Tag Archives: Naftali Bennett

A great many things have to come together over the next couple of months before we can say definitively that the political situation in Israel is really good. But I now feel a modest optimism that eluded me when last I wrote. “Modest,” because we never know what’s waiting for …

As has undoubtedly been obvious to many of my readers, even though Israel is in the throes of an election campaign (or the first stage of a campaign), I have studiously avoided writing about it. There has been ample reason for this:  The process has been so convoluted that reporting …

My friends, I think it would be lovely if we could segue directly to early April and time for the Israeli elections. But, unfortunately, that will not be possible. And so, I will continue to share basics of the campaign, without an undue focus on details that might seem obscure …

Given the emerging realities in Israel’s political landscape, the danger to Right-wing incumbency entailed in early elections might well be considerably less than those entailed in postponing them.  The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry – Robert Burns (1759 – 1796). The “received wisdom”, as reflected in …

Election fever raged briefly in Israel as a result of the resignation of Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman earlier this month, taking his party with him and leaving the current coalition with just a razor slim majority of 61 seats in a 120 seat parliament. The trigger for Lieberman’s resignation threw …

“They” refers collectively to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Security Cabinet, the IDF, and perhaps other persons in leadership roles making decisions on Gaza right now. For the life of me, I am unable to wrap my head around these decisions, or to feel remotely easy about them. ~~~~~~~~~~ Of course, …

I would like to provide my readers with clear information on what’s happening in this part of the world. I would like a bit of certainty as we move forward. I would like to be able to report on an Israeli government stance that is reassuring. I would like a …

Summer in Israel. Hard to beat. The sun was shining, the weather was hot and the hotels and restaurants were full again. What a contrast from just a year ago and Operation Protective Edge. A personal highlight for myself was the visit to the museum on Moshav Avichail and to …

As has become my practice of late, I’m going to start with a good news item, saving the somber stuff for later.  Here we have a brief video that should put a smile on your face and a touch of hope in your heart: https://www.facebook.com/mirilavi/videos/10154126499312715/ ~~~~~~~~~~ We had better hold …

So Israel has a new government. Just. Prime Minister Netanyahu must be wondering why he decided to go to early elections after all: – his government currently has a slim majority indeed, just 61 out of 120 seats in the Knesset, – he has been forced to pay a very …

 I woke this morning in far off India to the news that Israel had done what I wanted it to do, what India did when the President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, tried to interfere in their elections. As we watch the dust settle over the election results, …

Israel Advocacy Update. Written by Emily Gian. Media and Advocacy Director, Zionist Federation of Australia.. The Israeli elections are getting close, and with only three weeks to go before polling, the entire country is in full campaign mode. There has been plenty of analysis about the different parties (of which …

Naftali Bennett gave a spirited performance at the recent Saban Forum, but was far more convincing on what should not be done, than on what should be done.  You know, I just think you live in another reality. It’s what Steve Jobs called distorted reality thinking. – Martin Indyk to …

It’s official.  Last night the Knesset voted – 93 in favor, no votes against and no abstentions – to disband itself.  We are in a campaign period.  A huge amount of jockeying is now taking place with regard to possible mergers of parties, timing of the Likud primary (which Netanyahu …

This phrase is usually identified as an “old Chinese curse,” while in fact it is neither old nor Chinese in origin.  What it is, clearly, is ironic, which is why I am using it:  Our “interesting” times are often overwhelming – filled with turmoil and confusion.  Oi! Could we do …

I will not be able to post again until after Shabbat, and so wanted to provide here just a bit of factual “catch-up,” as well as something in the way of a broader overview.  These are difficult days. I just read of one person involved in the issues of the …

Chaya Zissel Braun the three-month old baby girl killed by a terrorist using his car as a weapon, was laid to rest at midnight last night. Her death came about after the terrorist’s car slammed into her stroller, sending her flying some ten meters into the air. She landed on …

Well, we are 3 weeks or so into this truce and the answer to the first of our questions from August is self evident. Hamas appears to be committed to keeping the 1 month truce. I say appears, because once again Israel has been manoeuvred into a difficult decision. Having …

Editor’s Note: I urge you to read this. Arlene Kushner as usual makes sense of many things and puts them in perspective. I recognize that I must write, but it’s difficult to know what to say. For what I – and to a person those I deal with and relate …

  June 27, 2014 Late yesterday, Israeli security released the names of the two men who are believed to be the abductors of the three kidnapped boys.   The two are members of Hamas.  As is often the case, Hamas involvement has been a family affair for them: Marwan Kawasme’s …