Vote Torah in World Zionist Election

For those residing chutz learetz, outside of Israel, I suggest voting for the Torah party in the World Zionist Organization Election. Here are some quotes and links related to this process. The voting goes through tomorrow (April 30, 2015) and it's for representation for Jews outside the land of Israel.

Religious Zionist Slate Website

Religious Zionist Slate on Facebook

Rabbi Pesach Lerner's letter urging to vote Torah (slate #10)

Vote Online via this link!

If you are at least 18 years of age, live in the US, and accept the Jerusalem Program, you are most likely eligible to vote. In the United States, the election is managed by the American Zionist Movement, the umbrella organization of Zionist bodies and the representative of the World Zionist Organization in the United States.

Gaza and a One State Solution

Is Gaza an Israeli province with the Palestinian Authority as current governor, or is Gaza a land already given to the Palestinian Arabic people?  I have presented the former perspective as the preferred interpretation of International Law, but it is easier to follow the latter perspective since you don't have to deal with Gaza to get it done. If the latter perspective on Gaza, that it is irrevocably surrendered, is established as Israel's foreign policy, then implementing Everyone Wins or a similar one state solution would focus only on Judea and Samaria for the time being. But what if I am right, that Gaza has never been fully transferred to another country? That then would do two things. First, it creates a legal mechanism for regime change of Hamas in Gaza without the need for concern of foreign complaints. It is an internal matter in Israel. Next, it would reveal a moral and legal liability to Israel for what Hamas does while on Israel's watch, urging immediate police action against Hamas rather than passively allowing the risk of their regime's existence next door to Ashkelon, Sederot and the other neighboring communities. 

My position is based on the concept of where is the other state? There is no Successor State. There has been no alternative UN member state that has accepted the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority is not that yet, and by the grace of God, nor will it ever be.  When it assumed control of Gaza, it did so as an entity, an organization more than a nation, and certainly not a member nation of the United Nations. Further the current regime is no longer the regime that Israel tried to give Gaza to. Fatah recently called for the destruction of Hamas. Hamas is clearly no longer a member of the Palestinian Authority which was the supposed Successor of the Gaza Strip. Hamas's control of Gaza has nullified even that.

If you are familiar with the first chapter in Talmud Shabbos, this situation is likened to the concept of Hanacha (placement) and Akira (acceptance.) There was arguably (in the position suggested by some legal authorities such as esteemed Professor Eugene Kontorovich) a placement of the item (The legal evacuation from Gaza, under the International Law: "Session"). But to my knowledge there has been no mention that no member nation of the U.N. has received it as of yet (Succession). Thus we come to the startling realization that Gaza awaits acceptance as a full nation even today. I would go further still, that the Session of Israel leaving Gaza has already ended the moment Gaza became a fledgling terror state, nullifying the intent of the Session from Gaza by Israel that the act of leaving Gaza was predicated on. Thus it is a policy of self-restraint alone that keeps Israel from retaking Gaza immediately, legally, under International Law.

As recently as last year, Professor Malcolm N. Shaw's 7th guide on International Law continues to speak of the lack of clarity in the matter of Succession. But he does state clearly that International obligations fall upon the new State. In Gaza, what new state are we discussing? The Arabs in Gaza still remain unaccepted as a legal nation, and therefore cannot accept Gaza legally unless they are accepted, Heaven fore-fend. 

With this in mind, let's analyze the most recent one state solution, that of Jerusalem Post editor Caroline Glick. She has written and spoken of annexing Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) immediately. She has even written a book on the topic.  Caroline Glick's thesis is a world of improvement over current Likud policy of waiting indefinitely for leopards to change their spots and terrorists to repent.  I would be happy if her plan succeeded, but optimally speaking, from a peacemaking perspective, in my opinion, it is not far reaching enough to achieve maximum peace. I wish to illustrate the difference between her proposal of annexation of the entire Judea and Samaria and the concept of annexing all territories Judea, Samaria and Gaza simultaneously, and also the concept of filtering naturalization applicants from pro terror elements as per the plan I suggested. 

My 'Kulam Marvichim, Everyone Wins' peace plan contains mechanics that could be beneficial even if the will of the people was to only annex Judea and Samaria. So it is worthwhile for fans of Everyone Wins to continue to share links and info on it where appropriate. However, there are some reasons to not settle for an edit to the plan. As I stated when I first wrote it in regards to Rabbi Elon's / Israeli Initiative / Jordan is Palestine peace plan, I would be happy if that would work, because no peace is worse than a less than perfect peace. But it is not politically viable to place your nation's national security in the hands of another parliament (Jordan). True peace is more important than personal accolades. So I urge my fans to not slander any true peace deal, even if not authored by me. The Almighty God shall reward our good efforts in any case.

The main difference between Rabbi Elon's peace plan and Caroline Glick's is that Rabbi Elon's is not politically viable but is a full peace plan, while Caroline Glick's plan is a partial resolution of the peace problem, but is more politically viable. Everyone Wins is a plan in the middle of them, and still the path that I recommend as the way to go. For Everyone Wins is politically viable and resolves the conflict.

The main reasons Everyone Wins must still be on the agenda are:

1) What about justice? We must not allow a terror state on Israel's doorstep to be established. Under my position on International Law, and the removal of Jews from Gaza several years ago, Gaza is still Israel's property.  Gaza today is a province of Israel, under the governorship of the Palestinian Authority, awaiting ratification of the legal process of Succession which has never occurred. That means, if the law is like my position in this matter, it is then Israel's moral responsibility to stand up to terror under their watch and within their nation. Hamas must fall and by Israel's hand or at least approval, according to International Law itself. Why didn't George W. Bush attack Gaza before leaving office and get rid of the Hamas led pseudo government? Israel said no. 

2) For those concerned with Halacha (Talmudic Law), there were two main perspectives discussed on Gaza. I'll say them in the name of two of the main rabbis of the previous generation, peace upon them, who supported those positions. One was the position of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, which supported the surrender of Gaza for the sake of peace and protection of life. The other was the position of Rabbi Aharon Soloveichik, which opposed any land concessions as even a little would strengthen violence and bloodshed. With utmost respect to my mentor, Rav Aharon, I personally felt we should follow Rav Yosef's advice, on condition it was followed with common sense, i.e. that the Palestinian Authority would be founded in a manner of gratitude, not arrogant triumph. They would teach their children peace, not jihad. But that provision was not the path followed and therefore I returned back to Rav Aharon's position on the matter due to the poor implementation of the Oslo Accords by Rabin, Peres and Beilin. After the gift of Gaza was accepted with arrogant triumph that empowered years of terror, intifada and bloodshed, Rav Ovadia Yosef also withdrew his support of Gaza-for-peace. Therefore, there no longer exists a halachic mechanism to surrender the God given gift of parts of the Holy Land by any significant number of Rabbis. Whereas Everyone Wins remains halachically acceptable. If International Law of Israel's current possession of Gaza still remaining intact has been correctly stated by me, then there is no reason to not take back Gaza and accept God's gift. If the International Law is like Professor Kontorovich's previously stated position, and the land was already forsaken, then there may exist a halachic reason to allow passivity, in the retake of Gaza unless war or Moshiach decide otherwise, from this theoretical aspect.

3) Most importantly, there must be no cities of refuge for terror. Halacha and Interntional Law would both agree with that. It's a grave danger to life to allow Hamas to rule. (A Jus Cogens for the state of Israel.) Gaza is enough real estate to be a entire state for terror, not just a city of refuge for terror. Attempting to reserve at least Gaza for a future Palestinian state a generation from now, is also reserving for a potential terrorist state a generation from now. IT's TIME TO END THIS. (If the Law is as Professor Kontorovich stated in regard to Israeli rights to that territory, then within that concept, a regime change in Gaza would still be on the table. And the search for Arab political moderates to become new governors in Gaza should, under such circumstance, then commence once the terrorists have been brought to justice.) 

We are attempting to offer democratic life to the innocent among those who have tried to kill us, not by or for any evil by this annexation. This is the underlining belief in Caroline Glick's thesis as well, otherwise how can we even offer the suggestion of annexation? Therefore, it's merely a question of adding Gaza without being overwhelmed by the volume of naturalization applicants, which the mechanics of Everyone Wins handles well. Another strength of Everyone Wins is that it does not change the electoral balance in favor of Arabs, whereas Caroline Glick's plan slightly favors Arabs over other creeds and races in Israel by adding more Arabs than Jews in one lump sum to the State of Israel.

If the West truly wanted a peaceful Palestinian State, it would have demanded that Palestinian Authority schools and media not irresponsibly indoctrinate their children with terrorists as heroes and bloodshed as a virtue. A majority of Palestinian Arabs have repeatedly called for violence against Israel. If you consider the Oslo Accords as an application for statehood. There simply is not enough virtue to consider it anymore. For the sake of it's own existence, Israel should not risk it.

Support Jordan is Palestine for any who want their own country, if you like, but don't rely on Jordan is Palestine to end this conflict, for that is not likely to occur.

A slow but sure approach to annexation, is a sure way to a slow relief from terror, we need to resolve this soon. But a slow but sure approach to naturalization of incoming Arabs from Judea, Samaria and Gaza (as in the Everyone Wins peace plan) is a sure approach to lasting peace.

Annex the territories now with the provision in the law that Israel will naturalize the citizens there in a way that does not harm Israel's economy, infrastructure, or electoral balance. That works whether or not Gaza is included.

In lieu of that, annexation of Judea and Samaria first, however less than ideal, may need to be the path to go, but with the mechanics of Everyone Wins in place.

May the Lord of Israel enlighten us to the true path to peace. May it soon be so, by the grace of God.

On Implementation of a One State Solution

Based on a series of essays that I wrote 7 years ago.

The sooner a one state solution that does not kick all Palestinian Arabs out of Israel is implemented, “Apartheid State” (and other such false claims like that) would simply not hold water when the Palestinians have been accepted into Israeli society. At that point if anyone criticizes Israel, they would be criticizing the homogenized Jewish/Arabic post-conflict democracy of the Israel of tomorrow. But it must be done in a way that does not create a terror sub-state within Israel's heartland.

A Discussion on the Mechanics of the Naturalization of Arabs from Judea, Samaria and Gaza to the State of Israel

In regard to this policy of Arabic absorption upon which the Kulam Marvichim/Everyone Wins version of the One State Solution depends... Obviously, and even Arab Israelis would agree, that you cannot allow entry into the State of Israel and grant the right to vote to terrorists with blood on their hands or those who strongly support terror. This then brings us back to the concern we raised before that, according to that several polls have stated a majority of West Bank Palestinian Arabs support terror against Israel. So how is it possible for a significant enough number of Palestinians in the territories to be eligible to become naturalized Israelis even in the eyes of their own Arab cousins in Israel?

Again, the good part of bureaucracy comes to the rescue. To best illustrate first we need to categorize the intensity of the problem, and next we prioritize the organization of the Arabic naturalization rate according to a Score of the Level-Of-Probable-Innocence (L.O.P.I. Score, to coin a phrase) of each immigration applicant. The higher the L.O.P.I. Score rating, the better chance they have to become an Israeli.

Categorization:

LOPI Point Level 1: Terrorists with blood on their hands or their sponsors are the worst and are ineligible to become Israelis by any standard. They are not merely unqualified applicants. They are inhuman. It it less a question of whether they are eligible to naturalize as to whether they are eligible to be captured alive and not dead.

LOPI Point Level 2: Terrorists without blood on their hands are only slightly better. They look forward to murdering someone.

LOPI Point Level 3: Avid supporters of terror who curse the existence of the State of Israel. Their hatred is deep.

LOPI Point Level 4: Supporters of terror who are only doing so out of frustration and would likely stop if the frustration stopped.

LOPI Point Level 5: Supporter of terror for political reasons. In the sick, Pro-Hamas culture, if you support terror, then your stock goes up in the eyes of the government. We have seen this in history in the cultures of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. It may mean more food on their tables each week. This explains why a majority of Palestinian Arabs answer in polls that they support the use of terror against Israel, yet also want dual citizenship in Israel.

LOPI Point Level 6: Those courageous Palestinian Arabs who stand up to peer pressure and reject any connection whatsoever with terrorism, even though they are ostracized by their own neighbors.

A L.O.P.I. Score of 3 or less means they are ineligible to become Israeli citizens. Level 4 supporters may end up being rejected by both Jewish and Arab Israelis as being potential immigrants, but perhaps not. Level 5 would get some opposition from the political right, but certainly less than level 4. I would think most would agree that level 6 Arab applicants are a highly desirable crop of potential immigrants.

How to determine the difference between a level 5 and a level three terror supporter? For some in these categories it could be as simple as asking them to pledge support of Israel and forswear terror as a legitimate form of civil disobedience in the world. Those close to terror may not be able to take such a citizenship pledge, while for those far from terror in their hearts it may be very easy for them to take such a pledge.

For those in between categories; the externally indefinable citizenship applicants, how do we determine their true colors?

Through intel and acceptable probabilities.

To fully comment on the intelligence aspect, one would need to know certain classified security secrets that most do not have access to, in order to be able to offer any form of coherent and specified advice. But fear not, there are those who could answer this query already in place in our governments.

For those who are less of a risk but still a gray area, we consider a system of acceptable probabilities of loyalty. Acceptable probabilities are the expertise of actuaries and similar specialists. Just as credit card companies have a method to determine one's credit score and probable trust ratio, the same process can be held for people who are trustworthy enough to reach this level of appraisal.

Prioritization

Very simply, a L.O.P.I. Score of 6 or something very close to that equals being accepted. Under the Kulam Marvichim/Everyone Wins peace plan, that threshold would occur as soon as a corresponding amount of Jewish immigrants come to Israel as well, a provision in Everyone Wins which protects the electoral balance in the State of Israel.

What to do with those who are determined to be terrorists? Bring them to justice. The others whom all Israelis, Jew, Arab, all groups alike collectively reject, those rejects who pose no active danger to the State, yet reject the idea of joining the State civilly, should not be kept in a segregated camp in perpetuity, but be given provisions and financial compensation and sent on their way (out of the country), in the spirit of pardoning sinners as on the Biblical Jubilee. This should be done with as much compassion as possible, all according to the nature of the crimes and the will of the people at the time such an event would occur.

Absorption Selection Methodology

Either via national lottery and or by adding one model citizen type village at a time. The advantage of such template villages is they would be a boon for hasbara (PR) of the peace process.


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Toward a Truly Evenhanded Policy for Peace in the Holy Land

And this is the distinction that I've tried to express through my Everyone Wins peace plan. We find that other one state solutions believe in shipping one nation or the other to another country, tearing asunder civil rights such as the right to reside in one's own property and the right to vote, thus also creating discontent on both a societal as well as a national scale. Therefore any true peace deal must minimize feelings of dissatisfaction that are caused by any one side "losing" the negotiations, and also any peace deal must be able to create a permanent solution, otherwise all gains will eventually be lost and the cycle of violence would not cease, God forbid.

By naturalizing West Bank and Gaza Arabs, but in a corresponding ratio based system to Jewish immigration, both key individual national desires of full political rights for Palestinians in the territories and an end to security risks for Israelis will be met. Both sides would also benefit from peace without withdrawal, which makes no political losers on a national scale, plus the right in many cases to keep a family homestead that has existed for dozens and dozens of years, no losers on a societal scale. The newly united State of Israel would experience a massive investment surge from overseas companies and industries, the likes of which have never been seen in the country before.

Anticipating and tracking any change in the status quo of the rate of immigration is crucial to keep this peace deal fair. First the electorate must set the ratio. If currently there are more than 5 Jews for every Arab. So would 2 Arabs admitted to the State of Israel for every 10 Jews admitted be what the electorate would choose? It is important to set a fair and an appropriate ratio. For example, if current demographics in Israel are that 15% of Israelis are Arabs, then the ratio could be set at 15%. That is, for every 100 immigrants, 15 West Bank and Gaza Arabs who are not a threat are allowed in. So if in a given year there are 100,000 Jewish immigrants, 15,000 friendly Arabs would naturalize.

Whatever the numbers, and I am not in a position right now to make any solid suggestions on what the will of the people should be or is in this regard, nevertheless I feel that the ratio should not necessarily be considered written in stone. Through the wise fluctuation of the ratio rate of immigration and naturalization on a sliding scale in favor of the "disadvantaged" population it is possible to avoid major potential causes for flare ups in the future. It is certain that a ratio too extreme in either direction would be a costly mistake for which there is no need to extrapolate.

Once true peace exists, I would expect that Jewish immigration will likely increase by no less than 300% of current rates. Plus financial stability and growth will be at unheard of levels. The ability to power infrastructure growth and the greater Jewish immigration numbers will allow Israel to naturalize more Arabs faster and safer than currently possible. Thus the entire conflict will come to an end that much sooner. It's completion will occur exponentially. If 15,000 naturalize the first year, expect 50,000 shortly after due to the ever increasing immigration rates.

The majority of those who would make aliyah "sometime before they retire", would do so much sooner if long term peace and prosperity were assured. Too many stories of terror may not frighten war veterans in Israel, but it does reduce immigration rates significantly for foreign born Jews who never served in the military. That would end once a good and reliable peace process is in place.

If I am ever quoted on this, allow me to point out that I never said terrorists should be granted citizenship. No country would make a citizen out of wanton felons, let alone murderers. But also that Palestinians have clearly been reacting to a series of Israeli and Western leaders supporting terrorists in diplomatic clothing such as Abbas. Such Palestinian leaders are PLO terrorists, not true moderates. Therefore peace negotiations in the past have taken unfair turns. All because the stand that the USA took against Hamas' take over in Gaza, was how pseudo moderates like Abbas should have been dealt with as well. It was the Western support of Arafat and Abbas that created the group psychological phenomena that propelled terror into the sphere of political option in the minds of Palestinian voters.

Only by having zero tolerance toward fake diplomats such as Abbas can then the rise of true moderate, third way candidates be seen amongst the Palestinians and become widely acceptable to the public. This is an essential step in the local self governance that is necessary in primarily Palestinian Arab populated regions in the West Bank and Gaza, in order to allow Palestinian towns to be added one by one to the body of the State of Israel. The transitional period between implementation and completion of this great naturalization project, will require local Palestinian leaders, regional and municipal level leaders, to help and not hurt this process, even as current national level leaders are rejected.

It should be clearly understood that all other peace deals have been begun by taking the first step with the wrong foot. The beginning of peace does not come by the placation of terror; that is its anathema. At it's end, there must neither be the destruction of innocent societies. If your goal is trying to keep people from dying or losing their homes, then please let these words that I have told you take on meaning in your heart.

What do I answer to those who say, well what if in the end it turns out that most Palestinians utterly and eternally reject peace in support of terror. Will all this effort have all been in vain if only a few thousand can be saved? To them I say: What of the flowers among the thorns? What of the innocent ones among them? Avraham/Abraham, the forefather of Jews and Arabs prayed for those innocent trapped among the guilty. This is an opportunity for Abraham's descendants to show respect for this great legacy, and this most sacred family tradition. Let us, we and our Arabic cousins, live in peace, together, forever. May it soon be so, by the grace of God.

Fatah is the Problem

The problem with the Two State solution is that Israel is the only state involved. The others side consists of three elements. Many innocent people who recognized the good in Israel, many people who want Israel to be punished despite the many benefits Israel has handed them, and both of those groups being led by a horde of men of bloodshed and deceit, empowered by the Oslo Accords to keep their Iron grip over their people. The end result is, there is no way for a Two State solution that leads to peace. But there is an alternative.

Recently, Palestinian Authority leader Abbas called for the destruction of Hamas. Begged Arab states to attack Hamas. After all, Hamas crossed a line, they did not do as Fatah demanded. It was not to battle terror that he stated this. They got in his way and they had to die. That's how his mentor Arafat would have handled it, and that is what he demanded in his speech and put into his foreign policy against... his unity government partner? It was Abbas who wanted a unity government with Hamas. He worked hard for a peace deal with Hamas. But now they've gone too far and they must go.

If we apply logic, no offense to any lingering Oslo Accord proponents who are unable to use logic.  But if we do use that logic stuff, we come to a worrisome conclusion. If Fatah would not hesitate to betray their word to their brethren whom they chose over Israel, why would they keep a treaty with Israel?

Fatah are leaders willing to make a peace deal. And they are also leaders who desire that their enemies whom they made a treaty with should die the moment they do not continue to get their way.

So that makes Fatah not candidates to become men of peace, nor potential peace partners. That makes them men of bloodshed in sheep's clothing.

If they would do this to their brethren in Gaza, obviously no one is sacrosanct from their potential treachery.

Tell your congressmen. WARNING: This is how Fatah treats people they make peace deals with.

The moment Arafat called the path to "peace" a "strategic choice for peace", I knew something was up. But what does Arafat have to do with Abbas? Arafat was an arch terrorist, Abbas is a man who "we can make a deal with."

What does it take to be wed to a murderer? What does it take to be the most trusted assistant to an arch terrorist? A gang leader's wife may not have as much blood on her hands, but would you trust your kids to her if she offered to babysit?  That is by a woman with an innate extra dose of kindness.  What of by a man who was mentored by an arch terrorist? Who uses the same disregard of life when he does not get his way?

That is what every proponent of a peace deal with Fatah is suggesting. Trust Abbas and his cronies with your back? Do you really think this is a path to true peace or only to perpetual conflict?

And Abbas is just the figurehead. Another variation of the same terrorist in politician clothing would take his place if this head of the hydra was gone.  Therefore, do not make a deal with the hydra at all.

The few successes of political leadership in Judea and Samaria (The West Bank) by Fatah were actually performed by the local leadership, which existed prior to the Oslo Accords. The local mayors and township leaders are the true leaders of the Palestinian Arabs in the territories, but they will never be allowed to truly lead their people to maximum social improvement, unless Israel annexes the territories and enables them with true democratic freedom. The only way to bring that level of governance is to stop trapping them behind a fence with a bunch of terrorist bullies who always put their agenda of bloodshed before civil and social services. 

Hamas is Fatah without the act, without the sheep's clothing.  The Fatah is Hamas with political spin. Hamas is the stick, Fatah is the carrot. The goal is only Jihad not the betterment of their people. The conquest of all land West of the River Jordan, without real concern over what happens to their people after their benefactors in Israel are gone.

But their people know. There have been reports of a dual sentiment among individuals who were interviewed. They want the PA to take over, yet they also want to be a part of Israel.  Why is that phenomena occurring?

Innocent Palestinians Arabs in the territories want the PA to be successful but mainly for sentimental reasons. Like someone voting for a person of their race who runs for political office, even if they do not like their policies.  The media does not report there is palatable fear in Arabs of the territories in their daily existence under Fatah rule and also over what happens the day after a potential Israeli withdrawal. On such a day, when the only government that truly is concerned for their social welfare, Israel, is no longer part of the picture. 

Palestinian Arabs are keeping their heads low and trying to stay out of the way of the Palestinian Authority. They turn to their local leaders and hope they need not rely on the corrupt and vindictive national leadership of Fatah's Palestinian Authority.

Why are Arabs still leaving the Palestinian Authority for places like the USA? While exact figures are unknown since the PA conveniently controls the release of that information, even they have admitted that it exists. It is too large of an emigration to pretend it is not occurring at all. But wait, haven't we been told that their independence is more important to them than life itself?  Why not participate in the "political messianic project" of Palestinian Authority leadership if independence is so important?

Because the Oslo Accords are not about helping Palestinian Arabs, or bringing them peace, or even true independence. It's about making the West feel better with themselves and about how they view the state of the World today. Not what happens a few years or months down the road after the big "Peace in Our Time" festival would be held. For such a fake peace, we do not establish a prelude to perpetual war and a purgatory for a people that no one among their own national leaders really wants to save.

Remove the Palestinian Authority from power. Annex the territories and naturalize those who are innocent of terror.

For Israel there exists in this phenomena a double edged sword. Over 40 percent of the people want the Palestinian Authority to be dissolved, and more than that seem OK with violence against Israel. As I warned years ago, the marginalization of the good people among the Palestinian Arabs has eroded the amount of Palestinians who would be eligible to become Israeli citizens should a One State solution occur.

In order to save as many Palestinian Arabs as possible, as well as vindicate Israeli intentions towards them, Israel must trade the two state path for a one state path, and soon. Lest a regional war make this matter mute, and the opportunity for the Sanctification of God's name in this matter, God forbid, be lost.

Let us show mercy on the Palestinian Arabs who are living in fear and discontent under terrorist leadership by allowing them into the fold of the united State of Israel. Only in a way that does not harm Israeli economy, infrastructure or political balance, such as with a plan like the Everyone Wins Peace Plan. May it soon be so, by the grace of God.

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A Summary of the Everyone Wins Peace Plan can be found at theses URLs:

http://www.jerusalemdefender.blogspot.com/2014/06/kulam-marvichim-everyone-wins.html

July 2009 Summary Letter to PM Netanyahu

http://jerusalemdefender.blogspot.com/2010/04/netanyahus-path-to-peace-and-everyone.html

http://jerusalemdefender.blogspot.com/2008/05/discussion-on-mechanics-of.html

http://jerusalemdefender.blogspot.com/2009/07/middle-east-peace-plan-comparison-chart.html

Internal and External Threats to Israel from Current Obama Administration Initiatives

There are two Obama Administration Initiatives that involve Israeli National Security that are a danger to the State of Israel. I want to offer ideas for alternative policy by discussing the Internal threat of Supporting the Palestinian Authority in making a Two State "solution" to the conflict.  Also, the external threat of empowering Iran's nuclear program against the counsel of Israel's leaders.

Internal Threat: Palestinian Statehood

The failure to reject a Two State Solution with the terror loving Palestinian Authority has put fuel on the fire for the political oppression by the Obama Administration against the Likud led government the past month. They find extreme leftist statements from left wing American organizations and they repeat it as mantra, trying to embarrass Likud out of wise policy.  Likud will not support statehood with an actively terror loving Palestinian Authority.  And that is the weak link.  Because Likud is willing to support statehood with the leopard if it puts a blanket on it's spots, not if it changes them, all this harassment the past month has come about.

I'm not trying to blame the victim. I'm trying to instruct the abused on how to end the abuse and not be subject to it anymore.

Standing on a fence does not afford defense, only by being on one side of it is there protection. Well in this case, there is a mad dog on one side, waiting to commit terror. So, only one solution to find shelter, climb down onto the correct side of the fence. The side of the fence where, whether the dog is mad or not. Whether the dog is mad a month from now or a year from now or ten years from now. Be on the right side of the fence and you are safe.

The VERY argument Bibi has used to warn against Iran, is the VERY reason, Israel MUST give up a Two State solution. If you do not prevent terror ten years from now, it's not a good deal.  With a pseudo government dedicated to educating their children to hate Jews, who live a mere 20 meters over the security fence, in some cases, there can never be a deal. Even if Hamas packed up and moved away, and even if Abbas agreed to every stipulation Likud ever requested.  If his words say Jewish state and his intention is another generation of terror, you still can't take that deal.

Peace should end war, not be a prelude to a next war. There can be no peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority because that is not their goal. EVER.

Rather, Israel and the USA must focus on improving the lives of Palestinian Arabs, within a united State of Israel. Democracy, economic opportunity, and peace. It all begins by filtering out terrorists, and certainly not giving them strategic parcels of land. You can't share land with terrorists, but you can with people.

For further details on this path to true peace, you can read about my Everyone Wins peace plan on this blog.
http://www.jerusalemdefender.blogspot.com/2014/06/kulam-marvichim-everyone-wins.html
http://jerusalemdefender.blogspot.com/2009/07/peace-in-middle-east-everyone-wins.html
http://jerusalemdefender.blogspot.com/2010/04/netanyahus-path-to-peace-and-everyone.html
http://jerusalemdefender.blogspot.com/2008/05/discussion-on-mechanics-of.html

External Threat: Iranian Nukes

Remember President Kennedy's reaction to the Cuban Missile Crisis? Why was it such a cause for American ire? What happened to the idea of a Democratic President who loves peace?  Besides evil intent of the USSR, Cuba was on the United States' doorstep and who wants nukes on their doorstep?  Iran is similarly in much closer proximity to Israel than to the United States. It is on Israel's doorstep and it is only normal for Israel to be more concerned about how it is dealt with. Why would Kennedy be so tough? Why did he not try out the "let bygones be bygones" approach of Obama and Kerry?

If Obama and Kerry spoke about the Cuban Crisis back then, with the current mindset from the Administration, Obama would have criticized Kennedy for being a warmonger and demand that he recall the navy immediately. But would either have helped America in that dark hour, by following the philosophies behind this policy at a time when realism is urgently needed? Should a school bus driver drink alcohol while he is driving kids? Should Obama follow left wing dreams in this crucial moment in American and Middle East history?

Prime Minister Netanyahu delineated a plan of action, of very tough sanctions, and that plan was followed and it worked, it brought Iran to the negotiation table, which prevented war.  Prime Minister Netanyahu delineated a subsequent plan of action and has warned that deviation will strengthen the danger, not end it.

Obama and Kerry have removed their sticks and have apparently brought loads of carrots with them to the negotiation table. Congress, not just Israel, have rejected this path of negotiation, with this kind of regime in Iran. If a democratic choice, the President is out numbered on this one.

Yet suppose the fantasy for a moment that the President was somehow correct in his plan? Why then has he not tried to sell it better to Israel or Congress, but instead chose to pick a fight over Israel's internal issues? ...Remember how close was the USA to war with the USSR in the waters of Cuba...  Think about how close, will failure to assuage Israeli fears, drive our friends to the brink of war with Iran, even if our Executive branch is calm about the whole affair. Israel will not attack unless they feel threatened. And, news flash, they already do. Bibi has been saying in other words, be tough with Iran for the sake of Peace. But Obama has not listened.

If Israel bombs Iran and Iran counter attacks, it will be because of what we failed to do to prevent this Israeli version of a Cuban Missile Crisis from escalating. Because it is also against the advice of Congress, the onus is more fully on the shoulders of the Obama Administration. Does the phrase "No More War" have any meaning to the Democrats any more?

"As streams of water is the heart of kings in the hand of God, unto all that He desires, He leads it." (Proverbs 21) May God thwart the evil plans of His people's enemies in Iran and wherever they may be. May God's wisdom impress the Obama Administration with the right paths and may they follow those new paths immediately. May it very soon be so, by the grace of God.

On the Elections for the 20th Knesset

Unless moshiach (messiah) arrives by tomorrow, Bibi must win. The shadow of Iran is too great to allow weak leadership at a time like this. Bibi is just such a statesman as the nation needs, beyond his imperfections in other areas. Only Moshiach could make me think about Bibi's flaws. Herzog is not Moshiach. But for those who wish to vote for another party besides Likud, I wanted to discuss the other parties on the right, to help put things in perspective. Before doing that, however, I must comment about the new Labor party.

Will the call letters EMT, which stands for Emet/Emes/Emeth/truth, the union of Livni and Labor is anything but truthful representation of leadership.  First, I don't know if Herzog can run his own party or if Livni will be pulling the strings. Second, would that be worse? I don't know. Third, I don't know if, Heaven forefend they should possibly win tomorrow, if they would run the Knesset or Obama would. Fourth, I don't know if they would not try to remove Torah truth from the world if given the chance. Which brings me to the fifth thing I do not know, how they could have such a significant following to begin with.  Well, since it's clear I don't know, I'll try not to speak of them further in this article.

Here's some things I do know.

One, if I was fortunate enough to live in Israel, I would seriously consider voting Likud for the first time in this election.  Nothing would empower Bibi more than a vote for Likud. Only there are other issues as well, so I won't give Likud my full endorsement, only my full support of the decision to vote for them whereas in the past I may have outright objected.

I'll have to allow myself the permission to speak of the Labor party again. Labor should have not worked so hard to cancel direct elections of the Prime Minister after the loss of Peres to Bibi the first time he became PM. And then the Israeli electorate would still have full freedom to vote for Bibi for PM as well as for any party of their choice for Knesset, as in that election, but unfortunately that is no longer the case, and we have to deal with what is left of Israel's democracy after the modern Labor party got it's clutches on it.

Labor is officially far left of center, not center-left, as they were back in the 1970s. Likud is the true left-center party in Israel in my opinion. Pragmatism alone, not nationalistic wisdom has brought Bibi and those among Likud who think like him to declare no more Palestinian State on his watch. Right-center party members like Danny Danon are the exception and by Bibi's choice.

The economy has fallen on Bibi's watch, so I fully understand the idea of not voting for Likud for more than one reason. But the Iran situation, with the Obama dynamic, makes this a time to drop judgement and if someone does not vote for Likud, they should only think of a nationalistic or religious party as an option. This Labor party is a mockery of the roots that the party came from, and if David Ben-Gurion were alive today, he would have no part of it.

Now to discuss center-right parties with viability of gaining seats in this election.

To form a coalition government, the largest party in the proposed coalition, not necessarily the largest party overall, has to have enough coalition partners supporting it in order to be given a chance by the Israeli President to form a government.

Jewish Home has announced that they will form a government only with Likud. This kind of announcement makes them a legitimate option at a time like this. While not as perfect a support of Bibi as a direct Likud vote, it is better in other ways, for economy, respect for religion and political diversity in a Likud led government.  So if Likud wins, it's a good idea to have a party like Jewish Home as a top junior partner to them.

My natural affinity would be with a party like United Torah Judaism. But they have made a statement that they would join a government with extreme left wing Meretz but not with the more center but anti religious Lapid.  Yet this party and that party are both not kosher, and yet being willing to dare pledge to form a coalition with national security risk Meretz? If so, why object so much to Lapid? To join with Meretz for the sake of Torah so that they would not take dollars from yeshivos. That leaves open the question. So you would honor Torah by risking the lives of the nation by joining with Meretz, but you would not honor Torah by joining with Lapid so that he would not be free to attack Torah without your objection?  It does not make a logical argument for kavod HaTorah (reverence for God's Torah), therefore, without Torah on your side, you leave yourself open to nationalistic questions. Consequently, I cannot endorse UTJ this time around either. God and Nation both, not just one or the other.

Shas and Rabbi Eli Yishai's Yachad parties... This reminds me of a conversation I was blessed to have with one of my great Torah mentors, Rav Aharon Soloveichik.  We discussed when Degel HaTorah was first formed by leaving Agudas Yisrael, and at that time I commented to Rav Aron, "The religious parties do not have enough seats (and political power) in the Knesset that they have to divide (their vote)?"  He said with a smile at my analysis, "Right."

Those parties later joined to form United Torah Judaism, which is my hope for Shas and Yachad as well.

The least I would ask the religious parties is, if you do not join forces to create a multi issue party with a platform broad based enough that can lead instead of Likud, then at least emulate Jewish Home and pledge to only form a government with Likud in this special circumstance. Any party that does not, I advise to not vote for in this election.

Avigdor Liberman's party has not been consistent in it's own values, nor in Torah ideals. But it is not left wing. Still, I would not vote for them when there are better alternatives.

Moshe Kahlon's party is identical to Bibi's Likud, in their attitudes to the Palestinian Arab question, only no track record, and no Bibi, so I'd prefer Likud over them.

So that means, as of this moment I would have to debate, Jewish Home or Likud as my voting options. I hope the religious parties would offer more support to Bibi and then I would consider them an option in the urgent context of this election. I hope by tomorrow, they will offer such a pledge to offer support to the national security project of re-electing Bibi, as Jewish Home has.

May Moshiach come soon so that we don't have to worry about which party to settle for and simply rejoice in the good leadership that God has given us. But in the context of this point in history, Bibi has been a gift from God as well, and we should not reject that gift. May it very soon be so, by the grace of God.

The Iran Deal Obama Should Make

PM Binyamin Netanyahu's historic address to congress today has been delivered. The reaction to the speech by the White House was difficult to understand, saying that no alternative was suggested. I'll translate the PM's speech for the White House if they are having a hard time understanding English.  Perhaps if the Prime Minister spoke in Hebrew or to simplify matters, in Persian, they would take the time to pull out all of the diplomatic measures it took to analyze exactly what was said in today's speech as requested by a senior member of this nation's government, Speaker John Boehner.

Bibi said the USA should demand 3 things, signs of commitment to peace and nuclear responsibility by Iran and implied the solution on how to get it. Perhaps out of deference to the President, he did this with circumspection.  But I will say it explicitly to remove a false excuse from the White House for pursuing a policy that endangers what is left of the free world that has tolerated the plague of state sponsored terrorism for far too long.  The Prime Minister said, in other words, be tough in your negotiations President Obama, and don't fall for it if Iran says that they will leave negotiations if you remain tough.  The reason the White House rejected Bibi's speech today as offering no solutions, is because it did not want to hear the truth that their personal philosophy to bend over backward to please despots has put them on a path to do that which is dangerous to America, to Israel, and to the free world.

So that is my take on what Bibi said and that President Obama seems to not want to hear. But I would go farther than Bibi said with the following.  You remember that graph Bibi showed at AIPAC yesterday?  How many countries has Iran sent terrorist operatives to perform terrorist attacks in? More than a dozen.  So I would say to the White House if they are listening. Fellows, wake up, Iran is at war with the world. The only question is if this war goes nuclear before the evil power is defeated.  So with a totalitarian regime at war with the World, history and specifically American military history has shown an effective method to win such a war. Unconditional surrender of the enemy. Demand nothing less. If you only stop Iran nukes but leave the terror network in place, you have still failed to live up to the lessons taught by America's own Greatest Generation in the face of an evil totalitarian regime bent on global domination of it's twisted philosophy.

For this reason we cannot  allow our own mistaken ideas to lead us astray. If even a person without strong moral fiber sees a child in danger, do they remain in their perversions or try to save the kid?  Certainly for diplomats on the caliber of the members of this White House, should we expect anything less? Possibly, if we allow distractions from the dangers, but impossible, if we realize the danger. So don't attack the prophet; listen and save the people whom you could help, those that Almighty God has entrusted you to help. May it soon be so, by the grace of God.

We Must Not Empower Terror

I did not write in the immediate aftermath of the horrific attack on the Synagogue in Jerusalem last month, as there were so many appropriate reactions out there to the tragedy I wished to avoid redundancy in a time when mourning and prayer were most appropriate.  But it was yet another fruit of the tree that is the Palestinian Authority and Israel's continued support of it.  Rather than seeking true potential partners in peace, Israel has thrown its support behind Fatah, a group of leaders that encourage terror. There must be a change in policy to end that process.

Who won the last election in the Palestinian Authority? Hamas. Yet a terrorist organization is inherently unacceptable as a leader of a presumably democratic state and it would violate fundamental laws of self preservation for Israel (Jus Cogens) to attempt to compel them to accept Hamas as a partner in peace.  That is why Israel and the USA supported Abbas and his Fatah movement over Hamas as the "legitimate" leaders of the Palestinian Arabs in Judea and Samaria and theoretically in Gaza as well. Yet there is an important implication that apparently is being overlooked by many. Fatah leads only by fiat of the Knesset, not by democratic principles. Therefore to remove Fatah from power under the current situation, you need not even agree with my perspective on International Law in regards to the Palestinian Authority inherently not being protected under the law from unilateral dissolution by a decree from the Knesset.  Thus the dangerous Oslo Accords can finally be buried because, officially, by democratic principles, the Palestinian Authority is now a terror led organization, with Hamas as the winners of the election.

What this means is, as the Torah says, "For this commandment which I have commanded you today is not too wondrous from you, nor is it too far. It's not in Heaven... nor over the sea... It is very near to you, in your mouth and your heart, to do it." (Deut. 30:11-14)  i.e., the unilateral redemption of Israel from her oppressors is sanctioned by International Law. So let us end the fiat support of the Palestinian Authority. If we stop supporting Fatah, then the evil of Hamas will go away, dissolve of its own accord, as far as pseudo legitimacy in International Law goes.

Swept under the carpet for too long to enable a continuation of the fraudulent and bloody current peace process, this point should be hammered home by proponents of a safe Israel to representatives in the Knesset and Western governments. Stop the Knesset's fiat support of Fatah and remove the Palestinian Authority from power immediately! May it soon be so, by the grace of God.

Israeli Policy Regarding Hamas

To reach peace, true peace, Israel must have people they can make peace with. Destroying Hamas utterly is only the first step. Another organization with a different name could replace it as it is after all only the yang to the yin of Fatah. As long as Fatah continues as well, a new yang will be cultivated, by the name of Hamas or any other, so that there can be the instant gratification of killing that Hamas offers and also the long term satisfaction of optimum strategic land acquisition under "legal" means that is the goal of Fatah. Together they are the one-two punch of the PLO. That will never change, no matter the peace agreement they may sign.  As long as the peace partner is the PLO there will never be true peace.

The length of the current conflict in Gaza is a continuation of the same erroneous belief that you can treat Hamas like regular humans.  For those who only destroy you can't even attempt to install vehicles of trust. This should be obvious and the Prime Minister has spoken along these lines, even though policy has not fully joined this line of reasoning. If even a thousand nations tell you have a ceasefire so Hamas can reload, don't fall for it!

Even if we assume Israel eventually directs a house to house removal of the plague of Hamas from Gaza, the problem will still not be resolved. Why? Because Hamas is a result of the PLO charter, not an independent movement.  Fatah can sign and agree to everything and in their philosophy call it a hudna, a Heavenly sanctioned temporary truce, no matter what the world believes and no matter what true objectives standards declare that they mean. Just as the nature of Hamas is violence, the nature of Fatah is deception.

So to fix the problem, Israel must deal with the root causes. Don't allow a violent man to abuse you (Hamas), and don't allow a swindler to steal your home (Fatah). To do that, Israel must face the truth of things.

Now we know why many rabbis have said that Israel will only be redeemed through Torah study. Because learning the truth helps you perceive it in your daily lives, and to understand what it's absence looks like.  Fatah does not have the truth. They are pathological in this and thus more difficult to be detected, but not to the trained eye.  Bible study is not a prerequisite to being a diplomat in today's world, though it should be. This explains the phenomena of why even diplomats who are friendly to Israel truly believe Fatah is dedicated to peace.  But if you are Israel's friend and all the more so, if you are among Israel's leadership, you cannot allow this deception to continue without denouncement, and a change of policy. 

As long as Israel tries to make peace with the PLO there will never be peace. May this realization come without bloodshed, as soon as possible, by the grace of God.

The Foundation of Terror in Israel

A false sense of entitlement on the part of many Palestinian Arabs to the entire land of Israel is a key source of fuel for the fire of motivating their people to terror. International Law, and thousands of years of anticipated biblical reality run contrary to such beliefs.  By reducing that false impression, the foundation for terror can be undercut and true peace have a chance to reign in the land. Even handed attitudes towards the naturally greater rights to the land that Israel possesses confuses the masses and allows a window for manipulation by political leaders who support terror.  Therefore the policy path of choice, is to not encourage a discussion of rights to the land at all, since the other side has shown a willingness to not care for the truth, whether written in the bible or signed by them. Rather unilateral steps towards annexation and naturalization combined with negotiation of optimum implementation with non belligerent Palestinian leadership and PR (hasbara) before the international community of the reasons that this is the best path to peace by a joint hasbara committee whose membership includes both Israelis and Palestinians who are highly supportive of the idea.

If so, and if Palestinian leadership is suspect in it's ability to leave behind it's love of terror, then how could this work?

National level political leaders of the PLO have been corrupt and or bloodthirsty.  But many communal leaders have worked peacefully with Israel from the start.  Therefore a group of mayors from small towns are most likely to be an example of a resource pool for such a committee of politicians committed to true peace more than hope that anyone in the Palestinian pseudo parliament could be counted on.

At the communal level, politicians are concerned primarily with job opportunities and city services, so even a wicked person in such a post is inherently used to doing what's best for people. At the national level, personal character traits and weaknesses can make or break a politician. This is true for any democracy. Only I hope the Palestinians in Judea, Samaria (the West Bank) and Gaza will benefit from a true democracy, not the fledgling terror state in the making that their national leaders are trying to form. Allowing them to join their cousins in Israel as a part of a true democracy would be a better kindness than forcing them to be under the rule of terrorists.

What is true democracy? I am writing to you today from New England on this anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, I can tell you that the Palestinians are not currently on the path to one. Voting for despots has nothing whatever to do with liberty and justice for all. The ability to elect and peacefully remove if necessary representatives that aid you in delivering good to your family is the foundation of liberty. The Palestinians do not have that. The Oslo accords cannot deliver that to them either. The longer they follow that path, the hand of terrorists is strengthened because they "tried the path to peace and it didn't work." Replacing the false path to peace with one that can actually work, is the only way to do it and the sooner the better.

What is hasbara ad for the current false path to peace, "Palestinians, you get to democratically choose which terrorist organization should rule over you.This is your Hell, enjoy it. Meanwhile we will enjoy the best democracy in the Middle East, please don't be jealous." What is the hasbara ad for a united State of Israel. "This is our taste of Heaven, let us share and enjoy it together."  May it soon be so, by the grace of God.

Stop the Cycle of Violence

Peacemaking with unrepentant terrorists is a prelude for more terror in the future. The goal of Hamas is not peace, despite what those who would speak for them are trying to sell. Therefore what happens when you strengthen a Hamas run enclave is you are strengthening a mass network of terror cells, conveniently disconnected from their political wing, enough to fool only diplomats from the UN who are trained to ignore reality within countries for the sake of "world peace", but not enough to convince anyone else, not even children.

Every time the IDF withdraws from conflict with Hamas rather than simply ending their reign, it is like a request for more violence in the future. The ending of Hamas' rule can be done without the violence you may think it would take. If negotiations of IDF supremacy in all land West of the River Jordan would replace further capitulation to terror. If against those who would offer armed resistance, patient siege of targeted structures replaces bullets from Gun Ships.

You can't make peace with a lynch mob by giving them rope, and yet that is what what is being done every time someone tries to resurrect the ghost of the Oslo Accords. To empower a leadership that believe that civilians are legitimate targets, to give firewood to pyromaniacs and guns to terrorists. Would you give firewood and matches to a pyro? Then why give strategic land and guns to terrorists?

When you dilute truth, justice and peace for the sake of pacifying other nations, does that help you keep your people safe from terror? To reverse the trend, the Knesset would have to look truly at the situation, pursue justice and only then could peace flourish, as it is written, "These are the matters that you shall do, speak truth each man with his fellow and a judgement of peace you shall judge in your gates. And let man not plan evil in your hearts against your fellow, and a false oath do not love, for all of these I hate, saith the Lord." (Zachariah 8:15 & 16)  "...And a false oath do not love..." That is what the Oslo Accords have become, a nullified treaty now yes, but wrong minded from the start, based on not seeing Hamas for who and what they truly are and the inherent inability for Fatah to permanently part ways with terror. Therefore from the start it was always a false oath on the PLO's side for they knew what they planned to do and not do. An accord that in it's wake dropped two decades of terror on the nation.

Apparently, ignoring the Word of God is a source of bad luck, especially in the Holy Land.

Does the Knesset still want to keep that status quo going?  May it soon awake from that nightmare as soon as possible, in a good way, by the grace of God.

End the Red Tape to Prevent Terror

The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, expressed concern over the Israeli arrest operations in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), as Israel continued to conduct an urgent search to save three kidnapped youths. At first I could not react to this as I felt it was inappropriate to be political at a time of danger to human life. Further the level of frustration I feel at even thinking about this is painful for another reason.  I feel that the flaws of the Oslo accords are haunting us in this. That only because in an effort to win favor with terrorists, cities of refuge for terror were enshrined into administrative policy in Judea and Samaria so that today we find that the apparatus to immediately end the kidnapping in a good way does not exist. Something is wrong with security when you have to practically rely on miracles for the safety of your citizens.

In addition to the danger to the kids lives created by these cities of refuge that the Knesset signed off on, what about the reaction of the UN to this?  Was this unexpected? No one with any familiarity of current trends at the UN would not expect this reaction. But rather than commenting on the injustice from the UN or quoting all the details of the story, I did want to point out that this horrible situation is an illustration of how failing to annex the territories is creating perpetual opportunities for the world to complain about urgently needed police action. It is constant Hasbara in reverse. A PR nightmare just waiting to happen every time the Palestinian Authority is unable or unwilling to resolve the situation. This situation also shows that the promises made by Labor, Kadima and Likud that we could give land and have security is just not true. If a treaty was ratified before the international community that the land the Palestinians govern for Israel actually belongs to them, would a future situation like this where Israel felt they must follow through in hot pursuit of a potential security breach create worse reactions or less reactions from the international community? Need I even comment on it?

There can only be the IDF in charge of all the security West of the River Jordan. The boys would likely already have been found if nests of hiding places from the IDF were not created by restricting their ability to travel freely for the sake of security.  Imagine being the parents of one of those boys, knowing this would have been happily over already if the IDF had free reign to protect the people of Israel from kidnappers. Imagine what the parents of a different group of teens would say if this, Heaven forbid, would occur again?  They would say to the Knesset. 'You knew! You knew and still you did not protect us!'

And now with Hamas in tow, does anyone seriously believe things with the PA will be getting better anytime soon? Remove the PA from power so that all people, Jew and Arab alike may live in peace and security West of the River Jordan. A safe plan of annexation like the Everyone Wins peace plan could ease the transition without further risks to the right or the left.  Then the government will be able to say, we have done our job, we have protected our people.  May it soon be so, by the grace of God.