A7News: 'Demolition of illegal Arab apartments critical for security'

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Monday, Jul. 22 '19, י"ט בתמוז תשע"ט





HEADLINES:
1. 'DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL ARAB APARTMENTS CRITICAL FOR SECURITY'
2. POLL: WHO CAN SUCCEED NETANYAHU AS PM?
3. LIFE SENTENCE FOR TERRORIST WHO MURDERED RONEN LUBARSKY
4. 'RAFI PERETZ NOT RULING OUT SHAKED AS LEADER OF UNITED RIGHT'
5. TEL AVIV BILLBOARDS DEMAND VICTORY AGAINST HAMAS
6. ISRAEL BEGINS DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL ARAB HOMES IN JERUSALEM
7. AYELET SHAKED TO LEAD THE NEW RIGHT
8. POLL: 13 SEATS FOR UNITED RIGHT LED BY AYELET SHAKED


1. 'DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL ARAB APARTMENTS CRITICAL FOR SECURITY'
by David Rosenberg

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/266310

Israel's Public Security Minister, Gilad Erdan (Likud) defended the demolition of illegal Arab apartment buildings in southeastern Jerusalem Monday morning, saying the structures were built too close to the security barrier, and could be used as a haven for terrorists.

"The demolition of the illegal and mostly uninhabited buildings which takes place today at ‎Wadi al-Hummus in the village of Sur Baher, Jerusalem, was approved by the Israeli High Court of Justice," said Erdan in a statement Monday morning, "which ruled that the illegal construction constitutes a severe security threat and can provide cover to suicide bombers and other terrorists hiding among civilian population and endanger the lives of civilians and security forces alike."

"The court also ruled unequivocally that those who built houses in the area of the security fence, knew that building in that area was prohibited, and took the law into their own hands."

Israeli forces seal off illegal Arab apartment buildings in Sur Baher, Jerusalem
REUTERS
Both the United Nations and the European Union had called on Israel to cancel the demolition orders issued for 10 illegal apartment buildings in Sur Baher, an Arab enclave in southeastern Jerusalem.

"The continuation of this policy undermines the viability of the two-state solution and the prospect for a lasting peace," the European Union said recently.

"We are following very closely developments in the Sur Baher area of the Jerusalem governorate," the United Nations Officer for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement.

"Seventeen Palestinians… face the risk of displacement, and over 350 others risk massive property loss, due to the Israeli authorities' intention to demolish 10 buildings, including around 70 apartments, due to their proximity to the West Bank barrier."

"We join others in the international community in calling on Israel to halt plans to demolish these and other structures."

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/266310

Ten apartment buildings with 70 apartments are slated for demolition, after the Supreme Court last month rejected the final appeal.

"The petitioners took the law into their own hands when they began and continued building structures without receiving a special permit from the military commander," the court said in its ruling green-lighting the demolitions.

Most of the apartment units have yet to be completed, with only three of the 70 planned apartments currently inhabited.

Fatah, a faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization which rules the Palestinian Authority, condemned the demolitions Monday as "war crimes" and "ethnic cleansing", and blamed the US for its 'total support' of "Israeli settlement projects" and recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital city.

"This crime comes under total US support for the Israeli settlement projects, which is a natural result of the illegal US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel," Fatah said.


2. POLL: WHO CAN SUCCEED NETANYAHU AS PM?
by Yoni Kempinski

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu became the longest-serving Israeli premier in history, a symbolic milestone that has highlighted the question of who will succeed Netanyahu as leader of the right-wing camp once he retires.

A new poll conducted by the Dialog polling agency under the supervision of Professor Camil Fuchs on behalf of Arutz Sheva found that among right-wing voters at least, the former New Right ministers Ayelet Shaked and Naftali Bennett and the most popular candidates to lead the right-wing bloc after Netanyahu retires from politics.

According to the poll, Shaked is the most favored candidate to lead the right-wing bloc, with 29% of respondents choosing her, compared to 16% for Bennett.

In a close third is Likud MK and former minister Gideon Sa'ar at 15%, followed by Transportation Minister and National Union chairman Bezalel Smotrich at 9%, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein (Likud) with 4%, United Right chief and Education Minister Rafi Peretz in a distant sixth with just 2%.

Tied with Peretz are Likud ministers Miri Regev and Gilad Erdan.

Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud) was favored by just one percent of respondents.

Ten percent of those polled responded that they don't know who they would prefer, while seven percent said they favored someone not listed by the poll. A further two percent said they would not vote regardless of who leads the right-wing camp.

The poll surveyed 600 Israeli adults who voted for either the New Right, United Right, or Zehut parties in the April 9th election.


3. LIFE SENTENCE FOR TERRORIST WHO MURDERED RONEN LUBARSKY
by Chana Roberts

Islam Naji, the terrorist who last year murdered Duvdevan Staff Sergeant Ronen Lubarsky, was sentenced Monday to a life sentence plus eight months in prison.

The judges also ruled that the family receive 258,000 NIS ($72,929) in compensation, but emphasized that the family can also file a civil suit against the terrorist.

Lubarsky's father Vladimir told news outlets that the sentence is a "disgrace and shame for Israeli law."

His brother, Arik, said: "We want something very simple. The State of Israel for many years already has been dealing with the cycle of bloodshed and with families of murderers, who already have five or six siblings in jail. We are looking for what will truly deter them, not that they should enter a jail that's like a summer camp. All the 'summer camps' need to end."

"We've seen that life sentences do not deter them, but the issue of money does deter them. So the State of Israel needs to change its approach to terror, and understand how terror works.

"We are continuing to demand the death penalty, the demolition of homes, large monetary fines, and a worsening of conditions in the jails, because only that will solve the problem of terrorism."

Former Defense Minister MK Avigdor Liberman, who chairs the Knesset's Yisrael Beytenu party, slammed the decision, emphasizing that "only the death penalty is the right and just punishment for this murder, which the horrible terrorist planned down to the last detail. It's a shame that for four years already, [Israeli] Prime Minister [Binyamin] Netanyahu has torpedoed our demand to legislate the death penalty for terrorists."

"The disgusting terrorist, who murdered Duvdevan Staff Sergeant Ronen Lubarsky, of blessed memory, will enter a jail in Israel and enjoy luxurious accommodations, and his family will receive a monthly stipend from the Palestinian Authority. If that's not enough, that same horrible terrorist will enter jail knowing that he may well be released in the next prisoner swap.

"Only the death penalty will do justice with the families of the murdered and with the nation of Israel."


4. 'RAFI PERETZ NOT RULING OUT SHAKED AS LEADER OF UNITED RIGHT'
by Arutz Sheva Staff

Is Education Minister and United Right chairman Rabbi Rafi Peretz dropping his opposition to ex-Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked taking the top spot on a joint right-wing ticket?

National Union chairman and Transportation Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of the United Right alliance of rightist parties, revealed Monday morning that Peretz may be prepared to accept Shaked at the top of a joint ticket bringing together the United Right and New Right.

In an interview with Reshet Bet, Smotrich said that neither he nor Peretz had ruled out allowing Shaked to lead a joint ticket of the two parties – an apparent about-face by Peretz, who had long insisted on sitting at the helm of any unified right-wing Knesset slate.

"Anyone could [potentially] be at the top of the list," said Smotrich. "I've always urged everyone not to put pre-conditions" on negotiations between the two parties.

"There are also, of course, considerations regarding values; parties don't exist just for their own sake."

Smotrich added that during his meeting with Peretz Sunday afternoon, the United Right chairman said he too would not rule out the possibility of Shaked leading the party.

"If I need to step aside, there can be a two-person leadership," Smotrich said, referring to Peretz and Shaked. "If you want a four-person leadership, we'll have a four-person leadership. I can tell you that Rabbi Rafi also doesn't rule out the possibility of placing Shaked in the top position."

On Sunday, Ayelet Shaked announced that she would be leading the New Right party, following an agreement with her predecessor, Naftali Bennett.

During a brief address to party activists, Shaked laid out her plans to lead a joint right-wing list, combining the New Right and United Right parties.

"Under my leadership, the New Right party will not be running in the shadow of other parties, but as a party aspiring for the reins of national leadership, and to ensure a right-wing victory."

"I call… the leaders of the parties to the ideological right of the Likud, some of whom are my good friends: yes there are disagreements between us, but they are nothing compared to the challenges ahead of us. Unity is the moral and ideological Right's insurance policy, and we have to follow through on it."

"Together, under my leadership, we will become a powerful force, a force that will lead the Jewish people with strength and faith. A single, large union – an alliance of good people, with healthy values and courageous actions."

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/266307


5. TEL AVIV BILLBOARDS DEMAND VICTORY AGAINST HAMAS
by Arutz Sheva Staff

The Middle East Forum's (MEF) Israel Victory Project has launched a dramatic billboard campaign.

The goal is to raise the issue of achieving victory, and to pressure Israel's security establishment – former and current military, intelligence, and law enforcement officers – to end its policy of appeasement.

Each billboard carries the slogan: "Enough being scared. Demand victory for Israel."

Days after the visit by to Iran by leaders of Hamas's military wing, and in the run-up to more funds being transferred by Qatar to Hamas in Gaza - the billboards depict Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh standing on the beach in a bathing suit, with suitcases of cash behind him, thanking Israel for its weak stand against Hamas in Gaza. They are displayed at major intersections in Tel Aviv, including across from the Defense Ministry.

The billboards mark the beginning of a wider campaign to take place over the next two months that includes commissioned research, polls, events and rallies, raising awareness of the need for Israel to achieve victory in order for there to be an end to the conflict.

The Israel Victory Project, founded in 2017, includes both caucuses in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, and in the US Congress.

Daniel Pipes, MEF president and the originator of the Israel Victory concept, explains: "Victory means imposing one's will on the enemy; history teaches that conflicts end when one side gives up. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict will end only when Palestinians realize they cannot achieve their goal of eliminating the Jewish state of Israel."

Gregg Roman, the Forum's director who is overseeing the campaign, adds: "Israel has forgotten how to win since Oslo. In return for handing out bags of cash to jihadis, Israeli children must run to bomb shelters. Our campaign speaks to the Israeli public that is fed up with 'conflict management' and 'mowing the lawn.'"

Billboard featuring Ismail Haniyeh thanking Israel for weakness Hillel Meir


6. ISRAEL BEGINS DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL ARAB HOMES IN JERUSALEM
by David Rosenberg

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/266298

Israeli security forces began demolishing illegal Arab buildings in southeastern Jerusalem Monday morning, after police and Border Police units surrounded nearly a dozen unauthorized buildings, AFP reported.

Hundreds of Israeli police officers and soldiers began sealing off at least four multi-story buildings in the Wadi al-Hummus neighborhood of the Sur Baher section of southeastern Jerusalem early Monday, in preparation for their immediate demolition, AFP reported.

Reporters and activists were prevented from reaching the area and residents and activists were being dragged out.

One man yelled "I want to die here" after being dragged out.

The Israeli government warned residents that the illegal buildings were too close to the security wall on the city's edge, thus raising security issues.

Ismail Abadiyeh, who lives in one of the buildings under threat with his family, said they would be left homeless.

"We will be on the street," he told AFP.

"Since 2 a.m. they have been evacuating people from their homes by force and they have started planting explosives in the homes they want to destroy," resident Hamada Hamada told Reuters. "There are hundreds of soldiers here,"

Residents claimed that they had received permission to build the illegal structures from the Palestinian Authority – despite the area being under Israeli sovereign control.

A total of 10 buildings are slated for demolition, with as many as 100 more illegal structures in the area liable for demolition.

Following a series of court rulings, residents were given a 30-day notice of the impending demolition on June 18th. Most of the 10 buildings, housing roughly 70 apartment units, slated for demolition are still under construction.

A total of 17 people from three families currently live in the completed apartment buildings. Three-hundred-and-fifty people had planned to move in to the unfinished buildings once completed.

The demolitions would see 17 people displaced and another 350 affected, according to the United Nations.

European Union has called on Israel not to carry out the demolitions, saying they would 'undermine' the two-state solution.

"The continuation of this policy undermines the viability of the two-state solution and the prospect for a lasting peace."

But the Israeli Supreme Court ruled against the Arab petitioners in the final appeal, noting that residents continued work on the buildings knowing they had not received the necessary permits.

"The petitioners took the law into their own hands when they began and continued building structures without receiving a special permit from the military commander," the court said in its ruling green-lighting the demolitions.

The Palestinian Authority condemned Israel for the demolitions, and threatened to petition the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

"If the planned demolitions take place, Israel's actions will constitute a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention as well as war crimes pursuant to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court," the PA's chief negotiator, Saeb Erekat said Sunday night.

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/266298

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/266298


7. AYELET SHAKED TO LEAD THE NEW RIGHT
by David Rosenberg

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked will lead the New Right party, former Education Minister and incumbent New Right chairman Naftali Bennett announced at a party meeting Sunday evening, with plans for Shaked to lead a joint ticket with the United Right party.

Speaking at an event hall in Kfar Maccabiah Sunday night, Shaked announced that she had taken control of the New Right.

"There was no right-wing party running in the next election led by a woman – but now there is," Shaked told party activists.

Emphasizing unity on the Right, Shaked called for an alliance of parties to the right of the Likud.

"Just now we're ending the fast of the 17th of Tammuz, a day which forever reminds us that we were exiled from land and lost our independence because of baseless hatred. That won't happen again. Even when we disagree, we will know how to maintain mutual respect and remember that we're family."

"We've learned from our mistakes, and we've learned our lesson. We will put before you clear leadership, with political courage – with my partner, Naftali Bennett."

"Under my leadership, the New Right party will not be running in the shadow of other parties, but as a party aspiring for the reins of national leadership, and to ensure a right-wing victory."

"I call… the leaders of the parties to the ideological right of the Likud, some of whom are my good friends: yes there are disagreements between us, but they are nothing compared to the challenges ahead of us. Unity is the moral and ideological Right's insurance policy, and we have to follow through on it."

"Together, under my leadership, we will become a powerful force, a force that will lead the Jewish people with strength and faith. A single, large union – an alliance of good people, with healthy values and courageous actions."

Former Education Minister Bennett, who had reached an agreement with Shaked, said that he would be stepping aside as leader of the New Right to allow Shaked to lead the party – and potentially an expanded United Right.

"My place in the party isn't so important, I could be first, second or even third," said Bennett.

"I believe that she will lead us to a great victory."

"Ayelet Shaked will lead the New Right – and the entire United Right."



8. POLL: 13 SEATS FOR UNITED RIGHT LED BY AYELET SHAKED
by David Rosenberg

The United Right could win as many as 13 seats if it runs on a joint list with the New Right party, and is headed by newly-named New Right chief Ayelet Shaked, a new poll shows.

According to the poll, which was conducted by the Midgam agency on behalf of Channel 12 and broadcast Sunday night, if new elections were held today the Likud would narrowly defeat the center-left Blue and White party 30 seats to 29 seats. Both parties won 35 in the April 9th election.

Yisrael Beytenu, which has called for the formation of a unity government, would win nine seats if new elections were held today, compared to the five it won in April.

Shas would lose a single seat, falling from eight to seven seats, while United Torah Judaism would hold steady at eight.

The United Right Party, led by Education Minister Rafi Peretz, would win five seats – the same number it currently holds – while the New Right under Ayelet Shaked would win six seats. The New Right failed to enter the 21st Knesset.

On the left, the Labor Party would win seven seats, up a single mandate over its performance in the April election, while the far-left Meretz party would remain stable at four seats.

The newly-launched Israeli Democratic Party of former Prime Minister Ehud Barak would also win four seats.

If the predominantly Arab Joint List Party runs again, bringing together the Balad-United Arab List ticket with the Hadash-Ta'al ticket, it would win 11 seats, one more than its constituent factions currently hold.

The poll also found that if the United Right and New Right parties run together with Shaked at the helm, the joint ticket would win 13 seats. In such a scenario, the Likud would win 28 seats, instead of 30. The results for the other parties would remain unchanged.

In both scenarios, the right-wing – religious bloc would win 65 seats, while the left-wing – Arab bloc would win 55. Avidgor Liberman's Yisrael Beytenu, however, has signaled it will not help Prime Minister Netanyahu form a narrow right-wing government, but will insist instead on a unity government with Blue and White, and without the haredi parties or Religious Zionist factions.