Making the occupation as comfortable as possible

The IDF, just like a friendly brother who cares deeply for everyone around him: The “Shock Vehicle” is outfitted with new systems to deal with disorder. In addition, it can remove obstacles weighing half a ton. As of next month, it will be put to use in all IDF West Bank units. The new system…

Obama is being fooled by Israel (and he feels fine)

Steve Walt in Foreign Policy knows who is really in charge with the Israel/America relationship: In an obvious gesture of defiance, the Netanyahu government in Israel intends to approve the construction of hundreds of additional housing units in West Bank settlements. All such settlements, it is worth noting, are considered by most of the world…

When Jesus freaks took over the Republican party

American writer and film-maker Max Blumenthal – recently investigating crazy Zionism in the Middle East – has just released his first book, Republican Gomorrah: Inside the Movement that Shattered the Party, an examination of the Christian Right’s hold on modern American politics. Here’s Blumenthal’s fascinating interview on yesterday’s Democracy Now!:

When killing Iranians is your primary Jewish goal

The singular aim of Jerusalem Post columnist Caroline Glick (a woman with form) is depressingly lacking in foresight, originality, morality or legality: What can Israel do to prevent Iran from further expanding its nuclear capacity and block it from emerging as a nuclear power? The answer to this question is the same as it has…

Palestinians were behind Nazism, Islamism and Communism

Ambassador Yoram Ettinger served as Minister for Congressional Affairs at Israel’s Embassy in Washington and Director of Israel’s Government Press Office. These days, though, he’s happier comparing the Palestinian struggle to seemingly every terrorist act over the last half century. Seriously: The idea that a Palestinian state can lead to enduring peace in the Middle…

Israel will be punished until it behaves in a normal manner

Bit by bit, Israel is starting to realise that “normalised” relations with the world is no longer possible: The director general of the Foreign Ministry, Yossi Gal, on Thursday summoned the Norwegian ambassador to Israel, Jakken Bjørn Lian, to protest Norway’s decision to pull all of its investments from the Israeli arms firm Elbit. Following…

When illegal settlements aren’t really all that illegal

What illegal Jewish colonies in the West Bank? The state prosecutor’s representative twice hinted that construction in West Bank settlements might be retroactively legalized Wednesday, seemingly representing a major policy turnaround. The two responses are a departure from the state’s usual response that the structures are illegal and are expected to be demolished.

Racism is the heart of this Israeli democracy

Amira Hass in Haaretz: The most amazing thing about the wave of murders in recent weeks has been the collective Israeli stupefaction at the discovery of violence in our midst. Once again we have displayed our talent for excluding from the discourse the daily violence inherent in our continued domination over the Palestinians and their…

Don’t provide cover for no Middle East progress

This headline in today’s Independent is unintentionally hilarious: Israeli moves give Blair hope of rebuilding political trust The idea that Tony Blair is taken seriously in the region is ludicrous. Arabs have not forgotten his support for the Iraq war and 2006 Lebanon war. Besides, the so-called progress between Israel and the Palestinians is virtually…

Churches force Zionist lobby to defend Israeli apartheid

The global church movement has long opposed Israeli occupation in the West Bank. To rally millions of followers against illegal colonies is a strong moral challenge to Israel. This is therefore good news: The World Council of Churches on Wednesday called on Israel to cease and dismantle its settlements in the occupied territories. Passed on…

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