Yom Shishee
Friday
2 Nisan 5783
March 24 2023
Photo and Videos of the Day
An orthodox man shocks a “protester” in Bnei Brak yesterday by handing out food.
As we reported yesterday, the anarchist/demonstrators against the government have designated this weekend as one in which they will try to provoke the ultra-orthodox whom they loathe. Tomorrow night a large march is planned through the ultra orthodox city of Bnei Brak.
A mini-march took place yesterday, but it didn’t turn out like the “protesters” expected. Instead of attacking, the ultra-orthodox set up refreshment stands and embraced the “protesters” as brothers and sisters (all the while still maintaining their pro-Coalition position).
Click here to see what happened when a group of “protesters” met orthodox residents in the street.
All in all, whether singing, dancing, or eating (the “protesters” were served cholent) it was a bright spot amidst the chaos the anti-government movement has fomented in the last 10 weeks.
The News on the Israeli Street
The war in Judea and Samaria.
Shooting attacks:
Palestinian terrorists opened fire at IDF troops at Yaved.
The Palestinian terrorist who was the leader of the Tulkarm Brigade terror cell was shot and killed yesterday in a firefight with Israeli forces after he was surrounded in Izbat Shufa:
The assault weapon and weapons vest of the dead terrorist.
Palestinian terrorists opened fire on the IDF pillbox near Ibad.
Palestinian terrorists opened fire on an Israeli motorist in the area of Avantz Square near Shofa.
Palestinian terrorists opened fire from a passing vehicle at the Avraham Hasnou Junction southwest of Hevron.
Palestinian terrorists opened fire at Israelis on Mt. Hevron.
IED, Molotov, and “rock” attacks:
Palestinian terrorists tried to murder Israelis northeast of Ramallah at Singil, on Road 55 near Azzun, in the Hosan Bypass between Al Khader and Beitar, on Highway 60 near Ofra, near Nahal Kana in the direction of Emanuel, and at two dozen other locations.
More concessions to Palestinian terrorists in prison . . .
It was announced this morning that in honor of Ramadan, security prisoners will now receive 15 minutes of hot water for showers per person per day instead of the usual 4 minutes.
Without being too cynical, your humble servant wonders why a prisoner needs 15 minutes to shower. Just as it was wondered last night on Israeli television why Palestinian prisoners receive Viagara in Israeli prisons.
TODAY’S BLOG
Netanyahu Comes Out Swinging!
Yesterday saw a parade of people including Defense Minister Galant and the head of Shin Bet come to Netanyahu’s office and tell him that the time has come to freeze the legal reform legislation. So, when Netanyahu decided to have a nationwide address at 8:45 pm last night, all the mainstream, leftist Israeli media was sure that he was going to do exactly that.
Were they ever mistaken!
Who appeared at the podium was a fiery, fist-pounding Netanyahu who promptly announced that he no longer felt bound to follow the Attorney General’s ruling that he cannot participate in discussions about the legal reforms because of the Knesset passage of the so-called “Incapacitation Law” two days ago (see yesterday’s blog).
He promptly declared that the legal reform legislation would continue and explained why the power of the Israel Supreme Court must be curbed:
“The supporters of the reform are outraged that the balance between the branches of government has been violated over the past few decades. The court unjustifiably interfered with security considerations in the fight against terrorism, raising difficulties for the government in making policy. For example, it prevented the removal of infiltrators from Israel and you know what that did to the residents of southern Tel Aviv. It interfered in the gas plan and for years delayed the extraction of the gas from the water, costing us billions of shekels, without the authority to do so. It prevented laws and delayed appointments that should not have been discussed at all . . . Many in the nation agree that the Supreme Court is run as a closed club for the appointment of judges in a friend brings friend system. The judges have a veto in the existing system on the appointment of judges and in practice appoint themselves, which does not happen in any other democracy in the world.”
He proceeded to say that the claim that Israel will become “an illiberal halachic state” is absurd and promised to protect the rights of women and LGBT people.
He concluded by saying:
“In light of these concerns, I say tonight – I believe that it is possible to pass a reform that will provide an answer to both sides, that will restore the proper balance between the branches of government and, beyond that, that will preserve the individual rights of every citizen in the country. We did not come to run over and trample. We came to balance and correct. We are determined to responsibly amend the democratic reforms that will restore the balance between the branches.
The best way to achieve a balanced reform and prevent a rift in the nation is through dialogue and achieving as broad an agreement as possible. Unfortunately, until now the representatives of the opposition have refused to enter this discussion. Almost three months have been wasted because of this refusal. I hope that will change in the coming days.”
It was a bravura performance, vintage Netanyahu.
Will the speech change any minds? Of course not. The anti-government movement will not rest until Netanyahu is ousted.
But it is good to have Netanyahu back in the fight.
On that happy note, we wish you:
Shabbat Shalom!
Addendum:
The expected reaction to Netanyahu’s speech has not been long in coming. Most vehement today has been Attorney General Baharav-Miara who said that Netanyahu is “breaking the law” by getting involved in the legal reform debate and that he is in violation of the conflict of interest arrangement that he made with the Supreme Court that allowed him to become Prime Minister while he is on trial.
The next shoe to drop will be that of the Supreme Court/High Court of Justice.
A student from Malawi, who had worked with an Israeli health volunteer in his country battling AIDS, came up to us as we walked down the street in the UC-Davis Picnic Day Parade and wanted to carry the Israeli flag.