“The Devil We Know” Revisited
By INSS Sunday, May 19, 2013
On May 17, 2013, The Times of London quoted “Israeli intelligence sources” who argued that “an intact, but weakened, Assad regime would be preferable for the country and for the whole troubled region.” The paper went on to quote “a senior Israeli intelligence officer” in the north of the country: “Better the devil we know than the demons we can only imagine if Syria falls into chaos and the extremists from across the Arab world gain a foothold there.” We do not know who the Israeli sources were, but the Times story provides a window into the deliberations and disagreements within Israel’s national security establishment as to the country’s priorities with regard to Syria.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Visit to RussiaBy INSS Friday, May 17, 2013
Shortly after his return from China, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Russia for a hastily arranged visit with President Vladimir Putin. The catalyst for the visit was the significant increase in activity around the Syrian issue, including the attacks against Syrian targets attributed to Israel, high level visits to Russia by leading international figures, and Russia’s announcement of its intention to supply Syria with S-300 missiles.
BoycottBy Guest Column Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Dear Professor Stephen Hawking,
I heard this morning on the radio that you decided to cancel your attendance in Israel’s president conference, and joined the academic boycott against Israel. You could not chose a more appropriate date then May eighth, the day Nazi Germany surrendered in 1945 and the day I joined the occupation army of Israel in 1985, to speak out loud and clear against occupation and oppression.
Palestine - Hawking Needs To Do More TalkingBy David Singer Monday, May 13, 2013
The decision by eminent physicist Stephen Hawking to not attend the Presidential Conference organised by Israel’s President - Shimon Peres - has aroused dismay by his Israeli hosts and applause from the Palestinian academic community.
After the Damascus Attack: Ten Points to Consider
By INSS Sunday, May 12, 2013
One week has passed since the attacks near Damascus, which according to American sources destroyed advanced Fateh-110 surface-to-surface missiles making their way from Iran to Hizbollah in Lebanon. Now that the dust has settled and it seems as if the strike was contained – there was no immediate response either from Syria or Hizbollah – one can point to some initial conclusions. At the same time, it is entirely possible that we are in the midst of a greater crisis, both in terms of a belated reprisal and especially in terms of the probability that more red lines will be crossed and that further attacks could lead to an escalation on the northern border. This essay assumes, as reported in foreign sources, that the Damascus attack was carried out by Israel.
NGOs vs. those who serve IsraelBy Caroline Glick Friday, May 10, 2013
In 2010, Cpl. Eleanor Joseph became the first female Arab combat soldier in the IDF. Joseph, a Christian Arab told Ma’ariv that her good luck charm is a drawing of the Star of David with the caption: “I have no other land, even when my ground is burning.” Her commander drew it for her.
The Referendum DilemmaBy INSS Thursday, May 9, 2013
The basic guidelines of Israel’s 33rd government appended to the coalition agreements stipulate that “Israel will pursue a peace agreement with the Palestinians with the goal of reaching a political settlement with them that ends the conflict. If such an agreement is attained, it will be brought to the Cabinet and the Knesset for approval, and if required by law, to a national referendum.” The coalition agreement between Likud Beitenu and Hatnua states that on this issue, MKs may vote their conscience.
Egypt’s New Anti-Muslim-Brotherhood MilitiaBy Dr. Ashraf Ramelah Monday, May 6, 2013
Egypt’s Black Bloc grew out of their struggle for liberation from an authoritarian system, only after non-violent civil efforts had failed. Ironically, the U.S. Black Bloc and Egypt’s Black Bloc are on opposite sides of the political struggle – one, in the U.S., a friend to the Muslim Brotherhood and doubtless trying to gain prestige through their nominal association with international fighters; the other, in Egypt, an enemy to the Brotherhood, and fighting for democracy and legitimate government.
Mat Staver Speaks at Israeli Embassy for Israel Solidarity Event
By Liberty Counsel Friday, May 3, 2013
Washington, DC – Today, Mat Staver spoke at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., for the twelfth annual Israel Solidarity Event. Dr. Michael Oren, Ambassador of Israel to the United States, and Rev. Malcom Hedding also delivered addresses. The Israel Solidarity Event celebrates Israel’s independence when it became a sovereign nation in 1948 and encourages people to stand in solidarity with Israel to support its right to exist. This is the 65th year of Israel’s independence.
Netanyahu’s Visit to China: Opportunities beyond IranBy INSS Thursday, May 2, 2013
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to make an official visit to China in early May 2013. This would be the first visit by an Israeli prime minister to China in over six years, and given the rarity of the meetings between the two heads of state and China’s increased influence internationally, the trip is important.
The Big Fat Red LineBy Daniel Greenfield Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Someone chalked a long red line along the street outside my building. The line is sloppy, it turns, wavers and meanders. Car tires have already rubbed it pink in places and dogs have done to it what large four-legged animals do naturally when taken out of the confines of narrow apartments. The line turns a corner and dives inside a pothole near an exposed sewer grate. And then it is gone.
Chemical Weapons in Syria: Has a Red Line Been Crossed?By INSS Monday, April 29, 2013
On April 23, 2013, at the INSS annual conference “Security Challenges of the 21st Century,” Brig. Gen. Itai Brun, head of the Research Division of IDF Military Intelligence, said that Israel has information indicating that Assad’s forces used a lethal chemical weapon several times against the rebels, likely sarin, along with incapacitating chemical agents.
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