Israeli Defense Minister: Abbas Must Disarm Hamas
Israeli Minister of Defense Moshe Ya’alon called on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to disarm Hamas and take control of the Gaza Strip after creating a unity government with Hamas.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
EU ‘deeply disappointed’ by settlement announcement
The European Union said Thursday it was “deeply disappointed” over the Israeli announcement to commence construction of thousands of new homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and called on the government to “reverse this decision.”
Chief PLO Negotiator Warns: We’re Preparing Legal Action Against Israel (Video)
Palestinians will pursue Israel in the international legal arena — for war crimes and for apartheid acts — if it takes punitive measures against the newly unified Hamas-Fatah government, warned chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat.
U.S. and Israeli Diplomatic Relationship Hits New Low
Washington’s support for a new Palestinian government which includes Hamas, a terrorist organization, has left Israel feeling betrayed, triggering a new diplomatic crisis with its closest ally.
Obama Administration Condemns New Settlement Building Plans
The US ambassador to Israel condemned Thursday a plan to build 1,500 housing units in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, announced as a retaliatory measure to the formation of a Palestinian unity government earlier this week.
Kerry: US Does Not Recognize Palestinian State
US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Wednesday the United States would work with the new Palestinian unity government “as is appropriate” but would be monitoring its commitment to continued cooperation with Israel.
Netanyahu ‘Deeply Troubled’ by Acceptance of PA Leaders
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday he is “deeply troubled” by the US decision to maintain relations with the new Palestinian unity government, urging Washington to tell the Palestinian president that his alliance with the Hamas militant group is unacceptable.
Israel: The Land Flowing with Milk and Honey
The land of milk and honey is still living up to its name, according to data the Central Bureau of Statistics released Monday ahead of the Shavuot holiday. In 2013, total milk production in Israel stood at 1,435 million liters, a 2 percent increase over 2012.
President Obama Breaks Campaign Pledge Not to Deal with Hamas
During the 2008 presidential campaign, as it became clear that Barack Obama would be the Democratic nominee, he granted an interview with Jeffrey Goldberg in an attempt to establish pro-Israel bona fides. A Hamas official had recently endorsed Obama’s presidential candidacy and when Goldberg asked him about it, Obama responded emphatically: My position on Hamas is indistinguishable from the position of Hillary Clinton or John McCain. I said they are a terrorist organization and I’ve repeatedly condemned them. I’ve repeatedly said, and I mean what I say: since they are a terrorist organization, we should not be dealing with them until they recognize Israel, renounce terrorism, and abide by previous agreements.
New Palestinian Government Faces Punitive Actions by Israel
In an apparent punitive move following the swearing in of a Palestinian unity government, Israel has revoked special travel permits for all Palestinian Authority officials other than President Mahmoud Abbas, a Palestinian official said Tuesday.
UN Chief Welcomes New Palestinian Government
The United Nations on Tuesday welcomed the new Palestinian unity government and said it was ready to lend its full support in efforts to reunite the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, a spokesman said. The announcement followed statements by the US and the EU Monday that they would recognize the new leadership in Ramallah, much to Israel’s chagrin.
Bennett: PA Government Made Up of ‘Terrorists in Suits’
The swearing in of a new Palestinian unity government on Monday elicited strong reactions from Israeli leaders, with right-wing cabinet ministers condemning the alliance of “terrorists in suits,” and centrists urging a more cautious approach.
Israeli ambassador rebukes US for backing PA unity
In tough language rare for an Israeli diplomat in Washington, Israeli ambassador to the US Ron Dermer said Tuesday that Israel was “deeply disappointed” in the State Department’s decision to continue dealing with the Palestinian Authority now that it has Hamas support.
West Will Continue to Fund Fatah-Hamas Government (Video)
The West is prepared to work with a new Palestinian government, US and European Union officials said Monday, despite Israeli concerns it gives power and influence to the radical Hamas movement.
Cabinet Votes on ‘Terrorist Bill’
Prior to a vote on the so-called terrorist bill at the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett called on cabinet ministers to support the bill, which would legally prevent certain terrorists from being pardoned.
Palestinian Unity Government to be Announced Monday, Despite Israeli Threats
The Palestinian unity government with Hamas will be announced on Monday “despite Israeli threats,” Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said on Saturday.
Israel Air Force Continues to Build Its Firepower
The firepower of the Israel Air Force (IAF) will be four times greater by year’s end than it was two years ago, according to its commander, Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel, enabling Israel to bring another round of fighting with Hezbollah to a swift end.
IDF Retaliates After Mortar Shell Hits Mount Hermon
Israel fired artillery shells at a target in Syria early Monday morning after a mortar shell from the war-torn country hit Mount Hermon, opening a second front hours after returning fire into Gaza.
Israel to deploy nuclear-armed submarines off Iran coast
Israel is to deploy three submarines equipped with nuclear cruise missiles in the Persian Gulf, the Sunday Times reported on Sunday.
Abbas announces new PM, but unity government with Hamas on hold
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas chose a prime minister to head a unity government on Thursday but announcement of the lineup was held up over the foreign affairs portfolio, officials said.