VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.elnetwork.eu LEADERSHIP BRIEFING SUMMER 2018

ELNET IS CELEBRATING OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRO- ADVOCACY IN EUROPE

The European Union is in upheaval. Britain is preparing ELNET is a highly efficient organization with low expenses to exit the EU, Euro Skeptics have taken power in Italy, and high productivity. What makes this successful record Chancellor Merkel is in peril in Germany, public support possible is growing support for the work of all the parts of for Macron is eroding in France, the NATO alliance is being our organization. questioned, and several East European countries now have Your support is essential. You can contribute by using the authoritarian governments. There is greater ferment in enclosed pledge card and mailing your check to the Europe today then at any time since World War II. address on the back page or simply donate online at In the face of all this, Israel’s relations with major European www.elnetwork.eu. Thank you for standing up for the truth countries are generally improving. Pro-Israel voices in Europe in Europe. are growing stronger and more self-confident. Best wishes, BDS and other boycotts of Israel are mostly being defeated. Israel’s trade with Europe is growing, not declining.

We are very proud of the progress ELNET Affiliates are Larry J. Hochberg Lee Rosenblum making, as the contents of this newsletter will show. FELNET Chairman & Co-Founder FELNET National Executive Director

This Leadership Briefing is divided into sections which include updates from:1. ELNET–EU & NATO; 2. ELNET–France; 3. ELNET–Germany; 4. ELNET–Poland; 5. Forum of Strategic Dialogue; and 6. Friends of ELNET–USA.

this point, Iran is directly threatening EUROPEAN UNION Israel through its military presence in Ines Von Behr, ELNET-EU & NATO, Executive Director Syria and Lebanon. The speakers at the roundtable agreed that Iran can be understood as a major destabilizing The Brussels Forum 2018 factor in the region and that the flaws of ELNET EU & NATO partnered with the the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action German Marshall Fund’s (GMF) Brussels (JCPOA) ought to be fixed. They also Forum under this year’s theme: Revise, concluded that all players involved Reboot, Rebuild: Strategies for a Time needed to develop a “Syria First” strategy, of Distrust. This year’s conference working specifically together with featured among many other notable Russia. The speakers also supported the guests, Dr. Madeleine Albright (former cooperation between the Saudis, Israel Secretary of State, Chair speaker during the dinner roundtable on and the US to counter Iran. of the Albright Stonebridge Group), the topic Towards a New Middle Eastern Kristalina Georgieva (CEO of the Disorder. The dinner also included Yom Ha’atzmaut Worldbank), and Rose Gottemoeller speakers from the United Arab Emirates, Celebrations on (Deputy Secretary General). Thanks to Turkey and the UK. The discussion 16 May 2018 the partnership, ELNET EU & NATO was focused on Syria and Iran and revealed ELNET EU & NATO, on the occasion of able to include the Director General of that Syria currently features as the the 70th Anniversary of the State of the Israeli Ministry of Intelligence, microcosm and convergence of global Israel, joined forces with the European Chagai Tzuriel, and Spokesperson, and local relationships of the world. Jewish Congress (EJC), the World Jewish Arye Shalicar. Syria is strategically located and can be seen as the continuum of Iran’s influence Congress (WJC), B’nai B’rith International, Mr. Tzuriel was featured as the main reaching to the Mediterranean Sea. At the American Jewish Committee (AJC), LEADERSHIP BRIEFING SUMMER 2018

Israeli Expertise in Counterterrorism In early June, ELNET EU & NATO welcomed two distinguished Israeli speakers on Counter-terrorism in the European Parliament: Col. Eldad Shavit and Dr. Gil-Ad Ariely. Col. Shavit is a Visiting Fellow of the INSS following a long career in the IDF Intelligence Corps and the Prime Minister’s Office in Tel Aviv where he served as head of the research division. the European Parliament, followed by a Dr. Gil-Ad Ariely is the Chief Knowledge private dinner roundtable with selected Officer (CKO) and senior researcher key representatives of the European at the Institute for Counter-Terrorism Parliament working on the Middle East. (ICT) of Lauder School of Government The ELNET EU & NATO office also Diplomacy and Strategy, at the organized an interview with one of the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya. speakers and the EU Chief Correspondent Dr. Ariely is a Lt. Colonel (ret.) with of Der Spiegel in Brussels. The conference, 20 years of experience in the field of which focused on Israel’s best practices counter-terrorism as Deputy Commander in counter-terrorism, was hosted by a of a CT Unit in the IDF. He also initiated Danish Member of the European the European Union of Jewish Students and helped inaugurate the field of Parliament together with the ELNET (EUJS), the European Coalition for Israel Operational Knowledge Management office in Brussels. The invited Israeli (EC4I), and the Committee of the Jewish in the IDF Ground Forces since 2001, speakers were joined by 50 participants Organisations in Belgium (CCOJB). was the first acting CKO of the Ground including Members of the European Forces IDF, and wrote the Army’s Parliament, Representatives of the The celebrations took place in Brussels first doctrine book on learning during European Commission as well as the inviting the VIPs of the main EU operations and operational knowledge European External Action Service, and institutions and NATO, as well as the management. Jewish Community of Brussels and the diplomatic missions in town. Antwerp. Each of the contributors gave The day was divided into two parts, with The presentations from our Israeli a short welcome speech highlighting a public conference on the premises of guests focused on the role of the the diverse crowd, as well as the great Iranian regime, laying out its support to cooperation among all the pro-Israel Hezbollah, but also highlighting the organizations in this unprecedented role of Shia and Sunni organizations in initiative. Over 200 people came, the region. One of the speakers made it including members of the European clear that the Iranian strategy is to use Parliament from across the political each of its tentacles in the region with a spectrum, as well as the EU senior different degree of influence to threaten personnel working on the Middle East Israel. A clear objective of Iran over the of the European External Action Service last few months, according to one of the (EEAS), the European Commission (EC), speakers, was also to build a corridor to and the European Council. Additionally, the Mediterranean going through Syria numerous ambassadors, diplomats, and Lebanon, thereby directly threatening and professionals based in Brussels Israel. came together, taking advantage of the opportunity to network, as well as enjoy The second part of the conference the great performance of renowned focused on the operational side of Israeli singer Ester Rada. counter-terrorism, as well as the dimension of innovation in (countering)

2 LEADERSHIP BRIEFING SUMMER 2018 terrorism. The speaker highlighted that beat a terror network, an international We are sending political advisors and the most important challenge in the field network needs to be created. In this chiefs of staff of the European Parliament of counter-terrorism is to raise public regard, all speakers and participants as well as the German Bundestag to awareness and strengthen the public’s highlighted the importance of cooperation Israel. The program consists of meetings resilience towards terrorist attacks. between allies such as the EU and Israel. with officials from the Ministry of Moreover, it was criticized that there is Foreign Affairs, and security briefings still not enough cooperation among Young Leadership at the border of Gaza, as well as in EU member states, the EU and Israel, Delegation Jerusalem. The group will also participate despite the many terror attacks in in an exciting trip to the start-up capital, ELNET EU & NATO is partnering with Europe in recent years. The conference Beer Sheva, and take part in the world ELNET-Germany on a Young Leadership ended with the insight that in order to renowned Cyber security conference. Delegation to take place mid-June 2018.

of the Knesset, Yoel “Yuli” Edelstein. FRANCE Within the framework of the Agreement, Arie Bensamhoun ELNET-France, Executive Director both parliaments will cooperate on political initiatives in order to The Parliamentarian implement more joint projects. Agreement Between Through the challenging geopolitical, France and Israel economic and social developments, it is important for Israel and France to No doubt the French-Israeli relationship promote their shared values. As ELNET lies on enduring foundations. Over the France suggested, the Parliamentarian past seventy years, and despite some Agreement would draw together ups and downs, bilateral cooperation French and Israeli elected officials has been impressive. to develop and discuss the broad The two-sister democracies have a orientations and the needed tools for unique relationship based on close ties a committed bilateral cooperation. between the two peoples rooted in the In the fringe of that Agreement, ELNET past and a shared culture. France is pushing for parliamentarian ELNET France has been facilitating delegations to visit France and Israel Parliament, ELNET France has been the creation of a strategic dialogue alternatively to cover a broad span of able to gather 35 MPs and Senators platform between the French National strategic issues ranging from finance or for a special mission dedicated to Assembly and the Knesset, promoting social concerns to environmental and celebrating the friendship between closer ties between parliaments and cultural issues. France and Israel. It is an unprecedented testifying to the profound and trusted Those programs would focus on the mission under this legislature that is relations between France and Israel. MP/MKs fields of expertise to address the result of the celebration of the 70th For years, ELNET France has been the most pressing strategic issues. anniversary of the UN Resolution 181 pursuing a Protocol Agreement which enacting the partition and creating ELNET France is actively working to was submitted to the Chair of the the State of Israel within the National coordinate the programs to ensure the Parliamentarian Friendship group Assembly. successful implementation of the project. MP Elise Fajgeles who endorsed the ELNET France consolidated its network initiative. The Protocal Agreement was with both chambers and succeeded finally signed by the President of the Parliamentarian Mission th in arranging a 3-day mission where National Assembly, François de Rugy to Celebrate the 70 both Chairs of the parliamentarian — who was one of the two leaders of Anniversary of the friendship groups attended. The Israeli the first delegation of the Green Party State of Israel authorities are very receptive to this leadership who visited Israel in 2013 at visit and the highest representatives ELNET’s invitation — and the President A year after a total reshaping of the will host the delegation: Prime Minister

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Netanyahu, President of the Knesset people. There was a broad range of Yuli Edelstein, the Army Chiefs of Staff participants who could identify the role and many more prominent political of digital in Israel: for what, how and figures. by whom. Addressing New Targets ELNET France is also establishing a fruitful relationship with Sciences • Sciences Po Digital Learning Po leadership. This relationship will Expedition attract new audiences and secure links Before departing for Israel, the delegates ELNET France was the main partner to senior professionals in strategic stressed how thankful they were to of the program of the Sciences Po institutions. be given the opportunity to be in Executive Master Digital Humanities Israel during the celebrations of Yom tour in Israel. The 22 participants are A grant for ELNET France is being Ha’atzmaut and noted the poignancy professionals in key positions in French discussed in Sciences Po administration of being in Israel a few days after the strategic companies or institutions, to reward ELNET France’s work and strikes in Syria from the coalition of the such as the French Alternative Energies dedication to the success of the mission. USA, France and the UK. and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) • Institut Montaigne and Safran, among others, and This breakthrough visit immediately Institut Montaigne (IM) is a pioneering elected officials. triggered interest in France because independent think tank dedicated to participants used their social networks public policy in France and Europe. The to report on the delegation. Throughout IM has been instrumental in candidate their stay in Israel, the delegates were Emmanuel Macron’s presidential accompanied by two senior journalists, program. It plays a key role in the one from the well-respected daily democratic debate by publishing conservative newspaper, Le Figaro reports and policy papers and (the deputy editor in chief, chief of the organizing events with high-level economics department) and the other speakers. The delegation brought from L’Opinion, the online economic together business leaders, senior outlet. civil servants, academics, journalists, civil society and contributors from a This first-time visit will no doubt have wide range of backgrounds to explore long-term effects. At the end of the Israel’s innovative ecosystem. A goal of program, the delegates strongly the IM was to develop its international expressed their wish to continue affairs department. Israel is a leader working with ELNET in Paris in order with her innovative eco-systems and to further develop the fruitful dialogue. The objectives of the mission were to the leadership came to ELNET France It was decided to continue to develop address the Israeli ability to sustain to arrange a four-day visit. The program joint programs in the framework of a a high level of innovation through was oriented toward the discovery of strategic partnership with the IM. the use of digital media on all areas Israel’s role in the economy of knowledge, of socio-economic activities (health, in addition to the regional geopolitical • French corporates agriculture, defense, finance, mobility, situation. In early June, ELNET France put together etc.) and the way it shapes the society, part of the bespoke program for a and to detect major trends in the Israeli Twenty influential members of the delegation of CEOs of both public and economy and their innovative use of IM and prominent business leaders private French companies. digital tools and services. accepted the invitation. This is the first time the IM sent members to visit French experts at ELNET France arranged meetings with Israel. Significantly, this unprecedented Dover Tzahal (IDF Spokesperson’s delegation was led by S.E Michel Herzliya Conference Unit), experts, academics, Judge David Duclos, former French Ambassador A delegation of experts composed Benichou, and MK Ayoob Kara, among to Damascus who oversees the of Nicolas Tenzer, senior official and other Knesset members and business international affairs studies of the IM. former adviser to the French Minister of

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BHL in Israel / Businessmen Mission – Special Lecture Les Echos Bernard-Henri Levy went to the Gaza As part as their visit to Israel, thirty border at Kibbutz Hashlosha, where he businessmen on a mission with economic visited a Hamas tunnel that the Israeli newspaper Les Echos attended several army discovered. Levy also received meetings that were organized by ELNET. Economy and Finance, Mr. Eric Danon, a briefing from a commander of the They spent time with the chief of the vice-director of political and security armed forces on the state of the threat, robotic unit of Tsahal the IDF and affairs at Quai d’Orsay, and Mr. Thibault and the resources deployed by the IDF the chief of the cyber unit. They also de Montbrial, an eminent lawyer, to counter it. toured the old city of Jerusalem. president of the Center for Reflection During this stay, the Academic College on Homeland Security, visited Israel. of awarded Bernard-Henri Fundraising event with This four-day mission included political, Levy an honorary doctorate. Judge Georges Fenech economic and diplomatic meetings. His full address was published in the Judge Georges Fenech (former MP) The delegation also took part in the French weekly newspaper, Le Point. was the guest of honor at an intimate Herzliya Conference, focused on the fundraising event for ELNET, which was relations between the United States Yoel « Yuli » Edelstein attended by thirty prominent individuals. and Europe. As it took place a few in Paris The former MP and magistrate, who hours after US President Trump’s is a good friend to ELNET, spoke of his The President of the Knesset, Yoel decision to withdraw from the nuclear political experience and his involvment « Yuli » Edelstein, made an official visit deal with Iran, the discussion provided in the fight against terrorism. to Paris at the invitation of the General a unique opportunity to debate the Assembly and the Senate, as part of implications of this initiative in both General and IDF the 70th anniversary of the State of Israel and Europe. Ken Weinstein, Spokesman Ronen Manelis Israel. Edelstein’s visit was somewhat director of the Hudson Institute in delicate, given the hostile positions to in Paris – July 2-4, 2018 Washington, also participated in the Israel adopted by France concerning At the invitation of ELNET-France, discussion. the situation in Gaza. General Ronen Manelis, spokesman for the IDF, came to Paris for several MK Edelstein was accompanied by meetings, including meetings with MKs Elie Elalouf (Koulanou), Meir General Bernard de Courreges, Director Cohen (Yesh Atid) and Ayelet of IHEDN (Institute for Higher National Nahmias-Verbin (Zionist Camp). Defence Studies), Jean-Baptiste The delegation met the President of the Jeangene-Vilmer, Director of IRSEM National Assembly, François de Rugy, (Ministry of Armed forces), experts and, Gerard Larcher of the Senate. of the Montaigne Institute and IFRI, Sciences Po MK Edelstein gave several speeches journalists. He was hosted by the Foreign and met officials from the Conseil Affairs Committee of the National Paris Représentatif des Institutions juives de Assembly — a first of a kind hearing — On Thursday, May 31, France (Crif ) and the Central Consistory. and he was able to give a presentation. as part of a week-long In front of the French lawmakers, Manelis The Knesset Speaker said he intends trip to Israel, ELNET explained that Hamas was taking France’s to focus on the Iranian threat, terrorism held a meeting between thirty students donations to Gaza and using them to in France and the resurgence of anti- of Sciences Po Paris and Colonel (res) build military infrastructure and prepare Zionism and anti-Semitism. MK Peter Lerner, former IDF spokesman. terror attacks; Manelis also exposed Edelstein believes that President Col. Lerner spoke about the situation Iran’s involvement in Gaza and charged Trump’s major decisions in the right in Gaza and the Israel’s challenges, that mass protests at the Gaza border in direction regarding Israel and Iran sharing a border with Lebanon, as recent weeks were planned by Hamas should also pave the way for a change well as Israel’s challenges beyond its as cover for terror attacks. General of outlook in Europe vis-à-vis Israel. immediate borders. Manelis also spent an evening with supporters of ELNET-France.

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Anti-Semitism”, Document 19/444) also many new faces in key committees, GERMANY addresses a wide range of topics that such as Foreign Affairs and Defense. It is Daniele Nati, ELNET-Germany, Executive Director have been promoted by ELNET-Germany one of ELNET–Germany’s top priorities over the last few years, with particular in the upcoming months to introduce emphasis after the elections. these new individuals to key issues of A New Government and a German-Israeli relations and to bring Later in the Spring, on the occasion of them to Israel. Strong Statement for Israel the 70th anniversary of the state of Work in the German Bundestag was at Israel, the German Parliament passed a a standstill for quite a while due to the further motion (“70th anniversary of German-Israeli Friendship aftermath of the elections held in the founding of the State of Israel — in the Parliament Germany in September 2017. The consolidating our forward-looking The primary place to support Israel in elections were followed by the longest friendship in historical responsibility”, a parliament is in the friendship group. period in German history required to Document 19/1823) to honor Israel and The friendship group allows participants create a new government; it took until strengthen bilateral relations. to commit to Israel in their daily March 2018 for the new government, led parliamentarian work. The German- by Angela Merkel, to be sworn in. Now New Faces in GER-ISR Israeli Friendship group was traditionally that the government is fully formed, one of the strongest in the German we can report in detail on our political Relations parliament. Sadly, this group suffered work regarding the coalition formation In the weeks after the conclusion of a decline in membership in the past process. the coalition agreement, senior posts few years, from 115 (2009) to 58 (2013) members. Out of these, 29 left After successfully working on the at federal ministries and major political parliament after the elections in 2017. party programs before the election, institutions were filled. ELNET-Germany Consequently, we faced the severe risk ELNET-Germany engaged in the congratulates Dr. Felix Klein on his new of a massive decline in institutional coalition building process, and supported role as the first Federal Anti-Semitism supporters in the German parliament. specific positions, such as the creation Commissioner of Germany. He previously of an Antisemitism Commissioner at worked at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Within the new government ELNET-Germany promoted the friendship the federal level in Berlin, which was group among many parliamentarians successfully introduced. there are many politicians who already have close relationships to Israel; some following the elections. We wrote to and met many parliamentarians, stressing The coalition treaty, the basis for the have even already been to Israel with an the importance of the friendship group. work of the new government, is a solid ELNET Delegation. Specifically, we encouraged potential plat-form on which this new government parliamentarians to join the German- may further build its relationship with Israel. ELNET-Germany is very happy to have such an outspoken friend of Israel in Israeli friendship group in the Heiko Maas, the new Minister of Foreign Parliament. Parliamentary Work Affairs, and with him the newly appointed Even before the new government was State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, The new German-Israeli Parliamentary created, the German Bundestag voted in who worked with ELNET when he was Friendship Group — the flagship of January 2018 for a significant motion ambassador to Israel a few years ago. bilateral political relations — was that contains both strong content established in May. After a declining against Anti-Semitism, as well as in number of members in recent years, support of the State of Israel. The ELNET’s symbolic goal of 70 members motion (“Determined action against for 70 years of Israel has been surpassed. The approximately 95- member group will be headed by the prominent former member of the European Parliament, MP Alexander

(MP Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, @fdp website) Graf Lambsdorff from the Liberals (FDP).

With 709 parliamentarians and almost Also, on the fundamental state level, 300 new faces including many new staff ELNET encourages regional parliaments members in the Bundestag, there is a to follow the example in Berlin in order great deal of work ahead of us. There are to build up their own Friendship groups. (German Parliament, @dpa) 6 LEADERSHIP BRIEFING SUMMER 2018

This is particularly important because, similar to the US, state parliaments Parliament for voting. The great are fundamental in fostering business majority of MPs voted for the relations, education and other aspects change of the controversial part of it not covered by the Federal Government (removing articles 55a and 55b). in Berlin. ELNET-Poland is continuously working Recently, in a festive ceremony with (ELNET Event, @elnet/Samantha Dietmar) together with the most important Ambassador Jeremy Issacharoff as the Approximately200 guests from politics, society, Jewish Polish institutions to rebuild and guest of honor, the State Parliament of community, political think tanks and foundations, media, science and culture attended the event. Among the guests strengthen the dialogue and bilateral Brandenburg established a local friendship were more than 20 parliamentarians from different parties trust between Poland and Israel. of the German Parliament, and members of federal and state group on the Independence Day of governments, such as Parliamentary State Secretaries or the State of Israel. Similar groups are diplomats from the Israeli Embassy. From the other side, 2018 is the planned for other state parliaments and 70th Jubilee of Israel and the 100th we will report when they are established. of Polish Independence. The most POLAND important institutions, as well as The establishment, promotion and Jacek Olejnik ELNET-Poland, Executive Director decisionmakers and significant strengthening of friendship groups for friends of Israel, are celebrating this Israel in parliaments are part of our anniversary by planning future areas plan to institutionalize and cement the of cooperation. German support for Israel with offices and institutions that are not dependent on single committed personalities. With an institutional focus, these groups will survive when key players leave office.

Celebrating 70 years With a new parliament and government 2018 – A Significant Year operative, ELNET-Germany celebrated 2018 is a very significant year for the its traditional Spring event marking Israeli-Polish relationship. There is a ELNET-Poland, developing common Israel’s Independence Day. deep need for education and dialogue cooperation in the field of innovation, between the two states. From the This year, to celebrate the special 70th was a partner to the Israeli Embassy one side, ELNET-Poland has organized anniversary of Israel’s Independence, in Warsaw in organizing Start many educational meetings for our event honored the work of the Jerusalem the technological start-up decision makers, Members of late David Rubinger who was one of competition for the most innovative Parliament and high officers Israel’s most important photographers. startups. regarding the necessity to retract ELNET-Germany had the pleasure to be the new Polish law, commonly known As an award to the top finalists, hosted by him in his home during one of as Holocaust bill. ELNET-Poland, in ELNET-Poland brought the group on its delegations, shortly before he died in synergy with dozens of organizations, a “study” trip to Israel in March 2018, the Spring of 2017. as well as our key contacts in Poland, since Israel is the world’s leading Israel and the USA, had been raising ecosystem of technological innovation, awareness of the problem and as well as a leading arena for business bringing better understanding to the and investments. situation. After few months of The trip was co-organized by the waiting for a positive verdict from Centre for International Relations, the Polish Constitutional Tribunal, which according to the University of on June 27th Polish Prime Minister (ELNET Event, @elnet/Samantha Dietmar) Pennsylvania, and is ranked among Mateusz Morawiecki unprecedentedly the top five think tanks in Central and The pictures of David Rubinger document the Israeli history decided to bring back the Act on the from its birth of a modern state, its leaders, its triumphs, its Eastern Europe. The Centre is run by tragedies and its people. He accompanied many military Institute of National Remembrance, the most influential and political operations, peace talks, and was well-known in Israel and the so-called “Holocaust Bill,” to the beyond. He worked for Time Magazine and was awarded the Israel Prize.

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Intelligence (IDI) in the IDF, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), in addition to other leading experts. The dialogue, which candidly addressed David Siegel developments on the ground in Syria, as ELNET-Israel, CEO well as the potential for escalation, and Eran Etzion French and Israeli defense interests, was Forum of Strategic Dialogue, Executive Director conducted under Chatham House rule, subject to participant commitment to confidentiality. rd 3 France-Israel Mini When assessing the situation in Syria Strategic Dialogue, and Lebanon, it became clear that April 2018 there are convergences between Israel experts in Poland, who are good and France, but some differences on friends to our organization. One of the most important activities of prioritization. As put by a participant, ELNET is organizing high level strategic “when the French look at Syria, they see Together with the Israeli Embassy dialogues between key European ISIS, while the see Iran.” Also, the in Poland and the Israeli Ministry countries and Israel. ELNET’s Forum of French and the Israelis do not see eye of Tourism, ELNET-Poland Strategic Dialogue brings together senior to eye on the importance of Syria in the created the jubilee exhibition, officials and influential experts from global arena. Participants assessed “ISRAEL – THE LEGACY OF THE Israel with their European counterparts, options for management of the threats INNOVATIVENESS,” which to build mutual understanding and closer in Syria and Lebanon and how to prevent officially opened during the 70th cooperation on top issues of the day. escalation in different scenarios. They Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations in also evaluated the impact of alternative Royal Baths in Warsaw, where An important case in point was the policies on French and Israeli defense it was on view for a month. The Third France-Israel Mini Strategic interests. Participants seemed to agree exhibition will be shown in the Dialogue held in Netanya, April 2018. that the potential for escalation is high, most prestigious places in Cosponsored by ELNET and the French and that Israel is on a collision course Poland’s largest cities, including Ministry of Defense Directorate with Iran. In conclusion, the question Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Łódź, General for International Relations and for the Israelis was: “How far is Israel and Poznań, as well as in the Strategy (DGRIS), the dialogue focused willing to go, and how alone will she be?” Polish Parliament. on developments on the ground in Syria and Lebanon. In contrast, for the French it was rather “how far away can France stay?” The Netanya dialogue could not have been timelier. It took place just three The fact that this dialogue happened days after the chemical attack in Duma, at the height of a crisis created an Syria amid rising tension in Syria especially close connection between between Israel and Iran. Just four days the work of ELNET and important policy after the dialogue, France joined the developments on key issues in the US and the UK to strike Syrian bases in Middle East. response to the chemical attack.

The French delegation was composed Special ELNET Panel on of senior staff from the DGRIS, Transatlantic Relations at representatives from the Foreign and the Herzliya Conference, Defense ministries, as well as from the May 2018 Military Joint Staff, and the director For the fifth consecutive year, ELNET and a leading expert from the French and the FSD hosted a special Roundtable Institute of International Relations (IFRI), session on May 9, 2018 at the prestigious which is one of the most influential French 18th Herzliya Conference in partnership think tanks. The Israeli participants with the IDC (Interdisciplinary Center). included senior officials from the The Herzliya Conference is Israel’s Intelligence Ministry, the Israeli Defense 8 LEADERSHIP BRIEFING SUMMER 2018

behind the scenes with Sunni Arab countries.

The Roundtable was another example of ELNET’s solid partnership with the Herzliya Conference, which no doubt contributes to building our network and enhancing our ability to influence policymakers and elected officials involved in European-Israeli affairs. The ELNET roundtable was one of the most successful sessions at the Conference this year. The topic of US-Europe-Israel relations has never been more relevant, and the Roundtable raised key issues and ideas to be further discussed. The FSD’s US-Europe-Israel Trilateral ELNET’s special panel on transatlantic relations attracted a full room of impressive senior practitioners Strategic Dialogue planned for October and experts from across Europe and Israel at this year’s Herzliya Conference. 22-23 in Washington, D.C. will provide a unique opportunity to further explore premier annual global policy gathering, officials including Deputy Director these issues, and hopefully provide a drawing together Israeli and international General for political and security affairs platform to align the policies of these participants from the highest levels of of the French MFA Eric Danon, three important actors. government, business, and academia to Ambassador of Spain to Israel Manuel address pressing national, regional and Gómez-Acebo, Ambassador of Sweden global issues. to Israel Magnus Hellgren. 3rd UK-Israel Strategic Dialogue, May 2018 The ELNET Roundtable session was In the first part of the Roundtable, entitled “Drifting apart or working speakers shared their analysis of the The FSD and Chatham House, the together? US-Europe relations and evolving transatlantic relationship. Royal Institute of International Affairs, what it means for Israel,” and included Most participants agreed the EU and US one of the world’s leading think tanks, 12 carefully selected speakers, as well as are drifting apart with disagreements on successfully held their third annual approximately 60 influential decision- numerous issues including the JCPOA, UK-Israel Strategic Dialogue. The makers in the European-Israeli arena. recognition of Jerusalem as the capital dialogue took place against the Taking place just hours after US President of Israel, NATO, free trade, and climate backdrop of Trump’s withdrawal from Trump’s decision to withdraw from the change. Yet they also emphasized the Iran deal, the US opening its nuclear deal with Iran, the discussion the importance of the transatlantic embassy in Jerusalem, and the violent provided a unique opportunity for relationship in maintaining unity protests in Gaza. firsthand reflections on the US against common threats such as terrorism, Former Finance Minister Yair Lapid administration’s decision and its economic challenges, Iran’s regional gave a keynote address articulating consequences for both Israel and Europe. hegemony and Russia. In the second challenges and opportunities for Israel The impressive group of speakers part of the Roundtable, speakers in the region. Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaacov from across Europe, the US, and Israel presented their outlook on what the Amidror, former National Security included Ambassador of France to Israel evolving transatlantic relationship Advisor to the Prime Minister and Head Hélène Le Gal, Former US Assistant means for Israel. The US was said to of Israel’s National Security Council Secretary of State for European and be retreating from the Middle East, (NSC) also addressed the group and Eurasian AffairsHon. Amb. Victoria and seems to be opting for a “light foot delivered fascinating remarks on the Nuland, President and CEO of the Hudson approach,” backing allies such as Israel Israeli perspective of the world and the Institute Dr. Kenneth R. Weinstein, and and Saudi Arabia from afar. From an Middle East today, and how it has Former National Security Advisor to Israeli perspective, the biggest threat influenced Israeli policy. Senior the Prime Minister and Head of Israel’s in the region is Iran and its current participants from Israel included the National Security Council (NSC) Prof. actions in Syria. This threat assessment Director General of the Intelligence Uzi Arad. The Roundtable attracted an is shared by others in the region, and Ministry Chagai Tzuriel, and two impressive attendance by additional has enabled Israel to develop relations

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• As Brexit is unfolding and Trump is NATO, and the European Union, all forcing the Europeans to make their play a continuing role in building closer own decisions, the UK was driven to relations between Israel and the most tilt more towards the EU, away from important countries in Europe. the US. • Regarding Syria, the British side focused on the terrorist threats WHY EUROPE IS especially ISIS, while the Israeli side IMPORTANT TO ISRAEL Former Finance Minister MK Yair Lapid and FSD’s focused on the Iranian presence and Economy Executive Director Eran Etzion at the its proxies. Europe is Israel’s largest Third UK-Israel Strategic Dialogue. • The issues of Europe to fully trade partner, accounting for designate Hezbollah as a terrorist approximately 1/3 of Israeli organization and European aid exports and 1/2 of Israeli imports. diverted by Hamas in Gaza were Science and Innovation raised. Europe is the largest • The bilateral cooperation between source of funding for Israeli science the UK and Israel has grown deeper and innovation. EU-funded research and broader than ever before over grants alone surpassed $2 billion the last few years, despite some over the last 20 years. Former National Security Advisor to the Prime political disagreements. Minister and Head of Israel’s National Security Diplomacy and • Europe will stay in the nuclear Council (NSC) Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaacov Amidror Security and the Director General of the Intelligence deal with Iran, at least as long as Ministry Chagai Tzuriel at the Third UK-Israel Iran does, and try to act as a bridge Europe is key to global diplomacy, Strategic Dialogue. between the US and Iran. with strong representation in the UN Security Council, G7 and the parliamentarians MK Stav Shafir and group of nations which negotiated MK Roy Folkman. “Increased understanding of Israel the Iran nuclear deal. has been one of the biggest gains The Dialogue explored strategic for me. My views of Israelis have NOW IS THE TIME challenges of mutual concern to Israel evolved and matured. Going into TO ACT! and the UK, including both countries’ each year with a fresh perspective Europe is the main battleground strategies towards the Middle East, their in efforts to delegitimize Israel, relations with the US, EU, and Russia, on Israel’s priorities informs much including pressure to label, emerging threats in post-ISIS Syria, of my regional analysis and blacklist and boycott. European Iran-Saudi regional rivalry and domestic engagement.” public opinion is less favorable to challenges, the Israeli-Palestinian rd — British participant of the 3 Israel and the pro-Israel community conflict, bilateral relations, and domestic UK-Israel Strategic Dialogue is less developed than in the US. arenas. The gathering was held in With the passage of UN Security the charming and historic Mishkenot Council Resolution 2334 and the Sha’ananim, facing the magnificent views Following up on the Dialogue, ELNET will UN blacklist of Israeli companies, of the Old City in Jerusalem. Many of host MK Yair Lapid and Chagai Tzuriel the BDS movement remains an the participants, including the head of for visits in Paris over the summer and urgent challenge. Chatham House, took the opportunity to fall this year. Chatham House officials explore the Old City during their stay. expressed keen interest in follow-up Today, Europe faces severe dialogues, and some British participants challenges from terrorism to Key points included: expressed interest in additional cyber security, immigration, and • The biggest threat for Israel is Iran dialogues with new partners such as economic slowdown. Common and its proxy Hezbollah while the the University of St. Andrews and the experience, as well as shared values most pressing challenge is Iran’s Tony Blair Institute. and interests create favorable conditions for closer cooperation growing presence in Syria; Israel’s ELNET’s ongoing annual strategic between Europe and Israel. number one priority is to prevent dialogues between Israel and France, Iran’s nuclear capability. Germany, the United Kingdom Poland, 10 LEADERSHIP BRIEFING SUMMER 2018

ELNET’s mission is to educate leaders UNITED STATES and citizens from Europe about Israel, ELNET’S IMPACT Friends of ELNET promote and exchange of ideas between 210+ high-level leaders and citizens with Israelis, and delegations and visits I have been involved in increase their knowledge about Israel, philanthropic causes 25+ strategic dialogues thereby improving the diplomatic and in the United States for in partnership with key cultural relations between these regions. many years. Jews have European governments, the an incredible history of While at the moment, a large part of the European Union and NATO service and I am proud funds for these activities are raised in the 2,900+ participants to be Jewish. While I do not live in Israel, United States, many of these European including senior government I see a great need for a safe homeland for countries are starting to raise their own officials, policymakers and the Jews. Israel has made great strides funds to cultivate relationships between opinion leaders since it was recreated in 1948. Its people local citizens and leaders. This is a new won three wars, defended themselves and very encouraging development > Building shared values for 70 years, created a vital democracy because Europeans have not previously and interests and a vibrant economy, all in a dangerous funded pro-Israel advocacy. While still part of the world. They must be allowed a relatively small organization, ELNET >  Educating European policymakers to survive and grow. Israel must continue has become the leader in influencing and opinion leaders to be an inspiration for the area and the pro-Israel advocacy across Europe. > Bringing attention to common world, including its vital role as a safe I am happy and proud to be part of and challenges and opportunities haven for the Jews of the world. to support ELNET in its vital mission. When I was invited to become a I hope you will join me and support the > Providing a platform for regional member of the Board of the Friends Friends of ELNET. cooperation of the European Leadership Network Ken Ruby (ELNET), and later a Vice-Chairman and European and Israeli policymakers Vice-Chairman and Treasurer Treasurer, I was happy to join. ELNET rarely engage with each other: is in the forefront to combat the efforts while more than 80% of members to delegitimize Israel. This includes the With a network of offices inFrance , of the US Congress have visited pressure to libel, blacklist and boycott Germany, Poland and Brussels (EU & Israel, less than 10% of European European public opinion against Israel NATO), Israel, and activities in the UK, members of parliaments have as part of the effort to eventually Spain and Italy, ELNET is strategically experienced Israel first-hand. destroy Israel and eliminate or scatter positioned to build sustainable, locally- ELNET is working to address its Jewish population. supported pro-Israel European advocacy. this gap.

ELNET IS CELEBRATING OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRO-ISRAEL ADVOCACY IN EUROPE

Friends of the European Leadership Network (FELNET) FELNET Board of Directors FELNET Advisory Board Larry J. Hochberg Eric Edidin Mark Kirk, former U.S. Senator Howard Berman, former U.S. Representative Chairman and Co-Founder Joseph W. Feinberg Joseph Lieberman, former U.S. Senator Shelley Berkley, former U.S. Representative Kenneth A. Ruby John Fishel Norman Coleman, former U.S. Senator Elliott Abrams, former U.S. National Security Vice Chairman and Treasurer Leonard Foxman Council Advisor Andrew S. Hochberg Carole Mostow European Leadership Network (ELNET) Affiliates David Jonas Secretary ELNET has offices in Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Tel Aviv and Warsaw Jerry Rosenberg Contact for Friends of ELNET FELNET Staff Lee V. Rosenblum, National Executive Director Lee Rosenblum: (917) 722-1255 • [email protected] th Steven Rosen, Strategic Advisor 641 Lexington Avenue, 17 Floor, New York, NY 10022 Jonathan Boyer, West Coast Director Jonathan Boyer: (310) 205-0488 • [email protected] Rebecca Modell, National Operations Manager 10573 West Pico Blvd. #369 • Los Angeles, CA 90064 Julie Hazan, Resource Development Director www.elnetwork.eu

Donations can be made to Friends of ELNET by mailing checks to an address above, or online at www.elnetwork.eu The Friends of ELNET (FELNET) was established to support the education of leaders and citizens in Europe and the United States about Israel. Friends of ELNET (European Leadership Network) is a nonprofit organization that is tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Federal Tax ID# 45-2212393.

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JOIN US FOR THE FIRST ELNET INTERNATIONAL POLICY CONFERENCE

PARIS, FRANCE | OCTOBER 7 – 10, 2018

ELNET IS MARKING OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF STRENGHTENING EUROPE-ISRAEL RELATIONS

Unique opportunity to engage top European and Israeli decision makers and experts Participate in discussions about shared challenges & opportunities Meet policy makers and opinion leaders from Europe, Israel and the United States

• Exclusive opportunity to take a closer look at how SCHEDULE Europe’s Middle East policy is shaped & engage key decision-makers • Sunday evening, October 7th — Opening reception • Attend private meetings with leading French, with speakers and dignitaries German, Polish and EU elected officials & other • Monday and Tuesday, October 8th & 9th — policy makers on Middle East issues Plenary and break-out sessions, breakfast, lunch • Morning plenary, break-out sessions, afternoons and dinner, plus afternoon time off to see Paris for leisure time, & dinner events • Tuesday evening, October 9th — Join us for a • The conference fee is $500.00 per person meaningful closing event • We have reserved rooms at the hotel for attendees for a limited time

TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE: www.elnetinternationalpolicyconference2018.eventbrite.com FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Lee Rosenblum (National Executive Director): (917) 722-1255 | [email protected] Jonathan Boyer (West Coast Director): (310) 205-0488 | [email protected] FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: Millie Abadi at [email protected] or (888) 404-7393 x601 or online at https://my.getpeyd.com/elnet/

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