| Week ending Shabbat, October 28, 2006 |
6 Cheshvan, 5767 |
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Israel Government Votes for Change
Sunday morning during its weekly Cabinet session, the government voted (12-11) to back legislation calling for a change in the political system. The vote clears the way for the entry into the government coalition of Yisrael Beinteinu (Israel Our Home). Only seven weeks ago, the new party's leader Minister of Knesset (MK) Avigdor Lieberman announced that he would join a national unity government, but only on five conditions. These included a change in the political system, the establishment of an official investigative committee into the mishandling of the recent war in Lebanon, and the non-destruction of Jewish outpost neighborhoods in Judea and Samaria. Most of these conditions are not being fulfilled, yet Lieberman appears on his way into the government.
The main feature of the proposed changes is a switch to a presidential system, in which the president is elected every four years and is not dependent on a majority in the Knesset. The changes also include a stipulation that Cabinet ministers cannot serve simultaneously as Knesset members, and a rise in the minimum voter support that a party needs in order to be represented in the Knesset. The Kadima party voted in favor, while the Labor party and Shas party were against. The Pensioners continued their mixed approach on the bill, expressing opposition but voting in favor; one of its two ministers voted for the bill, while the other one abstained.
Shas Chairman Minister Eli Yeshai said that efforts to stabilize the ruling system is desirable, "but it should be done in coordination with all the Knesset factions. After more than 50 years of statehood, let us not make superficial changes that will take us another 50 years to repair."
Professor Arik Carmon, head of the Israel Institute for Democracy, wrote in B'Sheva last week that a presidential system in Israel "is not an option, as it has grave dangers for democracy." He feels that unlike in the U.S., where the president's powers are balanced by the individual states' powers, in Israel, too much power will be invested in one man, disenfranchising the supporters of the many small parties and worsening the gaps between the sectors.
Peretz and Olmert: Most Outposts Will Remain
Prime Minister Olmert and Defense Minister Peretz have agreed with the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu political party (about to join the coalition) that only "illegal" structures in Yesha will be destroyed, and not merely those that are "unauthorized." The agreement states that only structures built on privately owned Arab-land in Judea and Samaria will be removed. This statement is a substantial departure from what has been Peretz's position until now. Previously and publicly declared repeatedly he has favored a blanket removal of all unauthorized outposts in Yesha, and using force, if necessary. The new compromise decision appears to be connected with the entry of Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel Our Home) party into the coalition. The party is strongly opposed to the removal of outposts.
Unfortunately reports from the office of Defense Minister Peretz (Labor Party) state that he plans to "act with determination" to remove the outposts in Judea and Samaria. A statement released by the office notes that time will be given for dialogue with the "settlers," but that the destruction will take place forcefully if necessary.
Ultra-orthodox Plan Demonstration Against "Gay" Parade
While homosexuals around the world are slated to gather in Jerusalem on November 10 for the World Gay Pride Parade, Israel's ultra-Orthodox are preparing to hold mass protests and to sabotage the parade. United Torah Judaism, an organization that is an alliance of two ultra-orthodox political parties in the Israeli government, is leading the campaign. They plan protests through the crowded King George Street along the parade route. Some 250,000 are expected to join the demonstration and plan to march from the Western Wall to the center of town where a majority of spectators and marchers will pass through.
The day before the march the members of the organization will commemorate the death of their rabbi, Meir Kahane, who was assassinated in New York sixteen years ago. Organizers, who plan on doing everything possible to stop the parade (including blocking roads), have recruited settler youths to join the demonstration. Shas party members have remained silent on the matter. Activists are calling on spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, to call for a demonstration.
Tour Israel for Hanukkah
It's still not too late to join us as we explore Israel from a genuine Biblical Zionists perspective. Meet the people who are continuing the Biblical narrative in the Land today. See for yourself how ancient prophesies are being fulfilled. Discover how you too can participate in the ongoing process of Biblical Redemption. Join us for an opportunity of a lifetime, to see the real Israel from the viewpoint of those who are living the Bible today. The experience will change your life. The tour has been coordinated and will be guided by Associate Pastor Jon Klein [pictured left].
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