if we’re back home.”
For a few hours Friday morning, a long section of Whitehall, the street leading to the Houses of Parliament – and studded with government departments – was transformed into another location of Israel’s growing pro-democracy protest movement.
Sunak lightly challenges Netanyahu as protesters accuse Israel PM of ‘destroying democracy’
But Mr Sunak did dedicate a smaller part of the meeting to raising difficult subjects, including “international concern at growing tensions in the West Bank and the risk of undermining efforts towards the two state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“The Prime Minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including in the proposed judicial reforms in Israel,” a statement from No 10 said, hinting at a delicate challenge of his policy.
U.S. Conducts Airstrikes in Syria in Response to Deadly UAV Attack
The intelligence community assess the UAV to be of Iranian origin.
„At the direction of President Biden, I authorized U.S. Central Command forces to conduct precision airstrikes tonight in eastern Syria against facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC),“ said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.
Jerusalem has warned the United States and several European countries that Iranian enrichment of uranium beyond 60 percent could trigger an Israeli military strike
Israel’s PM Netanyahu to leave for London visit for meeting with British counterpart Sunak
After visits in Paris, Rome and Berlin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will leave Thursday evening for a diplomatic visit to London where he will meet with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Their meeting will focus on the Iranian issue and the need to formulate a united international front against Iran in order to stop its nuclear program.
Pro-democracy Protest Leader Arrested, Barred From Protest Site Upon Release
The police arrested on Thursday Shikma Bressler, a leader in the protests against Netanyahu’s government plan to overhaul Israel’s judiciary with a police commander initially saying she had been arrested on suspicion of incitement to block a road.
There is no such law on the books, however, and the police later said Bressler had encouraged protesters to block the road and would be interrogated on suspicion of hindering a police officer and disturbing the public order.
Israel passed a new law that limits the conditions under which a sitting prime minister can be removed from office, despite objections from opponents that its intent is to shield the incumbent Netanyahu from any fallout of his corruption trials
Israel OKs Law Protecting Netanyahu from Corruption Trial
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition approved legislation that would protect the Israeli leader from being deemed unfit to rule over his corruption trial and claims of a conflict of interest surrounding his involvement in the legal changes.
Israel passes law shielding Netanyahu from being removed amid protests over judicial changes
By a 61-to-47 final vote, the Knesset approved the bill that states that only the prime minister himself or the cabinet, with a two-thirds majority, can declare the leader unfit. The cabinet vote would then need to be ratified by a super majority in the parliament.
Protesters Arrested as Thousands Rally Across Israel Against Netanyahu’s Judicial Coup
– Police use water cannon against Tel Aviv protesters
– At least 87 protesters arrested across Israel
– Knesset passes law preventing AG from declaring Netanyahu unfit for office
Fascist Violence Against Protesters Escalates, Next Thursday: ‘Day of Paralysis’
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis participated in nationwide demonstrations held for the 11th straight Saturday evening against the far-right government. Protest organizers vowed to escalate demonstrations if the fascist-clerical coalition doesn’t halt its legislative proposals, which lawmakers are due to advance next week, declaring this coming Thursday a “National Day of Paralysis.” “Next week Israel’s government intends to pass the dictatorship and religious coercion laws,” protest organizers said in a statement Saturday.
Ukrainisch-chinesisches Verhältnis: Milde Töne in Richtung Peking
Dass China überhaupt begonnen habe, über die Ukraine zu reden, sei gut, sagte Selenskyj schon im Februar. Neben einer möglichen Vermittlerrolle hat es für die Ukraine aber darüber hinaus Vorteile, gegenüber China milde Töne anzuschlagen, meint der Kiewer Politologe Wolodymyr Fesenko im ukrainischen Fernsehen:
„Für uns bleibt China einer der wichtigsten Handelspartner, ebenso wie für viele andere Länder, inklusive der USA. Extreme sollten daher auch hier vermieden werden. Es ist nicht nötig, es zum Äußersten zu treiben.“
A senior Ukrainian official told CNN Tuesday that discussions are underway with China to organize a call between the Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss China’s proposal for a peace plan for Ukraine.
(22 h ago)
Enemy assault groups trying to move from outskirts to center of Bakhmut; Ukrainian soldiers do not allow them to move forward – Syrsky
Enemy assault groups trying to move from outskirts to center of Bakhmut; Ukrainian soldiers do not allow them to move forward – Syrsky
Intense fighting is going on along the entire front line in the zone of responsibility of the Eastern Group of Forces, in particular, enemy assault groups are trying to move from the outskirts to the center of Bakhmut, Commander of the Ground Forces, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrsky has said.
A body of a 40-year-old man was found in the rubble in the hostel of the city of #Rzhyshchiv. The number of victims of the drone attack has risen to four.
Umstrittenes Positionspapier Xis – Putin: Chinas „Friedensplan“ Basis für Lösung
Russlands Präsident Wladimir Putin hat das international skeptisch aufgenommene Ukraine-Papier Chinas gelobt.
„Wir finden, dass viele der Positionen des von China vorgebrachten Friedensplans mit den russischen Ansätzen übereinstimmen.“
Wladimir Putin
Das Papier könne „als Grundlage für eine friedliche Lösung genommen werden können, sobald der Westen und Kiew dazu bereit sind“, sagte Putin am Dienstag im Kreml nach Verhandlungen mit Chinas Staats- und Parteichef Xi Jinping.
Xi-Putin meeting sends important signal to promote peace talks: Global Times editorial
During the meeting with President Putin, President Xi emphasized that „the more difficulties there are, the greater the need to keep space for peace. The more acute the problem is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for dialogue. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine issue.“ This was positively responded by President Putin, who stated that Russia has carefully studied China’s position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine issue and is open to talks for peace. Previously, the Ukrainian side also made positive comments on China’s stance. Obviously, China’s persistent peace efforts have produced results, increasing the hope and motivation of the international community’s peace forces. This is very precious.
A Chinese summary of the Xi-Putin meeting doesn’t suggest any breakthroughs.
Talks in Moscow on Monday between President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir V. Putin covered their plans to strengthen bilateral relations and also the war in Ukraine, according to an official Chinese summary of the meeting that gave no sign that any breakthrough had been reached over the fighting.
Israeli Army Reservists Group Says ‚Thousands‘ Will Refuse Service if Judicial Coup Approved
‚We have been protesting in the streets for eleven weeks, and the government continues to gallop. An executive authority with unlimited power is a dictatorship,‘ Ron Sharf, one of the reservist protest movement’s founders says
Ukraine is feeding the world, it is in the common interest to ensure that Ukrainian agriculture quickly gets fully operational – Executive Director of UNEP
For 9 years we have been at war in Donbas. It’s the largest industrial part of Ukraine. We see heavy battles now every day. What will we see there when the guns will fall silent? From an environmental point of view
I can’t speculate because I haven’t been there. But I can only tell you that from other wars and other conflicts, we know that the more intense the fighting, the longer it takes to restore and rehabilitate.
If we take the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, where 600 oil wells were set on fire, where you had oil spills everywhere, that took decades. And that was just oil. It was not other things and it was not a protracted war. So, you need to understand that you can have pollution three meters down in the soil. And that will take a very long time.
Russia to return evacuated children to Ukraine when conditions safe, envoy assures
The issue of children `brought to Russia forcefully’ is totally“ overblown, Nebenzya said.
„We want to show it at the [UN Security Council] Arria formula meeting (scheduled for early April – TASS),“ he added.
„When conditions are safe, of course, why not,“ the Russian diplomat said.
Putin arrest warrant court ‚fundamentally illegitimate‘ – Bolton
“I believe and have for many years [that] the International Criminal Court is fundamentally illegitimate,” Bolton told Sky News on Monday, adding that its arrest warrant for Putin is “not something that the United States should cooperate with.”
“It’s a very dangerous institution,” he continued. “It is an exercise of governmental power in a vacuum without any constitutional framework to restrain it.”
Kishida visits Kyiv for meeting with Zelenskyy
Kishida was in India on Monday and had been expected to return to Tokyo, but instead flew to Poland, where he boarded a train to cross into Ukraine.
He will express „respect for the courage and perseverance of the Ukrainian people“ and offer „the solidarity and unwavering support for Ukraine of Japan and the G7, chaired by Japan,“ the foreign ministry said.
Phone call ‘scheduled’ between Xi Jinping and Zelensky
“Let’s reinforce the fact that China has to date had an informal policy of neutrality in this war,” Mr Shmigel told Sky News host Chris Kenny.
“It has not directly provided a military support to Russia. There are still open lines of communication between Ukraine and China.”
China: the ten thousand li path to a bipolar world begins with the first steps, or what can Ukraine expect from Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow?
The last but not least. The announcement of the so-called “China’s 12-point peace plan for Ukraine” is another step by China in which it tries to be on the same level, at least, diplomatically, as the United States.
This is an attempt to really turn into a powerful world player capable of solving crises of a truly planetary scale. This is another step towards the formation of a new pole of power, at least in the imagination of the Chinese themselves.
The harsh negative reaction of the US and EU to China’s efforts to reach a new mediation level has been palpable. The Western partners of our country are clearly not interested in this.
It is within this framework that the visit of the leader of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, to Moscow, should be viewed.
Russia becomes China’s top oil supplier in Jan-Feb; energy acts as ‘ballast stone’ of bilateral trade
It is not the first time for Russia to top China’s oil supplier list. In 2022, Russia shipped the most crude oil to China on a monthly basis in May and November. In terms of the whole year of 2022, Russia exported a total of 86.25 million tons of oil to China, ranking second after Saudi Arabia’s 87.49 million tons, according to customs data.
Russia is also China’s main source of natural gas and coal imports, and the „ballast stone“ role of energy in bilateral trade has been further highlighted, Chinese newspaper the Economic Daily reported on Monday, citing Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui.
Why China is so important for the Russian economy
The Chinese currency, the yuan, has become a major player in Russia’s foreign trade, according to data from the country’s central bank. The share of renminbi in Russia’s import settlements jumped to 23% by the end of last year from only 4% in January 2022. The yuan’s share in export settlements also surged from 0.5% to 16%. At the same time, the two countries have been slashing the share of the US dollar and euro in their bilateral trade.
Russia, China contribute to strengthening multipolar world, says Putin
Putin and Xi Jinping will hold their basic talks on March 21 with the participation of delegations from both countries.
Xi’s visit warmly welcomed by Russia, ‘brings hope of peace for Ukraine crisis’
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday to kick off his three-day state visit, with the warm hospitality of the Russian side expressed through the high-standard welcoming ceremony arranged for the Chinese president upon his arrival. Experts from both China and Russia said the visit will be symbolic and have global significance, as it will not only greatly promote the development of bilateral ties, but also bring hope and confidence for a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis.
Upon his arrival, Xi said in a written statement at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport, „It gives me great pleasure to once again set foot on the soil of Russia, our friendly neighbor, and pay a state visit to the Russian Federation at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.“
Israel’s National Security Is in Peril. And the Biggest Threat Is Its Government
Almost a year ago, I completed my tour of duty as Israel’s Ambassador to Germany after four decades of service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In recent months, I participated in the establishment of the Foreign Policy Forum, consisting of several former senior ambassadors, who have devoted decades to promoting the foreign relations of the State of Israel in the political, strategic, economic, security and cultural fields.
Just as we all fought on Israel’s diplomatic front in many countries, we are now fighting on the streets of Israel, shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of thousands of fellow citizens.
Julian Assange’s Father and Brother speak about the new documentary ‚Ithaka‘ and the ‚rising tide of worldwide support‘ for the WikiLeaks publisher facing a 175 year sentence if extradited for publishing @IthakaMovie #FreeAssangeNOW @FoxNews
Julian Assange was punished for publishing without fear or favor: Gabriel Shipton
John and Gabriel Shipton, the father and brother of Julian Assange, speak out about his detainment and share the story behind their documentary ‘Ithaka’ on ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight.’
Curveball: How US was duped by Iraqi fantasist looking to topple Saddam
(15 Feb 2011)
Since the fall of Baghdad, Curveball’s identity had been sought throughout Iraq and Europe. He was finally outed in late 2007 as the main source for Powell’s speech, but has tried to keep a low profile ever since, refusing — under the orders of the BND — the approaches of the few reporters who had tracked him downto Karlsruhe.
The only other time Curveball has agreed to be interviewed was in late 2007, when he told CNN that he had been set up as a fall guy by the BND and had never breathed a word to them about WMD.
Der Fall „Curveball“: Wie ein BND-Informant den Irak-Krieg auslöste
(28.8.2011)
Diese bis heute verbreitete Darstellung ist unangenehm für die Bundesrepublik. Deutschland steht da als ein Land, das ein Doppelspiel betrieben hat: nach außen den Pazifisten geben – und hintenherum über seinen Geheimdienst einen entscheidenden Grund für die militärische Intervention liefern. Der Bundesnachrichtendienst nahm die Vorwürfe schweigend hin.
Collateral Murder
5th April 2010 10:44 EST WikiLeaks has released a classified US military video depicting the indiscriminate slaying of over a dozen people in the Iraqi suburb of New Baghdad — including two Reuters news staff.
Reuters has been trying to obtain the video through the Freedom of Information Act, without success since the time of the attack. The video, shot from an Apache helicopter gun-sight, clearly shows the unprovoked slaying of a wounded Reuters employee and his rescuers. Two young children involved in the rescue were also seriously wounded.
20 years ago the Iraq War began: Julian Assange’s commitment to transparency lifted the lid on numerous war crimes and human rights abuses, for which he now faces a 175 year sentence if extradited #FreeAssangeNOW #Journalismisnotacrime
Hundreds of Thousands Rally Against Netanyahu’s Judicial Coup for 11th Week
– Protesters block and march on Ayalon highway in Tel Aviv
– 50,000 protest in Haifa, police sources say
UPCOMING DATES: 19 March: 20th Anniversary Iraq invasion 24 March-8 April: States of Violence exhibition [London] 5 April: Anniversary Collateral Murder Release 11 April: 4 year Anniversary Julian Assange detained in UK on US extradition request for publishing
Britische Justiz nimmt sich die Zeit, die für Julian Assange im Gefängnis quälend langsam vergeht
Bald sind es vier Jahre, seitdem Julian Assange gewaltsam aus der ecuadorianischen Botschaft in London getragen wurde. Seitdem gab es endlos viele Anhörungen bezüglich des Auslieferungsbegehrens der USA, die sich auch durch Corona-Lockdowns in die Länge zogen. In den letzten 6 Monaten scheint gar nichts mehr zu passieren. Ende August hatten Julian Assanges Anwälte Berufung beim Londoner High Court gegen Punkte im Schiedsspruch des Westminster-Bezirksgerichts vom 4. Januar 2021 und gegen die Entscheidung der damaligen britischen Innenministerin Priti Patel vom 17. Juni letzten Jahres eingelegt. Nun liegt die Entscheidung, ob die Berufung zur Verhandlung angenommen wird, bei einem Richter, dessen Name nirgendwo erscheint, und es erscheint genauso unklar, wann mit einer Entscheidung zu rechnen ist. Derweil sitzt Julian Assange von Ungewissheit gequält im Gefängnis.
Israel’s High Court Will Strike Down the Coup Legislation, Top Legal Experts Say
The judicial overhaul will destroy democracy, the Knesset isn’t authorized to enact such laws, and their important clauses will be struck down by the High Court: Retired justices, former attorneys general and law professors weigh
In Two Weeks, Israel’s Pro-democracy Protest Could Seem Like a Walk in the Park
The joint leaders of the protest movement are constantly trying to synchronize the operations of more than 100 participating organizations. Eran Schwarz, an educator and former Air Force pilot and now the director of these efforts, told Haaretz that the number of communities in which protests were held last Saturday night jumped from 80 to over 100, and that the number of people participating in the demonstrations increasing weekly. (…)
One of the wise decisions made by protest leaders was to stay away from currently serving politicians. Opposition parties are not leading the protest and are only trying to ride the huge wave it is creating in the streets. In the central weekly rally in Tel Aviv, politicians who are currently serving in the Knesset have been barred from speaking. They’ve had to make do with subsidiary locations, in other cities.
Statement by Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan KC on the issuance of arrest warrants against President Vladimir Putin and Ms Maria Lvova-Belova
On 22 February 2023, I submitted applications to Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court for warrants of arrest in the context of the Situation in Ukraine.
Today, the Pre-Trial Chamber has issued arrest warrants in relation to the following two individuals:
Mr Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; and
Ms Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation.
On the basis of evidence collected and analysed by my Office pursuant to its independent investigations, the Pre-Trial Chamber has confirmed that there are reasonable grounds to believe that President Putin and Ms Lvova-Belova bear criminal responsibility for the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation, contrary to article 8(2)(a)(vii) and article 8(2)(b)(viii) of the Rome Statute.
U.S. Embassy Protesters Demand Biden Pressure Israeli Government to Halt Judicial Overhaul
Protesters outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv are asking the U.S. government to pressure Israel’s coalition into halting a judicial overhaul, with some suggesting concrete penalties such as withholding economic and military support if the legislation passes
CON-STI-TU-TION!
Reserve duty soldiers and free sky diving instructors Major Itay Bradshesky and Master Sergeant Gilad Yitzhak; parachute carrying the Israeli Declaration of Independence. “We need to open our parachutes before we crash – democracy has no spare chute”, they said.
(picture)
In front of the American embassy, calling for our friends to help us #SaveIsraeliDemocracy
For Israel’s Leaders, Democracy Is a Foolish Invention of Gentiles
The members of Likud who could stop the carnage but continue to participate in this government will go down in history as far worse than collaborators. Petain, the ruler of Vichy France, at least believed he was saving France. I cannot believe that Nir Barkat, Avi Dichter, Gila Gamliel, Yoav Gallant, Yuli Edelsein think they are saving Israel. They know in their heart of hearts that without legitimacy, they are gambling with the entire future of the country. To you distinguished ministers and members of Knesset, I ask: Will you willingly sacrifice the country you served for the sake of a cabinet position or Knesset seat? Will you silence your conscience for that?
Students in Jerusalem. What you hear is DE MOH KRAT YA.
Feminist activists wearing gowns & headdresses from Handmaid’s Tale are blocking Kaplan Street in central Tel Aviv to protest against Netanyahu’s efforts to subjugate Israel’s judiciary
This is not a warning: IDF Special Forces reserve units & Cyber Intel reservists announce they will not show up for duty SUNDAY to protest Netanyahu’s attempted régime change.
A last, desperate, long-shot plea: Prime Minister Netanyahu, stop this madness
Some say you’ve unleashed this revolution to evade your trial. That makes no sense. You could drag it on for years or subvert it with less drastic legislative initiatives.
Others posit that you are intimidated by the extremists — those you have empowered politically, and the toxic commentators on TV, radio and social media, including some very close to home.
I hear that some people who know you well think you have convinced yourself that you are truly King Bibi, a great, historic national figure, wiser and more capable than all.
UAE halts purchase of Israeli defense shields following Iran-Saudi deal
(March 13, 2023)
”Until we make sure that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a government that he controls, we will not be able to do common things, “said UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
Sie wissen von der Bundeswehr-Beteiligung an der Kriegsflotte im Persischen Golf, oder?
(3. August 2021)
24. Juni 2019: Der damalige U.S.-Außenminister Mike Pompeo fordert eine „globale Koalition“ gegen den Iran. passenderweise vorgetragen bei einem Blitzbesuch Pompeos in Saudi-Arabien.
4. August 2019: Ich lege mich fest und prognostiziere, dass „Bundeswehr-Marine .. noch vor Weihnachten unter Oberbefehl einer ausländischen Macht in den Persischen Golf entsandt“ wird.
(…)
20. Januar 2020: Monate vor der Ausrufung des bis heute andauernden Ausnahmezustands und bereits im Windschatten von SARS II („Coronavirus“), beschließen die Staatsführungen von Frankreich, Deutschland, Griechenland, Italien, der Niederlande, Belgien, Dänemark und Portugal in einer gemeinsamen Erklärung die „European-led maritime surveillance mission in the Strait of Hormuz“ (E.M.A.S.O.H.), von der Sie und 80 Millionen Andere bis heute nie gehört haben.
Netanyahu in 1993: Iran will have bomb by 1999
(04.03.2015)
The prime minister has been warning for over 20 years that Tehran is close to achieving its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Netanyahu say evil must be halted in its initial stage as he speaks both about the Holocaust and the modern day threat against Iran while standing with German Chancellor Scholz at platform 17 in Berlin
Israel Protest | Nationwide Demonstrations Underway Against Netanyahu’s Judicial Overhaul
– Likud lawmaker David Bitan becomes first gov’t MK to call to freeze judicial coup legislation, launch negotiations
– Dozens of protesters block coastal highway in central Israel
– Students erect barbed wire fence at Tel Aviv University: ‚Barrier defending freedom of expression and academic opinion‘
– Hundreds of reservists block an intersection in ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, shouting ‚go to the army‘
– Protesters paint road leading to Supreme Court in Jerusalem, police arrested five suspects
– Israeli navy veterans block transit route to Haifa port with boats
– Protests against judicial overhaul set to begin nationwide
No White House visit for Israel’s Netanyahu as U.S. concern rises
Analysis: Washington sends clear message to Israeli leader; ‚If you pursue objectionable policies, there’s no entitlement to the Oval Office sit-down,‘ says expert
Netanyahu in Berlin: Besuch im Zeichen der Proteste
Der israelische Premier Netanyahu ist zu Besuch in Berlin. Die innenpolitischen Proteste gegen seine geplante Justizreform werden ihm in die deutsche Hauptstadt folgen. Die Demonstranten fordern von der Bundesregierung eine klare Position.
God knows why but FinMin Bezalel Smotrich cut short a planned visit to Panama, Mrs Netanyahu has cancelled her Berlin +1 & the PM has delayed his takeoff „til after 10 pm“ & shortened his trip to only 24 hours due to „talks on judicial reform & a security incident in the north“
Israel’s PM Netanyahu cuts short trip to Germany
Netanyahu is set to travel to Germany on Wednesday afternoon as protesters against his government’s judicial reform threaten to block the road to the Ben Gurion Airport to disrupt his trip. According to the previous itinerary issued by his office, Netanyahu was supposed to return on Friday but the new release it would happen on Thursday.
פורצי אנטבה (המקוריים), במחאת נתב“ג היום.
Entebbe Veterans With ‘Idi Amin Car’ Join Airport Protest as Netanyahu Flies to Berlin
A convoy of Israeli army veterans and former hostages who were involved in the 1976 Entebbe Operation in Uganda arrived on Wednesday to protest at Ben-Gurion Airport ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s departure to Germany for a state visit.
The convoy is part of the protest movement aimed at disrupting Netanyahu’s departure over his constitutional coup.
‘Day of Escalating Resistance’ on Next Thursday
Organizers said they would further ramp up their response if the government doesn’t shelve the fascist legislation, with a planned “day of escalating resistance” declared for next Thursday. This past Thursday saw protesters stage an unprecedented day of protests and disruption, blocking central Israel’s key Ayalon Highway for some two hours and gumming up roads to Ben Gurion Airport alongside rallies, strikes, blockages and other disruptive activities throughout the country.
Head of Israel’s Central Bank Warns ‘Hasty’ Judicial Coup Will Lead to Dangerous Brain Drain
Recent moves by the Israeli government to undermine the power of the courts could undermine investment and spark an exodus of educated Israelis, Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron warned on Wednesday. He further declared that it was “imperative” to maintain the independence of the judiciary.
Amid Judicial Coup, Tech Unicorn Pulls $500 Million Out of Israel, Offers Relocation to Lisbon
The CEO of Riskified, an Israeli fraud-prevention company, said in a staff email that the judicial overhaul could lead to an economic downturn and put Israel on the path to authoritarianism.
Israel’s Netanyahu is set to depart for a visit to Berlin on Wednesday afternoon where he is expected to met by questions from German officials, as well as protests by the Israeli expat community, over the government’s judicial overhaul plans
Warning of ‚Theocratic Dictatorship,‘ 1,000 Israeli Cultural Figures Call on U.K., Germany to Cancel Netanyahu Visit
The letter wrote that the racist, homophobic and undemocratic intentions by the government is targeting all Israeli citizens at home and abroad, referring to the ongoing judicial overhaul plans and a host of other proposed laws that will adversely affect the “freedom of authors and artists in Israel.”
The authors wrote that Netanyahu supports current legislation running through the Knesset that would turn the Israeli police into a “political police, a tool that every dictatorship needs in order to enforce state power on citizens.”
Videos From Hawara Rampage Indicate Depth of Israeli Authorities’ Failure
The deeds were filmed in many videos in which soldiers, the Border Police and vehicles of the security forces can be seen all around town. For many long hours, those forces did not stop the pogrom launched by the settlers; Palestinians who have spoken with Haaretz have said that when they tried to defend their homes, soldiers fired tear gas and threw stun grenades at them. Only at about 11 P.M. did Israeli security forces achieve control over the raging crowds. This is how the events looked.
Israel could learn a thing or two from history of US Constitution – opinion
The constitution is the guiding force behind the US. The president, federal officers and all members of the military swear to defend it.
Though written at the end of the 18th century, many of the lessons from the debate over its adoption are of interest to us in modern-day Israel: namely the maintenance of equality between the three branches of government, the preservation of checks and balances, the need to maintain a strong judiciary but also the need to retain a path to override Supreme Court decisions, the importance of harnessing the talents of high-level visionaries and the need to maintain a broad consensus before initiating reform.
Israel’s Judicial Coup: Israel’s Knesset Passes Three Bills Aimed at Enfeebling Top Court in First Reading
(13.03.2023)
The third amendment approved by the Knesset, the override clause, allows its members to enact laws previously overruled by the court. This proposed amendment to the Basic Law on the Judiciary would also make any law passed by a slim majority (61 out of 120 lawmakers) immune to judicial review by the court.
Ukraine war: Zelensky wants Xi Jinping meeting following China’s peace plan
(25.02.2023)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he plans to meet China’s leader Xi Jinping to discuss Beijing’s proposals on ending the war in Ukraine.
Speaking on the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, he said the proposal signalled that China was involved in the search for peace.
Xi Jinping could visit Vladimir Putin next week, earlier than expected
The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Kremlin said it had nothing to announce yet. Ukraine’s president’s office did not immediately respond.
Biden Unveils Landmark Submarine Deal With Australia and Britain
Standing next to Mr. Biden in front of the flags of the three countries, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain stressed the economic benefits from the deal, which they said will provide thousands of good-paying jobs for those who design, build and operate the subs.
Xi Jinping plans to talk with Zelenskyy after visit to Moscow – media
„Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since the start of the Ukraine war, likely after he visits Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to people familiar with the matter,“ the edition said on Monday.
As expected, the conversation with Zelenskyy will be held virtually.
Ukraine war live updates: Kyiv claims over 1,000 Russians died in Bakhmut in the last week; Ukraine’s first lady pleas for more weapons
Zelenskyy said Sunday evening that since March 6, Ukraine’s forces had „managed to eliminate more than 1,100 enemy soldiers.“
The commander of Ukraine’s ground forces Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi said Monday that „Wagner’s assault units are advancing from several directions, trying to break through the defenses of our troops and advance to the central districts of the city,“ according to the latest post on the Military Media Centre, translated by NBC News.
‘Biggest in Israeli History‘: Organizers Claim Half a Million Protesters Against Netanyahu’s Constitutional Coup
Israelis took to the streets for the tenth week straight in the largest demonstration in the country’s history on Saturday, with organizers claiming as many as 500,000 pro-democracy protesters in attendence nationwide.
A record 50,000 Israelis rallied in Haifa – according to police estimates –while at least 8,000 demonstrated in the southern city of Be’er Sheva, which is considered a Likud stronghold.
Netanyahu: Judicial Overhaul ‚Just an Excuse‘, Opposition Wants to Topple the Government
Later in the meeting, Netanyahu seemed to comment on the friction between National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai, following the dismissal of Tel Aviv’s police chief and the subsequent reversal of the decision.
„The elected government is in charge of the army, the police and all other security organizations… No one else will decide who is in charge of those organizations,“ Netanyahu said.
Tel Aviv
Police detained @Haaretz journalist @UriMisgav outside his home as he left for the protest in Tel Aviv this evening. Officers told him they had received complaints about a tweet he wrote on planned protest against Netanyahu in future visit to Berlin
@YairNetanyahu (PM’s son) tweeted his perfect agreement (using 🎯 for „direct hit“) w/ a tweet comparing Israel’s pro-democracy protesters with the Nazi S.A. (Sturmabteilung/Storm Troopers), the paramilitary org that played a key role in Hitler’s rise to power.
This, coming from someone who’s been featured as a poster boy for the #AfD.
RIGHT NOW: #TelAviv pro-democracy protest
Israeli NGO presents constitution as alternative to judicial reform
(March 9, 2023)
“After 75 years, it’s time for a constitution for the State of Israel,” which would fix Israel’s government system, protect human rights and enshrine the Declaration of Independence, MQG head Eliad Shraga said during a press conference at the group’s judicial reform protest tent in front of the Supreme Court in Jerusalem. The movement presented the proposal to President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday night, he said.
Lapid proposes constitution for Israel to extract itself from ‘terrible crisis’
Lapid said that while “judicial activism” should be limited, “a democratic state cannot exist without a strong and independent court.”
In addition, the Yesh Atid leader said that the judicial appointment committee would have its composition changed so that the Supreme Court is “diverse in its composition and opinions, but will ensure that politicians — from any side — will not have control over the selection of judges.”
Israel: Opposition leader calls for constitution to fix political impasse
On his Facebook page, the former prime minister argued that this constitution should begin with the first paragraph of Israel’s 1948 Declaration of Independence, which states that the land of Israel is the cradle of the Jewish people.
According to Lapid, this constitution should be composed of three fundamental laws: the first would be a declaration of the superiority of the fundamental laws of the country, and would subject all authorities to restrictions established by law.
Israelis Set to Take to the Streets and Protest Netanyahu’s Judicial Coup for 10th Consecutive Week
Protests are also planned to take place at several cities across the globe, including Tokyo, London and Los Angeles.
China-brokered Iran-Saudi deal raises red flags for US
The deal also comes as Saudi Arabia is demanding certain security guarantees, a steady flow of arms shipments and assistance with its civilian nuclear program in order to normalize relations with Israel, a major U.S. ally, the White House confirmed on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. was “informed” about the Saudi Arabia-Iran talks but played no role in them.
China’s newest weapon to nab Western technology – its courts
(February 20, 2023)
AS&E devised a product to complement the machines it made for airports and seaports. It placed a low-powered X-ray machine on the back of a Ford Motor Co. chassis. The U.S. military used the mobile scanner to detect improvised explosive devices during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the company said. Domestic law enforcement could disguise the vehicle as a delivery van and use it to scan cars in, say, a stadium parking lot.
The X-ray van, called the ZBV, made its debut in 2003. Michael Tropeano, general manager of AS&E’s cargo-scanning division, said he thought the product would be a winner from day one.
U.S. And EU Look To Launch Trade Talks On Critical Minerals
The United States and the European Union could launch talks on critical materials trade when U.S. President Joe Biden welcomes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the White House on Friday.
Von der Leyens Krisenbesuch bei Joe Biden: Scheitert sie, scheitert Europa
JCPOA: A New Gold Standard for Non-Proliferation Agreements
(June 7, 2017)
The established pattern of constraints on Iran’s nuclear program could be held as the gold standard for the rest of the international community. This option is readily available to the United States and the partners with which it negotiated the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the European Union. The international community should draw on that agreement and turn its standards into general, global ones, applying them to all countries seeking to enrich uranium or attempting to use plutonium for any purpose.
Saudis consider nuclear bomb
(September 18,strong> 2003)
UN officials said there have been rumours going back 20 years that the Saudis wanted to pay Pakistan to do the research and development on nuclear weapons.
In 1988, Saudi bought from China intermediate-range missiles capable of reaching any part of the Middle East with a nuclear warhead.
Four years ago, Saudi Arabia sent a defence team to Pakistan to tour its secret nuclear facilities and to be briefed by Abdul Qader Khan, the father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb.
Saudi Arabia signs cooperation deals with China on nuclear energy
(August 25, 2017)
In a separate report, SPA said Hashim Yamani, the president of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE), which is responsible for the country’s nuclear plans, met officials in China on Aug. 23-24. Their discussions included cooperation in areas such as pre-feasibility study to build the first two nuclear reactors in the kingdom, and exploration for uranium and thorium.
SPA said KACARE has also held meetings with suppliers of nuclear technology in the United States, Japan, China, South Korea, and Russia. It visited France end of July.
Saudi Arabia asks US for nuclear help, stoking fears of Iran arms race
(09.03.2023)
Saudi Arabia is reportedly asking for US help to develop its civilian nuclear programme, raising fears that the kingdom may seek to develop a nuclear weapon and accelerate an arms race with Iran.
Saudi officials want US support to enrich uranium and develop their own fuel production system, while Washington is in return seeking a normalisation with another Middle East ally, Israel, according to a new report by The Wall Street Journal.
Saudi Clown Prince MBS (Mr Bone Saw) reportedly wants US security guarantees, nuclear power and advanced weapons in exchange for ending hostilities with Israel. They can call the deal Extortion for Peace.
Saudi Arabia Offers Its Price to Normalize Relations With Israel
(March 9, 2023)
Saudi Arabia is seeking security guarantees from the United States, help with developing a civilian nuclear program and fewer restrictions on U.S. arms sales as its price for normalizing relations with Israel, people familiar with the exchanges say.(…)
A normalization deal would also fulfill one of the most cherished goals of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, capping what he considers a legacy of increasing Israel’s security against its archenemy, Iran.
Biden Turns the U.S. Into a Shadow Member of OPEC
(13.12.2022)
President Biden has urged the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to increase production of oil and criticized the cartel harshly when it declines to do so—most recently on Dec. 4. But actions speak louder than words. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. has been acting as shadow member of the cartel.
Lapid: „Netanyahu briefed that I’m to blame for the Saudi-Iran deal. Its delusional. During our time in govt we signed the Saudi aviation agreement, the tripartite security deal with Egypt & the accord on direct flights during Hajj. Pres Biden flew directly from Tel Aviv to KSA…
(today)
Israel, Saudi Arabia Reportedly in Talks Over Increasing Military and Intelligence Ties
(18.02.2023)
The talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which are backed by the U.S., were held before the U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Working Group gathering in Riyadh, which was focused on defense and security, Bloomberg reported several anonymous sources involved in the meetings as saying.
More meetings between the two countries are expected to occur this weekend in Prague, during the Munich Security Conference, according to several of the sources.
Archrivals Iran and Saudia Arabia agree to end years of hostilities in deal mediated by China
They also plan to reimplement a security pact signed 22 years ago under which both parties agreed to cooperate on terrorism, drug-smuggling and money-laundering, as well as reviving a trade and technology deal from 1998.
Friday’s announcement is also a diplomatic victory for China in a Gulf region that has long been considered part of the US’ domain of influence. It comes as the Biden administration tries to notch its own win in the Middle East by trying to broker a normalization pact between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Diplomatischer Coup: Teheran und Riad wollen Eiszeit beenden
Nach jahrelanger Eiszeit, die im Nahen Osten die Spannungen gefährlich erhöht hat, wollen der Iran und Saudi-Arabien die diplomatischen Beziehungen wieder aufnehmen. Der Deal kam offenbar unter Vermittlung Chinas zustande. Gelingt die Annäherung, wäre das für Peking ein wichtiger Erfolg als geopolitischer Player vis-a-vis den USA.
Iran dedicated to multilateral nuclear talks, diplomacy: Foreign Ministry
(06.03.2023)
Kanaani was referring to the nuclear negotiations that started in April 2021 to revive the 2015 nuclear deal but the talks came to a standstill in the summer of 2022 as the Biden administration is refusing to lift the sanctions imposed during Donald Trump’s presidency.
IAEA chief holds ‘constructive’ talks in Iran after uranium enrichment findings
(04.03.2023)
The two-day visit by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, comes as the Vienna-based organisation seeks greater cooperation with Iran over its nuclear activities.
“By having a constructive discussion … and having good agreements, like I am sure we are going to have, we are going to be paving the way for important agreements,” Grossi told a news conference on Saturday alongside the head of Iran’s atomic energy organisation, Mohammad Eslami.
Netanyahu, Hamas, coin
The Paramilitary Wing of Hamas has claimed responsibility for the Terrorist Attack which Injured 3 Israeli Civilians in the City of Tel Aviv earlier tonight; the Shooter was identified as a 23-year-old Hamas Member.
Tel Aviv police commander Ami Eshed, who was fired by Itamar Ben Gvir tonight, is briefing the public on the Tel Aviv terror attack– Ben Gvir is not showing up at the site.
NEW: Statement from the Tel Aviv District Commander: ‚While handling the protest, a terrorist arrived and fired at 3 protesters and escaped. Two police officers who were on the scene attempted to contact him and killed him on the spot‘
BREAKING: Terror attack in Tel Aviv. At least 2 Israelis are in serious condition after being shot. Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai: „This is an attack, one of the terrorists has been neutralized or eliminated – I ask all the demonstrators to stop the demonstration and go home.“
Declaration of Independence
(14TH MAY,1948)
THE STATE OF ISRAEL will be open for Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering of the Exiles; it will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture; it will safeguard the Holy Places of all religions; and it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Tel Aviv mayor, displaying Israeli declaration of independence on City Hall: „In a time of darkness there are things important to illuminate.“
#Breaking: Ben Gvir was infuriated at the police for „disobeying“ him & allowing the Ayalon highway to be blocked fir about 90 minutes. He has gotten rid of Tel Aviv police commissioner by appointing him „head of the training department.“
Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv closed in both directions. “Day of Resistance”
This Is Definitely a Coup. Israel Is on Its Way to Becoming a Dictatorship
It can be very confusing when a “coup from above” takes place. On the face of it, everything looks normal. There are no tanks in the streets, and no general with a uniform sagging with medals interrupts the television broadcasts. The coup occurs behind closed doors, with laws being passed and decrees being signed that remove all restraints on the government, and dismantle all checks and balances. Of course, the government does not declare that it is carrying out a coup. It claims only that it is passing some much-needed reforms, “for the good of the people.”
Netanyahu’s pre-trip interview with La Repubblica contains interesting language before meeting ‚post-fascist‘ Meloni: History ‚favors the strong,‘ he opines, trashing the idea that the far-right is dangerous. The true threat comes from the „extreme left“
Israel’s ‘Day of Resisting Dictatorship’: Thousands Block Roads, Airport as Netanyahu Departs to Rome
– Protesters in Tel Aviv march towards city’s busiest highway, recent flash point for confrontations with police
– Protesters block access road to Ben-Gurion Airport as Netanyahu delays Italy visit
– Gantz calls on Attorney General to ban Ben-Gvir from police HQ during demonstrations
– U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to meet with Israel’s defense minister inside airport to avoid nationwide protests
– Ben-Gvir arrives at Ben-Gurion airport: ‚I came to strengthen our forces, we won’t allow anarchy‘
– Protest flotilla of dozens of vessels set out from Haifa
– ‚No academy without democracy‘: Hundreds of students and professors demonstrate at Tel Aviv University
– IDF reservists demonstrate and block the entry to the Kohelet Forum building and offices in Jerusalem
– PM Netanyahu to travel to Italy Thursday in the midst of nation-wide demonstrations
The Eight Ways Herzog Is Damaging Israeli Democracy
Ever since the coup against our system of government – and the sweeping opposition to it – began, President Isaac Herzog has been doing damage to Israel’s democracy. Even if his intentions are good, at this point we have to call a spade a spade and urge him to stop.
Human rights implications of the development, use and transfer of new technologies in the context of counter-terrorism and countering and preventing violent extremism
The present report illuminates the ways in which counter-terrorism and security are frequently used to provide political and legal justifications for the adoption of high-risk and highly intrusive technologies on the basis of exceptional threats and with the promise of strictly limited application. The report demonstrates that such rationales and limitations rarely hold, and that the claim of exceptional use to respond to security crises is a chimera, when the reality is broad and wholesale use which lacks adequate human rights or rule of law restraints. Such technologies, including biometric, surveillance and drone technology, have serious negative impacts on the enjoyment of human rights across the globe. The Special Rapporteur highlights the human rights risks inherent in the development, deployment and transfer of such technologies internationally. She is also deeply concerned about the discriminatory elements built into the development and deployment of such technologies. Negative consequences include direct violations of non-derogable rights, the integrity of which is being undermined by
new technologies lacking any meaningful legal oversight, and impunity for both State and non-State actors whose use and transfer of such technologies involves systemic rights-violative practice.
UN-Bericht prangert an: Kampf gegen Terror nur Vorwand für mehr Überwachung
Die globalen Auswirkungen von Überwachungstechnologien auf die Menschenrechte nennt die Sonderberichterstatterin „verheerend“. Bedroht sind demnach vor allem Privatsphäre, freie Meinungsäußerung, Vereinigungsfreiheit und politische Partizipation.
Es gebe zudem keine internationale Definition von Terrorismus und Extremismus, kritisiert der Bericht. Deshalb könnten Staaten die Begriffe selbst definieren und damit eigene Interessen verfolgen.
All major Free Speech and Human Rights Orgs oppose the extradition of #WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange Reporters Without Borders: ‚This is really the future of Journalism that is at stake – it will not stop with Julian Assange
„Pentagon Papers“ leaker Daniel Ellsberg, 91, is dying from cancer. Doctors have given him three to six months to live.
(03.03.2023)
To @POTUS and @TheJusticeDept: Stop the extradition of Assange. I am as indictable as he is on the exact same charges. I will plead „not guilty“ on grounds of your blatantly unconstitutional use of the Espionage Act. Let’s take this to the Supreme Court.
(06.12.2022)
Voices of the Protesters: Meet the Israelis Protecting Democracy Against Netanyahu’s Constitutional Coup
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis from different walks of life – secular and religious, left and right, Jews and Arabs – have taken to the streets to make their voices heard.
The protests themselves have spanned the northernmost tip of the country to Eilat in the far south. They have been constant in the big cities – Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa – but have also extended to isolated kibbutzim and even a couple of West Bank settlements; there are protests in city squares, historical monuments, highway bridges and hi-tech parks.
These Israelis may hail from different places and hold diverse views, if not banners, stickers and placards, but they are all united in their opposition to the government’s plans to trample Israeli democracy.
On 7 March 2017 WikiLeaks began publishing #Vault7 detailing the #CIA’s use of malware, viruses, trojans and malware remote control systems to spy on televisions, phones and computers Julian #Assange faces a 175 year sentence if extradited to the US for his truthful reporting
With Netanyahu’s Coup in Full Swing, His Trial Is Stuttering. Not by Accident
The trial and the coup are now simultaneously underway, but while the first is lumbering along, the second is galloping forward. The hearings in the Jerusalem District Court will resume only after Passover. Until the judges return from their hiatus, the wings of the High Court of Justice might be clipped, the Judicial Appointments Committee might be under full control of the politicians, or Israel might be in the throes of a historic constitutional crisis.
Israeli Army Chief to Meet With Top Reserve Commanders Amid Reservists’ Judicial Overhaul Protests
IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi will sit down with reserve air force pilots and commanders to discuss the importance of serving after reserve pilots in an elite air force unit said they would not participate in a training exercise in protest of the ongoing government’s judicial overhaul efforts
Ukraine war: Russia’s Wagner boss suggests ‚betrayal‘ in Bakhmut battle
The head of Russia’s Wagner private army says it is not getting the ammunition it needs from Moscow, as it seeks to gain control of Bakhmut.
The eastern city has seen months of intense fighting, as Wagner and regular Russian troops try to seize it.
But Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin says his army’s lack of ammunition could be „ordinary bureaucracy or a betrayal“.
Generalversammlung: 3314 (XXIX). Definition der Aggression
Artikel 1
Aggression ist die Anwendung von Waffengewalt durch einen Staat, die gegen die Souveränität, die territoriale Unversehrtheit oder die politische Unabhängigkeit eines anderen Staates gerichtet oder sonst mit der Charta der Vereinten Nationen unvereinbar ist, wie in dieser Definition ausgeführt.
Erläuterung: Der Begriff „Staat“
a) wird in dieser Definition unabhängig von der Frage der Anerkennung und unabhängig davon verwendet, ob ein Staat Mitglied der Vereinten Nationen ist;
b) schließt in dieser Definition gegebenenfalls auch den Begriff „Gruppe von Staaten“ ein.
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly: 3314 (XXIX). Definition of Aggression
(14 December 1974)
Article 1
Aggression is the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of another State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations, as set out in this Definition.
Explanatory note: In this Definition the term „State“:
(a) Is used without prejudice to questions of recognition or to whether a State is a member of the United Nations;
(b) Includes the concept of a „group of States“ where appropriate.
United Nations Charter
The Charter of the United Nations is the founding document of the United Nations. It was signed on 26 June 1945, in San Francisco, at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization, and came into force on 24 October 1945.
FIRMS data making a rare winter appearance, showing presumably heavy shelling and/or air strikes in and around the city of #Bakhmut. It appears to me 🇷🇺 may be targeting the supply roads in & out of the city.
Kiew: Armee hält russischen Truppen in Bachmut stand
In dem seit Monaten andauernden Kampf um die Stadt Bachmut hält die ukrainische Armee nach eigenen Angaben weiterhin den Angriffen der russischen Invasoren stand. Der ukrainische Generalstab erklärte gestern, am Vortag seien „mehr als 130 feindliche Angriffe“ abgewehrt worden, insbesondere in Bachmut, Kupjansk, Lyman und Awdijiwka.
Tausende protestieren in Israel gegen Justizreform
In Tel Aviv haben die neunte Woche in Folge Tausende Menschen gegen die von Ministerpräsident Benjamin Netanjahu angestrebte Justizreform protestiert. Die Demonstranten skandierten am Samstag im Stadtzentrum „Demokratie, Demokratie“ oder „Schande“, viele schwenkten israelische Flaggen. Auch in anderen Städten des Landes, darunter Jerusalem und Karmiel nahe Haifa, fanden Proteste statt.
ההפגנה נכון ל- 19:50
(04.03.2023)
איילון מתחיל להתמלא המפגינים
(04.03.2023)
„Good Evening, Anarchists and Terrorists“: Record Number of Israelis Protest Against Netanyahu’s Judicial Coup
Despite the heightened police presence and the force used by officers against protesters earlier in the week, over 180,000 Israelis protested the government’s planned judicial overhaul throughout the country on Saturday night, for the ninth week in a row.
After the demonstration ended, protesters attempted to cross the barricade that blocked off the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv. Police tried to obstruct those who broke through, but several thousand people made their way onto the main road and began marching.
Estimated 250,000 at rallies across Israel against judicial overhaul
According to official estimates cited in local media, some 160 thousand people turned out to the Tel Aviv demo. Many more thousands joined smaller rallies in other Israeli cities, with some citing a grand total as high as 250 thousand.
Ukrainian kamikaze drones attack the equipment of the invaders in #Bakhmut.
Biden dankt Scholz im Weißen Haus: „Starke Führung“ bei Hilfe
US-Präsident Joe Biden hat dem deutschen Kanzler Olaf Scholz für die Führungsrolle Deutschlands bei der Unterstützung der Ukraine im Krieg gegen Russland gedankt. „Ich will dir danken, Olaf, für deine starke und beständige Führung“, sagte Biden gestern bei einem Treffen mit Scholz im Weißen Haus. „Ich meine das ehrlich. Es hat einen riesigen Unterschied gemacht.“
Big Oil to take centerstage at Houston meet as markets, alliances shift
The war in Ukraine sparked a rally in crude oil and fuel prices that led to record industry profits, prompting the U.S. government and others to accuse Big Oil of profiteering and for Britain and some other governments to impose windfall taxes on energy companies.
Oil prices down after report on UAE debating OPEC exit
Oil prices slumped on Friday after the Wall Street Journal reported that the United Arab Emirates had an internal debate about leaving OPEC and pumping more oil, but retraced some losses after a source told Reuters this was not true.
SABRATWW XXX Sberbank Europe AG in Abwicklung BIC/SWIFT-Code Daten
Diese Codes werden genutzt, um Geld zwischen verschiedenen Banken zu überweisen – sie kommen zumeist bei internationalen Überweisungen zum Einsatz. Banken verwenden diesen Code außerdem, um untereinander Nachrichten auszutauschen.
GAZPRUMM XXX GAZPROMBANK (JOINT – STOCK COMPANY) BIC/SWIFT-Code Daten
Der SWIFT-Code – mitunter auch SWIFT-Nummer genannt – ist ein einheitliches Format für Business Identifier Codes (BIC). Banken und Finanzinstitute nutzen diesen Code, um sich weltweit identifizieren zu können. Der Code gibt an, um welche Institution es sich handelt und wo sich diese befindet – sozusagen eine internationale Bankleitzahl oder ein internationaler Ausweis.
Ukraine introduces sectoral sanctions for 50 years against all banks and nonbank financial institutions of Russia – decree
They include 10 points, in particular: stop transactions with assets owned by financial institutions of the Russian Federation; prohibition of establishing business relations, including correspondent ones; prohibition of transactions and investments in favor of financial institutions of the Russian Federation.
This list also includes a ban on the purchase of securities and other financial instruments issued by financial institutions of the Russian Federation, with the exception of the alienation (including gratuitous) of securities in favor of the state of Ukraine.
Offenbar letzte Gefechte um Bachmut
Die Einnahme der ukrainischen Stadt Bachmut durch Russland könnte bald bevorstehen. Der ukrainische Verteidigungsminister Olexij Resnikow schloss einen Fall der seit Monaten schwer umkämpften Stadt durch die russische Söldnertruppe Wagner in einem aktuellen Interview nicht aus.
BAKHMUT /1550 UTC 3 MAR/ UKR forces destroyed bridges at Khromove & across the Bakhmutka River in Bakhmut. RU increased aviation strikes in support of infantry ops against UKR Lines of Communication & Supply (LOCS). UKR air defense downed a RU Mi-24 attack helicopter & an Su-25.
BREAKING: The House is holding a special hearing to fearmonger over China, featuring China hawks from the Trump administration like H.R. McMaster. CODEPINK just disrupted them to call for an end to the warmongering – #ChinaIsNotOurEnemy!
(01.03.2023)
US hypes joint sanctions on China over ‚military aid to Russia‘ smears, ‚wooing allies for bloc confrontation‘
Washington is reportedly consulting US allies to impose sanctions on China in a coordinated manner „if China provides military support for Russia“ – an unwarranted smear by the US that has intensified in recent weeks.
Observers said on Thursday that the US‘ intentions behind the „open secret“ are crystal clear, including but not limited to justifying US sanctions and other anti-China deeds, undermining China’s peaceful stance on the conflict to stain China’s international image, as well as hijacking allies for a bloc confrontation taking shape.
Biden, Scholz to ‚get into the weeds‘ on Ukraine war, China concerns in Washington
The German leader arrives as United States is sounding out close allies about the possibility of imposing sanctions on China if Beijing provides military support to Russia for its war in Ukraine, according to four U.S. officials and other sources.
.@SecBlinken at #G20India: Every G20 member – and virtually every country – continues to bear the costs of Russia’s war of aggression, a war that President Putin could end tomorrow if he chose to do so.
Blinken and Lavrov meet at G20
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi on Thursday. Blinken said he urged Russia to return to the New START arms control treaty, but Moscow has already insisted that Washington’s “hybrid war” on Russia makes serious discussions impossible.
The two diplomats met for around ten minutes
التقى الممثل الخاص عمرو مع الشيخ عزام، مدير الأوقاف الإسلامية، لمناقشة الاستعدادات لشهر رمضان، يكون مفعما بالسلام، ويعكس روح الشهر المبارك، وكذلك تأكيد التزام الولايات المتحدة بالوضع التاريخي القائم.
(28.02.2023)
Special Rep. Hady Amr visited with the victims of Sunday’s Huwara attack. He expressed his deepest condolences and condemned the unacceptable widescale, indiscriminate violence by settlers. Extremely concerned by recent escalating violence in the West Bank.
(28.02.2023)
U.S. says Israeli minister’s call to wipe out Palestinian town is „disgusting“
What to watch: Smotrich is expected to visit the U.S. the second week of March for a meeting of the Israel Bonds organization.
Israeli officials said he hasn’t asked for any meetings with the Biden administration.
Two U.S. officials told Axios that even if he asked for meetings with Biden officials, he likely wouldn’t get them.
US condemns Israel far right minister’s call for Palestinian town ‘to be erased’
Price issued a strong condemnation from the US State Department podium Wednesday, saying, “I want to be very clear about this. These comments were irresponsible. They were repugnant. They were disgusting.”
“And just as we condemn Palestinian incitement to violence, we condemn these provocative remarks that also amount to incitement to violence,” he said at a State Department briefing.
Price also called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “and other senior Israeli officials to publicly and clearly reject and disavow these comments.”
Today is the birthday of the late PM Yitzhak Rabin. We’re proud to spend every day working towards a peaceful, just resolution to the conflict as he did during his lifetime.
Aza Road in Jerusalem, outside Netanyahu’s city house.
Inbox: J Street calls on the Biden admin to decline meetings with Israeli finance minister Smotrich on his visit to U.S. following his comments about wiping out the Palestinian village of Huwara. They suggest the remarks are also ground for re-examining the approval of his visa
LIVE NOW: J Street President @JeremyBenAmi and Chief of Staff Adina Vogel Ayalon discuss the crisis and escalation in Israel and the West Bank and reflect on what we saw on our latest Congressional Delegation to the region.
WATCH LIVE: State Department holds news briefing as demonstrators hold ‘Day of Disruption’ in Israel
Netanyahu and his government, made up of ultranationalists, have branded the protesters anarchists, while stopping short of condemning a West Bank settler mob that torched a Palestinian town earlier this week.
The legal overhaul has sparked an unprecedented uproar, with weeks of mass protests, criticism from legal experts and rare demonstrations by army reservists who have pledged to disobey orders under what they say will be a dictatorship after the overhaul passes.
Following Sunday’s deadly settler riot in the West Bank village, MK Zvika Fogel (from Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party), said he „looks favorably on the results“
Palestinian ‚Village of Hawara Needs to Be Wiped Out‘: Israel’s Far-right Finance Minister Justifies ‚Disproportionate‘ Response to Terrorism
Israel’s Finance Minister called for the destruction of a West Bank Palestinian village on Wednesday, days after it was attacked by a mob of settlers who torched dozens of homes and reportedly killed one resident.
“The village of Hawara needs to be wiped out. I think that the State of Israel needs to do that [and] not, God forbid, private individuals,” said Bezalel Smotrich, when asked why he had “liked” a tweet by deputy Samaria Regional Council head Davidi Ben Zion calling for Hawara to be “wiped out today.”
שוטר תועד מצמיד את ברכו לצוואר של מפגין בצומת עזריאלי
Israeli police use stun grenades to disperse Tel Aviv rally | AFP
For the first time in years Police use stun grenades towards Israeli protesters during anti government demo
מה חשבנו שמה שקורה בגדה המערבית לא יעבור לתחומי הקו הירוק. אין תקווה ימי פומפיי האחרונים. הסוף.
Declaration of Independence
(14TH MAY,1948)
THE STATE OF ISRAEL will be open for Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering of the Exiles; it will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture; it will safeguard the Holy Places of all religions; and it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Knesset committee okays bill sharply limiting judicial review; opposition: ‘Putsch’
Opposition lawmakers boycotted the final votes in committee approving the bill for its first reading in the Knesset plenum, after Rothman granted only one MK from each Knesset faction the right to speak for five minutes.
“This is a dictatorship and the silencing of people’s opinions, we won’t be part of it. Vote among yourselves” shouted Hadash MK Ofer Cassif at Rothman.
“This is a regime putsch!” Yisrael Beytenu Yulia Malinovsky fumed before leaving the committee room.