February 2011
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Israel: Background and U.S
Israel: Background and U.S. Relations Casey L. Addis Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs February 14, 2011 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov RL33476 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Israel: Background and U.S. Relations Summary On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel declared its independence and was immediately engaged in a war with all of its neighbors. Armed conflict has marked every decade of Israel’s existence. Despite its unstable regional environment, Israel has developed a vibrant parliamentary democracy, albeit with relatively fragile governments. The most recent national elections were held on February 10, 2009, ahead of schedule. Although the Kadima Party placed first, parties holding 65 seats in the 120-seat Knesset supported opposition Likud party leader Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu, who was designated to form a government. Netanyahu’s coalition includes his own Likud, Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel Our Home), Shas, Habayet Hayehudi (Jewish Home), the United Torah Judaism (UTJ), and the new Ha’atzmout (Independence) party. The coalition controls 66 of 120 Knesset seats. Israel has an advanced industrial, market economy with a large government role. Israel’s foreign policy is focused largely on its region, Europe, and the United States. Israel’s foreign policy agenda begins with Iran, which it views as an existential threat due to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism. Achieving peace with its neighbors is next. Israel concluded peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994, but not with Syria and Lebanon. Recent unrest in Egypt is rekindling latent anxiety in Israel about the durability of the peace treaty Egypt and Israel have relied upon for 30 years. -
Florida Film Festival Features a Short Film by 'Hometown Girl' Talia Osteen
Back to School Section B WWW.HERITAGEFL.COM YEAR 44, NO. 49 AUGUST 7, 2020 17 AV, 5780 ORLANDO, FLORIDA SINGLE COPY 75¢ Patricia Sigman runs for state Senate By Christine DeSouza Longwood resident Patricia R. Sigman is a Democratic candidate on the primary ballot for state Senate, Dis- trict 9. There is one opponent running against her for the seat and she is hopeful voters will turn out for the Aug. 18 primary elections to get her name on the ballot for the elections on Nov. 3. Sigman is a long-standing member of this community. She and her husband, Phil, have been affiliated with Temple Israel and also Con- gregation of Reform Judaism. Patricia Sigman “Seminole County is our home and our roots here run tive. She is a small business The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous will air from July 27 to Aug. 31, 2020 one of its award-winning documentaries deep,” she told Heritage. “The owner (Sigman & Sigman, highlighting Righteous Gentiles who saved Jews during World War II and the Holocaust. Sigman family has been here P.A. in Altamonte Springs), since the early 1960s.” a voter protection leader, Sigman, a board-certified community volunteer, and Labor & Employment lawyer with her husband, Phil, has Online movie series to feature rescuers and a civil mediator for 26 raised three children — all years, has seen all aspects of of whom attended Seminole law from the business, com- and rescued during years of Holocaust munity and personal perspec- Sigman on page 14A (JNS) — The Jewish Foundation for the to themselves and their families—to save goal was two-fold: to share stories Righteous is launching a Monday-night Jews,” said JFR executive vice president of heroism and raise awareness of movie series, from July 27 to Aug. -
2016 Annual Report
Research. Debate. Impact. 2016 ANNUAL REPORT 1 Table of Contents Message from the President and the Chairman of the Board 4 Sixth Meeting of IDI's International Advisory Council 8 The Center for Democratic Values and Institutions 11 The Center for Religion, Nation and State 23 The Center for Governance and the Economy 29 The Center for Security and Democracy 35 The Guttman Center for Surveys and Public Policy Research 41 IDI in the Media 47 Our Team 50 Our Leaders 51 Our Partners 52 Financials 53 Message from the President and the Chairman of the Board Dear Friends, 2016 was a year of change and upheaval throughout the jobs available to Haredim. The government adopted most of democratic world. Set against the tumult of Brexit and the the recommendations and is now in the process of allocating US elections, Israel seemed at times like an island of stability. a half-billion-shekel budget in line with these proposals. This However, under the surface, Israeli society is changing, and IDI success story illustrates the potential of turning relatively small took on a leading role in identifying those changes and working philanthropic investments into large-scale transformational with policymakers to address them. change by affecting policy and legislation on the basis of outstanding applied research. As the report that follows lays out, 2016 was a year rich in activity and achievements. In this letter, we have chosen to single Several new scholars joined our team in 2016. Ms. Daphna out the impact one program had on government policy in the Aviram-Nitzan, former director of research for the Israel employment area. -
The Israeli Anti-Boycott Law: Should Artists Be Worried?
Peled.Note-final for publisher (Do Not Delete) 4/24/2014 4:42 PM THE ISRAELI ANTI-BOYCOTT LAW: SHOULD ARTISTS BE WORRIED? INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 752 I. THE ORIGIN AND SCOPE OF BOYCOTTS AGAINST ISRAEL ............... 752 A. The Arab League Boycott ................................................. 752 B. The Palestinian BDS Movement: Combining the Goals of the Arab League, the Methods of the African National Congress, and the Rhetoric of Apartheid ....................... 753 C. International Manifestations of the Cultural Boycott on Israel ............................................................................... 756 D. Domestic Manifestations of the Cultural Boycott on Israel ............................................................................... 759 II. LEGISLATIVE RESPONSE TO THE BDS CAMPAIGN: THE LAW FOR PREVENTION OF HARM TO THE STATE OF ISRAEL BY MEANS OF BOYCOTT................................................................................ 762 A. Textual Analysis of the Anti-Boycott Law ........................ 763 B. Legislative History of the Anti-Boycott Law ..................... 766 C. Applicability of the Anti-Boycott Law to Foreign Nationals Located Abroad.............................................. 768 D. Potential Domestic Israeli Application of the Anti-Boycott Law ................................................................................. 772 III. THE ISRAELI SUPREME COURT SHOULD FIND THE ANTI-BOYCOTT LAW UNCONSTITUTIONAL ..................................................... -
The Role of Ultra-Orthodox Political Parties in Israeli Democracy
Luke Howson University of Liverpool The Role of Ultra-Orthodox Political Parties in Israeli Democracy Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements of the University of Liverpool for the degree of Doctor in Philosophy By Luke Howson July 2014 Committee: Clive Jones, BA (Hons) MA, PhD Prof Jon Tonge, PhD 1 Luke Howson University of Liverpool © 2014 Luke Howson All Rights Reserved 2 Luke Howson University of Liverpool Abstract This thesis focuses on the role of ultra-orthodox party Shas within the Israeli state as a means to explore wider themes and divisions in Israeli society. Without underestimating the significance of security and conflict within the structure of the Israeli state, in this thesis the Arab–Jewish relationship is viewed as just one important cleavage within the Israeli state. Instead of focusing on this single cleavage, this thesis explores the complex structure of cleavages at the heart of the Israeli political system. It introduces the concept of a ‘cleavage pyramid’, whereby divisions are of different saliency to different groups. At the top of the pyramid is division between Arabs and Jews, but one rung down from this are the intra-Jewish divisions, be they religious, ethnic or political in nature. In the case of Shas, the religious and ethnic elements are the most salient. The secular–religious divide is a key fault line in Israel and one in which ultra-orthodox parties like Shas are at the forefront. They and their politically secular counterparts form a key division in Israel, and an exploration of Shas is an insightful means of exploring this division further, its history and causes, and how these groups interact politically. -
Letterhead 2014.07
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 This most recent wave of rocket attacks on Israeli population centers serve as a reminder that asymmetric warfare poses a fundamental challenge to Israel’s national security, international standing, and democratic character. For a democracy like Israel, finding a way to defeat terrorist organizations within the bounds of the rule of law is essential for three reasons: first, no independent government can tolerate a threat that sends masses of its citizens to the shelters at a moment’s notice; second, no society can long remain free if it continually sacrifices its liberties on the altar of national security; and third, no democracy can maintain its standing among the family of enlightened nations if it does not adhere to the international norms of armed conflict. Twelve years ago, in the midst of a deadly wave of suicide attacks, the leadership of IDI established the National Security and Democracy Program. Born out of a dialogue with the leadership of the Israel Defense Forces, this flagship program seeks to help Israeli decision makers develop effective counterterrorism policies that strike a balance between national security, civil liberties and the rule of law. To help concerned parties in Israel and around the world understand the legal aspects of this extraordinary conflict, the leaders of IDI’s National Security and Democracy Program have put together a brief outlining the basic legal concepts involved and the boundaries of permissible action according to standard interpretations of existing international law. The authors of this brief are internationally recognized experts on the legal aspects of asymmetric warfare and counterterrorism. -
Burden Sharing and the Haredim
8 Burden Sharing and the Haredim On March 12, 2014 the Knesset passed, on its which scholars should remain exempt, but also third reading, Amendment 19 to the Military states that draft evaders will be subject to arrest if Service Law, which aims to widen the participation quotas are unmet. !e comprehensive exemption of Ultra-Orthodox young men and yeshiva granting all Haredi yeshiva students aged 22 students in military and civilian national service. and over who join the workforce is of particular !is amendment also aims to promote their significance. integration into the working population. On April 17, 2014, the Ministerial Committee on Background: !e History of Burden Sharing in Military Service set concrete steps for the amendment’s implementation the Exemption (!e Arrangement and follow up. !ese were given the force of a for Deferral of Army Service Cabinet resolution. Under the new arrangement, by Yeshiva Students) the amendment will take full e"ect on July 1, Compulsory military service applies under the 2017, following an adjustment period. When in Security Service Law (Combined Version) of 1986. full force, the military or civilian national service According to this law, Israeli citizens are subject inductees will number 5,200 a year (two thirds to conscription at age 18 unless granted an of the age cohort according to current figures). exemption. Exemption was the subject of lively Until then, yeshiva students will be able to defer debates between yeshiva heads and the political their enlistment and receive an exemption at age leadership in the early days of the state. !e 22, as long as the yeshivot meet their recruitment executive committee of the Center for Service targets, which will be implemented according to to the People considered the conscription of the mandated schedule: in 2014, a total of 3,800 yeshiva students, and in March 1948 authorized Haredim are expected to join the IDF or national a temporary army service deferment for yeshiva service; in 2015, 4,500; and 5,200 in the years that students whose occupation was Torah study.1 follow. -
Guide to Speakers on Israel 2004-2005
Consulate General of Israel to New England We are pleased to present to you the 2004-2005 edition of the Consulate General of Israel’s Speakers Bureau “Guide to Speakers on Israel.” We are grateful for the vast wealth of resources that our speakers can provide to you and to us. Our speakers come Guide to Speakers from many different walks of life, vary in their fields of expertise, and can address a wide array of topics. Unlike the picture of Israel that is depicted through news reports, these on Israel speakers paint diverse views of life in Israel – politics, technology, arts, and culture – as seen through their own eyes. Each individual can provide his or her own views about the daily challenges and achievements that affect Israelis and Americans alike. We encourage you to use these speakers as a window into the diverse and rich culture that is Israel. We thank you for your continued support and hope you will take advantage of this excellent resource. We encourage you to bring these speakers to both familiar and unfamiliar audiences – their messages are universal. Hillel Newman 2004-2005 Consul 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Three Easy Steps to Book a Speaker 1) Choose your speaker or topic. When requesting a speaker, you Welcome .................................1 Professors & Researchers can either request a specific speaker by name, or you can simply How to book a speaker............3 Tal Ben-Shahar .................... 19 provide us with a general topic, and the Speakers Bureau staff will Ehud Eiran........................... 20 match the topic with an appropriate speaker. A list of speakers Consulate Officials Tamar Frankel..................... -
A Threshold Crossed Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution WATCH
HUMAN RIGHTS A Threshold Crossed Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution WATCH A Threshold Crossed Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution Copyright © 2021 Human Rights Watch All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America ISBN: 978-1-62313-900-1 Cover design by Rafael Jimenez Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people worldwide. We scrupulously investigate abuses, expose the facts widely, and pressure those with power to respect rights and secure justice. Human Rights Watch is an independent, international organization that works as part of a vibrant movement to uphold human dignity and advance the cause of human rights for all. Human Rights Watch is an international organization with staff in more than 40 countries, and offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Berlin, Brussels, Chicago, Geneva, Goma, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, Nairobi, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Tunis, Washington DC, and Zurich. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.hrw.org APRIL 2021 ISBN: 978-1-62313-900-1 A Threshold Crossed Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution Map .................................................................................................................................. i Summary ......................................................................................................................... 2 Definitions of Apartheid and Persecution ................................................................................. -
Project Democracy – Fighting for the Ground Rules
PROJECT DEMOCRACY – FIGHTING FOR THE GROUND RULES CHAPTER 3: GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS The danger to democracy in Israel is multi-faceted. Particularly worrisome, two of the central arenas from which these threats arise are the very ones charged with safeguarding democracy: The Knesset (Israeli parliament) and the government. Over the past two years, senior officials have voiced harsh and unprecedented statements directed against human rights organizations, political groups, and minorities, and have made various attempts to narrow their operations. At the same time, a long list of new legislative proposals have been introduced in the Knesset, some of which have been enacted, which clearly harm Israeli democracy and undermine the rights, the status, and the opinions of those who are not part of the current political majority or whom the majority wishes to shy away from. It is important to emphasize that these legislative initiatives are not only private proposals introduced by individual MKs, but bills that have, in some cases, received the support of the government and in other cases have even been introduced by the government itself. Additionally, recent years have seen the continued erosion of checks and balances between branches of government, a basic democratic principle that is vital for the survival of any democracy . There have been serious defects in the legislative process, and legislation has been introduced that would strengthen the powers of the government and weaken those of the opposition, which represents Israel's minority voices. Another dangerous phenomenon is the continued undermining of the status of the judiciary branch. This manifests itself in the government's refusal to comply with court rulings made against it, and in legislative attempts to weaken the power of the Supreme Court. -
Israel, Thus the Action Is Not a Discriminatory Act, but Is a Distinction That the State Is Permitted to Make
In the Supreme Court sitting as the High Court of Justice HCJ 548/04 HCJ 670/04 HCJ 898/04 Before: The Honorable Justice D. Dorner The Honorable Justice A. Procaccia The Honorable Justice E. E. Levy The Petitioners in HCJ 548/04: 1. Amana – The Gush Emunim Settlement Movement 2. Binyamin Regional Council 1. Shomron Regional Council 2. Gush Etzion Regional Council 3. Har Hevron Regional Council The Petitioners in HCJ 670/04: 1. Yaakov Ichstein 2. Kiryat Arba Local Council The Petitioner in HCJ 898/04: Ofra Cooperative Village for Settlement Ltd. v e r s u s The Respondent in HCJ 548/04: Commander of IDF Forces in Judea and Samaria The Respondents in HCJ 670/04: 1. The Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon 2. The Defense Minister, Shaul Mofaz 3. The Commander of IDF Forces in Judea and Samaria, Maj. Gen. Moshe Kaplinsky The Respondent in HCJ 898/04: The Commander of IDF Forces in Judea and Samaria, Maj. Gen. Moshe Kaplinsky Petition for Order Nisi and Interlocutory Order Date of the session: 13 Shvat 5764 (5 February 2004) On behalf of Petitioners in HCJ 548/04: Attorney Yehuda Rasler On behalf of the Petitioners in HCJ 670/04: Attorney Nadav Haetzni; Attorney Orit Haim On behalf of the Petitioner in HCJ 898/04: Attorney David Rotem On behalf of the Respondents in HCJ 548/04, HCJ 670/04, and HCJ 898/04: Attorney Osnat Mandell J U D G M E N T Justice D. Dorner: In the three petitions before us, the petitioners challenge the validity of two orders issued by the commander of IDF forces in Judea and Samaria. -
The Einat Wilf Reader
WINNING THE WAR OF WORDS ESSAYS ON ZIONISM AND ISRAEL Einat Wilf Edited by Daniel Rubenstein Copyright © 2015 Einat Wilf All rights reserved. 1 “Years ago, when I suggested to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Israel was facing a war based on words, ideas and images, and that it was a strategic threat, the veteran defense officials serving on the committee sent patronizing, avuncular glances my way. To those who have earned their stripes on the battlefield and in the war on terror, the notion that Israel could be threatened by words was ludicrous, and worse, feminine.” Israel Hayom June 19, 2015 “This attack on the ideas that underpin Israel – the attack on its very legitimacy as a state – is taking place in a variety of forums, from international forums such as the UN and its various bodies, to courts, to academia, to the media, the NGO world and social networks. And so, with the failure of physical attacks, an intellectual attack is being mounted. While this attack does not appear at first to be dangerous and lethal as the others, it is no less threatening as it is targeting the very thing that makes Israel strong – its unique foundational idea… While victory in this battle, as in others, is not likely to be swift, with the proper resources, organization, and determination it is within reach. After all, if there is any battle that the Jewish people should be able to win, it is the battle of words.” Presentation to International Consultation of Jewish Parliamentarians June 2011 2 ABOUT THE AUTHOR DR.