With the IDF now operating on the ground in several sectors of the Gaza Strip, Operation “Cast Lead” is well into its second stage.  Unfortunately, Israeli divisions have begun to suffer their casualties and the loss of one soldier.  The military expected Hamas to fight back; so far, however, the missions have continued according to plan.  In a Haaretz piece, Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff discuss how much time this operation will be given to succeed.  While pressure may come from the international community, the greatest source of pressure can come from the home front, especially with the reports of casualties from Gaza.  The authors note that the current operations are quite dissimilar from those in Lebanon in 2006 and is by no means a failure.  There is no also reason to make it seem like one.

1 person likes this post.

Unlike

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, accompanied by Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and US Congressman Gary Ackerman, visited Israel today for a one-day solidarity mission.  During his short stay, he managed to meet with Foreign Minister Livni, Prime Minister Olmert, and residents of Sderot and Ashkelon.  Bloomberg took in the sight of Barzilai Medical Center’s underground facility and had to be hustledto a safe space after a Qassam rocket threatened his party in Sderot.  More about the specifics of this trip is available on Bloomberg News.

You can also watch a video of the visit from ABC.

Like

Unlike

On January 4th, at Bethel Gospel Assembly in Harlem, over 1,200 people stood in support of Israel.

Bishop Carlton T. Brown, Senior Pastor of the Bethel Gospel Assembly, Inc. in Harlem lead his congregation in a special prayer for the State of Israel and all of the lives affected by the recent events in the region. continue reading…

2 people like this post.

Unlike

From Fox News:

As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other world leaders try to broker a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, one former member of
the militant Islamic organization said there will never be lasting peace between the two groups.

“There is no chance. Is there any chance for fire to co-exist with the water?” said Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of one of the group’s founding members.

Yousef added: “It’s not about Israel, it’s not about Hamas: it’s about both ideologies.”

Yousef, son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, one of the most influential leaders of the militant group, said the organization betrays the Palestinian cause and tortures its own members.

For the full article click here.

Like

Unlike