Tel Aviv Diary August 25, 2023
Escalating Terror in West Bank,Violence in Arab Israeli Community, Ben-Gvir's Gift to the BDS community, economy, business and a review
ESCALATING TERROR
It's been a harrowing week of terror and violence in Israel. The wave of bloodshed began on Saturday afternoon in Huwara. A father and son from Ashdod had apparently traveled to Huwara to get their car repaired. Afterward, they visited a local car wash. While at the car wash, a terrorist approached and shot both father and son with a pistol, at point-blank range. The assailant managed to flee and, as of now, remains at large.
On Sunday, two terrorists targeted a car at an intersection just outside Hebron. Over 20 bullets pierced the vehicle. A beloved nursery teacher from Efrat, who was a passenger in the car, was tragically killed on the spot. The teacher’s 12 year-old daughter was physically unharmed, but endured the unimaginable horror of watching her mother die before her eyes. The car's driver sustained severe injuries. The following day, Israeli authorities captured the two responsible terrorists without any resistance.
WEST BANK VIOLENCE
The ongoing violence in the West Bank is part of a disturbing trend, which Israel struggles to curb. This year marks the highest number of Israeli deaths due to terrorism since the Second Intifada. The current government was elected largely due to their promise to improve security for the average Israeli, instead the opposite has happened. It should be obvious there are no easy solutions, although too many on the right deny that fact.
I recently listened to an interview with Ehud Barak discussing the period of the Second Intifada and the failed Camp David summit. Barak shared that he entered the summit suspecting the Palestinians might resort to violence in its aftermath, but felt compelled to test Arafat's intentions. Ultimately, it became evident Arafat was not the leader who would or could end the conflict. After Ariel Sharon became Prime Minister, Barak tried to convince him to erect a barrier for separation.
Eventually, this wall was constructed and it indeed did help quell the violence the Second Intifada unleashed within Israel. However, while Sharon’s actions did indeed separate a significant portion of Palestinians and Israelis, the actions of the settler movement who have since indiscriminately placed new settlements, close to Arab population centers have rendered Sharon's actions moot.
Following the spree of recent West Bank shootings, several voices among the Jewish settlers have called for dismissal of Commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Yehudah Fox. A group of settler leaders demonstrated outside the Prime Minister's office, demanding increased action against terrorists in the West Bank. Netanyahu controversially insinuated that Iran was behind the terror. While there's some truth in the assertion that Iran funds terror organizations, most of the recent attacks appear to have been executed by individuals, who were either not affiliated or only loosely connected to recognized terror groups.
Although measures can be taken to mitigate the bloodshed, reaching a complete cessation is impossible, as long as settlers and Palestinians continue to reside in close proximity.
In a security cabinet meeting, Defense Minister Galant expressed concern over settler violence towards Palestinians — and recently, even towards soldiers. Galant suggested that this violence both drains resources and further incites Palestinians. However, National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, countered with: “What sort of alternative reality are you living in? Jews are being killed, and you're discussing settler violence.”
Ben-Gvir, who often seeks the spotlight of TV cameras, was available for interviews with numerous media outlets on Wednesday. During these interactions, Ben-Gvir denied any failures on his part, even though the murders of both Jews and Arabs have significantly increased since the inception of this new government. Ben-Gvir pointed out actions he's taken, such as the demolition of three illegally-built homes in Ramla, which were allegedly constructed by criminals. This, Ben-Gvir claims, was unprecedented
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In some respects, it's hard to place the entire blame on Ben-Gvir. The challenges faced by the Israeli police are vast. Expecting someone with no administrative experience to assume such a complex role might be unreasonable. Yet, this reflects the nature of the Israeli governance system: individuals don't necessarily become ministers because of their qualifications, but rather, due to their political influence.
Ben-Gvir seems to have a particular knack for galvanizing the BDS community and those who label Israel an apartheid state. In a recent interview on Channel 12, Ben-Gvir definitively declared, “My right, my wife's right, and my children's right to move freely in Judea and Samaria (The West Bank) outweighs the Arabs’ freedom of movement.” On Friday, after heavy criticism of his remarks, Ben-Gvir stated that he stands by his comments and would be happy to say them again.
VIOLENCE IN THE ISRAELI ARAB COMMUNITY
In Israel, violence among Arab Israelis continues to escalate. 158 Arab Israelis have been killed so far this year. On Monday, Tira’s Director General, Abed Rahman Kashua, was targeted and shot to death. The following day, four Druze were killed outside the village of Abu Snan, although it seemed only one of the men was the intended target. One of the perpetrators in this heinous murder spree was apprehended on Thursday morning, while attempting to leave the country. Two of the other perpetrators have also been arrested.
Violence within the Arab Israeli community has escalated to such an extent that Netanyahu convened a special meeting to devise a plan to address this epidemic. It's worth noting that the efforts of the special coordinator appointed by the previous government to tackle this plague were beginning to show results. However, the current government, seemingly driven by the sole policy of undoing every program or policy implemented during the brief tenure of Bennett and Lapid, has left this crucial role vacant.
During Netanyahu’s meeting, two primary suggestions emerged. The first proposal called for involvement of the Shin Bet (Security Services) in addressing Arab Israeli violence. However, Shin Bet Chief, Ronen Bar expressed reservations. Bar believes that employing the Shin Bet in criminal investigations could alter the very fabric of the state. While Bar stated he is open to the agency's involvement in specific cases that concern attacks on government officials, such as the incident in Tara, he emphasized the breadth of the Shin Bet's current commitments in thwarting terror attacks, and highlighted their lack of available manpower.
The second proposal suggested permitting the detention of individuals without trial — if the police deem them to constitute a threat. This practice is already in place in the West Bank, predominantly targeting Palestinians, though it is occasionally used against suspected Jewish terrorists. Administrative detention mirrors the U.S. strategy employed in Guantanamo Bay. However, it challenges the standards of a democratic society.
Beyond these two proposals, no other concrete ideas were presented. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Smotritch continues to withhold budgeted funds for Arab municipalities, baselessly asserting that those funds are funneled to crime families.
PROTESTS AND JUDICIAL OVERHAUL
Security issues took precedence this week, nevertheless, the proposed judicial “reform” and ongoing protests remained in the spotlight. On the legal front, the Supreme Court denied the government's request to postpone the hearing on the law that seeks to eliminate the determination of “reasonableness” as a factor in court decisions. Meanwhile, the large weekly rallies on Saturday nights continue, without any noticeable decline in attendance or enthusiasm
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On Thursday night, a march took place in the ultra-Orthodox city of B'nei Brak, primarily led by women's organizations. The principal objective was to protest against what many perceive as growing discrimination against women in the public arena, stemming from the ultra-Orthodox community. Another point of contention is the community's near total abstention from military service, along with their efforts to secure a permanent exemption
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During a TV news show on Thursday evening that discussed these issues, an ultra-Orthodox journalist and regular panelist expressed her steadfast belief in Torah study. She passionately stated that she would “fight to her last breath” to ensure her son could study another daf (page) of Gemara. Also on the panel was a lawyer whose son is training to join one of Israel's elite commando units. He posed a poignant question, asking her what she would say to him if, God forbid, his son were injured or killed while serving in the military, defending the nation. The lawyer further queried how that ultimate personal sacrifice (not to mention the sacrifice of the entire family) could be equated with studying another daf of Gemara.
INDISCRIMINATE HIT AND RUN PROMPTS VIOLENT DEMONSTRATION
A major news item this week in Israel was the tragic story of Rafael Adana, a four-year-old Ethiopian boy, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident three months ago in Netanya. The driver was apprehended, despite the poorly handled investigation, leading to questions about whether the person arrested was indeed the driver or perhaps it could have been her daughter. Subsequently, the state attorney announced that the driver would be charged with leaving the scene of an accident, but not with causing young Rafael's death, as the investigation concluded the accident was unavoidable.
This explanation was unacceptable to Rafael's family and the Ethiopian community. They suggested that the inadequate handling of the case was due to Rafael's Ethiopian heritage— i.e., rather than attributing the botched examination in the case to general police incompetence. In response, demonstrations erupted on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights, shutting down Kaplan Street and the Azrieli Intersection. The protest on Wednesday night escalated into violence; one police officer was stabbed, four others were injured, and ten protesters were arrested.
While these demonstrations ostensibly focus on Rafael's heartbreaking untimely death, they also reflect the community's simmering anger over perceived discrimination at both the governmental and workplace levels. It should be noted there is not one scintilla of evidence that the poor handling of the case had anything to do with the ethnicity of the child.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
The Israeli government has yet to finance medical insurance for Ukrainian refugees in the country, despite its prior commitments to do so. Simultaneously, the government has been deporting some of these refugees. The Ukrainian Ambassador unequivocally condemned these actions and has even threatened to prevent the thousands of Chassidim from visiting Uman during Rosh Hashanah. As I've previously mentioned, our actions—or lack thereof—towards Ukraine embarrass me tremendously as an Israeli
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BIG APPLE MAYOR VISITS ISRAEL
New York Mayor Eric Adams visited Israel this week, and he meticulously covered all bases. He met with Netanyahu, protest leaders, and the mayors of both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Such a visit to Israel is typically beneficial for a New York politician.
ISRAEL-DIASPORA
Yossi Klein Halevi, Matti Friedman, and Daniel Gordis jointly penned a column urging American Jewry not to treat the current Israeli government as a standard, normal Israeli administration. While the trio advocates for continued support for Israel, they staunchly advise against engagement with its government officials.
I support this stance, recognizing its challenges. American Jewish organizations have unwaveringly supported Israel for so long that shifting away from this stance proves difficult. What’s crucial to understand now is that what is currently happening in Israel is distinct and unprecedented. Netanyahu’s latest administration aims to fundamentally alter the essence of Israel, and should it succeed, it will transform our nation beyond recognition. It's worth noting that most of the funding for Kohelet (the think tank that helped initiate the movement for judicial overhaul) comes from America. Therefore, it's only logical for American Jewry to play a role in halting these ruinous plans.
REPUBLICAN DEBATE
I will no doubt write an article soon about the dangerous ground some of the Republican candidates are wading into — especially regarding Israel — but for the moment read this article in Media Line, in which I am extensively quoted:
https://themedialine.org/by-region/republican-candidates-spar-over-israel-policy/
ECONOMY
The Israeli economy is an unusual place. On one hand, after years of unparalleled growth the high-tech sector has come to a screeching halt. New investment has tanked and some of the Unicorns have found their values cut in half or more. This decline could be a short term phenomena, but it could represent a major shift. I believe if the judicial overhaul is halted the investment downturn will be a short-term circumstance, and the overall strengths, particularly the talent that fueled Israel’s previous phenomenal growth will reassert themselves.
The economic sector where there has been no slowdown is the defense industries. Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, orders for Israeli arms have been pouring in. With Europe rearming, and NATO members actually planning to reach the 2% of GNP, there is a large market for Israeli defense products. The only negative is that Defense products require physical manufacturing, so the value-added and profit is not anything like the software industry. It does however provide good paying jobs to people who would not easily find their way to the high tech world.
BUSINESS
Grip Security, known as the "industry's first SaaS security control plane," raised $41 million in a Series B funding round led by Third Point Ventures, with participation from YL Ventures, Intel Capital, and The Syndicate Group. The company, founded in 2021, focuses on safeguarding SaaS applications for businesses. It has refined its messaging to emphasize reducing SaaS identity risk. With the increasing use of SaaS tools and cloud accounts, Grip's platform helps IT and security departments gain insight into employees' tool usage and manage user access securely. This funding round brings Grip Security's total funding to $66 million.
Elbit Systems announced this week that it was awarded a contract worth approximately $55 million to supply multi-layered ReDrone Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) to the Netherlands. The contract will be performed over a period of four years.
As part of the contract, Elbit Systems will supply several mobile, stationary and deployed configurations of the ReDrone integrated Counter-UAS solution along with a logistic support package and training.
The ReDrone Solution is comprised of Elbit Systems' advanced DAiR Radar, signal intelligence (SIGINT) sensors, and COAPS-L electro-optical (EO) payload which provide an enhanced integrated aerial picture, along with high-end electronic attack capabilities, all fully controlled by a unified Command and Control system.
The ReDrone system provides functionalities beyond the common active and passive sensors that enable it to rapidly detect and locate multiple drones simultaneously within the protected area. The system can detect, identify, locate, track and neutralize hostile UAS during day and night, both in urban and rural environments and under various weather conditions
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A PIECE OF HISTORY — EVENTS LEADING TO THE SIX DAY WAR, PT. 2
On May 22nd 1967, Egyptian President Nasser declared the Gulf of Aqaba closed to all Israeli vessels, provocatively stating, “The Jews threaten war; we tell them we are ready for war.”
The next day, Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol labeled the straits' closure a breach of international law and an act of aggression against Israel. Concurrently, US President Johnson articulated, “The United States regards the Gulf as an international waterway, and believes a blockade against Israeli shipping is illegal and could seriously undermine peace. The right to free passage in international waterways is a fundamental interest of the global community." Nevertheless, a UN Security Council resolution condemning the blockade was thwarted by a Soviet veto.
While this was transpiring, the US endeavored to assemble an international flotilla to reopen the Straits of Tiran. Regrettably, most countries refrained from participating, compelling the US to abandon the initiative.
On May 28th, after Israel’s Foreign Minister Abba Eban returned from the US, the Israeli cabinet held an extended session. Contemplating whether to grant the US more time or approve a preemptive strike, the cabinet leaned towards patience. This was a challenging decision, especially as Israel's prolonged army mobilization was unsustainable. With memories of the Eichmann trial still fresh and fears of another Holocaust rising, Eshkol's subsequent speech, emphasizing diplomacy, was poorly received, inciting calls for a new government.
On May 29th, Nasser proclaimed, "Today, the matter isn't about Aqaba, the Straits of Tiran, or UNEF. It's about the rights of the Palestinian people and the 1948 aggression against them. We demand complete rights for the people of Palestine."
On May 30th, King Hussein of Jordan arrived in Cairo and entered into a defense pact with Egypt, effectively placing Jordanian troops under Egypt's command in the event of a conflict
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By June 1, a new Israeli government was formed that integrated opposition parties, with Moshe Dayan assuming the role of Defense Minister. The prevailing sentiment was clear: the US couldn't assemble a viable international initiative, but it would understand if Israel decided to act.
A TASTE OF TEL AVIV — MEATOS
A RESTAURANT REVIEW
If you're on the hunt for a solid, top-notch kosher meat restaurant in Tel Aviv, you can't miss Meatos. A Tel Aviv favorite for almost 20 years, this place is famous for its delectable beef dishes. Their steaks, whether you choose entrecôte or filet, are grilled to sheer perfection and are an absolute must-try. Of course, if steak isn't your thing, they also whip up delicious chicken and fish dishes. However, it’s the steak that steals the show at Meatos! Meatos also has a fantastic business lunch special where you get an appetizer, dessert, and a drink — all for the price of a main dish from their regular menu. The appetizers are generous, but their cauliflower deserves a special shout out — it's a must-try! One last cool tip: There's a cafeteria-style dining area one floor below the main restaurant, where you can get some of the same amazing dishes at a discounted rate
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Find Meatos at the corner of Weizman Blvd and Shaul Hamelech Blvd. It's super convenient, being close to Ichilov Hospital, the Israel Museum, the Courts, and the IDF HQ.