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Visit our Web site: www.bridgesforpeace.com | July 8, 2011 |
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1. Israel Gears for Pro-Palestinian Fly-In
2. Flotilla Activists About to Give Up?
3. UN Could Begin Discussing Palestinian Statehood This Month
4. IDF Force Comes Under Fire Near Gaza Fence
5. Egyptian Gas Pipeline Blown Up
6. Israel Sees ‘Chaos Dividend’ in Arab Spring
7. Palestinian College Class, Summer Camp Named after Terrorist
8. Ossuary Yields New Detail of Gospel Story
1. Israel Gears for Pro-Palestinian Fly-In
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from around the world, though mainly from Europe, are expected to arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport on Friday [July 8]. They say their aim is to visit Bethlehem and allow visitors into Palestinian villages where entry is restricted.
A special status evaluation held Tuesday [July 5] surveyed the various steps government agencies will take to prevent provocations at the airport. Jerusalem is treating the fly-in with a great deal of caution. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on preparations by the internal security minister and police commissioner Wednesday [July 6].
The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that some 40 organizations have confirmed their participation in the Welcome to Palestine campaign to be carried out between July 8 and July 16.
Activists landing at the Ben Gurion Airport will tour Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and the Jordan Valley. As part of efforts to prevent damages to Israel's reputation in light of Friday's planned flight, a special operations room where the events will be mentored by the relevant officials will be established at Ben Gurion airport.
Representatives from the Foreign Ministry, the Aviation Authority, the Internal Security Ministry, police representatives, Prime Minister's Office officials and others will be present in the operations room which will work nonstop until the last of the flight participants is in Israel.
"We expect that some 500 pro-Palestinian activists will attempt to land in Israel from Europe in the coming days, with a large mass expected on Friday," an element at the Public Security Ministry said. "They will try to create provocations. We are not familiar with them all but will urge the airlines to prevent those we do know from boarding the planes."
He said that activists identified at the airport as seeking provocation will not be allowed in Israel and will be sent back to their countries. Those who will riot at the airport or refuse to head back will be transferred to a special airport facility or turned over to the Prison Service.
All passengers will be checked in advance for potential to cause provocations. Activists identified as such will be personally escorted out of the planes. Police plan to place officers on all aircraft.
"One mustn't forget that these activists are not armed," a police source said. "The officers were instructed to prevent all provocations and will clear the rioters in an orderly fashion." Moreover, the Director General of the Foreign Ministry Rafi Barak sent missives to a number of Israeli deputations in Europe and the US with citizens who are planning to take part in the flight.
In the missives Barak asked that the representatives alert the local foreign ministries of the planned events and the legal implications should the flight participants be arrested.
Meanwhile, airlines are preparing for the possibility that dozens or perhaps hundreds of European passengers will be detained at the airport before deportation. "It's possible that the foreign airlines will ban the passengers from flying back with them because of their violent potential," one source at the aviation industry said.
(Excerpts of an article by Ynet reporters, Ronen Medzini, Eli Senyor, Omri Efraim and Yoav Zitun contributed, Ynetnews, July 6, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the "Fly-In" will be foiled. Pray that foreign governments and airlines will prevent activists from even boarding the planes and that Israel will have perfect wisdom in dealing with the situation. Pray that all attempts to harm or delegitimize Israel will come to nothing.
Scripture
"Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise" (Isaiah 60:18).
A special status evaluation held Tuesday [July 5] surveyed the various steps government agencies will take to prevent provocations at the airport. Jerusalem is treating the fly-in with a great deal of caution. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on preparations by the internal security minister and police commissioner Wednesday [July 6].
The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that some 40 organizations have confirmed their participation in the Welcome to Palestine campaign to be carried out between July 8 and July 16.
Activists landing at the Ben Gurion Airport will tour Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and the Jordan Valley. As part of efforts to prevent damages to Israel's reputation in light of Friday's planned flight, a special operations room where the events will be mentored by the relevant officials will be established at Ben Gurion airport.
Representatives from the Foreign Ministry, the Aviation Authority, the Internal Security Ministry, police representatives, Prime Minister's Office officials and others will be present in the operations room which will work nonstop until the last of the flight participants is in Israel.
"We expect that some 500 pro-Palestinian activists will attempt to land in Israel from Europe in the coming days, with a large mass expected on Friday," an element at the Public Security Ministry said. "They will try to create provocations. We are not familiar with them all but will urge the airlines to prevent those we do know from boarding the planes."
He said that activists identified at the airport as seeking provocation will not be allowed in Israel and will be sent back to their countries. Those who will riot at the airport or refuse to head back will be transferred to a special airport facility or turned over to the Prison Service.
All passengers will be checked in advance for potential to cause provocations. Activists identified as such will be personally escorted out of the planes. Police plan to place officers on all aircraft.
"One mustn't forget that these activists are not armed," a police source said. "The officers were instructed to prevent all provocations and will clear the rioters in an orderly fashion." Moreover, the Director General of the Foreign Ministry Rafi Barak sent missives to a number of Israeli deputations in Europe and the US with citizens who are planning to take part in the flight.
In the missives Barak asked that the representatives alert the local foreign ministries of the planned events and the legal implications should the flight participants be arrested.
Meanwhile, airlines are preparing for the possibility that dozens or perhaps hundreds of European passengers will be detained at the airport before deportation. "It's possible that the foreign airlines will ban the passengers from flying back with them because of their violent potential," one source at the aviation industry said.
(Excerpts of an article by Ynet reporters, Ronen Medzini, Eli Senyor, Omri Efraim and Yoav Zitun contributed, Ynetnews, July 6, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the "Fly-In" will be foiled. Pray that foreign governments and airlines will prevent activists from even boarding the planes and that Israel will have perfect wisdom in dealing with the situation. Pray that all attempts to harm or delegitimize Israel will come to nothing.
Scripture
"Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise" (Isaiah 60:18).
2. Flotilla Activists About to Give Up?
Norwegian Gaza-bound flotilla activists are expected to hold a press conference Friday [July 8] morning in Norway to announce their decision to retract and make their way back home. Another press conference will be held Thursday [July 14] in Sweden with some 20 Swedish representatives from the Gaza-bound flotilla. Only four Swedes remained in Greece to try and pressure the local government to call off the blockade and permit them to head towards the Gaza Strip, according to Swedish flotilla spokesman Dan Israel.
He criticized the Greek government for taking part in the blockage, but promised the activists will soon return and sail to Gaza. Similarly, most of the 36 American passengers of the SS Audacity of Hope, which was prevented by Greek officials from sailing to the Gaza Strip on Friday [July 1], have already return home or are on their way back.
Meanwhile, many of the passengers onboard the Canadian Tahrir vessel, which left Crete Monday [July 4] afternoon towards Gaza but was taken over by Greek Coast Guard forces, claimed Israel sabotaged their ship or planned to do so on their way back home.
Both Gaza-bound ships had attempted to leave its Greek port without authorization en route to the Strip, prompting Greek forces to stop it at sea.
Greta Berlin, spokeswoman for the Free Gaza Movement (FGM) and a passenger on the US ship, admitted that many activists have returned home but assured that they will be back immediately once called.
Berlin told Ynet that out of 36 US activists only 15 remained in Greece, but added that she has learned that some of the Canadian passengers made their way back to the ship despite rumors that they were planning to leave.
She remarked that they are currently working on getting exit permits so they could sail onwards as planned.
Some activists have declared their plan to stay in Greece until given permission to sail to Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Greek coastguard intercepted the small French boat "Dignitiy" with Pro-Palestinian activists aboard on Thursday [July 7], the third flotilla ship to be prevented from sailing to Gaza to challenge an Israeli blockade.
(Excerpts of an article by Aviel Magnezi, Ynetnews, July 7, 2011)
Editor's Note: Despite the overall success in preventing the flotilla so far, Ynet also reported that one ship left Greece en route to Gaza. It remains to be seen what will come of the ship. In addition, despite claims of Israeli sabotage by some activists, Israel has strongly denied the accusations.
Prayer Focus
Praise God that this flotilla has so far been largely foiled. Praise God for Greece's efforts to help Israel and prevent an unnecessary provocation by the activists. Pray that the flotilla will be halted in its entirety and that this will serve to discourage any similar attempts in the future.
Scripture
"There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the LORD's counsel-that will stand" (Proverbs 19:21).
He criticized the Greek government for taking part in the blockage, but promised the activists will soon return and sail to Gaza. Similarly, most of the 36 American passengers of the SS Audacity of Hope, which was prevented by Greek officials from sailing to the Gaza Strip on Friday [July 1], have already return home or are on their way back.
Meanwhile, many of the passengers onboard the Canadian Tahrir vessel, which left Crete Monday [July 4] afternoon towards Gaza but was taken over by Greek Coast Guard forces, claimed Israel sabotaged their ship or planned to do so on their way back home.
Both Gaza-bound ships had attempted to leave its Greek port without authorization en route to the Strip, prompting Greek forces to stop it at sea.
Greta Berlin, spokeswoman for the Free Gaza Movement (FGM) and a passenger on the US ship, admitted that many activists have returned home but assured that they will be back immediately once called.
Berlin told Ynet that out of 36 US activists only 15 remained in Greece, but added that she has learned that some of the Canadian passengers made their way back to the ship despite rumors that they were planning to leave.
She remarked that they are currently working on getting exit permits so they could sail onwards as planned.
Some activists have declared their plan to stay in Greece until given permission to sail to Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Greek coastguard intercepted the small French boat "Dignitiy" with Pro-Palestinian activists aboard on Thursday [July 7], the third flotilla ship to be prevented from sailing to Gaza to challenge an Israeli blockade.
(Excerpts of an article by Aviel Magnezi, Ynetnews, July 7, 2011)
Editor's Note: Despite the overall success in preventing the flotilla so far, Ynet also reported that one ship left Greece en route to Gaza. It remains to be seen what will come of the ship. In addition, despite claims of Israeli sabotage by some activists, Israel has strongly denied the accusations.
Prayer Focus
Praise God that this flotilla has so far been largely foiled. Praise God for Greece's efforts to help Israel and prevent an unnecessary provocation by the activists. Pray that the flotilla will be halted in its entirety and that this will serve to discourage any similar attempts in the future.
Scripture
"There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the LORD's counsel-that will stand" (Proverbs 19:21).
3. UN Could Begin Discussing Palestinian Statehood This Month
The Palestinians are threatening to go to the United Nations to seek statehood recognition in September, and now the UN Security Council is expected to begin discussing the statehood matter later this month. Unlike the UN General Assembly, the Security Council can pass a legally binding resolution on the Palestinian statehood issue. However, the US is expected to veto such a resolution if necessary.
A press statement posted on the Web site of the Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN-the nation holding the Security Council presidency for July-covering the issues to be discussed by the Council, said the routine Middle East discussion in July is likely to include the statehood topic.
Said the German press statement, "The discussion is particularly likely to include the Palestinian Authority's possible intention to apply for full UN membership for Palestine in September." According to a provisional schedule posted on the UN Web site, the Middle East debate is expected to take place on July 26. Germany said the Middle East conflict debate in July will be open to non-members.
Germany has already declared its opposition to a unilateral Palestinian statehood move at the UN. On Wednesday [July 6], Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon met with German Secretary of State Dr. Emily Haber. According to a press release posted on the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Web site, Ayalon said that Israel and Germany are in agreement on the importance of continuing the peace process and oppose unilateral steps.
However, there are efforts to try and get peace talks restarted before the Palestinians go to the UN. The US has been meeting with Israel and Palestinian representatives in an effort to jumpstart peace talks and a key international body is set to discuss the Mideast peace process soon.
The Middle East Quartet, consisting of the US, the European Union, the UN and Russia, is set to meet on July 11 in Washington, DC at the ministerial level. US spokesperson Victoria Nuland, in comments to reporters on Wednesday which were posted on the US State Department Web site, said the meeting "is for these ministers who are very supportive of this shared goal of getting the parties back to the table to compare notes on where they are on the diplomacy that all of us have been having with the parties, and to see where we go from here."
Nuland noted that a number of the Quartet members, in addition to the US, have been trying to work with the Israelis and the Palestinians in an attempt to get them back to the negotiating table "within the framework" set out by US President Barack Obama. In May, Obama called for an Israel-Palestinian peace deal to be based on the 1967 lines with agreed upon land swaps.
The 1967 lines were armistice lines between Israel, Jordan, Egypt and other Arab nations prior to the Six-Day War, and in the context of a deal with the Palestinians would essentially grant the Palestinians the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and the Gaza Strip. Israel has expressed serious concerns about the indefensibility of the 1967 lines. In addition, Obama's endorsement of the Palestinian demand to base the talks on the lines has the potential to harm Israel's negotiating stance.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday [July 5], in discussing the upcoming Quartet meeting, said the Russians are hoping the meeting will help restart Israel-Palestinian peace talks. Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Lavrov as saying, "We have strong hope that decisions made during the Washington meeting of the Quartet will help create circumstances for the resumption of the talks aimed at creating an independent, integral, sovereign and democratic Palestinian state to live in peace and security alongside Israel."
Israel-Palestinian peace talks were suspended by the Palestinians last year following the end of Israel's unprecedented 10-month settlement construction freeze. Israel initiated the partial halt on settlement building as a gesture to help get talks going again from a previous suspension, but the Palestinians waited to renew direct negotiations until the freeze was nearing its end. The Palestinians then halted talks again later after the construction freeze ended.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 7, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the international community would be led with God's wisdom, especially in the upcoming Quartet meeting. Pray that the UN member-states would see the danger and error of granting the Palestinians statehood recognition and that they would uphold Israel's right to the Land God gave them.
Scripture
"All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For the kingdom is the LORD's, and He rules over the nations" (Psalm 22:27-28).
A press statement posted on the Web site of the Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN-the nation holding the Security Council presidency for July-covering the issues to be discussed by the Council, said the routine Middle East discussion in July is likely to include the statehood topic.
Said the German press statement, "The discussion is particularly likely to include the Palestinian Authority's possible intention to apply for full UN membership for Palestine in September." According to a provisional schedule posted on the UN Web site, the Middle East debate is expected to take place on July 26. Germany said the Middle East conflict debate in July will be open to non-members.
Germany has already declared its opposition to a unilateral Palestinian statehood move at the UN. On Wednesday [July 6], Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon met with German Secretary of State Dr. Emily Haber. According to a press release posted on the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Web site, Ayalon said that Israel and Germany are in agreement on the importance of continuing the peace process and oppose unilateral steps.
However, there are efforts to try and get peace talks restarted before the Palestinians go to the UN. The US has been meeting with Israel and Palestinian representatives in an effort to jumpstart peace talks and a key international body is set to discuss the Mideast peace process soon.
The Middle East Quartet, consisting of the US, the European Union, the UN and Russia, is set to meet on July 11 in Washington, DC at the ministerial level. US spokesperson Victoria Nuland, in comments to reporters on Wednesday which were posted on the US State Department Web site, said the meeting "is for these ministers who are very supportive of this shared goal of getting the parties back to the table to compare notes on where they are on the diplomacy that all of us have been having with the parties, and to see where we go from here."
Nuland noted that a number of the Quartet members, in addition to the US, have been trying to work with the Israelis and the Palestinians in an attempt to get them back to the negotiating table "within the framework" set out by US President Barack Obama. In May, Obama called for an Israel-Palestinian peace deal to be based on the 1967 lines with agreed upon land swaps.
The 1967 lines were armistice lines between Israel, Jordan, Egypt and other Arab nations prior to the Six-Day War, and in the context of a deal with the Palestinians would essentially grant the Palestinians the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and the Gaza Strip. Israel has expressed serious concerns about the indefensibility of the 1967 lines. In addition, Obama's endorsement of the Palestinian demand to base the talks on the lines has the potential to harm Israel's negotiating stance.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday [July 5], in discussing the upcoming Quartet meeting, said the Russians are hoping the meeting will help restart Israel-Palestinian peace talks. Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Lavrov as saying, "We have strong hope that decisions made during the Washington meeting of the Quartet will help create circumstances for the resumption of the talks aimed at creating an independent, integral, sovereign and democratic Palestinian state to live in peace and security alongside Israel."
Israel-Palestinian peace talks were suspended by the Palestinians last year following the end of Israel's unprecedented 10-month settlement construction freeze. Israel initiated the partial halt on settlement building as a gesture to help get talks going again from a previous suspension, but the Palestinians waited to renew direct negotiations until the freeze was nearing its end. The Palestinians then halted talks again later after the construction freeze ended.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 7, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the international community would be led with God's wisdom, especially in the upcoming Quartet meeting. Pray that the UN member-states would see the danger and error of granting the Palestinians statehood recognition and that they would uphold Israel's right to the Land God gave them.
Scripture
"All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For the kingdom is the LORD's, and He rules over the nations" (Psalm 22:27-28).
4. IDF Force Comes Under Fire Near Gaza Fence
Skirmish on the Gaza border: An IDF [Israel Defense Forces] soldier sustained mild injuries Thursday [July 7] after a roadside bomb exploded near an IDF tank operating near the security fence in southern Gaza. The soldier received initial treatment on site, before being taken to the Soroka University Medical Center in Beersheba.
t was initially believed that Palestinians fired an anti-tank missile at the troops. Palestinian sources said that three bulldozers and five tanks entered the Strip, venturing some 300 meters [984 feet] from the fence, near the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis. The IDF stressed that the only fire discharged was in response to the Palestinians' rocket fire.
On Tuesday [July 7] IAF [Israel Air Force] aircrafts targeted both a terror cell preparing to launch rockets at Israel, as well as a smuggling tunnel in northern Gaza Strip.
(Excerpts of an article by Hanan Greenberg, Ynetnews, July 7, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray for healing for the wounded soldier. Pray that the attacks from Gaza against Israel will cease and that peace and calm will take their place.
Scripture
"The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence" (2 Samuel 22:3).
t was initially believed that Palestinians fired an anti-tank missile at the troops. Palestinian sources said that three bulldozers and five tanks entered the Strip, venturing some 300 meters [984 feet] from the fence, near the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis. The IDF stressed that the only fire discharged was in response to the Palestinians' rocket fire.
On Tuesday [July 7] IAF [Israel Air Force] aircrafts targeted both a terror cell preparing to launch rockets at Israel, as well as a smuggling tunnel in northern Gaza Strip.
(Excerpts of an article by Hanan Greenberg, Ynetnews, July 7, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray for healing for the wounded soldier. Pray that the attacks from Gaza against Israel will cease and that peace and calm will take their place.
Scripture
"The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence" (2 Samuel 22:3).
5. Egyptian Gas Pipeline Blown Up
An explosion on Egypt's natural gas pipeline in the Sinai Peninsula has interrupted the flow to Israel and Jordan for the third time since February. The flow of gas, which represents 40% of Israel's needs, had resumed only recently after the last blast. This blast occurred a short distance from the Suez Canal. The contract with Israel has been a controversial issue in Egypt, especially since the fall of [former-President] Hosni Mubarak. Some contend that the contract fails to uphold the rights of the Egyptian people.
The gas contract has been viewed in Israeli circles as a barometer of future relations with Egypt under its post-Mubarak successor regime.
(Excerpts of an article by The Media Line, July 4, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the natural gas will be restored quickly for Israel and that these attacks will cease. Pray that all the people in Egypt will have a desire to bless Israel and then do so.
Scripture
"He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many against me" (Psalm 55:18).
The gas contract has been viewed in Israeli circles as a barometer of future relations with Egypt under its post-Mubarak successor regime.
(Excerpts of an article by The Media Line, July 4, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the natural gas will be restored quickly for Israel and that these attacks will cease. Pray that all the people in Egypt will have a desire to bless Israel and then do so.
Scripture
"He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many against me" (Psalm 55:18).
6. Israel Sees ‘Chaos Dividend’ in Arab Spring
The reverberations of the Arab Spring [the protests and revolutions in the Arab world] have kept the lights burning bright at the Israeli army headquarters in Tel Aviv as generals try to plan ahead for a different Middle East. "There's no margin for error. We can't wake up one morning and say 'Oops, big mistake.' There won't be a second turn," a senior military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Wednesday [July 6].
The planners whose job it is to look ahead and map out just how the shape the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are currently wrapping up a five-year plan and drawing up a new strategy on how to build forces capable of meeting the uncertainty created by the upheavals sweeping across the Middle East.
In a briefing with foreign correspondents, the senior officer assessed that countries in the region like Egypt, Syria and Libya are going to be busy dealing with their internal problems. But he was cautious to add that this doesn't mean that the Israeli-Arab conflict is taking a back seat or that a "chaos dividend" will allow the army to lower its guard.
While conventional military threats have largely been reduced, Israel still maintains the ability to fight full-scale wars on multiple fronts. Arab armies long ago gave up on trying to achieve military parity with Israel and instead have focused on striking Israel where it hurts the most-the home front. In 2006, the Lebanese Shiite movement Hizbullah demonstrated the effectiveness of such warfare in its month-long conflict with Israel that forced a third of Israelis to flee to bomb shelters.
"There's now a massive build up of fire power [surface-to-surface missiles] that can be launched at Israel from all around while the other side tries to decrease our advantages in the air and maneuverability on the ground," the senior officer said.
The Israeli army is currently built to cope with three threats-fighting terror, defeating enemy armies and preventing distant enemies from striking. The peace with Egypt and Jordan and the vanquishing of Saddam Hussein's army in Iraq allowed the IDF to reduce its battle order and divert more of its budget to intelligence and air power focused mainly on Iran and Hizbullah.
According to the IDF, the Egyptian army gets high grades for its restrained behavior in the revolt that overthrew long-time leader Hosni Mubarak earlier this year and paved the way for free elections. This, the senior officer said, was one benefit from the U.S. bear hug from the $1 billion in annual arms grants Washington provides.
"The success or perception of success of the Muslim Brotherhood in an election in Egypt will have a major impact in the region. I'm not speaking about Egypt making a U-turn in its policies but the problems facing Egypt and others in the near future will force them to focus on internal problems," the senior officer said.
Regarding the recent decision by Germany to sell 200 tanks to Saudi Arabia, the senior officer said that it could contribute to regional stability, but also worried that it was a double-edge sword.
"Saudi Arabia is in a phase of change. I don't think 200 tanks will pose a threat to us and could be a positive impact on stabilizing the communications and influence with Saudi Arabia. But if it will get into the wrong hands, it could be risky for us."
The senior officer noted that the region could quickly go from peace to war or back overnight. Recalling the overthrow of the Shah of Iran 32 years ago, he said: "In one day, state of the art military hardware can be turned against you."
Still, while Israel is redrawing the threat assessment that has swept away stable Arab regimes for the more volatile ones teetering between true democratic aspirations and Islamists, it isn't expecting serious conflict to break out any time soon.
That said, the senior officer noted that the ailing regime of Bashar Al-Asad in Syria could attempt to defect attention by provoking "something" with Israel. Al-Asad has been battling with protestors since the middle of March, causing some 1,400 deaths and sending thousands of refugees into Turkey and Lebanon.
"And we have to be ready for that," he said.
(Excerpts of an article by Arieh O'Sullivan, The Media Line, July 6, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Arab Spring will bring peace to the region and Israel, instead of conflict. Pray for Israel's leaders and soldiers to have perfect wisdom and discernment and to be fully prepared for whatever may happen.
Scripture
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" (Psalm 32:8).
The planners whose job it is to look ahead and map out just how the shape the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are currently wrapping up a five-year plan and drawing up a new strategy on how to build forces capable of meeting the uncertainty created by the upheavals sweeping across the Middle East.
In a briefing with foreign correspondents, the senior officer assessed that countries in the region like Egypt, Syria and Libya are going to be busy dealing with their internal problems. But he was cautious to add that this doesn't mean that the Israeli-Arab conflict is taking a back seat or that a "chaos dividend" will allow the army to lower its guard.
While conventional military threats have largely been reduced, Israel still maintains the ability to fight full-scale wars on multiple fronts. Arab armies long ago gave up on trying to achieve military parity with Israel and instead have focused on striking Israel where it hurts the most-the home front. In 2006, the Lebanese Shiite movement Hizbullah demonstrated the effectiveness of such warfare in its month-long conflict with Israel that forced a third of Israelis to flee to bomb shelters.
"There's now a massive build up of fire power [surface-to-surface missiles] that can be launched at Israel from all around while the other side tries to decrease our advantages in the air and maneuverability on the ground," the senior officer said.
The Israeli army is currently built to cope with three threats-fighting terror, defeating enemy armies and preventing distant enemies from striking. The peace with Egypt and Jordan and the vanquishing of Saddam Hussein's army in Iraq allowed the IDF to reduce its battle order and divert more of its budget to intelligence and air power focused mainly on Iran and Hizbullah.
According to the IDF, the Egyptian army gets high grades for its restrained behavior in the revolt that overthrew long-time leader Hosni Mubarak earlier this year and paved the way for free elections. This, the senior officer said, was one benefit from the U.S. bear hug from the $1 billion in annual arms grants Washington provides.
"The success or perception of success of the Muslim Brotherhood in an election in Egypt will have a major impact in the region. I'm not speaking about Egypt making a U-turn in its policies but the problems facing Egypt and others in the near future will force them to focus on internal problems," the senior officer said.
Regarding the recent decision by Germany to sell 200 tanks to Saudi Arabia, the senior officer said that it could contribute to regional stability, but also worried that it was a double-edge sword.
"Saudi Arabia is in a phase of change. I don't think 200 tanks will pose a threat to us and could be a positive impact on stabilizing the communications and influence with Saudi Arabia. But if it will get into the wrong hands, it could be risky for us."
The senior officer noted that the region could quickly go from peace to war or back overnight. Recalling the overthrow of the Shah of Iran 32 years ago, he said: "In one day, state of the art military hardware can be turned against you."
Still, while Israel is redrawing the threat assessment that has swept away stable Arab regimes for the more volatile ones teetering between true democratic aspirations and Islamists, it isn't expecting serious conflict to break out any time soon.
That said, the senior officer noted that the ailing regime of Bashar Al-Asad in Syria could attempt to defect attention by provoking "something" with Israel. Al-Asad has been battling with protestors since the middle of March, causing some 1,400 deaths and sending thousands of refugees into Turkey and Lebanon.
"And we have to be ready for that," he said.
(Excerpts of an article by Arieh O'Sullivan, The Media Line, July 6, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Arab Spring will bring peace to the region and Israel, instead of conflict. Pray for Israel's leaders and soldiers to have perfect wisdom and discernment and to be fully prepared for whatever may happen.
Scripture
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" (Psalm 32:8).
7. Palestinian College Class, Summer Camp Named after Terrorist
A Palestinian summer camp for children and a girl's college in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] have continued the Palestinian Authority [PA] policy of presenting terrorist Dalal Mughrabi as a role model for children. Mughrabi in 1978 led the most lethal terror attack in Israel's history, in which 37 civilians were killed, 12 of them children.
The summer camp for children, of the Fatah [Palestinian political faction of PA President Mahmoud Abbas] youth organization called "the Lion Cubs and Flowers," was divided into three groups. One was named after terrorist Mughrabi and the two others were named after Yasser Arafat and Abu Jihad, the terrorist leader who planned Mughrabi's bus hijacking.
Also reported in the official PA daily was a description of the graduation ceremony at the Al-Tireh Girls' College in Ramallah for the current graduating class, likewise named after terrorist Dalal Mughrabi. The graduation ceremony was held under the auspices of two Fatah MPs [members of parliament]. As documented by Palestinian Media Watch, Mughrabi has been glorified by the PA for many years with tournaments and summer camps named after her and music videos on TV honoring her and her terror attack. She has been presented as a role model for Palestinians and particularly for Palestinian youth.
PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has himself glorified Dalal Mughrabi. In 2009, he funded a computer center named after her, and in 2010 he sponsored a "birthday party" on what would have been Mughrabi's 50th birthday.
The following are the two recent articles in the official PA daily about the summer camp group and school class named after Mughrabi. Below them are additional examples from 2011 of the PA presenting Mughrabi as a Palestinian hero:
"The Halhoul [West Bank city] Cultural Forum, in cooperation with the Sanabel Al-Kheir Association, held the concluding ceremony yesterday for the second Sanabel [summer] camp, which comprised three groups: the Shahid (Martyr) Yasser Arafat group; the Shahid Abu Jihad group; and the Shahida Dalal Mughrabi group. Participating in the ceremony was the Coordinator of the "Lion Cubs and Flowers" (i.e., Fatah group for boys and girls) of the northern Hebron branch of the Fatah movement, Yahya Mifrih...At the end of the ceremony, certificates were awarded to the 130 boys and girls, including 30 special-needs children." [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, July 4, 2011]
"Under the auspices of Madar [The Palestinian Forum for Israeli Studies]-the Shabiba [Fatah student movement] at the Al-Tireh [Girls'] College celebrated the graduation of the class of 'Dalal Mughrabi'...Under the auspices of MP's Walid Asaf and Dr. Najat Abu Bakr, the Shabiba student movement held a graduation ceremony for the 'Dalal Mughrabi' class." [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, June 17, 2011]
(Excerpts of an article by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch, July 5, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the world will see Palestinian incitement and glorification of terrorism for what it is. Pray that the Palestinians would repent of their hatred and violence.
Scripture
"Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence" (Psalm 27:11-12).
The summer camp for children, of the Fatah [Palestinian political faction of PA President Mahmoud Abbas] youth organization called "the Lion Cubs and Flowers," was divided into three groups. One was named after terrorist Mughrabi and the two others were named after Yasser Arafat and Abu Jihad, the terrorist leader who planned Mughrabi's bus hijacking.
Also reported in the official PA daily was a description of the graduation ceremony at the Al-Tireh Girls' College in Ramallah for the current graduating class, likewise named after terrorist Dalal Mughrabi. The graduation ceremony was held under the auspices of two Fatah MPs [members of parliament]. As documented by Palestinian Media Watch, Mughrabi has been glorified by the PA for many years with tournaments and summer camps named after her and music videos on TV honoring her and her terror attack. She has been presented as a role model for Palestinians and particularly for Palestinian youth.
PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has himself glorified Dalal Mughrabi. In 2009, he funded a computer center named after her, and in 2010 he sponsored a "birthday party" on what would have been Mughrabi's 50th birthday.
The following are the two recent articles in the official PA daily about the summer camp group and school class named after Mughrabi. Below them are additional examples from 2011 of the PA presenting Mughrabi as a Palestinian hero:
"The Halhoul [West Bank city] Cultural Forum, in cooperation with the Sanabel Al-Kheir Association, held the concluding ceremony yesterday for the second Sanabel [summer] camp, which comprised three groups: the Shahid (Martyr) Yasser Arafat group; the Shahid Abu Jihad group; and the Shahida Dalal Mughrabi group. Participating in the ceremony was the Coordinator of the "Lion Cubs and Flowers" (i.e., Fatah group for boys and girls) of the northern Hebron branch of the Fatah movement, Yahya Mifrih...At the end of the ceremony, certificates were awarded to the 130 boys and girls, including 30 special-needs children." [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, July 4, 2011]
"Under the auspices of Madar [The Palestinian Forum for Israeli Studies]-the Shabiba [Fatah student movement] at the Al-Tireh [Girls'] College celebrated the graduation of the class of 'Dalal Mughrabi'...Under the auspices of MP's Walid Asaf and Dr. Najat Abu Bakr, the Shabiba student movement held a graduation ceremony for the 'Dalal Mughrabi' class." [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, June 17, 2011]
(Excerpts of an article by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch, July 5, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the world will see Palestinian incitement and glorification of terrorism for what it is. Pray that the Palestinians would repent of their hatred and violence.
Scripture
"Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence" (Psalm 27:11-12).
8. Ossuary Yields New Detail of Gospel Story
The bone box itself was plundered from a Second Temple-era grave by looters. But when archaeologists finally got their hands on it some 2,000 years later, they guessed its inscription could possibly shed light on one of the major figures surrounding the death of Jesus. They were right. "It is remarkable and exciting," Boaz Zissu, a senior lecturer in the Department of Land of Israel and Archaeology Studies at Bar Ilan University near Tel Aviv, told The Media Line.
Zissu and his colleague Yuval Goren, of Tel Aviv University, discovered that the ossuary, or small stone chest, that Jews used at the time to store bones, belonged to a woman belonging to the family of Caiaphas, the high priest who the Gospels say sent Jesus to the Romans to be crucified.
While Christians may find an archeological remnant of the Gospel story to be intriguing, Zissu and Goren are more focused on the rest of the inscription, which for the first time revealed that Caiaphas was a member of the priestly division called Ma'aziahu and was probably born in the hills south of Bethlehem.
Such bone boxes are common, but with its ornate decorations and carefully engraved inscription, officials realized when they rescued it that they had something special and handed over to experts to decipher its secrets.
"We lack the original context of the ossuary, but we found it to be an original ossuary from the first century CE," Zissu said, adding that forensic examination of the ossuary determined that it likely came from the Elah Valley area in the Judean foothills.
The inscription in Aramaic, the language spoken by Jews at the time, reads, "Miriam Daughter of Yeshua Son of Caiaphas, Priest of Ma'aziah from Beth 'Imri." Yeshua was not the Caiaphas of the Gospel, whose name was Yosef (Joseph), but a less famous relative. Nevertheless, the ossuary sheds important light on the famous family.
"Until yesterday, Miriam the daughter of Yeshua was unknown. Now we know that there was such a person. And Caiaphas is a well-known character and we remember his role in the judgment of Jesus and here we have a Yeshua mentioned as the son of Caiaphas," the archaeologist said. Zissu said the names Miriam (Mary) and Yeshua (Jesus) were two of the most popular names of the time.
According to the New Testament (Matthew 26:62), a high priest named Yosef Bar Caiaphas interrogated Jesus and then handed him over to the Romans. While a pivotal character in the New Testament, little is known of his origins.
An ossuary with Yosef Bar Caiaphas' name was found in 1990 in Jerusalem, not far from where the Gospel story would have taken place. But not all archeologists are convinced it's authentic, nor does its offer much additional information about the man or his family. The newer discovery of Yeshua Bar Caiaphas' ossuary, however, holds a key to the lineage and ancestral lands of the Caiaphas family, said Zissu.
"We learn that Caiaphas was a priest. We knew if from the New Testament and [the Jewish historian] Josephus, but now we read it here, from a contemporary inscription," Zissu said.
"The facts link this woman's father Yeshua with the high priest at the time of Christ's death Yosef Bar Caiaphas," Zissu said. "Maybe they were brothers? Or maybe not? Maybe there is another link. At this stage we don't know exactly. But Caiaphas is a rather rare name."
Zissu said he was very disappointed that the ossuary had not been found in situ, which prevented him from examining it in its archaeological context. "Sadly, the robbers' desire of monetary gain has erased entire pages of the country's cultural history," Zissu said. "But I'm sure there is more to discover. This land is still full of surprises."
(Excerpts of an article by Arieh O'Sullivan, The Media Line, July 3, 2011)
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
Zissu and his colleague Yuval Goren, of Tel Aviv University, discovered that the ossuary, or small stone chest, that Jews used at the time to store bones, belonged to a woman belonging to the family of Caiaphas, the high priest who the Gospels say sent Jesus to the Romans to be crucified.
While Christians may find an archeological remnant of the Gospel story to be intriguing, Zissu and Goren are more focused on the rest of the inscription, which for the first time revealed that Caiaphas was a member of the priestly division called Ma'aziahu and was probably born in the hills south of Bethlehem.
Such bone boxes are common, but with its ornate decorations and carefully engraved inscription, officials realized when they rescued it that they had something special and handed over to experts to decipher its secrets.
"We lack the original context of the ossuary, but we found it to be an original ossuary from the first century CE," Zissu said, adding that forensic examination of the ossuary determined that it likely came from the Elah Valley area in the Judean foothills.
The inscription in Aramaic, the language spoken by Jews at the time, reads, "Miriam Daughter of Yeshua Son of Caiaphas, Priest of Ma'aziah from Beth 'Imri." Yeshua was not the Caiaphas of the Gospel, whose name was Yosef (Joseph), but a less famous relative. Nevertheless, the ossuary sheds important light on the famous family.
"Until yesterday, Miriam the daughter of Yeshua was unknown. Now we know that there was such a person. And Caiaphas is a well-known character and we remember his role in the judgment of Jesus and here we have a Yeshua mentioned as the son of Caiaphas," the archaeologist said. Zissu said the names Miriam (Mary) and Yeshua (Jesus) were two of the most popular names of the time.
According to the New Testament (Matthew 26:62), a high priest named Yosef Bar Caiaphas interrogated Jesus and then handed him over to the Romans. While a pivotal character in the New Testament, little is known of his origins.
An ossuary with Yosef Bar Caiaphas' name was found in 1990 in Jerusalem, not far from where the Gospel story would have taken place. But not all archeologists are convinced it's authentic, nor does its offer much additional information about the man or his family. The newer discovery of Yeshua Bar Caiaphas' ossuary, however, holds a key to the lineage and ancestral lands of the Caiaphas family, said Zissu.
"We learn that Caiaphas was a priest. We knew if from the New Testament and [the Jewish historian] Josephus, but now we read it here, from a contemporary inscription," Zissu said.
"The facts link this woman's father Yeshua with the high priest at the time of Christ's death Yosef Bar Caiaphas," Zissu said. "Maybe they were brothers? Or maybe not? Maybe there is another link. At this stage we don't know exactly. But Caiaphas is a rather rare name."
Zissu said he was very disappointed that the ossuary had not been found in situ, which prevented him from examining it in its archaeological context. "Sadly, the robbers' desire of monetary gain has erased entire pages of the country's cultural history," Zissu said. "But I'm sure there is more to discover. This land is still full of surprises."
(Excerpts of an article by Arieh O'Sullivan, The Media Line, July 3, 2011)
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
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