Israel’s News Blog Magazine: Daily Stories Video and Photos

Well I guess its unavoidable.. This is an ad for Hillary Clinton on YouTube… Sounds like she isn’t doing very well right now on our end. The race in the minds of Israelis is beginning to look like McCain VS Obama and the talk is that she is out. At least that’s what I hear when I am in line to the movie last night.

Kosovo’s declared separation from Serbia, the last remaining part of Marshall Tito’s Yugoslavia, is being cheered by some and jeered by others. The 10,000 sq kilometer former province, composed of 80% ethnic Albanians (mostly Muslim) and 20% Serbs (Orthodox Christians) was the center of a bloody conflict in the late 1990’s that left thousands dead, and turned more than 1,000,000 people into temporary refugees, most of whom fled to neighboring Albania. Following the ouster of Serbian president Slavodan Melochovic in 1999, Kosovo has been semi occupied by a NATO sponsored military force to keep order in this troubled land.

Kosovo’s declaration of independence has been endorsed by many Western countries, including the USA, Gt. Britain, France, and Germany. Many other countries, including Russia, Indonesia, and China are opposing the move, claiming that Kosovo’s independence will cause a great number of other autonomous and semi-autonomous provinces to want to be independent as well. Serbia is naturally very unhappy about the move, and this includes people who might now be considered to the ethnic Serbs living within what Serbia considers to be a “rouge” province. Both Russia and China, not to mention Indonesia, have provinces composed of people with certain ethnic majorities who would like to have their own country. China’s main provincial “headache” is Tibet, while Russia has Chechnya, Dagestan, and other Asian provinces.

How all of these problems compare to Israel and the Palestinian Authority is very simple. Although a “two state solution” has been discussed for years, many Israelis are against the Palestinians having their own state. Now that Kosovo is setting an example of forming its own independent republic, the Palestinians may now decide to do the same as well; especially if they see that they will be immediately accepted by the Arab world as well as many other countries, including possibly some EU countries. There are some issues that are relevant to Palestine that were not present in Kosovo, and that includes the fact that the land that would become the State of Palestine is divided into two sections: the one in the West Bank, controlled by Yasser Arafat’s former Fatah organization, and the Gaza Strip, controlled by the radical Hamas organization. There are also the logistical considerations, as the two areas are separated from each other by the State of Israel.

West Bank Palestinian leaders declared immediately after Kosovo’s announcement that they, the Palestinians, will declare their independence if certain pressing issues are not settled with Israel. These issues include the future status of Jerusalem, and a Palestinian “law of return”. The fact that the Palestinians are themselves divided, make it hard for them to be able to become an independent state; and this division is likely to remain for some time. This is all further complicated by continued firing of Qassam missiles into Israel by Gaza Palestinians, as well as occasional acts of terrorism against Israelis by both Palestinian groups.

Israel’s government has not yet given either formal approval or disapproval of Kosovo’s independence declaration. But taking the examples of countries like Russia and others in mind, many individual Israelis, especially former Gaza settlers, and those presently living in the West Bank, it will be very hard for them to agree to a Palestinian State, particularly under current circumstances.

Picture: Noam Honig for Ynet
It’s very rare that Jerusalem receives two snowfalls in one year. But Tuesday’s new white out makes many wonder if there is indeed a connection between this kind of phenomenon and climate changes that are attributed to global warming. It has already been noted that January has been recorded as the coldest in more than 15 years, and although the winter of 2001-02 saw it snow three times in the Holy City, overall temperatures so far this winter have been colder.

This brings to mind the environmental movie made in 2004 by former U.S. Vice President and now Nobel Peace Prize laureate Al Gore; who did an excellent job of explaining why the word’s climate has been so crazy, and what are the main causes of this change. Israel’s weather patterns have been changing and this may explain why there are sometimes freak rain storms in September and May, unusually hot weather in early June, and definite winter weather in mid to late February.

Global warming, according to Al Gore’s presentation, is causing the earth’s Polar regions to thaw out at an alarming pace. This also holds true for many alpine regions, such as the Andes Mountains in South America, and even the Himalayas, which contain the world’s highest mountains. The phenomenon of global warming and depletion of the earths’ ozone layer, does not necessarily mean that the earth is heating up overall. What is does mean is that the resulting change in the world’s ocean currents, both warm and cold, have having major affects on the world’s climate. This may explain why so many deadly storms, including hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and tornadoes have been causing such much death and destruction in many parts of the world while other areas are experiencing severe drought.

Israel, like other eastern Mediterranean countries, relies on rainfall that comes from storms occurring in Europe, which eventually make their way east. Many times these cloud formations do not reach us since they are literally ‘pushed away’ by strong, dry eastern air currents which come from the Arabian Desert and other arid eastern regions. While our levels of precipitation may not be entirely connected with weather changes caused by global warming, there is widespread agreement by meteorologists that recent erratic climate changes have been influenced to a certain extent.

According to what is noted in Mr. Gore’s documentary, if present levels of hydrocarbon emissions are not reduced, in less than 25 years the polar ice cap may melt almost entirely during the summer months. This also holds for the massive ice shelves that surround Antarctica, the world’s seventh continent. If this happens, not only will weather patterns be greatly effected, but oceans and seas, including the Mediterranean, will rise high enough to at least partially submerge many coastal cities, including Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa.

All this is definitely food for thought; especially in a part of the world that has a constant fresh water shortage. So we should enjoy the snow that is falling here, as some of this water will eventually reach the underground aquifers and also our main fresh water source, the Kinneret. Who knows, maybe snow will fall in March as well.

More than 25,000 dead fish found over the weekend near the marina of Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) were said to have been poisoned by a local fisherman who was disputing an area that he claimed was his private fishing “turf”. The fish, most of them Amnon or St. Peter’s fish, were poisoned by an insecticide concoction used to kill pests like cockroaches. Fears that contaminated fish might se sold to the general public has caused health authorities to issue warnings not to purchase fresh water fish from the Kinneret unless sold in licensed shops whose fish have been checked for signs of the insecticide poison.

The fisherman (AKA Idiot), who is now in police custody, admitted that he poisoned the fish over a dispute with fellow fishermen over a section of the lake that he claimed was his exclusive fishing area. Health Ministry scientists are testing other sections of the lake to determine if fish in these areas have been affected as well.

Besides being one of Israel’s major sources of fresh water, the Kinneret throughout history has been used for commercial fishing, possibly for thousands of years. The Amnon fish, a derivative of an African river and lake species known a talipalah, is a tasty species that is also successfully raised in aquaculture fish ponds. This is the same fish that Peter and other disciples of Jesus caught in their nets before they were persuaded to follow Jesus and become “fishers of men”. More recently, other species have been added to the lake, including German carp and grey mullet, a saltwater fish that has also adapted well to fresh water. It was fish like the Amnon (called Musht in Arabic) and mullet that were affected most by the poison that tended to float on the surface of the lake, like an oil slick.

Due to the lake supplying at least 30% of Israel’s drinking water, acts such as this are taken very seriously by Israeli police and governmental authorities. The commercial fishing business has fallen off considerably in recent years and perhaps this is why the few remaining commercial fishermen there take their fishing areas so seriously. But despite this, it was not an excuse to cause this kind of damage, and it will take some time for the lake to purify itself and replenish the fish that were poisoned.

In the meantime, Kinneret visitors wanting a traditional Kinneret lunch or dinner of “Musht, salad and chips” had better inquire to the restaurant owners there just where they bought their fish from.

A lot of “whodunit” speculation is going around as to who really was responsible for the assassination of senior Hezbollah member and arch terrorist Imad Mughniyeh, who was taken out last Tuesday evening by a bomb planted in his Pajero SUV in central Damascus. Mughniyeh’s followers, in the Hezbollah immediately pointed their fingers at Israel, with Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah declaring that his organization is declaring “open warfare” against Israelis and Jews everywhere in world. Naturally, this threat has set alarm bells ringing in both the Israeli government and military, with strict warnings being issued to overseas Israeli diplomatic missions, as well as to Israelis planning either business or pleasure trips abroad; especially to Muslim and Arab countries, including Egypt and Jordan.

Responsibility for Mughniyeh’s death has been denied by Israel, and so far American government spokespersons have also denied involvement. This could mean, therefore, that perhaps the man who has been referred to as the world’s most feared terrorist since Carlos the Jackal, may have been taken out by those a lot closer to home. Consider the following, especially after the double spectacles Thursday of the terrorist being laid to rest in south Beirut, and the commemoration of the third anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri. Why these two events need to be analyzed for their relevance to each other is that:

1. Both events occurred on the same day.
2. Only an estimated 10,000 people, most of them militia members, showed up for Mughniyeh’s funeral.
3. Close to 100,000 were present at the rally for Hariri. This large number represented Lebanese from all parts of the religious and political spectrum, many of whom had been active in the demonstrations following Hariri’s death that resulted in Syria pulling its troops out of Lebanon, ending a 25 year presence.

Ten thousand against 100,000; that’s a big difference and seems to indicate that except in Hezbollah’s strongholds in south Beirut and southern Lebanon, a great number of Lebanese are interested in a better future for their country. This future seems to be desired without the likes of groups such as Hezbollah; whom many in Lebanon consider to be a nothing more than proxies of Iran.

For this reason, it is evident that Mr. Mughniyeh had many enemies within Lebanon as well as outside of the country. It was revealed that he had only recently arrived in Damascus, after entering Syria on a fake passport. He may have been on the run from Lebanon following a series of bombings that he could have been responsible for.

Taking this and other possibilities into account, Imad Mughniyeh’s assassination may very well have been the result of his deeds simply catching up with him; not only from countries where many of these acts were carried out, but from members of his own countrymen as well. Perhaps even some of his fellow Hezbollah party members, including Sheikh Nasrallah himself, decided that it was simply time for Mughniyeh to go. Whatever the reason; good riddance.

Another Earthquake was just felt throughout Israel 12:38 PM. This was a pretty strong one, my chair and desk were actually shaking… It seems to be going around after the strong quake in Greece this past week - that one was a 6.5 on the Richter Scale. The quake was felt from the south to the north and especially in the center of Israel. These have become more common in recent months around Israel and we had 4 of them in the past 2 months alone. No injuries just a few shake ups.

Imad Mughniyah, one of the world’s most wanted terrorists, and perhaps second or third on America’s and Israel’s “rogue gallery” finally was caught off guard in Damascus on Tuesday night. The Hezbollah terror mastermind, who is alleged as responsible for a great deal of the terror attacks in Lebanon and elsewhere since the early 1980’s was blown up by a car bomb in the Syrian capital where he has been residing for a number of years.

Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Ladin still has the “distinction” of being No. 1 on America’s Most Wanted criminal list.

Beginning with the car bombings of American and Israeli bases in Lebanon, and including the kidnappings and murders of high ranking American military and diplomatic officials, including CIA Beirut head William Buckley, Mughniyah was also responsible for several international attacks including the on the Israeli Embassy and cultural center in Buenos Aires in the 1990’s. As one of America’s top wanted, he carried a price on his head of $25 million, the same amount as Al Qaeda head Osama bin Ladin. He was also responsible for the hijacking of a TWA airliner which resulted in one American being killed and the rest of the passengers held captive in Libya for 17 days.

His death is said to have caused by a bomb planted inside the headrest on the front seat of his Mitsubishi Pajero jeep. It was definitely a professional job, which is why the Hezbollah have immediately blamed “the Zionests” for carrying out the hit. But
Imad had many enemies who wanted him dead, including the CIA and even groups within Lebanon, such as the Philange Christian militia whose leader, Bashir Jamil was alleged to have been assassinated by either the Amal militia or the group that became known as Hezbollah. Mughniyah may also have been involved in the assassination for billionaire and former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005.

Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide are on a state of high alert following the attack, especially in light of Mughniyah’s funeral being today, which will probably be the center of another mass anti Israel demonstration, including a few choice words by Hezbollah’s General Secretary, Sheikh Hassan Sayed Nasrallah. What makes today’s event even more provocative is that it coincides on the third anniversary of Rafik Hariri’s assassination, meaning that there is bound to be conflict between the two groups. Mughniyah’s funeral is to be held in South Beirut, Hezbollah’s stronghold.

If it turns out that the assassination of Mughniyah was not a CIA or Israeli act, it will be interesting to see who turns up to claim the $25 million bounty that was still on his head as the time of his death. Who knows? Perhaps this act was either carried out by the Syrians (who are a bit strapped for cash these days) or even by Hezbollah people themselves who would put the reward money into Hezbollah’s general fund to assist the “poor people of Lebanon”. That would be a real slap in the face for U.S. President Bush and his Administration.

Despite the recent terrorist attack in Dimona and continued Qassam missile attacks on Sderot, Israel police say they actually have more time now for conducting what they consider to be normal police activities. New Head Police Inspector General Dudi Cohen disclosed that in the year 2007, the number of murders actually decreased in Israel by 21%. Although many serious crimes such as aggravated assault, robbery, and rape have not shown significant deceases, at least murders have, according to Cohen.

While murders have decreased, assaults such as stabbings by youth have increased, however; and this area is one in which the police are trying to put more efforts into. Another area in which the police will be putting more attention in is the increasing numbers of traffic violations and serious accidents, many resulting in death and serious injuries. Hardly a week goes by without these accidents being shown on TV. Many are caused by young drivers as well as by those with a history of serious traffic violations. The police are already putting more officers on the roads to give citations for traffic offenses. This might be something that senior police offices should make themselves examples of as it was just the other day that the Inspector General himself was shown driving at speeds in excess of 140 km per hour.

Another new unit, called the Magen anti-drug enforcement unit is working on combating narcotics smuggling from Egypt to Israel. Some of their new equipment includes specially equipped helicopters to spot smugglers on the ground and thus call in mobile units to apprehend them. One of their top officers, Chief Inspector Kobi Mor is the police office who killed the second terrorist in the attack in Dimona. His unit was not far away when alerted to the scene of the terror attack.

Inspector General Cohen was appointed to his post after his predecessor was forced to resign following a number of serious allegations dealing with his connections with crime figures. The police force has had problems with other high ranking officers as well, and one of Cohen’s chief tasks has been improving the image of the police in Israel.

It hasn’t been an easy task. Cohen and other high ranking police and security officials attended a special conference a few months back dealing with finding ways to improve the police and security forces in Israel. The conference, entitled: To Protect and to Serve – Police and Policing in an age of terrorism and beyond, was also attended by law enforcement officials from the USA. It is hoped that new efforts and concepts will improve the efficiency of all departments of the police force in Israel.

Possibly no singer has ever won as many Grammy awards ever as British pop star Amy Winehouse did Sunday night at the annual 2008 Grammy music awards show in San Francisco, California. Amy, who happens to be Jewish, won the top awards for a female singer and song writer in a number of categories, including: jazz, rock, soul, and rap. Her Grammies includes Best New Artist, Best Record of the Year, and Best Song of the Year. She personally performed two of her top hits, including the one called Rehab, which is tied to her problems with both alcohol and narcotics and resulting (short) stays in rehab facilities.

Winehouse, whose physical characteristics include massive “beehive” hairdos” and a number of outrageous tattoos on various parts of her body, has possibly won more music awards than any other known singer. Other awards racked up to her credit include MTV’s top music award and Britain’s BRIT music award for Best British Female Artist. Amy writes many of her own songs, a feat not heard of since American singer and song writer Carole King during the 1960’s and ’70’s.

Her personal life has been nothing short of boring, and this has been known more recently due to both her and her husband Blake Fielder’s problems with drugs and booze. Although she has performed in many American cities, she was denied an entry visa on several occasions due to her problems with substance abuse.

Taking these “minor” issues into consideration, Ms. Winehouse has still managed to have a music career that has been the envy of many top singers, including Diana Ross and Janis Joplin, who although were popular in their time, never won Grammies personally.

Amy’s top selling album Back to Black has won gold and platinum music awards in several countries. She has appeared in video and DVD music clips numerous times on MTV and other music television programs, and is one of UK and European papa rachis favorite subjects for entertainer photo images.

Providing her head and her body hold out, the singer plans to release some new albums including one that has both Christmas and hanukkah songs on the same CD and has plans to do some reggae music gigs and recordings in Jamaica with Bob Marley’s son, Damian. For all of our sakes, let’s hope she keeps belting out her music for years to come.

Increasing numbers of Qassam rocket attacks on Sderot are resulting in more casualties as either the Palestinians are getting better at launching on populated areas, or just better by the numbers of rockets launched. Whatever the reason, the recent attacks occurring over the weekend, in which two boys in the same family were both seriously injured, and may other people were treated for shock, appears to be pushing the IDF into some kind of ground engagement in Gaza.

The plans for a ground attack although potentially costly to Israeli soldiers is basically two-fold. Following the breach in the security fence and wall between Gaza and Egypt, a large amount of more sophisticated rockets (like Katyusha) and other military hardware were probably brought over from Egypt into the strip, which will eventually be used against Israeli civilian and military targets. A large scale ground attack will be aimed at gaining some form of control back over the Philadelphi crossing at Rafiah, where the border breach was made. Another reason for a ground attack is to try to wipe out the sources of the rocket launchings and possibly even capture some high ranking Hamas and Islamic Jihad leaders; forcing these organizations to tone down their attacks.

Israel is already stepping up concentrated air strikes against those involved in planning and carrying out these missile attacks; and word is out that high ranking Hamas officials, including Ismail Haniyeh himself, may be targets. This policy has already been tried in the past when Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmad Yassin and former Hamas leader Abdel Azziz Rantisi were both “taken out” in this manner. Other ideas, including complete cutting off of Gaza from both water and electricity are also being considered; although it must be remembered that it was these forms of collective punishment that resulted in Hamas people blowing up the border barriers at Rafiah two weeks ago. Many of the more than half a millions Gazans who took advantage of this act to have a free tour of the Sinai are still over there and possibly planning future terror attacks against Israel.

Prime Minister Olmert, in the aftermath of the final published Winograd Report, is virtually standing with his back against the diplomatic wall as more and more people, including political officials, are calling on him to resign. The people of Sderot, in the wake of the severe Qassam rocket attacks, took to the streets, burning tires and other material and shouting for the P.M. to either take immediate action or quit.

Olmert is still hanging on to his position, but all indications are that he won’t be there for long. In the meantime, even though government officials like Defense Minister Ehud Barak promise that Israel will “use all available means to stop these attacks” the attacks themselves continue and the residents of this southern town of 20,000 are growing more and more impatient. “Why did you come here – go home” they yell out at Barak and other visiting officials – and for good reason!