This is envisioned as a two-parter, starting with the latest Israel-Arab [Gaza/Lebanon/Syria] conflict;

having been envisioned as a terse-update [including my blogging contributions], it has grown to include
startling data about what is now occurring in this latest Israel-Arab War [which thereby serves as a
prcis for anyone who wishes to disseminate these truths among family/friends].

Although there is plenty of space herein for media-critique, one particularly insidious
quotation from The Economist [already pegged in prior analyses as unambiguously
pro-BHO and Lib-oriented] merits scrutiny. Under the heading Israel and Palestine
[immediately conveying a sense of ownership of the Gaza Strip by Palestinian Arabs],
this essay [The new normal - No matter what Israels prime minister says, the conflict
with the Palestinians cannot simply be managed] channels the desire to blame Israel
for the failed Kerry-effort, notwithstanding the fact that the chief-negotiator, Martin
Indyk, no friend of Israel, portrayed the dnouement thusly:

In recounting a nearly yearlong series of negotiations, Indyk said that
both sides identified the agreement gaps early on and that Netanyahu
eventually moved into "the zone of a possible agreement" on such
thorny issues as the status of territories, Jerusalem, and mutual
recognition of Israel's and Palestine's rights to exist. But during Abbas's
visit to Washington in March, he effectively "checked out" from the
talks and stopped responding to proposals from the Obama
administration on how to close a deal. After that, the process spiraled
downward and intensified during negotiations over the release of
Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

With this in-mind, note excerpts from the belittling of Israelis at the end of the 1
st

graph; the implied-threat that predictably ends the 2
nd
graph; the [documented-to-
have-failed] judgmentality of the 3
rd
graph; the characterization of indiscriminate
bombing of civilians as having been perpetrated by militants instead of terrorists at
the end of the 4
th
graph; the unjustified egalitarianism that opens the 5
th
graph and
the negative-prediction that closes the 5
th
graph [an unproven postulate that had also
been trotted-out by lefties regarding Iraq, particularly noting the surge of Islamist-
recruitment after BHO allowed for its victories in Iraq/Syria]; the abuse of arithmetic
[that Bard debunked, vide infra] that infests the 6
th
graph; the lie [noting that Israelis
have not land-grabbed within Judea/Samaria, post-Oslo] that is buried in the 7
th
graph;
and the overt-editorialization [lambasting Israel, noting the above data c/o Indyk] that
emerges from the 8
th
graph:

Demonstrators in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have protested not just about
war and peace, but even more vociferously about the price of cottage
cheese.

Palestinians, 70 of whom have already been killed, are sliding towards a
third uprising, or intifada.

Mr Netanyahus mistakecompounded by the actions of Mahmoud
Abbas, leader of the Palestinians on the West Bankis to think that
their versions of normality can be sustained simply by managing the
conflict. A stand-off is always liable to tip into violence. Lasting peace
will come about only when the two sides reach a comprehensive
settlement.

militants fired rockets into Israel.

fragility is a symptom of the influence of extremists on both sides.

to the watching world, its overwhelming use of force, which always
leaves many more Palestinians than Israelis dead, has often looked
excessiveand its international standing, which moderate Israelis care
about, tumbles further.

normality for the West Banks Palestinians has come to mean
accepting Israeli occupation while Israeli settlers gobble up ever more
territory.

For all these reasons, the failure of Mr Netanyahu to make peace a
priority is dangerous. He did not make the most of the recent plan put
forward by John Kerry, Americas secretary of state. Both he and Mr
Abbas recklessly pursued short-term advantage during the talks, leaving
their countries vulnerable to those who argue that, with the hopes of
peace exhausted, conflict is all that remains. That is wrong. Two states,
one for Israelis and one for Palestinians, remains by far the greatest
hope for peace. The parameters of an agreement are well-rehearsed.
What is lacking is the conviction among reasonable people that such a
settlement is needed now. Without that belief, Israels normality will
always have an air of unreality.

It will rapidly become readily apparent that this Blast e-mail is replete with references
to fundamental info regarding both the acute conflict with Gaza and its chronic origins;
suggested action-items are intended to maximize support for Israel, as she is pounded
by THOUSANDS of rockets [toting-up both those of the prior decade and the current
barrage], weathering the storm so that the IDF can truly silence Hamas in Gaza. I feel
the process will now be methodically enlarged, yielding new and manageable truths;
indeed, Israel may opt to hold territory north and south of Gaza City, yielding a buffer.

Underlying these forces-at-play is Islamism, manifest worldwide in myriad forms:
Video Shows Accused Boston Bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Laughing in Dorm After Attack
Shilling for the Jihadis: NYT and WaPo Stand with the Muslim Brotherhood [read in entirety and lament]
Jet Blue boots Jewish Doctor from plane, because a Palestinian "wasn't comfortable flying with her!"
Senior Labour MP Apologises After Accusing Editor of Jewish News of 'Killing Children'
BOKO HARAM MOCKS #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS
Casablanca, Morocco Rabbi Beaten in Public over Israel's Gaza Initiative
PROTESTERS IN GERMANY: 'JEWS ARE BEASTS'
Antwerp rally features call to slaughter the Jews - Demonstration part of wave of anti-Semitic incidents
in Western Europe
In Wake of Hamas Campaign, Attacks on Jews from Europe to America
Europes Alarming Push to Isolate Israel
american-muslims-chant jews-back into ovens and nuke-israel
Anti-Israel Rants on Police Megaphones
It is necessary to stop the Palestine Solidarity Movement (PSM) and the [identical] International
Solidarity Movement (ISM) for, inter alia, PSM LIES.
Former ISIS Jihadist: 'The Brutality of ISIS Terrifies Everyone'

An essay [The Minority Strategy: A New Path for American Interests in the Middle East -
If Washington stopped trying to win over the Sunni Arab world, it could create a strong
web of alliances with groups that are about to rise in prominence and strength]
dovetails with my Kurdish strategy. [h/t Benjamin Miller]

Regarding the Danon-firing [vide infra], this is what I wrote on one of Israpundits blogging-sites:

Id like to suggest a reformulation of the available information acquired during the past
24-hours.

First, a disclaimer: I have adored Danny Danon ever since he stood next to Governor
Rick Perry [9/2007] in NYC while they blasted the UN [and efforts to confer "statehood"
on "Palestine"].

Arlene Kushner thinks el-Sisi may have purposefully initiated this gambit, knowing
Hamas would not comply, thereby strengthening Israel and hardening intent to do what
Egypt cant, namely, to achieve a demilitarized Gaza.

I respect also, of course, BB, for we graduated from the same High School [Cheltenham,
he in '67 and me in '69].

Finally, I have always felt that whatever is noted in America is actually articulated almost
purely for internal political consumption; in that regard, I have read pundits predicting
what BB will do as he eyes the potential for an election within 18 months. Liebermans
party-divorce apparently was irreversible, despite BBs having initiated his reaction to
the Hamas-rockets within 24-hours of this decision [perhaps noting that polling
suggested he'd gain ~7 Knesset seats].

In any case, not only can BB intensify his offensive, but he can accomplish this in a
fashion that unites the currently-governing coalition; in my view, DD will suddenly
awaken with a start, recognizing how effectively BB used him.

Essentially, BB cried all the way to the bank, now empowered to portray himself as a
force of moderation between hawks and doves.

*

Look, with all due respect, when the PM has made a decision, it is desirable to support it
publicly; if for no other reason than to undermine the capacity of enemies to use a
political statement to undermine Israel, it is best if he were to have relied solely upon
having aired his contrary viewpoint privatelyparticularly noting the fact that they are
both Likud.

*

What yall fail to acknowledge is that BHO was undoubtedly extorting BB to do his
bidding, hanging the Iron Dome over his head [so to speak].

On another Israpundit site, I quoted my earlier analysis of the slick pro-Islamist PR of Al-Monitor when
amplifying on what had been discussed by others, to wit:

Illustrative of the refinement of pro-Islamist PR is Al-Monitor, which allegedly follows
the agenda of the Iranian and Syrian governments and Hezbollah.[6][7] {Wikipedia
citations} Note, as an example, why Daoud Kuttab suggests that the true target, and a
likely casualty, of the conflict is the unity agreement between Fatah and Hamas:

The Israeli military establishment and to a lesser degree the Hamas
military wing have their own reasons to ramp up the conflict and test
their latest military equipment. The war on Gaza is an unnecessary war.
The calm from the previous cease-fire was holding until Netanyahu and
company decided to piggyback on a heinous crime against three Israeli
settlers. Their aim is to accomplish far-reaching political goals that
include crushing a legitimate political movement.

Note not-so-subtle swipes @ Israel, both regarding its alleged intent to sow acrimony
between the PA/Hamas and regarding the claim that this is all so very unnecessary;
there is not even an effort made to acknowledge the ongoing missile attacks from Gaza.

And on a third Israpundit site, I flamed-out on Dershowitz, the Church, and European anti-Semitism:

Dershowitz remains dangerous for, it must be recalled, he supports making
Judea/Samaria judenrein; he corroborated this stance publicly @ the U of Pennsylvania
a few months ago [after I x-examined him before a SRO-crowd], when he sided with J
Street over those who would remind him that the concept of trading-land-for-peace has
been thoroughly debunked. He clearly placed his support of Obamas social policies over
his concerns with Obamas Middle East policies. [For documentation, note the three
hyperlinks within the second graph of this essay I wrote two months ago.]

*

The roots of European anti-Semitism are both deeper and more superficial than
anything related to the Catholic Church [recalling the Second Ecumenical Council of '64,
when modern Jews were officially absolved by Pope John XXIII].

*

As a physician, I do not recall ever reading any scholarly piece suggesting attitudes can
be genetic; the roots of European anti-Semitism may be multifaceted, but sustaining a
genetic mutation is a new one on me.

On a fourth Israpundit site [all having been initiated within the past 24-hours], I wrote, With all due
respect to the unanimity of opinion that has emerged among these comments, might anyone please
note the salutary effects of BBs actions?...[after I was challenged to support my support of BB]He has
survived efforts by BHO to undermine his leadership, just as Clinton had successfully accomplished ~15
years ago. This panoply of comments illustrates how Ted Belman has provided a conduit for
commentary, even from those [such as myself] who lack access to primary-data; it is advised that his
efforts be received regularly by anyone who ponders this conundrum.

"Israel Gap" Widened:
More Republicans Than Democrats Support Israel in Current Conflict
{Because it starts @ the top, BHO is culpable for these data.}

Washington, D.C. (July 15, 2014) -- The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) responded to
the release of a Pew Research Center poll today on the partisan gap in Israel-Palestinian
sympathies. The Pew poll found that among conservative and moderate Republicans,
sympathy for Israel was at 77% and 64%. Among moderate and liberal Democrats, that
sympathy was at 48% and 39%. Thus, RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks said:

For years, public opinion polls have documented the large gap in
support for Israel between Republicans and Democrats, with
Republicans being far more supportive of Israel. This poll shows a gap
of 27 points. At the very moment that Israel is under attack, with over
1000 rockets launched against her in the last 8 days, fewer than half of
the Democrats polled say they have more sympathy for Israel than for
the Palestinians.

It is a sad and sobering confirmation of the Democrat Party's shift over time away from
support of Israel, especially at its grassroots. If support for Israel ceases to be bipartisan,
the U.S.-Israel relationship - which is of so much benefit to both countries - will suffer.

Regarding Israel, note first what is happening:
A Three-Front War? Mortar Strike from Syria Hits Israel's Golan Heights
Hamas' Rocket Barrages from Gaza are fired into civilian territoryoften from civilian territoryand
force Israelis to seek shelter and save their lives within seconds of receiving an alert.
PALESTINIANS EMBRACED FIGHT SONG 'STRIKE A BLOW AT TEL AVIV'
Michael Oren: 'Thank the American People for Iron Dome'
Sinai Residential Area Hit with Rockets, Eight Killed - AL-ARISH, Egypt, July 14 (UPI) -- At least eight
people were killed Monday in explosions
Police Rockets Landing in 'Heart of Israel'
Israel's Innovative 'Trophy' Defense System Saves Tank as Tel Aviv Comes Under Fire Yet Again
Iron Dome shoots down 3 over Tel Aviv
Israeli dies after being struck by missile
Rockets Slammed into Eilat Hotel
Canadian Prime Minister Condemns Obama, West for Not Supporting Israel
Turkey PM accuses Israel of 'state terrorism'
Israel's Magen David Adom emergency services offered to transfer blood units and donations to the
Gaza Strip, but the humanitarian gesture was rejected by the Palestinian Authority; the organization
then offered to assist the PA by facilitating blood drives involving Palestinian or Israeli Arab donors, but
that offer was rejected as well. {Note the rejection was from Abbas, not Hamas.}
Making Sport of the War in Gaza: The most disturbing aspect of this body count journalism is that it
provokes some consumers to crave Israeli casualties in the name of proportionality. Israels war on
terror is treated as if it were a one-sided football match where the more powerful team is vilified if it
runs up the score rather than allow the other team a fair chance. War is no game, and Israelis should not
be expected to die for the sake of making the journalists scoreboard more even. The aim of Operation
Protective Edge is to prevent Israeli casualties. {by Mitchell Bard}

Then note the minuet regarding the potential for a cease-fire [and Arlene Kushners impressions], noting
that Israel held-off any attacks from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. [while Hamas emitted dozens of rockets]:
EGYPT PROPOSED ISRAEL-HAMAS CEASEFIRE
Egypt Proposed Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Starting 9:00 a.m. Tuesday
Obama Cornered Himself with Ceasefire Offer
Hamas Cornered in Egyptian Ceasefire Deal
Hamas Spokesman Rejected Ceasefire Proposal
Hamas rejected peace offer, and fired more rockets
Israel accepts truce as Hamas rejects it as surrender
Nationalist MKs Outraged Over Impending Ceasefire
IDF-resumed-air-strikes-in-Gaza
Deal's Off: Israel Withdrew Ceasefire as Hamas Targets More Civilians
Netanyahu Fired Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon [this was experienced in real-time, because his
scheduled ZOA-sponsored (off-the-record) conference-call@ 3:30 e.d.t.was cancelled @ 2:49 e.d.t.
when the ZOA has been able to confirm that Danny Danon has been asked to step down from his post
as Deputy Minister of Defense.

Next, recognize the potency of internal Israeli politics:
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman: Time to Take Back Gaza
Netanyahu: Since Hamas Won't Stop, Its Time To Expand IDF Operations in Gaza
Israeli Military Says It's Resumed Gaza Airstrikes
Media Propagandizes For hamas

As a result, note the upcoming [limited, I predict] Gazan ground-troop invasion by the IDF:
Netanyahu says will intensify offensive, hit Hamas with 'great force'
Only Retaking Gaza will Work!
ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER AVIGDOR LIEBERMAN: TIME TO TAKE BACK GAZA
Obama warned Israel not to invade Gaza [right on-cue, after no cease-fire was OKed via UN]
Thousands Flee Northern Gaza After Israel Drops Pamphlets Warning Civilians to Get Out
Hamas Say its Leading Gazans to Their Death [essentially, telling citizens to be human-shields]
Netanyahu talks of demilitarization of Gaza

Also, note long-term thinking:
The One-State Solution Is on Our Doorstep [c/o Caroline Glick]
Netanyahu: Two-state solution impossible, Israel on frontlines of jihad [its about time!]
'Pro-Palestinian, Pro-Hamas' Has Become an Oxymoron
THE INVESTIGATIVE PROJECT ON TERRORISM (IPT)] argued that, with its disregard of the recent
ceasefire and the damage it has consequently wrought on Gazan society, it is no longer rational to
believe that Hamas has Palestinians' interests and welfare as a goal.
BY EXTENDING INTERIM IRAN DEAL, WOULD OBAMA BE DELIVERING A NUCLEAR IRAN? [BHO cares not]

Recognize the raging PR-battle:
Israel PR - We Need Your Help!
Note the gross bias manifest in this piece [Israel Widens Gaza Bombing Targets, Deploys Ground Troops]
on the huffington post website, which ignored and corrupted the sequence-of-events [depicted supra].
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) Ignoring international appeals for a cease-fire, Israel widened its range of
Gaza bombing targets to civilian institutions with suspected Hamas ties and deployed ground troops
inside Gaza for the first time early Sunday to raid a rocket launching site in the Palestinian territory.
More than 156 Palestinians have been killed. The United Nations estimates that 77 percent of those
killed in Gaza were civilians. {It would be laughable were it not so sadcarrying dire implications.}

Here are the corroborative topics covered during the past 48-hours by Pamela Geller:

o Iran Rearms Hamas
o Four Front War: First time in History Israel attacked from Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, Sinai
o Seattle: Hamas Hatefest Depicts Jews Eating Christian Babies and Drinking Their Blood
o UN report confirms Israel warned Gaza civilians to evacuate before attacks
o Bosnian Serb Leader Unconditionally Supports Israels Gaza Operation
o VIDEO: Egyptian Officials and Media Thank Netanyahu For Destroying Hamas, Pro-Hamas
Obama Admin Condemns Netanhayu
o Powerful Muslim Group group to boycott Obamas Ramadan dinner, citing Americas support
for Israel
o VIDEO: Boston Students at Pro-Israel Rally Assaulted
o VIDEO: Violent Muslims beat Jews with sticks at large pro-Israel rally in Los Angeles, DHS fires at
wespon at attackers
o AWOL Traitor Warrior for Islam Bergdahl Being Released To Active Duty As Early As Today
o As Caliphate Rises, Obama gives pink slips to thousands of soldiers, including active-duty
officers
o Chicago Muslims Protest in Support of Terrorist Hamas
o Pamela Geller, WND Column: Obamas Jihad Against Israel
o As Muslims Attack Jews Worldwide, UK Synagogue Marks Ramadan with Interfaith Iftar Meal
o Devout Muslim Group Boko Haram Machine-Guns 38 at Christian Farming Community
o 86 the 99: Islamic State calls for killing of creator of Muslim comic The 99
o VIDEO: Muslim father forces young Syrian daughter to perform sexual jIhad (Jihad al Niqah):
o Stolen Nuclear Compounds: Dirty Bombs and Nukes for Islamic State (IS)
o Muslim Couple Threatens to Blow Up Hamptons Synagogue during Ramadan
o Hamas Rocket Barrage Kills Aid Worker; Netanyahu Expands Operation Protective Edge
o Europe Reverts
o Savages: Hamas clip celebrates missile attack on schoolbus that murdered 16-year-old
o Hamas Fires Over 35 Rockets on Israel After Truce
o Muslims attack Catholic convent, beat and try to rape nuns in Bangladesh
o Hamas-CAIR behind D.C. Council Resolution Against AFDI Bus Ads; AFDI Runs More Truth About
CAIR Ads
o Eyewitness Account: The Black Slaves of Islam
o Official PA daily: Jews God demands Passover Matzah made from the blood of our children
o PHOTOS: As Rockets hit Eilat, Hamas rejects truce ahead of Israeli govt talks on deal

Israel Update and Backgrounder: Operation Protective Edge

Deputy Consul General in Philadelphia, Elad Strohmayer, used latest technology to explain life in Israel
under fire [which FNCs Bret Baier demonstrated on Monday]:



Israels Ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer, was on Face the Nation Sunday morning (July 13)
and, in addition to demonstrating Red Alert (Tzav Adom in Hebrew) he showed footage of an Israeli
mission that was aborted to protect civilian lives. He noted that, during the past month, approximately
1200 rockets have been fired at Israel, including at Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa; the rockets being fired
from Gaza are indiscriminate weapons that target civilians. These actions violate international law and
Hamas and its allies are committing war crimes.



Israel has made huge investments to protect its citizens; the Iron Dome missile defense system and
extensive civil defense shelters. In contrast, Hamas has not built any shelters for its civilian population.



Instead of building shelters, Hamas devoted all its resources to acquiring and making thousands upon
thousands of rockets as well as building its extensive terrorist infrastructures, including bunkers for
hiding its members and cross-border tunnels to attack Israel. (It takes up to 500 tons of cement and
concrete to build a single tunnel.)


The above photograph was taken by a friend and sent with this message on 6.27.14.

I took this picture. I was in Israel with some American Admirals and Generals (retired)
under JINSA sponsorship as the guests of their Ministry of Defense. At one point during
a 9/10 day visit we got down to the Gaza border and this is one of the things we saw. A
tunnel starting far back in Gaza - near a civilian area and extending nearly 3 miles long -
30 feet underground - and headed directly for a nearby kibbutz full of Israelis farmers -
in Israel proper. The ultimate idea was for the tunnel to come up in the kibbutz where
the civilian Israelis could be murdered or taken hostage. The reason for my sending you
this picture is to show you what the Palestinians do when they do get the concrete they
want (And, in fact, they get HUGE amounts of everything they claim they dont. The
ones currently imposing a real, serious, closure of Palestinian access to everything are
the Egyptians, but neither the media nor the United Nations have a word to say about
that since the tough guys arent Jews). We were told that with the amount of concrete
used to build the ceiling and walls of this terror tunnel, the Palestinians could have built
a multi-story home for many families or a hospital for their people. But they arent
interested in their people or in building a real home/state for them, theyre interest in
killing Jews and destroying Israel. Anyway, this is one picture I can vouch for. I took it
myself with my very best camera. My iPhone. It is less than a month old. DPS Note:
6.27.14

Hamas and Fatah formalized a Unity Pact on June 2, 2014. Money is in short supply and American
taxpayers must stand up and say NO to funding this government. Sign the petition at
www.notaxesforterror.com and learn how you can take action.

Hamas intentionally acts to increase the harm to its own civilian population by using them as human
shields. Hamas has positioned rocket launchers, weapons stores, leadership facilities, command and
control centers, communication facilities and other terrorist infrastructures among the civilian
population of Gaza. The sites - and the sites of actual rocket launchers - are deliberately located in, near
or under homes, schools, hospitals and mosques, leaving Palestinian civilians deliberately exposed to
grave danger.



Furthermore, Hamas actively calls on Gazans to go onto roofs after Israeli warnings are sent and its
Ministry of Interior has ordered them not to evacuate targeted homes [original in Arabic].



Hamas, by using its civilian population as human shields and by targeting Israeli civilians, bears full
responsibility for casualties on both sides.

Israel is making every effort to avoid harming civilians in the Gaza Strip. They are pinpointing its attacks
against terrorist targets and warning civilians about upcoming actions. Extensive warning systems for
the residents of Gaza include text messages, leaflets, warning shots and even making individual
telephone calls to the inhabitants of targeted structures! What other modern army would go to such
lengths to protect lives?

Most of the international community ignores Hamas' violations of international law and basic morality
conferring in effect immunity upon them. The time has come to place the blame on Hamas' barbaric
behavior towards Palestinians and Israelis alike.





DETAILED INFORMATION

Hamas War Crimes:

Hamas' actions are in clear violation of the most fundamental principles of the laws of armed conflict,
including the principle of distinction. This principle requires parties to an armed conflict to refrain from
deliberately targeting civilian population or civilian objects. Likewise, it requires parties to distinguish its
military operations and the civilian population, and to refrain from using the presence of the civilian
population to shield military objectives. Hamas violated this fundamental principle in two main ways

By deliberately attacking Israel's civilian population, including by conducting suicide,
rocket and mortar attacks.

By deliberately and systematically employing tactics which put the Palestinian civilian
population in danger, including the launching of attacks from within densely populated
areas, the use of human shields, deploying weapons storage sites and command
centers in residential homes and in densely populated areas and commandeering
sensitive sites (such as hospitals, private homes, schools and mosques) for terrorist use.

These actions clearly constitute war crimes, as defined by international law and may also amount to
crimes against humanity.

The principle of distinction is anchored in customary international law. It has been reflected in treaties
and other sources of international law, including in several articles of the Additional Protocol to Geneva
Conventions, 1979. [Israel is not a Party to the Additional Protocols but, nevertheless, it is Israel's
position that a number of Articles in the Protocol reflect customary international law.] For example:

Article 48: In order to ensure respect for and protection of the civilian population and civilian
objects, the Parties to the conflict shall at all times distinguish between the civilian population
and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives and accordingly shall
direct their operations only against military objectives.

Article 51(2): "The civilian population as such, as well as individual civilians, shall not be the
object of attack. Acts or threats of violence the primary purpose of which is to spread terror
among the civilian population are prohibited"

Article 58: " The Parties to the conflict shall, to the maximum extent feasible: (a)endeavor to
remove the civilian population, individual civilians and civilian objects under their control from
the vicinity of military objectives; (b) Avoid locating military objectives within or near densely
populated areas;"

Article 51(7): " The Parties to the conflict shall not direct the movement of the civilian
population or individual civilians in order to attempt to shield military objectives from
attacks or to shield military operations."

Article 12(4): "Under no circumstances shall medical units be used in an attempt to
shield military objectives from attack. Whenever possible, the Parties to the conflict
shall ensure that medical units are so sited that attacks against military objectives do
not imperil their safety."

Article 53: "It is prohibited (a) to commit any acts of hostility directed against the
historic monuments, works of art or places of worship which constitute the cultural or
spiritual heritage of peoples; (b) to use such objects in support of the military effort;





Translation of the IDF warning notice for Gazan citizen:

Military Notice

To the residents of Beit Lahya (the area in light blue)

The IDF will powerfully strike from the air the terrorist elements and their infrastructure
in the regions from where rockets are launch towards the State of Israel, specifically into
the following places:

East Atatra up to Salateen street and from West and North Jebalia (the Camp).

For your safety:

Evacuate your houses immediately towards south Jebalia (the village) through the
following roads: Alfalloujah street. Do it until 12pm noon Sunday 13 July 2014.

The IDF doesnt want to hurt you or your families. The actions will be temporary and
short. Anyone who doesnt abide by this instruction and doesnt evacuate his house
immediately puts in danger himself and his family!!!!

Forewarned is forearmed!

IDF Command

Original message in Arabic

Hamas spokesman calls on Gazans to endanger their lives

Israel is making every effort to prevent uninvolved civilians in the Gaza Strip from being harmed. Earlier
today (13 July), the IDF warned the local population in the northern Gaza Strip to seek shelter
elsewhere. In response to heavy rocket fire from these areas, Israel is planning to target concrete
terrorist infrastructure and operatives in that area but is attempting to do so with as few casualties as
possible among the uninvolved civilians.

In stark contrast to Israel's concern for the residents of Gaza, Hamas officials continue to encourage the
local population to be human shields and to endanger their lives. Today, Hamas's Interior Ministry
Spokesman in Gaza called on the population in northern Gaza Strip to ignore the IDF's warnings and to
stay in their homes. He also urged those who had already left to come back immediately. Hamas is once
again guilty of deliberately endangering the lives of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.



Humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip: Movement of goods and people through the crossings


Despite the ongoing rocket fire from Gaza, Israel has not halted entry of trucks into Gaza. All crossings
with Israel remained open on Friday and today (Sunday). More than 100 trucks carrying food and fuel
entered Gaza on Friday and today and more than 800 foreign citizens left the Gaza Strip through Israel.
There is no shortage of food or fuel in Gaza and there are no signs of a humanitarian crisis. Medicines
and medical equipment have passed continuously as well through the two crossings.
List of goods entering Gaza:


day
Food Medicine Gas Gasoline Fuel Diesel
Total
trucks
*1 *2 *3 *4 *5 *6
Friday
July 11
--
7
trucks
87
tons
--
187,000
liter
222,000
liter
21
Sunday
July 13
68
trucks
1
trucks
110
tons
72,000
liter
288,00
liter
188,000
liter
86
*1 including animal feed mixture
*2 Medicines and medical equipment
*3 for home use (cooking)
*4 for cars
*5 for electricity power plant
*6 for public transportation
People entering Israel:
Crossing day Number of foreigners
*7
Erez crossing
Friday, July 11 22
Sunday, July 13 812
*7 - exit of foreigners with dual citizenship of the United States, Sweden, Romania, Poland, Turkey,
Canada, and UK.


OFFICIAL STATEMENTS

PM Netanyahu's remarks at the weekly Cabinet meeting
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Sunday, 13 July 2014), made the following remarks at the
start of the weekly Cabinet meeting:

"Israel is conducting a vigorous military campaign against Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the
other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has chosen to attack our cities
with massive and indiscriminate rocket fire. I said from the outset that we would
respond in strength against this criminal firing at our citizens and this is what we are
doing.

We are striking Hamas with increasing strength. We are hitting commanders, militants,
arsenals and command centers. The IDF, ISA, security services, firefighters, the Israel
Police everyone is doing their part and doing it in the best way possible. But one must
understand how our enemy operates. Who hides in mosques? Hamas. Who puts
arsenals under hospitals? Hamas. Who puts command centers in residences or near
kindergartens? Hamas. Hamas is using the residents of Gaza as human shields and it is
bringing disaster to the civilians of Gaza; therefore, for any attack on Gaza civilians,
which we regret, Hamas and its partners bear sole responsibility.

The leadership of Hamas and the other organizations has chosen at a time when they
are using the population of Gaza as human shields to hide under ground, to flee
abroad and to deliberately put civilians in the line of fire. This is the entire difference
between us and Hamas we are using defensive systems against missiles to protect the
residents of Israel and they are using the residents of Gaza to protect arsenals of
missiles. Nothing better underscores the difference in this campaign. Israel is a
democracy that is fighting in a legitimate and focused manner against unbridled
terrorists and no country in the world would do any less than we are doing to protect
our citizens.

We will continue to act in a patient and level-headed manner, responsibly and
vigorously, in order to achieve the goal of the operation the restoration of quiet for a
long period while inflicting a significant blow on Hama and the other terrorist
organizations in the Gaza Strip. The IDF is prepared for all possibilities.

Now, two other points. First, to the citizens of Israel: You are showing maturity and
responsibility and I think that you are impressing the entire world. But I have one
request: Do not be complacent. I know that there are people who are going out and
who want to see the missiles. I ask you: Do not do this. I ask that you enter protected
spaces. We are speaking here from a protected space. We ask you to be in protected
spaces and to listen to instructions from IDF Home Front Command. Someone rightly
said that, regarding civil defense, one needs not only an Iron Dome but iron discipline as
well. You have shown this up until now. This could yet take a long time and we need
both your support and your discipline.

The last point: Today in Vienna, the foreign ministers of the major powers are discussing
the question of dealing with Iran's nuclear program. I would like to remind them Hamas
and Islamic Jihad are being financed, armed and trained by Iran. Iran is a major power of
terrorism that finances, arms and trains the terrorist organizations that we are fighting
against. This Iran cannot be allowed the ability to produce fissile material for nuclear
weapons. If this happens, the things that we are seeing around us and the things that
are happening in the Middle East will be far worse. In recent years we have made
various forecasts for the Middle East my colleagues here around the table and I and
these forecasts have, to my regret, come true one by one. The prediction of Iran as a
nuclear threshold state cannot be allowed to come true, it cannot. This cannot be and it
will not be.

The President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, addressed the security situation and the rocket fire
against Israel this morning (July 13, 2014) at the President's Residence in Jerusalem:

"Hamas terrorists aims to kill and injure as many innocent Israelis as possible. We do not
wish to harm civilians. A reality in which 5 million of our people, including women and
children, are running to bomb shelters is intolerable. We left Gaza of our own freewill,
Gaza could have been prosperous and successful but instead it turned to terror. Gaza
will be truly free when it breaks free of the shackles of the terrorists organizations.The
IDF is fighting terror with determination and dedication. We cannot allow terrorism to
drive our citizens into bomb shelters. There can be no compromise with terror."

USEFUL LINKS
https://www.facebook.com/israelinphilly
http://embassies.gov.il/philadelphia/Pages/default.aspx
http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/Israel-under-fire/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/user/idfnadesk
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelMFA
https://twitter.com/israelunderfire
http://www.idfblog.com/
https://storify.com/jcincy/protectiveedge/

IN THE PRESS
Ambassador Ron Dermer
Local Philadelphia story

Op-eds and other press links [including many libs]:
http://forward.com/articles/201972/gaza-war-unintended-nope-hamas-is-sworn-to-destro/
Gaza War 'Unintended'? Nope, Hamas Is Sworn to Destroy Israel - Israeli Diplomat Responds to J.J.
Goldberg's Column
bloomberg recognized hamas is-trying-to-get-gazans-killed
getting-the-law-right-on-the-israel-hamas-conflict
Canada Rejects UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Criticism of Israels Response to Rocket
Attacks from Gaza
gaza_civilian_casualties: while_hamas_targets_innocent_people_israel_tries not to do so
Israels first duty is to protect its citizens


Operation "Protective Edge" Q&A

How did it all start?
Between 12 June and 7 July, Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip fired 300 rockets
at Israeli civilians. Although Israel showed great restraint and called for the cessation of the rocket
attacks, Hamas kept firing them indiscriminately into Israeli towns and cities around the country. No
country in the world would accept such a reality, and Israel is no exception.
However, after three weeks of restraint, and the continuation of incessant rocket attacks, Israel was left
with no other alternative but to respond in order to restore the safety of its civilian population.
What is Israel's goal?
The main objective Operation "Protective Edge" is to re-establish stability and quiet for the citizens of
Israel once and for all. Israel cannot accept a reality in which millions of its citizens are subject to the
whims of radical Islamic terrorist organizations, under immediate threat with as little as 15 seconds to
find shelter from incoming missiles.
How does Israel plan to achieve this goal?
The only way to restore quiet to the citizens of Israel is by going after the Hamas aggressors who are
entrenched in Gaza. Operation "Protective Edge" is aimed at significantly degrading Hamas' missile
capabilities and destroying the terrorist infrastructures directed at Israeli civilians. Israel is not looking
for a short-term understanding but wants a long-standing solution for the sake of the safety of its
citizens.
What are the targets of the Israeli airstrikes?
As part of the operation, the IDF is selectively targeting mobile and concealed rocket launchers, Hamas
leadership facilities, attack and smuggling tunnels, terrorist compounds, training sites, communications
facilities, air defense elements and additional sites used for terror activities targeting Israel, including
command and control centers.
What are the long-term objectives of Hamas?
Hamas is similar to other radical jihadi movements like al-Qaeda, ISIS and Boko Haram in its complete
intolerance of the presence of non-Muslims in the Middle East. Therefore, it is no surprise that Hamas
maintains close operational ties with jihadi terrorists in Sinai, including for weapons smuggling, and is
getting weapons and support from Iran.
According to Hamas' ideology, Israel has no place in the world and Hamas' declared goal is the
destruction of the Jewish state. This is exemplified in the organization's covenant: "Hamas strives to
raise the banner of Allah over every inch of Palestine" [meaning all of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza]. In
addition, the organization promotes an antisemitic ideology that glorifies jihad and the killing of Jews.
Why is Hamas shooting rockets at Israeli towns?
Hamas' tactic of firing rockets at Israeli civilian communities did not end when Israel left Gaza
completely in 2005, but rather intensified. Because of its commitment to the annihilation of Israel,
Hamas views every Israeli man, woman and child as a legitimate target of its terrorist attacks by missiles,
suicide bombings, murder and abductions.
Hamas leaders have repeatedly stated that "all of the Israelis are legitimate targets" (Hamas spokesman
Sami Abu-Zuhri, 8 July).
In recent years, the Hamas terrorist organization invested heavily in offensive weapons, bringing the
number of missiles aimed at Israeli towns to around 12,000.
By firing rockets at densely populated areas in Israel, Hamas terrorists are attempting to cause as many
civilian deaths as possible. Hamas' indiscriminate rocket fire is consistent with its ideology, which sees
Israeli civilian casualties as military successes.
Why have there been relatively few Israeli casualties so far in this confrontation?
Due to the growing missile threat, Israel invested huge resources in establishing a two-fold defense
system for its citizens:
1. Israel developed the "Iron Dome" missile defense system, which throughout this confrontation has
provided outstanding protection to Israeli civilians, saving the lives of hundreds or more Israeli civilians.
2. Israel constructed a vast infrastructure of shelters and set up an early warning system enabling its
civilians to find quick cover when terrorists launch their missiles.
Were it not for the effective deployment of "Iron Dome" and the shelters, the number of Israeli civilian
casualties in this conflict would be very high.
Why have civilians in Gaza been hurt?
The civilian casualties in Gaza are a direct result of Hamas' tactic of using the Palestinian civilian
population as human shields for its terrorist activities. Hamas is committing a double war crime by
deliberately targeting Israeli civilians while at the same time embedding its weapons, leaders, operatives
and infrastructures in the midst of uninvolved Palestinian civilians. Hamas bears full responsibility for
the civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.
Moreover, Hamas is also investing all of its resources in acquiring and producing weapons and rockets
for attacking Israel, instead of caring for the welfare of the population of Gaza.
In a show of utter disregard for the safety of its own civilian population, Hamas' Ministry of the Interior
in Gaza has instructed residents not to heed Israel's warnings about impending attacks. Hamas also
urges residents to actively form human shields, thus deliberately exposing them to grave danger.
What measures is Israel taking to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza?
Israel is doing the utmost to reduce to a minimum the harm caused to uninvolved civilians. It does so by
employing stringent target selection procedures, by warning residents about impending strikes using
phone calls, text messages and leaflets and by firing warning shots.
Israel does all this despite significant tactical costs, foregoing operational opportunities and refraining
from attacking known terrorist hideouts and weapons caches located in dangerous proximity to civilians.
Why is it so difficult to de-escalate the situation?
The main reason it is so difficult to bring an end to the violence is Hamas' lack of motivation to do so.
Hamas' experience so far has shown it that it is not considered by the international community as
accountable for its violations of basic morality and of international law.
Are the current events part of a cycle of violence?
One can be tempted to view this confrontation as the latest round in an imagined "cycle of violence".
However, nothing could be farther from the truth since there is no symmetry between Israel and Hamas.
Israel left the Gaza Strip completely in 2005 and has no claims on the territory besides the wish to see it
develop as a peaceful and prosperous neighbor. If Hamas and the other terrorist organizations disarmed
and stopped their attacks, Israel would have no reason to respond.
Yet instead of developing the Gaza Strip, Hamas violently seized control of the territory, turned it into a
terror base and established a terrorist dictatorship whose declared goal is the destruction of Israel.