The Deed is Done

Image via Wikipedia

The Pledge of Allegiance Bill recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state will be passed into law. This pledge is directed towards potential non-Jewish immigrants who wish to become naturalized Israeli citizens. Jews, who immigrate to Israel under the Law of Return, are exempted from the pledge.

This heinous bit of racist legislation was orchestrated by the Yisrael Beiteinu Party of Avigdor Lieberman. It received overwhelming support from the right wing coalition Knesset members. The spineless, weak, Labor Party made a few ineffectual squeaks of opposition, but is still in the coalition. This comes as no surprise, as the Labour Party under Ehud Barak, has sacrificed its ideological platform for seats in the odious right wing cabinet which includes the likes of right wing Foreign Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, and Shas leader Eli Yishai, the Minister of Interior, whose dislike for Arabs is no secret.

Their hatred even spreads to non-Jewish foreign workers who are victims of a "revolving door" policy. They are contracted laborers, many of whom look after our aged as caregivers. After a number of years, many of these people marry and raise a family. Their children speak Hebrew as their first language. They are integrated into the Israeli education system, see themselves as Israelis, and have Israeli friends. Now Interior Minister Eli Yishai is trying to get them deported. The reason - foreigners are a threat to the Jewish identity of the State of Israel! How xenophobic can one get? We have been victims of anti-Semitism in the Diaspora. Now we are becoming xenophobic ourselves and are resorting to discriminatory measures to preserve our Jewish identity in Israel whether it be allegiance pledges of loyalty or our attitude towards our Israeli Arab citizens. Even the foreign worker as mentioned is caught up in this weird and unjustified crusade.

Israel seems to be joining a host of Middle East Countries that are using religion as part of the identity of the state. Some examples are: The Islamic Republic of Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Mauritania

Naturally these Moslem theocracies are not democratic and some of these countries even forbid Jews from living there. Is it appropriate for Israel to follow their example by discriminating against non-Jews whether they are foreign workers or have an Israeli spouse especially if she or he is not Jewish?

Any theocratic state is not democratic. Religion and democracy are not compatible and there is no reason to believe that Israel will be any different in the future. The Pledge of Allegiance is just the first stage in the erosion of democracy in Israel which could become "The Jewish Republic of Israel" with all its ramifications.

The prospect of transfer of Israel's Arab population who has a problem of recognizing Israel as a Jewish state could be the first target. This does not mean that Israel's Arab population does not recognize Israel's right to exist. It is a matter of terminology. Most Israeli Arab citizens have no problem with Israel's Declaration of Independence. Why does the Jewish identity of Israel have to be so aggressively emphasized when this has never been an issue in the past?

Surely this bodes evil and could put every non-Jewish citizen's loyalty under scrutiny.

The Israel Government is occupied in justifying its attitude towards the Palestinian-Israeli conflict while at the same time building in occupied territories and passing a controversial Pledge of Allegiance law.

Israel is moving down the slippery slope of intolerance towards those who are different. This is against the spirit of the Declaration of Independence which stresses equality of Israel's citizens irrespective of race, colour or creed.

Now we arrive at Israel's requirement of Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state. Surely it is sufficient that the Palestinians recognize Israel as an independent state. The nature of Israel as a Jewish state is understood without it being turned into a hot potato.

While both the Palestinian and Israeli side are placing great emphasis on marginal issues that are causes of disagreement between the two sides in order to torpedo the talks and win world support in apportioning the blame for the failure of peace negotiations. The Pledge of Allegiance and the demand by Israel that the Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state is a ploy by Israel to pull out of the peace talks. Ending the moratorium on settlement activity is another excuse.

So there we have it. Intransigence and obstinacy on both sides, coupled with a lack of vision are laying the foundations for further violence between the two sides. The deed is done and another opportunity for achieving peace is slipping away.

A state That declares war On a fifth Of its citizens - Can it be called "Democratic"? A state That persecutes Its minority - Can it be called "Jewish"?

Gush Shalom Ad in Haaretz, October 15, 2010

Related articles

• The Israeli Loyalty Oath: What is Netanyahu Up To? (time.com)
• Discriminating Pledge of Allegiance? (shimonzk.blogspot.com)
• Analysis: Rage over 'racist' law is misplaced (thejc.com)
• Israeli Cabinet Approves Citizenship Amendment (nytimes.com)
• MJ Rosenberg: The Bogus Demand To Recognize Israel "As A Jewish State" (huffingtonpost.com)
• Sean McBride: Reform Rabbis Express Disappointment and Dismay at Israeli Cabinet's Passage of "Loyalty Oath" Amendment Requiring All Non-Jewish Persons to Swear Allegiance to Israel as a Jewish and Democratic State (marketwire.com)
• The Land Mine at the Peace Talks (thedailybeast.com)

Discriminating Pledge of Allegiance?

Image via Wikipedia

The settlement freeze will not continue in order to jump start the faltering Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. PM Netanyahu risks a coalition break up if he acquiesces to US and international pressure. FM Avigdor Lieberman's address from the UN General Assembly podium was an opportunity for him to present his Israel Beitenu Party agenda which has racist and discriminatory undertones.

There are trends in the Israeli Government which ought to be a concern to those who value freedom and democracy. FM Lieberman never represented official government policy (or maybe he did?). He was not fired for this speech. He was advocating transfer of Arab populations in Israel in a soft-serve style, but the message was obvious. It is business as usual in the Foreign Ministry with Avigdor Lieberman remaining at the helm.

A national paranoia is setting in as the Israeli Government is seeking ways to justify Israel's existence as if the whole world is seen as seeking the deligitimization of Israel. Israel's identity as a Jewish and democratic state is written in the Declaration of Independence which is recognized by the High Court of Justice. A new bill formulated by the Minister of Justice, Yaakov Neeman, will be passed for non-Jews who wish to become naturalized Israeli citizens - an oath of allegiance stating loyalty to Israel as "a Jewish and democratic state”. This awkward and unnecessary pledge of allegiance will create problems for Israel's non-Jewish naturalized citizens. It has discriminatory undertones. It also gives rise to the notion that Israeli Arabs will forever remain second class citizens in a Jewish and democratic state. There are countries who demand a pledge of allegiance from citizens who are naturalized and this is legitimate. Can one imagine what would happen if the US demanded its naturalized citizens who are not Christians to plead allegiance to the US as a Christian and democratic country? It would not go down well with Jews who would view this as anti-Semitic, Moslems who would see the US as anti-Moslem, and a xenophobic tint towards other faiths.

We are all aware that Israel is a state for all its citizens, irrespective of race, colour or creed. We are also aware that the majority of Israel's citizens are Jews and 20% are non-Jews. The character of Israel is determined by the majority of its inhabitants who are Jewish. So why is it necessary to emphasize this in the Pledge of Allegiance? Surely there is a discriminatory intention to dissuade non-Jews from becoming naturalized citizens? A pledge of loyalty to the State of Israel is sufficient and is no danger to Israel's existence? The pledge of allegiance to the State of Israel should be applicable to all its naturalized citizens including those who arrived under the Law of Return.

Perhaps it is Likud strategy to appease the right wing parties in the coalition, including Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu Party which is also a very strong coalition partner and is very much part of the ideology behind this declaration-citizen law.

The introduction of this strange law could also be a form of digression to free Netanyahu from making a decision over extending the settlement freeze. Here he can score points from the right wing that is unanimous in their support of the citizen allegiance law.

It is certain that despite Israel's claim to the contrary, it is not interested in wrapping up a peace agreement with the Palestinians. The continuation of building settlements in the occupied territories is proof that the Israeli Government wishes to continue to annex the occupied territories. Continuous building means the negation of the two state solution and the Palestinians can forget about ever getting their own state. Would there be any point in building new settlements if in the end there will be a withdrawal from the occupied territories? One must remember that the situation in the West Bank is far more complex than in the occupied Gaza Strip when Israel withdrew unilaterally in August 2005.Many of the settlers who were forced to leave their homes still have not found alternative housing and are living in temporary homes.

The Israeli Government is creating a situation on the ground whereby there will be movement towards a bi-national state that will subject the Palestinians to an apartheid-like situation of being second class citizens who will have to plead allegiance to the State of Israel being a Jewish and democratic state. This catastrophic scenario could be the result in the future.

Surely it would be beneficial to both Palestinians and Israelis if the moratorium on settlements continues to allow both parties to negotiate a solution to the conflict. Both sides are not interested in a solution for the reasons I have already mentioned in a previous article.

Related articles

• Palestinians to pledge allegiance to 'Jewish state' to become Israeli citizens (telegraph.co.uk)
• Israeli PM supports Jewish oath (bbc.co.uk)
• Israel gets closer to passing loyalty law (cnn.com)
• Israel's 'loyalty oath' sets a vile precedent (blogs.telegraph.co.uk)
• Israeli cabinet backs Jewish oath (bbc.co.uk)

The Freezing Deadline

The deadline on the freezing of settlements ends on the 26th September 2010. President Mahmoud Abbas has threatened to pull out of the peace negotiations with Israel if the freezing of settlements in the occupied territories is not extended after that date.

It is unlikely that PM Netanyahu will extend the moratorium on settlement expansion after that date as he risks major coalition crises if he does. One must remember that the present Israeli Government is composed of right wing to extreme right wing parties who are opposed to settlement freezes.

On the Palestinian front, Abbas will heave a sigh of relief and the excuse that he has been seeking to pull out of the peace talks will occur. If he pulls out of the peace talks because building in the occupied territories will commence, his skin will be saved and so will his standing amongst the Hamas supporters in Palestinian street. Abbas has his hands tied by Palestinian extremists who do not want peace. If he would sign any form of agreement with Israel his life would be placed in jeopardy. If the moratorium on settlement expansion continues, it would put Abbas in an embarrassing situation and he would soon find another excuse to pull out of the talks. No amount of US arm twisting will prevent that eventuality in the end.

The greatest losers will be the Obama Administration in the US who has failed to understand the dynamics of the Israeli - Palestinian Conflict. In their naivety towards the region, they (the US) will once again prove their amateurishness in their approach to the conflict. As it is, both sides were brought together screaming by the US Administration for peace talks that neither side believes or wants. Both Abbas and Netanyahu do not really have a mandate from their people to make the concessions and bold decisions needed to achieve peace and put an end to this tragic conflict - the festering cancerous sore in the Middle East - that defies a solution because of extremists on both sides that really hold the balance of power.

Hamas and their extremist Islamic allies are waiting in the shadows in the hope that the peace talks will fail. Netanyahu will supply the reason by the continuation of settlement expansion in order to make a Palestinian state unattainable. The "we told you so" reaction will be quick in coming from Islamist Palestinian terror groups and the pressure on Abbas to pull out of the talks will be enormous.

One cannot avoid asking the question - why were peace talks not started at the beginning of the settlement freeze? It is doubtful if both sides have an answer apart from a myriad of excuses each blaming the other for tardiness, and the US on the side embroiled in its own domestic and economic problems.

As I mentioned in my last article, both Netanyahu and Abbas do not have what it takes to end the conflict finally and so it will continue for a long time to come. Hamas is not interested in recognizing Israel's right to exist and there seems to be a fatwa declared on Israel's total destruction whether there are settlements in the occupied territories or not. As far as they are concerned Israel's existence since 1948 is occupied territory and Israel ("the Zionist entity" as they call it) must be destroyed. The words of the evil President Mahmud Ahmadinajad of Iran have expressed similar sentiments which are a page from the Hamas book of hate.

When one views these doomed peace talks within that context, we can see that without Hamas being involved in the talks, they are bound to fail. It will always be the powerful Hamas mindset in the shadows whose strength in Gaza is absolute, and in the West Bank their influence is stronger than most moderates would like to admit. They are a potential danger to Abbas and the Palestinian Authority and a civil war between the Fatah faction and Hamas cannot be ruled out. Any signing of a peace agreement with Israel could be a catalyst for Hamas taking over power in the West Bank and this could result in a blood bath. This would pose a great security threat to Israel as Qassam rockets could be smuggled into the West Bank and there would be risks of further suicide terrorists infiltrating into Israel from there. The current mindset of Hamas is such that it would never negotiate a peace settlement with Israel. All that remains is the devil and the deep blue sea.

The continuation of "peace" flotillas towards Gaza will continue as naive peace-seekers on these vessels under the guise of "humanitarian assistance" to the besieged Palestinians will continue to play into the hands of the evil Hamas rulers of Gaza who are masters of deception. They are corrupt, evil and abusers of human rights of the Palestinian people over whom they rule.

The future of the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians seems to be an exercise in futility. The US patronage is bound to fail as it has in the past. Failure to come to terms with the harsh realities on the side of the US must also be held to account for the upcoming failure. It will also dent President Obama's decreasing popularity rating even further. His chance of being a one term president of the US will be further increased.

The Renewed Peace Negotiations

                                                              President Mahmud Abbas and P.M. Benyamin Netanyahu

Rosh Hashanah is upon us and at the same time Eid El Fitr - the conclusion of the month long Ramadan Fast. Both holy days for Jews and Moslems respectively are significant as they fall at the same time. Both holydays symbolize repentance and purification of the soul for both peoples. The Ten Days of Penitence also begins for the Jewish People culminating in Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement.

My gut feeling is that both peoples need to realize that their respective faiths have more in common than what divides them. Surely the time has come to understand that the Arab and Jewish people are closely linked in a common destiny. This rings true for both Israelis and Palestinians who must organize themselves and move towards a conclusion of the Palestinian - Israeli Conflict which has embroiled them for generations. After all, both sides wish for a better future for themselves and their children.

Now with the renewal of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians under US patronage perhaps there is a flicker of hope for both sides. Maybe there is no room for great optimism as both sides have so many grudges against each other for historical reasons whether it is Al Naqba (the catastrophe) from the Palestinian side and with it the historical non-recognition of Israel's right to exist and the ongoing tragic Palestinian refugee problem which has defied a solution since 1948 when the State of Israel was established. The Palestinian violence against Israel with its tragic consequences for both sides have resulted in hatred and total lack of trust that will make negotiations for peace between the two sides almost impossible to achieve.

The establishment of the State of Israel had received the legal stamp of the United Nations Partition Plan adopted overwhelmingly on November 29th 1947 by a vote of 33 to 13, with 10 abstentions.^[1]and therefore Israel's right to exist is unquestionable and irrefutable.

The Arab leadership (in and out of Palestine) opposed the plan.^[88] The Arabs argued that it violated the rights of the majority of the people in Palestine, which at the time was 67% non-Jewish (1,237,000) and 33% Jewish (608,000).^[89]
Arab leaders threatened the Jewish population of Palestine, speaking of "driving the Jews into the sea" and ridding Palestine "of the Zionist Plague".^[90] On the eve of the Arab armies invasion, Azzam Pasha, the General Secretary of the Arab League, "describing the fate of the Jews" is said to have declared: "This will be a war of extermination and a momentous massacre which will be spoken of like the Mongolian massacres and the Crusades".^[91] However, Joffe and Romirowsky report that this "cannot be confirmed from cited sources".^[92] Six days later, Azzam told reporters "We are fighting for an Arab Palestine. Whatever the outcome the Arabs will stick to their offer of equal citizenship for Jews in Arab Palestine and let them be as Jewish as they like. In areas where they predominate they will have complete autonomy."^{[93]  (From Wikipedia)}

The time has arrived for the Palestinian People to come to terms with Israel’s existence. The character of Israel is that of the majority of the people which is Jewish. Any denial of Israel’s identity as a Jewish state is tantamount to delegitimizing Israel’s right to exist. This does not mean denial of equal rights to Israel’s non-Jewish citizens which comprises 20% of the total population. Of course, the issues arising from the occupation and the Israeli Government's encouragement of settlements in lands conquered since the 1967 June War have to be addressed and a solution found acceptable to both parties in this unending conflict.

There are so many problems and pitfalls as well as the fact that Gaza is not involved in the negotiations because of the intransigence of Hamas in its uncompromising hate for Israel and its continuation of terrorist acts against Israelis. Hamas is an evil organization that terrorizes the Palestinians in Gaza especially those opposing Hamas. Their methods of torture are cruel and relentless in their desire to turn Gaza into an Islamic state under Iran's patronage.

The absence of Gaza at the negotiating table weakens the Palestinian Authority under President Mahmoud Abbas who will be under constant threat and harassment by the Hamas regime in Gaza as well as the Hamas cells in the occupied West Bank.

At the same time, Israel must also show some flexibility by maintaining the settlement freeze or else President Mahmoud Abbas's rather tenuous standing in the negotiations will be further weakened and he will pull out of the negotiations which would result in total collapse of the new US sponsored peace initiative.

However, with all the best intentions of the Obama Administration to achieve a peace settlement, the odds are stacked heavily against an end to this tragic conflict. It could end up like all the numerous attempts in the past that have failed. All that remains of past failures are photographs of forced smiles on the faces of the leaders of their respective peoples and their representatives in the negotiations.

Both Netanyahu and Abbas have huge problems even in the preliminary stages. Netanyahu has a right wing coalition which is supportive of the right wing settler movement and the continuation of building new settlements in the occupied territories. It is unlikely that the coalition will agree to continuation of the settlement freeze even though it was and still is cosmetic. Any signing of a peace treaty with the Palestinians could severely endanger Netanyahu’s coalition and result in its break up.

Abbas also has a large problem. He is weak and does not have much popular support from his own people. An added problem is Hamas which is breathing down his neck waiting for the kill if he signs any agreement with Israel.

These two severe problems are a great threat to a successful outcome of any form of peace negotiations. It is hard to overlook these facts and carry on smiling in the negotiating rooms in the midst of photo opportunities.

How does one overcome these almost insurmountable problems? I really am at a loss for answers. Perhaps there is none.

Maybe a possible change of approach could be an answer. Some years ago I wrote about the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission similar to the South African model but modified to suit the situation between Israelis and Palestinians. The TRC was very successful in South Africa. It may not be the ideal solution but it could create a movement towards reconciliation and building up of trust between the two sides. The head of the commission could come from a neutral country. Representatives of both Israelis and Palestinians could be invited to appear before the commission and each should seek forgiveness from each other for the wrongs committed towards each other. The perpetrators of injustices on both sides should be encouraged to come forward and give evidence without being prosecuted and thus a healing process could be initiated prior to peace negotiations. This of course would be symbolic but if done with sensitivity and understanding could go a long way in building up trust and motivating both sides to achieve peace. It is a dynamic rather than a solution. What better time is there than now, even when viewing it from the Jewish ethic? A process of forgiveness for the wrongs and injustices done to both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples could begin. Both sides need to adopt the difficult and challenging path of reconciliation and a desire to make peace.

Three simple words are so important to solve the conflict without which no dynamic could ever begin - HOPE, TRUST and COEXISTANCE.

Eroding Democracy in Israel

A far right wing coalition headed by P.M .Benjamin Netanyahu has been ruling Israel for close on two years now. During this period of time especially in the aftermath of the Gaza War and the blockades on Gaza, flotillas etc, has given rise to a number of bills waiting to be enacted into law that poses a threat to the future of democracy in Israel.

A rather disturbing phenomenon or trend is developing in Israel under this weird bunch of far right wing bedfellows that includes Israel Beteinu, an extreme right wing anti-Arab party under the leadership of Israel's controversial foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, the spineless and much weakened Labor Party under Defense Minister Ehud Barak's leadership, and a plethora of right wing religious parties including the ultra Orthodox Shas and Torah Judaism Parties.

Even the left wing opposition has almost been obliterated. The Kadima Party, a moderate centre right party, is the most dominant party in the opposition. Meretz, the left wing Zionist party, whose agenda in the past has been human rights, social issues and peace has become so weak that its voice is no longer heard. It is now more involved in homosexual rights, environmental issues but hardly a word on human rights issues which are being eroded in many ways.

According to a Haaretz 23^rd July 2010, Editorial: A bad Knesset for Israel, “the marathon vote on 60 bills in the Knesset the very day before its summer recess reflects clearly the 18th Knesset's character - populist, declamatory, irresponsible and saturated with racism. The blatant flouting of basic laws and civil rights is a common theme running through every recent bill: the loyalty bill sponsored by Yisrael Beiteinu's David Rotem, intended to deny citizenship to those who are not "loyal to the state;" the bill to deny the Islamic Movement's legal status, sponsored by Likud's Ofir Akunis; legislation seeking to deny support to "unpatriotic" filmmakers, sponsored by Michael Ben Ari (National Union ) and Ronit Tirosh (Kadima ); the conversion bill, the Nakba bill and many others like them mock the principles of equality and freedom in Israel's Declaration of Independence”.

Lately we have been witnesses to proposed legislation in the Knesset on the declaration of loyalty to Israel as" a Jewish and democratic state”. This declaration is directed toward non-Jews especially Palestinians who are married to Israelis. Is it not sufficient to declare loyalty to the State of Israel? Can you imagine the outcry if potential immigrants to the US or Britain had to declare loyalty to the" US or Britain as a Christian and democratic state"? The term “Jewish and democratic” is not compatible somehow. There is nothing democratic about Jewish Orthodoxy as one can see when it comes to conversions as well as requirements by the rabbinical establishment to prove one’s Jewishness prior to marriage which has become a grave issue these days.

The passing of these bills in Israel are causes for concern. This also has a great bearing on Israel's future as a democracy of which Israel pundits take great pride. The well worn cliché,” Israel is the only democratic state in the Middle East" is questionable and relative. This “democracy” is being eroded.

There are more similarities between Israel and its Arab neighbors than one would like to imagine or perhaps admit. The strengthening of religious fanaticism in Judaism does have an uncanny similarity to extremist Islamic beliefs in its world view.

As the right wing Netanyahu coalition entrenches itself in power, we shall witness more and more encroachment on personal freedom including freedom of choice. Many bills were passed in the name of “state security” interests, but on closer examination, these bills are discriminatory towards Arab citizens.

Many Israeli academics believe in boycotting Israeli products manufactured in the occupied territories. This also goes hand in glove with supporting boycotts of Israeli Universities as well as sanctions and divestment from Israel.

Those who support BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) of Israel will be liable for prosecution. This does not necessarily mean that Israelis who support BDS are anti-Israel. This is merely a tactic against the Israeli occupation and the building of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.

The attitude of the right wing Israeli Government towards those who oppose the occupation is beginning to resemble the attitude of the white government of apartheid South Africa prior to its demise. The left wing in Israel is weak and ineffectual. Also the opposition in the Knesset is not tackling the issues of social and human rights which are being eroded by the Netanyahu - Lieberman - Barak Axis.

Those who oppose the right wing policies of the government are considered anti-Israel and potential fifth column.

Perhaps the time has come to evaluate a new order in Israel. An order that is non discriminatory and represents the interests of all Israel’s citizens irrespective of race, colour or creed. Zionism has become discriminatory towards Israel’s non Jewish minorities and does not reflect their interests. Avaham Burg, who was a speaker in the Knesset some years ago when the Labour Party still had some backbone, has written an interesting and thoughtful article on this.

Human Rights and Human Rights Activists in the Middle East

Over the last three weeks we witnessed the flotilla debacle and condemnation of Israel for the deaths of 9 Turkish citizens because of Israeli Commando action in a botched operation to prevent the Nawe Marmara from entering the territorial waters of Gaza.

Israel had become the polecat of the world and hardly a country supported Israel's actions. Despite this, one can say that the motive was achieved - a partial easing of the siege on Gaza and the allowing of essential goods to enter. Ironically had there not been the Gaza bound flotillas, there would not have been the easing of restrictions on essential goods, let alone lifting of the siege.

Collective punishment against the citizens of Gaza never achieved the release of Gilad Shalit, the captive Israeli soldier; it only increased the price for his release. Apart from that, it also strengthened Hamas resilience. They also made a large profit from goods smuggled illegally via tunnels on the Egyptian-Gaza border.

A question mark remains as to whether the human rights activists on the ship were aware of the presence of the IHH terrorist group on the Gaza bound flotilla. This is not clear and there are many conflicting reports.

Nevertheless, most of these human rights activists aligned themselves with the left. The left is often associated with communism which has an anti-religious ideology. How does this fit in with Islamist fanatic religiosity with which they have aligned themselves. This is paradoxical as they see themselves fighting for human rights of the Palestinians under Israeli occupation as well as the lifting of the siege on Gaza and strengthening the legitimacy of Hamas. The former was partially achieved and time will tell as to its significance.

On the other hand, these human rights activists had also served the interests of Hamas, Hezbollah, IHH and the Ahmadinajad regime of Iran. These organizations are not concerned with human rights of the Palestinians - on the contrary, they are oppressive regimes who show no mercy towards people who oppose them. Hamas should end its attacks on political opponents and suspected collaborators in Gaza, which have killed at least 32 Palestinians and maimed several dozen more during and since the recent Israeli military offensive, Human Rights Watch called on Hamas authorities in Gaza to hold those responsible accountable.

The 26-page report, "Under Cover of War: Hamas Political Violence in Gaza," documents a pattern since late December 2008 of arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, maiming by shooting, and extrajudicial executions by alleged members of Hamas security forces. The report is based on interviews with victims and witnesses in Gaza and case reports by Palestinian human rights groups.

Beatings, abuse of women, shooting Fatah supporters in the legs as was witnessed in Gaza when Hamas took over are all part of their stock in trade to remain in power by eradicating opposition to their rule. The indefinite holding of Gilad Shalit is also human rights abuse and is illegal. He has been held for four years now and even the Red Cross has been denied visiting rights to see him. Why do these so-called human rights activists not mention this in their concern for human rights abuses?

How this dovetails into the human rights activists’ sense of morality remains a serious question that deserves an answer. Their "human rights" activities are playing into the hands of the most repressive regimes in the Middle East and are giving legitimacy to terror which is not only directed against Israel but also the West.

It makes one wonder as to the seriousness of their intentions when they have the support of these anti-democratic regimes in the Middle East. Has the world forgotten the ill-fated Iranian opposition to Ahmadinajad's forged election? A certain amount of legitimacy has been given to these Islamic terrorist organizations by human rights activists who identify with the suffering of the Gaza Palestinians by default.

Now there are threats of sending more flotillas from Lebanon, Iran and Turkey. It is not known for certainty whether these ships will carry arms and terrorist cells. The sweet coating on the Gaza bound flotillas will naturally be more naive human rights activists! It is sad that these people will once more be manipulated to bolster terrorism.

The terrorist organizations did not succeed in carrying out the "ethnic cleansing" of Israel by Quassam rocket fire, suicide, bombings and other forms of terror and have adopted a new tactic - manipulation of human rights activists to delegitimize Israel! They intend to do this by cynical propaganda based on lies and fantasies. It is not about concern for alleviating Palestinian suffering which does not interest them. The power players' circle is widening. The core is pseudo - Nazi Islamist, racist, terrorist organizations which are interested in dominating the Middle East. Naïve human rights activists with good intentions are excellent material that adds legitimacy to their evil intentions of domination. The siege on Gaza, as ineffective and morally questionable as it is, is a great starting point for these evil terrorist organizations to begin. Israel had created the blockade of Gaza as the starting point and because of international pressure has now rescinded it.

The capture of Gilad Shalit by Hamas and the high demands for his release is all part of their evil strategy. Even the Hamas prisoners sitting in Israeli jails have no chance of release in a prisoner exchange that does not materialize. Hamas also does not seem to be concerned about the Palestinian families who also wish to see members of their families released and returned to their homes in exchange for Gilad Shalit. It is a political power game. Gilad Shalit and the Palestinian prisoners are paying the price for Hamas folly.

If the Hamas regime really cared about the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, they would have clinched a deal for Gilad Shalit's release in a prisoner exchange long time ago.

Where are the human activists in East Jerusalem? Why are they not protesting the demolition of 22 Palestinian homes in Silwan in order to make way for a tourism centre? Their energies would be better spent there in protesting forced removals of Palestinian residents who have been living there for generations.

What about those Palestinian students who are citizens studying overseas for a profession? If they leave Israel for more than seven years they lose their right of return even though they were born in Jerusalem. Why are there no human rights activists to plead their justified cause for the right of return? On the other hand, Jewish Israelis and even Diaspora Jews can always return no matter how long they have been out of the country. Is this just? Even Israel has moral inconsistencies despite the claim of being the only democracy in the Middle East. Many Jewish immigrants (by no means all) arriving in Israel under the guise of the "Law of Return" have nothing to contribute and bring with them problems of alcoholism, drug addiction, trafficking in women, and broken families. Surely, educated Palestinians born in Israel, and whose families have lived here for many generations but were away for long periods of study overseas are a far more positive element. Why should they be denied entry?

These cases are in need of human rights activists rather than their alliance, unbecomingly or not, with extremist Islamist terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Hezbollah and IHH which is just a small step from Al Qaeda and their ilk.

These so-called organizations are viewed as champions of the Palestinian cause for freedom from the Israeli occupation. Nothing could be further from the truth than that assumption and its cynical use of human rights activists.

An International Inquiry on the Gaza bound Flotilla Fiasco is essential

What occurred on the high seas off Gaza was a terrible tragedy - a botched up Israel Commando operation that resulted in a severe diplomatic relations crisis with Turkey and unanimous condemnation of Israel throughout the world.

No matter how one views this flotilla fiasco leaving 9 dead and scores injured, including Israeli Commando soldiers, it has further ruined Israel's credibility and no matter what Israeli spokesmen say concerning the operation, will not lessen the hostility towards Israel. Israeli spokesmen are on the defense of Israel's actions. They emphasize Israel's right of defense and that the world is now carrying out a vendetta to delegitimize Israel based on modern anti-Semitism - an offshoot of traditional anti-Semitism which the Jews in the Diaspora suffered for generations.

Is it possible that under all the hubris surrounding this debacle, that assessment may be correct?

Israel pundits and professional PR spokesmen are giving reasons for Israeli Commando actions but it is ignored. It seems that nothing can justify Israel's actions internationally. This incident has once again proved that the use of force is counter productive as well as being morally questionable.

Israel had good relations with Turkey and this seems to be shattered beyond repair.

Is Israel's right to exist in question? Is it Israel's attitude to world opinion on the occupation and the blockade of Gaza that has resulted in this vendetta against Israel? There are many questions but no straightforward answers as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complicated by so many problems that raise emotional responses which defy rationality on all sides.

According to Aluf Benn of Haaretz in a thought provoking report, Erdogan of Turkey is striving for pan-Islamism and Netanyahu is trying to hold off the rest of the world while nurturing a Jewish Israeliness that hates minorities and foreigners, the clash was inevitable. Benn went on to write that the flotilla crisis exposed the prejudices and stereotypes that had been kept hidden during the years of friendship: anti-Semitic stereotypes in Turkey and Israel disdain for Muslims and their culture.

When one views the situation objectively, it does not take much imagination to realize that the Israeli leadership has chosen the worst people possible to represent Israel's interests to the world. Israel's Foreign Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, with his extreme right wing views tinged with his hate for the Arab people and the left is playing its part in destroying any positive image that Israel may still have. LIEBERMAN MUST GO! Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak is not even prepared to talk to him because of Lieberman's provocative statements made against him.

Apart from Lieberman's racism, there is also Shas Party racism coming from the mouth of Interior Minister Eli Yishai against Arabs, foreign workers and other non-Jews who he views as a danger to the Jewish people's identity. The right wing parties in the Netanyahu government are anti-Arab and anti-foreigner. They are an obstacle towards any peace agreement with the Palestinians. The rhetoric of Michael Ben Ari an extremist pseudo-Kahanist Knesset Member in the coalition is an example. There are many others.

If this is the best calibre of people that Israel can put forward to represent Israel's interests then it is very sad.

On the other hand, there are so-called left wing human rights supporters present on the flotilla whose agenda is to delegitimize Israel under cover of aid to the beleaguered people of Gaza. This can be seen as a strange alliance with the most repressive regimes in the world. They are giving legitimacy to Hamas tyranny not only against Israel but also against the Palestinian people of Gaza who through poor judgment had elected them to power in 2006. The tyrannical behavior of Hamas is conveniently overlooked for the sake of hypocritical expediency. This alliance of left wing humanitarians with repressive regimes such as Iran and terrorist organizations such as Hamas and IHH legitimizes terrorist Islamic terrorist organizations as well as the most heinous repressive anti-democratic regimes in the Middle East.

Iranian tyranny under the appalling Ahmadinajad regime with its poor and repressive human rights record has become an ally of these flotilla "peace seekers". Turkey also has climbed the bandwagon of whipping Israel with hate. MEAWHILE IT SEEMS THAT THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATHS OF 9 TURKISH CITIZENS WERE THE I.H.H PROVOCATION AGAINST THE ISRAELI COMMANDOS.

This is where it would be prudent to investigate the role and financial resources for the training of I.H.H. Also the cache of primitive weapons found on the Mave Marmara. Turkey's role in this should also be investigated to establish the truth. It was a planned attack on Israel's Commandos. The flotilla human rights groups legitimized Hamas and to a certain extent Iran's Ahmadinajad and denigrated Israel internationally even to the point of deligitimization!

It would be appropriate that an international inquiry be instituted to investigate the cause of the violence. It should be headed by internationally renowned jurists from Israel, Turkey, the US and other countries whose citizens were involved in the flotilla. These jurists should have impeccable reputations of impartiality to ensure transparency and fairness. All parties involved should cooperate with this investigation and no stone should be left unturned to arrive at the truth which is in everybody's interest. Those responsible for the provocation and deaths ought to be brought to justice.

To date Israel and the US agreed on the nature of the Israeli investigative committee that will investigate the Israeli Commando takeover of the Gaza bound flotilla. The point is whether it will be able to come to conclusions that will have credibility. I personally doubt it. Maybe the judicial commission should be more widely represented than that envisaged by Israel and the US.

Whatever conclusions are drawn from this tragic incident will not make much difference to the world attitude towards Israel. Israel must cooperate in finding a way to lift the Gaza blockade and allow non-military goods to enter Gaza. There should be a UN or NATO force patrolling the sea around Gaza to ensure that no weapons of any kind is smuggled into Gaza which would endanger Israel's security since the ruling Hamas tyranny has declared war on Israel and seeks Israel's total destruction - an irrefutable fact made even more convincing by Hamas rhetoric over the years and in the Hamas manifesto. This also coincides with Ahmadinajad's hateful speeches against Israel. It is unfortunate that those people who empathize strongly with the people of Gaza and claim to be peaceful human rights peace activists on board the flotilla refuse to accept this.

The bottom line underlying the cause of it all is the non-ending Israeli-Palestinian Conflict which is based on a number of factors:

1. The continuing occupation of Israel with its colonization of Palestinian lands with Israeli settlers
2. The ongoing 1948 Palestinian refugee problem defies a solution.
3. Even if Israel does withdraw to the pre-June 1967 borders there will still be extremist Palestinian groups who will demand Israel's total destruction and will never accept Israel's right to exist let alone negotiate a peace treaty.

The world should be aware that Israel has a very severe existential problem, which is also a security problem with Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Iran under Ahmadinajad and maybe even Turkey that is supporting the I.H.H terrorist group.

Despite all these serious problems facing Israel there is still no excuse for justifying the occupation and Israel's colonization of occupied Palestinian lands with religious Zealots justifying their activities using the Tanah as their link to the "Greater land of Israel".

If Hamas is prepared to change its attitude and is prepared to accept Israel's right to exist as well as renounce terror, Israel must be prepared to negotiate with them and any agreement must include the release of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier, who has been held incommunicado for over 4 years.

One must bear in mind that the key to moving the peace process forward lies in the hands of Hamas no less than Israel - probably even more so than Fatah. There is no other option possible to break the deadlock. The two state solution is really the only game in town provided all parties to the conflict are prepared to work together to get there.