A7News: DM to Hamas: Don't escalate the situation

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Friday, Oct. 05 '18, כ"ו בתשרי תשע"ט



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HEADLINES:
1. DM TO HAMAS: DON'T ESCALATE THE SITUATION
2. HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR WHO SERVED IN US MILITARY DIES AT 83
3. NETANYAHU UNDERGOES NEW GRAFT QUESTIONING
4. SARAH SANDERS: 'LUDICROUS' THAT FBI SHOULD INTERVIEW FORD AGAIN
5. BOLTON: IRAN IS THE WORLD'S CENTRAL BANKER OF TERROR
6. TROOPS ATTACKED IN QALQILIYA
7. IDF SEARCHES FOR CHILD TERRORIST AFTER ATTEMPTED KNIFE ATTACK
8. THE NON-LEFTIST GENERAL


1. DM TO HAMAS: DON'T ESCALATE THE SITUATION
by Kobi Finkler

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu) on Friday morning warned Hamas not to escalate the situation in Gaza.

"We've had a month of holidays, exactly as we planned, with no explosions," Liberman tweeted. "We extracted a heavy price from the Gaza rioters. And now we're back to routine."

"I warn Hamas leaders. Take it into account. And I thank the IDF soldiers."

The IDF's Southern Command is preparing for the weekly Gaza riots, and has brought in reinforcements as well as an Iron Dome battery.

"We have no intelligence on terror attacks, and this has nothing to do with [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar's interview," an IDF source said. "We are working based on security needs. The reinforcement of our forces in the south is a need which stems from lessons learned in recent days, when there were over 20,000 rioters participating in violent demonstrations."

The source also said that considering the fact that the riots are violent and over 100 explosives and grenades were thrown at IDF forces last week, the IDF is not taking chances and has reinforced its forces on the Gaza border.

MK Moti Yogev (Jewish Home), who serves as a member of Israel's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, called on the defense system to stop accepting Hamas terror.

"We don't want war, but it's time to respond," he said. "After over half a year of the IDF accepting - for various reasons - terror activities. This acceptance has dragged our soldiers into a dangerous escalation which endangers their lives and harms the security of the south and the rest of Israel."

"We are obligated to defend our southern border. It's time to respond, deter, and return security to residents of the Gaza border area."


2. HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR WHO SERVED IN US MILITARY DIES AT 83
by JTA

Sidney Shachnow, a child Holocaust survivor from Lithuania who went on to become a two-star general and the commander of US forces in Berlin during the Cold War, has died.

Shachnow died Friday in Southern Pines, North Carolina, where he lived. He was 83.

He and his family survived the Holocaust in Lithuania, where he was imprisoned for three years in the Kovno concentration camp, by keeping their heads low and showing restraint. According to his autobiography, "Hope and Honor," the same level-headedness guided him through the pains of assimilation as a young refugee living in Salem, Massachusetts, and then through a career in the military.

His stint, including a turn in the Green Berets in Vietnam and as an officer in an undercover unit infiltrating East Germany, ended with his command of US forces in Berlin when the Wall came down in 1989. Among the medals he earned were the Bronze Star, the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.

His description of his childhood in Lithuania is heartbreaking and includes the shattering experience of witnessing a Lithuanian partisan rape his mother while his father hid under the bed. His mother had ordered his father into hiding, knowing that the discovery of adult males could mean a death sentence, but it appears as if Shachnow could never shake off the experience.

"I thought my father would go out and help," he wrote. "He didn't. I thought he was a coward. Maybe I was a coward, too."

Shachnow was also on the board of advisers of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, or JINSA, and appeared at a Jewish War Veterans event.

In a statement, JINSA Chairman David Steinmann said that the organization "was beyond privileged to have Sid as a Senior Adviser for nearly 25 years."

"Two years ago, when he was honored among our Senior Advisers, Sid asked me to say the following words on his behalf, as his photograph was displayed on the great screen at our annual dinner," Steinmann recalled.

"'I am a Jew and a Holocaust survivor (the only survivor to attain the rank of general in the history of the Armed Forces). I was assigned as the Commanding General, Berlin and the Berlin Brigade. Defending the German people, the same people who imprisoned me for three years in a concentration camp. The same people who killed 38 thousand prisoners and left only 2,000 survivors in that camp, one of which I happen to be. I was prepared to fight the Russians, who liberated me. The irony is hard to miss.'"

Shachnow "was an American and Jewish hero," said JINSA's CEO, Michael Makovsky.

"He was a very impressive man and his accomplishments were even greater," Jewish War Veterans National Commander Barry Schneider said in a statement. "His contributions to our American military and to Jewish military history has majorly impacted the lives of Americans and Jewish Americans in ways that we cannot even know."

"Our brother Gen. Shachnow will be sorely missed."

Schachnow is survived by his wife, Arlene, four daughters and many grandchildren.


3. NETANYAHU UNDERGOES NEW GRAFT QUESTIONING
by AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu underwent a new round of questioning on Friday over one of several graft cases that have threatened to topple him.

The veteran premier's 12th round of questioning as a suspect in various cases comes two days before his wife Sara appears in court on charges of misusing state funds for catering at their official residence.

The prime minister has not been charged in any of the cases.

Netanyahu has been repeatedly questioned over allegations involving Israeli telecoms giant Bezeq and its largest shareholder, Shaul Elovitch.

The premier is accused of seeking favorable coverage from another Elovitch company, the Walla! news site, in exchange for policies that could have benefited the mogul's interests to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Netanyahu also faces interrogation as a witness in a case involving the purchase of three German submarines.

Israeli television on Friday showed footage of police officers arriving at his office.

The police and Netanyahu's office never confirm he is being questioned until the hearings are over.

Israeli media reported that Friday's questioning will for the first time cover two further cases in which he is suspected of corruption, fraud and breach of trust.

In one, he and family members are suspected of receiving around 1 million shekels ($275,000) worth of luxury cigars, bottles of champagne and jewelry in exchange for financial or personal favors.

Netanyahu does not smoke.

In the second, he is suspected of seeking a deal for positive coverage from Israel's top-selling daily newspaper, Yediot Aharonot, in exchange for advancing a law that would have limited the circulation of Israel Hayom, a free competitor.

His wife Sara appears in court on Sunday charged with misusing state funds to buy catered meals costing $100,000 (85,000 euros) by falsely declaring there were no cooks available at the premier's official residence.

Netanyahu, prime minister for around 12 years in total and with no rival in sight, has maintained his innocence in all the cases.

But the investigations have gradually ratcheted up speculation over whether he will eventually be forced from office.

So far his coalition partners have stood by him despite the allegations. He is not obliged to step down as prime minister even if he is formally charged.


4. SARAH SANDERS: 'LUDICROUS' THAT FBI SHOULD INTERVIEW FORD AGAIN
by Arutz Sheva Staff

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders slammed Democrat senators for insisting the FBI interview Christine Blasey Ford again.

In an interview with FOX News Channel's "AMERICA'S NEWSROOM," Sanders said, "The idea that the FBI needs to interview her [Christine Blasey Ford] again is ludicrous…if they [Democratic Senators] didn't get to ask what they wanted it's their own mistake."

"I can tell you that the whole world watched as Dr. Ford was interviewed for hours by the individuals who have to make the decision. That's the Senators themselves. They had ample opportunity to ask any question they wanted of Dr. Ford and if they didn't get enough that was their own fault, because they didn't step up to the plate and ask the questions they need answers to.

"The idea, somehow, that they now need to interview, that the FBI needs to interview her again is ludicrous. They had an opportunity to do so, they should have taken it and if they didn't get to ask what they wanted that was their own mistake."

Sanders also promised to "stay in close contact with a number of senators" and said she looks forward to working with them "to make sure we get this vote through over the next day or two."

Defending US President Donald Trump's reaction to the issue, Sanders explained that Trump wants "to see his nominee be treated fairly. He wants this process to be run the right way."

Last week, Ford provided the Senate with an account of an alleged assault against her by Kavanaugh when the two were in high school. However, an FBI investigation "found no supporting evidence of allegations of sexual misconduct" by Kavanaugh, who may be confirmed on Saturday.


5. BOLTON: IRAN IS THE WORLD'S CENTRAL BANKER OF TERROR
by Elad Benari

White House national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday that radical Islamist terrorist groups are the top cross-border threat to the United States and its interests abroad.

"Radical Islamist terrorist groups represent the pre-eminent transnational terrorist threat to the United States and to the United States' interests abroad," Bolton told reporters, according to Reuters, as he presented President Donald Trump's new counterterrorism strategy.

He also said the United States faces threats from Iran, which he called "the world's central banker of international terrorism since 1979."

Bolton, an advocate of Trump's decision to abandon the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and of imposing maximum pressure on Tehran, said the administration's aim is to force all importers of Iranian crude to cut their purchases to zero.

Trump recently signed an executive order officially reinstating US sanctions against Iran. Additional US sanctions targeting Iran's oil and shipping industries will go into effect on November 4.

"It's our objective that there be no waivers from the sanctions that exports of Iranian oil and gas and condensates drops to zero. I'm not saying we're necessarily going to achieve that but no one should be operating under any illusions what the objective is," Bolton said Thursday, according to Reuters.

"You can look at the possibility of reductions leading to zero, it doesn't have to happen immediately perhaps," he added.

Bolton last week issued a warning to Iran, telling the regime in a fiery speech in New York that there will be "hell to pay" if it continues on its current course.

"If you cross us, our allies, or our partners ... yes, there will indeed be hell to pay," said Bolton at the United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) annual summit.

"According to the mullahs in Tehran, we are 'the Great Satan,' lord of the underworld, master of the raging inferno," Bolton said. "So, I might imagine they would take me seriously when I assure them today: If you cross us, our allies, or our partners; if you harm our citizens; if you continue to lie, cheat and deceive, yes, there will indeed be hell to pay."

"The ayatollahs have a choice to make. We have laid out a path toward a bright and prosperous future for all of Iran, one that is worthy of the Iranian people, who have long suffered under the regime's tyrannical rule," added Bolton.


6. TROOPS ATTACKED IN QALQILIYA
by Arutz Sheva Staff

During an IDF operation in the Samarian Palestinian Authority (PA) city of Qalqiliya, a terrorist threw firebombs at the soldiers, who responded with gunfire.

The terrorist was wounded. A search of his body revealed explosive devices and other Molotov cocktails.

The soldiers provided the terrorist with first aid.

None of the soldiers were injured.

Separately, IDF, Shabak (Israel Security Agency), Border Police, and Israel Police arrested 13 wanted terrorists in Judea and Samaria. All of those arrested are suspected of involvement in terror activity, "lone-wolf" terror attacks, and violence towards Israeli civilians and security forces.

The suspects were taken for interrogation.

In another operation, IDF soldiers discovered illegal weapons in the PA Arab town of Rabud. All of the weapons were homemade. The suspects were transferred to security forces.


7. IDF SEARCHES FOR CHILD TERRORIST AFTER ATTEMPTED KNIFE ATTACK
by Arutz Sheva Staff

A Palestinian Authority (PA) Arab attempted on Thursday afternoon to stab an IDF soldier.

The attempted attack occurred at a checkpoint near to Route 443, between Jerusalem and Modi'in.

The attacker, aged approximately 8, drew a large knife and shouted at the soldier. He then threw his knife towards where the soldier was standing and quickly escaped the scene.

Initial investigations show that upon arrival at the checkpoint the young terrorist aroused the suspicion of both the guards and the lookouts stationed at the checkpoint.

No injuries were reported.

IDF troops are searching the area for the suspect.

PA Arab preschool children are taught to take pride in aspirations to kill Jews. In addition, PA textbooks for years have included incitement to violence and hatred of both Jews and Israel.

In a previous terror attack, the terrorist wrote a will before carrying out the attack, quoting in it his old school textbook.


8. THE NON-LEFTIST GENERAL
by Haggai Huberman

The following item was published last Friday under the headline: First publication: Liberman wants to appoint leftist Nitzan Alon as Chief of Staff, Netanyahu opposes.

According to the report, there is a "dispute between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman over the appointment of the new Chief of Staff. According to an exclusive 0404 News report, Liberman is interested in seeing Major General Nitzan Alon as Chief of Staff and has even sent a message to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu opposes Alon's appointment, who is considered an army man affiliated with the Israeli Left, whose statements are problematic and quite a few oppose him." End quote.

The 0404 News site is a serious site that often brings exclusive information, real scoops, that are not found elsewhere, especially regarding events in Judea and Samaria that other media ignore, because who cares about the hidden intifada in Judea and Samaria? But the label 'leftist' does a serious injustice to Nitzan Alon. This is part of the struggle that segments of the Right and some among settlers are running against Nitzan Alon, unjustly.

In conversations with several of the settler leaders in Judea and Samaria, they confirmed that as Central Region Commander, Nitzan Alon's attitude toward settlement was excellent. Everything he had to deal with was dealt with in the best possible way. His image as a 'settler eater' was earned in his former position as commander of Judea and Samaria Division between October 2009 and October 2011. As Division Commander he was indeed more rigid towards settlement. As Regional Commander, his conduct was completely different.

Mateh Binyamin Regional Council head and former Yesha Council Chairman Avi Roeh told me: "As Division Commander, I had a lot of friction with him, and as head of Regional Command he was excellent. As Regional Commander, his understanding was much broader. His attitude was practical and favorable for our needs. I didn't feel he was harassing us. We understood we were on the same side. There were things he allowed us to do, and there were things that he didn't, but my relations with him were good and correct, and bottom line he played the role properly. " Another senior settlement official added: "Nitzan Alon was a very good general, and he handled all issues we asked efficiently."

Aviv Kochavi
Flash 90
In terms of experience, seniority, and positions, Aviv Kochavi is the most suitable for position of Chief of Staff. Kochavi has served as Northern Commander, Military Intelligence head, and Deputy Chief of Staff - a series of positions that prepare him for the high post. Nitzan Alon served as Operations Head and Central Region Commander. He lacks the position of Deputy Chief of Staff, which he can do as deputy to Aviv Kochavi that will prepare him to be the next Chief of Staff, if he decides (which is uncertain; we hope he doesn't) not to retire from the IDF and wait for the next round

Has anyone ever examined the political positions of Aviv Kochavi? I recommend not doing so, because then there may be stubborn opposition to Kochavi's appointment to the post - for the same illegitimate reason. His views, as well as the attitude regarding his views, as well as those of Nitzan Alon, should be left out of the game.




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