19 juillet 2011

           Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday phoned Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz and praised him over the Navy's successful interception of the Gaza-bound French ship Dignity - al-Karama earlier in the day. Netanyahu noted the successful mission of the Shayetet 13 and other forces who were able to take over the ship without violence and without causing any casualties. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said, "Israel will continue to enforce the naval... [Lire la suite]

             The European Union on Tuesday criticized an Israeli plan to build over 300 new housing units in two West Bank settlements, AFP reported quoting an EU spokeswoman. The Ministry of Housing and Construction on Monday published tenders for 336 settlement units, 294 of which will be built in the Beitar Illit settlement just outside of Jerusalem and 42 in the Karnei Shomron settlement outside of Kfar Sava. "We reiterate that the EU considers that settlement activities... [Lire la suite]

           Hamas on Tuesday condemned the Israeli seizure of the Gaza-bound French ship Dignity - Al-Karama, with spokesman Ismail Rudwan describing it as "piracy, a war crime and a violation of the principles of human rights." The Navy commandeered and intercepted the French ship after negotiations to persuade 15 pro-Palestinian activists aboard to divert their course away from the Strip's closed naval blockade failed. The Arab League also condemned the interception of the ship,... [Lire la suite]

            Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon stars in a video released by his ministry on Thursday, in which he presents a historical narrative meant to help wage the public diplomacy battle. The video, titled The Truth About the West Bank, was made in cooperation with the StandWithUs student NGO, by filmmaker Shlomo Blass of Rogatka Ltd, and director Ashley Lazarus. In his day job, Blass works as the TV director for the Latma political satire website, which is best known for... [Lire la suite]