יום שישי, 19 יוני 2026Friday, June 19, 2026
Follow Us
יום שישי, ד׳ תמוז תשפ״וFriday, June 19, 2026
Follow Us

Sections

E-Edition

Jacob Edelist

Read More

Global / Media / News Briefs / Politics

Netanyahu: Excess Exposure on 'Prisoner X' Hurts National Security

By Jacob Edelist

"Over-exposure of security and intelligence activities may seriously harm state security."

Archaeology / Jewish / News Briefs / Religion

King Herod Exhibition Tracing the Life of a Builder and a Murderer

By Jacob Edelist

Lionized as “the greatest builder in human history,” King Herod was also demonized for his cruelty and his shady religious origins.

Haredim & Hassidim / IDF & Security / News Briefs

IDF to Recruit 8,000 Haredim Each Summer

By Jacob Edelist

The plan is to stagger their recruitment, to allow IDF manpower officials to study the process.

News Briefs / Religion

Chief Rabbi: Stop Ingesting Pesticides to Avoid Bugs

By Jacob Edelist

Some of the supervised, ‘bug-free,’ leafy vegetable growers are using higher levels of pesticides than allowed by Health Ministry standards.

IDF & Security / Iran / News Briefs

Iran Claims Its Drone Transmitted Pictures of Restricted IDF Sites

By Jacob Edelist

Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said on Sunday that Iran has in its possession UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) which are far more advanced than the one which the Hezbollah recently sent into Israel.

News Briefs / Politics / Settlements / The Knesset

Mofaz Urging AG to Stop Netanyahu from Adopting Justice Levy's Recommendations on Outposts

By Jacob Edelist

Last Sunday, Netanyahu told Likud ministers he plans on adopting part of the report without relating to broad legal interpretations, to avoid international criticism. Still, the proposal will add legal flexibility and remove bureaucratic obstacles, making Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria considerably easier.

Media / News Briefs / Politics / The Knesset

New Poll: Aryeh Deri Delivers Three Extra Seats for Shas, Weakening Likud

By Jacob Edelist

The poll also shows that the Likud-Liberman-Haredi bloc would maintain its majority in any possible scenario, no matter what combinations of left and center parties it faces.

Haredim & Hassidim / News Briefs / Police and Crime / Religion

Wife of 'Businessmen's Rabbi' Attempted Suicide following Bribery Charges

By Jacob Edelist

Deborah Pinto, wife of Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto, who is suspected, along with her husband, of trying to bribe a senior police officer, attempted suicide on Sunday by taking pills. Mrs. Pinto, who was picked up for questioning last Thursday, together with her husband, and was released with him under restrictive conditions, is in satisfactory condition at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer.

News Briefs / Politics / The Knesset

Right-Wing National Union Facing Disintegration While NRP Is Thriving in Polls

By Jacob Edelist

Ben Ari attacked his current party, noting that "they know that the brand 'Ben Ari' is worth more than the two or three votes that each one of them would bring."

Media / News Briefs / Politics / The Knesset

In Latest Poll Runners-Up Pose Little Threat to Netanyahu

By Jacob Edelist

The poll predicted that in its present condition, with Shaul Mofaz at the helm, the Kadima party would net only a measly 3 Knesset seats.

News Briefs / NY / The Courts

Another Holocaust Claims Conference Schemer Convicted

By Jacob Edelist

Another participant in the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany scandal has admitted her role in that $57 million scheme to approve nearly 5,000 fraudulent applications, resulting in pay-outs to applicants who did not qualify for the programs.

Media / News Briefs / Politics

Insiders: Rumors of Deri's Return to Shas Premature

By Jacob Edelist

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Tuesday's announcement of early elections has given new life, among other things, to speculations about former Shas leader Aryeh Deri's return to the top. But Deri associates on Wednesday denied the rumors.

News Briefs / Politics / The Knesset

Speculations: Israeli Elections Moved Up to February

By Jacob Edelist

The Israeli press has been featuring several leaks from Netanyahu's inner circle on Tuesday and Wednesday regarding the approaching declaration of a February vote, although an official declaration is yet to made. "We will make a decision by the opening of the winter session" of the Knesset, Netanyahu said on Tuesday. The winter session will start in two weeks.

Iran / Islamists / News Briefs

Hezbollah Task Force Commander in Syria Liquidated

By Jacob Edelist

Lebanese and Syrian opposition sources describe Nasif as occupying a central role in Hezbollah, which explains his role as the organization's task force commander in Syria, responsible for coordinating Hezbollah operations in Syria with his counterparts at Syria's military and security forces. Nasif's assignment included supporting Assad's forces in their suppression of the popular uprising in the country and in fighting against the rebel army.

Iran / News Briefs / Politics / United Nations (UN) / US

Netanyahu Warns the World: A Nuclear Iran Is like a Nuclear Al Qaeda

By Jacob Edelist

"I ask, given this record of Iranian aggression without nuclear weapons, just imagine Iranian aggression with nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said to the assembly.

Europe / News Briefs / Politics / Religion

Germany Initiating Pro-Circumcision Legislation

By Jacob Edelist

A spokesman for German Justice Minister Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger said his office is working on an outline for new legislation that will permit circumcision of minor males after a controversial court decision in the summer that criminalized the rite.

IDF & Security / News Briefs

Deep Mourning for Hesder Yeshiva Soldier Killed in Clash with Terrorists

By Jacob Edelist

His father said over Natanel's grave: "more than 20 years ago we had a baby. We picked the name Netanel (Hebrew: God-given) because we felt that God gave us a gift. We received a wonderful gift which we now return to the Creator of the world. We pray and beg that you will be the last of the fallen in the nation of Israel."

Iran / News Briefs

Head of the Iranian Nuclear Agency: I Misled Foreign Intelligence

By Jacob Edelist

Iran's Vice President Fereydoun Abbasi Davani, who heads the Iranian delegation taking part in the 56th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, told the newspaper Al-Hayat: "We sometimes gave false information to protect our nuclear sites and our interests. This inevitably misled other intelligence agencies." It appears that Iran has been regularly […]

Eye on "Palestine" / News Briefs / Politics / US

PLO's Erekat Condemns Romney Remarks on Palestine

By Jacob Edelist

In the video, published by American magazine Mother Jones on Tuesday, Romney is seen telling donors that Palestinians have no interest in peace and are committed to the destruction of Israel. "And I look at the Palestinians not wanting to see peace anyway, for political purposes, committed to the destruction and elimination of Israel, and these thorny issues, and I say, 'There's just no way,'" Romney said.

Global / Islamists / News Briefs

Heartbreaking: Kidnapped US Jew Appealing to Netanyahu (Video)

By Jacob Edelist

Warren Weinstein, 71, is an American aid worker who was kidnapped more than a year ago in Pakistan. Now he is asking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for help in his release by acquiescing to al-Qaeda's demands.

Eye on "Palestine" / IDF & Security / Islamists / News Briefs

Hamas to Israel: Stop the Raids, We'll Catch Rocket Units

By Jacob Edelist

According to reports in the Arab media, Hamas security forces confiscated weapons and made several arrests over the past few days among Salafi terrorists, in an attempt to prevent continued shooting and to uncover additional information about their arsenal of weapons. Hamas is focusing on the Shura Council organization, a relative newcomer on the Gaza front, established last June. As of now, more 30 Salafi terrorists have been arrested by Hamas security.

Global / Israel / News Briefs

Israeli Companies Just Can't Make It in the Japanese Market

By Jacob Edelist

Israel and Japan are celebrating sixty years of diplomatic relations, and so, a week ago, the Israel-Japan Chamber of Commerce marked the occasion with a festive event. But the current commercial ties between the two countries gives less cause for celebration. Israeli businesses find it difficult to understand the Japanese market and Japanese companies are not in a hurry to reach Israel.

News Briefs / Politics / Settlements

Government Approves Ariel University Upgrading, Despite Fierce Objection from the Left and from Barak

By Jacob Edelist

According to the Prime Minister, “Ariel is an inseparable part of the State of Israel and it will remain an inseparable part of the country in any possible future arrangement, just like all other population blocs.

Iran / News Briefs / Politics / US

Iran Bypassing Sanctions on its Oil, Aided by Asian Customers and the Obama Administration

By Jacob Edelist

Iran is involved in hectic attempts to lower the insurance costs for its oil shipments, and, apparently these attempts are working. The U.S. and European countries are aware of the latest developments, and have begun to demand penalties for Asian countries attempting to avoid the sanctions. Many analysts predict, however, that the U.S. is not planning to enforce the sanctions with real, tough measures against countries like Japan or China.

News Briefs / United Nations (UN)

UN's Orwellian 'Right to Peace' Resolution Sanctions Terrorism

By Jacob Edelist

The political culture of the council is such that the U.S. was the only one of 47 nations to vote no.

Europe / Iran / News Briefs / Sports

Nervous Anticipation of Iranian Terror Attack over Holiday Season; Israeli Soccer Team under Heavy Restrictions Abroad

By Jacob Edelist

Over the past few weeks, the Israeli counter terrorism command approached national security forces in Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, and Thailand, requesting that they increase both the overt overt security for Israeli tourists who will be traveling to these countries during the Tishrei holiday period (Rosh Hashanah through Simchat Torah) when hundreds of thousands of Israelis are expected to visit abroad.

Egypt / Eye on "Palestine" / News Briefs

Egyptian Army Claiming Success in the Sinai, But Most Terrorists Are Still Roaming Free

By Jacob Edelist

The Egyptian army has slowed down its all-out attack on terrorist enclaves in the Sinai, several weeks after its initial, aggressive spurt on August 5. The terrorist culprits who murdered 15 Egyptian Border Guards remain at large, and the lack of progress appears rooted in political uncertainty back in Cairo. Here's one unexpected aspect of what was touted as a jihad against the murderers: the Egyptian government is going through unofficial channels, employing negotiators to talk to the Sinai terrorists. This has enraged the secular law and order types at home.

News Briefs / Police and Crime / Settlements

Some Residents Have Barricaded Themselves, But Migron Evacuation Is Proceeding as Planned

By Jacob Edelist

After the Supreme Court finally ordered to evacuate the residents of the Judea and Samaria village of Migron from their homes by September 4, some families have begun on Saturday night to leave their homes voluntarily. For the first time since the court's decision, dozens of police officers and IDF soldiers have moved into the community. The soldiers arrived before dawn and blocked the village entrance. Some residents have barricaded themselves in their homes and refuse to leave.

News Briefs / Police and Crime

Tel Aviv Cop Shoots and Kills Palestinian Car Thief

By Jacob Edelist

From initial reports it appears that the man was engaging in auto theft at the time and threatened the police officer with a knife prior to being shot. He was shot in the neck, and ran a few yards before dropping dead. The exact circumstances of the incident are currently being investigated by Machash—Dept of Policemen Investigation, the police internal affairs unit of the Justice Ministry.

Israel / News Briefs / Politics

Bar Ilan Breaks Rank, Quitting High Court Petition to Kill Ariel University

By Jacob Edelist

Monday night, Bar Ilan University president Professor Moshe Kaveh informed lawyers representing the committee of heads of Israeli universities that he is withdrawing Bar Ilan University from the petition to the Supreme Court to annul Ariel University's accreditation.

Europe / Politics / Religion

German Jews to Israeli Chief Rabbi: Your Circumcision Commotion Did More Harm than Good

By Jacob Edelist

“We are concerned that Interior Minister Yishai didn’t think of becoming better informed about the details."

Haredim & Hassidim / IDF & Security / News Briefs

Uniformed Haredi Soldier Kicked Out of his Shul

By Jacob Edelist

He was told that since he was wearing the uniform of the “Army of the Zionist State,” he was not permitted to enter the shul.

Iran / News Briefs / Religion

Rav Ovadia Yosef: We Must Pray for the Destruction of Iran

By Jacob Edelist

Rav Ovadia Yosef said on Saturday night that we should focus specifically on Iran, and say, "May the good Lord obliterate them, destroy them…"

IDF & Security / News Briefs / Religious & Secular in Israel

IDF Soldiers Complain: Haredi Soldiers Received $5,000 Each in Illegal Grants

By Jacob Edelist

On Tuesday, soldiers in the IDF Kfir brigade sent a letter to the office of Chief of Staff Benny Gantz complaining about discrimination between soldiers serving in the Haredi Netzach Yehuda battalion and other soldiers in the brigade, Walla reports. According to the soldiers’ claims it appears that recently soldiers serving in the Haredi battalion each received a grant of $5,000 from an American philanthropist.

Iran / Israel / News Briefs

Mt. Carmel Tunnels to Be Used as Bomb Shelters Should Iran Attack

By Jacob Edelist

"No one so far has been able to tell me how much oxygen would be required for, say, 30 or 40 thousand people."

News Briefs / Religion

Israel's Chief Rabbi in Germany to Help Resolve Circumcision Crisis

By Jacob Edelist

A rabbi in Bavaria, Germany, has been slapped with criminal charges of committing bodily harm, in the first known case to arise from an anti-circumcision ruling.

Middle East / Levant / News Briefs

Netanyahu's Poignant Message to Cairo: Get Those Tanks Out of the Sinai

By Jacob Edelist

After Egypt has dispatched tanks into the northern Sinai area over the past few weeks, as part of its attempt to combat Islamist terror cells in the peninsula, the Prime Minister’s office has decided that this must stop. Using the White House, Netanyahu sent a sharp message to Cairo to withdraw the tanks immediately.

Eye on "Palestine" / Israel / News Briefs

Who Is Behind the Wave of Fires in Israel?

By Jacob Edelist

Firefighters cannot remember a summer like this in many years.

Iran / Politics

AG Urged to Probe Leftist Academics Telling Pilots to Refuse Bombing Iran Nukes

By Jacob Edelist

"This is a call for rebellion and it undermines the unity of Israeli society and the values of democracy," declared Labor Party Chairperson Shelly Yachimovich.

Israel / News Briefs / US

Kibbutz Ein Harod Cooler on Mars

By Jacob Edelist

NASA's Curiosity rover, roaming around Mars taking pictures as we speak, is using a refrigerator developed and manufactured in kibbutz Ein Harod.

Eye on "Palestine" / Global / News Briefs

Report: Al-Qaeda Planning Massive Terror Attack on Israeli Plane

By Jacob Edelist

Recently there has been an increase in the warnings within the security system about possible attacks against civilian and foreign flights by terrorists affiliated with Al-Qaeda and other groups, who are working on such an attack. These efforts correspond to a promise made last year by Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, on his plan to avenge Israel's assassination of the head of his organization's military wing, Imad Mughniyah, and Israel's elimination of nuclear scientists in Iran.

Iran / News Briefs / US

Panetta: Iran Diplomacy Window Still Open, Israel Won't Strike

By Jacob Edelist

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said at the Pentagon news conference on Tuesday that he doesn't believe that Israel has made a decision to attack Iran's nuclear sites, adding that international sanctions are increasing pressure on Iran to make concessions, the Pentagon has announced. Negotiations with Iran have stalled, with the latter still refusing to give the global powers access to all its nuclear facilities.

News Briefs / Settlements

EU Now Includes City in Pre-1967 Israeli Territory in 'Forbidden Zone'

By Jacob Edelist

An EU directive will impose customs duty on products made in the cities of Modiin and Maccabim-Reut, built on what was no-man's land between 1949 and 1967.

News Briefs / Politics

'Jewish Home' Chairman: Bennet Is an Opportunist, His Plans Are Empty Spin

By Jacob Edelist

"The zigzaggy conduct of Naftali Bennet is classic opportunism, and the public will judge him for it, his plan is nothing but empty spin,” said on Monday Minister Daniel Hershkowitz, head of the "Jewish Home" Knesset faction. Hershkowitz was referring to the candidacy of MKs Zevulun Arlov and Naftali Bennet, and quoted an opinion piece published last weekend by Mekor Rishon's pundit Sofia Ron-Moria, where she quipped that she "won’t buy a used car from Bennet or Orlov."

News Briefs / Politics

Former GSS Chief Dichter to Lead Home Front Office

By Jacob Edelist

After feverish searches by the prime minister's office for some former senior IDF official to be appointed as Minister for the Defense of the Home Front, late Monday on night, following all-night meetings with the prime minister and the minister of defense, the appointment of MK Avi Dichter was finalized.

News Briefs / Religious & Secular in Israel

Haredi Rabbis Decided: Yeshiva Students May Go to Recruitment Centers, But 'Must Not Sign Anything'

By Jacob Edelist

Against the background of the expiration on August 1 of the Tal Law, which attempted to manage Haredi recruitment, the Moetzes Gdolei HaTorah (Assembly of Torah Sages), the supreme rabbinical policy-making council of several Haredi organizations in Israel convened Monday night in Bnei Brak at the home of leader of the Lithuanian sector, Rav Steinman, to solidify the policy of military conscription.

Iran / Media / Politics

White House Mum on NIE Iran Report, But Gulf States Are Urged to Get Missile Shields

By Jacob Edelist

A reporter mentioned to White House Spokesman Jay Carney yesterday's scoop in Ha'aretz, which cited Western diplomats and high level Israeli officials about the special National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran's nuclear program submitted recently to President Obama, which is almost a word for word copy of the Israeli intelligence assessment. But State Dept. Spokesman Patrick Ventrell confirmed that the U.S. is concerned with the possibility of Iran attacking its Gulf neighbors.

Religion / Religious & Secular in Israel

After 8 Years, Body Was Relocated for Spiritual Reasons with R. Elyashiv's Blessings

By Jacob Edelist

Senior Jerusalem rabbis permitted a late-night removal of the body of a Haredi rabbi from its grave, on the night between Thursday and Friday last week, because family members, who are Breslov Hasidim, claimed the "spiritual level" of the nearby dead was insufficient, causing what could be considered the desecration of the dead.

News Briefs / Olympics 2012 / Sports

Some Wear and Tear Expected as Olympics Committee Chief Steps into a Jewish Lion's Den Monday

By Jacob Edelist

president Jacques Rogge will address a planned ceremony by the Olympic Committee of Israel, the Israeli Embassy in London and cross-communal British group the Jewish Committee for the London Games on August 6. Ankie Spitzer, widow of slain Israeli fencing coach Andre Spitzer, is planning to give him a piece of her mind.

IDF & Security / Middle East / Levant / News Briefs / US

Panetta: US Will Consider Using Force Against Iran Nukes

By Jacob Edelist

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said on Wednesday that if Iran does not negotiate acceptable limits on its nuclear program, it could face U.S. military action in tended to stop it from developing a nuclear bomb.

Middle East / Levant / News Briefs / Politics

Congress Boosts Sanctions—Which Are Working—But President Gets to Roll Them Back Selectively

By Jacob Edelist

Under the final version of the enhanced sanctions bill, the president has considerable leeway to postpone sanctions on insurers in order to give them time to comply. Also omitted from the final version are sanctions that congressional hard-liners had sought on individuals associated with SWIFT, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications, as long as the body continues to deal with Iran's central bank.

Eye on "Palestine" / News Briefs

Source: Hamas Gives in to Pressure, Permitting Voter Registry Update, Palestinian Elections Expected on Oct. 20

By Jacob Edelist

Gaza's Hamas government has given the green light to the Palestinian Central Election Commission to begin updating voter registration data in the Gaza Strip—an electoral requirement not undertaken since the 2006 parliamentary election, in which Hamas received a majority of votes in the PA controlled parts of Judea and Samaria as well as Gaza, according to the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs. Last Sunday, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told Turkey's state-run news agency that efforts to achieve reconciliation between his Fatah party and Hamas have reached "a deadlock."

IDF & Security / News Briefs / Religious & Secular in Israel

Yad Yair Refugees Recite Lamentations at the Ruins of their Homes

By Jacob Edelist

On Saturday night, Tisha B'Av 5772, some 50 men, women and children, members of the settlement nucleus of Yad Yair, together with the Benjamin Settlers Committee and residents of Gush Talmonim, mourned the destruction of Jerusalem, and shared their private grief over the destruction of their settlement more than three years ago by the Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria.

Jewish / News Briefs / US

Calif. Court Clears Path for Suit against Texas Corporation for Desecrating Jewish Cemetery

By Jacob Edelist

The California State Supreme Court on Monday upheld a lower-court decision that gave class-action status to a lawsuit alleging mass desecration of grave sites at Eden Memorial Park, 11500 Sepulveda Blvd, Mission Hills, CA, a Jewish cemetery which is under the care of the Texas-based Service Corporation International, thus clearing the way for injured families to seek hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.

News & Views

The Terrorist Argued with her Husband and Was Blown Up by Remote Control

By Jacob Edelist

New testimony from one of the Israeli women injured in the attack sheds new light on the investigation.

Middle East / Levant / Politics / US

Michelle Bachmann Doubles Down on Muslim Brotherhood Infesting US Government Charge

By Jacob Edelist

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) is making fresh allegations of ties between an Islamist movement and vast parts of the U.S. government.

IDF & Security / News Briefs

Defense Minister Barak: IDF Ready to Repel Syrian Refugees

By Jacob Edelist

Israeli defense minister Ehud Barak on Thursday toured the Northern Command and the Golan Heights along with commanders stationed in the region and addressed recent occurrences in Syria. He said that the targeting of top security officials of Bashar al-Assad's regime by oppositions forces in Damascus "will greatly expedite the fall of the Assad family." Barak told reporters that the IDF is preparing for the possibility that waves of refugees will escape from Syria to the Golan Heights. "If required to stop waves of refugees, we will do so," he stated.

Middle East / Levant / News Briefs

1 Day after Kochavi's Prediction: Suicide Bomb Kills Assad's #2 Man

By Jacob Edelist

Syria's defense minister and several other government officials were killed or hurt by a suicide bomber in Damascus Wednesday, a day after Israel's Director of Military Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi had said that President Bashar al-Assad's days were numbered. Also killed in Wednesday's blast was Assad's brother-in-law, who was Syria's deputy defense minister. The bomber, who struck during a meeting of government and security heads, reportedly was a bodyguard.

Eye on "Palestine" / News Briefs / Politics / US

Obama Says He Failed to Push Mid East Peace, Vows to Do Better in 2nd Term

By Jacob Edelist

"I have not been able to move the peace process forward in the Middle East the way I wanted," he told WJLA-TV, the ABC affiliate in Washington on Sunday, in response to a question on whether there was "anything you believe you failed at, not because Congress wouldn't play ball, but that rests squarely on your shoulders and has you desperate to get that second term to atone for it?"

News Briefs / Politics

Olmert Acquitted on Most Charges, Convicted on Breach of Trust

By Jacob Edelist

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was "only" convicted of breach of trust, making him the first Israeli PM ever to be convicted of a criminal offense.

Eye on "Palestine" / News Briefs / Politics / United Nations (UN)

'Even Handed' UN Mission to Probe How Jews Affect Palestinians

By Jacob Edelist

UNHRC on Friday named three women to the panel, one accused Israel of "total discrimination," another's sister served on the Goldstone commission.

IDF & Security / News Briefs / Politics

Thousands of Reservists Rally for Equal Share of Military Burden

By Jacob Edelist

Keynote speaker former GSS chief Yuval Diskin said: "I served this country for thirty-seven years with love and with hope, and throughout these long years I did not even once, even for one moment, feel that I was a sucker. When I joined, almost everyone enlisted, but when I got out I discovered that we are close to the point where almost no one is enlisting. And that's the whole story."

Global / News Briefs / Politics

German Muslims Now Call on Parliament to Save Circumcision

By Jacob Edelist

Around 20 organizations representing four million Muslim residents of Germany, announced that the parliament must ensure religious freedom by removing legal doubts about circumcision since the June 26 court ruling. The ruling was also criticized in no uncertain terms by the head of Germany's Central Council of Jews, Dieter Graumann.

IDF & Security / Politics

Mofaz to Netanyahu: You Must Accept Haredi Conscription

By Jacob Edelist

A few hours after a report by MK Plesner's committee on "equal share in burden" was made public Wednesday morning, coalition partner Kadima chairman Shaul Mofaz convened members of his faction to say that he expects Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the committee's recommendations within a few days days. "The decision before us is a crucial decision for Israel," he stressed.

Global / News Briefs

Report: Western Governments Fund Anti-Israel Church Activism

By Jacob Edelist

A report by NGO Monitor reveals that several western governments providing funds for Church-based efforts to delegitimize Israel.

Global / News Briefs

Polish Synagogue to Günter Grass: Don't Come Back

By Jacob Edelist

Nobel Prize winner author Günter Grass was asked not to visit the synagogue in Gdansk, his birthplace.

News Briefs / Politics / US

Chief Justice Roberts Saves Obamacare

By Jacob Edelist

Chief Justice John Roberts joined the Democrat-appointed justices to rule 5-4 that Congress has the power to impose the healthcare mandate under its power to levy taxes.

Global / News Briefs / Religion

German Court Criminalizes Religious Circumcision

By Jacob Edelist

A Cologne district court ruled on Tuesday that parents may not have their sons circumcised for religious reasons, essentially criminalizing religious circumcisions.

News Briefs / Politics

Romney Friendly to Israel, But Campaign Endorses 'Two-State Solution'

By Jacob Edelist

About 50 of the 700 donors who attended the retreat this weekend in Park City were Jewish. Romney dropped in on the session, and said he had just been briefed by the Israeli ambassador. But the Romney campaign supports the same two-state solution as does Obama.

Global / Israel / News Briefs

Ivory Coast Head Wants Illegals Back, But Challenges the Numbers

By Jacob Edelist

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara said he intends to bring home Ivorian citizens who are living illegally in Israel. But following talks with Rivlin, Ouattara was unsure about Israel's estimate of the number of his brethren (2,000) living illegally within its borders.

Israel / News Briefs

Vladimir Putin Coming to Netanya Monday

By Jacob Edelist

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Israeli President Shimon Peres and Jewish leaders from around the world will unveil the brand-new ‘Victory Monument’ in Netanya, Israel this Monday, June 25.

Media / News Briefs

Alice Walker Kills Hebrew ‘Color Purple’ Deal Citing 'Apartheid'

By Jacob Edelist

The author of “The Color Purple,” refused to authorize a Hebrew translation of her prize-winning work, citing what she called Israel’s “apartheid state.” She added: "It is my hope that the non-violent BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, of which I am part, will have enough of an impact on Israeli civilian society to change the situation."

Jewish / News Briefs / US

Suit Charges Hebrew National Products Not Kosher

By Jacob Edelist

Class action lawsuit against Hebrew National alleges the company is misrepresenting its own kashrut standards “as defined by the most stringent Jews who follow Orthodox Jewish Law."

Israel / Middle East / Levant / News Briefs / Politics / US

Romney Says Obama Prefers Letting Iran Have Nukes to Letting Israel Attack

By Jacob Edelist

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney on Saturday revved up his attacks on President Obama's Mid East policy, suggesting the president fears that Israel might attack Iran more than he fears that Iran will develop a nuclear weapon. “I think, by and large, you can just look at the things the president has done and do the opposite,” Romney said.

Israel / Media

Aliya Incubator Seeking Quality 'Anglos' to Join Startup nation

By Jacob Edelist

“AI intends to fund dozens of start-ups, bringing them on Aliya to build their dream," says David Goldberger, "starting at $500k per deal for the business launch.”

Israel / News Briefs

Technion Sues Microsoft for $6.5 Mil. over Intellectual Property

By Jacob Edelist

The Technion is going up against the technology giant, citing illegal uses of technology developed by its staff, charging: "For years, Microsoft has taken aggressive enforcement steps against anyone who held software belonging to Microsoft without legal permits, regardless of from whom and when it was purchased, their geographic location and whether they were poor or rich."

Politics / US

Obama White House Held 'Hundreds' of Meetings with Hamas-Tied CAIR: Official

By Jacob Edelist

Aides to President Barack Obama have been holding “hundreds” of meetings behind closed-doors with representatives of the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR), America's largest Muslim advocacy organization, with close ties to Hamas and its parent organization, the Muslim Brotherhood.

News Briefs / Politics / US

Congress Urging Hillary to Act on Haredi Imprisoned in Bolivia

By Jacob Edelist

Jacob Ostreicher remains locked up at Palmasola Prison in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. That notorious facility was designed to hold 1,000 prisoners, but is currently home to 3,500. Unlike U.S. facilities, this prison is essentially run by the prisoners. Guards provide food and make sure prisoners do not escape, but do nothing to maintain order within the prison’s walls.

News Briefs / US

Commerce Department to Consider Affirmative Action for Arab Americans

By Jacob Edelist

The Commerce Department's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) published a notice regarding a petition it received on January 11, 2012 from the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), requesting formal designation of Arab-Americans as a minority group that is socially or economically disadvantaged.

IDF & Security / Middle East / Levant / News Briefs

Anticipating US Intervention in Syria, Israel, Iran, Prepare for Clash

By Jacob Edelist

"Iran is here," said Northern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Yair Golan, "its negative influence is significant in the Gaza Strip, in Lebanon and in Syria." He also warned, "al-Qaeda might attack Israel in time." Meanwhile, an Iranian official threatens that a Syrian war would "engulf" Israel.

Middle East / Levant / News Briefs

Thousands Protest Egyptian Election Results, Set Ablaze Establishment Candidate's HQ

By Jacob Edelist

Thousands gathered overnight in Tahrir Square, Cairo, to demonstrate against Egypt's election results which will pit deposed ruler Hosni Mubarak's last prime minister Ahmed Shafiq against Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohamed Mursi in a runoff election on June 16 and 17.

Israel / Middle East / Levant / News Briefs

Druze Minister: Silence of West on Syrian Massacre Strengthens al-Qaeda

By Jacob Edelist

Deputy Minister for Development of the Negev and Galilee Ayoob Kara on Monday called on Western democracies "to stop their intolerable procrastination, which allows the Assad regime to continue its massacres."

Middle East / Levant / News Briefs

Thousands of Computers in Iran, Mid-East, Attacked by 'Flame' Virus

By Jacob Edelist

Kaspersky Lab announced on Monday the discovery of a highly sophisticated malicious program being used as a cyber weapon attacking several countries. The complexity of the newly discovered malicious program exceeds those of all other cyber menaces known to date.

News Briefs / Politics / US

Jewish Senator Wannabe in FBI Probe over Campaign Donations

By Jacob Edelist

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Mandel is returning $105,000 in campaign contributions, as the FBI is investigating possible campaign finance violations. The donations raised suspicions because they were made by individuals who never before had made campaign donations, and whose income didn't appear high enough to enable them to be this generous.

News Briefs / Politics / United Nations (UN)

Minister Scorned for Attack on Haredi who Won't Shake her Hand

By Jacob Edelist

Belgium’s health minister Laurette Onkelinx said she was “profoundly troubled” by the behavior of her Israeli counterpart, Yaakov Litzman, after the Haredi official refused to shake her hand at a conference. The website Juif.org wrote: "There are indeed only two possibilities: either this lady is ignorant, or has malicious intent."

Middle East / Levant / News Briefs

Retired Egyptian General Denies Rumors of Israeli Intervention following Egyptian Vote

By Jacob Edelist

Retired general turned security analyst and Junta spokesman Sameh Seif Al-Yazal told Al-Sharq Al-Awsat that rumors about an Israeli military intervention in Egypt are "misguided," because it was "not in Israel’s interest to fight Egypt at the present time, as the situation remained tense with its other neighbors."

News Briefs / Police and Crime

Honenu Reports: Violent Police Pull Earlocks in Ramat Migron Arrests

By Jacob Edelist

Despite a court decision, police announced that the site was under a closed military zone order and the resident youths must leave. Simultaneously, policemen began to attempt to grab some of the youths. According to people on the scene, during the arrests police pulled on the boys' earlocks and were otherwise extremely violent.

Business/Finance / Israel

Israeli Company Walks Away from Egyptian Gas Holdings, Owner Sells Yacht

By Jacob Edelist

Ampal-American Israel Corp decided to write off its entire 12.5 per cent investment in East Mediterranean Gas, the company that sold Egyptian natural gas to Israel before Egypt called off the exports. Ampal is controlled by Israeli tycoon Yossi Maiman, who put his yacht up for sale this week, as a belt tightening measure.

Middle East / Levant / News Briefs / US

U.S. Ambassador to Israel: We Are Ready to Attack Iran

By Jacob Edelist

Washington prefers the diplomatic option and stated as much time and again – but it seems that beneath the surface, an attack is ready to roll on command. An unusual moment of candor on the part of U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro at a closed meeting in Tel Aviv, reveals the planning behind the scenes. "The military option is not only possible, it's ready," he says.

Eye on "Palestine" / Israel / News Briefs

Minister: Blackouts from Cancelled Egyptian Gas Deal Should Hit Gaza, Not Israel

By Jacob Edelist

The unintended consequence of the hostile cancellation of Egypt's natural gas contract with Israel may result in increased blackouts in Gaza. Benjamin Netanyahu's Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan says Israel should consider cutting its supply of electricity to the Gaza Strip this summer in face of predicted power shortages.

News Briefs / Politics

New Poll: Romney Over Obama by 8% Due to Lackluster Economy

By Jacob Edelist

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Saturday shows Mitt Romney getting 50% of the vote while President Obama received only 42%. This was the third time to date that Republican challenger crossed the 50% threshold against the president in Rasmussen’ Poll.

Eye on "Palestine" / Global / Middle East / Levant / News Briefs

ICG: Current Peace Process Based on Delusions, Will Never Bring Peace

By Jacob Edelist

A report titled "The Emperor Has No Clothes: Palestinians and the End of the Peace Process" was issued this week by the International Crisis Group, asking: "Does anybody still believe in the Middle East Peace Process?" It claims the current process, even if it yields some local progress, "will not bring about a durable and lasting peace.

Middle East / Levant / News Briefs / US

Biden: Israel Shouldn't Rely on the U.S. for Its Security

By Jacob Edelist

Speaking at the annual convention of the Conservative movement's Rabbinical Assembly in Atlanta on Tuesday, Vice President Joe Biden made the case that Obama's strategies regarding the Iranian nuclear program have worked, but said the decision to strike must be Israel's. "I would not contract out my security to anybody, even a loyal, loyal, loyal friend like the United States," Biden said.

Global / Jewish / News Briefs

French Jewry Leader: Hollande Victory a Boost to Anti-Israel Front

By Jacob Edelist

Following his victory Sunday, the 57-year-old François Hollande shouted himself hoarse, as he had done so often during the campaign, thanking his supporters for electing him president and promising to unite the whole country. But Richard Prasquier, President of the Jewish-French organizations, says one of the changes the Hollande presidency brings is a boost to the anti-Israel left.

Global / Media / Middle East / Levant

Iran Campaign Targeting Israel as Global Nuclear Threat

By Jacob Edelist

Press TV, Iran's television network, broadcasting in English round-the-clock, on Sunday published an interview with Mark Glenn, of The Crescent and Cross Solidarity movement, who said that Israel is the only regime that “has threatened to take the entire world down in a nuclear Armageddon in the instance that her precious experiments in Jewish self-rule in the Middle East ceases to materialize.”

Israel

Israeli Woman Gored by Bull, Sustains External Injuries

By Jacob Edelist

Students of tractate Bava Kama would probably pay special attention to this item, reported by the Israeli website Mynet.com. Yael Cohen, 18.5, sustained external injuries in her stomach and legs, after being gored and thrown across a fence by a vigorous, young Bull. She says that usually the young bulls are afraid of humans and wouldn't dare, but this one came up and began to ram her against the fence.

Eye on "Palestine" / Global / Israel

Major British Supermarket Chain Tightens Boycott of Israeli Goods, Companies

By Jacob Edelist

The Supermarket chain Co-Operative Group, Britain's fifth-largest food retailer, is the first major European retailer to stop buying from companies that export produce from Israeli settlements east of the Green Line. The largest Israeli agricultural export companies affected by this move are Agrexco, Arava Export Growers, Adafresh and Mehadrin.

cross