Israeli State Terror Belies Wanting Peace - by Stephen Lendman

 

In his book "Overcoming Zionism," Joel Kovel called Israel "a machine for the manufacture of human rights abuses" led by terrorists posing as democrats.

 

Throughout its history, Israeli policy toward Arabs has been corrosive, destructive, racist, extremist, undemocratic and hateful. 

 

It's leaders chose violence, not peaceful coexistence; confrontation, not diplomacy; and strength through militarism, intimidation, and naked aggression.

 

For over 63 years, Palestinians paid the price. They've suffered brutally at the hands of "God's chosen people," believing Jewish exceptionalism renders Muslim Arabs inferior legitimate enemies and terrorists for wanting to live free in peace on their own land in their own country.

 

Former Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir once explained that Israel's 1982 Lebanon war was launched because there was a "terrible danger....not so much a military one as a political one," so a pretext was invented to preemptively attack when no threat or justification existed.

 

On October 2, Israeli planes bombed an area east of Beit Hanoun, Gaza. Medical emergency spokesman Adham Abu Silmiyia said Israeli warplanes fired a missile, injuring three Palestinians. Israel said militants were targeted, providing no proof. They were nonviolent civilians.

 

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights reports continued "systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and property...."

 

In late September, fishermen at sea were attacked. Numerous similar incidents occurred, causing injuries and vessel damage.

 

Israeli forces killed one civilian and wounded seven others in Qasra village near Nablus.

 

Brutal force is used against peaceful protesters. In recent clashes, 18 Palestinians, including six children and a French human rights activist, were injured.

 

Israeli forces conducted 36 incursions into West Bank Palestinian communities. Arrests were made, including a Palestinian Legislative Council member.

 

Gazans remain suffocating under siege, and settlers regularly attack Palestinians with impunity.

 

On October 3, the International Middle East Media Center said extremist West Bank settlers torched a Galilee mosque in Toba Zanghriyya village, then wrote "Price Tag" and "Revenge" on its walls.

 

Despite efforts by residents to extinguish the blaze, destruction was extensive, including holy books consumed.

 

Northern Branch on the Islamic Movement deputy head, Sheikh Kamal Khatib, said "racism is controlling the Jewish sector in Israel." He also held Netanyahu's government responsible for "encourag(ing) hatred toward Muslims."

 

In June, another mosque was targeted, and "(u)nder the Price Tag campaign, Israeli settlers....attacked and torched several others, in addition to setting Palestinian orchards and farmlands" ablaze.

 

Each time, Israeli police say they'll investigate. Arrests and prosecutions rarely follow. Settlers have virtual impunity to terrorize Palestinian civilians as do Israeli security forces. They take full advantage.

 

On October 3, Haaretz writers Eli Ashkenazi and Jack Khoury headlined, "Violent clashes erupt between Israeli Arabs, police after apparent 'price tag' attack," saying:

 

"Some 300 Israeli Arabs clashed with security forces in the Upper Galilee on Monday after a mosque in their village was set on fire in a suspected 'price tag' attack."

 

Israeli forces responded violently with tear gas and stun grenades. Angry villagers called the incident "very serious," saying:

 

"It is obvious that Jewish extremists did this. Despite the internal divisions we have, no one here would dare harm the mosque."

 

Palestinians live under horrific occupation conditions, including intimidation, economic strangulation, collective punishment, mass arrests, torture, regular incursions, land theft, dispossessions, roadblocks, checkpoints, barriers, cantonized isolation, daily humiliation, and preemptive war against defenseless civilians.

 

Yet Netanyahu wants peace. Quartet members proposed negotiations to achieve what never worked before and won't now. 

 

Palestinians want UN membership now, not later or never. Collaborationists leaders may deny them. Rhetoric substitutes for resolutely pursuing what's doable by mid-October if proper procedures are followed. 

 

Palestine already is a state, recognized by over 130 countries. Law Professor Francis Boyle drafted its 1988 Declaration of Independence. 

 

Palestinians want official UN recognition and full membership. So do millions of global supporters.

 

Instead they'll get more talks going nowhere. On October 2, New York Times writer Isabel Kershner headlined, "Israel Supports Proposal to Restart Mideast Talks," saying:

 

On Sunday, Israel "formally accepted an international proposal to return to (no peace) peace negotiations with the Palestinians, but any immediate resumption of talks appeared unlikely as the Israelis and Palestinians differed sharply over the letter and spirit of the proposal."

 

PA Speaker Salim Zanoun called Quartet proposals "mislead(ing) the world by saying that negotiations are doable in light of settlement expansions," adding:

 

"What negotiations is the Quartet statement talking about while Israel continues to confiscate Palestinian land to build settlement homes every day? Is not the approval of new residential units in settlements a serious breach of the road map plan and international law?"

 

Palestinian spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah said:

 

"Returning to negotiations requires the commitment of Israel to halt settlement activities and to recognize the 1967 borders without any equivocation or any attempts to avoid the international resolutions."

 

Netanyahu, in fact, flatly refuses. Numerous times he and other Israeli officials said construction will proceed apace. It remains to be seen if Palestinians yield to pressure despite rhetorical opposition.

 

Kershner reported that an unnamed senior Israeli official said Netanyahu's government already "show(ed) more restraint (on settlement construction) than any previous" one. 

 

However, no Israeli government ever stopped expansions, "reiterating a long-held Israeli position and rejecting a crucial Palestinian demand."

 

In fact, Netanyahu's government is Israel's worst, including on settlement construction. Despite agreeing to a 2010 10-month moratorium, building never stopped. It never even slowed.

 

Kershner and other Times writers know it, but regurgitate the canard about Netanyahu's restraint. About as much as a mad dog or coiled snake.

 

Middle East envoy Tony Blair is another obstacle. Impartiality was never his long suit. Nor was following rule of law principles.

 

On October 3, London Telegraph writer Adrian Blomfield headlined, "Tony Blair's job in jeopardy as Palestinians accuse him of bias," saying:

 

Senior PLO officials are expected "to declare Mr. Blair persona non grata, (intending) to isolate (him) to such an extent that his position would become untenable."

 

Instead of an impartial arbiter, he functions as an Israeli spokesman, including pressuring world leaders to oppose Palestinian UN membership.

 

According to an unnamed Palestinian official:

 

"We have been extremely unhappy and dissatisfied with Mr. Blair's performance since he became envoy (in June 2007), but particularly in the past few weeks."

 

He referred to reports that Blair's been lobbying EU leaders to oppose Palestine's UN membership.

 

Another unnamed Palestinian official added:

 

"There is no one within the Palestinian leadership that supports or likes or trusts Tony Blair, particularly because of the very damaging role he played during our UN bid."

 

"He is considered persona non grata in Palestine. Although we can't prevent him from coming here, we can hopefully minimize the role he can play because he is not a mediator. He is totally biased" for Israel. Senior negotiator Nabil Shaath said he sounds "like an Israeli diplomat." 

 

"An aide to Mr. Blair declined to comment on the Palestinian accusations."

 

Blair, in fact, lacked credibility from day one. When Gordon Brown succeeded him as UK prime minister, he was Britain's most despised and discredited man. Public anger was so intense, he had no choice.

 

Over his 10-year tenure, his approval rating dropped from 90% to the mid-20% range or lower. Nonetheless, hours after standing down, he was named Quartet Middle East envoy. Palestinians paid the price, working with a reinvented war criminal backing Israel against them.

 

Imagine anyone with his credentials arriving as a peace envoy to the region he waged war against and have any credibility. In fact, he's been Washington's man working for Israel to continue decades of open conflict and ethnic cleansing. 

 

Blair, Bush, Obama, and Netanyahu deplore peace. They're unindicted war criminals. They partnered in regional imperial wars. Palestinians waited over four years to say no more Blair. What about Obama and Netanyahu, sworn Palestinian enemies.

 

Palestinian Aid on the Line

 

Congress just cut $200 million. If Palestine pursues UN membership, another $600 million more is at risk, the amount Washington supplied annually since 2008.

 

Palestinian Minister of Planning and Administrative Development Ali Jarbawi told Haaretz that congressional aid blocking won't affect Palestine's UN petition.

 

Ma'an News reported that European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton told Abbas that EU aid will continue despite Palestine's UN membership bid.

 

The European Commission is Palestine's largest donor. PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki said no "official confirmation" of blocked US aid was received. However, if threats materialize, Arab League support will be solicited.

 

A Final Comment

 

Long denied justice depends on Palestinians going it alone, using global support, pressuring world leaders to back them. 

 

Most do. Use them. More will come aboard. Israel grows more isolated. Washington's regional influence is waning. Parlay it for justice. Delay subverts it. 

 

Forget about Abbas, Fayyad and other fossilized hangers-on. Abandon them for liberation. It's there with enough commitment under emerging leaders no longer satisfied with status quo oppression. 

 

Launch new initiatives. Difficult steps take time, impossible ones a little longer. Ordinary Palestinians can have real change. 

 

It's their choice if they'll put their bodies on the line for nothing less. It's how all great victories are won.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

 

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/.

 Palestinian Freedom Later, Not Now - by Stephen Lendman

 

On October 2, Haaretz said "Israel accepts Quartet peace plan," making Palestinian UN membership conditional on negotiating peace with an unwilling partner.

 

No matter that decades of on-and-off talks never achieved resolution and won't now. 

 

Moreover, Israel doesn't negotiate. It demands. As a result, restarting the charade assures freedom later, not now.

 

On October 2, Netanyahu and eight senior cabinet ministers agreed "to support the (Quartet's pro-Israeli scheme) within a month without preconditions.”

 

A formal statement "welcome(d)" the chance to subvert Palestinian aspirations with Quarter help. In part, it said:

 

"Israel calls on the Palestinian Authority to do the same and to enter into direct negotiations without delay."

 

Israel's cabinet discussed resuming talks after failing to reach agreement days earlier on accepting the Quartet's proposal. On Sunday, consensus was reached despite timetable and contentious issue concerns. 

 

Doing so reflects knowing that negotiations between two unequal partners places Israel in control of a process assuring Palestinians dead-end failure again.

 

On September 28, Israel's Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Strategic Affairs Moshe Ya'alon told Israel National News that Israeli/Palestinian negotiations assure no prospects for peace, saying:

 

"Does anyone think we can sign an agreement" when young Palestinians are "brought up" believing "there is no Jewish nation."

 

"There is no doubt that the Palestinians going to the UN is a gross violation of the Oslo Accords....(W)e are ready to talk about everything, but the fundamental questions we raised were answered with a resounding 'no,' for example of a future consent, not a condition for beginning negotiations, to recognize Israel as a Jewish nation, and we were told that will never happen. So what can we talk about?"

 

Oslo surrendered to Israeli demands in return for which Palestinians became their own enforcers. Peace or treaty negotiations aren't contingent on recognizing another nation's religion.

 

Principles of the 1994 Israel-Jordan agreement included borders, normalization, security, defense, Jerusalem, water, and Palestinian refugees. Israel never demanded Jordan recognize a Jewish state. It likely never came up nor would it with other Arab states. 

 

Why then Palestine? It's a convenient way to blame PA negotiators for refusing to accept unreasonable Israeli demands only asked of them to extract more concessions and deny justice again.

 

Yet Ma'an News said Secretary of State Clinton told Egypt's al-Hayat TV Saturday that Palestinians must be flexible, saying:

 

"(N)o matter what happens or doesn't happen in the United Nations, unless we can get the Palestinians and the Israelis to negotiate over the boundaries of the state, the security provisions, what happens in Jerusalem, what happens with refugees, water, all of the issues we know so well have to be resolved, we're going to raise expectations without being able to deliver."

 

Clinton, of course, knows Palestinian rights again will be denied. Negotiations now will be as futile as decades of failed attempts because they have no willing partner allied with its Washington paymaster/partner supporting its most outrageous acts.

 

Moreover, dealing with collaborationist leaders like Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad assure no prospect of achieving long denied justice.

 

In his September 27 Electronic Intifada article, Jonathan Cook discussed core problems, including Middle East envoy Tony Blair (a reinvented war criminal), acting more as an "Israeli diplomat" than an impartial arbiter.

 

More important is lack of legitimate Palestinian leadership supporting their interests, not Western ones and Israel's. As long as Abbas and Fayyad represent them, long denied justice won't be achieved.

 

As long as the PA accedes to this type leadership, its credibility will erode. Cook calls it a "casualty" of a failed UN bid.

 

However, he believes America, Europe and the UN will only have a "marginal" role to play ahead. "The Palestinian old guard are about to be challenged by a new generation that is tired of" same old, same old "pander(ing) to Israel's interests...."

 

Wanting change and knowing how social media work, they're "better equipped to organize a popular mass movement, and refuse to be bound by the borders that encaged their parents and grandparents."

 

Fossilized PA leadership is the "problem, not the solution." Emerging new leaders want what older ones never demanded or remained tied to failed policies benefitting them at the expense of people they're supposed to serve.

 

Looking ahead, Palestinians have growing global millions of supporters. At the same time throughout the Middle East, visceral anti-American/anti-Israeli passion is resonant.

 

Combined with Arab Spring aspirations, it's combustible enough to target other Israeli embassies besides Cairo's, demand democratic change benefitting Palestine, and further isolate Israel, America and key EU allies failing to recognize a new spirit and embrace it enough to matter.

 

Global boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) initiatives are also vibrant, as well as increasing numbers of Israeli Jews voting with their feet and leaving. They're fed up with rogue leaders and policies no one should tolerate. 

 

Things that can't go on forever, won't. They never do no matter how long it takes to roust them. It's true in America, Israel and everywhere. 

 

Under responsible emerging new leaders, committed grassroots spirit one day will triumph in ways old guard fossils never imagined or pursued. They're on the way out, or as Cook says, "The old men in suits have had their day."

 

For millions of Palestinians, it can't come a moment too soon.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

 

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/.

 Entrapping Muslims in America - by Stephen Lendman

 

Post-9/11, American Muslims became fair game, targeting them for their faith, ethnicity, and at times prominence and charity.

 

As a result, they've been ruthlessly vilified and exploited  as "war on terror" scapegoats for political advantage.

 

Entrapment is commonly used. Guilt or innocence doesn't matter, just the illusion that America is safer when, in fact, every victim assures greater insecurity and fear. Many are left wondering who's next.

 

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officials or agents induce, influence, or provoke crimes that otherwise wouldn't be committed. However, it doesn't apply in cases of willingness to act lawlessly, government merely aiding, abetting, or facilitating a chance to do so.

 

It involves the following:

•  
• government officials or agents initiate the idea;

 

• individuals are persuaded to act; and

 

• they had no previous intent or willingness to do so.

 

Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that subjects weren't entrapped. Otherwise, due process convictions are prohibited. However, in today's climate, judicial fairness is lost in cases involving anyone for political reasons. 

 

Muslims are especially affected, America's target of choice. They've been hunted down, rounded up, held in detention, kept in isolation, denied bail, restricted in their right to counsel, tried on secret evidence, convicted on bogus charges, given long sentences, then incarcerated as political prisoners.

 

Charged with plotting to blow up the Pentagon and US Capitol, Reswan Ferdaus is the latest victim.

 

On September 28, New York Times writer Abby Goodnough headlined, "Man Is Held in a Plan to Bomb Washington," saying:

 

Ferdaus planned to "us(e) remote-controlled aircraft filled with plastic explosives....The arrest was the result of an undercover operation (read sting) that included a cooperating witness with a criminal record (read paid informant)."

 

On September 28, the FBI Boston Division headlined, "Massachusetts Man Charged with Plotting Attack on Pentagon and US Capitol and Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization," saying:

 

Ferdaus, a Muslim US citizen, "plot(ted to) us(e) large remote controlled aircraft filled with C-4 plastic explosives."

 

Of course, civilians have no access to this type firepower without help from authorities that have it.

 

Nonetheless, he was charged, including "with attempting to provide material support and resources to....al Qaeda, in order to carry out attacks on US soldiers stationed overseas."

 

"The public was never in danger from the explosive devices, which were controlled (read fake ones supplied) by undercover FBI employees (UCs). The defendant was closely monitored as his alleged plot developed, and the UCs were in frequent contact with him (read manipulated to entrap him)."

 

"The FBI used an undercover operation (read sting) to conduct this investigation. Undercover operations are used to combat (read entrap) all types of (alleged) crimes and criminals, including in the counterterrorism arena."

 

The FBI claims Ferdaus "began planning to commit a violent 'jihad' against the US in early 2010. He obtained mobile phones, each of which he modified to act as an electrical switch for an IED. He then supplied the phones to FBI UCs."

 

They were FBI plants posing as Al Qaeda operatives who likely manipulated him to create an IED without his knowledge.

 

"In recorded conversations with the CW (paid cooperating witness) that began in January 2011, Ferdaus stated that he planned to attack the Pentagon using aircraft similar to 'small drone airplanes' filled with explosives and guided by GPS equipment."

 

In April 2011, he "expanded his plan to include an attack on the US Capitol."

 

The FBI also claimed he surveilled and photographed targets in Washington. Allegedly he "decided to couple his 'aerial assault' plan with a 'ground directive,' " involving six people "armed with automatic firearms...."

 

If convicted, Ferdaus faces up to 15 years on material support charges, up to 20 for attempting to "destroy national defense premises," and a "five-year minimum mandatory (sentence) and up to 20 years on the charge of attempting to damage and destroy (US) buildings...."

 

"On each charge, (he) also faces up to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine."

 

In other words, if convicted on all charges, he faces up to life in prison unless concurrent sentences are imposed - even though he's likely innocent.

 

In fact, his alleged plot sounds more like a bad film script than serious scheme, including the FBI saying they'd supply him with an F-86 remote-controlled aircraft, C-4 plastic explosives, assault rifles and grenades. 

 

Maybe they'd throw in a bunker buster for good measure, or perhaps say anything to manipulate another innocent man into making suggestive comments easily twisted to sound criminal.

 

Hundreds of other entrapped political prisoners like him languish in America's gulag. Moreover, past plots were just as implausible, targeting innocent victims.

 

They include five Muslim men allegedly conspiring to attack American soldiers at Fort Dix, New Jersey despite no plot, no crime or intent to commit one. 

 

Other cases involved alleged plans to attack US marines at Quantico, VA, down National Guard jets with stinger missiles, target Pakistan's ambassador with a surface-to-air missile, blow up Chicago's Sears Tower, and others just as preposterous.

 

They include a fake shoe bomber, fake underwear bomber, fake Times Square bomber, an earlier fake one there, fake shampoo bombers, fake Al Qaeda woman planning fake attacks on New York landmarks, fake Oregon bomber, fake armed forces recruiting station bomber, fake 9/11 bombers, and others to enlist public support for the fake war on terror.

 

All cases entrapped Muslims. Accusations against them were bogus, yet they were arrested, charged, convicted and sentenced to long imprisonments - for being Muslims in America at the wrong time, not intent or conspiracies to commit crimes.

 

Notably, none for the past decade were committed. Every alleged plot was foiled. No one outwitted authorities. At issue is whether any were, in fact, planned. 

 

That alone makes charges suspect, yet media scoundrels headline them to convict likely innocent people in the court of public opinion.

 

In addition, Attorney Holder defends entrapment, using stings involving undercover FBI employees or paid "cooperating witnesses." The latter are usually either convicted or charged felons, well compensated to cooperate for leniency.

 

Last year, a notable Southern California scheme backfired. It involved Craig Monteilh, a convicted felon, aka Farouk al-Aziz, code name Oracle, paid to entrap Irvine Islamic Center Muslims.

 

They, however, were alarmed enough by his violent jihad talk to obtain a restraining order against him. Notably, they also reported to the same FBI office that enlisted him. 

 

Working as a paid informant, he built a terrorism-related case against a mosque member that collapsed. The Justice Department had egg on its face. Prosecutors portrayed an innocent man as a dire threat.

 

They lied like they always do, hyping non-existant threats to create media hysteria, public fear, and justification for war on terror imperial adventurism. It's America's global game against peace, security, and democratic freedom, putting everyone at risk, especially Muslims.

 

This time, however, Monteilh went public. Revealing secret FBI tactics, he said his "handlers" trained him to entrap Muslims in mosques, their homes and businesses. He's now suing the FBI. Officials declined comment except to confirm he was a paid informant. In fact, court records and other documents showed he got $177,000 tax free in 15 months.

 

Southern California Muslims were incensed, citing a pattern of pervasive surveillance and covert entrapment, snaring innocent victims for alleged crimes.

 

Last February, the Southern California ACLU and Council on American-Islamic Relations of the Greater Los Angeles Area (CAIR-LA) filed a class action lawsuit against the FBI for infiltrating and surveilling area mosques, as well as targeting Muslim Americans solely for their faith.

 

During 2006 and 2007, FBI agents planted informants in Orange County mosques to get information on hundreds of California Muslims. Craig Monteilh was specifically named.

 

The suit seeks injunctive relief on behalf of everyone bogusly targeted. It also requires the FBI to turn over or destroy all information collected through discriminatory investigations. Moreover, it wants damages for emotional stress caused.

 

Representing many others harmed, three plaintiffs are involved - Sheikh Yassir Fazaga, Ali Malik, and Yassir Abdel Rahim.

 

Orange County has a vibrant Muslim community with about 120,000 residents. It's home to America's second largest Muslim population after Dearborn, MI.

 

They and other Muslims are tired of being targeted for their faith and ethnicity. 

 

Everyone should embrace their struggle at a time government of, by, and for the people applies only to its privileged.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

 

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/.

 

Could this be referring to the downtrodden and oppressed people who remained in the Holy Land after the Bar Kokba revolt in 135 C.E. [A.D.] when the Romans deported every Jew they could get their hands on, out of the Province of Judea?

There had been five bloody - and expensive - Jewish Revolts, and the Romans, by 135 A.D., were tired of putting down Jewish insurrections in Judea.

One thirty-five, Anno Domini, 135, C.E., was the year that the Romans re-named the Province of Judea. The new name they gave it was "Palestine" - which is a Latin corruption of the Greek, "Philistia" after the Sea-going Greeks from "Caphtor" i.e., Crete, who used to dwell on the "Gaza Strip" on the Sea-coast, back in the time of Saul and David.

In 135 C.E., there were no Philistines left in the Land; but the Romans wanted to divorce the Land from any association with the children of Abraham, to whom it had been given as an inheritance by the God of Abraham.

The Romans renamed Jerusalem "Aolina Capitolina" at that time, and built a Temple to Jupiter on the site of the Temple Mount, where Solomon’s Temple once stood, and the Ezra / Herodian Temple did stand, until 71. C.E. And then, to keep all wandering, homesick Jews out of the holy city, they carved swine's heads in the keystones of the arches of the gates of the city, so that no Jew could enter the city without becoming ceremonially unclean according to the Law of Moses.

The Romans also sowed sea salt on all the fruitful fields, and on all the hills and valleys of Judea at that time. This, of course, had the long-term effect of causing the Land to lose many feet of topsoil, and become much more of a desert, than the fruitful Land of Milk and Honey it had been - and still was - in the days when Yashua walked the Land.

For two years after the Bar Kokba Revolt was put down, the Romans worked very hard to deport every Jew out of the Province; every Jew that they could get their hands on. They sent their Legions through every town, and village, in great sweeps, looking for Jews : men, women and children, to seize and put in irons, and march, two by two, on the roads down to Caesarea, where they were put on Galleys and sent abroad to other provinces of the Roman Empire, and commanded never to return.

According to the eminent Jewish philosopher and scholar, Martin Buber, the Romans were not totally successful in their attempts to drive all of the Jews "into the sea." A Remnant did remain: a simple, peasant folk; drawers of water, and hewers of wood; who were able, for a period of two years, to dodge the Roman soldiers every time they passed by. The Remnant were able to hide in cisterns, in caves, in cellars, in the far recesses of Wadis {canyons,} etc.

After two years, the Romans gave up trying to deport & drive all of the Jews out of their new Province, “Palestine.” They needed a servant class anyway, and conveniently, there was one; already in place.

Martin Buber - at the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus - taught that the so-called "Palestinian" people were descended from the Judeans who were left in the Land after the Bar Kokba Revolt. I learned this first-hand from the late Rivka Segal, of Berkeley, {who fought in the Stern Gang; Lehi, during the Israeli War for Independence} and who heard it, first hand from Martin Buber himself, when she was a student at the Hebrew University at Mount Scopus, in or around 1946.

According to Rivka Segal, Martin Buber, who was something of a Zen Master, and who loved to shock his students by parables and similies that upset their preconceptions, would typically say: “Show me a Palestinian Christian from Galilee, and I will show you some of the purest Jewish blood on the Planet.”

The people who were left in the Land after the Bar Kokba Revolt were peasants. Mostly, they were farmers. In Galilee, especially, many of them were Messianic Jews - that is, Nazarenes, or followers of the Way, as taught by Yashua, ben Elohim, blessed be His Name. The rest of the Remnant were either Essenes, or else followers of the Pharisees; which Party was then in the Process of ossifying into Orthodox Judaism. When the Jihad came up from Mecca in the late Seventh Century, many of the peasant folk of the Land were converted to Islam by the edge of the Sword. Over the generations, the children of these Jewish Converts to Islam married into the Arabs from the Peninsula, and eventually, forgot who they were... This is essentially the gist of how Rivka Segal repeated Buber's Account to me. The Blessing is mine.

So, Who are the people who are referred to as "Joseph" in Ezekiel 37: verses 16 and 19?
Are they the Palestinians ? Perhaps. If this is so, it would have to be figurative - a Joseph Company – a “Remnant” - from out of the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi.

One thing that may militate against the identity of Joseph as the Palestinians is the fact that the two tribes of Joseph: Ephraim and Manasseh, were taken captive by the Assyrians, and went up to an area adjacent to Armenia, before "escaping" from the Assyrian captivity by crossing over the Caucasus range, into Europe. At least that's One Story. Thus, in all probability, British-Israelites and other Fundamentalists who insist, always, upon a literal interpretation of every Biblical text, will never, de facto, accept this possibility - {of the Palestinians being the “stick of Joseph” in Ezekiel 37, verses 16 and 19} - because they want it to be themselves.

If, however, "Joseph" in the passage in Ezekiel 37, does refer to this Remnant - the natives, the Palestinians - then this is an amazing and vital truth that should be generally known, and preached from the housetops...

One thing, however, is Certain: Several years ago, the Zionists, in an attempt to prove that they were different from - and perhaps, superior to - the so-called "Palestinians," conducted an elaborate genetic study of the genes of both peoples. The results of the study were suppressed. Why?

Apparently the results of the study proved that the genetic roots of the Sephardic Jews and the "Palestinians" were identical. Ashkenazi Jews also had "Jewish blood." But, strangely and significantly, Less than the "Palestinian" natives. Thus the study, unintentionally, proved Martin Buber's old classroom Axiom, and Zen Koan, to be true.

 

 

 http://www.waccobb.net/forums/showthread.html?83555-Concerning-the-Identity-of-the-people-referred-to-as-quot-Joseph-quot-in-the-Ha-Nevi-im&p=141010

   

 Israeli West Bank Annexation Bill - by Stephen Lendman

 

Palestinians petitioned the UN for sovereign recognition and full UN membership.

 

Four extremist MKs responded, calling for West Bank settlements annexed. A previous article explained, accessed through the following link:

 

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/09/calls-to-annex-west-bank-settlements.html

 

MK Deputy Speaker Danny Danon wants more.

 

On September 27, the JTA Global News Service of the Jewish People headlined, "Knesset to vote on annexing the West Bank," saying:

 

On September 27, Danon said the Knesset will "take up the bill, which he authored, at the end of October."

 

It includes rescinding Israeli/PA financial obligations established by prior agreements. According to Danon:

 

"If the Palestinian Authority wishes to proceed on this reckless path and bring further instability to the region, Israel cannot continue to pour funds into this sinking ship of failed leadership."

 

"The funding agreements with the PA were reached with the hope that their leaders would work to create an environment of lasting peace and security with Israel. Given that it is clear that the Palestinians have no such desire, Israel must no longer be required to stand by these arrangements."

 

Palestinians, of course, want and deserve what Israel denied them for 63 years after stealing their homeland violently. Using long ago discredited arguments, Danon and others like him think Israel has a divine right to their land.

 

Growing millions globally disagree, including Israeli Jews and others everywhere able to distinguished between right and wrong.

 

Danon said his bill nullifies Oslo, stating:

 

"All obligations between the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority as established by international agreements....will be considered null and void."

 

Oslo, of course, was a Palestinian Versailles, benefitting Israel, not them. Sovereign recognition and full UN membership are first steps to reversing unilateral surrender.

 

Representative Joe Walsh (R. IL) is as hardline as Danon. On September 8, he introduced HR 394: 

 

"Supporting Israel's right to annex Judea and Samaria (the West Bank and Jerusalem) in the event that the Palestinian Authority continues to press for unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations."

 

He didn't address if that would make them Israeli citizens, subhuman serfs to be exploited, or illegal infiltrators on Israeli land, subject to arbitrary expulsion. 

 

Nor did consider what right he, others in Washington, or outsiders anywhere have to meddle in internal Palestinian affairs. America, of course, long ago refined it to an art form, attested to by mass global deaths, destruction and human misery.

 

Walsh also introduced HR 2457: Palestinian Accountability Act:

 

"To restrict funds for the Palestinian Authority, and for other purposes."

 

In other words, obey or we'll cut off your allowance. Coming with strings, it's less aid than bondage to do what we say or we'll spank you with more than harsh words.

 

On September 27, Turkish Prime Minister proposed a different solution than Walsh and hardline MKs. On September 27, Haaretz headlined, "Erdogan: UN sanctions on Israel could aid Mideast peace process," saying:

 

Sanctions "would have resolved the issue of Mideast peace long ago....adding that he felt the Quartet('s)" proposal fell far short of resolving the longstanding Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

 

Through today, he said, "the UN Security Council has issued more than 89 resolutions on prospective sanctions related to Israel, but they've never been executed....One might" ask why?

 

"When it's Iran in question, you impose sanctions. Similarly with Sudan. What happens with Israel then."

 

If sanctioned, the "conflict would have been resolved long ago." As a result, he believes the Quartet has no interest in resolution. "Unfortunately, I do not even see (its) traces within the Quartet. Because if (it) was so willing to resolve this issue, (it) would have imposed certain issues on Israel today."

 

Of course, strained Turkey/Israeli relations place both countries on opposite sides of various issues, including Palestinian statehood.

 

Despite the Quartet's anti-Palestinian UN membership proposal, Haaretz headlined, "Israel's cabinet fails to reach consensus on Quartet plan for talks with Palestinians," saying:

 

Netanyahu "and the eight senior cabinet members were unable to (agree on) the Quartet's initiative for renewed talks between Israel and the Palestinians."

 

Despite Netanyahu's support, consensus so far isn't reached. Meanwhile, Security Council deliberations continue on and off behind closed doors. 

 

Reports disagree on whether Palestinians have nine needed votes to force a US veto. Haaretz said UN sources say Washington has enough support to avoid a it.

 

EU representatives acted like Joe Walsh to a degree, telling PA officials they risk losing European aid by acting "unilaterally."

 

On September 28, Haaretz headlined, "Palestinian statehood bid to be reviewed by UN committee," saying:

 

On Wednesday, the Security Council "unanimously agreed to hand the Palestinian application to join the United Nations to a committee" for review.

 

Normally, it takes "a maximum of 35 days, but Western diplomats say that this limit can be waived and might take much longer...."

 

In other words, delay, obstruct, and consign Palestinian membership to memory hole oblivion. It's simple to get around it through the General Assembly, whether or not the Security Council provides support.

 

It recommends. The General Assembly alone admits new members provided Abbas goes that route properly.

 

A Final Comment 

 

Palestinians have always been on their own since Britain's 1917 Balfour Declaration, promising a Jewish homeland in Palestine. It included a hollow one to indigenous Palestinians that "nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of the existing non-Jewish communities."

 

During its Mandate period, they were systematically denied until losing them in 1948, then entirely in 1967. Israel was born in the original sin of mass slaughter and forced expulsion of 800,000 Palestinians, wanting only to live in peace on their own land.

 

With full backing from Washington and Western states, Palestinians never got justice. Israel operates outside the law with impunity. Peace process conflict resolution never existed and doesn't now. 

 

Palestinians understand and want official sovereign recognition and full UN membership. In 1987, Law Professor Francis Boyle drafted its 1988 Declaration of Independence. 

 

Through the 1950 Uniting for Peace Resolution 377, full UN membership is obtainable if Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad want it. A simple two-thirds General Assembly majority gets it.

 

On the Progressive Radio News Hour to air October 2, Boyle said the 170 nations support it, according to the Financial Times. If all 193 UN members vote, 129 are needed.

 

According to Boyle, if Abbas petitions the General Assembly under Resolution 377, full UN membership can be gotten in two weeks, making Palestine the body's 194th member.

 

Despite enormous Washington/Israeli pressure to back down, what Palestinians have wanted for 63 years is within easy reach. It's for Abbas and Fayyad now to follow through for them.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

 

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/.

 Calls to Annex West Bank Settlements - by Stephen Lendman

 

Since 1967, Israel established 121 settlements, recognized by the Interior Ministry as "communities." Another 100 unauthorized outposts were built. 

 

In addition, 12 annexed Jerusalem neighborhoods are considered settlements under international law. Moreover, settler enclaves exist in Palestinian East Jerusalem areas. They include:

•  
• the Old City's Muslim Quarter;

 

• Silwan;

 

• Sheikh Jarrah;

 

• Mount of Olives;

 

• Ras al-'Amud;

 

• Abu Dis; and

 

• Jabal al-Mukabber.

 

Overall, Israeli occupied territory, including settlements, exceeds 40% of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, its choicest parts.

 

However, for extremist MKs, it's not enough. They want all Judea and Samaria west of the Jordan River, comprising the West Bank and Jerusalem. For now, however, they'll settle for annexing occupied settlements.

 

On September 27, Haaretz writer Jonathan Lis headlined, "Israel must annex West Bank settlements, right-wing MKs tell Netanyahu," saying:

 

In response to Palestinians petitioning the UN for statehood, the following MKs responded to their "unilateral" move:

•  
• Likud chairman Ze'ev Elkin;

 

• Shas chairman Avraham Michaeli;

 

• Habayit Hayehudi (the Jewish Home) chairman Uri Orbach; and

 

• National Union MK Yaakov Katz.

 

They want Netanyahu to initiate steps to annex "all West Bank settlements; (cut or eliminate) Palestinian aid money; (accelerate) settlement building; (cancel) PA officials' VIP ID cards; and (prohibit) any Palestinian construction in areas controlled by Israeli security forces."

 

Stopping short of declaring war, they wrote Netanyahu:

 

"The PA's UN bid on unilateral recognition is a blunt breach of (Oslo and subsequent agreements), which have, in the last 18 years, taken their severe toll on us."

 

It condemned states involved in the Accords, now deliberating whether or not to support Palestine's bid.

 

"We call upon you to make it clear to those nations that their conduct during this crisis rules them out (as) mediators in future negotiations, (warning that) serious damage could befall Israel if it chooses to avoid response."

 

Israel would "completely lose its deterrence, thus stimulating the Palestinians to continue their actions against it in the international arena."

 

"In fact, the international damage that Israel could suffer in the wake of the UN vote is significantly smaller than that it would suffer if it doesn't follow up on the principle you set up a decade ago - 'If they give, they'll get; if they don't give, they get nothing.' "

 

Fact check

 

In 1948, they "gave" 78% of historic Palestine. The rest followed in 1967. 

 

In return, they "got" occupation, persecution, violence, premeditated war, mass arrests, imprisonments, torture, intimidation, daily terror, dispossessions, targeted assassinations, and loss of all rights.

 

Now they want them back under statehood and full UN membership. After 63 years, they want justice long denied. They'll settle for nothing less nor should they.

 

According to Maan News, not only won't Netanyahu agree, he wants more, including no end to settlement construction. 

 

"We already gave at the office," he said, referring to an alleged 10-month moratorium during which time construction never stopped. Israel's land grab continued. 

 

In many settlements, building proceeded apace. Dozens of construction sites remained active. Building on 2,000 units continued. Not even a visible slowdown occurred. Like its Washington paymaster/partner, Israel said one thing but did another.

 

Now it's doing more. Netanyahu called settlements "a pretext (Palestinians) use again and again....as a ruse to avoid direct negotiations." 

 

Moreover, he won't halt construction, including plans for 1,100 new East Jerusalem Gilo neighborhood homes.

 

"I don't think there is anything new," he said. "We plan in Jerusalem. We build in Jerusalem. Period. (It's) the same way Israeli governments have (operated for) years - since the end of the 1967 war."

 

"We build in Jewish neighborhoods. The Arabs build in Arab neighborhoods. That is the way the life of this city goes on and develops for its Jewish and non-Jewish residents alike."

 

In fact, East Jerusalem is Palestinian territory. Israel is systematically dispossessing Palestinians to entirely Judaize it. Indeed, it's way life "goes on" for Arabs to lose out so Jews alone can benefit.

 

An unnamed State Department official called Israel's decision "counterproductive to the resumption of direct negotiations. Our position has not changed." 

 

"Like every America administration for decades, we do not accept the legitimacy of continued settlement activity. We believe their continued expansion is corrosive not only to peace efforts and two-state solution, but to Israel's future itself."

 

At the same time, Haaretz said US ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro never favored making a freeze a condition for negotiations, saying:

 

"We've never said that, in this administration or any other, as a precondition for talks. What we have said consistently is that we believe direct talks are the only way to resolve this conflict, and (it) can only be resolved by the parties themselves in those talks, and they should be entered without preconditions."

 

In other words, Washington calls construction "counterproductive" to peace, but rejects its continuation on stolen Palestinian land as a reason to halt talks that never worked before and won't now.

 

Israel won't tolerate peace so why bother, but wants its terms imposed unilaterally to impose unconditional surrender. 

 

Imagine if South African Blacks required their apartheid government's permission to end the abhorrent practice. In fact, it took decades of struggle to achieve it.

 

Under it, pass laws segregated blacks from whites, restricted their movements, required pass books be carried at all times, and produced on demand or face arrest and prosecution. 

 

Evolving from the 18th and 19th century until their 1986 repeal, they restricted entry to cities, forcibly relocated blacks, denied them most public amenities and many forms of employment, and became apartheid's most hated symbol.

 

Under Israeli military occupation, repression is worse than South Africa's. It's a sophisticated form of social, economic, political and racial discrimination, strangulation, and genocide.

 

It incorporates the worst elements of colonialism and apartheid as well as repressive dispossession, displacement, and state terrorism to separate Palestinians from their land and heritage, deny them their rightful civil and human rights, and gradually remove or eliminate them altogether. 

 

Apartheid is the worst form of racism. Israeli militarized occupation is the worst form of apartheid, incorporating violence, military incursions, land theft, home demolitions, targeted assassinations, murder, mass arrests, torture, destruction of agricultural land, and isolation. These measures amount to genocide, including suffocating Gazans under siege. 

 

On Monday, a divided Security Council began closed door discussions. Washington urged other members to delay enough to consign Palestine's petition to memory hole oblivion. 

 

The Palestine News & Information Agency (WAFA) reported Washington saying:

 

"There is no rush to act on the bid submitted Friday. The US has vowed to veto the Palestinian resolution and would prefer to avoid (an embarrassing) vote on the matter. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to describe confidential diplomacy."

 

Israeli settlers claim "This is Israel's land," no matter how long Palestinians lived on it as their own peacefully with a small Jewish population as neighbors. 

 

In contrast, Arabs are barred from Jewish communities. As a result, they deserve their own sovereign state to escape a system as oppressive as how Nazis terrorized Jews. After 63 years, they're entitled to that an more.

 

A Final Comment

 

On September 25, JTA Global News Service of the Jewish People said:

 

"Top White House officials briefed Jewish community leaders about (the) Quartet('s proposal), urging Israelis and Palestinians to return to talks with no preconditions, a key Israeli demand."

 

What about Palestinian "demands," including the right to decide their own fate, not have Israel do it for them its way.

 

The Islamophobic Anti-Defamation League praised the call for no-condition talks, but wants Palestinians "sent the clearest possible message (that) the sole path to statehood lies in direct negotiations with Israel" so it has sole authority to decide.

 

In fact, most UN member states believe Palestine already is a state. At issue is its belligerent occupation, the longest in modern history.

 

PLO Executive Committee member and PA legislator Hanan Ashrawi raised the possibility of using the 1950 Uniting for Peace Resolution 377 in the General Assembly for statehood.

 

In 1987, Law Professor Francis Boyle was Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) legal advisor in drafting  its 1988 Declaration of Independence. It was a roadmap designed to succeed, avoiding legal loopholes to subvert it.

 

On Sunday, October 2, on the Progressive Radio News, Hour, Boyle will explain how Palestinians can achieve it in days. 

 

Given their overwhelming world support, it's simple by following proper procedure through the General Assembly under Resolution 377. 

 

At issue only is do Abbas and Fayyad want it. Listen Sunday to hear an expert explain. 

 

He should know. He wrote the book on it and understands its fine points better than anyone.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

 

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/.

 Ahmad Qatamesh: Israeli Prisoner of Conscience - by Stephen Lendman

 

On April 21, 2011 at 2:00AM, Israeli soldiers arrested Qatamesh at his brother's Ramallah home.

 

An hour earlier, his wife (Suha), daughter (Hanin), and two female relatives were held hostage to force his surrender.

 

At gunpoint, they forced Hanin to call him. When connected, a soldier threatened to hold his family hostage and destroy his house if he didn't surrender.

 

On May 2, in an Electronic Intifada article, Hanin recounted her ordeal, saying:

 

<blockquote>After breaking in and occupying their home, "(t)hey pointed their machine guns at us and told us they wanted to search the house."</blockquote)

 

<blockquote>"After a futile search, the soldiers went to the apartment right above ours whose owners - US citizens - were away. They knocked down the main door and wrecked the place."</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>"They confiscated our phones, disconnecting us from the outside world....The commander forced me at gunpoint to call my father....He then grabbed my phone and shouted at him, 'Surrender yourself or we'll destroy the house!' "</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>"Perhaps the most important principle that I learned from my dad was never to allow obstacles to keep me from realizing my dreams. I will continue to dream of Palestinian freedom. Along the way, I will continue to expose the brutality of Israel's occupation and our land - and houses."<blockquote>

 

Qatamesh's wife Suha said:

 

<blockquote>"It's so clear that he is there because of his ideas and political activism. He is a prisoner of conscience and he is there because of political reasons."</blockquote>

 

After arrest, he was taken to Ofer detention center in Beitunia.

 

At the time, the Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association expressed grave concern, saying:

 

<blockquote>"not only because (it's) motivated by his political opinions and beliefs and as such should be considered a case of arbitrary detention, but also because (he's) been (targeted by) Israeli authorities before on numerous occasions, notably" for long incarcerations without charge.</blockquote>

 

Addameer later composed an undated letter to Netanyahu, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz, and other Israeli officials on his behalf for supporters to sign and use. In part it says:

 

<blockquote>"I am writing to express my strong concerns regarding Ahmad Qatamish's administrative detention, which violates international human rights and humanitarian law."</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>"Mr. Qatamish, a renowned and respected Palestinian author and political scientist, has been held in administrative detention since 3 May 2011 despite a number of irregularities with his detention that should provide sufficient ground to invalidate" it.</blockquote>

 

It ended saying:

 

<blockquote>"I therefore urge you to intervene in this matter without delay and:

•  
• Immediately and unconditionally release" him;

 

• "Immediately put an end to Israel's practice of administrative detention and arbitrary arrests; 

 

• At all times ensure strict respect for international human rights and humanitarian law during arrests and detention in the occupied Palestinian territory."</blockquote>

 

More on Israel's abusive administrative detentions below.

 

Speaking on his behalf, Palestinian activist Mustafa Barghouti called Israel's arrest "a shameless attempt at muzzling him in an unjustifiable attack on his freedom of expression."

 

Gerarda Ventura, Euromed Platform of NGOs vice president, called him "one of the most sensitive and intellectual people I have ever met," especially in the struggle for "freedom, justice and peace."

 

A distinguished writer, scholar, academic, lecturer and activist, Qatamish earned his doctorate in political science. He wrote several books on political, philosophical and literary topics, and spoke often at local universities and research centers. 

 

In 2010, he taught at Al-Quds University in Jerusalem, the only Arab institution of higher learning in the divided city.

 

His ordeal began in 1969 when he was detained a few months, then released. In 1972, he was arrested again and imprisoned for four years.

 

Until 1992, he went underground to stay free until September when he was again arrested and administratively detained for the next five and half years. At the time, he was Israel's longest ever uncharged detainee. 

 

In prison, he was tortured and abused for weeks. Israel called him a "dangerous" national leader. Later he documented his ordeal in prison notes called "I Shall not Wear Your Tarboush."

 

On September 9, 2011, an Amnesty International (AI) "URGENT ACTION" said:

 

<blockquote>Qatamesh "received a new six-month administrative detention order on 2 September. The military review of the order has been postponed; he remains in detention and cannot appeal until the review takes place."

 

AI "is concerned that (he) may be detained solely for the peaceful expression of his political views, in which case the organization would consider him a prisoner of conscience."

 

"Amnesty urges that action be taken....before 21 October 2011 by sending appeals to Israeli military authorities and diplomatic representatives."</blockquote>

 

Since detained last April, he's faced numerous delays, irregularities, and other obstructions to keep him isolated. Shin Bet (the Israel Security Agency) claims secret evidence justifies it. 

 

At issue is his outspoken activism, not evidence about alleged crimes. Nonetheless, Israel can hold him indefinitely to silence him.

 

Abusive Israeli Administrative Detentions

 

Those held are denied due process. They may be held indefinitely, aren't told why, can't dispute it, cross-examine witnesses, or present contradictory evidence to refute them.

 

Four Israeli entities have decision-making authority:

•  
• Shin Bet (the Israel Security Agency);

 

• the military commander in charge;

 

• the military's prosecutor's office; and

 

• military judges who adjudicate cases.

 

Three Israeli laws authorize detentions:

•  
• the Order Regarding Administrative Detention; it's part of military law governing the West Bank;

 

• the Emergency Powers (Detentions) Law for Israel; and

 

• the Internment of Unlawful Combatants Law (the 2002 Unlawful Combatants Law). 

 

America has a similar one Law Professor Francis Boyle once called a:

 

<blockquote>"quasi-category universe of legal nihilism where human beings can be disappeared, detained incommunicado, denied access to attorneys and regular courts, tried in kangaroo courts, executed, tortured, assassinated and subjected to numerous other manifestations of State Terrorism."</blockquote>

 

Prior to detention, the ISA or police conduct interrogations, lasting from a few days to a few weeks. If no indictment follows, the military commander decides whether or not to detain and for how long. A judge must then approve it. 

 

Each order lasts six months, sometimes three, but can be indefinitely renewed so can last years in Israeli Prison Service (IPS) facilities.

 

Most detainees are held pursuant to individual administrative orders under the West Bank's Administration Detention Order. It lets commanders order detentions based on a "reasonable (belief) that the security of the region or public security" is at issue.

 

As a result, prolonged arbitrary detentions are common, grievously breaching international law. Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states:

•  
• <blockquote>"Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. No one shall be deprived of his liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedures as are established by law.

 

• Anyone who is arrested shall be informed, at the time of arrest, of the reasons for his arrest and shall be promptly informed of any charges against him.

 

• Anyone who is deprived of his liberty by arrest or detention shall be entitled to take proceedings before a court, in order that that court may decide without delay on the lawfulness of his detention and order his release if the detention is not lawful."</blockquote>

 

Although exceptions are permitted when public emergencies threaten national security, Israel abusively violates international law, including Fourth Geneva's Article 78 stating:

 

<blockquote>"If the Occupying Power considers it necessary, for imperative reasons of security, to take measures concerning protected persons, it may, at the most, subject them to assigned residence or to internment.

 

Decisions regarding such assigned residence or internment shall be made according to a regular procedure to be prescribed by the Occupying Power in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention. This procedure shall include the right of appeal (decided on) with the least possible delay. (If it's upheld), it shall be subject to periodical review...."</blockquote>

 

Acting arbitrarily to silence dissent, Israel spurns international law and norms. Detentions without charge normally last six months in Israeli territory. 

 

Subject to bi-annual reviews, however, military judges can order detainees held indefinitely. Decisions may be appealed to Israel's Supreme Court, but rarely does it intervene.

 

Administrative detentions never substitute for customary criminal proceedings. Their purpose is only to prevent future lawless acts. 

 

Moreover, detained Palestinians held are protected persons. International law prohibits transferring them to Israeli territory or holding them indefinitely uncharged.

 

Nonetheless, Israel systematically, abusively, and repeatedly flaunts international law with impunity, including by imprisoning some of Palestine's most heroic figures like Qatamish. 

 

It's done to silence and intimidate anyone challenging Israeli lawlessness.

 

Israel doesn't have enough prison space for them all or their growing millions of global supporters.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

 

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/.

 Obstructing Palestinian Statehood Begins - by Stephen Lendman

 

On September 23 in New York, a State Department "Special Briefing" was held. An unnamed "Senior Administration Official" commented on the Quartet's Palestinian statehood proposal, saying:

 

"As the Palestinians develop(ed) their own ideas of what was necessary in terms of (petitioning the UN), we were intensively engaged with them in providing ideas for an alternative path."

 

That says it all! It reveals the Washington/Israeli/EU/Ban Ki-moon duplicitous strategy to subvert Palestinian statehood by a combination of diversion, delay and exclusion from debate on what Palestinians most want and deserve. 

 

It includes unconditional sovereignty within 1967 borders (22% of historic Palestine), total control over their own lives, Israel's occupation and Gaza's siege ended, fixed borders, diaspora Palestinians' right of return, settlement construction ended, and East Jerusalem as their capital.

 

In other words, they want what all independent states enjoy, including fair and open elections to choose their own leaders democratically, free from outside influence.

 

They also need to know the collaborationist credentials of leaders representing them - namely, Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad, conspiring against them while pretending otherwise.

 

Why else would Israeli President Shimon Peres suggest that Abbas is best for Israel, saying:

 

"I call on my friend, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who I respect and acknowledge as the best leader Israel will work with, to return to the negotiating table."

 

Nonetheless, on return to Ramallah Sunday, he was welcomed like a rock star. Thousands gathered to greet him. They cheered when he claimed a "Palestinian Spring" arrived. Indications are his popularity soared.

 

He addressed supporters, saying:

 

"We have told the world that there is the Arab Spring, but the Palestinian Spring has been born. A popular spring, a populist spring, a spring of peaceful struggle that will reach its goal."

 

He also said a "long path" remains. "There are those who would put out obstacles....but with your presence they will fall and we will reach our end."

 

In contrast, Netanyahu said settlement construction will continue. Negotiated peace must precede statehood, and establishing one within pre-1967 borders is rejected.

 

Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press, he said his "advice" for Abbas was:

 

"If you want to get to peace, put all your preconditions to the side."

 

Despite negotiating in good faith for decades, Palestinians never achieved peace because Washington and Israel won't tolerate it.

 

Meet the Press host David Gregory didn't explain. Nor did he question why after 63 years Palestinian statehood is still denied, or ask what right have Israel and Washington to decide.

 

In fact, Abbas proposing it is rhetoric, not reality with Washington, key EU allies and Ban Ki-moon against it.

 

On September 26, Frank Barak, Russell Tribunal Committee on Palestine Organizing Committee member  headlined his Electronic Intifada article, "The UN is part of Palestine's problem," saying:

 

"The UN is one of the most undemocratic bodies in the world." One of a select five among its 193 members may veto what all others want. Decision-making by minority rules, including a minority of one.

 

"The UN is therefore part of the problem and will never bring justice to the Palestinians." In 1947, its partition plan unjustly gave future Israel (with one-third of the population) 56% of Palestine, including its choicest areas.

 

Thereafter, Israel violated or ignored with impunity dozens of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions "upholding the Palestinians' right of self-determination, demanding an end of occupation and colonization and Israeli withdrawal from occupied lands, and the right of return of the refugees."

 

Whatever Israel wants it gets because it's "part of the masters' clique. Israel is in their club and represents the same interests....In history, there has never been a case of a master relinquishing power for philosophical and altruistic reasons."

 

Liberation depends on sustained committed struggle. Palestinians are on their own to achieve it. Collaborationist leaders won't help. Understanding that reality is step one toward long delayed justice that won't ever come without it.

 

Examples throughout history show people "taking matters into their own hands" works. Masters also know it delivers what they reject. "The thought of it happening again sends shivers into their expensive suits." It's high time "shivers" turned to fear.

 

The Charade Begins

 

Instead, informal Security Council discussions began Monday. On September 26, Haaretz writer Shlomo Shamir headlined, "US Security Council to begin informal debate on Palestinian statehood," saying:

 

"Currently, the council's five permanent members are split over the PA's request, so the consultations are not expected to lead to a formal vote anytime in the near future, UN sources said."

 

According to the UN's Western deputy head of mission:

 

"It's highly likely that consultations will continue for some weeks. The Palestinian application is considered an extremely sensitive issue, and in particular, it's a source of controversy between the council's two leading powers, the United States and Russia. Therefore, no quick decision that would produce an official debate and vote is expected."

 

In fact, Washington plans obstruction and delay to subvert statehood entirely. Achieving it depends on whether Abbas follows proper UN procedure, including petitioning the General Assembly for full membership.

 

The Security Council recommends new members. Only the General Assembly admits them by a simple two-thirds majority. Palestinians have more than enough support.

 

Moreover, under the 1950 Uniting for Peace Resolution 377, the GA can override Security Council vetos or rejection, provided Abbas follows procedure. 

 

Instead expect him to accept rule of one authority, saying he tried his best, when, in fact, doing so is betrayal. 

 

At best, he may petition the General Assembly to upgrade Palestine's status short of full membership. Doing so accepts defeat, leaving Palestinians at square one.

 

It's in their hands to demand better, to struggle for what's only possible that way.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

 

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/.

 Quartet Anti-Palestinian Statehood Proposal - by Stephen Lendman

 

Quartet representatives UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, UN Middle East envoy Tony Blair, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy High Representative Catherine Aston explained its elements.

 

On September 21, an initial statement "expressed its strong support for the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, which can resolve all final status issues within one year."

 

"The Quartet reaffirmed its full commitment to its previous statements, which provide that negotiations should lead to an agreement that ends the occupation that began in 1967 and results in the emergence of an independent, democratic, contiguous, and viable Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbors."

 

"In the spirit of the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet called on Arab states to support Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and progress on the other tracks by taking bolder steps to foster positive relations throughout the region and to combat violence and extremism."

 

"Recalling that change on the ground is integral to peace, the Quartet reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian Authority's August 2009 plan for building the institutions of a Palestinian state within two years."

 

Quartet members established a timeline for "realistic and serious" negotiations to begin in a month. They hope for comprehensive proposals within three months, substantial progress in six, and a firm deal by end of 2012.

 

An international conference in Moscow was also proposed once "substantial progress" has been made on "comprehensive proposals."

 

In addition, a Donors Conference will convene to support "state-building actions developed by Prime Minister Fayyad under the leadership of President Abbas."

 

"The Quartet agreed to meet regularly" to monitor events and propose recommendations.

 

A follow-up September 23 statement can be accessed through the following link:

 

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/full-text-of-mideast-peace-brokers-statement/ 

 

Notably, the proposal excludes key issues, including settlements, 1967 borders, East Jerusalem as Palestine's capital, Gaza's siege, diaspora Palestinians right of return, and their legitimate elected Hamas government, among others. 

 

As a result, it's offensive and demeaning, treating Palestinians like children ordered to obey or be spanked.

 

It's little more than old wine in new bottles to deny statehood and keep Palestine oppressively occupied in perpetuity.

 

Ma'an News said Egypt's interim Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr said the Quartet's proposal represents "another failure."

 

Addressing the General Assembly on September 24, he said:

 

Egypt "was, and will remain, committed to the goal of achieving just and comprehensive (Middle East) peace."

 

However, the Quartet failed to make progress. Friday, "(w)e have witnessed....another failure....to come up with a balanced vision to achieve the goal that we all know and approve of yet differ on how to realize it."

 

On September 23, Abbas petitioned the Security Council for statehood and full UN membership. If implemented, the Quartet proposal will consign it to memory hole oblivion.

 

Rhetoric aside, Israel, Washington, key EU allies, and Ban Ki-moon aim to bury it this way. In other words - delay, delay until going, going gone and forgotten.

 

Early Reactions

 

On September 24, Haaretz writers Natasha Mozgovaya, Barak Ravid and Avi Issacharoff headlined, "Palestinian FM rejects Quartet proposal for not addressing settlements, Israeli withdrawal," saying:

 

On Saturday, PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki "rejected (the) Quartet's proposal to renew peace negotiations...."

 

On an unnamed Palestinian radio station, he said it doesn't "call for a settlement freeze and an Israeli withdrawal to the 1967 lines, and therefore isn't sufficient."

 

An unnamed US official called the proposal "realistic and serious," saying it provides:

 

"a credible, serious alternative path and we believe that both sides, if they're true to their words, will find a way to respond favorably to this."

 

No matter that decades of "peace talks" failed, including:

 

-- Camp David I;

 

-- Madrid; 

 

-- Oslo;

 

-- Oslo II;

 

-- a 1994 Protocol on Economic Relations; 

 

-- a Cairo Agreement on Gaza and the Jericho Area the same year; 

 

-- the 1994 Washington Declaration and Agreement on Preparatory Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities between the two parties; 

 

-- the 1995 Protocol on Further Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities; it included an agreement to resume "permanent status" talks and discuss other elements of a peace plan relating to Israeli troops redeployments, land transfers, safe passage between Gaza and the West Bank, a Gaza seaport, prisoner releases, and various issues related to security, normal civilian activities, international donor aid, and a timetable for final status talks;

 

-- the Sharm el-Sheikh Memorandum;

 

-- Camp David II;

 

-- the "Road Map;"

 

-- Anapolis; and

 

-- the stalled September 2010 grand illusion fudged to look real like all previous failures.

 

In fact, on and off for decades, negotiations were stillborn from inception because Israel and Washington won't tolerate peace. They demand unconditional surrender and permanent occupation.

 

Only Israeli demands matter. Palestinians always got take it or leave it deals. As a result, they never had a legitimate peace partner and don't now, dealing with Israel's most extremist ever government under Netanyahu. 

 

He deplores peace. He once called negotiations "a waste of time," and never does it in good faith. Moreover, Washington agrees to whatever Israel wants, making a mockery of serious talks.

 

Longtime Israeli analyst Gideon Levy agrees. On September 25, his Haaretz article headlined, "Netanyahu proved Israel doesn't want peace," saying:

 

His General Assembly address showed "Palestinians (and the world) can no longer expect anything from Israel. Nothing."

 

"Netanyahu, peddler of emotions, did not shrink from or forget anything (in reviewing) thousands of years of history to obscure reality...."

 

Those with him in New York "said it all, (a) cheerleading squad, (including) two kippa-wearers, two generals, two former Russians, three current beard-wearers - a depressing and threatening group portrait of Israel's extreme right, class of 2011."

 

Israel's true face leaves Palestinians on their own with no legitimate peace partner. In fact, Israel won't tolerate peace, Palestinian statehood, or ending its 44 year occupation.

 

On Saturday, nonetheless, Abbas again said he'll consider all "solution(s) that can last and end the conflict."

 

"We realize that the parties who suggest initiatives either seek to reach a solution quickly or to prevent any solution....We will see what the days bring, but expect good things....We are talking about weeks, not months."

 

Aboard his plane back home, he told reporters:

 

"When settlement expansion continues, and when Israel considers that an accomplished fact, we will not accept it because it will be a real threat to the presence of the Palestinian Authority. That is what I said, and here I say it again."

 

A Final Comment

 

On return to Ramallah, Haaretz said Abbas called Netanyahu Israel's most inflexible leader, saying:

 

"Benjamin Netanyahu's ideological positions do not allow him to advance forward," stopping short of saying negotiating with him is impossible.

 

It's also true of Foreign MInister and Deputy Prime Minister Avigdor Lieberman, a longtime ultranationalist extremist.

 

On September 25, he told Israeli Army Radio that there will be unspecified "tough repercussions" if Palestine's statehood application is approved.

 

Specifically referring to possible General Assembly passage, he said:

 

"If the Palestinians will indeed pass a one-sided resolution if not in the Security Council then the General Assembly, that would bring us to an altogether new situation and this would have repercussions, tough repercussions. Any unilateral step will without a doubt bring an Israeli reaction."

 

At the same time, he and Netanyahu welcome the Quartet's proposal. They know it promises failure, again shattering Palestinian hopes.

 

In fact, smart money bets on it because neither side is serious about what Palestinians want and deserve but won't get. 

 

Maybe next time, not now. It's for Palestinians on their own to prove them wrong.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

 

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/.

 AIPAC's Ugly Agenda: by Stephen Lendman

 

AIPAC is an unregistered foreign agent representing Israel. Edward Said once called it "the most powerful and feared lobby in Washington."

 

Calling itself "America's Pro-Israel Lobby," it's represented Israeli interests since founded in 1953. In 1963, it was incorporated as a division of the American Zionist Council (AZC), its precursor.

 

For decades, it's been very successful subverting opposition to Israel's agenda. Virtually no one in Congress confronts it. Doing so would be a career-ender.

 

Notably, it's had virtual veto power over war and peace, trade and investment, multi-billion dollar arms sales, enormous handouts to Israel, and all Middle East policies affecting the Jewish state under Democrat and Republican administrations alike.

 

Deferentially, politicians, presidents, their hangers-on, media scoundrels and others pay it due homage and the government it represents. As a result, everyone pays dearly.

 

On September 15, AIPAC published an anti-Palestinian broadside headlined, "PA's UN Statehood Bid Threatens Peace Efforts, Israel," saying:

 

"The Palestinian effort to secure recognition of statehood at the United Nations is a direct challenge to US interests and could have severe implications for the peace process."

 

Fact check

 

America represents Israeli interests. Israel wants Palestinians deprived of all rights under permanent occupation. There's no legitimate peace process because Israel and Washington won't tolerate it.

 

Yet AIPAC claims upgrading Palestine's status "could have serious implications for" Israel.

 

Fact check

 

Indeed so. Independent Palestine could ratify and have access to international conventions. As a result, it could sue Israeli war criminals in the International Criminal Court. AIPAC calls it "politicizing the court."

 

In addition, Israel's occupation would be threatened though not easily ended. The fate of settlers would be up for grabs. Notably, half are fed up and want to leave but can't for financial reasons. 

 

Others would have a choice. Either become ex-pats in a foreign country under its laws, or leave. Moreover, settlement communities no longer could exclude non-Jews, besides other beneficial changes. 

 

Israelis would have to learn to love or at least tolerate their new neighbors. Many, in fact, do now and would welcome them. 

 

A century ago, Jews and Palestinians got along fine. Why not now. The problem isn't Judaism and Islam. It's repressive Israel and its Washington paymaster partner.

 

AIPAC rails against full Palestinian participation in UN agencies, including UNESCO, ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council), UNICEF (International Children's Emergency Fund), and others.

 

"The Palestinians would use these committees to isolate and delegitimize Israel for 'occupying' a recognized state."

 

Fact check

 

Israel illegally occupies Palestine. Moreover, Israel, not UN agencies, is very adept at isolating and delegitimizing itself. Balking at Palestinian statehood is its latest affront. 

 

As a result and for other reasons, anti-Israeli sentiment is visceral in Cairo, Amman and elsewhere. Moreover, growing numbers of Jews are fed up and no longer support its repressive agenda with good reason.

 

Unilateral "Palestinian actions at the United Nations could increase the potential for violence by raising unrealistic expectations."

 

Fact check

 

Israel alone threatens violence. Palestinians demand the same rightful "expectations" Israeli Jews enjoy - no less.

 

"Successful efforts by the Palestinians at the United Nations also would embolden Israel's detractors and legitimize those who seek to isolate and question the legitimacy of the Jewish state. Boycotts of Israel could increase and be adopted more widely."

 

Fact check

 

Anti-Israeli sentiment is fueled by its contempt for non-Jews, its repressive occupation, its aggressive wars, its territorial ambitions, its desire to be the region's sole hegemon, and willingness to go to any extremes for it.

 

Israeli policies do more to "embolden" detractors than they alone or collectively could do on their own without ammunition Israel provides.

 

Abbas' "statehood....plan....and refusal to talk to Israel are severely undermining US peace efforts."

 

Fact check

 

It bears repeating. Neither Israel or Washington want peace. They need conflict to further their regional agenda and to claim Palestinians aren't ready for independence. 

 

How many more than 63 years of trying are enough to be ready for it. AIPAC didn't say. Instead it claims Abbas won't meet with Netanhayu.

 

In fact, they do often. Moreover, Abbas said resuming peace talks depends on Israel halting settlement expansions, stealing Palestinian land, and dispossessing lawful residents in the process.

 

In addition, all Palestinian leaders will negotiate with a legitimate peace partner on an equal status basis - not master/slave. 

 

Israel was never willing and isn't now - especially under a Netanyahu/Lieberman government, Israel's most extremist ever.

 

AIPAC accuses Abbas of "setting unrealistic conditions" and failing to follow Oslo mandates. Seeking statehood also "serves to undermine Israel's confidence in the PA as a legitimate partner for peace and could cause a breakdown in relations between the parties, making" future negotiation harder.

 

Fact check

 

AIPAC's extremist, racist agenda comes out in comments like these. 

 

You can't make this stuff up. But there it is in direct quotes. 

 

Only those ignorant of basic facts buy it. Others aware of what Palestinians endure condemn Israel and its supporters. 

 

A previous article said Oslo promised final status talks in five years. It didn't happen and won't in 50 or 500 if left up to Israel. As a result, Palestinians and their supporters long ago lost confidence in Israel because of its contempt for doing the right thing.

 

AIPAC claims upgrading Palestine above its present status "may set back talks for years." It will also make it harder for Israel "to enter talks when unacceptable results are the baseline."

 

Fact check

 

The "baseline" is justice!

 

"The United States must continue to oppose Palestinian efforts at the United Nations and urge the Palestinians to return to the negotiation table."

 

Fact check

 

That's a direct order. Congress and Obama officials salute and obey, knowing what unacceptable alternative awaits objectors.

 

"The Palestinians should face consequences if they continue to defy the United States and press forward with their UN statehood bid."

 

Fact check

 

AIPAC calls asking for legitimate rights "Palestinian incitement."

 

No matter. If Palestinians pursue theirs, AIPAC wants them to "face consequences," including all aid cut off, their PLO Washington office closed, and maybe perhaps Cast Lead II against all Palestine, claiming self-defense against dangerous Palestinians only wanting trouble.

 

In fact, AIPAC will say anything, fabricate any threat, pressure and lie to get what it wants at the expense of peace-loving people wanting and deserving the same rights as Jews.

 

That's a real extremist agenda!

 

A Final Comment

 

On September 16, The New York Times published Anti-Defamation League (ADL) national director Abraham Foxman's anti-Palestinian broadside headlined, "The UN Vote on a Palestinian State," regurgitating a litany of racist lies about Palestine.

 

Calling its statehood pursuit a "mistake," he accused it of "refus(ing) to negotiate with Israel....sign(ing) a coalition agreement with terrorist Hamas and now....bring(ing) this counterproductive initiative to the United Nations once again....rais(ing) serious questions about Palestinian intentions."

 

As Foxman knows, they're crystal clear. Palestinians want and deserve the same rights as Jews. He wants them denied.

 

So does Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) president Morton Klein in a disgraceful September 14 press release, thanking Obama for saying he'll veto a Palestinian statehood bid in New York.

 

Calling it "wrong and strategically dangerous if (Abbas) obtain(s) statehood by circumventing negotiations and peace-making with Israel," he concluded with hateful, reprehensible comments, saying:

 

"We dare not establish a racist, anti-Semitic terrorist beggar state that this would surely be. This is especially so at a time when the PA continues to engage in incitement to hatred and murder in its media, mosques, schools and youth camps and has signed a unity government agreement with the 'kill the Jews' Hamas terrorist organization."

 

Established in 1897, ZOA is America's oldest Zionist organization. Whatever its early agenda, it's now an embarrassment and national disgrace, given hatemongers like Klein as leaders.

 

Hopefully growing numbers of Jews and others will repudiate his abhorrent ideology, opting instead for peace, reconciliation and justice for all.

 

Klein, Foxman, AIPAC officials, and others like them haven't a clue what they mean.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

 

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/.