Netanyahu Spurns Social Justice Demands - by Stephen Lendman

 

Unaffordable housing prices ignited mass social justice protests in Israel. At issue is settlement developments at the expense of other construction, creating a supply/demand imbalance enough to cause prices to skyrocket. Israelis demand that issue be addressed responsibly.

 

In response, Netanyahu's government announced thousands of illegal new West Bank/East Jerusalem settlement units on stolen Palestinian land, harming them grievously. At the same time, he arrogantly ignored the urgency of addressing serious shortages in Tel Aviv, Haifa, West Jerusalem, and other Israeli cities.

 

In addition, Israel's Knesset passed a controversial housing bill despite popular protests against it. It calls for solving Israel's housing crisis by expanding West Bank settlements, defiantly avoiding what's needed. 

 

It also called for quick action to expedite construction of 50,000 apartments, circumventing planning commissions that take time to decide. Doing so, however, will exacerbate Israel's housing crisis, making an intolerable situation worse.

 

Since protests began, Netanyahu signaled no meaningful change, saying "solutions (must be) economically sound." In other words, business as usual will continue, papered over with minor cosmetic concessions sure to ignite greater anger sooner or later.

 

In early August, he appointed Professor Manual Trajtenberg to head a 14-member "panel for socioeconomic change," saying its "recommendations will reflect the need to maintain fiscal responsibility in the state budge. Such responsibility is especially necessary at a time of economic uncertainty," signaling minimal changes at best, far less than vitally needed and demanded. 

 

Neoliberally constructed, Trajtenberg's panel will conduct discussions, propose solutions, and present them to Israel's socioeconomic cabinet (composed of establishment figures headed by neoliberal finance minister Yuval Steinitz) by late September.

 

In late October, Steinitz will present his own recommendations to Netanhayu, who'll review them and deliver a final proposal to Israel's cabinet by early November, giving officials enough time to let street protests subside. Or so they hope to get away with minimal changes, if any.

 

Trajtenberg's Socioeconomic Change Panel

 

Besides himself and Steinitz, the panel includes senior government officials, including:

 

Eyal Gabai: Netanyahu's Director-General

 

Eugene Kandel: National Economic Council head

 

Gal Hershkovitz: Finance Ministry's budget chief

 

Avi Simhon: Finance Ministry's senior economic advisor

 

Michal Abadi-Boiangiu: Finance Ministry's accountant-general

 

Esther Dominisini: National Insurance Institute's director-general

 

Shlomi Frizet: Antitrust Authority's chief economist

 

Karnit Flug: Bank of Israel's deputy governor

 

Other members include:

 

Professor Yoram Gabby: Israeli tax expert

 

Shahar Cohen: entrepreneur

 

Professor Pnina Klein: 2011 Israel Education Prize Laureate 

 

Professor Rafi Melnik: Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center vice president

 

Professor Tali Regev: economist

 

Panel advisors include other establishment figures from government ministries, related agencies and think tanks.

 

Panel head Trajtenberg also is an establishment figure, formerly Netanyahu's National Economic Council head, appointed in 2006 by Ehud Olmert.

 

An economist, he heads Israel's Planning and Budgeting Committee of the Council for Higher Education. Without explaining whether he favors change, he calls himself "a fervent Zionist who devoted three years of his life to bringing Jews to Israel, an Israeli patriot with a South American soul, and a doctorate in economics from Harvard."

 

At the same time, he worries about Israel's commission system, saying it's set up to kill, not solve, issues, which begs the question why he agreed to get involved in the first place, knowing it's an exercise in futility.

 

In fact, he said "(A)nother panel with all the familiar faces will be no good here. Unless the political leadership unites behind the recommendations, it won't work."

 

Knowing he won't succeed, nonetheless, he came on board adding, "we must take the risk," that may, in fact, be rhetoric, not conviction. 

 

At the same time, he's a possible/perhaps likely choice to become the Bank of Israel's next governor when his Planning and Budgeting chairmanship term expires in a year, replacing Stanley Fischer, head of Israel's central bank since 2005.

 

No social democrat need apply. Of course, Netanyahu didn't appoint him socioeconomic change head to become one.

 

Perhaps it's why protest leaders have their own expert panel, separate from Trajtenberg's, knowing any government commission will spurn them. In fact, some of its members openly endorse non-cooperation with Netanyahu's appointees.

 

Composed of 60 academic and public figures, it's divided into nine sub-units, coordinated by Education Professor Yossi Yonah and Professor Avia Spivak, a curious choice, having been a former Bank of Israel deputy governor.

 

Some units have already held working sessions. Others will do so shortly. Each will handle priorities in their field of expertise. Within weeks, they'll present their conclusions and demands.

 

A public statement said:

 

"(R)ecent statements of senior ministers suggest that the government does not understand what is happening here. Those who look down on the protest and surround themselves with tycoons do not understand the depth of the revulsion at the economic processes they have led, which enrich the rich at the expense of the rest of the public. This method has created enormous gaps, greed and deteriorating public services, education, welfare and health."

 

It added that "the demands of the public today are for fundamental change in the method, not just some improvements in it. The Trajtenberg committee, whose mandate and scope for maneuvering have not been publicized, does not appear to be capable of leading such change."

 

Of course, it was appointed to prevent it, a sham smokescreen for business as usual.

 

Alternate panel sub-unit heads include:

 

Professor Yossi Ze'ira: economic issues

 

Emily Silverman: housing and transportation

 

Professor Yitzhak Gal-Nur: public administration

 

Professor Ya'akov Kashti and Rabbi Shay Piron: education

 

Professor Danny Filc: healthcare

 

Nadia Ismail: employment

 

Professor Mordechai Kremnitzer: legal issues

 

Professor Bilha Tadher: social security issues

 

Professor Yossi Yonah: "fundamentals of a policy of social justice"

 

On August 14, New York Times writer Stephen Farrell headlined, "Israeli Leader Vows Fiscal Reform but No Quick Fixes," saying:

 

On Sunday, Netanyahu "tempered a promise to find 'concrete solutions' to demonstrators' concerns with a warning that the global financial crisis precluded quick change," saying:

 

"We know one thing: We want to find solutions that are economically sound. For if we end up bankrupt or face economic collapse, a reality in which some of Europe's leading economies find themselves in today, we will solve neither the economic problems nor the social ones."

 

Fact check:

 

During dire economic times, going it slow is counterproductive and destructive, assuring worse, not improved conditions. Moreover, doing little, nothing, or forcing austerity when stimulus is needed assures disaster. 

 

When times are tough, pump priming is critical to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. At all times, moreover, just democratic societies are mandated to provide essential social services to all its citizens, including education, healthcare, housing help, and welfare for their least advantaged. 

 

In contrast, neoliberal states like Israel, America, Britain and others serve wealth and power interests only, spurning their social obligations altogether, disingenuously saying it's for the greater good.

 

Netanyahu lied urging "financial responsibility alongside social sensitivity," when he favors the former only but won't say.

 

As a result, achieving social justice requires protest leaders accepting nothing less, or as Haifa University student Adi Gross said:

 

"These protests are not going to stop before a (just),"  solution is found," and social worker Suhair Halabi added:

 

"Nobody is free until everybody is free," saying also "(w)e are fighting a national and a class battle" too important to lose.

 

Going for broke is crucial. It's critical that spirit and energy driving it not be lost. Otherwise, the battle for social justice will be, letting an historic moment pass unfulfilled.

 

A Final Comment

 

Working cooperatively with Netanyahu's government, municipal authorities began harassing protest encampments, forcibly trying to disrupt them by dismantling tent cities.

 

In fact, inspectors issued eviction notices in Tel Aviv's Kikar Hamedina plaza, and confiscated the symbolic guillotine erected on Rothschild Boulevard. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) strongly condemned the move, saying mayors are trying to "push the police to silence the protest."

 

ACRI attorney Avner Punchuk added:

 

"(T)he role of the police is to protect freedom of expression, not to pander to mayors and municipal authorities, who have their own agendas, while using unreasonable excuses for eviction such as the expected Palestinian declaration of statehood in September."

 

ACRI is providing legal help to end harassment, at times successful, but this struggle has a long way to go with major hurdles to overcome.

 

Protesters now face municipal officers tearing down tents, other encampments, signs and confiscating equipment to crush resistance - representing an extremist right-wing government determined to spurn them. 

 

Knowing what they're up against, Israelis vow to stay the course. No matter how many victories are won, social justice struggles never end because dark force plotting never quits, devising new ways to undermine or regain lost ground. 

 

As a result, it's vital to keep the spirit for change alive, never letting it wane because doing so assures defeat. Winning social justice isn't easy, quick or enough. Keeping it is key.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 Israeli Social Justice Protests Continue - by Stephen Lendman

 

Ongoing since mid-July, America's media hardly notice, but indeed care as evidenced by their silence to suppress mass outrage over longstanding social injustice Israelis want changed.

 

What US print and broadcast media won't report, Israeli and other sources cover extensively, because what's ongoing is too significant to ignore. Happening at the same time across the Middle East, Europe, and elsewhere, it's just a matter of time before it erupts in America, most often a late bloomer.

 

However, when intolerable conditions reach a breaking point, people react, and without redress, do it violently. 

 

So far in Israel, mass outrage has been contained. How much longer is at issue under a government that spurns them. It's much like in America where the corrupted two-party duopoly serves wealth and power only, ignoring growing need that sooner or later will explode. 

 

It's high time it happened sooner before distress conditions surge past intolerable to uncontainable, because of shocking unaddressed levels of rising poverty, unemployment, homelessness, hunger, and human misery - a ticking bomb revolutions are made of.

 

Trends analyst Gerald Celente believes neoliberalized Industrial Revolution policies can't work in the new century, saying:

 

"It's not just Model T economics that's outmoded, so are our approaches to education, politics and yes, the military. The old adage (that) 'Generals fight the last war' is as valid as ever. While the technology may have changed, the mindset hasn't." 

 

So while old unwinnable wars rage, new ones start, drag on endlessly, draining the federal treasury, at the expense of public need and good government.

 

Celente believes direct democracy is essential, saying:

 

"The government/political 'system' in place in America, and throughout much of the world, is obsolete and irreparable. The inept generals masterminding lost-cause wars are (matched) by (corrupt) senators and representatives in Congress."

 

As a result, representative democracy "is a cruel sham; it's neither 'representative' nor 'democratic,' and people are" wising up to it as evidenced by poll numbers.

 

Therein lies the possibility for change, "real change, not Obama (Netanyahu/Cameron/Sarkozy/Merkel, Berlusconi/Papandreou et al) change."

 

Others explained it wisely earlier, including Victor Hugo, saying:

 

"There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come."

 

Grassroots direct democracy representing everyone "has come for the entire world (says Celente) to wrest power from the hands of ruling political mobs and put it into the hands of the public."

 

Let them decide, not corrupted corporate bosses, militarists, lobbyists and their puppet political tools. Shifting to this type system Celente calls a "Global Game Changer." 

 

Is it possible? Indeed, when enough people cooperatively make it happen through disruptive power too strong to contain.

 

Weeks of protests across Israel show it, symbolized by an August 11 guillotine on display in the center of Tel Aviv's tent city. 

 

There on Rothschild Blvd, Tel Aviv's Park Avenue, it was the center of attention, signifying public anger perhaps too great to contain without meaningful redress. So far, it's not forthcoming from a government that doesn't give a damn about ordinary people, the same mindset as in America.

 

On August 13, Haaretz headlined, "Tens of thousands take to Israel's streets as social protests move out of Tel Aviv," saying:

 

Saturday night, people turned out en masse in Haifa, Be'er Sheva, Afula, Eilat, Rosh Pina, Nahariya, Dimona, Modi'in, Petah Tikva, Ramat Hasharon, Hod Hasharon, Netanya, Beit She'an, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and elsewhere for what they've been demanding for weeks.

 

Haifa activist Yossi Baruch addressed thousands, saying:

 

"They tell us we don't have focus, but we are super focused and know exactly what we want. We want there to be a welfare state here, and a welfare state is not just a slogan. It means free education for every boy and girl" from pre-school through PhDs. 

 

"A welfare state is (also) a place where its citizens receive fair wages," get free or low-cost healthcare, other social benefits, and have caring officials who provide them.

 

"This is a long-range struggle, and it doesn't matter if Bibi falls in a week, a month or a year," he said. "Bibi will fall. So will (Yuval) Steinitz (Israel's finance minister), and so will (Avigdor) Lieberman," Israel's fascist foreign minister/deputy prime minister.

 

Activist Dror Israel put it another way, saying:

 

"We are not against a specific person. We're against a policy. We are for a welfare state" that serves all Israelis, not just its privileged few like in America, Britain, and other most other countries.

 

Arab citizens called for mutual cooperation. In fact, crowds cheered Hamoudi Hujeirat saying, "We are one people." 

 

Raja Za'atara, from the disadvantaged Arab Wadi Nisnas neighborhood, said, "In the Wadi, not many people eat cottage cheese," referring to one of the protest symbols because of its high price. "But a hungry child is a hungry child," he said, "and it doesn't matter if he is Arab or Jewish. This struggle gives hope to everyone."

 

In fact, social injustice affects all Israeli workers. However, Arabs (one-fifth of the population) are especially impacted, treated more like fifth column threats than citizens.

 

At the same time, hope never dies when enough people believe. Addressing Haifa thousands in Arabic, writer Sami Michael said:

 

"At age 85, it's hard to be optimistic, but the younger generation today makes me feel optimistic. Today the public is showing for the first time a connection between classes, between cities and villages, between Arabs and Jews, and I don't remember anything like this in Haifa," or elsewhere across Israel.

 

"The impact of the Middle East" arrived, he added. Echoes for change now reverberating across Israel. It remains to be seen whether government repression will confront them, and if so, how they'll react.

 

So far, they've been steadfastly protesting, many camping out in tent cities, giving up the comforts of home, that even if humble are preferable to living on streets, even in solidarity for reinforcement.

 

It's too soon to know, but hopefully that energy won't wane. It's crucial to have any chance for success.

 

A Final Comment

 

In a new policy paper, Jacopo Ponticelli and Hans-Joachim Voth discuss "Austerity and Anarchy: Budget Cuts and Social Unrest in Europe, 1919 - 2009," showing they go hand in hand, saying:

 

Evidence "show(s) a clear positive correlation between fiscal retrenchment and instability. We test if the relationship simply reflects economic downturns, and conclude that this is not a key factor."

 

"While autocracies and democracies show a broadly similar response to budget cuts," less unrest results when executive power is constrained. Quite the opposite, however, when leaders and parliaments are in sync, as in America, the Middle East, Europe and Israel.

 

Other analysts also say austerity yields trouble, showing up in protests, riots, strikes, violence and revolutions if public rage exceeds the tipping point, making it uncontainable.

 

Nobel laureate economist Joseph Stiglitz envisions IMF riots, saying "the whole cauldron blows up" after IMF financial terrorism "squeezes the last pound of blood out of" troubled nations.

 

Economist Kenneth Rogoff says high US unemployment and out-of-control debt sooner or later trigger serious "social unrest from the income disparities" they create, adding the Obama administration has "no clue."

 

Neither does Netanyahu, European leaders and numerous others, heading their nations for serious unrest - or worse.

 

Gerald Celente's been warning about it for years, saying:

 

"When people lose everything and have nothing else to lose, they lose it."

 

Indeed, and it may be coming to a nearby neighborhood or right in their own backyard. Bet on it.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 Israeli Persecution of Palestinian Children - by Stephen Lendman

 

Repeatedly in many ways, the real Israel belies the myth of a free, open, democratic state. In fact, the very notion is ludicrous even to growing numbers of fed up Israelis, voting with their feet and leaving.

 

As a result, it's no exaggeration calling Israel a failed state, a topic Noam Chomsky addressed in one of his many books.

 

Titled "Failed States," he listed characteristics they all share, including:

 

-- their inability or unwillingness to protect their citizens from violence and other forms of harm;

 

-- their abrogation of rule of law standards;

 

-- their lawless belligerent pursuits; and

 

-- if democracies, their policy deficiencies, exposing a serious "democratic deficit."

 

Evaluating America honestly, he said "we should have little difficulty in finding the characteristics of 'failed states' right at home." It's as true for Israel, a democracy in name only. 

 

Its treatment of Muslims is especially appalling, notably children, the topic of this article, based on a July 19 Defence for Children International Palestine Section (DCIP) report.

 

Covering the period January 1 through June 30, 2011, it's titled, "In their own words: A report on the situation facing Palestinian children detained in the Israeli military court system." It follows previous reports on how Israel abuses young children as lawlessly as adults, violating international law in multiple ways.

 

Each year, about 700 West Bank children are arrested, interrogated, detained, and prosecuted in Israeli military courts. Since 2000 alone, around 7,500 have been affected, facing torture, ill-treatment and other forms of abuse during the entire arrest/transfer/interrogation process.

 

Belligerent soldiers usually raid homes late at night. Young children are arrested, blindfolded, hands tied painfully, and taken to detention centers. Physical and verbal abuse are common. Reasons for arrest are seldom given, and parents aren't told where their children are held. The entire process is lawless, no different than in a police state.

 

During interrogations, family members and lawyers aren't present, nor are audio/video recordings made for independent oversight. Moreover, children aren't told their rights because they have none, in Occupied Palestine or in custody. As a result, they're isolated, intimidated, physically assaulted, and forced to sign confessions, at times in Hebrew they don't understand.

 

Afterwards they're brought to military court. Bail most often is denied. Children as young as 12 (sometimes younger) are affected, and most plead guilty when innocent because it's "the quickest way out of the system."

 

In September 2009, a juvenile military court was established, though few practices differentiate them from adult ones. Two or three children are brought there together in brown prison attire, legs chained around their ankles and handcuffed. Hand restraints are removed in court, then replaced when leaving.

 

DCIP based its report on 45 sworn testimonies, also referencing other relevant sources, including media and NGO information. Another 16 sworn East Jerusalem affidavits were also collected, to be covered in a separate report.

 

Citing international laws, numerous past articles explained that torture is prohibited at all times, under all conditions, with no allowed exceptions. Nonetheless, it's official Israeli policy, even against children. A previous article discussed it, accessed through the following link:

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/

 

Against Palestinians, even children, torture and other forms of abuse are commonplace. Of the 45 cases studied, two were children aged 11 or younger, one was 12, 22 were 14 or 15, and 22 were 16 or 17. Twenty-eight of them were accused of stone-throwing. Under Military Order 1651, Section 221, it's punishable as follows:

 

-- against people or property, it carries a maximum 10 year penalty; for children aged 13 or younger, it's six months; and

 

-- throwing stones or other objects against moving vehicles brings up to 20 years imprisonment; for children 13 or younger, it's six months.

 

In fact, children most often get sentences ranging from two weeks to 10 months. However, none should get 10 minutes or ever have be arrested and prosecuted. In detention, they're subjected to the following:

 

Hand ties - 98%

 

Blindfolds - 91%

 

Physical violence - 87%

 

Detention inside Israel in violation of Fourth Geneva's Article 76 - 76%

 

Confession during interrogation - 69%

 

Arrested between midnight and 5:00AM - 62%

 

Verbal abuse - 60%

 

Strip searched - 56%

 

Threatened - 38%

 

Taken to detention on vehicle's floor (a painful process sometimes taking hours) - 33%

 

Signed/shown documents in Hebrew - 29%

 

Held in solitary confinement (from one to 20 days) - 9%

 

In all 45 cases examined, children experienced multiple form of abuse. It reveals a systematic pattern of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment in violation of the UN Convention against Torture, Geneva's Common Article 3, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, prohibiting the above practices.

 

Khaled H (age 16) said:

 

"At around 2:00 AM, I was sleeping in the same room as my brother....I woke up to a noise coming from the door of the room. Then, the door opened and many soldiers stormed the room. One of them approached me and punched me hard in the head."

 

In custody during interrogations, most children are blindfolded and have their hands painfully tied, usually behind their back. Some reported extreme pain. Others said said their circulation was cut off, causing their hands to swell and turn blue. Most were held this way for hours. Some reported their feet also shackled.

 

Othman H (aged 17) said:

 

After entering his home, "soldiers took me downstairs to the first floor....One of them tied my hands behind my back with one set of plastic cords, and tightened them. He also blindfolded me. They took me out and forced me to stop near a military truck near the house. While I was standing there, one of them hit me so hard in my testicles (that) I felt much pain."

 

Mohammad H (age 17) said his hands were so tightly bound, he "screamed in pain and asked them to loosen them, but they started shouting and ordering me to 'shut up and don't talk.' "

 

Malek S. (age 16) said when his hand restraints were removed, "pieces of flesh came off and my wrists started bleeding." When ordered to confess, he said he had "nothing to confess to," after which his interrogator "went crazy and started screaming. He started slapping me and kicking me. He even grabbed my head and slammed it against the metal wall of the room where we were. My forehead swelled and I felt my hands bleeding because of the pressure."

 

Typical violence includes punching, slapping, pushing and kicking, often hard enough to cause extreme pain. Children reported multiple incidents throughout their arrest/transfer/interrogation process.

 

Testimonies reveal a combination of physical violence, threats and verbal abuse, at times of a sexual nature or bringing a menacing dog into the interrogation room.

 

A Final Comment

 

From January 2001 to late 2010, 645 complaints were filed against Israeli Security Agency (ISA) interrogators, alleging torture, ill-treatment and other forms of abuse. The Justice Ministry's Police Investigation Department "did not conduct a single criminal investigation."

 

When it comes to Palestinian rights, including young children, Israel is an anything goes society, committing vile abuses with impunity.

 

Two years after Cast Lead's mass slaughter and destruction, two soldiers were convicted of credit card fraud, two others for using a nine-year-old boy as a human shield. Only the defrauders served prison time. The others got suspended sentences, letting them off scot free.

 

Moreover, on January 27, 2011, despite Lt. Col. Omri Burberg's conviction for shooting a bound and blindfolded detainee, a military court refused to imprison him, even though prosecutors recommended it.

 

Settlements also adversely affect Palestinian children. Clear evidence shows arrests and ill-treatment result from living close to them.

 

The cumulative effect of abusive practices, especially against young children, constitutes torture under international law. Whether mild or extreme, it's absolutely prohibited criminal behavior. 

 

Against Palestinians, however, it's standard practice. In fact, Israel's ISA gets carte blanche authority to abuse with impunity, even kill that sometimes happens.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 Congressional Junkets to Israel - by Stephen Lendman

 

Eighty-one House members, one fifth of the chamber, will visit Israel during the traditional summer recess, instead of addressing festering local issues at home during the nation's gravest economic crisis too serious to ignore.

 

Arriving first were 26 Democrats together, including Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (MD). Another 55 Republicans will follow in two groups, including 47 freshmen. 

 

Heading each are House Minority Leader Eric Cantor (VA) and House Whip Kevin McCarthy (CA). Spouses are also going at an estimated cost of $8,000, including business-class flights, first-class hotels, meals, transportation, side trips, guides and incidentals.

 

Red carpet treatment is assured along with considerable pro-Israeli messaging, especially for new incoming freshmen. They'll meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, as well as PA President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in Ramallah. Legitimate Hamas leaders are excluded.

 

Their entire week is choreographed and full, from early morning to late evening, including breakfast and dinner speakers, as well as meetings with other government officials.

 

For security reasons, their schedule isn't known, but while there, they'll get walking tours of Jerusalem's Old City, the Western Wall (Wailing Wall or Kotel), as well as visits to Masada, the Dead Sea, Holocaust memorial, Golan, Lebanese border, and Tel Aviv, with moments to relax by the Mediterranean. 

 

Most of all, they'll get intensive pro-Israeli messaging to assure one-sided support, reinforced by party leaders back home. At the same time, out of sight and mind will be:

 

-- daily Israeli state terror;

 

-- its planes bombing Gaza;

 

-- extreme unaddressed needs of over 1.6 million besieged people;

 

-- fishermen interdicted and, at times, shot at sea;

 

-- Israeli snipers murdering farmers in their fields;

 

-- regular security force incursions into Palestinian communities;

 

-- almost daily arrests, detentions, and horrific treatment in Israeli prisons;

 

-- children beaten and arrested;

 

-- peaceful protests attacked viciously;

 

-- bulldozed homes and dispossessed residents;

 

-- Israel's Separation Wall, stealing about 12% of Palestinian land when completed; and

 

-- severe repression, poverty, and misery of millions of Palestinians whose only offense is not being Jewish.

 

Whether or not they know or care, If Americans Knew Executive Director Alison Weir said not every congressional member is enthused about going. One congressional wife, in fact, who's been there before, said she and her husband never before experienced such pressure.

 

Another representative's staff member said those invited had no choice. If they don't go, AIPAC will target them for removal, and most likely succeed. "The staffer said that the Israel Lobby is far too powerful to ignore and that American voters have no knowledge of what's going on" because major media reports won't say.

 

The Jerusalem Post covered this story. So did Lebanon's Daily Star, other foreign media, Commentary magazine, and the Los Angeles Jewish Journal, explaining the elaborately planned "dog and pony show" messaging. 

 

In contrast, it was practically ignored by America's corporate media, including The New York Times. The Washington Post discussed it on page 13, omitting important details.

 

It's typical of how America's media diss their regulars, excluding everything they most need to know.

 

At issue is why congressional members are in Israel or heading there shortly, on expense-paid week-long junkets, funded by an AIPAC affiliate - the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF).

 

Created in 1990, its web site says it "provides grant monies to educate opinion leaders about the US-Israel relationship, to expand public awareness about issues affecting the Middle East and to encourage participation in public affairs, especially by students on college campuses where anti-Israeli propaganda is rampant."

 

In fact, nowhere in the world is pro-Israeli propaganda more scandalously intense than in America, especially from distorted one-sided major media reports, leaving Palestinian issues entirely excluded. 

 

Mondoweiss co-editor Philip Weiss said pro-Israeli "liberal foundations" fund organizations like AIPAC and its AIEF spinoff. For example, the Kimmel Center gave AIEF $3.5 million in recent years, according to its Form 990 filings.

 

Weiss said his research "shows that AIEF is getting tons of money from the same people who fund good liberal institutions," including universities, the arts, and issue-oriented groups like the Center for Reproductive Rights and ACLU.

 

AIEF also gets generous contributions from right-wing organizations. "And that's the point," says Weiss. "When you" examine who's paying for one-fifth of the House to visit Israel, it's coming from rich and powerful pro-Israeli foundations, "know(ing) which side their bread is buttered on," wanting Congress in tow supporting them.

 

At a time when millions of Americans are in dire need, Weir noted how angry they might be to learn that Congress gives tiny Israel "over $8 million per day of American tax money" during the nation's greatest ever economic Depression when all available resources should stay at home helping them and ending it.

 

It's why America's media are silent, betraying their loyalists instead of serving them, especially on war and peace, corporatism, lawlessness, domestic repression, and all issues affecting Israel.

 

It's why everyone needs alternative sources to stay informed and join the fight for justice. It's the only way possible to get it.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 Repression in Israel and Bahrain - by Stephen Lendman

 

On August 8, London Guardian writer Ian Black headlined, "Bahrain protests: 'The repression is getting worse,' " saying:

 

Bahraini police grabbed Hassan Ali Salman. One "forc(ed) his T-shirt roughly up over his head as three or four others laid in with wooden batons, dragging and pushing him to a line of waiting Land Cruisers and more helmeted cops."

 

He's one of many victims in an "ugly....cat-and-mouse routine of protest and repression in this Gulf island state." Secretly filmed, "it exposes what Bahrain's western-backed government prefers foreigners not to see."

 

Numerous other examples highlight it, including Zainab al-Juma, a disabled woman killed by inhaling tear gas, Ahmed Farhan, shot in cold blood, "his brains spilling out of his shattered head live on camera as horrified screams sounded all around."

 

Former political prisoner Abu Ali said, "(T)he repression is getting worse." A man called Haydar "described a savage beating, curses and threats of rape as he was forced to kiss the boots of the police officers who tormented him on 26 June."

 

They kept kicking and hitting me, he said. Conditions throughout the country are tense. Continuing protests against the Bahraini dictatorship face severe violence and repression. A taxi driver named Jassim said, "I am very pessimistic. Things are much worse than before."

 

An identified woman said, "We sank very low. If we go any further, people will start to leave. We are tearing ourselves apart." People believe that repression without reform won't resolve Bahraini injustice. 

 

It's indeed severe when an establishment publication like the Guardian highlights it through firsthand observations on the ground.

 

So does the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, saying over 1,400 have been arrested (including doctors, lawyers and human rights activists), more than 180 sentenced by military courts, 35 killed, 68 journalists either suspended or arrested, and around two dozen activists arrested, tortured and subjected to other abuses, along with many others for wanting democratic change.

 

Law Professor Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni chairs a Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI). In a letter to Nabeel Rajab, Bahrain Center for Human Rights President, he said:

 

"There is no doubt that there have been a large number of reported human rights violations which include: deaths, torture and physical mistreatment, arbitrary arrests and detentions, wrongful dismissal of public and private sector employees, suspension of students and termination of scholarships, destruction of mosques, and destruction of private property."

 

Bassiouni added that once BICI completes its investigation, a full report will follow, covering all documented state crimes. "We are here for the truth and nothing but the truth," he said. Let's hope he, in fact, presents it fully and accurately as promised.

 

Israeli Torture, Other Forms of Cruel, Inhumane and Degrading Treatment Against Gazans 

 

On July 28, the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, Adalah Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights, and Physicians for Human Rights (Israel) documented it in their latest report on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (June 26).

 

Covering the period May 1, 2009 - April 30, 2010, they presented a disturbing account of how Israel systematically violates international law with impunity.

 

Gazans continue to be arrested, tortured, abused, and denied protections while undergoing interrogations. Afterwards they're "placed in cells which are unfit for humans to live in and many have been left in solitary confinement for extended periods of time."

 

Administrative detentions are commonly used, holding Palestinians without charge. At the same time, many Gazans are called "unlawful combatants," treating them more harshly for prolonged periods. In addition, under siege conditions, millions of Gazans experience extreme hardships.

 

"These actions are in complete violation of international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL), both of which are applicable in the occupied Palestinian territory."

 

On September 6, 1999, Israel's High Court of Justice ruled certain abusive interrogation techniques illegal. However, it authorized "ticking bomb" exceptions and let interrogators resort to what's called "the necessity defense" to protect themselves when using prohibited methods. 

 

In other words, the High Court left a giant loophole to practice torture with impunity. Israeli Security Agency (ISA) interrogators take full advantage.

 

Israel's judicial system also permits unfair trial standards, "under which most torture and ill treatment-related practices occur," including those related to abusive administrative detentions.

 

As a result, administrative detainees can't challenge evidence considered classified, so are denied fair trials. Nor may they contest detentions for "inordinately lengthy periods" or be able to dispute reasons why they're held.

 

Under the Unlawful Combatants Law No. 5762-2202 and its 2008 amendment, authorities may detain Palestinians believed to have taken part in hostile activity (aka lawful self-defense) against Israel directly or indirectly.

 

Without judicial review, men, women and children may be help up to 14 days under detention orders permitting indefinite renewals. In addition, they and their lawyers are denied access to alleged incriminating evidence. 

 

Moreover, access to counsel may be denied up to 21 days, and dozens of Palestinians are held abusively in solitary confinement for extended periods.

 

Nadedh Ali Abed-Rabbo's case is commonplace. Arrested during an Israeli incursion, he was tortured and abused "from the moment he was in custody." Soldiers handcuffed, blindfolded, and beat him. He was put in a small cell cuffed and blindfolded for 24 hours, then transferred to Ashkelon prison, put in a tiny filthy (1.5 x 2 meter) cell.

 

During 42 days of interrogation, he was painfully restrained, denied access to counsel, and only allowed to sleep an hour or two at a time while bound to a chair. If too long, he was doused with cold water to wake him. He also experienced severe pain and constant headaches.

 

Complaining to interrogators, he was told "confess and you will rest." Due to extreme exhaustion, he passed out four times. In addition, interrogators cursed and spat in his face, splashed water on him to keep him awake, and played very loud music intermittently. The interrogation room was also kept dark and isolated.

 

As a result, he was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment based on "evidence" extracted under torture. When released on July 21, 2010, he experienced nerve spasms in his hand, lost hearing in his left ear, needs and ear implant, and suffers from ongoing headaches.

 

Numerous other Palestinians undergo similar abuse, amounting to torture and ill-treatment, taking a terrible physical and emotional toll as on Abed-Rabbo.

 

Gazans are especially mistreated in detention and under siege, including often denied access to medical treatment elsewhere, even for serious illnesses.

 

Despite international law prohibitions against torture and other forms of abuse and ill-treatment, Israel practices it with impunity. Moreover, isolating Gaza under siege constitutes illegal torture and collective punishment. In fact, the Convention against Torture (CAT) calls "severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental," forms of torture.

 

Israel's blockade is described as causing a "protracted human dignity crisis," characterized particularly by "degradation in the living conditions of the population." As such, it constitutes collective cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, a prima facie CAT violation.

 

In fact, the independent UN Committee against Torture acknowledges that blockading Gaza falls within CAT's purview because of its collective harm in violation of other human rights laws. Nonetheless, Israel continues abusing Gazans and other Palestinians with impunity.

 

Palestinians Politically Detained

 

The Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association presented its latest quarterly report, covering the period from April 15 - July 15.

 

Based on Israeli Prison Service statistics (very possibly inaccurate), it documented 5,554 political prisoners, including:

 

-- 229 administrative detainees, including four women and 14 Palestinian Legislative Council (the Palestinian Authority's parliament) members;

 

-- 35 women;

 

-- 211 children, including dozens under age 16;

 

-- 19 PLC members;

 

-- 136 prisoners for over 20 years;

 

-- 178 Palestinians from the 1948 territories;

 

-- 647 from Gaza, including two current "unlawful combatants;"

 

-- 188 from East Jerusalem; and

 

-- 845 arrested from April 1 - June 30.

 

During the period, it noted "harsh violence and waves of mass arrests," including against Hamas leaders. On April 17, to commemorate Palestinian Prisoners Day, Addameer launched a new campaign called "Prisoners at Risk," focusing on those subjected to "serious human rights violations, including long-term administrative detention, isolation, medical neglect and torture."

 

Many Palestinians experience it, out of sight and mind to most world leaders, supporting Israeli lawlessness by complicity or silence. As a result, abusive practices continue in violation of international laws, norms and standards, ones Israel repeatedly spurns with impunity.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 Sustaining Protest Energy in Israel - by Stephen Lendman

 

Since mid-July, Israelis have protested in unprecedented numbers for long denied social justice. Succeeding depends on sustaining that energy disruptively for change. Though never easy, it's the only way.

 

Frances Fox Piven discussed it in her book titled, "Challenging Authority" about social movements becoming pivotal forces for change when ordinary people used their considerable clout, saying:

 

They have "power....when they rise up in anger and hope, defy the rules....disrupt state institutions....propel new issues to the center of political debate (and force) political leaders (to) stem voter defections by proferring reforms."

 

When sustained, this determination produces change. Elections can't do it, not in America, most European countries or Israel because entrenched power shuts out independent interests.

 

Nonetheless, social justice is possible when committed people exert enough disruptive power. Piven explained it as follows:

 

Societies organize through cooperation and interdependence, but disparate interests at times conflict. While workers depend on management for jobs, managers, in turn, need them to produce. If labor is withheld, operations halt. Both sides have leverage. Either can use it effectively. 

 

Piven calls the "activation of interdependent power 'disruption.' " It's a strategy based on "withdrawing cooperation in social relations." Protest movements "mobilize disruptive power," achieving leverage by breaking down "institutionally regulated cooperation" by strikes, boycotts, riots, and other disruptive actions without letup until succeed. 

 

Key is avoiding letting grassroots energy wane. In America, sustaining it achieved representative government, ending slavery, enfranchising women, the right to organize, social welfare and civil rights. 

 

However, marches, rallies, slogans, or even violence alone or in combination aren't enough. What works is withholding cooperation, breaking the rules, and staying the course despite threats, reprisals, uncertainty, or hardships incurred for the long haul - long enough, that is, to succeed.

 

It works the same way everywhere, but never easily or quickly. Throughout North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, America and Israel, disruptive people power is effective if sustained. It's no different now than earlier.

 

On August 10, a Haaretz editorial headlined, "Social protests face next challenge: Loss of interest," saying:

 

Popular outrage "faces its most important test." After an unprecedented show of solidarity, protest organizers and their followers now confront "the bitter enemy of any struggle anywhere: a loss of interest" as energy wanes, the fatal flaw to be avoided.

 

As a result, "leaders must continue to invigorate the language that is taking shape under them," even if media interest fades and smaller crowds turn out. Staying the course is key to "change national priorities," indifferent to social justice for decades.

 

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) asked "What Happened to Us? How did Israel become a country impossible to live in with dignity?"

 

Saying "mutual responsibility, equality and justice" are core values, connecting social justice struggles, it explained that for decades Israel "cut budgets and enacted a policy of extreme privatization."

 

As a result, like America, it dramatically backed away from providing housing help, healthcare, education, employment, and social welfare. Instead, the private sector was given "responsibility" to deliver them, at a price unaffordable for millions.

 

Notably, "social services have dried up, equality has been trampled, and our common goals as a society have been dashed."

 

In fact:

 

(1) Since 2003, rent assistance for eligible recipients was cut in half, then reduced another 30%.

 

(2) Slashing budgets drastically cut or privatized social services, shutting out those who can't afford them.

 

(3) Public healthcare spending declined 40%.

 

(4) Though unemployment is relatively low, so are wages and benefits.

 

(5) Over the last decade, 250,000 classroom instruction hours were cut, despite somewhat increasing them in the past two years. Moreover, the expenditure per pupil is lower than the average in developed countries.

 

(6) Over the past decade, eligibility for unemployment benefits have tightened, the benefits paid reduced, and period extending them cut. Moreover, since 2003, income support for eligible recipients was slashed by 30% per family. In addition, less public transportation, rental assistance and property tax relief was provided.

 

Notably, one in four Israelis are impoverished, including one in three children. Moreover, over a fourth more are in danger of becoming one of the country's poor. It's a shocking indictment of an unequal, uncaring society, concerned only about wealth, power and military might, a small scale replica of America, throwing its citizens overboard for the same reasons.

 

As a result, sustaining popular outrage in Israel is crucial. In America, it's vital to ignite it more disruptively than in decades. It's the only way social justice is ever achieved at a time it's so desperately needed.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 

 Growing Israeli Tyranny - by Stephen Lendman

 

For years, America and Israel followed similar paths toward full-blown tyranny, threatening all their citizens. Believing either is democratic and egalitarian is ludicrous and nonsensical, especially now under right-wing neoliberal governments, cracking down hard against challenges to their authority. 

 

In Israel, moreover, Arabs have no rights. In fact, they're treated more like fifth-column threats than citizens with equal rights as Jews. They never had them or do now. 

 

Three articles, among others, discussed Israeli governance under Netanyahu and Israel's most extremist ever Knesset, accessed through the following links:

 

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2010/01/israeli-democracy-or-hypocrisy.html

 

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2010/11/lurching-toward-gomorrah-growing.html

 

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/01/netanyahus-government-israels-worst.html

 

Since becoming prime minister on March 31, 2009 for the second time (earlier serving from June 1996 - July 1999), Netanyahu's hardline coalition government enacted measures repressive enough to make some right-of-center politicians blush. At the same time, left-of-center ones worry where Israel is heading, a direction they very much oppose. 

 

Already, Netanyahu's gone a long way toward wrecking Israeli society, similar to what Obama's done to America, handing it more than ever to wealth and power interests, especially bankers, war profiteers and militarists. 

 

Moreover, Congress and Israel's Knesset enacted numerous hardline measures. This article discusses a new one MKs will now consider called, "Basic Act: Israel - the State of the Jewish Nation," not one for all its people. 

 

On August 7, a Haaretz editorial headlined, "New Knesset bill is a danger to Israeli democracy," pretending one ever existed, while highlighting a growing threat, saying:

 

Headed by Kadima's Avi Dichter (an unindicted war criminal), 40 MKs introduced the measure to establish Israel as the "national home of the Jewish people," replacing its "fragile definition (of) a Jewish democratic state (with) a nationalist and religious" one.

 

Redefining Israel is covered in detail, while democracy "is reduced to one short clause, (leaving) much room for interpretation as a dictatorship of the majority rather than a regime committed to civil rights and the protection of minorities."

 

Moreover, removing Arabic as one of Israel's official languages serves to erase the culture, heritage, and native tongue of one-fifth of its citizens, what no other "democracy" ever conceived, let alone tried to do.

 

The measure thus tells Arabs what they already know - they're unwanted people in Israeli society, "second-class citizens whose taxes will be used to preserve Jewish heritage...."

 

It also affirms Judaism and Jewish superiority over other religious groups, freedom and equal rights, trashing core democratic principles. In addition, preferentially instituting Judaic law "opens the door to the destruction of the judicial system and its subordination to religious political power," erasing what for some is an inviolable  firewall between church and state.

 

As a result, if this measure passes, it will make Israel as unlivable for Jews as all others. In fact, growing numbers already voted with their feet and left. Under this bill, those remaining might stampede.

 

Proposed Provisions of the New Law 

 

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) explained the new measure's provisions as introduced, subject to amendments and other changes.

 

"A Jewish State:" 

 

(1) Israel is the national home for Jews, based on their cultural and historic heritage.

 

(2) National self-determination is reserved exclusively for Jews.

 

(3) This basic law (Israel has no constitution) and other legislation "shall be interpreted as stipulated by this clause."

 

"A Democratic State:" Israel is a democratic regime. Of course, it's not and never was. It just keeps getting regressively worse.

 

"State's Symbols:" 

 

(1) Hatikva is its national anthem.

 

(2) Its current Star of David flag is the official one.

 

(3) the Menorah is the official State emblem.

 

"Language:" Hebrew alone is the official one.

 

"Right of Return:" Reserved exclusively for all Jews anywhere to make aliyah (immigrate) and become Israeli citizens. The message to non-Jews is keep out!

 

"Ingathering of the Exiles and Jewish Settlement:" Steps will be taken to promote and fund them.

 

"Connection with Jews in the Diaspora:" 

 

(1) Steps will be taken to link all Jews.

 

(2) Jews in trouble or captivity elsewhere will be helped.

 

"Jewish Heritage:" 

 

(1) Jewish culture and heritage will be cultivated and preserved.

 

(2) Jewish history, heritage and traditions will be taught at educational establishments serving Jews.

 

"The Right to Preserve Heritage:"

 

(1) All Israeli residents (of all religions and nationalities) "may work to preserve their culture, heritage, language, and identity." At the same time, those for non-Jews are marginalized, maligned, and denied equal rights.

 

(2) Communities, including those representing other religions may establish separate communal settlements. It's called apartheid, excluding non-Jews from Jewish areas.

 

"The Official Calendar:" Only the Jewish one is recognized.

 

"Independence Day and Memorials:"

 

(1) "Independence Day is the State's national holiday."

 

(2) Memorial Day and Holocaust Day are official State commemoration days.

 

"Sabbatical Days:" Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Members of other communities may choose their own. However, commemorating them publicly is discouraged or prevented, especially Nakba Day when Israeli forces use disproportionate force against Palestinians.

 

"Jewish Law:"

 

(1) Designated as the "legislators' source of inspiration."

 

(2) Rulings should exclusively reflect Israel's heritage.

 

"Guarding Holy Sites:" They're to be protected from desecration or other harm.

 

"Durability:" If enacted, this law may not be altered unless replaced by another Basic Act.

 

On August 3, this measure was presented to the Knesset for consideration. Hopefully a majority in it will denounce and reject it.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 New York Times Opposition to Palestinian Self-Determination - by Stephen Lendman

 

In September, when the General Assembly meets (beginning 9/13), Palestinians will seek de jure UN membership. Unless current policy changes, it will ask for official recognition as an independent sovereign state. Currently, it has Observer State Status only, denying its right to vote.

 

Israel opposes recognition. So does Obama, both Houses of Congress, and The New York Times.

 

Earlier articles explained the following:

 

(1) Last March, Israel told UN Security Council members and other prominent EU countries it will act unilaterally if the General Assembly grants Palestine de jure membership in September inside 1967 borders, 22% of historic Palestine.

 

(2) If granted, Israel will likely deny recognition, continuing its illegal occupation, this time against a sovereign country. Moreover, expect it to accelerate West Bank/East Jerusalem land seizures, isolating Palestinians on smaller portions of worthless scrub land.

 

(3) While rhetorically favoring Palestinian statehood, Obama categorically rejects PA officials seeking it unilaterally. Instead, he wants Israel to decide its terms, size, locations and timetable. In other words, he supports Israeli veto power of Palestinian rights, including sovereignty, an unacceptable/illegal condition under international law.

 

In a White House statement, he also "emphasized that a vote at the United Nations will never create an independent Palestinian state" even though defying a two-thirds majority General Assembly affirmation is illegal. More on that below.

 

(4) Last December 15, Congress (by voice vote) passed HR 1765: "Supporting a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and condemning unilateral measures to declare or recognize a Palestinian state, and for other purposes," including:

 

"affirm(ing) that the United States would deny recognition to any unilaterally declared Palestinian state and veto any (Security Council resolution) to establish or recognize (one) outside of an agreement by the two parties."

 

Obama endorses this policy.

 

However, Washington earlier provisionally recognized Palestine as an independent nation. According to UN Charter Article 80(1), it can't reverse its position by vetoing a Security Council (SC) resolution calling for Palestine's UN admission. 

 

Any veto is illegal, subject to further SC action under the Charter's Chapter VI. Ultimately, the SC only recommends admissions. The General Assembly affirms them by a two-thirds majority. At this time, enough support exists to get it.

 

Moreover, UN Charter Article 80(1) and others empower the General Assembly to recognize Palestinian statehood and take all necessary measures to end Israel's illegal occupation. If sovereignty is granted, it's more than ever essential to do so, holding Israel fully accountable for not complying.

 

Up to now, however, Washington's threatened Security Council veto prevented de jure membership, despite its illegality under international law and its pledge not to do so against any state seeking UN membership.

 

In fact, the General Assembly has sole authority to admit new members, not the Security Council. If Washington uses its veto as threatened, the GA can circumvent it under the 1950 Uniting for Peace Resolution. 

 

Next month we'll know three things:

 

-- whether Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will follow through on his promise to seek sovereignty and de jure UN membership through the General Assembly; 

 

-- if so, whether a majority of member states will defy Washington/Israeli bullying by acting responsibly; and

 

-- if de jure membership and sovereignty are granted, will Washington and Israel retaliate repressively.

 

Moreover, it's a long time from now to mid-September, plenty for hardball Israeli/Washington tactics to subvert the process or intimidate Abbas to remain a collaborationist Israeli ally and do it for them. 

 

New York Times Endorses Wrong Over Right

 

On August 7, its editorial headlined, "Palestinians and the UN," saying:

 

We "have sympathy for their yearning and their frustration," but nowhere near enough nor respect for international law.

 

"If the Palestinians want full UN membership, they have to win the backing of the Security Council."

 

Fact check: false as explained above.

 

"The United States will undoubtedly veto any resolution."

 

Fact check: true, but doing so is illegal. The Times didn't explain.

 

"The Palestinians (will either) ask the General Assembly to recognize them as a state or give them observer status as a state."

 

Fact check: Palestine already has observer status - in 1974 to the PLO, then in 1998 to participate in general debates with other rights, except to vote.

 

"The best way, likely the only way, to (avoid being "more alienated") is with the start of serious negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians."

 

Fact check: Like surgical pain to remove a cancer, Washington/Israeli retaliation may be part of the package for freedom. The alternative is continued repressive occupation vital to end.

 

In addition, Israel (like Washington) doesn't negotiate or compromise. It demands. Expecting another way now is delusional. In fact, suggesting it is duplicitous.

 

"The White House is working with Israel and the Quartet (US/EU/UN/Russia) on a statement setting out parameters for negotiations."

 

Fact check: False. The White House, as always, is obstructionist on everything opposing Israeli interests, notably on granting Palestinians independence within 1967 borders, 22% of historic Palestine, as well as East Jerusalem as its capital, free from Israeli occupation.

 

"To have any chance of inducing the Palestinians to drop their statehood bid - and finally move the peace process forward - the United States and its partners should put a map and a deal on the table, with a timeline for concluding negotiations...."

 

Fact check: A "map" already is "on the table." It's the entire West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, nothing less, and no land swaps benefitting Israel. Moreover, the so-called "peace process" was stillborn from inception because neither Israel or Washington will tolerate it. 

 

Pretending otherwise is contemptibly betraying 44 years of liberating struggle so far unachieved. Of course, The Times notoriously betrays its readers by misreporting and suppressing important truths. Its August 7 editorial is one of many examples, its pages a daily sinkhole of many others as firm policy.

 

A Final Comment

 

On August 8, Mondoweiss.net cited an unnamed retired US diplomat, commenting on Palestinian issues. Among others raised, he discussed the following:

 

-- Palestinians have largely given up on America now and henceforth because of its one-sided bias toward Israel.

 

-- In September, Mahmoud Abbas will seek Security Council approval for de jure UN membership, knowing a Washington veto will prevent it. As a result, Palestinians will "make this an annual exercise," repeating the same futile process.

 

-- Ahead of the September meeting, Abbas will encourage anti-Israeli demonstrations. They'll be met by IDF violence. "There is a real fear that the Palestinian security services will somehow be caught in the middle" and be destroyed "as happened during the second Intifada."

 

-- "Reconciliation with Hamas is on hold until after UN action."

 

-- Even optimistic Israelis "are deeply pessimistic and see Israel as an isolated, right-wing country with no hope for negotiations." In fact, some long-time citizens "said if they knew what Israel has become, they would never have made aliyah (immigrated)."

 

-- Throughout Israel and Occupied Palestine, "disillusionment" is the highest he's seen in 40 years. He  also thinks Washington "finally reached the end of the road and totally destroyed its credibility." Moreover, some Israelis have as much contempt for America as for Palestinians.

 

His analysis suggests what others know and affirm:

 

-- That Israel and Washington will block all Palestinian attempts for liberating sovereignty and freedom, including ending 44 years of illegal occupation. 

 

-- They're on their own to achieve it, making it crucial to use the General Assembly, not the Security Council.

 

-- If current PA leaders won't do it, they must be replaced by others who will.

 

-- Delaying only buys Israel more time to seize all valued West Bank land it wishes and all East Jerusalem, shutting out Palestinians entirely.

 

As a result, going for broke this September is essential. Delaying for another year is conceding defeat and denying the aspirations of millions of Palestinians who deserve better. It's high time they got it.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 Destabilizing Syria - by Stephen Lendman

 

What began in January escalated to an uprising in March. Ever since, it's been violent, disruptive and widespread, killing hundreds, and injuring many more. 

 

The stakes are high. The entire region is affected. It's very similar to what began in Libya, pitting imperial powers against ruling governments for destabilization and control. 

 

In Libya, it's by war for regime change, colonization and plunder. In Syria, it's to establish another client state, no matter who heads it. More on that below.

 

On August 3, Joshua Landis' Syria Comment site (joshualandis.com) headlined, "The Armed Gangs Controversy," saying:

 

Some analysts say "Syrian soldiers are killing fellow soldiers (for disobeying orders), not opposition elements." In fact, nothing proves it. "Most evidence supports government statements that armed opposition elements (are) shooting security personnel."

 

In April in Banyas, the controversy first surfaced when nine soldiers were killed outside the city. Western media reports about fellow soldiers shooting them were false. Col. Uday Ahmad, brother-in-law of one of the dead, there at the time, said:

 

"(T)wo military trucks were ambushed as they crossed a highway bridge by well armed men," hiding on the ground and on rooftops. "They raked the two trucks with automatic fire, killing nine. The incident had nothing to do with soldiers refusing orders."

 

Other shooting reports were similar, involving armed militants, non-Syrian insurgents, responsible for much killing, Western media falsely blaming Syria's military and police. At the same time, most opposition forces are nonviolent, caught between hostile sides.

 

In Hama, for example, independent video footage contradicts major media reports. It shows opposition elements throwing bodies of soldiers into the Asi River, north of the city.

 

In fact, a CNN Arwa Damon/Nada Husseini August 2 report (a notable major media exception, perhaps airing only on CNN International) said:

 

"One prominent anti-government activist (unnamed for reasons of safety) told CNN the state TV account was correct. The bodies are those of Syrian secret police killed by Syrian fighters from Iraq who have joined the anti-government fight," based on information gotten "from an extensive network of informants."

 

Violent insurgents aren't part of the protest movement. They're destabilizing interventionist forces from outside, responsible for lots of killing. 

 

Of course, violence begets more of it. Opposition elements incite it. Government forces respond, and nonviolent civilians are caught in the crossfire. 

 

Landis believes the regime is resilient and will keep fighting, its military having "many advantage(s) over the fragmented opposition." It's "unlikely" to collapse or "fade away." Fighting will continue until one side or the other prevails. Had the Assad government "been willing to hand over power peacefully or establish some sort of constitutional convention, it would have done so already."

 

The longer fighting continues, the worse off Syrians will be. Many already face economic hardships, exacerbated by months of conflict, disrupting their lives, besides the human toll. 

 

Landis thinks "(t)he potential for (continued) violence and lawlessness is large. Most worrying is the lack of leadership among opposition forces." More on that below.

 

Syrian authorities believe they're in control as long as Damascus and Aleppo, its two main cities, are mostly quiet.

 

Business elites in both cities are pro-regime, fearing much to lose if it's ousted. Sami Moubayed, Damascus-based Forward Magazine editor-in-chief in an August 2 Gulf News article, said:

 

"(B)oth cities can make or break any political movement - but rarely have they been part of anything that threatens stability and their commercial interests." 

 

At the same time, the "silence of both cities....won't last for too long" for three reasons:

 

(1) "Unemployment:" If it rises too high, expect trouble. Many young people already are jobless. If many others join them for a protracted period, they'll be impoverished and angry.

 

(2) "Lack of community leaders:" Previous ones "pacif(ied)" angry Damascus residents. No one with similar influence is present in either city because "Baathists (haven't let) independent leaders....emerge."

 

(3) "Demographics:" Both cities are "melting pots," containing elements likely to demonstrate if things break down, because they don't take orders from business leaders.

 

On August 5, Landis headlined, "Should the US Hasten Assad's Downfall Despite Syria's Absence of Opposition Leaders?" saying:

 

Opposition forces are leaderless. As a result, "many US policy makers (are) scared. They don't want" the regime ousted until "some structure or leadership (can) take its place."

 

A power vacuum could produce chaos, an "Iraq (or Afghanistan) redux." Syrian businessmen won't support political change without a safe alternative. They're "not suicidal. They fear having their property expropriated twice in 50 years." Moreover, they've been "inextricably linked" to the regime for decades.

 

By "fast forward(ing)" change, Washington might "creat(e) a Frankenstein....caus(ing) more destruction and death, not less."

 

According to Syrian human rights activist/former judge/outspoken Assad regime critic, Haytham al-Maleh:

 

"If we want to own Syria after the revolution, we must win this struggle on our own," not by foreign intervention, especially imperial powers with their own agenda.

 

Destabilization and Possible Military Intervention

 

On the Progressive Radio News Hour, Mahdi Nazemroaya said outside elements are destabilizing Syria, much like how the Libyan uprising began. Where it leads bears close watching.

 

On Russia Today (RT.com), Michel Chossudovsky covered similar ground and more.

 

"This is not a peaceful protest movement," he said. "The model of insurrection (in Hama) is very similar to what happened in Daraa at the outset of these so-called protest movements."

 

Hama is a Muslim Brotherhood stronghold. "This essentially is a confrontation between the government and Muslim Brotherhood." It doesn't reflect Syrian public opinion, "committed to a secular Muslim society."

 

In fact, "Assad has very strong popular support," as demonstrated by large pro-government rallies. Against them are Islamists "supported by outside forces. We know that's the case," including insurgents from Iraq, Turkey and Jordan.

 

Major media reports falsify what's happening, presenting one-sided biased accounts. AFP fabricated news about Hama, claiming 500,000 anti-government protesters turned out. "In fact, it wasn't 500,000. It was 10,000." 

 

Moreover, when mass pro-Assad (or pro-Gaddafi) rallies occur, they're either downplayed or ignored.

 

In addition, major media reports suppress information about "armed gunmen shooting at police." Even the Israeli press confirmed it, while US and other Western accounts conceal what's going on - "a NATO/US military alliance committing crimes (against) humanity," targeting Syrian civilians as in Libya.

 

If Western forces intervene militarily, "then we are in for an extended war that goes from the Mediterranean to the Chinese border." As a result, a general war may result with potentially "devastating consequences."

 

On August 5, RIA Novosti headlined, "NATO plans campaign in Syria, tightens noose around Iran - Rogozin," saying:

 

"NATO is planning a military campaign against Syria to help overthrow the (Assad regime) with a long-reaching goal of preparing a beachhead for an attack on Iran, Russia's envoy to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said."

 

By condemning ongoing violence in Syria, the Security Council suggested military intervention may follow. "It could be a logical conclusion of (Western) military and propaganda operations....against North Africa," Rogozin told Izvestia Friday, saying targeted regimes have opposing views to Western ones.

 

He also said imperial intervention in Syria and Yemen may precede attacking Iran. 

 

"The noose around Iran is tightening," he believes. "Military planning against Iran is underway. And we are certainly concerned about an escalation of a large-scale war in this huge region."

 

In fact, military plans for wars take months to prepare. America has longstanding ones, updated as needed, against a number of targeted nations, including Iran. It also has extensive naval and other forces in the region.

 

Plans are one thing, however, waging wars another. Many sit on shelves unimplemented, gathering dust. For years, reports circulated about potential imminent attacks on Iran, some accompanied by powerful US naval forces deployed to the region. Nonetheless, nothing happened.

 

Iran is militarily strong, able to retaliate forcefully against Israel and American forces in Iraq. As a result, attacking it could prove catastrophic, not least because how disruptive it would be to regional oil supplies and prices. 

 

Blocking the Hormuz Straits alone would prevent around 15 - 17 millions of barrels from passing through daily on average. Attacking Western Gulf oil production, processing and transportation facilities would make things much worse, besides risking the possibility of general war. 

 

Some analysts, in fact, believe doing so could become WW III if Russia and China intervene to protect their own interests.

 

For over three decades, US/Iranian relations have been strained, but no wars resulted. Perhaps it's because once something major begins, the potential consequences may be too great to risk.

 

In other words, the risk/reward ratio may show odds too precarious even for go-for-broke imperial powers to chance. What's ahead this time? In the fullness of time, we'll know, with an important wild card to keep in mind.

 

With America's economy cratering ahead of its 2012 presidential and congressional elections, a major false flag attack, like 9/11, may be used to incite fear, divert attention from economic woes, and enlist public support for more war besides others now ongoing.

 

It's the oldest trick in the book, successful virtually every time tried, the Obama administration's ace in the hole perhaps to be played strategically for assured reelection, it hopes. 

 

As a result, anything ahead is possible to solidify power, even risked global war with potentially catastrophic consequences. Trends analyst Gerald Celente calls Washington politicians "inepts and incompetents." 

 

With these types in charge, future possibilities are frightening, especially since the business of America is war and grand theft. 

 

As a result, be wary, worried, and ready to react decisively - to the streets, if necessary, to fight the beast or be devoured by it. No other choice is possible.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 Escalating Israeli Street Protest - by Stephen Lendman

 

Ongoing since mid-July, Israeli street protests are unprecedented in size, scope, and (so far) determination to stay the course for social justice.

 

Two previous articles discussed them, accessed through the following links:

 

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/08/israel-rogue-state-land-of-inequality.html

 

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/08/israeli-street-protests-suppressed-by.html

 

What began as a Tel Aviv middle class protest for affordable housing, mushroomed to include all segments of Israeli society (except its super-rich) to include many other social justice issues. 

 

As a result, small protests became huge ones nationwide in 11 cities. More on the largest ones below.

 

At issue are the following grievances:

 

(1) Along with America and Britain, Israel has the greatest wealth disparity and social inequality among developed nations, causing unemployment, poverty, hunger, homelessness, and eroding benefits. 

 

(2) Unaffordable housing, creating an intolerable burden for growing numbers being priced out of a place to live.

 

(3) High food and energy prices.

 

(4) Low wages and eroding social benefits.

 

(5) Onerous taxes on working households.

 

(6) Lack of free education and better healthcare benefits.

 

(7) Weak labor rights.

 

(8) A disproportionate amount of construction funding for settlement development, leaving too little to build affordable housing in Israel.

 

(9) Israel spends double the amount per settlement resident compared to others Israelis. In fact, since the 1990s, it's been official government policy to encourage population shifts to West Bank and East Jerusalem locations, depriving most Israelis in the process. In addition, Israel spends over $700 million annually on occupation, besides an inordinate amount on defense at the expense of social needs.

 

(10) The "high cost of raising children," the common ignored complaint voiced by most Israelis.

 

On August 8, four Haaretz writers headlined, "More than 300,000 demonstrate across Israel to protest high cost of living," saying:

 

From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to Haifa to Kiryat Shmona to Modi'in to Hod Hasharon to Eilat and elsewhere, about 300,000 turned out Saturday evening in a growing show of force and determination for social justice.

 

"An entire generation demands a future," and "The people demand social justice," they chanted. They know what they want and demand it, from Netanyahu or someone else if he refuses or does too little.

 

On August 7, Haaretz writer Yair Ettinger headlined, "Revolution picks up steam," saying:

 

City elders nationwide "stood by as if they couldn't believe" what was ongoing - unprecedented nonviolent determination to end neoliberalism's chokehold on Israeli society. People rallied, shouting "revolution," suggesting what's happening has legs.

 

On August 7, Haaretz writer Gideon Levy headlined, "The miracle of the rebellion," saying:

 

It erupted when least expected "from a generation (raised) on idiotic game shows (with) no room for meaningful debate; on the club sense, another wasteland (in) bars and cafes....(involving people) raised (in) a school system (that failed them, and in) colleges and universities....turned into grade stores; on media that brainwash (and) spread fear; and (with) student unions" more concerned about "singers who perform on Students' Day" than preparing young people for adult life.

 

Participants include people "raised on materialism, designer labels, trends and gadgets, (and) escapism, (comprised partly of) drunks and druggies (who also became) racist and nationalist."

 

Who'd have expected a revolutionary spirit from participants never before imagining it, let alone rallying in solidarity for over three weeks with a determination never before shown for social change.

 

"The nothing generation....surprised us all." Suddenly they discovered social justice and demand it. "It's nothing short of a miracle," and suggests if possible in Israel, perhaps anywhere, even in America where bread and circus distractions take top priority.

 

Yet after years of quiescence, there it was, resonating powerfully without letup, demanding what politicians won't do anywhere without pressure too strong to contest, provided participants stay the course, retain their energy and won't quit, come hell or high water.

 

America's Media: Serving Power, not People

 

The second above-linked article discussed how America's media suppressed an event too important to dismiss, but they did. Except for a few woefully inadequate print articles, virtually nothing's been reported. 

 

It's what passes for journalism in America, especially on issues relating to war and peace, corporate power and privilege, as well as anything negative about Israel.

 

New York Times writer Ethan Bonner missed the mark earlier. The above link comments on his July 31 article, typical of how their writers fall short. At best, they go so far and no further, omitting what's most important to know. Readers have to go elsewhere to learn them.

 

On August 6, Times writer Isabel Kershner outdid Bonner in her article headlined, "Protests Grow in Israel, With 250,000 Marching," saying:

 

In the largest protests so far (yet downplaying their size, except for briefly mentioning 300,000 in her text), they "demonstrate(d) against the high cost of living and lack of affordable housing...." 

 

She also briefly mentioned high taxes, food and gasoline, a growing gap between rich and poor, and eroding social services with no background, context, explanation, or analysis of what caused today's crisis and why. 

 

It didn't arrive like "Topsy," the "Uncle Tom's Cabin" slave girl, who when asked if she knew who made her said, "I s'pect I (just) growed." Israel's crisis "growed" over decades of social neglect before boiling over.

 

Bonner's article was longer, yet inadequate. Kershner's was woefully weak and short. In both, readers came away with no understanding of longstanding Israeli social injustices. Nor were they given context to understand them, or why they happened in the first place, what's most important to know. 

 

Notably: Who gains? Who loses, to what degree, for what purpose, and an explanation of the curse of neoliberal extremism, ravishing all Western societies, Israel one of the most unequal.

 

The best from Kershner was to say "Netanyahu announced a series of measures late last month meant to alleviate the housing shortage. The organizers dismissed them as insufficient," and who knows if he'll even follow through. 

 

Politicians notoriously make promises they won't fulfill, especially right-wing ones. Obama, in fact, broke every major promise he made, yet too few Americans know it.

 

Netanyahu offered to dialog with protest leaders through senior officials without explaining that Israelis want action, not talk. 

 

In addition, Bonner and Kershner omitted a key issue entirely - Israel's rage to develop settlements, disproportionately benefitting residents in them at the expense of mainland social justice, besides stealing Palestinian land, a topic America's media never mention. 

 

Neither writer discussed disproportionality, yet Israelis prioritize it, wanting all of them treated equitably. It's why  why protests began in the first place - over unaffordable housing, because settlement development takes precedence over providing it.

 

It's a policy protesters want changed, but don't expect America's media to explain, including Times writers like Bonner, Kershner and all others.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 

 Israeli Street Protests: Suppressed by US Media - by Stephen Lendman

 

Well, almost. Virtually nothing shows up on US television. Some gets print coverage, but not enough to explain a major story accurately and fully. More on that below.

 

For weeks, tens of thousands of Israelis have been protesting high prices, especially unaffordable housing, creating an intolerable burden for growing numbers being priced out of a place to live.

 

A previous article explained, accessed through the following link:

 

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/08/israel-rogue-state-land-of-inequality.html

 

Interviewed on Democracy Now, Israeli journalist Dimi Reider called "(w)hat's happening in Israel....nothing short of revolutionary....in terms of how people relate to each other, engage with politics," and with a vital issue like affordable housing.

 

Today's problems stem from 1990s policies favoring settlements, as well as subsidies to entice Israelis and other Jews to fill them. Moreover, doing so and controlling Occupied Palestine costs over $700 million annually, at the expense of neglecting construction and other needs in Israel.

 

The above linked article explained a groundswell demand for social justice, unprecedented in Israel, enough perhaps to topple Netanyahu's government if he doesn't adequately address it.

 

Daily on streets in 11 Israeli cities, nonviolent visceral anger echoes calls for social justice, as well as thousands holding signs saying, "Game over - Bibi go home."

 

It's not a left or right issue. Polls show 87% of Israeli support the protests. They cut across Israeli society, including secular and religious groups, Jews and Arabs, men and women, youths and elderly, newly marrieds, veterans, Bedouins, gays and straights, activists and couch potatoes, and Israel's growing numbers of homeless. 

 

At issue is hardline Israeli neoliberalism, a cancer affecting Arab Israelis and millions of Jews. In a rare display of unity, they're together against Netanyahu's hard-wired ideological extremism, believing (like most Israeli politicians) that free market fundamentalism works best. 

 

When in doubt privatize because markets know best so let them. The fruits of that position erupted in Israel, Middle East Arab countries for political and social justice, European ones like Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain, and Italy, as well as occasionally in Britain, France and elsewhere on the continent. 

 

Perhaps soon in America as well if a planned October 6 Washington tent city protest gains national traction. The web site October2011.org explains headlining, "Stop the Machine! Create a New World," saying:

 

"Hundreds of thousands are expected to descend on DC this coming October....not just to march (and go) home, but to stay and occupy Freedom Plaza indefinitely, until their demands have been met."

 

In 1968, before his assassination, Martin Luther King planned to be at a permanent Resurrection City protest as part of his "Poor Peoples" campaign. After his death, military forces removed demonstrators, united against imperial war, poverty, and social injustice, the same issues affecting millions more Americans today, who've been largely quiescent so far.

 

October2011 organizers say now's the time that changed, urging people to show up in Washington, be heard, and remain until their demands are met.

 

October is the Afghan war's 10th anniversary and beginning of greater fiscal austerity when new measures kick in. What better time to ignite a spark perhaps enough to resonate across America with impact, demanding long denied social justice, on the chopping block entirely after passage of the Budget Control Act of 2011, with follow-up legislation to come cutting more.

 

If Israelis can do it, why not Americans. In fact, some Israelis living in New York participated in a Washington tent city protest in solidarity with others at home. They walked with their tent around the White House, carrying a sign, saying:

 

"The people demand social justice" in Hebrew, wanting Americans to know what's going on. They also displayed a sign, saying: "Stop the machine" in solidarity with the planned October protest.

 

Spreading Israeli Unrest

 

On August 4, Haaretz writers Ilan Lior and Gili Cohen headlined, "Taxi drivers join Israeli social protest wave, block main Tel Aviv road," saying:

 

Hundreds parked their cabs at the Tel Aviv Kaplan/Menachem Begin intersection, initially blocking traffic before driving to a planned rally.

 

"Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis" continued protesting on Thursday on "wide array of issues," including housing, food and energy prices, higher wages, lower taxes, free education, better medical care, and labor rights, as well as the "the high cost of raising children." 

 

In fact, social justice "stroller marches" are scheduled across Israel. Activists involved vow escalation if their demands are unmet. Some plan a hunger strike. Others intend to block roads and barricade themselves in government buildings and banks.

 

At the same time, Israeli social workers struck for higher wages. So did Israeli doctors, also wanting better working conditions, some on hunger strike to press their demands and because the Israel Medical Association (IMA) isn't adequately representing them.

 

Moreover, over 1,000 medical residents submitted resignation letters, protesting an IMA/Finance Ministry agreement, contesting their better pay demands. 

 

On August 3, a tentative settlement was reached, based on adding 1,000 new staff positions. In addition, doctors will be encouraged to work in periphery areas for higher wages. Negotiations continue on their other demands.

 

Also on August 3, Israel's Nurses Union joined doctors in sympathy, walking out of four Sheba Medical Center wards, Israel's largest hospital, for two hours for lack of enough staff to treat patients. Ilana Cohen, its head, said:

 

"Why should tourists who come for medical treatment receive better (care) than elderly Israeli patients on respirators?" Moreover, "(n)ot hiring sufficient nurses is criminal negligence."

 

Knesset Legislative Extremism

 

Meanwhile, Israel's Knesset passed a controversial housing bill despite popular protests against it, including activists blocking the chamber's entrance as MKs debated the National Housing Committees Law.

 

It calls for solving Israel's housing crisis by expanding West Bank settlements. On August 2, Haaretz writer Jonathan Lis said:

 

"Forty-two cabinet ministers and MKs, (belonging to the right-wing pro-settlement Eretz Yisrael Lobby), signed a petition," calling on Netanyahu to solve the problem by by "the immediate housing of tens of thousands of (Jews) in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), as well as Jerusalem."

 

Haaretz's Zafrir Rinat described the law "as temporary legislation for a period of 18 months," under which "every district will have a special committee authorized to discuss residential construction plans involving at least 200 units. A similar committee will operate at the national level."

 

Only government ministries or other bodies may submit plans for committee approval in areas with at least 80% state owned land. Moreover, quick action is called for to expedite construction of 50,000 apartments, circumventing planning commissions that take time to decide.

 

Opposing the measure, tent protesters plan a large August 6 Tel Aviv demonstration. One of its leaders, Yonatan Levy, said:

 

"Instead of increasing the state's involvement in housing and strengthening public oversight and planning, this law basically makes the planning mechanisms superfluous and weakens the ability of the public to have any influence on what's built," where, and at what cost to buyers and renters.

 

In fact, "(t)here's nothing in the law relating to affordable housing, to the type of apartments that will be built or to the population meant to be housed in these apartments. This law just removes another restraint from the unruly market."

 

Regardless of enacted provisions, it also means more Palestinian land theft and displacements to expedite settlement construction exclusively for Jews, an issue most Israelis aren't addressing.

 

America's Media: Ignoring Israeli Street Protests

 

Despite weeks of unprecedented social justice protests, America's media hardly noticed. Russia Today (RT.com), however, did in several reports, including on August 2 saying:

 

"Tens of thousands of people, fed up with deteriorating living standards, are staging demonstrations calling for (Netanyahu) to stand down."

 

Western "mainstream media are being accused of burying their heads in the sand over coverage of the biggest anti-government protests the country has seen in decades....And how did ABC, NBC and CBS cover it? They didn't....while the editors of France 24, BBC, and Sky coughed up just a few meager seconds."

 

According to Israeli journalist Amir Mizroch:

 

"There is a box that the international media has put Israel in and that is the Israel/Palestinian conflict. Also the Israeli/Lebanese and Syrian conflicts, and anything" outside these get scant or no coverage, especially if critical of Israel. In the West, especially America, doing so is verboten.

 

Tent protester Hanna Rais said:

 

"It makes no sense that when" Egyptians protested, "the media (were) all over there. I haven't seen anyone from CNN or from Fox News or from" other Western channels showing up. "We also deserve a chance to be heard out."

 

A separate RT report said:

 

"Israel has become the latest Middle East country to see nationwide protests with tens of thousands of protesters taking to the streets....Police have arrested protesters calling for (Netanyahu) to quit....At least 150,000 people (protested) in Tel Aviv, chanting "we demand social justice."

 

"A lot of criticism is being leveled at (Netanyahu). In fact, every time his name is mentioned, he's being booed."

 

One protester asked why he was there said:

 

"I'm here because it's becoming impossible to live in this country.....We have to change this. It's our only hope."

 

Arab protesters inspired Israelis, another demonstrator  saying:

 

"People understand they have the power, that they can organize by themselves. They don't need anymore of the government telling them what to do. They can start telling the government what they want. They can start deciding for themselves and take the power back to their hands."

 

Revolutionary spirit fills Israeli streets. One song heard says, "This is the new Middle East. We created the storm. The future is up to us."

 

A third RT report explained Israel's Tahrir. "The protest is mobilizing all Israeli society" against intolerable social conditions. "People are chanting "revolution. (They) demand social justice....Protests are also mobilized online" through social networking sites like Facebook, much like in Egypt. 

 

As a result, Netanyahu's popularity "plummeted 19 points in two weeks." Activist/lawyer Yaniv Moyal worried that:

 

"The government (may send) people here to make provocations in order to find a reason to take these demonstrations to a violent situation....We're not going to let them do that. The protests will continue. That's for sure."

 

"It took 60 years for people to get out of the couch and demonstrate for social issues. They haven't done it before. Now what we have here is historic. This (time) will be remembered because Israelis used to be apathetic." That's changed. "If the government won't listen to the people, (it) will fall. That's basically it. We can take the government and send them home."

 

Once ignited, mass public anger can assume a life of its own. Collectively, people know they're united against intolerable social injustice. Israeli society demands change, yet Western media hardly notice. 

 

As protester Hanna Rais said, CNN and Fox weren't there. Nor other major US media. No CBS, NBC, ABC, or others. The New York Times ran a couple of stories way short of explaining what's too hot button to discuss: 

 

-- touching the political third rail.

 

-- daring to criticize Israel, or

 

-- explaining that Israeli Jews endure serious social injustice, let alone how Israeli Arabs and Occupied Palestinians are mistreated.

 

On July 31, New York Times writer Ethan Bonner headlined, "Israelis Feel Tug of Protests, Reviving the Left's Spirits," saying:

 

"For years Israelis....suppress(ed) major domestic difficulties to deal first with their existential challenge. Security needs required collective sacrifice."

 

In fact, since 1973, Israel faced no security threat, what no US media sources explain. Instead, they distort, mischaracterize and lie, covering for Israel by vilifying oppressed Palestinians, especially when they dare react defensively against regular Israeli terror attacks and other forms of abuse.

 

According to Bonner, however:

 

"The real threats (Israelis face come from) Iran, radical Islam and Palestinian violence."

 

This represents mainstream US journalism, including from New York Times writers, distorting reality, twisting the truth, lying overtly and through silence.

 

Bonner's article also said many thousands of Israelis "took to the streets across the country demanding 'social justice'....reminiscent of recent protests not only in Egypt but also in Spain." 

 

However, he didn't mention similar uprisings across Europe, others in a dozen or more Arab countries, some in central Asia, and brutal crackdowns by US client regimes, as well as Washington's imperial wars. 

 

Its latest, of course, terrorizes Libya, massacring civilians and destroying essential infrastructure to colonize another country and plunder it. The campaign so far is failing, but don't expect Times writers to explain, or possible activist stirrings in America.

 

In addition, Bonner barely touched on why visceral anger grips Israel. In other words, he, other Times writers, and all US major media journalists don't do their job. At best, they go so far but no further, not wanting to offend Washington's main regional ally or the powerful Israeli Lobby, besides misreporting on all other vital issues as well as ignoring some altogether.

 

A Final Comment

 

What's been paralyzing Israel since mid-July is major breaking news, but you'd never know it from US major media sources, turning a blind eye for the most part. 

 

They also ignore extreme social injustice in America, about to worsen from greater forced austerity. It's another story begging to be told, but won't be by major media scoundrels, prostituting themselves for America's aristocracy wanting things their way. 

 

As a result, print and broadcast journalists salute and go along, despite enormous harm to millions. It's why "America the beautiful" exists only for the privileged few, no one else, and the worst is yet to come.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 NATO's Libya War Unraveling - by Stephen Lendman

 

On August 1, Ramadan began. Nonetheless, fighting continues. The good news is Libyans are winning. The bad news is NATO knows it but keeps bombing, averaging 52 daily strike sorties in the past week alone.

 

On August 2, London Telegraph writer Damien McElroy headlined, "Libya: Gaddafi regime rallies after rebel turmoil," saying:

 

Gaddafi's son Saif "used a meeting with Libyans displaced by fighting to declare the regime had blunted the five month bombing campaign," saying:

 

"No one should think that after all the sacrifices we have made, and the martyrdom of our sons, brothers and friends, we will stop fighting. Forget it," whether NATO stays or leaves.

 

On August 2, London Guardian writer Simon Jenkins headlined, "Nightly Britain bombs Tripoli. Bar death, what do we achieve?" saying:

 

"Britain's half-war against Libya is careering onward from reckless gesture to full-scale fiasco....(E)very sensibly pessimistic forecast has turned out true and every jingoistic boast false."

 

"There remains no sign that the terror bombing of civilian areas is contributing to military victory any more effectively than when Bomber Harris (infamous for fire-bombing Dresdan in 1945 and other sites) advocated it."

 

"Now each night (British and other) pilot(s) fl(y) over Tripoli and drops bombs on it, achieving nothing but death and destruction. (Yet Libya represents) no threat to Britain or its people. (Daily bombings are) a mistake. But who will say so? (Moreover), Parliament fiddles while Libya burns."

 

In a UK establishment newspaper, Jenkins' article is scathing, unlike American major media journalists cheerleading Obama's wars, falsifying reports on them, ignoring daily crimes, suppressing bad news, and keeping their readers, viewers and listeners misinformed.

 

Including about how Washington completely misjudged Libyans' commitment to resist, fight back, and support Gaddafi. After months of failure, daily bombings now suggest more futility than stay-the-course commitment, let alone acknowledgment of major crimes of war and against humanity. The very notion is suppressed from official statements and media reports, concealing ugly truths on the ground.

 

On August 2, regular Progressive Radio News Hour contributor Mahdi Nazemroaya headlined his Global Research.ca article, "BREAKING NEWS: Libyan Transitional Council (NTC) Rebels in Total Disarray," saying:

 

Bombings continue unabated against "Tripoli and other major cities." Despite losses on the ground and a futile air campaign, "(t)ens of thousands of fliers (were) dropped," asking Libya's military to surrender when they're winning.

 

Growing opposition to NTC rebels is building. Gaddafi enjoys overwhelming support. In rebel stronghold Benghazi, "the tide has changed dramatically...."

 

Assassinated rebel commander Younis' Obeide tribe took up "arms against the Transitional Council." Unconfirmed reports say TNC chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil "fled to Egypt," seeking military junta protection.

 

Anti-TNC "revolts have broken out....in cities under their control. Benghazi, Darnah, and Tobruk have all witnessed a social uprising of the local population against NATO and" armed TNC gangs. 

 

Members of Libya's largest Warfallah tribe "joined the (anti-TNC) revolt....Some of them took up arms and others demonstrated demanding an end to the illegitimate" TNC rule.

 

On August 3, The Tripoli Post headlined, "Slain General Younis's Tribe Vows to Get Justice," saying:

 

The Obeide tribe "vowed to get justice themselves for his suspicious killing last week if rebel leaders in Benghazi fail to investigate thoroughly the circumstances leading to his death....The general's killing raised fears of deep divisions in the rebel camp, something the tribal ultimatum so strongly underlines."

 

At the same time, NATO attacked civilians in Benghazi. "(A)bout 160 Warfallah clansmen were killed at a peaceful indoor gathering." Exact numbers aren't known. Their bodies "are believed to have been buried in unmarked mass graves," an attempt to suppress one of many NATO war crimes.

 

Nazemroaya also reported "visual confirmation of Qatari armored vehicles (and troops) inside Benghazi" and Misrata, aiding rebels fighting Libyans "trying to liberate the cit(ies)...."

 

According to Voltaire Network's (voltairenet.org) Thierry Meyssan, UK think tank Chatham House analyst Alexis Crow sees NATO's campaign "sinking into total confusion." As a result, their only alternative is "an escape that (allows) them to hold their heads high" or perhaps retain them in the face of a humiliating defeat.

 

"Aware of the looming political and military disaster," Washington wants a negotiated exit, what America's media won't report, pretending all is well, saying rebels are advancing, and NATO will prevail as planned.

 

In fact, the Washington/London/Paris axis totally miscalculated, failing to understand how committed Libyans are to defend their sovereignty. Moreover, after commander Younis' assassination, TNC leadership and rebels are in disarray. Most acknowledged Younis as their leader, coalescing under his authority. Since his death, many assumed their own autonomy, vying with the TNC and other gangs for control.

 

The chaotic situation suggests a possible end to NATO bombing sooner than planned. Perhaps increasing internal conflict within rebel ranks as well. The potential for a mass anti-NATO/TNC uprising exists, though America's media won't report it or any other important truths, prostituting themselves for power.

 

On August 2, Hugo Chavez denounced NATO's imperial war and the illegitimate TNC "pantomime." Speaking from Merida, he said his government:

 

"rejects the national transition council installed in Libya, approved of by (some) European countries and by other governments, because it violates the basics of international law. We categorically reject this pantomime (and) the hypocritical show by these (countries) that have recognized a group of terrorists, who recognize them in the form of a transition council and give them legitimacy by doing so."

 

He concluded saying, "Long live Gaddafi who will overcome. We're with you and with all of Libya."

 

On August 1, Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro met with Gaddafi envoy Abdul Hafid Al Zleitni, telling him Venezuela gives "unconditional support to the legitimate cause of the Libyan people and their leader, Muammar Al Gaddafi, the only legally constituted authority and recognized by the international community."

 

Maduro also said imperial forces "are applying a similar model of harassment and aggression in Syria," referring to events before March 19 Libyan bombings began. He specifically accused "aggressor countries" of destabilizing Damascus by "financing and arming paramilitary groups in order to (prevent President Assad's) dialogue (with) the whole nation" from succeeding.

 

He added that Venezuela was one of the first countries to "warn about (Western) plans....to divide and intervene in Libya," to colonize it and "appropriate its abundant natural resources....the same scheme" they've applied across the region.

 

So far in Libya they've failed but won't admit it. How much longer can the charade go on? Already it's been much too long.

 

A Final Comment

 

In his new film, "The War You Don't See," available to view online at johnpilger.com, Pilger said:

 

"At the height of (WW I's) carnage, (UK) Prime Minister David Lloyd George had a private chat with....Guardian editor CP Scott. 'If the people really knew the truth,' said the Prime Minister, the war would be stopped tomorrow.' But, of course, they don't know and can't know" then or about all other wars. 

 

If ordinary people knew why they were fought, they'd end because they're all based on lies, regurgitated by major media scoundrels, sacrificing their honor, integrity, and legitimate journalism in the process.

 

Unseen wars are illegal, cowardly and grotesque, mostly harming civilians, innocent men and women, boys and girls, the elderly, disabled and infirm in harm's way, getting slaughtered, their bodies disfigured and dismembered to let imperial monsters and war profiteers benefit. 

 

They're about wealth, resources, power and dominance. Never for liberating humanitarian reasons - the Big Lie to enlist popular support for what never could be gotten otherwise. It sold Americans on Afghanistan, Iraq and initially on Libya, Pilger asking:

 

"What is the role of the media in rapacious wars, (and) how are the crimes of war reported and justified? Those whose job it is to keep the record straight ought to be the voice of the people, not power," but they're not.

 

As a result, governments control public perceptions by embedding journalists, releasing official lies, and manipulating media reporting. 

 

"The War You Don't See" is about women who've lost husbands, mothers who've lost sons, children who've lost fathers, mass deaths, injuries, suffering, and destruction on a massive scale, never shown or discussed, let alone why wars are fought. Who gains and loses? Who pays the biggest price either way? 

 

It's about truth and human suffering only imperial powers and war profiteers support. Independent photojournalist Guy Smallman provided a snapshot from Afghanistan, saying:

 

"At one end of the cemetery, there was one enormous mass grave that was around 30 meters across. And in that grave were the remains of 55 people, and they had to be buried there together because they were quite literally blown to pieces, and it was impossible to tell who was who, so they had to bury them together in one long trench."

 

NATO claims civilians are never targeted, lying about casualty counts and the grotesque ways people are killed, sanitizing atrocities to conceal war crimes. 

 

In his many films and prolific writing, Pilger (like other independent journalists) reports truths, what's never seen, discussed or tolerated in major media managed news, corrupted in service to power. 

 

What better reason to walk away and tune them out, choosing credible sources only for real news and analysis.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

but evil Americans refuse to respect
US as equals because we are so much
greater truly as real men and women.

 Israel: Rogue State Land of Inequality - by Stephen Lendman

 

Growing millions worldwide understand Israel's decades-long project to colonize Palestine, dispossess its people, steal their land, and terrorize them into submission. They also know it hasn't worked nor will it.

 

Too few, however, know how growing social and economic inequality affects most Israelis. Since at least the mid-1980s, state policies have disproportionately favored the rich, causing wealth disparities, unemployment, poverty, hunger, homelessness and gradual loss of social benefits.

 

A race to the bottom followed, notably since mass privatizations in the 1990s, placing profits about human needs as in America where only corporate and elitist interests matter.

 

As a result, recent studies show 1.77 million Israelis are poor in a population of 7.7 million (including Jews, Arabs and members of other faiths). About 850,000 children live in poverty. About 69% of them lack nutritional security. Around 75% of them miss meals, and 83% of them lack proper dental care. Some, in fact, beg for money or steal to eat.

 

Executive Director Eran Weintraub of the Tel-Aviv-based Latet humanitarian organization said poverty increased significantly in the last decade because of macroeconomic neoliberal policies. It shows up noticeably in housing because of sharply rising prices, making it unaffordable for many.

 

According to Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics, average Tel-Aviv apartment prices doubled from 2007 - 2010. In Jerusalem, they increased by 60%. Rents also rose steeply, creating an intolerable burden for growing numbers of Israelis being priced out of a place to live.

 

No wonder they finally reacted, protesting for affordable housing for over two weeks in cities across Israel. What began as a Tel Aviv middle class protest mushroomed after being joined by the National Union of University Students and then others, turning small protests into huge ones. 

 

On July 30, six Haaretz writers headlined, "More than 150,000 take to streets across Israel in largest housing protest yet," saying:

 

"Marches and rallies took place in eleven cities, (the) largest ones in Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, Be'er Sheva and Haifa." Protesters chanted:

 

"The people demand social justice." "We want justice, not charity." "Proper housing, legitimate prices." "The power is with the citizen," and "This generation demands housing." 

 

Thousands also held signs saying "Game over - Bibi go home." They demanded government intervene to reduce prices, introduce rent controls, and require affordable housing be built. 

 

Some observers compare visceral anger to uprisings in Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Jordan, Tunisia, and other Arab countries, so far with no violence.

 

Tent cities were erected in protest - for some, a tent city revolution. On Tel Aviv's Rothschild Blvd., Israel's Park Avenue, they sprung up amid crowded cafes and ficus trees. In cities across the country, they're blocking roads. Some activists practically besieged the Knesset.

 

In response, Netanyahu cancelled a Poland trip, and the interior minister called for the Knesset to cancel its summer recess. In response, Speaker Reuven Rivlin chaired a meeting that decided it will be taken as planned, Rivlin saying: 

 

"The government is tasked with solving (the crisis), not the Knesset." (However, if) during the recess the Israeli government takes economic or social steps that require the Knesset's approval, I will convene it immediately."

 

The crisis, in fact, is serious given poll results, showing 87% of Israelis support the protests. According to Bar-Ilan University Professor Sam Lehman-Wilzig:

 

"What is very troubling for Netanyahu is that this is not a left wing versus right wing protest. It's one of the few issues that cuts across all political spectrums." As a result, he's "definitely nervous, and he should be nervous."

 

"Whereas the street has been relatively quiet in the last 20 years, it's beginning to wake up and demand part of the national wealth that does not seem to be trickling down as much as it should. It's not a call to return to Israel's socialist past, but to a more collective feeling of society as a whole."

 

Indeed, the protests cut across Israeli society, including secular and religious groups, Jews and Arabs, men and women, youths and elderly, newly marrieds, veterans, Bedouins, and Israel's growing numbers of homeless. As a result, Netanyahu's leadership and governing coalition hang in the balance.

 

In fact, calls are increasing for him to resign, including from Haaretz writer Akiva Eldar, headlining an August 1 op-ed: "Netanyahu's time is up," saying:

 

Middle class Israelis "crumpled under the burdens of the high cost of health, housing, education, food and gasoline" for years. Moreover, their taxes are too high and wages too low. 

 

Under Netanyahu, grievances are now boiling over for good reasons. He failed most Israelis and should go. By resigning as Israel's Finance Ministry director general, Haim Shani perhaps agrees. Reports suggest he disapproves of spending billions of dollars addressing the problem Israel doesn't have.

 

Like other politicians, Netanyahu made promises, but didn't deliver for everyone, leaving out Israel's middle class, workers and most needy. According to activist Yigal Rambam:

 

"Every section in Israel society suffers from the housing problem and there isn't a general solution here. Any real solution must deal with rental prices, the prices of buying land, public housing and housing assistance."

 

At the same time, Israeli doctors and social workers struck for higher wages. Moreover, in June, a boycott protested high cottage cheese prices, an Israeli staple. Now mass discontent targets unaffordable housing, bringing growing numbers to Israeli streets, demanding long avoided solutions. 

 

Performing at rallies, prominent Israeli musicians support them, including Hemi Rodner, Dan Toren, Yehuda Poliker, Barry Sakharov, Yishai Levi, Avid Geffen, and others, names less familiar in the West.

 

Most Israeli municipalities also expressed support by calling a one-day August 1 strike, a symbolic statement, perhaps with others coming.

 

Bad policy is at issue, encouraging Israelis to move to settlements, ramping up their development while neglecting construction in Israel. The result - less supply, higher prices to unaffordable levels.

 

Moreover, in Tel Aviv, only 3% of construction in the last decade went for public housing, and none was built from 2006 through 2009.

 

Finally admitting a problem, Netanyahu said government would subsidize a 50% discount for purchase and rental units on state-controlled land. He also promised public transportation costs would be reduced, and commercial property owners would get incentives to convert their buildings into affordable residences.

 

However, even if he delivers as pledged (what few expect), relief will take many months to arrive. Moreover, at best, it likely will fall short, leaving the major problem unaddressed because no society can undo decades of bad policies overnight.

 

Moreover, for years, middle class wages eroded, lower class ones even faster. Israel's rich alone amassed wealth at the expense of working households. According to Bank of Israel governor Stanley Fischer, about 20 Israeli families control banks, supermarkets, telecoms, real estate, newspapers, high tech companies, utilities, and other basic industries and services. 

 

The central bank's 2009 annual report showed these families control 25% of Tel Aviv Stock Exchange-listed companies and 50% of total market share, one of the highest concentrations among developed countries.

 

According to the 2009 Merrill Lynch World Wealth Report, 5,900 Israelis have at least $1 million in liquid assets, and from 2005 to 2007, Israel produced more millionaires per capita than any other country. The net worth of its 500 richest, in fact, exceeds one-third of total GDP, an extraordinary concentration level, and with it a chokehold on the economy and government policy.

 

Moreover, Israel has 16 billionaires. At the same time, most workers earn low wages and eroding benefits. In fact, wages have fallen from 68% of national income in 2000 to 63% in 2010, heading south as the disparity between rich and others grows. 

 

Israeli Arabs, of course, are worse off, an issue the above cited articles addressed. 

 

At the same time, falling wages and social benefit cuts in healthcare, education, and other areas have widened the gap between rich and most others. 

 

Among all developed nations, Israel, America and Britain are the most unequal, a trend getting worse, not better, showing up now on Israeli streets.

 

In response, the Histadrut trade union federation has done little to represent workers, its leaders protecting their own privilege and status at the expense of rank and file members they don't serve. 

 

Though calling an August 1 general strike to address grievances, supported by the Union of Local Authorities, it's subterfuge. Chairman Ofer Eini did it, in fact, to reach accommodation with Netanyahu's government, not bring it down.

 

A Final Comment

 

What's ongoing in Israel bears watching, including whether it will inspire Palestinians to rally for their rights. Activists have been calling for a third Intifada to demand peace, equal rights, social justice, independence, and an end to Israel's occupation. 

 

They're all longstanding unresolved grievances. Perhaps it's time now to address them throughout Palestine under popular unity standing firm until they're gotten.

 

In fact, doing it when fed up Israelis demand change may prove opportune and effective. It's especially true if crackdowns target them but not Jews, highlighting the gross injustice no one any longer should tolerate. 

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 Libya: What America's Media Won't Report - by Stephen Lendman

 

America's media staunchly back all US imperial wars, regurgitating officials lies as truths. Moreover, they never explain their illegality or daily crimes of war and against humanity against civilians, as well as non-military related infrastructure and other sites. 

 

Nor do they report how NATO bombing prevents targeted nations (including Libya) from providing essential public services, including enough food, medical care, electricity, fuel, and clean water.

 

Nonetheless, America's led Libya war may have backfired. In Tripoli, Middle East/Central Asian analyst Mahdi Nazemroaya told Progressive Radio News Hour listeners that NATO bombing united Libyans behind Gaddafi to save their country.

 

Instead, American and Western media falsify reports, claiming: 

 

-- non-existent rebel gains;

 

-- Tripoli may fall;

 

-- the country may collapse; 

 

-- Gaddafi has little support when, in fact, mass rallies turn out in Tripoli and elsewhere for him;

 

-- few civilians have been killed or injured when, in fact, around 1,200 or more have been killed, many thousands more injured;

 

-- NATO only attacks military targets when, in fact, civilian ones are deliberately struck; and

 

-- Tripoli is a ghost town, when, in fact, life goes on relatively normally in spite of daily bombings.

 

In other words, falsified reports suppress reality on the ground, including that NATO miscalculated. As a result, it's losing because Libyans are united against lawless, naked aggression, refusing to let their country become another imperial trophy.

 

Knowing Libya's been there before, they want none of it. Moreover, they understand Washington's Middle East/North Africa agenda to colonize the entire region, militarize and balkanize it, control its resources, steal its wealth, and exploit its people ruthlessly. It's why all US wars are fought, never for humanitarian reasons.

 

It's the same dirty game Washington and its coalition allies repeat against all nations less than totally under their control, especially resource-rich ones. As a result, Libya was targeted for takeover, a plan that may, in fact, have backfired.

 

A previous article discussed NATO's latest setback, accessed through the following link:

 

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/07/abdul-fatah-younis-killing-war-death-or.html

 

It explained the illegitimate National Transitional Council's (NTC) disarray, evident by the assassination of its military commander, Gen. Abdul Fatah Younis. After rebel leaders admitted it (despite initially claiming his war death), The New York Times had to acknowledge what it first tried to suppress or play down, what it always does unless caught red-handed.

 

On July 30, London Independent writer Kim Sengupta headlined, "Rebel feud puts UK's Libya policy in jeopardy," saying:

 

Its credibility was in tatters after Younis' assassination, revealing "a bloody internal feud." Evidence now shows he and two aides were savagely murdered, shot at close range, perhaps tortured, and their bodies mutilated and burned, signifying how rebel Al Qaeda elements operate.

 

Legitimate Independent Reporting

 

Reporting from Tripoli, independent journalist Lizzie Phelan emailed me information to pass on to Progressive Radio Hour listeners, including that two days after Britain recognized the illegitimate TNC as Libya's government, its military commander was assassinated.

 

Afterward, NTC leaders reportedly fled Benghazi in the wake of a popular uprising against them. In contrast,  there's "complete security (in Tripoli) with families enjoying days at the beach and getting ready for Ramadan (beginning August 1)."

 

On July 28, Gaddafi told hundreds of thousands of Tripoli residents that a battle was occurring in Benghazi. Its people are challenging TNC occupation, and when Younis' death was announced at 2:00AM, "huge celebrations (erupted) across Tripoli with fireworks and celebratory gunfire until the early hours."

 

On July 31, Phelan reported "breaking news" that Libya's Al Fatah revolution (Gaddafi's 1969 bloodless coup, ousting King Idris from power, establishing the Libyan Arab Republic) regained power in Benghazi.

 

She confirmed that Libya's largest Warfalla tribe was marching to the rebel capital, as well as Libyan armed forces already there, adding:

 

Gaddafi's "green flag is (again) flying in military barracks in Benghazi. Massive celebrations will take place in Tripoli tonight."

 

Though a hopeful sign, don't expect Washington and its NATO partners to back off gracefully. It took nearly a decade to balkanize and colonize Yugoslavia. Years more destabilization and conflict may try doing the same to Libya, whether or not it succeeds.

 

Aftermath of Rebel Commander's Death

 

On July 30, AP reported that Younis' son, Ashraf, broke down at his father's funeral, "crying and screaming as they lowered the body into the ground - in a startling and risky display in a city (Benghazi) that was the first to shed Gaddafi's rule nearly six months ago - pleaded hysterically for the return of the Libyan leader to bring stability," saying:

 

"We want Muammar to come back! We want the green flag back!" referring to Libya's national banner under him.

 

Notably on July 29, London Guardian writer Richard Seymour headlined, "Gaddafi is stronger than ever in Libya," saying:

 

NATO's war "has not gone well." Efforts are under way to end it. No sign of a palace coup against Gaddafi exists. In fact, "(if his) regime is not more in control of Libya than before, then this completely undermines the simplistic view put about by the supporters of war - and unfortunately by (rebel elements) - that the situation was simply one of a hated tyrant hanging on through mercenary violence."

 

From the start, of course, it was part of the Big Lie to justify war to remove him. It's now known "that rebellious sectors started to go back to Gaddafi within weeks of the revolt taking off, meaning" his support was stronger than reported, and now much more so.

 

Moreover, despite over 30 nations recognizing the illegitimate TNC, "this is pure cynicism." In addition, Amnesty International and other independent sources disproved claims about Gaddafi committing mass killings and atrocities. "This completely demolishes the last leg of the moral case for war."

 

"In fact, if there was any idea that the US could offer an alternative model of development for the populations of the Middle East, it now lies in ruins. It is more than unfortunate that Libya had to be reduced to ruins for this to become apparent."

 

Although stopping short of calling for an immediate bombing halt, compare Seymour's report to the latest July 30 New York Times one. In unabashed anti-Gaddafi mode, writer David Kirkpatrick headlined, "NATO Strikes at Libyan State TV," saying:

 

On Saturday, NATO "disabled three Libyan state television transmission dishes in Tripoli with airstrikes overnight, as the alliance took steps to remove the main instrument of (Gaddafi) propaganda from the airwaves."

 

Of course, The New York Times, as "the newspaper of record," functions as the equivalent of an official US state propaganda service, reporting daily misinformation managed news, not vital truths readers need to know.

 

For example, it didn't address Amnesty International's April 23, 2009 report headlined, "No Justice for the Victims of NATO Bombings," saying:

 

"Ten years on, no one has been held to account for the NATO attack on the Serbian state radio and television (RTS) building that left 16 civilians dead." The Belgrade strike left 16 others injured. 

 

"The bombing of the headquarters of Serbian state radio and television was a deliberate attack on a civilian object and as such constitutes a war crime," Sian Jones,  AI's Balkans expert said.

 

NATO told AI it bombed RTS "because of its propaganda function, in order to undermine the morale of the population and the armed forces." AI dismissed the claim as false justification of a war crime.

 

The same holds for bombing Libya Jamahiriya Broadcasting Corporation (LJBC), airing television and radio news, cultural and other reports, including satellite TV in Arabic, English and French throughout the Middle East and Europe. 

 

It's Libya's equivalent of Britain's government-funded and controlled BBC, charging residents a monthly fee on their television receivers, whether or not they watch it.

 

NATO tried but failed to silence Libya's LJBC to assure  only its own message got out, saying:

 

"Our intervention was necessary as TV was being used as an integral component of the regime apparatus designed to systematically oppress and threaten civilians and to incite attacks against them. Qaddafi's increasing practice of inflammatory broadcasts illustrates his regime's policy to instill hatred amongst Libyans, to mobilize its supporters against civilians and to trigger bloodshed." 

 

In fact, it was NATO's latest ball-faced lie. Nonetheless, Kirkpatrick dutifully regurgitated it, the way disgraced former Times writer Judith Miller did, functioning as a Pentagon press agent in the run-up to the Iraq war.

 

A Final Comment

 

Though ground-based satellites were disabled, LJBC kept broadcasting, issuing a statement that three employees were killed, another 15 wounded. LJBC official Khalid Bazelya said:

 

"We are not a military target. We are not commanders in the army and we do not pose a threat to civilians. We are performing our job as journalists representing what we wholeheartedly believe is the reality of NATO aggression and the violence in Libya."

 

In fact, when Gaddafi's speeches and comments from other state officials are aired, or guests express pro-regime support, it's no different than what appears on US TV. 

 

Every channel (including so-called public television news and opinion shows) is littered with Democrat and Republican representatives, as well as full coverage for presidents' speeches and many other public appearances. 

 

It's very much the same in other Western countries where, in fact, voices opposing imperial and corporate policies are virtually entirely shut out. 

 

There and in America, real information on what people most need to know (including why Washington attacked Libya) is available only through alternative print and broadcast sources, mostly online.

 

Make them a regular habit, and what a previous article urged, saying imagine freedom from all managed and junk food news. Tune out and make it happen.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 Daily NATO War Crimes in Libya - by Stephen Lendman

 

Among them is waging war on truth, Western managed news calling lawless imperial wars liberating ones. No wonder John Pilger says journalism is the first casualty of war, adding:

 

"Not only that: it has become a weapon of war, a virulent censorship (and deception) that goes unrecognised in the United States, Britain and other democracies; censorship by omission, whose power is such that, in war, it can mean the difference between life and death for people in faraway countries...."

 

In their book, "Guardians of Power," David Edwards and David Cromwell explained why today's media are in crisis and a free and open society at risk. It's because press prostitutes substitute fiction for fact. News is carefully filtered, dissent marginalized, and supporting wealth and power substitutes for full and accurate reporting. 

 

It's a cancer, corrupting everything from corporate-run print and broadcast sources, as well as operations like BBC and what passes for America's hopelessly compromised public radio and TV. They put out daily managed and junk food news plus infotainment, treating consumers like mushrooms - well-watered and in the dark.

 

During wars, in fact, they cheerlead them, reporting agitprop and misinformation no respectable journalist would touch. 

 

On the Progressive Radio News Hour, Middle East/Central Asia analyst Mahdi Nazemroaya, in Tripoli, said some journalists also perform fifth column duties, collecting intelligence and locating targets to supply NATO bombing coordinates, notably civilian targets called military ones. 

 

In a July 28 email, he said tell listeners that "NATO is trying to negotiate with the government in Tripoli." More on that below. He added that they're also "planning a new stage of the war against the Libyan people through (predatory) NGOs and fake humanitarian missions." A likely UN Blue Helmet occupying force also, paramilitaries masquerading as peacekeepers Gaddafi controlled areas won't tolerate.

 

NATO, in fact, calls civilian targets legitimate ones, including one or more hospitals, a clinic, factories, warehouses, agricultural sites, schools, a university, one or more mosques, non-military related infrastructure, a food storage facility, and others.

 

Notably on July 23, a Brega water pipe factory was struck, killing six guards. It produces pipes for Libya's Great Man-Made River system (GMMR), an ocean-sized aquifer beneath its sands, making the desert bloom for productive agriculture, and supplying water to Libya's people. 

 

The previous day, a water supply pipeline was destroyed. It will take months to restore. The factory produced vital pipes to do it, a clear war crime like daily others. Moreover, the entire GMMR is threatened by a shortage of spare parts and chemicals. As a result, it's struggling to keep reservoirs at a level able to provide a sustainable supply. Without it, a humanitarian disaster looms, very likely what NATO plans as in past wars.

 

On July 27, AFP said that:

 

"NATO warned that its warplanes will bomb civilian facilities if (Gaddafi's) forces use them to launch attacks." At the same time, a spokesman said great care is taken to minimize civilian casualties.

 

NATO lied. Daily, it's attacking non-military related sites to destroy Libya's ability to function in areas loyal to Gaddafi. Earlier, in fact, a spokesman claimed there was "no evidence" civilian targets were hit or noncombatants killed, except one time a major incident was too obvious to hide. Reluctantly it admitted a "mistake," covering up a willful planned attack, knowing civilians were affected.

 

Libya (satellite) TV calls itself "a voice for free Libya....struggling to liberate Libya from the grip of the Gaddafi regime...." In fact, it's a pro-NATO propaganda service, reporting misinformation on air and online.

 

On July 25, it headlined, "No evidence to support Gaddafi's allegations that civilian targets were hit," when, it fact, they're struck daily.

 

Nonetheless, it claimed only military sites are bombed, saying Tripoli-based journalists aren't taken to affected areas, "suggesting NATO's gunners are hitting military targets, at least in the capital."

 

In fact, corporate and independent journalists are regularly taken to many sites struck. Independent accounts confirm civilian casualties and non-military facilities bombed. Pro-NATO scoundrels report managed news, complicit in daily war crimes.

 

On July 28, Libya TV claimed "captured Gaddafi soldiers say army morale is low," when, in fact, most Libyans support Gaddafi. Millions are armed. Gaddafi gave them weapons. They could easily oust him if they wish. Instead, they rally supportively, what Western media and Libya TV won't report. 

 

Moreover, captured soldiers say what they're told, likely threatened with death or torture if they refuse, especially in rebel paramilitary hands, under NATO orders to terrorize areas they control.

 

As a result, civilian casualties mount, up to 1,200 or more killed and thousands wounded in pro-Gaddafi areas, many seriously as war rages. In addition, unknown numbers of combatant casualties on both sides aren't known, nor is the civilian toll in rebel held areas. 

 

Nonetheless, daily sorties and strikes continue. Since mid-July alone through July 27, they include:

 

July 14: 132 sorties and 48 strikes

 

July 15: 115 sorties and 46 strikes

 

July 16: 110 sorties and 45 strikes

 

July 17: 122 sorties and 46 strikes

 

July 18: 129 sorties and 44 strikes

 

July 19: 113 sorties and 40 strikes

 

July 20: 122 sorties and 53 strikes

 

July 21: 124 sorties and 45 strikes

 

July 22: 128 sorties and 46 strikes

 

July 23: 125 sorties and 56 strikes

 

July 24: 163 sorties and 43 strikes

 

July 25: 111 sorties and 54 strikes

 

July 26: 134 sorties and 46 strikes

 

July 27: 133 sorties and 54 strikes

 

Daily patterns are consistent. However, information on numbers and types of bombs, as well as other munitions aren't given. Instead, misinformation claims a humanitarian mission protects civilians - by terrorizing, killing, and injuring them, solely for imperial aims. It's why all US-led wars are fought, never for liberating reasons.

 

The entire campaign is based on lies. It's standard war time procedure, to enlist popular support for campaigns people otherwise would reject. 

 

In fact, no humanitarian crisis existed until NATO arrived. Moreover, in paramilitary controlled areas, Amnesty International confirmed only 110 pro and anti-Gaddafi supporter deaths combined, most likely more of the former than latter as rebel cutthroats rampaged through areas they occupy. Currently, the numbers of dead and injured civilians are many times that amount, largely from NATO attacks.

 

NATO, in fact, is code language for the Pentagon, paying the largest share of its operating and military budgets. Except for Germany and Britain, other members pay small shares, most, in fact, miniscule amounts.

 

Since NATO began bombing on March 19, daily attacks inflicted lawless collective punishment against millions in Gaddafi supported areas. Affected is their ability to obtain food, medicines, fuel and other basic supplies, exposing another lie about humanitarian intervention.

 

On July 25, OCHA's fact-finding team said Tripoli contained "pockets of vulnerability where people need urgent humanitarian assistance." Medical supplies are running low. The last major delivery was in January, and concerns are increasing about the "unsustainable food supply chain for the public distribution systems, especially as Ramadan approaches (on or around August 1 to about August 29) and the conflict persists."

 

Moreover, "Libyan oil experts warned that fuel stocks could run out in two weeks." Public transportation costs have tripled. Food prices have also soared. Tripoli residents experience electricity cuts, and clean water supplies are endangered.

 

Before conflict erupted, Libyans had the region's highest standard of living and highest life expectancy in Africa because Gaddafi's oil wealth provided healthcare, education, housing assistance and other social benefits. Imperial war, of course, changed things. Libyans now hang on to survive.

 

Seeking an End Game

 

On July 26, UPI headlined, "NATO seeks urgent exit strategy in Libya," knowing this phase of the war is lost. Nonetheless, future strategies and campaigns will follow.

 

For now, however, "NATO is seeking an urgent exit strategy (to end) fighting and decide the future of (Gaddifi), even if that means letting him stay in the country though out of power, it emerged Tuesday after British and French foreign ministers met in London."

 

In tribal Libya, Gaddafi's power, in fact, is far less than reported, social anthropologist Ranier Fsadni saying:

 

"Gaddafi's feeling for tribal Libya is certainly one factor that explains how he has managed to rule the country for so many years. (However), (t)here is no tribal office giving a single man a monopoly of institutional power at the apex....Several factors account for his longevity in power," including sharing Libya's oil wealth. 

 

UPI said diplomacy is driven by a failed military campaign. As a result, "(i)ntense mediation efforts are underway at different levels at the United Nations and Europe, in African, European and Middle Eastern capitals and Russia."

 

Neither side is commenting, but some observers think operations may wind down in weeks, based on an unannounced face-saving solution, despite continued destabilization and future conflict planned. It's similar to Balkan and Iraq war strategies, a combination of tactics until Washington prevailed. 

 

Libya faces the same end game, though years could pass before it arrives. As a result, Libyans can expect continued hardships. When imperial America shows up, that strategy persists until it prevails, no matter the pain and suffering inflicted.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

 Israeli Home Demolition Terrorism - by Stephen Lendman

 

Co-founded (with Meir Marglit) and directed by Jeff Halper, the Israeli Committee Against Home Demolitions (ICAHD) "is a non-violent, direct-action organization established in 1998 to resist Israeli demolition of Palestinian houses in the Occupied Territories."

 

ICAHD also helps rebuild homes. In addition, it resists "land expropriation, settlement expansions, by-pass road construction, policies of 'closure' and 'separation,' " as well as destruction of agricultural land and crops. It also works for peace, equity, and ending Israel's illegal occupation.

 

Access its web site through the following link:

 

http://www.icahd.org/

 

It estimates over 24,800 West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza houses demolished since 1967 (4,247 during Cast Lead, according to the UN).

 

It classifies demolition types as:

 

-- punishment for actions associated with the structures (about 8.5%);

 

-- administrative for lacking building permits (about 26%);

 

-- land-clearing/military demolitions for any reason, including achieving IDF goals or accompanying extrajudicial assassinations (about 65.5%); and

 

-- other undefined reasons.

 

In fact, Israel's demolition and displacement policies are serious international law breaches for any reason. Nonetheless, they continue as official state policy to steal Palestinian land for Israelis, an issue Western media ignore, as well as other Israeli crimes of war and against humanity.

 

On June 27, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) said the Knesset Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee passed a first draft of a law requiring Palestinians to pay house demolition costs with no judicial review. 

 

ACRI and Bimkom: Planners for Planning Rights petitioned the committee, calling the measure extreme, adding that without judicial review "there is no option for the owners to demolish the structure themselves," a much cheaper procedure.

 

Moreover, this legislation gives administrative authorities "unbalanced" demolition freedom, including to bulldoze homes in "structurally disadvantaged communities such as Bedouins in unrecognized communities" and Palestinians in East Jerusalem.

 

A "softened version of the bill" lets courts decide whether costs should be imposed and how much. It's expected to become law.

 

On July 21, a new UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) report documented alarming numbers of West Bank Area C demolitions and forced displacements, saying more occurred (342) so far in 2011 than in 2009 and 2010 combined.

 

Based on field visits to 13 Area C communities, the report said "restrictive policies and practices of the Israeli authorities, including movement and access restrictions, settlement activity and restrictions on Palestinian construction" force most Palestinians to leave. 

 

It added that thousands more are at risk because 3,000 demolition orders have been issued, including against 18 schools.

 

On July 18, ICAHD reported "a new wave of demolition orders, stop-building orders, property confiscations, settler harassment and multiple warnings of imminent eviction(s) by the Israeli Civil Administration...." 

 

Most affected are Jerusalem periphery Bedouin communities, "exhausted of alternative coping strategies." As a result, they're appealing for international protection against demolitions, forced displacements and relocations, what many of them have experienced before.

 

Khan al Ahmar and Wadi Abu Hindi communities (near Maale Adumim settlement) are especially targeted. Since May, all Wadi Abu Hindi structures got stop-building orders. The community was also told that their land was expropriated for the Separation Barrier.

 

Khan al Ahmar got four new stop-building orders and notification that final stop-work/demolition orders for 10 - 12 houses will be executed. Moreover, Jahilin community residents fear they may be next.

 

More Land Theft Planned

 

On July 22, Haaretz writer Akiva Eldar headlined, "IDF Civil Administration pushing for land takeover in West Bank," saying:

 

According to an internal IDF document, new construction is planned "not only around settlement blocs like Ariel, Ma'aleh Adumim and Gush Etzion, but also in strategic areas like the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea."

 

Prepared by Lt. Col. Zvi Cohen, it says the custodian of government property may take possession of undefined ownership lands, including in the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea. Doing so, however, will further cantonize Palestine, making it harder than ever to establish an independent continuous territory state.

 

In response, Rabbis for Human Rights said:

 

"(A) politically motivated land policy must not come at the expense of the rights of a population subjected to occupation, which is excluded from the decision-making processes of those shaping its destiny. The procedures empower the ability to use the mechanism Israel set up for declaring 'state lands' for the purpose of dispossessing Palestinian communities and individuals of their rights and lands."

 

According to Dror Etkes, an activist monitoring settlement construction, the IDF document reveals how political and military officials work against Palestinians' interests. Nearly always, procedures for declaring state lands benefit settlers alone. 

 

"That's the main way Israel enforces its discriminatory land policy which aims to evict the Palestinians from most of the West Bank and take possession of these territories."

 

Moreover, Israel's Interior Ministry recently authorized "the enlargement of 2,000 illegal homes" in East Jerusalem's Ramat Shlomo neighborhood.

 

And now this, according to Haaretz writer Jack Khoury. On July 27, he headlined "Israel sues 34 Bedouin(s) for costs of repeated demolitions of their homes," saying:

 

The unprecedented suit seeks 1.8 million NIS (New Israeli Shekels) in damages. About 3.4 NIS = one dollar.

 

Despite Bedouins and other Palestinians building on their own land, the Israel Land Administration (ILA) claims those charged built homes in Al-Arakib, northeast of Be'er Sheva, "on what had been state land since the time of Ottoman rule."

 

It ended in 1918. Israel became a state in 1948. ILA's claim is bogus, offensive and illegal, but it's not deterred from its longstanding policy to steal as much Palestinian land as possible, destroying their property and dispossessing them lawlessly.

 

According to ILA:

 

"The squatters against whom the suit was brought, of the Abu Madigham and the Abu Jaber families, already have houses built on land the state gave them in the area of Rahat." It said they keep returning to disputed land, despite court orders prohibiting them from doing so.

 

Israeli audacity gives chutzpah new meaning, calling Palestinian land "disputed," prohibiting them from living on it, demolishing their property when they do, and now suing them for demolition costs.

 

ILA also claimed Bedouins use PR deception, accusing Israel of repression when they're in breach of the law. It said the disputed land was leased until 1998 for seasonal agricultural activities. However, "defendants ousted the leasees and began squatting on the land."

 

In 1999, state authorities acted to evict them. In March 2000, a permanent injunction barred them from the land, except to visit a cemetery and mosque, the only structures there at the time. ILA said suing is "an efficient way to deal with squatters and illegal construction."

 

Al-Arakib village leader Sheikh Siyah Abu Madigham said neither he or his family were told about the suit. In fact, he first heard of it through the media, saying:

 

"We also submit a lot of complaints but no one listens to us, about all the buildings of ours that they destroyed - that the state does not care. The first demolition cost us NIS 4 million. The trees that were uprooted in the village cost us NIS 500,000. They destroyed the village 27 times. That cost us NIS 150,000 each time."

 

Awad Abu-Frih, Al-Arakib activist against the demolition, said residents expect Israel to compensate them for damages, not the other way around, explaining:

 

"The state is afraid of a precedent over Al-Arakib, and so they talk to us in a language reserved for enemies who must be defeated, so the hold over the land won't be an inspiration to other Bedouin(s) in the Negev."

 

He added that every time Israel destroys their village, hundreds of Bedouins, Jews and foreign volunteers rebuild it.

 

According to Thabet Abu Ras of the Adalah Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights:

 

"The state recognizes ownership rights over the lands of Al-Arakib and is constantly offering (Bedouins) meager compensation for the land. What's more, a law requiring the builder of a house to pay for its demolition was not passed by the Knesset."

 

Previously, Israel demanded Galilee and central Israel Arab communities pay demolition costs, cases still being litigated. However, they're against homes built on private, not state, land. The new suit is the first time such a large number of Palestinians are affected. Indeed, it gives chutzpah new meaning.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. 

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.