A7News: British government acting to halt Khan al Ahmar evacuation

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Thursday, Jan. 03 '19, כ"ו בטבת תשע"ט



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HEADLINES:
1. BRITISH GOVERNMENT ACTING TO HALT KHAN AL AHMAR EVACUATION
2. IRANIAN TALIBAN MEMBERS KILLED IN NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN
3. DEMAND: OPEN SOLOMON'S POOLS TO JEWS
4. WATCH: YOUTHS PROTEST EXTENDED DETENTION OF JEWISH MINORS
5. SEVEN INJURED DURING EVACUATION IN AMONA
6. WATCH: CAROLINE GLICK JOINS BENNETT'S 'NEW RIGHT'
7. LAW RESTRICTING USE OF CASH GOES INTO EFFECT
8. 'I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO MOVED AS I AM TODAY'


1. BRITISH GOVERNMENT ACTING TO HALT KHAN AL AHMAR EVACUATION
by Mordechai Sones

British Foreign Office Spokesman in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) recently visited the illegal Arab outpost known as Khan al Ahmar, where he declared the British government "is conducting a campaign to save this village."

Samuel, who speaks fluent Arabic, periodically releases video clips in which he expresses positions that are unmistakably and undeniably anti-Israel. In the clip recorded at Khan al Ahmar, Samuel says: "We're here in Khan al Ahmar, a village in the West Bank on occupied Palestinian land. Behind me are the tents of Bedouin who have lived here for a very long time, now threatened with demolition and displacement at the hands of the Israeli government."
Samuel added that "the British government is waging a campaign to save this village; both the British Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have expressed their opposition to the demolition."

In September 2018 Israel's Supreme Court rejected the fifth petition submitted by the residents of Khan al Ahmar, ruling there are no legal obstacles standing in the way of implementation of court's June 2018 decision.

On Tuesday, former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman toured Khan al Ahmar and noted the Defense Ministry completed all necessary preparations for relocating residents of Khan al Ahmar "on the night between October 20th-21st 2018. On the day before the operation was scheduled to take place, I received a letter from the Prime Minister instructing me to delay the evacuation of Khan al Ahmar. The next morning, the 21st of October, the Cabinet convened and voted to delay the evacuation by a few weeks, but no later than the end of 2018."

Regavim, which has been at the forefront of the legal battle to evacuate Khan al Ahmar since 2009, draws a clear connection between the senior British diplomat's statement and Netanyahu's decision to indefinitely suspend implementation of the Supreme Court's decision: "More than two months have passed since Netanyahu's decision not to act on the court's ruling; taken alongside the arrogant and condescending statement of the diplomatic representative of the British government - which is acting to undermine the decisions of the government of Israel – it becomes clear that Prime Minister Netanyahu is allowing the British to act as though the Mandate is still in force," says Regavim Director Meir Deutsch, . "Unfortunately, Defense Minister Netanyahu's indecisiveness is given full expression in Foreign Minister Netanyahu's anemic diplomatic response to this blatant meddling in Israel's internal affairs."


2. IRANIAN TALIBAN MEMBERS KILLED IN NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN
by Mordechai Sones

Afghan forces killed two Iranian Taliban members in the northern Faryab province, a military commander reported to Ashraq al Aswat.

Two killed were identified as Mullah Ahmad and Mullah Jundullah, among 27 Taliban fighters killed in an air strike, Afghan security sources said.

"The Iranians have been involved in security incidents in Afghanistan, such as arming and financing the subversive groups, but this is the first time we see Iranians fighting within terrorist groups in Afghanistan," a local official said.

According to reports Afghan forces seized Iranian-made arms from Taliban fighters in the central Ghazni province.

The Taliban discussed Afghanistan's "post-occupation situation" with Iran in their latest meeting, the group said Tuesday.

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/257113

Meanwhile, attacks were simultaneously carried out on security outposts in the Sayad district of the northern province of Sar-e Pul.

Provincial Governor Spokesman Zabihullah Amani said at least 21 local forces, including police and intelligence, were killed and another 23 wounded in the raids that he said were aimed at seizing control of several oil wells on the outskirts of the provincial capital city of Sar-e Pul.

Amani also said hundreds of militants were still outside Sar-e-Pul, warning the city was at risk of falling to the Taliban if reinforcements were not sent. "The enemy is still amassing forces outside the city," he told AFP.

"We've deployed all the forces available in the city, but no reinforcements have arrived from outside so far. The people inside the city are very worried. They've attacked the city many times in the past, but this time the threat is more serious." The Taliban confirmed the attacks on the northern Afghan province, claiming they captured three checkpoints and killed or wounded 50 members of the security forces.

Maimana, capital of Faryab
iStock
Iran, Afghanistan
iStock



3. DEMAND: OPEN SOLOMON'S POOLS TO JEWS
by Hezki Baruch

The US administration recently decided to transfer $ 1.5 million to the Palestinian Authority for the restoration and preservation of Solomon's Pools north of Bethlehem.

On Tu Bishvat, the Reshit Yerushalayim center will conduct a tour with the IDF's special permission at the Solomon Pools, followed by a symposium at the Begin Heritage Center with the participation of "Amitim Letiyulim" and "Reshit Yerushalayim" on the Solomon Pools and the aqueducts that brought water to the Temple in Jerusalem.

Ahead of the tour, Amit Ararat and Shlomo Kolman, from "Amitim Letiyulim" and "Reshit Yerushalayim" wrote to US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman asking him to condition the funding of the restoration on the access of Jewish visitors to the site, including opening access from Efrat to the pools.

Kolman notes, "It is well known that all of the pools were handed over to the PA in a mistake of mapping, like many mistakes made in the haste of decision-making in the Oslo Accords. Even PA officials in their publications recognize the site as a site built by the Jews of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period."

"To return the pools to our hands is a goal, but in the meantime we have to act in order to make the site accessible to the Jews as well," Coleman added.
The letter (Screenshot)


4. WATCH: YOUTHS PROTEST EXTENDED DETENTION OF JEWISH MINORS
by Yoni Kempinski

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/257112


5. SEVEN INJURED DURING EVACUATION IN AMONA
by Elad Benari

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/257098

Security forces arrived in the community of Amona on Thursday morning to evacuate two structures that were placed there.

According to the police, 200 youths who barricaded themselves in the structures poured oil on the road and threw objects in an attempt to prevent the evacuation.

Five policemen and two youths were reportedly lightly injured in clashes that broke out. They were evacuated to hospitals in Jerusalem for treatment.

Youth in Amona
Credit: Amona Youth
Earlier this week, the State Prosecutor's Office informed several of the evacuees that if the buildings were not dismantled within 48 hours, they would be confiscated. The ultimatum was issued despite the fact that the area was legally purchased.

On Wednesday, the residents made it clear that they refused to vacate the structures they placed in Amona and give in to the State Prosecutor's ultimatum.

The residents bought the land for several million shekels, and the deal was approved by the Civil Administration, but also requires the approval of the political echelon, i.e. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu who also serves as Defense Minister, who does not intend to act on the matter.

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6. WATCH: CAROLINE GLICK JOINS BENNETT'S 'NEW RIGHT'
by David Rosenberg

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/257051

Journalist Caroline Glick has joined the New Right party (Hayamin Hahadash), becoming the first person recruited to the new faction since its establishment over the weekend.

New Right chairman and Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who bolted from the Jewish Home party Saturday night, announced that Glick had joined the faction.

"Caroline Glick, a brave Zionist warrior, has joined the New Right party," tweeted Bennett. "Welcome, Caroline!"

Glick, an American-born immigrant and a senior fellow at the Center for Security Policy, has served as chief columnist for The Jerusalem Post and Breitbart News and written for Maariv, Makor Rishon. Glick is a resident of the town of Efrat in Gush Etzion, south of Jerusalem.

In 2016, Glick was won the Moskowitz Prize for Zionism, alongside former MK Yehuda Harel, and former Tourism Minister Rabbi Binyamin Elon (National Union).

"Caroline is a courageous woman and a Zionist warrior," Bennett said Wednesday. "Together with her, we are putting together a team for the Israeli right which will expand the right-wing bloc, so that Israel can go back to winning."

"[Glick] brings with her experience and understanding of Israeli society coming from her many years as a journalist and writer. As someone who was born in the US and immigrated to Israel to serve in the IDF, Caroline symbolizes the essence of Zionism and the link between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. Caroline is knowledgeable and articulate, and has strong right-wing positions, and is unapologetic about it."

"Her addition will strengthen the list we are putting together, and with her we will enlarge the right-wing bloc. There are more surprises yet to come."

Glick, who is secular, said the New Right would serve as a big-tent which could expand the Israeli right-wing bloc by bringing together both secular and religious voters.

"I'm very excited today about joining the New Right, and joining together with people who are totally dedicated to Zionism and love of the Land [of Israel]," said Glick. "Together, we will work to defend Israel, strengthen its security, and implement truly right-wing policies. This is a very exciting day for me, and I call on everyone who has the Zionist spirit within them – secular or religious – to come join us, we're your home."

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/257051


7. LAW RESTRICTING USE OF CASH GOES INTO EFFECT
by David Rosenberg

A new Israeli law restricting the use of cash for either wages or payments for transactions has taken effect.

Officially titled the Law to Reduce the Use of Cash, the measure was passed in the Knesset in March, but only went into effect on Tuesday with the start of the new year.

The law was passed, following multiple delays, in response to the findings of a July 2014 report by the Committee to Examine Reducing the Use of Cash in Israel's Economy, headed by Harel Locker.

The Locker report, which was adopted by the Finance Ministry, urged the government to ban the use of cash for purchases, payment of wages, or other transactions over a certain limit, in the hope that the restrictions would reduce the amount of unreported transactions which evade tax authorities.

"Based on Israel Tax Authority estimates, about one-fifth of economic activity in Israel is unreported - that is, the shadow economy!" the 2014 report claims.

"The implication of the shadow economy in Israel is loss of tax revenues of about NIS 40–50 billion [$11.5 - $14.4 billion] per year, an amount equal to nearly the entire shekel budget of Israel's Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Health, or Ministry of Education."

The Finance Ministry has planned for a ban on transactions involving a business or employer on any transactions or payment of wages to employees in cash over the amount of 5,000 shekels ($1,333), or up to 25,000 shekels ($6,666) for transactions between two private individuals.

In accordance with an agreement reached with Knesset Finance Committee Chairman Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism), however, the ban will be instituted in stages.

Under the law passed last March, the caps on the usage of cash for transactions or payment of wages are 11,000 shekels ($2,934) for businesses or employers, and up to 50,000 shekels ($13,334) for transactions between private citizens.

For transactions or payments over 11,000 shekels ($2,934) for businesses or employers, cash may only be used for up to 10% of the total price, or up to 11,000 shekels, whichever is lower. For example, for a 50,000 shekel exchange, up to 5,000 shekels may be given in cash, or 10% of the total value.

Other restrictions include a 20,000 shekel ($5,333) limit to purchases by private individuals from businesses. Consumers will be able to pay in cash for purchases up to 20,000 shekels, but for any transactions beyond that price, cash may only be used for up to 10% of the total cost, and no more than 11,000 shekels ($2,934) total, whichever is lower.

Harel Locker, who compiled the report, said the law was part of a larger move towards "a cashless society".

"In a digital age, cash will have no significance. It is appropriate that in this issue as well, the State of Israel lead the process and enter the new age in a prepared and innovative manner."


8. 'I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO MOVED AS I AM TODAY'
by Arutz Sheva Staff

President Reuven Rivlin visited the IDF's Havat HaShomer base this morning, Wednesday. The president was escorted by Head of the Manpower Division, Maj-Gen Moti Almoz and Chief Education Officer Brig-Gen Zvika Faireisen. During his visit the commanders of the base briefed him on how the IDF works to incorporate special populations. He toured the classrooms and took part in a final lesson of basic training, and then met with graduates, soldiers and officers of the base for a discussion.

Michael Ben-Shetreet, one of the first graduates of Havat HaShomer and now a lecturer in education, leadership and excellence, came to meet the president during his visit and said, "the feeling that I am capable, something that developed during my time here, has stayed with me my whole life. The education system had given up on me, without giving me a chance. It was actually in the IDF, which exists to ensure our security, where I found social justice. Without this framework, I would not have had a chance of surviving in any other military environment, or in life afterwards."

The president thanked Michael for his openness and said, "when we talk about national resilience, we are talking first and foremost about the resilience of our society. The IDF is the people's army, and so it must ensure that everyone can be part of it. Formative experiences like yours make our society excel."

"I have been with the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff, with commanders of Armor, Infantry, Intelligence and Artillery, and I have visited all of the IDF's units. I have never been so moved as I am today," said the president. "This place makes it clear that everyone is part of the IDF, and so is part of the country and part of our shared hopes."

The president added, "the true strength of the IDF is its belief in people, no matter where they come from or how they started out. The strength of the IDF is the belief that everyone can contribute, and that you have something to contribute. That's what makes the IDF strong, that's what makes Israeli society strong. Serving in the IDF is an opportunity for each one of you recruits to change your life. It is not only an opportunity to serve the country and to make an impact. It is an opportunity for you to turn a page, a new and clean slate. To start afresh and take your place in society as a regular citizen. Do not miss this opportunity. Grab it with both hands!"

The president asked soldiers who have a criminal record to talk to their commanders and to begin the process of clearing their records. "During your military service, when you are assigned to your units and begin your assignments, please approach your commanders or the Education Corps to begin the process of clearing your criminal record, if you have one. As the President of the State of Israel with responsibility for granting pardons, I promise you here that I will look at each application seriously and with love. I will look positively on the request of any soldier who performs meaningful service in the IDF."

The president thanked the instructing staff for their work, saying "the commanders here today deal with some of the most complex educational and command challenges in a way that is truly inspirational. Your determination not to give up on any soldier – 'no soldier left behind' – the persistence, the mental resilience required from you when you are sowing and reaping seeds of hope, are an example to us all. We are proud of you! I am sure that the recruits also know that it is a great privilege to have commanders like you." The president concluded with wishes that when he next meets the recruits, it will be at the ceremony on Independence Day for outstanding soldiers.