Mosab Yousef, the son of one of Hamas' founders and a former undercover spy for Israel, has been granted asylum in the US after successfully battling a Department of Homeland Security effort to deport him.
From 1997 to 2007, Yousef aided Israel's security forces after becoming disillusioned with the brutality and hatred of Hamas and other terror groups. Several senior Israeli security officials said Yousef was by far the most valuable informant Israel ever had in its battle against Palestinian terrorism.
Shortly after he began helping Israel, Yousef secretly converted to Christianity. Just recently he published his book, "Son of Hamas," which details his spiritual journey as well as his activities on Israel's behalf.
It was the details of that book that Homeland Security officials used as evidence when they claimed that Yousef was a national security threat and should be sent back to the so-called "West Bank." Yousef insisted that he was no terrorist, and argued that being deported would be a death sentence, as Hamas would like nothing better than to kill such a traitor to its cause.
Yousef's former handlers in the Israel Security Agency broke with protocol and flew to the US to testify on his behalf. Whether because of their testimony or for some other reason, Homeland Security officials announced in court on Wednesday that they were dropping all objections to asylum. The judge ruled that Yousef would be officially granted asylum following a routine background check.
Yousef's case had sparked much interest in Israel, where he was responsible for saving the lives of perhaps hundreds and even thousands of Israelis. Many saw the effort to deport Yousef as a two-faced move by the Obama Administration, which claims to be fighting terrorism, but at the same time tip-toes around groups like Hamas and their Palestinian supporters.
source:http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=21432
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Son of Hamas - Political Asylum Granted!
Political Asylum Granted!
In Uncategorized on July 1, 2010 at 05:01
Honestly, I am still in shock. I was sitting beside my attorney, focused on how I would answer the questions that were coming. Gonen ben Itzhak, my dear friend and former Shin Bet handler, had flown in from Israel to testify on my behalf and waited with a security guard in the empty courtroom next door.
Judge Rico Bartolomei was entering into the record all the documents and motions that had been introduced since my last hearing, getting everybody on the same page before we started.
That done, he called for Gonen.
That’s when DHS senior attorney Kerri Calcador dropped the bombshell. The Department of Homeland Security, she said, no longer opposes the asylum petition of Mosab Hassan Yousef.
No one in the courtroom could get hold of what had just happened. Not me, not the judge, not my attorney. We were prepared for several hours of testimony and defense. But 15 minutes after we walked into the courtroom, it was over.
There was nothing left to do. Judge Bartolomei granted me political asylum, pending a routine background check, rose and left the courtroom. Then the security guards efficiently led all of us out of the courtroom, down the halls, through the razor-wired fences and out into the parking lot, where a crowd of well-wishers applauded and cheered and network cameras rolled.
As we drove home through San Diego, we thanked God for his grace and for all those he used to make this happen.
For countless people around the world who prayed for me.
For FOX News, which is a lot more than just a conservative voice. Over the past year and a half, I have come to know and respect the professionals at FOX who have become much more to me than reporters, producers and camera crews. They are good people who had the courage to cover a story that others rejected and/or did not understand. Special thanks to chief correspondent Jonathan Hunt.
For U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), who circulated a letter through the House of Representatives that was co-sponsored by 21 other congressmen, asking DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano to give “full consideration . . . to Mr. Yousef’s views and conduct in recent years, particularly his cooperation with Shin Bet at significant risk to his own safety and life.” Signatories include Representatives Frank Wolf (VA), Trent Franks (AZ), Cynthia Lummis (WY), Bill Posey (FL), Kenny Marchant (TX), John Kline (MN), John Shadegg (AZ), Joe Wilson (SC), Daniel Lungren (CA), John Boozman (AK), Michele Bachmann (MN), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Bill Shuster (PA), Joseph Pitts (PA), Lynn Jenkins (KS), Rob Bishop (UT), Jeff Fortenberry (NE), Dan Rohrabacher (CA), Robert Aderholt (AL), Mike Pence (IN) and Aaron Schock (IL).
For Tzachi Hanegbi, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of The Knesset (Israeli Parliament), MK Einat Wilf and other committee members for their very kind letter thanking me for my “actions to strengthen the security of Israeli citizens and Palestinian residents from 1998 to 2007.”
For the wisdom and integrity of DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano.
I am especially grateful to Sarah Stern, president of the Endowment for Middle Eastern Truth. Today’s blessings would not have happened without her and this amazing organization.
source:http://sonofhamas.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/political-asylum-granted/
In Uncategorized on July 1, 2010 at 05:01
Honestly, I am still in shock. I was sitting beside my attorney, focused on how I would answer the questions that were coming. Gonen ben Itzhak, my dear friend and former Shin Bet handler, had flown in from Israel to testify on my behalf and waited with a security guard in the empty courtroom next door.
Judge Rico Bartolomei was entering into the record all the documents and motions that had been introduced since my last hearing, getting everybody on the same page before we started.
That done, he called for Gonen.
That’s when DHS senior attorney Kerri Calcador dropped the bombshell. The Department of Homeland Security, she said, no longer opposes the asylum petition of Mosab Hassan Yousef.
No one in the courtroom could get hold of what had just happened. Not me, not the judge, not my attorney. We were prepared for several hours of testimony and defense. But 15 minutes after we walked into the courtroom, it was over.
There was nothing left to do. Judge Bartolomei granted me political asylum, pending a routine background check, rose and left the courtroom. Then the security guards efficiently led all of us out of the courtroom, down the halls, through the razor-wired fences and out into the parking lot, where a crowd of well-wishers applauded and cheered and network cameras rolled.
As we drove home through San Diego, we thanked God for his grace and for all those he used to make this happen.
For countless people around the world who prayed for me.
For FOX News, which is a lot more than just a conservative voice. Over the past year and a half, I have come to know and respect the professionals at FOX who have become much more to me than reporters, producers and camera crews. They are good people who had the courage to cover a story that others rejected and/or did not understand. Special thanks to chief correspondent Jonathan Hunt.
For U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), who circulated a letter through the House of Representatives that was co-sponsored by 21 other congressmen, asking DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano to give “full consideration . . . to Mr. Yousef’s views and conduct in recent years, particularly his cooperation with Shin Bet at significant risk to his own safety and life.” Signatories include Representatives Frank Wolf (VA), Trent Franks (AZ), Cynthia Lummis (WY), Bill Posey (FL), Kenny Marchant (TX), John Kline (MN), John Shadegg (AZ), Joe Wilson (SC), Daniel Lungren (CA), John Boozman (AK), Michele Bachmann (MN), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Bill Shuster (PA), Joseph Pitts (PA), Lynn Jenkins (KS), Rob Bishop (UT), Jeff Fortenberry (NE), Dan Rohrabacher (CA), Robert Aderholt (AL), Mike Pence (IN) and Aaron Schock (IL).
For Tzachi Hanegbi, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of The Knesset (Israeli Parliament), MK Einat Wilf and other committee members for their very kind letter thanking me for my “actions to strengthen the security of Israeli citizens and Palestinian residents from 1998 to 2007.”
For the wisdom and integrity of DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano.
I am especially grateful to Sarah Stern, president of the Endowment for Middle Eastern Truth. Today’s blessings would not have happened without her and this amazing organization.
source:http://sonofhamas.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/political-asylum-granted/
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Gazans forced to live in darkness due to lack of electricity
The residents of the Gaza Strip have been receiving electricity to their homes for only 12 out of 24 hours every day over the past couple weeks. And sometimes not even that.
So why hasn't this story made headline news around the world? Simple, Israel isn't the cause of the blackout.
The current situation is the result of an industrial fuel embargo on Gaza by the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, which refuses to deliver any more fuel to Gaza until the territory's Hamas rulers pay their bill.
Hamas insists it simply does not have the money. The European Union used to foot the bill for the industrial fuel to power Gaza's main generator, but stopped doing so last November.
French news agency AFP noted that the international community is always quick to condemn Israel over the hardships faced by Gazans, but rarely if ever has anything to say when Palestinians themselves are the perpetrators of such injustices.
source:http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=79
So why hasn't this story made headline news around the world? Simple, Israel isn't the cause of the blackout.
The current situation is the result of an industrial fuel embargo on Gaza by the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, which refuses to deliver any more fuel to Gaza until the territory's Hamas rulers pay their bill.
Hamas insists it simply does not have the money. The European Union used to foot the bill for the industrial fuel to power Gaza's main generator, but stopped doing so last November.
French news agency AFP noted that the international community is always quick to condemn Israel over the hardships faced by Gazans, but rarely if ever has anything to say when Palestinians themselves are the perpetrators of such injustices.
source:http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=79
Israel captures 'most dangerous' Arab terror cell
Israeli security officials approved for publication on Monday the recent capture of a seven-man Israeli Arab terrorist cell from the northern town of Nazareth with close ties to Al Qaeda and Global Jihad.
A top police official who spoke to The Jerusalem Post called the group, which is made up of young Arabs all in their early twenties, "one of the most dangerous cells we have uncovered."
The seven confessed to the brutal murder of an Israeli taxi driver last year, as well as numerous smaller attacks. They were also planning a series of terrorist attacks in the near future, including the abduction of Israeli soldiers.
The cell was established two years ago using Al Qaeda propaganda and teachings as its foundation. Additional information on how to prepare weapons and carry out attacks was all gleaned from the Internet.
source:http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=21410
A top police official who spoke to The Jerusalem Post called the group, which is made up of young Arabs all in their early twenties, "one of the most dangerous cells we have uncovered."
The seven confessed to the brutal murder of an Israeli taxi driver last year, as well as numerous smaller attacks. They were also planning a series of terrorist attacks in the near future, including the abduction of Israeli soldiers.
The cell was established two years ago using Al Qaeda propaganda and teachings as its foundation. Additional information on how to prepare weapons and carry out attacks was all gleaned from the Internet.
source:http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=21410
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Mullen: Iran will continue to strive for nukes
Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff says there's 'no reason to trust' Tehran's assurances that it is only pursuing peaceful nuclear program, but adds he believes Israel understands that military strike will be 'incredibly destabilizing' to Middle East
Associated Press
Published: 06.29.10, 08:06 / Israel News
Admiral Mike Mullen says he believes Iran will continue to pursue nuclear weapons, even if sanctions against the country are increased.
Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum on Monday night, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said it would be "incredibly dangerous" for Iran to achieve nuclear weapons, and that there's "no reason to trust" Iran's assurances that it is only pursuing a peaceful nuclear program, especially after the discovery of a secret nuclear facility near the holy city of Qom.
But he said a military strike against Iran would be "incredibly destabilizing" to the region, and that he believes US ally Israel understands that.
The admiral was responding to questions about whether he shared the assessment of CIA Director Leon Panetta, who said on Sunday that Iran likely has enough nuclear material to make two weapons, but is at least a year away from being able to carry that out.
Mullen has just returned from a multination tour that included a stop in Tel Aviv, where he met with his Israeli military counterpart to discuss Iran's continuing defiance of the international community over the nuclear issue.
On Sunday, Mullen met with Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. He said he always learned new things when in Israel, noting that he always tried to see threats and challenges from the Israeli angle.
He said that though certain matters were Israel's interests, they were important also to the US as well.
The UN Security Council approved new sanctions against Iran earlier this month. Congress and the European Union followed with additional measures aimed at discouraging Iran from continuing its uranium enrichment program, which they fear could be used to produce a nuclear weapon.
Mullen said Monday there was no reason to expect Iran to conform to international norms, given its past behavior, but he declined to describe what measures the US was considering. He has often said that all options remain on the table.
He explained that the hardest part about trying to decide what to do about Iran is how much the US does not know about the country's nuclear progress.
When asked whether he thought Israel would give the United States time to see whether tougher sanctions or talks would produce more cooperation from Iran, he would only say that he believes the US and Israel are "in synch" with their current policies.
source:http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3912289,00.html
Associated Press
Published: 06.29.10, 08:06 / Israel News
Admiral Mike Mullen says he believes Iran will continue to pursue nuclear weapons, even if sanctions against the country are increased.
Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum on Monday night, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said it would be "incredibly dangerous" for Iran to achieve nuclear weapons, and that there's "no reason to trust" Iran's assurances that it is only pursuing a peaceful nuclear program, especially after the discovery of a secret nuclear facility near the holy city of Qom.
But he said a military strike against Iran would be "incredibly destabilizing" to the region, and that he believes US ally Israel understands that.
The admiral was responding to questions about whether he shared the assessment of CIA Director Leon Panetta, who said on Sunday that Iran likely has enough nuclear material to make two weapons, but is at least a year away from being able to carry that out.
Mullen has just returned from a multination tour that included a stop in Tel Aviv, where he met with his Israeli military counterpart to discuss Iran's continuing defiance of the international community over the nuclear issue.
On Sunday, Mullen met with Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. He said he always learned new things when in Israel, noting that he always tried to see threats and challenges from the Israeli angle.
He said that though certain matters were Israel's interests, they were important also to the US as well.
The UN Security Council approved new sanctions against Iran earlier this month. Congress and the European Union followed with additional measures aimed at discouraging Iran from continuing its uranium enrichment program, which they fear could be used to produce a nuclear weapon.
Mullen said Monday there was no reason to expect Iran to conform to international norms, given its past behavior, but he declined to describe what measures the US was considering. He has often said that all options remain on the table.
He explained that the hardest part about trying to decide what to do about Iran is how much the US does not know about the country's nuclear progress.
When asked whether he thought Israel would give the United States time to see whether tougher sanctions or talks would produce more cooperation from Iran, he would only say that he believes the US and Israel are "in synch" with their current policies.
source:http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3912289,00.html
Israeli minister: Christians and Jews 'in the same boat'
Monday, June 28, 2010 Israel Today Staff
Ya'alon was speaking at the 2010 Epicenter conference in Philadelphia. Epicenter is an annual Evangelical gathering focusing on Israel, the Middle East and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. It is hosted on by best-selling author Joel Rosenberg.
CBN reported that Ya'alon was by far the most anticipated speaker at the conference, which was attended by 1,500, and watched via satellite by another 20,000.
Ya'alon is one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's most trusted ministers, and has, like Netanyahu, long been an advocate of strengthening Israel's relations with its Bible-believing Christian allies around the world.
Ya'alon previously served as the chief of staff of Israel's army. He was prematurely ousted in 2005 when he used his position to publicly oppose the uprooting of 10,000 Jews from their homes in the Gaza Strip.
source: http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=21404
Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Moshe Ya'alon on Saturday declared that Evangelical Christians and Israeli Jews are "in the same boat" and need to work more closely together to overcome their shared obstacles and enemies.
Ya'alon was speaking at the 2010 Epicenter conference in Philadelphia. Epicenter is an annual Evangelical gathering focusing on Israel, the Middle East and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. It is hosted on by best-selling author Joel Rosenberg.
CBN reported that Ya'alon was by far the most anticipated speaker at the conference, which was attended by 1,500, and watched via satellite by another 20,000.
Ya'alon is one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's most trusted ministers, and has, like Netanyahu, long been an advocate of strengthening Israel's relations with its Bible-believing Christian allies around the world.
Ya'alon previously served as the chief of staff of Israel's army. He was prematurely ousted in 2005 when he used his position to publicly oppose the uprooting of 10,000 Jews from their homes in the Gaza Strip.
source: http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=21404
Monday, June 28, 2010
Admiral Mullen: “I see the challenges from an Israeli perspective”
27 June 2010 , 17:37
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Military held extensive meetings with IDF officials and the Minister of Defense
On Sunday (June 27), the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, met with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Military, Admiral Michael G. Mullen. The two of them held a private meeting, as well as a larger discussion with senior commanders of the General Staff, including Deputy Chief of the General Staff Maj. Gen. Benny Ganz, the head of Israel Defense Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin, the Head of the Strategic Planning Directorate, Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel, the Military Attache to Washington, Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni, and the Commander in Chief of the Israeli Navy, Maj. Gen. Eliezer Marom. The meetings focused on the cooperation between the two militaries and on mutual security challenges.
At the end of the meetings, Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi commented that the two of them completed a professional conversation on a number of topics, mutual challenges and issues on the agenda. Admiral Mullen emphasized that he always extends his knowledge when visiting Israel. “I always try to see the threats and the challenges from an Israeli perspective,” he said, and added that while the interests at hand are specifically Israeli, they are also important for the United States in the area.
Earlier during the day, Minister of Defense Ehud Barak met with Admiral Mullen in his offie in Tel Aviv. “We are very happy to receive Admiral Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Military, at our defense system staff and the General Staff, for a short work visit,” said Minister Barak.
“Admiral Mullen is responsible for a very large area in the Middle East as part of his responsibility towards worldwide security. We value his contribution to the security and stability of the area and to the close work relationship between the IDF and the Pentagon and the US Military very much, and really are happy to see him here as someone who contributes a lot to the security of the entire area and the State of Israel,” he added.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Military held extensive meetings with IDF officials and the Minister of Defense
On Sunday (June 27), the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, met with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Military, Admiral Michael G. Mullen. The two of them held a private meeting, as well as a larger discussion with senior commanders of the General Staff, including Deputy Chief of the General Staff Maj. Gen. Benny Ganz, the head of Israel Defense Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin, the Head of the Strategic Planning Directorate, Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel, the Military Attache to Washington, Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni, and the Commander in Chief of the Israeli Navy, Maj. Gen. Eliezer Marom. The meetings focused on the cooperation between the two militaries and on mutual security challenges.
At the end of the meetings, Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi commented that the two of them completed a professional conversation on a number of topics, mutual challenges and issues on the agenda. Admiral Mullen emphasized that he always extends his knowledge when visiting Israel. “I always try to see the threats and the challenges from an Israeli perspective,” he said, and added that while the interests at hand are specifically Israeli, they are also important for the United States in the area.
Earlier during the day, Minister of Defense Ehud Barak met with Admiral Mullen in his offie in Tel Aviv. “We are very happy to receive Admiral Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Military, at our defense system staff and the General Staff, for a short work visit,” said Minister Barak.
“Admiral Mullen is responsible for a very large area in the Middle East as part of his responsibility towards worldwide security. We value his contribution to the security and stability of the area and to the close work relationship between the IDF and the Pentagon and the US Military very much, and really are happy to see him here as someone who contributes a lot to the security of the entire area and the State of Israel,” he added.
Christians welcome Columbian presidential victory for Santos
by Wesley WJ RichardsPosted: Friday, June 25, 2010, 13:35 (BST)
The new President of Colombia, Dr Juan Manual Santos was overwhelmingly elected with strong support from one of the world’s fastest growing churches.
On Sunday, the former defence minister won 69 per cent of the vote defeating Mockus in the Presidential run off.
The vote is a declaration of support for the policies of former President Alvaro Uribe, who has led Colombia into a new era of security and prosperity since 2002.
Santos, who only started his campaign in March following the Supreme Court’s decision to deny Uribe a third term, was behind the rescue operation which liberated Ingrid Betancourt and fourteen other hostages in July 2008.
During his campaign Santos attended campaign meetings hosted by Misión Carismática Internacional (MCI), with more than 200,000 members.
In March, leaders from the church were elected to the Senate, Congress and Andean Parliament for the ‘U’ party, led by Santos. Three other leaders are members of the 45-seat Council of Bogota.
In January, he had attended the annual conference of MCI.
Pastor Wes Richards, from King’s Church International in Windsor welcomed him on behalf of international pastors. He said, "You helped to give this nation hope in dark moments of despair and when you have faced entrenched evil.
"We are all very grateful for the contribution you have made to the security of this nation."
Founder of MCI, Pastor Cesar Castellanos said, "Dr Santos, you have been loyal. When someone is waiting with patience God rewards them greatly.
"God bless you. I believe this is the Kairos (timing) of God for your life.
"God's hand was on your life throughout the time you were a Minister of Defense, directing you in Operation Checkmate. The hand of God has supported everything you’ve done and will continue to support you.
"Thank you for not anticipating events, thank you for waiting, because in His time you will receive the reward. May God bless you."
Santos said: "I have great optimism about what is going to be Colombia's future."
On Sunday he received more than 9 million votes - a record for a Colombian president - and will take office in August.
"Colombia expects so much from us and we are not going to let them down," Santos, 58, told cheering crowds.
"This is your victory too, President Uribe."
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.welcome.columbian.presidential.victory.for.santos/26180.htm
The new President of Colombia, Dr Juan Manual Santos was overwhelmingly elected with strong support from one of the world’s fastest growing churches.
On Sunday, the former defence minister won 69 per cent of the vote defeating Mockus in the Presidential run off.
The vote is a declaration of support for the policies of former President Alvaro Uribe, who has led Colombia into a new era of security and prosperity since 2002.
Santos, who only started his campaign in March following the Supreme Court’s decision to deny Uribe a third term, was behind the rescue operation which liberated Ingrid Betancourt and fourteen other hostages in July 2008.
During his campaign Santos attended campaign meetings hosted by Misión Carismática Internacional (MCI), with more than 200,000 members.
In March, leaders from the church were elected to the Senate, Congress and Andean Parliament for the ‘U’ party, led by Santos. Three other leaders are members of the 45-seat Council of Bogota.
In January, he had attended the annual conference of MCI.
Pastor Wes Richards, from King’s Church International in Windsor welcomed him on behalf of international pastors. He said, "You helped to give this nation hope in dark moments of despair and when you have faced entrenched evil.
"We are all very grateful for the contribution you have made to the security of this nation."
Founder of MCI, Pastor Cesar Castellanos said, "Dr Santos, you have been loyal. When someone is waiting with patience God rewards them greatly.
"God bless you. I believe this is the Kairos (timing) of God for your life.
"God's hand was on your life throughout the time you were a Minister of Defense, directing you in Operation Checkmate. The hand of God has supported everything you’ve done and will continue to support you.
"Thank you for not anticipating events, thank you for waiting, because in His time you will receive the reward. May God bless you."
Santos said: "I have great optimism about what is going to be Colombia's future."
On Sunday he received more than 9 million votes - a record for a Colombian president - and will take office in August.
"Colombia expects so much from us and we are not going to let them down," Santos, 58, told cheering crowds.
"This is your victory too, President Uribe."
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.welcome.columbian.presidential.victory.for.santos/26180.htm
Report: Israel, US preparing for war with Iran
A flurry of news reports over the past week indicate that Israel and the US are readying for an imminent military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
On Wednesday, Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency reported that about a week ago a squad of Israeli military aircraft landed at a military airstrip in Saudi Arabia, of all places. It was reported earlier this month that Saudi Arabia had agreed to let Israel pass through its airspace in order to strike Iran.
The Israeli aircraft reportedly landed at the airport in Tabuk in northwest Saudi Arabia, which according to the report will act as the central base of operations for the Israeli air campaign against Iran.
Fars cited a local Saudi resident who said the Israeli presence and cooperation between the ruling local Saudi prince and the Jewish state was the talk of the town.
Saudi Arabia does not have formal relations with Israel, and publicly refers to the Jewish state as an enemy. But Riyadh is just as fearful of an Iranian nuclear bomb as Israel, and would likely resort to any means to avoid having its regional economic influence disturbed.
At the same time, Iran's Press TV reported that a very large contingent of US ground forces had massed in neighboring Azerbaijan. The independent Azerbaijani news website Trend confirmed the report.
Those reports came just days after the Pentagon confirmed that an unusually large fleet of US warships had indeed passed through Egypt's Suez Canal en route to the Persian Gulf. At least one Israeli warship reportedly joined the American armada.
source:http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=21385
On Wednesday, Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency reported that about a week ago a squad of Israeli military aircraft landed at a military airstrip in Saudi Arabia, of all places. It was reported earlier this month that Saudi Arabia had agreed to let Israel pass through its airspace in order to strike Iran.
The Israeli aircraft reportedly landed at the airport in Tabuk in northwest Saudi Arabia, which according to the report will act as the central base of operations for the Israeli air campaign against Iran.
Fars cited a local Saudi resident who said the Israeli presence and cooperation between the ruling local Saudi prince and the Jewish state was the talk of the town.
Saudi Arabia does not have formal relations with Israel, and publicly refers to the Jewish state as an enemy. But Riyadh is just as fearful of an Iranian nuclear bomb as Israel, and would likely resort to any means to avoid having its regional economic influence disturbed.
At the same time, Iran's Press TV reported that a very large contingent of US ground forces had massed in neighboring Azerbaijan. The independent Azerbaijani news website Trend confirmed the report.
Those reports came just days after the Pentagon confirmed that an unusually large fleet of US warships had indeed passed through Egypt's Suez Canal en route to the Persian Gulf. At least one Israeli warship reportedly joined the American armada.
source:http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=21385
Israel nabs Palestinian water pirates
Israeli soldiers last week spotted a group of four Palestinian Arabs illegally tapping into the Mekorot National Water Carrier pipeline south of the Judean town of Hebron. The soldiers captured two of the perpetrators.
Mekorot officials said the issue of Palestinian water piracy has become very serious of late, with Arab residents of Judea and Samaria siphoning off 10 million cubic meters of water every year.
"Water theft from Israeli pipes costs the State millions of shekels every year," a Mekorot official told Ynet.
Local Jewish residents said Palestinians so often drill into the water pipeline that most mornings they wake up to find they cannot bathe their children or even make coffee.
Most of the water in the Mekorot line comes from the Sea of Galilee, Israel's largest fresh water reservoir. Israel is already suffering from a severe water shortage.
source:http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=21396
Mekorot officials said the issue of Palestinian water piracy has become very serious of late, with Arab residents of Judea and Samaria siphoning off 10 million cubic meters of water every year.
"Water theft from Israeli pipes costs the State millions of shekels every year," a Mekorot official told Ynet.
Local Jewish residents said Palestinians so often drill into the water pipeline that most mornings they wake up to find they cannot bathe their children or even make coffee.
Most of the water in the Mekorot line comes from the Sea of Galilee, Israel's largest fresh water reservoir. Israel is already suffering from a severe water shortage.
source:http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=21396
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