Visit our Web site: www.bridgesforpeace.com | April 29, 2011 |
1. Israeli Shot and Killed by Palestinian Police in Tragedy
2. Hamas Planning More Kidnappings
3. Palestinian Conference Raises New Threat of Intifada
4. Poll: Most Egyptians Want to Cancel Treaty with Israel
5. Abbas's Fatah Party Reaches Unity Government Deal with Hamas
6. US Lawmakers Threaten to Halt Funds to Palestinians
7. Syrian Crackdown on Protesters Complicates Potential Peace with Israel
8. France Considering Recognizing Palestinian State
9. Nationwide Drill to Test Text Message Alarms
1. Israeli Shot and Killed by Palestinian Police in TragedyTragedy shocked Israel on Sunday morning [April 24] as a Palestinian policeman opened fire on a group of Jewish worshippers in their cars during a visit to Joseph's Tomb near the Palestinian city of Nablus in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria]. The Israelis were there illegally without proper coordination with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
According to an IDF press release, one Israeli civilian was killed and several others injured. It appears, based on a report in Haaretz and the IDF's statement, that the Palestinian policeman believed he saw "suspicious movements" and fired in the direction of the group. However, the exact reasons and motive for the shocking incident are unclear.
Haaretz said an initial investigation into the incident shows that the Jewish group, consisting of three cars, attempted to break through a local checkpoint and reported that a Palestinian Authority [PA] representative said the police officer fired into the air.
Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak called upon the PA to punish those responsible for the shooting. Haaretz said the PA had detained the police officers on duty at the time of the shooting for questioning.
Barak called the killing "murder" and dismissed the lack of proper authorization and coordination with the necessary authorities as possible justification for the shooting. "No problem of coordination can justify an incident like this and the shooting of innocent people," said Barak.
The Israeli newspaper said that the IDF coordinates visits to the Jewish holy site in Nablus once a month and warns against unauthorized visits, which are illegal. However, the Israeli newspaper said that religious pilgrims visit the site routinely without permission as well, and that non-lethal shots have been fired at such groups.
The Israeli killed in Sunday's incident was Ben-Joseph Livnat, a father of four in his mid-twenties and the nephew of Israeli Culture and Science Minister Limor Livnat In addition to the PA, the IDF is also investigating the incident. The IDF press release said Palestinian officials notified Israeli officials of the shooting.
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, April 25, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray for the family and community of Ben-Joseph Livnat as they deal with this tragic loss. Pray that this incident will not spark violent reactions and deepening conflict on either side.
Scripture
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4).
2. Hamas Planning More KidnappingsWhile the Shalit family marked the fifth Passover without their son, kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, Hamas threatened to kidnap more Israelis in order to improve their bargaining position in prisoner exchange negotiations. Hamas' weekly newspaper al-Risalah reported on Sunday [April 24] that the organization is taking advantage of the relative calm in the south to "plan more kidnappings in the near future."
The editorial noted that Hamas is aware of the fact that another abduction might lead to a military escalation in the Gaza Strip, which may result in "the killing of (Gilad) Shalit."
"The resistance is coming closer to conducting another kidnapping," the article stated, adding that Israel's call to its citizens to leave the Sinai Peninsula coupled with the heightened alert at the Egyptian border pointed to "increasing Israeli concerns."
According to the authors, another kidnapping "would create essential pressure that would lead to the release of Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel as part of an exchange deal." The article also quoted military and political commentators who claimed that Israel "was worried about another kidnapping because such a step would pressure the government to consent to Palestinian demands."
Last week, Egyptian newspaper al-Ahram reported that a new European element has stepped in to replace Gerhard Konrad as the mediator in efforts to free captive soldier Gilad Shalit. The Prime Minister's Office said in response that it would continue to hold talks for the release of Shalit under the guidance of German mediator Gerhard Konrad and "according to the proposal he has constructed".
Shortly after, Hamas official Mahmoud al-Zahar said that the organization never asked for the replacement of the German mediator in the negotiations to release the captive soldier. "Who said that we are interested replacing the mediator? It's not true," al-Zahar said in an interview with the Al-Aqsa television channel, which is associated with the organization.
Al-Zahar added that no talks have taken place on the deal to release Shalit in recent months, and that the issue is in a total deadlock.
(Excerpts of an article by Elior Levy, Ynetnews, April 25, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will intervene and protect Israeli citizens and members of the military from any attempts to kidnap or injure them. Pray that the Lord will miraculously deliver Gilad Shalit from his captors, ending this horrific situation and bringing honor to His name.
Scripture
"'And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you,' says the LORD. 'I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible'" (Jeremiah 15:20-21).
3. Palestinian Conference Raises New Threat of IntifadaThe possibility of a new intifada, a popular and violent uprising against Israel, was raised at the 6th Annual Bil'in Conference on the Palestinian Popular Struggle. The yearly parley-which is named after the town where anti-Israel protests focusing on the controversial security fence are held weekly-was also renamed to honor the Italian pro-Palestinian activist who was murdered recently by Salafist Islamists in the Gaza Strip.
In the presence of political leaders, foreign diplomats, and religious leaders, the head of the Bil'in protest organization threw the threat of violence into the mix, suggesting that September, the target date for a declaration of Palestinian statehood, would mark the onset if no diplomatic breakthrough comes by then.
Young leaders have been urging an "uprising" similar to others in the Arab world, the exception being that it would target Israel rather than the Palestinian government. Palestinian Authority [PA] head Mahmoud Abbas last week reiterated his opposition to a third intifada.
(By The Media Line, April 24, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Israel is protected from the spirit of violent demonstration that is sweeping the Middle East right now. Pray that any attempts to initiate a third intifada will come to nothing.
Scripture
"The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles" (Psalm 34:15-17).
4. Poll: Most Egyptians Want to Cancel Treaty with IsraelA new survey by the Pew Research Center indicates a clear majority (54%) in post-Mubarak Egypt would like to see the historic 1979 peace treaty with Israel annulled. Only 36% want it to continue. Pew notes that fewer among the upper class and highly educated favor abrogating the treaty.
Concern over the future relationship between Egypt and Israel has been acute since the beginning of the unrest that led to the ouster of President [Hosni] Mubarak.
The poll supports apprehensions expressed by Israeli Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu and others who assert that the widespread unrest in the Arab world makes Israel's future more precarious and demands greater cautions in crafting agreements with the Palestinians and the Arab world.
(By The Media Line, April 26, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray for the Lord's continued protection of the nation of Israel as the threat of serious consequences of Arab unrest in the region increases.
Scripture
"Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your strength. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers have risen up against me, and oppressors have sought after my life; they have not set God before them. Behold, God is my helper; the LORD is with those who uphold my life" (Psalm 54:1-4).
5. Abbas's Fatah Party Reaches Unity Government Deal with HamasIn a move that could send shockwaves through Israel, Palestinian Authority [PA] head Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party and the terrorist Hamas group have agreed to form an interim national unity government, according to The Jerusalem Post.
The agreement, which still must be signed, includes plans to hold new elections in a year and poses a serious threat to obliterate any chance of a renewed peace process between Israel and the PA. Among other concerns, Hamas has refused to recognize Israel's right to exist, and one senior official has already dismissed joining peace talks.
In a response to the expected unity agreement, posted on the Prime Minister's Office Web site, Benjamin Netanyahu said, "The Palestinian Authority needs to choose between peace with Israel and peace with Hamas. Peace with both is impossible because Hamas aspires to destroy the State of Israel and says so openly. It fires missiles at our cities; it fires anti-tank rockets at our children."
Hamas is in agreement with Netanyahu's sentiment that they are opposed to a peace deal. Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Zahar said Hamas would not participate in peace talks with Israel, reported The Jerusalem Post. "Our plan does not involve negotiations with Israel or recognizing it," Zahar said. "It will be impossible for an interim government to take part in the peace process with Israel."
The Jerusalem Post noted in their coverage of the Palestinian reconciliation deal that the signing of a previous deal in 2009 fell apart at the last minute. However, that appears unlikely to happen here. The head of the Fatah negotiating delegation said regarding the current agreement that the sides have agreed on all the disputed issues.
The Israeli newspaper reported that a member of the Hamas delegation said the sides have signed initial letters of the deal, with a final signing still to come between the two factions' leaders. Zahar also has outlined several of the terms of the Palestinian unity deal, including forming an interim unity government made up of "professional" figures, each side releasing the other's prisoners and forming a security committee.
The Jerusalem Post did not detail how security cooperation would be handled, however, that could threaten the cooperation between Israel and PA security forces that has helped keep a lid on terrorism in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria]. In addition, a mass prisoner release could put Hamas terrorists back on the streets.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, April 27, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this new cooperation between Hamas and Fatah does not result in increased violence and terror activity against Israel. Pray that the international community will recognize the danger this alliance presents for Israel and the region.
Scripture
"For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever" (Psalm 44:6-8).
6. US Lawmakers Threaten to Halt Funds to PalestiniansAs the international community started to respond to reports of an upcoming unity government deal between Palestinian Authority [PA] leader Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah party and the Hamas terrorist group, US lawmakers threatened to cut off financial aid to the Palestinian government.
Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen pointed out in a statement posted on the committee's Web site that US law forbids giving aid to a government that refuses to accept Israel's right to exist, a stance taken by Hamas.
"The reported agreement between Fatah and Hamas means that a Foreign Terrorist Organization which has called for the destruction of Israel will be part of the Palestinian Authority government," said Ros-Lehtinen. "US taxpayer funds should not and must not be used to support those who threaten US security, our interests, and our vital ally, Israel.
"According to existing US law, such a hybrid government cannot be a recipient of US taxpayer funds because the law stipulates that the PA government must recognize the Jewish state of Israel's right to exist, among other things. Therefore, in order to implement existing law, the US must end assistance to the Palestinian Authority."
Since 2007, Hamas has been excluded from the PA government in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria], following a violent split with Abbas's Fatah party that left Hamas in charge in the Gaza Strip. That has enabled the US to give the PA hundreds of millions of dollars.
Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican, wasn't the only concerned legislator. Rep. Gary Ackerman, a member of President Barack Obama's Democrat Party, also raised the prospect of withholding funds to the upcoming Palestinian government.
"As in prior cases, the United States will be compelled by both law and decency to withhold any assistance that could fall into the hands or control or even partial control of anyone reporting to, or belonging to a terrorist entity, as is Hamas. And in the current political climate, even assistance that would otherwise have gone to parts of the Palestinian Authority untainted by terrorism may no longer be salvageable," said Ackerman in a statement on his Web site.
"For months, President Abbas has refused partnership with Israeli Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu in pursuing peace negotiations. It now appears that he is writing off partnership with the United States in helping to govern and develop Palestinian society. It's certainly historic leadership. Just not the good kind."
In the region, Iran welcomed the Palestinian agreement. According to a report on the Fars News Agency Web site, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said he believed the move was a step towards Palestinian goals, presumably statehood. Fars paraphrased Salehi as hoping the unity deal would lead to the acquiring of "great victories in confrontations" with Israel.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, April 28, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the international community will follow the lead of the United States in their reaction to this critical development, recognizing the danger this alliance presents for Israel and the region and refusing to support it.
Scripture
"For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6).
7. Syrian Crackdown on Protesters Complicates Potential Peace with IsraelWith the situation in Syria escalating as the Bashar al-Assad regime continues to respond to protests with violence, the US acknowledged on Tuesday [April 27] that the potential for a peace process between Israel and Syria is being harmed at least for the time being.
In comments to reporters posted on the State Department Web site, US official Jake Sullivan said, "It's hard for us to stand by and see Assad and his government engaged in this kind of campaign against their own people and to then think easily about how to pursue the other diplomatic initiatives with him."
He said peace between Israel and all its neighbors "remains a goal of this administration, and we will continue, through whatever means we have at our disposal at any given time, to pursue it." However, he noted their focus with Syria now is "on ending the violence against the Syrian people."
Meanwhile, in light of the regime's response to protesters, the US is considering some form of targeted sanctions. While the US has not decided whether or not to impose sanctions, Sullivan said the focus on potential responses to Syria is in the diplomatic and financial realms.
While not able to address who the specific targets would be, Sullivan said that in general "the notion of targeted sanctions aimed at those who are responsible for perpetrating this violence can sharpen the choice for those people and can sharpen the choice for the regime."
The US is also discussing Syria with other nations around the world, and US Press Secretary Jay Carney noted the importance of getting other nations on board for sanctions in comments to reporters, posted on the White House Web site, on Tuesday.
Said Carney, "We're also consulting with our international partners about other actions that could be taken. When we do something like this-for example, when we seek to employ targeted financial measures-we try to multi-lateralize, and they tend to be more effective when they're multilateral, or certainly can have a greater impact."
Sullivan slammed Assad for his conduct toward the protesters but stopped short of calling the Syrian leader illegitimate, saying that was a question for the Syrian people to decided. "I think what I can put before you is the clear and unequivocal position of the U.S. Government about how we view the actions that he's taken and about how we see the way forward, which is, ultimately, this is something that's got to be in the hands of the Syrian people."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, April 27, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will protect innocent Syrians from the effects of these demonstrations and the government's reaction. Pray that the international community will act with wisdom in bringing pressure on Syrian leadership to end the violence and restore calm.
Scripture
"For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding"
(Proverbs 2:6).
8. France Considering Recognizing Palestinian StateFrance made some diplomatic waves last week at the UN Security Council by openly suggesting it could recognize a Palestinian state. During a discussion on the Middle East, French Permanent Representative to the UN Gerard Araud said that France is considering recognizing a Palestinian state as one of the options for trying to get the peace process out of the current stalemate, according to an unofficial translation of his statement.
However, Araud also said France thinks there is no alternative to a negotiated solution to the conflict. He said that they oppose unilateralism and that the intention behind a French recognition of a Palestinian state would be to jumpstart the peace process.
"Recognition of the Palestinian State is one of the options that France is considering together with its European partners, with a view towards creating a political environment capable of re-launching the peace process," Araud was quoted as saying on April 21.
"The adoption of this solution should encourage a resumption of the negotiations based on the international parameters that are well-known. In addition to reaffirming our unfailing attachment to the security of Israel, it would provide a clear political message aimed at dissuading the two parties from pursuing unilateral strategies or from presenting a fait accompli on the ground which would be detrimental to the peace efforts."
The statement did not clarify what form that recognition could take or whether or not that recognition would come at the United Nations in September or in a separate move. It also should be pointed out that while France is considering the move, they apparently have not made a final decision.
Despite the discussion of statehood recognition, Araud also said that "France believes that there can be no alternative to a negotiated solution in order to put an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
In light of that, he said they want the powerful Mideast Quartet-the United States, European Union, UN and Russia-to endorse the parameters of a peace deal set out by France, the UK and Germany in February. That statement, also posted on the French representative to the UN Web site, said a deal should set the 1967 lines-which would place the Gaza Strip and the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] under Palestinian control-as the basis for borders "with equivalent land swaps as may be agreed between the parties."
They said a deal should also include protection for Israeli security, provide a "just, fair and agreed solution" to the matter of refugees and fulfill the "aspirations of both parties" for Jerusalem, making it the capital of both states.
It should be noted that, based on reports, it appears Israel and the Palestinians have never come to any form of agreement on borders or Jerusalem, two very complex issues with serious security ramifications for Israel.
As for how other European states are leaning, it appears Germany is in opposition, at least to the Palestinians going to the UN for statehood recognition. The Jerusalem Post, citing the German publication Der Spiegel, reported last week that Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to ask Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas not to make the unilateral UN move during a meeting between the two leaders set for early May. The Jerusalem Post pointed out that Merkel already expressed opposition to unilateral statehood in public comments earlier this month.
Meanwhile, when asked about the UK's perspective on the peace process, a spokesperson with the British Embassy in Israel told Bridges for Peace on Tuesday [April 26] that "we continue to believe that the best way to achieve a lasting solution that delivers a sovereign, independent and contiguous Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel at peace with its neighbors is through a negotiated solution."
The statement went on to note they are still aiming for their previous deadline of September of this year and reiterated their support for the previously discussed "parameters" statement from February that laid out their vision of what a final deal ought to include.
Said the spokesperson, "We will be doing everything we can to achieve this [the two-state solution] by September and look to both parties to return to negotiations as soon as possible on the basis of clear parameters that we set out with France and Germany on 18 February."
In statements made to the UN Security Council on April 21, the Israeli ambassador to the UN restated Israel's firm belief that negotiations are the only means to achieving a deal.
In comments posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Web site, Israeli Ambassador Meron Reuben was quoted as saying, "I reiterate Israel's call to the Palestinians to rejoin us in direct negotiations without delay. For it is clear that peace can only be achieved through direct negotiations. It cannot be imposed from the outside. And any lasting peace agreement must be built on the core principles of mutual recognition and security."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, April 26, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that attempts at unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state will not be supported by the international community. Pray that Palestinian leadership will be forced to the negotiating table.
Scripture
"There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the LORD's counsel-that will stand" (Proverbs 19:21).
9. Nationwide Drill to Test Text Message AlarmsCitizens of Israel will receive a text message notifying them of an alarm in their area as part of a new Home Front Command drill to take place throughout the country in a number of weeks. In honor of the annual drill, Turning Point 5, the command will try out a new technology unlike that used to send a regular SMS [text message].
In order to send the text, the system overrides cellular networks and delivers a message with a different sound. One of the drill's aims is to test the system's efficiency in addition to the regular alarms and other local emergency services. It is to be implemented within a year or two.
Turning Point 5 is scheduled to take place on June 19 and will include simulations in which hundreds of rockets and missiles are fired at Israel. Ministers and authorities will participate and hold hearings on the different dilemmas that arise.
Two alarms will be sounded, in the morning and evening, in order for civilians to practice entering fortified rooms at home. Some public bomb shelters will also be utilized in order to drill mass evacuations.
GOC Home Front Command Yair Golan explained that the drill is a message to the public, which must understand the reality and adapt to it. "We are not looking to frighten anyone. Civilians who understand can better deal with emergencies. Civilians don't scare easily-they know the difference between daily life and emergencies, and we must be prepared for all possibilities," he said.
(By Hanan Greenberg, Ynetnews, April 27, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this and other innovative means of warning and protecting Israeli citizens in the case of attack will prove to be effective and practical. However, pray that the Lord will guard His nation and His people, so that they won't have to be used.
Scripture
"I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible" (Jeremiah 15:21).
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
Bridges for Peace - 24 Hour Prayer Calendar Free registration - Signup today ! Isaiah 62:6-7 - I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, [which] shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. |
To receive more information and our other publications, send your e-mail and postal mailing address to intl.office@bridgesforpeace.
We also invite you to visit our Web site at http://www.bridgesforpeace.com
WEEKLY UPDATE SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Feel free to forward this update information to anyone on your e-mail list. To receive it, all they need to do is visit our Web site and click on “Subscribe Now!“ on the home page.
It is our goal to send you news items to help you more effectively pray for Israel in accordance with Psalm 122:6. Therefore, in addition to the news items, we add Prayer Focus, where applicable, so that you can pray along with us for Israel. We will also continue to intersperse positive news items so that our message is not just crisis-oriented. We don't want to be just another news-service provider, but to send an interpretative message ultimately focusing on prayer for Israel.
If you wish to make a bank transfer, the details follow:
Mercantile Discount Bank-Jerusalem
Account #28487
Swift Code: Bardilit
Branch #646
Address: 1 Agron Street, Jerusalem, Israel 91710
Telephone: (972) 2-625-1505
FAX: (972) 2-625-8785
A receipt will be sent for the amount, which is tax-deductible in the United States and Canada.
Assistant Editor: Cheryl Hauer
Staff Writer: Joshua Spurlock
Proofreader: Charleeda Sprinkle
Administrator: Tom-John Faul
Administrative Assistant: Heather Gale
To subscribe: click here
No comments:
Post a Comment