Middle East Update

Michael Freund
For Arbi Khiangte, Monday, (November 20), evening’s regularly scheduled El Al flight out of Bombay was far more than just an eight-hour long trek across the ocean. Born and raised in the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram, which straddles Burma and Bangladesh, the striking 21-year-old is a member of the Bnei Menashe, a [...]

The UK’s Daily Telegraph reports that Hizb’Allah is planning to push ahead with its effort to topple the current Lebanese government, despite the massive outpouring of anti-Syrian and anti-Hizb’Allah sentiment at yesterday’s funeral for murdered parliamentarian Pierre Gemayel. The Telegraph quoted a Hizb’Allah politburo figure as saying that his paramilitary Shi’ite party - backed by [...]

Israel deserves more blame for its actions in the war with Hizb’Allah than the paramilitary terror group does, according to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour. In an interview with The Jerusalem Post on Thursday, Arbour said that Hizb’Allah missile attacks aimed specifically at killing Israeli civilians were less of a concern [...]

Hamas chief in Cairo for surprise talks on Shalit release deal
The Israeli media reported Friday afternoon on the standoff between Israel and the Palestinian leadership over two critical issues: An end to Kassam rocket fire on Israel and the retaliatory IDF operations in Gaza, and the exchange of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit for 1,500 [...]

IDF troops facing tough resistance to anti-Kassam operations
Local and international media outlets reported Thursday evening November 23, that an elderly Palestinian grandmother detonated herself near IDF troops operating in the northern Gaza Strip, killing herself and injuring three Israeli soldiers.

IDF troops working with the Shin Bet and Israeli Police busted four wanted Palestinian terrorists Wednesday night November 22. during the final stages of planning a suicide bombing attack inside Israel. The IDF reports that the four men were all members of Islamic Jihad and were arrested near the West Bank city of Jenin after [...]

The New York based Human Rights Watch leveled strong criticism at Palestinian terror organizations Thursday for their cynical use of civilians to protect active terrorists, calling the act a war crime. The statement follows widespread celebration among Gaza residents at what they have seen as a successful way to ward off IDF strikes on wanted [...]

Media sources reported that at least four Kassam missiles were fired from northern Gaza into Israel on Thursday November 23, causing no damage, but giving a taste of the terror to the man that many here think needs it the most. Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz was in his hometown of Sderot Thursday morning [...]

UNIFIL, France blast Israeli recon flights while ignoring Hizb’Allah violations
Israeli news sources reported on Thursday November 23, that French soldiers in Lebanon who feel threatened by “aggressive” Israeli reconnaissance flights are allowed to open fire on the warplanes.

Five Israeli soldiers wounded during shootouts in the Strip Following the security cabinet approval of an extended response to Gaza-based Kassam missile fire, the IDF is expected to present the government with its complete plans for a large Gaza operation in the coming days. The security cabinet continues to warn, however, that there is no [...]