All posts in category Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Full Text Israel Political Brief May 15, 2015: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks at first meeting of the 34th Government
PM Netanyahu's remarks at first meeting of the 34th Government
We will work with determination, responsibility and vigor in the face of attempts to test our borders and our security. We will continue to promote a diplomatic settlement while upholding the vital interests and security of the citizens of Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Copyright: GPO/Avi Ohayon
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Following are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks at the start of the first meeting of the 34th Governmentearlier today (Friday, 15 May 2015):
"Despite all the ups-and-downs we had to go through to reach this moment, I am still moved by the position and I am certain that you are too. From this moment on we must leave disagreements outside this room and focus on good work for the citizens of Israel – all citizens of Israel.
We will work with determination, responsibility and vigor in the face of all attempts to test our borders and our security from both near and far. Israel's enemies must know that any threated directed at us has red lines. This has been our policy under previous governments and will be under the current government as well.
We will continue to promote a diplomatic settlement while upholding the vital interests and security of the citizens of Israel. At the same time and perhaps in assistance, we will try to realize the opportunity of regional developments and new possibilities of action with the moderate and responsible countries around us.
We will work to improve social welfare with emphasis on lowering the cost of living in general and housing costs in particular. We will work to continue to reduce the gaps in Israeli society. We will continue to link the Negev and the Galilee with the center and to strengthen employment there and throughout the country. We are attentive to the cry of immigrants from Ethiopia and their families and next week we will form a special ministerial committee, under my chairmanship, to deal with this problem. We are obligated to work for the good of all Israeli citizens and we will do everything we can to justify the confidence the nation has vested in us.
Now the time has come to roll up our sleeves and get to work. May our efforts be successful."
The 34th Government of Israel
(Knesset website)
Benjamin Netanyahu – Prime Minister, Minister of Health, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Communications, Minister of Regional Cooperation
Silvan Shalom – Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Internal Affairs
Ofir Akunis – Minister
Uri Yehuda Ariel – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
David Azoulay – Minister of Religious Services
Ze'ev Binyamin Begin – Minister
Naftali Bennett – Minister of Education, Minister of Diaspora Affairs
Danny Danon – Minister of Science, Technology, and Space
Aryeh Machluf Deri – Minister of the Economy, Minister of the Development of the Negev and Galil
Zeev Elkin – Minister of Immigration and Absorption
Avi Gabai – Minister of Environmental Protection
Yoav Galant – Minister of Construction
Gila Gamliel – Minister for Senior Citizens
Moshe Kahlon – Minister of Finance
Haim Katz – Minister of Welfare and Social Services
Yisrael Katz – Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, Minister of Intelligence and Atomic Energy
Yariv Levin – Minister of Tourism, Minister of Internal Security
Miri Regev – Minister of Culture and Sport
Ayelet Shaked – Minister of Justice
Yuval Steinitz – Minister of National Infrastructure, Energy, and Water
Moshe Ya'alon – Minister of Defense
Posted in 34th Government, Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, Israel News, Israeli Cabinet, Israeli Politics, Prime Minister, Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Tagged 34th Government, Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet, Cabinet Meeting, Cabinet Ministers
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Full Text Israel Political Brief November 23, 2014: Basic Law: Israel – the National State of the Jewish people — Israel Jewish Nation State
Basic Law: Israel – the National State of the Jewish people
Source: MFA, 11-23-14
The Cabinet discussed three versions of draft Basic Law: Israel – the National State of the Jewish people, that of MK Zeev Elkin, of MK Ayelet Shaked and MK Yariv Levin, and of MK Robert Ilatov.
The Cabinet decided to support Prime Minister Netanyahu's draft principles.
The Cabinet decided to support, in preliminary Knesset discussion, the aforementioned three draft versions on condition that their sponsoring MKs agree that their draft versions would be attached to the Government version to be presented by Prime Minister Netanyahu, which will be formulated on the basis of the principles detailed in the annex below, and will be adapted to it. The Government draft will be formulated in coordination with Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein.
Annex of Principles
I. Objective
Defining the State of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people, and anchoring the values of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state in the spirit of the principles of the Declaration of Independence.
II. Basic principles
The Land of Israel is the historic homeland of the Jewish people and the place of the establishment of the State of Israel.
The State of Israel is the national home of the Jewish people in which the Jewish People realizes its right to self-determination in accordance with its cultural and historic heritage.
The right to realize national self-determination in the State of Israel is unique to the Jewish people.
The State of Israel is democratic, based on the foundations of freedom, justice and peace in light of the visions of the prophets of Israel, and upholds the individual rights of all its citizens according to law.
III. Symbols of the State
The national anthem is Hatikvah.
The national flag is white with two sky-blue stripes close to the margins and a sky-blue Star of David in the center.
The national emblem is a seven-branched menorah with two olive branches at its sides and the word 'Israel' below.
IV. Return
All Jews are eligible to immigrate to the country and receive citizenship of the state according to law.
V. Ingathering of the Exiles and Strengthening Links with the Jewish People in the Diaspora
The State will act to gather the exiles of the Jewish people and strengthen links between Israel and Jewish communities in the Diaspora.
VI. Assistance to Jews in Distress
The State will act to assist Jews in distress and in captivity due to their being Jews.
VII. Heritage
The State will act to preserve the historical and cultural heritage and tradition of the Jewish people and to enshrine and cultivate it in the country and in the Diaspora.
All educational institutions that serve the Jewish public in the country will teach the history, heritage and tradition of the Jewish people.
The State will act to enable all residents of Israel, regardless of religion, race or nationality, to preserve their culture, heritage, language and identity.
VIII. Official Calendar
The Hebrew calendar is the official calendar of the State.
IX. Independence Day and Remembrance Day
Independence Day is the national holiday of the State.
Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel's Wars and Holocaust Heroes and Martyrs Remembrance Day are the official remembrance days of the State.
X. Public holidays
The regular public holidays of the State of Israel are the Sabbath and the Jewish holidays on which no worker shall be employed except under conditions to be defined by law; members of recognized faiths shall be entitled to rest on their Sabbaths and holidays.
XI. Jewish Law
Jewish law shall serve as a source of inspiration for the Knesset
If a court shall consider a legal question that requires a decision and not find an answer in legislation, precedent or clear inference, it shall render a decision in light of the principles of freedom, justice, fairness and peace of the heritage of Israel.
XII. Maintaining the Holy Places
The Holy Places shall be guarded against desecration, any other damage and against anything that is liable to infringe on freedom of access by worshippers to the places that are holy to them or on their feelings toward those places.
XIII. Infringement of rights
There shall be no infringement of rights according to the basic laws except by law that befits the values of the State of Israel, that is designed for a worthy purpose and which does not exceed that which is required.
XIV. Amendment
The basic law shall not be amended except by a basic law that is approved by a majority of MKs.
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Documents, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Legislation, Prime Minister, Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Tagged Basic Law Israel the National State of the Jewish people, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel Jewish Nation State Bill
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Full Text Israel Political Brief November 23, 2014: Excerpt from PM Bernjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the weekly Cabinet Meeting on Iran Nuclear Talks and Israel Jewish Nation State Bill – Transcript
Excerpt from PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the weekly Cabinet Meeting
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting, today (Sunday, 23 November 2014):
"Last night US Secretary of State John Kerry updated me on the situation in the nuclear talks with Iran. We are anxiously monitoring developments in these talks. We are holding discussions with the representatives of other major powers and are presenting them with a vigorous position to the effect that Iran must not be allowed to be determined as a nuclear threshold state. There is no reason why it should be left with thousands of centrifuges that could enable it to enrich uranium for a nuclear bomb in a short time. Neither is there any reason why Iran should continue to develop intercontinental missiles, which could carry nuclear warheads, and thereby threaten the entire world. Therefore, no agreement at all would be preferable to a bad agreement that would endanger Israel, the Middle East and all of humanity.
Over the weekend I instructed Cabinet Secretary Avichai Mendelbit, along with Interior Minister Gilad Erdan, to submit draft legislation to revoke rights from residents who participate in terrorism or incitement against the State of Israel. It cannot be that those who attack Israeli citizens and call for the elimination of the State of Israel will enjoy rights such as National Insurance, and their family members as well, who support them. This law is important in order to exact a price from those who engage in attacks and incitement, including the throwing of stones and firebombs, and it complements the demolition of terrorists' homes, and helps to create deterrence vis-à-vis those who engage in attacks and incitement.
Today, I will submit to the Cabinet the nationality law and the principles that I believe need to guide this legislation. The State of Israel is the national state of the Jewish People. It has equal individual rights for every citizen and we insist on this. But only the Jewish People have national rights: A flag, anthem, the right of every Jew to immigrate to the country, and other national symbols. These are granted only to our people, in its one and only state.
I hear from people who say 'Who needs this law? We've managed without it for 66 years.' And I ask: Who needed Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty? We managed without it for 45 years. But both are necessary. Israel is a Jewish and democratic state. There are those who would like the democratic to prevail over the Jewish and there are those who would like the Jewish to prevail over the democratic. And in the principles of the law that I will submit today both of these values are equal and both must be considered to the same degree.
This law is also needed now for another reason: There are many who are challenging Israel's character as the national state of the Jewish people. The Palestinians refuse to recognize this and there is also opposition from within. There are those – including those who deny our national rights – who would like to establish autonomy in the Galilee and the Negev. Neither do I understand those who are calling for two states for two peoples but who also oppose anchoring this in law. They are pleased to recognize a Palestinian national state but strongly oppose a Jewish national state.
On the eve of last Independence Day, I stood in the hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed in Tel Aviv and I promised to submit this legislation to the Cabinet and I am doing so today. I have not softened it and I have not changed anything. I have submitted the principles of the law that I believe in, the same principles that appear in the Declaration of Independence, the same principles that I absorbed in the Zionist sprit from my father, who absorbed them from Zeev Jabotinsky and from Binyamin Zeev Herzl.
Around the nationality law, and around other issues, I hear ultimatums, diktat and threats of quitting from various parts of the coalition; a country cannot be run this way. We must concentrate on strengthening security against waves of extremist Islam and the Iranian nuclear danger, on strengthening Israel's economy and increasing citizens' welfare – and not on threats. I believe that the heads of the parties in the coalition will unite and work in this spirit."
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Domestic Policy, Iran, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Knesset, Nuclear Weapons, Prime Minister, Speeches & Transcripts, Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Tagged Basic Laws, Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran, Israel Jewish Nation State Bill, John Kerry, Nuclear Weapons, Weekly Cabinet Meeting
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Full Text Israel Political Brief September 23, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Cabinet Meeting About Fulfilling Pledge to Find Murderers of Three Israeli Teens — Transcript
PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Cabinet Meeting
יום שלישי כ"ח אלול תשע"ד
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, made the following remarks at the start of the Cabinet meeting:
"When we found the bodies of Naftali, Gilad and Eyal , I said that whoever perpetrated the kidnapping and murder of our boys would bear the consequences and added that we would not rest until we had reached the last of them wherever they were hiding. I also said that this was our first mission and that it would be carried out. This morning it was carried out .
We said from the outset that Hamas was responsible for the abduction and murder and in light of the proof we have accumulated Hamas admitted that it was behind this terrorist attack.
I would like to commend the outstanding intelligence work of the ISA. I would like to commend the ISA, the Israel Police Anti-Terror Unit and the IDF. On behalf of the people of Israel I salute you for your precise and important operation. We will continue strike at terrorism everywhere. A few days after the attack I said near Hebron, the city of the patriarchs, that we would pursue the enemy, find them and not return until they had been dealt with. This morning the long arm of Israeli justice did just this."
Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he had spoken earlier this morning with the parents of the three youths and continued, "With the advent of the New Year, nothing can assuage their pain and nothing can bring back their wonderful, dear boys. But I told them that justice has been done and that we had carried out the mission that we promised to them and all of Israel."
The Prime Minister added: "Today, the Cabinet will discuss a proposal to invest an additional NIS 2 billion in the communities of the south .
The plan includes building an additional hospital in Be'er Sheva, paving roads, assisting small and intermediate businesses, and developing tourism enterprises in the south and around the country in the wake of Operation Protective Edge. These decisions are in addition to the decision we made on Sunday to add over NIS 1 billion for Sderot and the communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip .
I told the mayors and local council heads that I met with yesterday at the Eshkol Regional Council that the State of Israel was not making these unprecedented investments just for show. We are doing so with a two-fold goal – investing in and deepening our hold on all parts of the country but also as a message to those who seek to uproot us, that they will never succeed in doing so. We are all responsible for this.
I would like to wish all citizens of Israel a good and happy New Year .
I would also like to wish ministers a good and happy year. We are working together in order to ensure the future of the State of Israel and the people of Israel. May we all have a good, prosperous, safe and quiet year."
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Prime Minister, Teens West Bank Kidnapping, Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Tagged Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas, Kidnappings
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Full Text Israel Political Brief September 21, 2014: PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Weekly Cabinet Meeting on the economy, rebuilding up the South and Cyber Security
יום ראשון כ"ו אלול תשע"ד
"Today, the Cabinet will approve a NIS 1.3 billion supplement for Sderot and the communities in the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip. This is the largest investment that the State of Israel has ever made in this area. This is in addition to the NIS 417 million that we transferred during Operation Protective Edge (<. We are developing a new industrial zone in Sderot, transportation infrastructure in the area and are encouraging young people and students to move to the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip.
We came to this country to build and to be built. We came to this part of our land in order to build and be built in it and nobody will uproot us. We will strengthen our hold and our development of this area just as in other areas. I say 'as in other areas' because on Tuesday we will submit for Cabinet approval a supplement regarding an approximately NIS 2 billion in additional funds for the communities and cities of the south . In the framework of this decision, we will build a new hospital in Be'er Sheva, in addition to the hundreds of additional beds for the existing Soroka Medical Center.
We will connect new natural gas infrastructures for the benefit of factories in the south. We will invest in initiatives to connect the Negev in the framework of the Digital Israel program. We will encourage small and mid-size businesses. We will develop tourism and all aspects of life including the important cyber aspect for all residents of the Negev, including Bedouin. This is a deep commitment on our part. I think that it has found expression.
I mentioned the word 'cyber'. I would like to update the public and the Cabinet that I decided last week to develop a national authority on the cyber issue to arrange and see to defending the entire State of Israel on the cyber issue. That is, defending not only important facilities and security agencies, but how to defend Israeli citizens against these attacks. This is the establishment of a new authority. It is, in effect, the creation of an air force against new threats and not rely on this being carried out by existing agencies. We are in a new world; we are preparing with new forces. This has very major significance for the defense of the State of Israel in the future.
Standard and Poor's has maintained Israel's A+ credit rating , but it must be noted that they said that this is based on the assumption that Israel will continue the responsible economic policy that we have led in recent years and not deviate from it. I think that this obligates us to an even greater effort that we have not yet completed in order to maintain security needs alongside the necessary economic responsibility, as well as the other needs of the State of Israel. In the end we are standing here with several clear components and the effort is yet before us.
I would also like to announce that, as of now, according to very interesting statistics, most of which are positive, the State of Israel in 2013 (there is always a one year lag), officially, I can tell Israelis on the eve of Rosh Hashanah , that Israel's population has passed eight million. No less important, for the first time in the history of the State of Israel, more than six million Jews live here. This number has great significance in light of our people's history in the previous century as well as in the current one.
While we never lack constant challenges from all sides I think that we proved over the past year that we can overcome them. Our strongest quality is the unity of the people and the heroism of our soldiers in repelling one of these threats and dealing a severe blow to our enemies on the southern border, of course.
On the eve of our holiday, I would like to send our best wishes for a full and rapid recovery to the wounded IDF soldiers and citizens and at the same time send our deepest condolences to the families of the fallen.
I would also like to commend the entire people of Israel for the determination and unity that they showed during Operation Protective Edge. I would like to send them greetings from the ministers and myself that they should now have the vacation that was denied them during the summer. Be with your families and above all, have a happy, quiet and safe year."
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, Economy, Israel News, Israeli Politics, New Building & Construction, Prime Minister, Southern Israel, Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Tagged Benjamin Netanyahu, Credit Rating, cyber-security, Economy, Southern Israel, Weekly Cabinet Meeting
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Full Text Israel Political Brief August 31, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting about ending the Gaza War
יום ראשון ה' אלול תשע"ד
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting this morning (Sunday, 31 August 2014):
"First, I would like to commend our host, Hof Ashkelon Regional Council Chairman Yair Farjun and the mayors and regional council chairmen, our friends from the south. It was your leadership and patience that gave us much strength to lead this campaign with responsibility, sagacity and great determination, as well as with considerable vigor, in order to restore security to Israel's citizens. This was, and remains, our supreme concern.
Since the establishment of the State of Israel, our hand has been extended in peace to those of our neighbors who want peace, and we have always fought vigorously, and with strength, against those who wish to destroy us, while building up our state, our cities and our communities – this is what we have done this time as well. We struck Hamas very hard. The IDF and the ISA killed almost 1,000 terrorists, struck at the heads of the organizations, and struck at their network of tunnels and their terrorist high-rises. We foiled their rocket attacks, and their aggression from land, sea and air. We hit their command centers and delivered blows that Hamas has not experienced since it was founded. At the same time, Hamas withdrew from all of its demands for a ceasefire, with neither time constraints nor other conditions.
I hope that the quiet that has been restored will last for a long time. But we are ready for any scenario both in this sector and in others including – of course – the Golan Heights. We will continue in keeping with our Zionist heritage, to develop our communities and our cities. I use the word develop, not just rebuild, because we have already started to do that.
We will make three decisions. Our first decision will be to assist – with a NIS 1.5 billion five-year plan – Sderot and the communities in the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip. The intention is not only to rehabilitate agriculture and repair damage which has been done but also to assist industrial, economic and agricultural development, and of course the construction of additional security infrastructures. This is the first commitment and it will be realized today.
The second thing is that this month we will submit a similar package for the development of the cities and communities of the south. We are committed to them, we have always been committed to them. In recent years there has been accelerated development in the south; we want to strengthen it. The Zionist answer to those who seek our lives is not only to rebuff them and overcome them in any campaign but also to develop our state, in this case the communities in the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip and in the south, and to develop the Negev as a whole.
The third thing that we will do today is to fill in the gaps. We will start to fill in the gaps that have been created in security. This reflects our understanding about the order of priorities in security is first and foremost. We have done very great things here but this requires us to make a redoubled effort to allow the IDF, ISA and the security arms to continue to efficiently protect the State of Israel.
In the end, we share Education Minister Shai Piron's view regarding tomorrow's opening of the school year as scheduled throughout the country. I know that Israel's children, two million Israeli children and their families, who will be going to kindergarten and school tomorrow, have endured a summer that was not simple, and I know that there is also great excitement and anticipation ahead of the opening of the school year. On behalf of the ministers, I would like to wish all of the children, especially those entering first grade, that they should all have a good, successful and safe year."
by bonniekgoodman on August 31, 2014 • Permalink
Posted in Arab-Israeli Conflict, Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, Israel News, Israeli Military (IDF), Israeli Politics, Operation Protective Edge, Prime Minister, Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Tagged Airstikes, Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting, Ceasefire, Hamas, Operation Protective Edge
Posted by bonniekgoodman on August 31, 2014
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Full Text Israel Political Brief August 17, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting Israel Not Deterred by Hamas' Threats Will Fight Back Strikes
If Hamas thinks that it can cover up its military loss with a diplomatic achievement, it is mistaken. If Hamas thinks that continued sporadic firing will cause us to make concessions, it is mistaken. If Hamas thinks that we cannot stand up to it over time, it is mistaken.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Sunday, 17 August 2014), made the following remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting:
"We are in the midst of a combined military and diplomatic campaign. From the first day, the Israeli delegation to Cairo has worked under clear instructions: Insist on the security needs of the State of Israel. Only if there is a clear response to our security needs will we agree to reach understandings. In the past month Hamas has taken a severe military blow. We destroyed its network of tunnels that it took years to dig. We intercepted the rockets that it had massed in order to carry out thousands of deadly strikes against the Israeli home front. And we foiled the terrorist attacks that it tried to perpetrate against Israeli civilians – by land, sea and air.
If Hamas thinks that it can cover up its military loss with a diplomatic achievement, it is mistaken. If Hamas thinks that continued sporadic firing will cause us to make concessions, it is mistaken. As long as quiet is not restored, Hamas will continue to take very harsh blows. If Hamas thinks that we cannot stand up to it over time, it is mistaken.
In the stormy and unstable Middle East in which we live, it is not enough that there be more strength, determination and patience are also necessary. Hamas knows that we are very strong but maybe it thinks that we do not have enough determination and patience, and here it is making a big mistake.
We are a strong and determined people. We have seen this in the amazing revelations of strength and resilience in the past weeks on the part of both our soldiers and our civilians. We will continue to be steadfast and united until we achieve the goals of the campaign – the restoration of quiet and security for all Israelis."
Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon and National Security Council Chairman Yossi Cohen briefed ministers on ongoing developments in Operation Protective Edge and the contacts taking place in Cairo on a diplomatic settlement.
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, Gaza Strip, Hamas, Israel News, Israeli Military (IDF), Israeli Politics, Operation Protective Edge, Palestinians -- UN, Prime Minister, Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Tagged Airstikes, Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting, Ceasefire, Hamas, Operation Protective Edge, Peace Negotiations
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Full Text Israel Political Brief June 29, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Weekly Cabinet Meeting on Radical Islamic Movements in Israel, Rocket Attacks from Gaza and Search for three Kidnapped Teens
יום ראשון א' תמוז תשע"ד
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, made the following remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting:
"Over there weekend there was a demonstration in Umm Al-Fahm in which infuriating calls and support for abducting IDF soldiers were heard. Most Israeli Arabs do not take this view and I call on their leaders to be courageous and strongly condemn such calls. As Israelis we cannot countenance such outrageous remarks that call for abducting Israeli soldiers. IDF soldiers protect all of us. We cannot accept infuriating calls to abduct IDF soldiers.
In many cases, those behind such calls and demonstrations are from the northern branch of the Islamic Movement. It constantly preaches against the State of Israel and its people publicly identify with terrorist organizations such as Hamas. Therefore, I directed the relevant authorities to consider declaring the northern branch of the Islamic Movement an illegal organization. This would give the security authorities significant tools in the struggle against this movement.
Over the weekend, the IDF attacked multiple targets in response to firing at Israel from the Gaza Strip .
We are ready to expand this operation as per need. I would like to reiterate that from the moment the Palestinian unity government was established with the Hamas terrorist organization, the Palestinian Authority became responsible for preventing firing at our territory from the Gaza Strip.
Over the weekend, the ISA revealed the identities of those responsible for the abduction of our three youths – Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Frankel and we are continuing to do our utmost to bring them home safely.
Immediately after the abduction, we said that Hamas was responsible. I think that it is now clear to everyone what we based ourselves. Abu Mazen says that he opposes abductions; he says that he wants to proceed on the path to peace. If he stands by what he says, there is only one way to advance peace – and that is to tear up his agreement with Hamas."
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, Gaza Rocket Attacks, Israel News, Israeli Military (IDF), Israeli Politics, Prime Minister, Teens West Bank Kidnapping, Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Tagged Abduction, Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting, Gaza Strip, IDF, Israel Defense Forces, Israeli-Arabs, Kidnapping, Palestinian Authority, Palestinians, Radical Islam Movements, Rocket Attack, Weekly Cabinet Meeting, West Bank, West Bank Settlements
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Full Text Israel Political Brief June 22, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Weekly Cabinet Meeting Updating on the Search for the Three Abducted Teens
יום ראשון כ"ד סיון תשע"ד
"Over the weekend I met with the parents of the abducted youths. I promised them that we are doing, and will do, everything to bring the abducted boys home safely. We are in the midst of a continuing and focused effort to – first of all – bring the boys home. This effort entails a certain friction with the civilian population in Judea and Samaria; we have no intention of deliberately harming anyone but our forces are acting as necessary for self-defense and from time to time there are victims or casualties on the Palestinian side as a result of the self-defense actions of our soldiers.
We are focusing on returning the abductees, on finding the kidnappers and on striking at the organization to which they belong. We have unequivocal proof that this is Hamas. We are sharing this proof and information to this effect with several countries. Soon this information will be made public. I think that at that time Abu Mazen's remarks in Saudi Arabia will be put to the test in practice. His remarks will be tested not only by actions to return the boys home but by his willingness to dissolve the unity government with Hamas, which abducted the youths and calls for the destruction of Israel."
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Palestinians -- UN, Prime Minister, Teens West Bank Kidnapping, Weekly Cabinet Meetings, West Bank Settlements
Tagged Abduction, Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting, Eyal Yifrah, Gilad, Gush Etzion, Kidnapping, Naftali Frankel, Palestinian Authority, Palestinians, Sha'er, West Bank, West Bank Settlements
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Full Text Israel Political Brief June 15, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Weekly Cabinet Meeting Blaming Hamas for Three Kidnapped Teens in the West Bank
יום ראשון י"ז סיון תשע"ד
"This morning I can say what I was unable to say yesterday before the extensive wave of arrests of Hamas members in Judea and Samaria.
Those who perpetrated the abduction of our youths were members of Hamas – the same Hamas that Abu Mazen made a unity government with; this has severe repercussions.
We are currently focusing all of our efforts on bringing the abductees back home. Before coming here, I spoke again with the families, and I embrace and encourage them from here, from the Cabinet table, and I know that I speak for all parts of the nation."
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, Hamas, Israeli Politics, Palestinian Authority, Palestinians -- UN, Prime Minister, Terror Attacks, Weekly Cabinet Meetings, West Bank, West Bank Settlements
Tagged Abduction, Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting, Kidnapping, Palestinian Authority, Palestinians, West Bank, West Bank Settlements
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/full-text-israel-political-brief-june-15-2014-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-at-the-start-of-the-weekly-cabinet-meeting-blaming-hamas-for-three-kidnapped-teens-in-the-west-bank/
Israel Political Brief June 8, 2014: Netanyahu: Unity deal gives Hamas foothold in West Bank
Netanyahu: Unity deal gives Hamas foothold in West Bank
Source: Jerusalem Post , 6-8-14
Rather than moderating Hamas, there are increasing signs that the Palestinian unity government pact is helping the Gaza-based Islamist organization gain strength in the West Bank, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said at the opening of Sunday's …READ MORE
by bonniekgoodman on June 8, 2014 • Permalink
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Palestinian Authority, Palestinians -- UN, Prime Minister, Weekly Cabinet Meetings, West Bank
Tagged Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas-Fatah Unity Government, Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinians, Weekly Cabinet Meeting, West Bank
Posted by bonniekgoodman on June 8, 2014
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/06/08/israel-political-brief-june-8-2014-netanyahu-unity-deal-gives-hamas-foothold-in-west-bank/
Full Text Israel Political Brief June 8, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Weekly Cabinet Meeting on Palestinian Unity Deal Allows Hamas into West Bank & Australia's Recognition of East Jerusalem as Part of Israel
יום ראשון י' סיון תשע"ד
"Over the weekend, the leaders of Hamas reiterated their intention to destroy the State of Israel. Whoever hoped that the Palestinian unity between Fatah and Hamas would moderate Hamas is mistaken. Instead of the Palestinian authority taking over Gaza, the signs are being more and more seen that the complete opposite is taking place, i.e. that Hamas is increasing its control in the Palestinian Authority areas in Judea and Samaria. Therefore, international pressure must be applied on Abu Mazen to dissolve the partnership with Hamas. This touches on the roots of the conflict and the roots of a solution in which peace is achieved between us and the Palestinians. In any case, Abu Mazen promised to uphold all of his previous commitments, and the first of these is honoring the commitment to demilitarize the areas under the control of the Palestinian government, including – of course – the Gaza Strip.
Over the weekend we also heard an interesting declaration from the Australian government of a kind that we do not always hear. It simply said that eastern Jerusalem is not occupied territory; the minimum is that is an area in dispute. To say this sharply and with such clarity and, I would say, courage, is refreshing given the chorus of hypocrisy and ignorance, ignorance not only of ancient history, but of recent and current history. What has really happened here? Who invaded who? Who occupied what? What is subject to negotiation? What is the area in dispute? These are new things. I certainly appreciate this stand by the Australian government and I am certain that all those who want to see an agreement here based on peace, justice and truth – and it is impossible to build peace based on historic lies – would agree. There is truth and it must be embraced. It requires many, many conclusions and steps, but it certainly does not require the sanctification of lies."
Posted in Australia, Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, East Jerusalem, Hamas, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Palestinian Authority, Palestinians -- UN, Prime Minister, Weekly Cabinet Meetings, West Bank
Tagged Australia, Benjamin Netanyahu, East Jerusalem, Hamas-Fatah Unity Government, Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinians, Security Cabinet
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/06/08/full-text-israel-political-brief-june-8-2014-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-at-the-start-of-the-weekly-cabinet-meeting-on-palestinian-unity-deal-allows-hamas-into-west-bank-australias-recognit/
Full Text Israel Political Brief June 1, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Weekly Cabinet Meeting Urging International Governments not to Recognize Palestinian Unity Government and on Shavuot
יום ראשון ג' סיון תשע"ד
"I call on all responsible elements in the international community not to run to recognize the Palestinian government of which Hamas is a part and which rests on Hamas. Hamas is a terrorist organization that calls for the destruction of Israel and the international community must not embrace it. This will not strengthen peace; it will strengthen terrorism.
On the upcoming Shavuot holiday we see the first fruits of the Land of Israel. And we see here the first fruits of the Land of Israel. There are children here from the Negev and from Tzuba in the Jerusalem hills. I see here wheat, grapes, fruit from the ground and many other things and of course, we merit to see the children. Shavuot also marks the giving of the Torah and the bringing of the first fruits and we always knew that we have a land flowing with milk and cyber."
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, Hamas, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Palestinian Authority, Palestinians -- UN, Prime Minister, Shavuot, Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Tagged Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas-Fatah Unity Government, Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinians, Shavuot
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/06/01/full-text-israel-political-brief-june-1-2014-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-at-the-start-of-the-weekly-cabinet-meeting-urging-international-governments-not-to-recognize-palestinian-unity-governmen/
Full Text Israel Political Brief May 28, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at the Jerusalem Day Cabinet Meeting at Ammunition Hill
PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Jerusalem Day Cabinet Meeting at Ammunition Hill
יום רביעי כ"ח אייר תשע"ד
Photo by GPO
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks at the Cabinet meeting at Ammunition Hill :
"Jerusalem was unified 47 years ago and it will never be redivided. Since that day, Jerusalem has developed; it is prosperous and flourishing. We meet here every year in order to ensure that this prosperity will be even greater, that the construction will be even broader and that it will flourish even more. We are committed to a rebuilt, greater and developing Jerusalem as a historical mandate of the Jewish People. I have heard that there are those who would like to cancel today as a national holiday. I say that this is not just a national holiday; this is a historic, national miracle. The Jewish People will always see to the rebuilt and greater Jerusalem."
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem, Prime Minister, Special Events Ceremonies, Weekly Cabinet Meetings, Yom Yerushalayim
Tagged Ammunition Hill, Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting, Jerusalem Day, Yom Yerushalayim
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-28-2014-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-at-the-jerusalem-day-cabinet-meeting-at-ammunition-hill/
Full Text Israel Political Brief May 25, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Weekly Cabinet Meeting on Pope Francis's Arrival for Israel Visit
יום ראשון כ"ה אייר תשע"ד
Following are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting:
"We welcome the arrival of Pope Francis to the Land of Israel the Holy Land. His visit here is an opportunity to show the world the true Israel, the advanced, modern and tolerant Israel, in effect, the only country in the Middle East that ensures complete freedom of worship to those of all faiths, guards the holy places and ensures the rights of all – Jews, Muslims, Christians, everybody.
We appreciate the Pope's strong stand against anti-Semitism, especially in light of the surging Jew hatred that we have witnessed in recent days. Last's night's murder in Brussels is the result of constant incitement against the State of Israel by various elements in the Middle East and in Europe itself. There are elements in Europe that rush to condemn the construction of a flat in Jerusalem but do not rush to condemn – or offer only weak condemnations of – the murder of Jews here or in Europe itself and, even worse, welcome unity with a terrorist element such as Hamas, which calls for the destruction of the State of Israel. We oppose such hypocrisy, we protest against it, we will continue to always state the truth, we will continue to fight terrorism and we will continue to build up our state.
Today, we will submit to the Cabinet a proposal to integrate the ultra-orthodox in the public workplace, in the public economy. We do this, the Economy Minister and I, for the benefit of the ultra-orthodox community and to integrate it into the general labor market. I think that this is the right step in the right direction and there will be other steps."
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, Europe-Jewish Relations, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jewish-Christian Relations, Pope Francis Israel Trip, Prime Minister, Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Tagged Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel Trip, Pope Francis, Weekly Cabinet Meeting
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/05/25/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-25-2014-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-at-the-start-of-the-weekly-cabinet-meeting-on-pope-franciss-arrival-for-israel-visit/
Full Text Israel Political Brief April 27, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Weekly Cabinet Meeting on Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah
יום ראשון כ"ז ניסן תשע"ד
"This evening we will mark Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day. The State of Israel will honor the memory of the six million victims of the Holocaust. The main difference between the helplessness of the Jews during the Holocaust and the situation of the Jews today is that today we have a strong, sovereign state with a strong military that can defend us against those who seek our lives.
Iran tops the list of those who seek our lives; it has declared its intention to destroy us. In addition to its effort to arm itself with nuclear weapons, Iran arms, finances and trains Hamas and other terrorist organizations on our borders. Hamas denies the Holocaust even as it attempts to create an additional Holocaust by destroying the State of Israel. It is with this Hamas that Abu Mazen chose to form an alliance last week. Instead of issuing statements designed to placate global public opinion, Abu Mazen needs to choose between the alliance with Hamas, a terrorist organization that calls for the destruction of Israel and denies the Holocaust, and a true peace with Israel. We hope that he will disavow this alliance with Hamas and return to the path of true peace.
Today, the Cabinet is due to approve Finance Minister Yair Lapid's and Social Affairs and Social Services Minister Meir Cohen's proposal for a national plan to assist Holocaust survivors. Also, a representative of the Senior Citizens Affairs Ministry will present an initiative to assist Holocaust survivors in utilizing their full rights. We have a moral obligation to see to it that Holocaust survivors living among us can live out their lives honorably. We [also] have the supreme national responsibility of preventing another Holocaust; let us do both."
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Cabinet Meeting Remarks, Holocaust / Yom HaShoah, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Prime Minister, Weekly Cabinet Meetings, Yom HaShoah
Tagged Benjamin Netanyahu, Holocaust, Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day, Holocaust Memorial Day, Weekly Cabinet Meeting, Yom Hashoah
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/04/27/full-text-israel-political-brief-april-27-2014-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-at-the-start-of-the-weekly-cabinet-meeting-on-holocaust-martyrs-and-heroes-remembrance-day-yom-hashoah/
Israel Political Brief April 24, 2014: Israel suspends peace talks with Palestinians
Israel suspends peace talks with Palestinians
Source: Los Angeles Times, 4-24-14
Israel suspended its involvement in peace talks Thursday after a Palestinian deal that would bring the militant Islamic group Hamas into a broader Palestinian government. Israel's decision, announced after a six-hour Cabinet meeting….READ MORE
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel News, Israeli Cabinet, Israeli Politics, Palestinian Authority, Palestinians -- UN, Peace Process, Prime Minister, Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Tagged Benjamin Netanyahu, Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Authority, Palestinians, peace talks, Security Cabinet Meeting
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/04/24/israel-political-brief-april-24-2014-israel-suspends-peace-talks-with-palestinians/
Full Text Israel Political Brief March 6, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu's California Trip Promoting Tourism and Industry
PM Netanyahu Held a Series of Meetings in Silicon Valley in Order to Promote Investments in the Israeli Technology Industry
יום חמישי ד' אדר ב תשע"ד
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, yesterday, held a series of meetings in Silicon Valley in order to promote investments in the Israeli technology industry.
Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Apple CEO Tim Cook and other corporate leaders, and was briefed on Apple's activities in Israel, which have significantly expanded since their inception approximately two-and-a-half years ago. The Prime Minister invited Cook to visit Israel and proposed that Apple begin activity at the national cyber park in Be'er Sheva. – Click here to view the video
Prime Minister Netanyahu also met with the WhatsApp founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton and discussed cyber protection technologies that have been developed in Israel. – Click here to view the video
Prime Minister Netanyahu signed a strategic partnership agreement with California Governor Edmund G. ("Jerry") Brown, Jr. to promote economic relations between Israel and California. for further details and the complete text of the agreement.) Flextronics CEO Mike McNamara and YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki were among the corporate leaders attending the meeting. Prime Minister Netanyahu called on the corporate leaders to increase their investments in the Israeli economy. He also referred over-regulation in Israel and said that in intends to implement deregulation reforms. – Click to view the video
Posted in American Politics, Finance, Interior, Israel News, Israel Tourism, Israeli Defense, Israeli Politics, Justice, Labor Trade & Industry, US-Israel Relations, Weekly Cabinet Meetings
Tagged Benjamin Netanyahu, California, Industry, Jerry Brown, Silicon valley, Technology, Tourism, Travel
https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/03/06/full-text-israel-political-brief-march-6-2014-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-california-trip-promoting-tourism-and-industry/