Jerusalem, October 7, 2000
Citizens of Israel, good evening,
We are facing the beginning of a new situation in the State of
Israel.STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER EHUD BARAK
Jerusalem, October 7, 2000
Citizens of Israel, good evening,
We are facing the beginning of a new situation in the State of
Israel. We are witnessing an acute and violent escalation in our
relations with the Palestinians. Responsibility for this rests
with Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Authority. If he so
wished, he could with a simple command halt the violence.
I call upon the Palestinians to immediately cease the violence
and to agree to the call issued last week by President Clinton to
meet in the coming days to continue discussion of the
implementation of the agreement.
Israel will not conduct negotiations parallel to violence of any
kind. With the same determination that we struggled to seek
peace, we will know how to fight against violence.
Until now I have issued instructions to exercise restraint - not
to act, but to react. If we will not see a change in the patterns
of violence in the next two days, we shall see this as the
breaking off of the peace negotiations by Arafat - a cessation
for which he bears responsibility and which he initiated. We
shall direct the IDF and the security forces to use all means at
their disposal to halt the violence.
A new situation is indeed taking shape. This is one of the most
important struggles in the history of the State of Israel - a
struggle for our very right to live here in this difficult and
tormented region as free people.
Our stance in this situation will in large measure determine our
future.
The struggle will not be an easy one. It may well be protracted.
There will be ups and downs, and, like today, there will be
difficult moments - perhaps even more difficult. But if we will
stand united, we will prevail.
Since Madrid and Oslo, throughout a decade, three or four
consecutive governments in Israel have strived to achieve a peace
agreement with our Palestinian neighbors, on the premise that we
have a partner for peace.
Today, the picture that is emerging, is that there is apparently
no partner for peace.
This truth is a painful one, but it is the truth, and we must
confront it with open eyes and draw the necessary conclusions.
We will not yield to violence. We are a small people, but strong
and courageous. Anyone who challenges us with force, will be met
with force, and immediately.
We will be united. We have no cause to blame ourselves. Our hands
are clean. We have turned every stone and were prepared to
discuss almost every possible idea in order to explore whether
the other side is prepared to pursue the road of peace.
An agreement can be reached, but the other side, for whom the
choice between agreement and violence is not an easy one either -
has apparently chosen violence, and will bear the responsibility
for the consequences of this choice.
Our peace efforts have not weakened us, but rather strengthened
our internal unity. The time now is ripe in the framework of the
overall political process, with the approaching end of the
Clinton administration and the termination of the interim
agreements signed between us and the Palestinians.
We must not lose hope. Peace will come. It will come if we will
know how to insist on our vital rights and the vital interests of
the people of Israel, on the security of Israel, on the unity of
Israel, and on the holy values of Israel.
We will insist on what is most vital - and we will do so
together.
I understand those within the peace camp today, who find
themselves forced, together with us all, to watch the partner in
whom we had hoped to see a greater readiness for peace than he
apparently possesses.
I understand the pain of our fellow citizens of Israel on the
right side of the political map, who are forced to come to grips
with the painful recognition that achieving peace involves
accepting that we will have less than we dreamed of.
But now is the time to prepare for confrontation, to join hands
and to move together - together towards the challenges before us.
This afternoon, three IDF soldiers were kidnapped on Mount Dov
during a routine security patrol along the border, near the gate
leading to the Lebanese village of Shaba.
The three soldiers are now in the hands of the Hizbullah.
The Israeli government views Hizbullah, the government of Syria
and the government of Lebanon as responsible for the well-being
of the soldiers, for holding them safely in satisfactory
conditions, and for sending them quickly home.
The kidnapping of soldiers is very painful, as we all know from
experience. The incident is difficult for us and for the IDF. I
ask that you understand that, for obvious reasons, I cannot go
into detail about our actions or our intentions in this regard in
the days to come.
I would like to say to all citizens of Israel: We are all going
through difficult times. But I am filled with faith that, in the
end, we will emerge from this confrontation and struggle stronger
and more united, without relinquishing our values as a Jewish and
democratic state, or our vital interests, while continuing to
strive for security and peace in Israel.
To the Arab citizens of Israel, I wish to say: We have together
built a democratic society which recognizes the coexistence of
different communities and faiths. We have together built a life
based, first and foremost, on the recognition that we are living
together in a democratic state under the rule of law.
I appeal to you once again to continue the behavior pursued by
the vast majority of the Israeli Arabs, who continue to act
responsibly and maturely, and are not provoked into action by
extremists and inciters.
I appeal to all of us to renew our efforts, to support the rule
of law. No state can allow itself a repetition of the pictures of
blocked roads, closed settlements, of vandalism, or of damage to
property.
All of us, together, are charged with the ultimate duty to
achieve peace and equality, and to fully integrate the Arab
citizens in Israeli society - but to do so within the framework
of an open, progressive and law-abiding society.
On the eve of Yom Kippur, I would like to wish all of us, every
family in Israel, a good year. May you all be inscribed in the
book of life.
0010081000100810/8/00 0:00:0012/30/99 22:24:44Ha'aretz: Friday riots leave 1 dead, dozens injured when Israel lets PA control security on Temple MountHa'aretz: Friday riots leave 1 dead, dozens injured when Israel lets PA control security on Temple Mount
Ha'aretz: Friday riots leave 1 dead, dozens injured when Israel lets PA
control security on Temple Mount
By Baruch Kra and Nadav Shragai Ha'aretz Correspondents and Agencies
Ha'aretz 8 October 2000
Friday's prayers at the Haram al Sharif (Noble Sanctuary - the Arab name for
the Temple Mount) ended in clashes between Israeli security forces and
Muslim worshipers which left 24 police officers injured and at least one
Palestinian dead.Ha'aretz: Friday riots leave 1 dead, dozens injured when Israel lets PA control security on Temple Mount
Ha'aretz: Friday riots leave 1 dead, dozens injured when Israel lets PA
control security on Temple Mount
By Baruch Kra and Nadav Shragai Ha'aretz Correspondents and Agencies
Ha'aretz 8 October 2000
Friday's prayers at the Haram al Sharif (Noble Sanctuary - the Arab name for
the Temple Mount) ended in clashes between Israeli security forces and
Muslim worshipers which left 24 police officers injured and at least one
Palestinian dead. A 12-year-old boy who was critically injured by a rubber
bullet was taken to hospital in East Jerusalem before being transfered to
Jerusalem's Hadassah University Hospital, Ein Karem.
Immediately after Friday prayers, dozens of Palestinians headed for the
large post above the Western Wall and lobbed stones into the plaza below.
Police had decided to clear Jewish worshipers only if riots erupted and as
soon as the barrage of stone began, worshipers were pushed back. MK Benny
Elon (National Union) however refused to budge from the wall, and police
allowed only him to remain there.
Demonstrators then stormed the police station on the Temple Mount, which was
at the time deserted, and raised the Hamas and Palestinian Liberation
Organization flags. The violence then spread to the Lion's Gate, where a
firebomb was tossed into a window of the police station there. Police moved
in quickly to evacuate the policemen trapped inside, retreating under a
barrage of stones and dragging away a bleeding colleague. Later on in the
afternoon, when the station was completely deserted, Palestinians set it
alight.
Demonstrators stormed the Mount in the afternoon hours, after police
confered with the politicians and decided not to remain at the gates around
the Old City and left the security checks entirely to the Islamic guards,
assisted by Palestinian security officials.
The Palestinians continued in their attempts to harm Israeli police
officers, lobbing Molotov cocktails and huge stones at them as they passed
along the Via Dolorosa and the Derech Haofel roads. One police officer was
lightly injured by a Molotov cocktail. Police responded with rubber bullets.
The Israeli police managed to regain control of the holy site and tore down
the Palestinian flags which had been hoisted. Dozens of Palestinians were
arrested for throwing stones. A reinforced police squad managed to disperse
the hundreds of Palestinians without having to shoot.
National Police Chief Yehuda Wilk said that Friday's events were far less
violent than the security forces had expected.
The Yesha Council of Jewish Settlements in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza
District, blamed the Palestinian security forces for Friday's clashes,
saying that Barak must face up to the facts that, "Arafat and his soldiers
are the enemy who are waging against us a blood-libel." In a statement, the
council said that Israel must retain control over the holy sites, the Temple
Mount, the Western Wall and Joseph's Tomb. The council also called on,
"Yossi Beilin, the architect of Oslo and of the abandonment of Lebanon to
quit in light of the blood-soaked failure of his promises for peace and
quiet in Israel. If Beilin can't do this, Barak must fire him."
Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert said that Friday's events prove that under no
circumstances can the Temple Mount be entrusted to the Palestinians.
0010081100100810/8/00 0:00:0012/30/99 22:26:13IDF Radio "Quiet Radio" for Yom KippurIDF Radio "Quiet Radio" for Yom Kippur
Aaron Lerner Date: 8 October, 2000
IDF Radio will operate "Quiet Radio"at the following frequencies
from the start of Yom Kippur.IDF Radio "Quiet Radio" for Yom Kippur
Aaron Lerner Date: 8 October, 2000
IDF Radio will operate "Quiet Radio"at the following frequencies
from the start of Yom Kippur. The radio will only broadcast
emergency and/or urgent messages. Unless there is a dramatic
improvement in the situation before Yom Kippur the Chief Rabbinate
has ruled that due to the potentially life threatening situation
people should keep their radios on during Yom Kippur.
96.6 FM Central Region
93.9 FM Galilee Panhandle
102.3 FM Haifa and North
92.3 FM Tel Aviv
99.8 FM Beersheva and surrounding area
104 FM Eilat
Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director
IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-5480092
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
pager 03-6750750 subscriber 4811
Website: http://www.imra.org.il
0010081200100810/8/00 0:00:0012/30/99 22:26:30IDF Acts to Remove Threat In Netzarim JunctionIDF Acts to Remove Threat In Netzarim Junction
IDF Spokesperson's Office 8 October 2000
IDF forces carried out engineering works to remove the continual threat in
Netzarim junction.IDF Acts to Remove Threat In Netzarim Junction
IDF Spokesperson's Office 8 October 2000
IDF forces carried out engineering works to remove the continual threat in
Netzarim junction. Among these activities - The destruction of the buildings
known as the "Twins", the destruction of the nearby building known as "the
factory" and clearing the terrain several dozens of meters around the IDF
position at the junction.
IDF forces cleared the junction in order to prevent the violent attacks
directed at the IDF position, which escalated in recent days. The attacks on
the IDF position included massive shooting and the throwing of explosive
charges, booby trapped gas tanks, and hundreds of petrol bombs.
Netzarim junction is a key position, controlling the main entry route into
the Jewish settlement of Netzarim. The violence which occurred at the
junction this last week, disrupted the daily life in the settlement. The IDF
warned Palestinian authorities of this situation on a great number of
instances and demanded their immediate intervention to stop the hostilities
at the junction. These requests were left unanswered. The issue of opening
the route for traffic was also agreed upon between the two sides, yet the
Palestinians failed to honor this agreement as well, as had been the case in
every agreement made with them so far.
The IDF clarifies that the activity at the junction was made necessary by
security needs, in order that vehicles travelling on the route could be
guarded and the outpost secured. The Palestinians must understand that
firing from one position or another at settlements of IDF forces makes it a
legitimate target for attack or destruction.
0010081300100810/8/00 0:00:0012/30/99 22:26:59Mark Twain on Joseph's TombMark Twain on Joseph's Tomb
(With thanks to Brad Jacobs)
http://underthesun.Mark Twain on Joseph's Tomb
(With thanks to Brad Jacobs)
http://underthesun.cc/Classics/Twain/innocents/ia53.htm
Excerpt: Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain
EXCURSION TO THE HOLY LAND, EGYPT, THE CRIMEA, GREECE, AND INTERMEDIATE
POINTS OF INTEREST. BROOKLYN, February 1st, 1867 :
CHAPTER XLVII.
Joseph became rich, distinguished, powerful -- as the Bible expresses it,
"lord over all the land of Egypt." Joseph was the real king, the strength,
the brain of the monarchy, though Pharaoh held the title. Joseph is one of
the truly great men of the Old Testament.
CHAPTER LI.
At two o'clock we stopped to lunch and rest at ancient Shechem, between the
historic Mounts of Gerizim and Ebal, where in the old times the books of the
law, the curses and the blessings, were read from the heights to the Jewish
multitudes below.
CHAPTER LII.
About a mile and a half from Shechem we halted at the base of Mount Ebal
before a little square area, inclosed by a high stone wall, neatly
whitewashed. Across one end of this inclosure is a tomb built after the
manner of the Moslems. It is the tomb of Joseph. No truth is better
authenticated than this.
When Joseph was dying he prophesied that exodus of the Israelites from Egypt
which occurred four hundred years afterwards. At the same time he exacted of
his people an oath that when they journeyed to the land of Canaan they would
bear his bones with them and bury them in the ancient inheritance of his
fathers. The oath was kept.
"And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of
Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of
the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of silver."
Few tombs on earth command the veneration of so many races and men of divers
creeds as this of Joseph. "Samaritan and Jew, Moslem and Christian alike,
revere it, and honor it with their visits. The tomb of Joseph, the dutiful
son, the affectionate, forgiving brother, the virtuous man, the wise Prince
and ruler. Egypt felt his influence -- the world knows his history."
In this same "parcel of ground" which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor for
a
hundred pieces of silver, is Jacob's celebrated well. It is cut in the solid
rock, and is nine feet square and ninety feet deep. The name of this
unpretending hole in the ground, which one might pass by and take no notice
of, is as familiar as household words to even the children and the peasants
of many a farÂoff country. It is more famous than the Parthenon; it is older
than the Pyramids.
0010081400100810/8/00 0:00:0012/30/99 22:27:19Please pass on word of Sunday demonstration at PLO UN MissionPlease pass on word of Sunday demonstration at PLO UN Mission
----- Original Message -----
From:
----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Sunday, October 08, 2000 4:00 AM
Subject: Please pass on word of Sunday demonstration at PLO UN Mission
Dr. Lerner:
Hope you can pass on this announcement. We'd planned this demo Thursday
in the absence of any public response by our major Jewish organizations
here,
and it now takes on more urgency. Thanks!
- Glenn Richter
ARAFATS PEACE:
RIOTS AND ROCKS
BULLETS AND BURNING
VIOLENCE AND VILE ANTI-SEMITISM
Tell the world the truth!
Speak out with Rabbi Avi Weiss for Israel, against Palestinian violence as a
weapon of negotiation. Support Israel in her hour of need.
Sunday, October 8th
10:30 a.m.
PLO UN Mission
Park Avenue & 65th Street, Manhattan
Tell your friends and family. Pass the word on. Coordinated by the
Coalition for Jewish Concerns-Amcha, 3700 Henry Hudson Parkway, Riverdale,
NY
10463; (718) 796-4730.
0010081500100810/8/00 0:00:0012/30/99 22:27:52IDF Radio: Attack helicopters strike Abu Sneinah neighborhood in HebronIDF Radio: Attack helicopters strike Abu Sneinah neighborhood in Hebron
Aaron Lerner Date: 8 October, 2000
IDF Radio reported that attack helicopters have started to return fire
against positions in the Abu Sneinah neighborhhod of Hebron that were
shooting down into the Jewish neighborhood in Hebron.IDF Radio: Attack helicopters strike Abu Sneinah neighborhood in Hebron
Aaron Lerner Date: 8 October, 2000
IDF Radio reported that attack helicopters have started to return fire
against positions in the Abu Sneinah neighborhhod of Hebron that were
shooting down into the Jewish neighborhood in Hebron.
Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director
IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-5480092
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
pager 03-6750750 subscriber 4811
Website: http://www.imra.org.il
0010081600100810/8/00 0:00:0012/30/99 22:28:17IDF Radio: Palestinians leave homes near Psagot, Barak orders Gaza Airport closed downIDF Radio: Palestinians leave homes near Psagot, Barak orders Gaza Airport closed down
Aaron Lerner Date: 8 October, 2000
IDF Radio reported that Palestinian shooting towards Psagot ended
after the IDF issued a call for Palestinians living in the adjoining
Ramallah neighborhood to evacuate before Israel returns heavy fire.IDF Radio: Palestinians leave homes near Psagot, Barak orders Gaza Airport closed down
Aaron Lerner Date: 8 October, 2000
IDF Radio reported that Palestinian shooting towards Psagot ended
after the IDF issued a call for Palestinians living in the adjoining
Ramallah neighborhood to evacuate before Israel returns heavy fire.
The IDF explained that they made the call as they did not want
innocent civilians to be caught in the response. The Palestinians
could be seen leaving their homes. A similar warning was not issued
in Hebron and the shooting continues there.
Eight men were wounded Saturday night when gunmen fired at a bus
carrying Airport Authority employees near the Rafah crossing in the
Gaza Strip. The shots were fired from the direction of the village of
Dahaniye. Three of the men were reported to be in serious condition.
Following the attack, Prime Minister Ehud Barak ordered to shut down
the airport at Dahaniye (Gaza International Airport) to all ingoing
and outgoing flights, except for the plane of Palestinian Authority
Chairman Yasser Arafat.
Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director
IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-5480092
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
pager 03-6750750 subscriber 4811
Website: http://www.imra.org.il
0010071100100710/7/00 0:00:0012/30/99 22:29:37Israel Television: Ministers furious Barak did not consult over 48 hour deadlineIsrael Television: Ministers furious Barak did not consult over 48 hour deadline
Aaron Lerner Date: 7 October, 2000
Israel Television reported that a number of ministers in Prime
Minister Ehud Barak's cabinet are furious that the cabinet was not
consulted with before Barak announced that he was giving Arafat 48
hours to calm the situation.Israel Television: Ministers furious Barak did not consult over 48 hour deadline
Aaron Lerner Date: 7 October, 2000
Israel Television reported that a number of ministers in Prime
Minister Ehud Barak's cabinet are furious that the cabinet was not
consulted with before Barak announced that he was giving Arafat 48
hours to calm the situation. They complained that they was no
discussion at the emergency cabinet meeting and instead only
briefings and that they only learned of the ultimatum when Barak
announced it at the televised press conference.
Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director
IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-5480092
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
pager 03-6750750 subscriber 4811
Website: http://www.imra.org.il
0010071200100710/7/00 0:00:0012/30/99 22:32:03Ha'aretz: Emergency radio broadcasts allowed on holiday - Reshet Gimmel may be silent channel (Channel 1 TV stays on tonight)Ha'aretz: Emergency radio broadcasts allowed on holiday - Reshet Gimmel may be silent channel (Channel 1 TV stays on tonight)
Ha'aretz: Emergency radio broadcasts allowed on holiday - Reshet Gimmel may
be silent channel (Channel 1 TV stays on tonight)
By Goel Pinto, Ha'aretz Correspondent - Ha'aretz 8 October 2000
[IMRA: Israel Television was orginally scheduled to conclude the Saturday
night broadcasts at midnight.Ha'aretz: Emergency radio broadcasts allowed on holiday - Reshet Gimmel may be silent channel (Channel 1 TV stays on tonight)
Ha'aretz: Emergency radio broadcasts allowed on holiday - Reshet Gimmel may
be silent channel (Channel 1 TV stays on tonight)
By Goel Pinto, Ha'aretz Correspondent - Ha'aretz 8 October 2000
[IMRA: Israel Television was orginally scheduled to conclude the Saturday
night broadcasts at midnight. They instead have started a movie marathon
with special news broadcasts on the hour. The first movie is Karate Kid II]
The Israel Broadcasting Authority will have news broadcasts every hour on
Reshet B of Israel Radio during Yom Kippur. Usually the air waves would fall
silent on Sunday but the decision reflects the security crisis in the
territories and along the northern border.
In addition the possibility exists that Reshet Gimmel will be opened as a
silent channel, in a similar fashion as was done during the Gulf War. This
will enable religious persons, who would not turn on their radio during the
holiday, to be informed in case of danger.
Gil Samsonov, chairman of the IBA, said that "we must preserve life and
preserve our link to the public in every situation." The Second Broadcasting
Authority also decided on unusual measures during the holiday and will
extend its news programs to minutes before the holiday begins. It is usual
practice to end broadcasts at 2 P.M. on Yom Kippur eve.
0010071300100710/7/00 0:00:0012/30/99 22:32:21WILK AND DADON MEET WITH BORDER POLICEMEN FROM JOSEPH'S TOMB - composition of forceWILK AND DADON MEET WITH BORDER POLICEMEN FROM JOSEPH'S TOMB - composition of force
(Communicated by Israel Police Spokesman)
Jerusalem Sunday, October 08, 2000 12:26 AM
Israel Police Inspector-General Yehuda Wilk and Border Police Commander
Yitzhak Dadon met earlier yesterday (Saturday), 7.WILK AND DADON MEET WITH BORDER POLICEMEN FROM JOSEPH'S TOMB - composition of force
(Communicated by Israel Police Spokesman)
Jerusalem Sunday, October 08, 2000 12:26 AM
Israel Police Inspector-General Yehuda Wilk and Border Police Commander
Yitzhak Dadon met earlier yesterday (Saturday), 7.10.2000, with the
police officers and border policemen who manned the positions at
Joseph's Tomb until early yesterday morning.
The officers expressed their appreciation to the IDF for the extensive
efforts made to protect the police since the beginning of the crisis.
The Border Police officers at Joseph's Tomb, especially the Druze
officers, expressed their anger over the attempt by political elements
to attach racial overtones to the composition of force at the Tomb.
The police force at Joseph's Tomb consisted of Jewish officers,
including three Russian immigrants and a Druze deputy commander. The
officers, therefore, do not understand where the information regarding
the racial composition of the force emanated from. Such accusations can
only harm the special and positive relations between border police
officers and enlisted soldiers regardless of racial considerations.
It should be stressed that all the border police officers expressed
their desire to join the Israel Police upon conclusion of their terms of
compulsory service.
0010071400100710/7/00 0:00:0012/30/99 22:32:54PM BARAK: TIME OF DECISION WITH PALESTINIANS AT HANDPM BARAK: TIME OF DECISION WITH PALESTINIANS AT HAND
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Jerusalem Saturday, October 07, 2000
At the start of the Cabinet meeting tonight (Sunday), 7.PM BARAK: TIME OF DECISION WITH PALESTINIANS AT HAND
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Jerusalem Saturday, October 07, 2000
At the start of the Cabinet meeting tonight (Sunday), 7.10.2000, Prime
Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak described the new situation and
said that there is the potential for a major escalation. He emphasized
that the moment of decision with the Palestinians is at hand and added
that Israel must act determinedly and with coordination, knowing that
our ability to act will influence our future. "There will yet be in
this struggle more difficult moments but we will be victorious because
we are right and because we are stronger," the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Barak added that Israel's policy in the past year has
exposed the face of reality and, given the diplomatic timetable which
was dictated in advance, there was no alternative to this. "If we had
not taken the policy we did and we found ourselves facing an impasse and
deterioration today, we would not be able to look each other in the
eyes," the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Barak updated the ministers on the events that have taken
place since their previous meeting - Joseph's Tomb, the Temple Mount and
the kidnapping of the three soldiers.
The Cabinet, sitting as the Ministerial Committee on Security Affairs,
is now being briefed by senior security establishment officials.
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