These Are My Thoughts @thoughtshavei-blog - Tumblr Blog

Signing Off

I am glad I took this class. If I am being honest, it still is hard for me to grasp my head around what I learned. Israel is still confusing to me and I still don’t feel like I fully understand what is happening or why it is happening, but I know more now than when I started; I call that a victory. This class has been a good starting place in trying to understand Israel and the conflict with Palestine, but this class is by no means a stopping point, more effort and work is required to continue to understand how this conflict evolves. This class has definitely given me a new appreciation for the difficulties politicians face in trying to figure out a peaceful solution. I think a solution exists; it will just take more creative solutions than are currently on the table.

iandme1-blog

Young Palestinian Prisoner is Released.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/04/25/israel-frees-12-year-old-palestinian-girl-held-prisoner.html

Anytime a young person is involved in a crime I find it interesting. This case is particularly interesting because it is both similar and different than murder attempts committed American youths. When I think of young people in America committing murders, the first thing that comes to my mind is school shootings, in which one (or a few) students have built up anger and animosity towards their peers, and choose to attempt to kill them. I also think of common social divides based off of race, orientation, or another aspect of personal identity. This situation is obviously much different than an American school shooting, but there are some similarities. For one, the Palestinian girl has grown up her entire life probably hearing negative things about Israel, and developing a personal bias against Israeli people. Second, she feels that she is being oppressed, and views violence as a means of handling it. I by no means am trying to justify her actions, but I can empathize why she feels anger towards Israel. I know this may seem like an impossible solution, but going forward if Israel and Palestine want to co-exist peacefully, both sides will need to start doing more to prevent hatred of the opposing groups, and instead strive for respect and tolerance.

dril9-blog

The social dynamics at play with the stabbing that iandme1 describes are particularly interesting because I think they hold interesting implications for how to react to violence of this sort perpetrated by Palestinian youth. In my opinion, Israel made an effective choice in releasing her, as they could not have justifiably imprisoned her for life, and any long-term prison sentence would result in her only having a stronger animosity for Israel upon her release, likely leading to even more violence. It is a tough thing to do especially when one’s political and social dynamics reward violence, aggressiveness, and fighting fire with fire, but in situations like this one that involve radicalized youth, backing down and taking a more lenient stance is a good first step in reducing future violence.

thoughtshavei-blog

This case is also dissimilar in that most, if not all criminals as young as 12 in the United States would go to a juvenile facility and not actual prison. This young girl happened to be in the West Bank where military law allows suspects as young as 12 to go to prison. Despite the extreme scenario of sending a 12 year old to prison, this experience could perhaps have a positive effect on the young woman’s life. She commented that she didn’t enjoy prison and missed her classmates and family. Perhaps the somewhat harsh treatment of prison could actually diminish the radicalism and incitement toward violence she felt and she is now more inclined toward finding a peaceful solution.

Netanyahu, Putin tweak military coordination as Syria conditions change

There are more than a million native Russian speakers living in Israel who can serve as a “living bridge” between Russian and Israel. In a meeting with Putin, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not give up the Golan Heights. Netanyahu claims that the Golan Heights are important “because we must preserve the freedom of action of the IDF and the air force in areas that are important for our security.” Netanyahu fails to consider how unnecessary the Golan Heights may be when the conflict in Syria ends. If a pro-Israel ally comes to fruition in Syria it may not be necessary for Israel to have the Golan Heights for security purposes. Instead it could be a sign of good faith for Israel to give control of the Golan Heights to another.

http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Netanyahu-to-Putin-Golan-Heights-is-a-red-line-must-remain-a-part-of-Israel-451947

US: Golan Heights are not part of Israel

Following Netanyahu’s recent declaration that the Golan Heights will forever remain a part of Israel, US State Department Spokesman John Kirby stated that the Golan Heights are not a part of Israel and that position has been maintained since 1967. Kirby continued that the Golan Heights would need to be negotiated between Syria and Israel, which given Syrian’s civil war is difficult to do at this time.

This idea of Israel giving up the Golan Heights to Syria through negotiations is another example of the idea of land for peace. One of Israel’s chief arguments in keeping the Golan Heights is for security purposes and the ability to maintain the high ground. Because of security reason, Israel, if they were inclined to negotiate the Golan Heights, wouldn’t turn over the land to just anyone in power in Syria. Israel will want to wait until the end of the Syrian conflict, assess the authority figure in charge, and determine the legitimacy of that authority figure. Given that these steps would have to be taken it seems unlikely that Israel would ever be satisfied and inclined to return the Golan Heights to Syria.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4793527,00.html

Israel reassures Jordan, PA before Passover: We will uphold Temple Mount status quo

Tens of thousands of Jews are expected to flock to the Western Wall for Passover which begins on April 22. There is concern between Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Jordan, that Jewish people visiting the Western Wall, which is a part of the Temple Mount, will incite Palestinian violence.

I am shocked at Netanyahu’s somewhat dismissive tone regarding these concerns. Netanyahu simply claims that the Islamic Movement head, Raed Salah, is trying to stir things up just before a Jewish holiday. And yet as we have seen historically, Ariel Sharon’s decision to walk around the Temple Mount in 2000 triggered the Second Intifada. It strikes me, given the history surrounding the Temple Mount, that there is a credible concern as to how Palestinians will regard an influx of Jews so close to one of their holy sites. While simply an influx of people shouldn’t necessarily guarantee violence between Palestinians and Jews, there does seem to be a higher chance of conflict.

http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israel-reassures-Jordan-PA-before-Passover-We-will-uphold-Temple-Mount-status-quo-451167

salsanamecontest-blog

As a result of its financial crisis, Hamas adopted policies that are increasing Gazans' suffering and dissatisfaction.

Hamas is well positioned to enter into negotiations: they are dealing with a disillusioned public, they don’t have money, their sources of income are drying up, and most of their money goes to paying the salaries of government employees. Ending the siege of Gaza and allowing legal trade to happen through crossings and easing restrictions on civilian movement are necessary in order for tunnel issues to be resolved. Of course there are security risks, but we know that Hamas has to actually be dealt with, a deal must be reached. Some sort of structure or actual agreement has to be reached, and Hamas may actually be at the economic point that it would be willing to work through back channels and come to an agreement so that they will allow be able to actually govern their people and provide services for them.

thoughtshavei-blog

You may be accurate that Hamas is primed to enter into negotiations, but the real question is what will entice Israel to go to the negotiating table with Hamas? Given Israel’s focus on security and the creation of the wall, Israel is safer today than in previous years (especially given the lack of a current Intifada). Why would Israel go to the negotiating table? What could Hamas concede to Israel? This is especially problematic since Hamas is both a political party and a terrorist organization. If Israel were to negotiate with Hamas, the political party, Israel wouldn’t necessarily have received any concessions from Hamas the terrorist organization. Without this key component of concessions from both camps of Hamas it seems doubtful that Hamas will negotiate with Israel.

Israel’s War on the Arabic Language

I am surprised at Israel’s apparent lack of concern with learning and understanding the Arabic language. Being in the Middle East, with neighboring Muslim countries for the sake of bettering relations with other countries and enabling diplomacy Israel should take a greater interest in encouraging citizens to learn Arabic. Israel’s refusal to include the Arabic language in public places, despite a 2002 court ruling that all signs should be in Arabic as well, could be seen as similar to the United States reaction in incorporating Spanish. Some Americans are vehemently opposed to learning Spanish, believing that English is American. Israel exclusive of the Arabic language is slightly different though in that they are court mandated to post in the Arabic language. Israel is also forcing Arab litigants who don’t understand Hebrew to pay for translation costs. Additionally, public institutions such as hospitals, universities, transportation, the post office, and government ministries don’t translate Hebrew into Arabic. This practice is highly discriminatory against Israeli Arabs and shouldn’t be tolerated in a democracy.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/israel-war-arabic-language-160404102325547.html

Israel Destroys Palestinian Homes in Retaliation

I fail to see how demolishing Palestinian homes as collective punishment helps to deter violence in the region. Israel had previously halted the punitive practice of destroying Palestinian homes as Israel found that the practice didn’t prevent violence, but earlier this year Israel once again revived the practice. Given that Israel has found the practice to be unhelpful I don’t understand why this is a strategy that they have turned to once again. Palestinians don’t want their homes destroyed and this destruction just incites more unrest in the community and further destroys relationships between Israelis and Palestinians. Israel needs to consider a different method to deterring violence.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/israel-tears-palestinian-homes-24-hours-west-bank-israel-160404143630841.html

pecca-fortiter-blog1-deactivate

Gentiles in Israel

After stating Saturday night that “according to Jewish law, gentiles should not live in the Land of Israel,” the Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef retracted his comment. Yosef claimed that only those non-Jews who accepted the seven Noahide Laws should be able to reside within the Jewish state. Additionally, these non-Jews should “fulfill roles reserved for gentiles in the service of Jews.” In response to well-deserved public backlash, Yosef asserted that his remarks were intended to be “theoretical” and he has “always adopted a peaceful and embracing path.” Nevertheless, this does not change the fact that the initial comments were made.

Though it may strain some of our memories to recall the first assigned reading of the semester, the initial statement of Yitzhak Yosef draws parallels with the passage from Numbers Chapter 33— not so much the travelogue, but rather the latter part which discusses non-Jews as “thorns in your eyes.” Yosef’s statement indicates that some may still adhere to this approach. On the other hand, public backlash indicates that many do not.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/chief-rabbi-non-jews-shouldnt-be-allowed-to-live-in-israel/

http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-chief-rabbi-retracts-comments-scorning-non-jews/

thoughtshavei-blog

Yosef’s sentiment also reminds me of our class discussion regarding Israel as both a Jewish state and as a democracy. As a Jewish state, Yosef’s comment could make sense, non-Jews need to go elsewhere to keep the state Jewish. As a democracy, Yosef’s comments are more troublesome, especially if he were to start advocating for more extreme measures like deportation, as democracies are seen to be more inclusive of all types of people. This tension in Israeli ideals could be seen here. Additionally, Yosef’s comment may be in bad taste when you consider Israeli Arabs who are not Jewish. If non-Jews should be filling special roles reserved for gentiles this could be deeply upsetting to Israeli Arabs who would not want to be treated this way.

Syrian Military Takes Control of Palmyra

The Syrian government with assistance from their allies including, Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia were able to recapture Palmyra and drive ISIS from the city. The recapturing of the city opens up much of Syria’s eastern desert and brings Assad closer to reclaiming Deir Ezzour. Some are calling this event, the biggest defeat for ISIS 2014.

The recapturing of Palmyra is a strong boost for Assad especially given that several weeks ago Russia announced it was pulling out most of its military force, though Russia has continued to carry out dozens of strikes daily. This could be the leverage Assad needs to quickly retake the remaining parts of Syria from ISIS and work to end the five-year conflict. The recapturing of Palmyra also seems to give the Assad government more credit and legitimacy. They have obtained a major victory against ISIS and this could make it more difficult to depose of Assad later. The fact that Assad has driven back ISIS could be a major future selling point in the international community.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4783547,00.html

iandme1-blog

Indonesia and Israel; an unlikely pair.

http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Deputy-FM-reveals-Israels-secret-ties-with-Indonesia-448128

Israel and Indonesia are nowhere near each other and have very little in common, yet after reading this article I now understand who relations with Indonesia are something that Israel should be concerned about. Although Indonesia is less wealthy and less developed than many other predominantly Islamic nations, they are still the largest Islamic nation, and having diplomatic and economic ties with the largest Islamic country in the world could be politically beneficial for Israel. However, refusing to let Indonesian diplomats meet with Palestinian leaders, or even enter Palestinian territory, is a bad move on Israel’s part. Indonesia has stated that they will not formally establish ties with Israel until the Palestinian conflict is resolved, and interestingly enough Indonesia was one of the first countries to recognize Palestine as an independent state (1988), years before the Oslo Accords. I argue that no matter how much Israel works to improve its diplomatic relations with Indonesia, until they can compromise with Indonesia on Palestine (which doesn’t appear to be something that will happen in the near future), they will not have the support of Indonesia in the international arena.

thoughtshavei-blog

I agree with you that Israel needs to improve relations with Indonesia and comprise on allowing Indonesia and Palestine to meet. I have a hard time seeing how Indonesia meeting with Palestine would be especially threatening to Israel. Israel still has relatively strong relations with the United States which certainly has more clout in the international community than Indonesia. Israel demonstrating its friendliness and ability to get along with Muslim countries could also be beneficial to Israel. Israel could be viewed as a more friend and reasonable country. Israel instead has a current perception of not being kind, helpful, or necessarily friendly to Muslims. By creating and maintaining positive relations with another Muslim country even more geographically distant, Israel could demonstrate its ability to “play nicely with to others.”

Muslim Preached Jailed for Blood Libel Claims

This article described how a Muslim preacher, Sheikh Khaled Mughrabi, delivered three speeches between May and July 2015 that were racist and anti-Semitic at the al-Aqsa Mosque. Mughrabi also posted inciting videos on YouTube. Because of his actions, Mughrabi was sentenced today to 11 months in prison.

It was amazing to hear how blatantly false Mughrabi’s rhetoric was. Mughrabi claimed that the Holocaust happened because Jews prepared special bread for the Passover holiday by kidnapping children, placing kids in barrels full of needles. I can’t believe these kinds of claims are made even today when there is no factual basis. For a while now I have been struggling with how to fix education in Palestine and Israel. I think biased education, and in some cases, blatantly inaccurate education, keeps the conflict between Israel and Palestine alive. Kids, and adults, should know that Mughrabi’s statements are false. His statements shouldn’t be seen as incendiary, but as wrong and that which an unreasonable person says. If more can be done to ensure an objective education perhaps these kinds of claims of blood libel won’t happen as much or could be disregarded by the public instead of viewed as a threat to the public.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4778803,00.html

chocolatepiratemaker-blog

Iranian Missiles

Though it might be a bit disconcerting to have another power within the Middle east gaining ballistic missile capabilities, we must recognize that they are within their rights to modernize their weapon capabilities. Even though this may increase tensions, it is not the role of the US nor any other state to dictate how a country operates within its own boarders, unless there is a huge humanitarian violation. This is not the case within Iran, and they have not violated any treaties, therefore the international community does not have the right to protest. Personally I believe that Iran having missiles is dangerous as they are a very unpredictable and aggressive state, but I also recognize that they are a sovereign state and must be afforded the recognition and rights that go along with that. If we did not want Iran to develop such weaponry maybe our diplomats should have used more blunt and encompassing language to allow for more intervention in such areas.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/11/world/middleeast/irans-missile-tests-and-the-nuclear-deal.html?ref=world&_r=0

thoughtshavei-blog

While Iran may not have violated any treaties and while I generally agree that other countries should respect a nation’s sovereignty, in this case intervention may be justifiable. The Middle East is embroiled in the continuation of both the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Syrian civil war. It seems foolhardy to allow Iran, in a region already filled with instability, to have the ability to provoke Israel into more conflict. However, it could be equally problematic and perhaps even more unstable to forcibly stop Iran’s missile testing. What I am stuck on is, what does Iran hope to achieve from this? Is this a display of military prowess? Is this meant to be intimidating? Is this meant to bring attention and focus back to Iran and away from other countries in the region? I don’t understand what Iran hopes to achieve from this aside from bad press and possibly renewed sanctions.

Stabbings in Jaffa Port

A Palestinian assailant killed an American tourist and wounded at least 10 other victims in a stabbing spree. A pregnant woman and a Russian were also among the wounded. The stabbings began in southern Tel Aviv’s Jaffa Port. It is the third attack within a number of hours on Tuesday evening.

In class today much of our discussion centered on the Syrian conflict and resolving it. Towards the end of class, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was mentioned and potential remedies to the Israeli-Palestinian were discussed and how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict solutions could lead to solutions for the Syrian conflict. This article seems to point to the fact that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can’t be forgotten while working to solve the Syrian conflict. Death and violence are still prominent in Israel and Palestine. A lack of solution for either Israel and Palestine or Syria will only promote instability and violence in the region. The international community can’t afford to forget either party in working toward a solution. This summer when peace talks are held for Israel and Palestine, Syria should also be present.

http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Breaking-Israeli-wounded-in-Petah-Tikva-terror-stabbing-447246

Collapsed Tunnel Kills Hamas Operative

Earlier today a tunnel in Khan Younis collapsed killing one Hamas operative. This is the sixth collapsed tunnel in recent months. Operatives digging the tunnels believe that Israel was involved in at least some of the recent tunnel collapses that have claimed some Hamas operative’s lives. Now, Hamas operatives are afraid to enter the underground tunnels in the Gaza Strip.

If in fact Israel is responsible for the collapsed tunnels it seems difficult to fault Israel. Hamas shouldn’t be digging and using tunnels to conduct terrorist activities and Israel is well within their right to stop and prevent such terrorist activities. I found it fascinating that Hamas operatives have claimed that Israel is using liquid explosives to cause the collapse as well as creating localized earthquakes to collapse the tunnels. This seems like a far-fetched explanation that is lacking in details of what is actually occurring in the tunnels. I wonder what Hamas will turn to as the next avenue of launching terrorist attacks if the tunnels are not considered safe and Hamas operatives refuse to go in the tunnels. Perhaps Israel would be better off with the tunnels intact?

http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Exclusive-Hamas-operatives-fear-entering-tunnels-believe-Israel-behind-collapses-446836

Peace in Syria?

Last Saturday, the United States and Russia were able to broker a ceasefire in Syrian. (This ceasefire doesn’t apply to jihadist rebels.) On Sunday, PM Netanyahu welcomed the Syrian truce efforts. Today, Israel has claimed that Syrian government forces have continued using chemical weapons against civilians even after the start of the ceasefire. In light of our classes’ next round of peace summits/negotiations this seems relevant.

For Israel, highlighting the continuing difficulties in Syria may be offense as the best defense. By highlighting Syria’s current corrupt government, Israel could be demonstrating support for the Syrian rebels and its alliance with the United States. By demonstrating the government’s ineffectiveness, Israel could be hoping for a say in any future regime changes. Furthermore, Israel has an interest in which side, (Assad, ISIS, or Syrian rebels) is victorious in the conflict. Depending on the victor, Israel may be looking to establish or re-affirm a peace treaty or armistice or Israel could be mobilizing its army and preparing for an invasion. Regardless, the constant conflict could be a good justification for the need of Jewish people to have a Jewish state, to have a (relatively) safe homeland that is determined to survive.

http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Israel-Syria-used-chemical-weapons-during-ceasefire-446556

thoughtshavei-blog

Recruiting Muslims for Israeli Police Force

Israeli Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh claimed that the police force in the Northern District of Israel will embark on a recruiting effort to enlist Muslim officers into the police force. Alsheikh also claimed that the police have been working to increase cooperation with Arab populations while establishing police stations in Arab towns.

This new effort could be extremely beneficial to Israeli-Palestinian relations in helping to prevent violence and keeping both sides accountable. Having Israeli forces and police officers in Arab towns doesn’t strike me as a winning combination. Having Arabs from those same communities invested in security and safety and having equal authority to other Israeli officers strikes me as a better solution. As was documented and read in our class unit on terrorism, even police officers can give in to mob violence and anti-justice actions. By having both Israelis and Palestinians in the same police force, perhaps officers will best be able to protect both populations. Furthermore, by increasing the amount of Israelis and Palestinians who get to know one another and spend time with one another could be highly beneficial in humanizing the other side.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4769815,00.html

loudlytinyflower-blog

I agree with your opinion and believe that this initiative has the potential to help ease Israeli-Palestinian tensions. This is a step in the right direction. However, we must recognize that there is also much more that could be done (as always) to ensure that Arabs have an equal opportunity to be engaged in their community, especially with regards to authority positions. Per our class discussion today, we may have to start thinking about a one-state solution for this conflict and having regular contact with the “other side” can help ease these tensions, and, as you noted, humanize each other. However, this is only for the Northern District of Israel, not necessarily all of Israel. Implementing this for the police force all over Israel could take away the stereotypes that each side has developed about the other through more contact. But, I am not sure how willing Arabs would be towards getting involved with Israeli police force, nonetheless the government. What do you think? @thoughtshavei @pols477

thoughtshavei-blog

You made a good point that this decree is only for the Northern District and not all of Israel. Here’s hoping that if this initiate works that this kind of policy or similar policy could spread to other districts.

While you are correct that Arabs may not be willing to work in the Israeli police force, Arabs may be in general excited for the opportunity to work in a more dignified job. As we talked about in class today with the term “Arab work” and how that signifies both menial jobs that no one else wants to do (such as landscaping or housecleaning) this also means shoddy work performance. The fact that Israeli is being open and even actively recruiting Arabs as police officers for the government could be a sign that the notion of “Arab work” is slowly (heavily emphasize slow) on the way out or that Israel is opening dialogue and communication with Arabs. Even if no Muslim wants to take the job, the Israeli government actively pursuing them for work must indicate that Israel as a government thinks Arabs are good, hardworking people.

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