Israel News for November 10, 2016
Trump on Settlements
In an interview with Israel Army Radio today, Trump Israel advisor Jason Greenblatt said that Trump, “does not view the settlements as being an obstacle to peace. I think he would show [the expulsion of Jewish communities in Gaza, which didn’t bring peace] as proof of that. The two sides are going to have to decide how to deal with that region, but it is certainly not Mr. Trump’s view that settlement activity should be condemned and that it is an obstacle for peace – because it is not the obstacle for peace.”
Greenblatt also said that Trump would not impose a “peace process” on Israel. “He thinks that Israel is in a very tough situation and needs to [do what it has to in order] to defend itself. He is not going to impose any solution on Israel. He thinks that the peace has to come from the parties themselves.”
Regarding moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, Greenblatt said, “He said that he’s going to do it. He’s different for Israel than any recent President has been and I think that he’s a man who keeps his word. He recognizes the historical significance of the Jewish people to Jerusalem unlike, let’s say, UNESCO.”
Netanyahu and Trump spoke on the phone yesterday. Netanyahu congratulated Trump on his victory and Trump invited the PM to meet with him in the US “at the first opportunity.”
[Looks like the PM is in love]
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Israeli Flag in Morocco
UN climate talks are taking place in Marrakesh, Morocco and the Israeli flag is flying high among the 195 national flags of UN members. The sight of the Israeli flag displayed in a major Arab city cause around 200 protesters to gather outside the parliament building in the capital city of Rabat and chant “Death to America, death to Israel!” while burning the Israeli flag and parading anti-Israel posters.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar responded to the protests saying, “UN meetings around the world welcome all nations” and that the fight against climate change “requires all governments to commit”.
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Russian Kotel Visit
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev cocked off an official visit to Israel with a visit to the Kotel. He was accompanied by Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar and the Chief Rabbi of the Kotel R. Shmuel Rabinovitz, who praised the friendly relationship between Russia and Israel and reiterated the Jewish connection to the holy place.
Medvedev referred to the recent UNESCO vote that denied a Jewish connection to the Kotel and Temple Mount and said that it was unimportant and that Russia accepts the strong Jewish connection to the both places.
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Shas in Heaven
The reaction from Israeli leaders, particularly those on the Right, to Trump’s presidential victory have been extremely positive, to put it mildly. But the reaction of Shas (Sephardic Ultra Orthodox party) leader and Interior Minister Aryeh Deri takes it to the next level.
Deri said, “It is too early to discuss the possible repercussions of Trump’s election as president, but there is no doubt that we should thank God that all the desecrators of the covenant and impersonators of Judaism [referring to the leaders of the Reform and Conservative movements] who wished to take control of the Land of Israel and introduce their destructive reforms- received a significant blow.
“Their influence and threat came from their connection to the administration in America, they realize that they have lost this power and we can, God willing, continue to strengthen the traditional religion which we received from previous generations.”
“Many Jews said over the last few days that if such a miracle happens, it must be the days prior to the advent of the Messiah. We must truly be in Messianic times when everything will turn out favorably for the people of Israel.”
[ Does that make Trump the messiah? Hmm…]
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