JEREMIAH 8:11
11 For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:3
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
ISAIAH 33:8
8 The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant,(7 YR TREATY) he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man.(THE WORLD LEADER-WAR MONGER CALLS HIMSELF GOD)
JERUSALEM DIVIDED
GENESIS 25:20-26
20 And Isaac was forty years old (A BIBLE GENERATION NUMBER=1967 + 40=2007+) when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.
21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
22 And the children (2 NATIONS IN HER-ISRAEL-ARABS) struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.
23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels;(ISRAEL AND THE ARABS) and the one people shall be stronger than the other people;(ISRAEL STRONGER THAN ARABS) and the elder shall serve the younger.(LITERALLY ISRAEL THE YOUNGER RULES (ISSAC)(JACOB-LATER NAME CHANGED TO ISRAEL) OVER THE OLDER ARABS (ISHMAEL)(ESAU)
24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.(THE OLDER AN ARAB)
26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob:(THE YOUNGER-ISRAELI) and Isaac was threescore (60) years old when she bare them.(1967 + 60=2027)(COULD BE THE LAST GENERATION WHEN JERUSALEM IS DIVIDED AMOUNG THE 2 TWINS)(THE 2 TWINS WANT JERUSALEM-THE DIVISION OF JERUSALEM TODAY)(AND WHOS IN CONTROL OF JERUSALEM TODAY-THE YOUNGER ISSAC-JACOB-ISRAEL)(AND WHO WANTS JERUSALEM DIVIDED-THE OLDER,ESAU-ISHMAEL (THE ARABS)
ISAIAH 28:14-19 (THIS IS THE 7 YR TREATY COVENANT OF DANIEL 9:27)
14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.
19 From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report.
OK NOW THAT ABBAS IS GOING TO THE USELESS U.N INSTEAD OF DOING A DEAL.. AND THE PEACE TALKS ARE HISTORY.WE CAN EXPECT ROCKETS FROM GAZA.AND ISRAEL BOMBING GAZA IN ITS DEFENCE.JUST INTIME FOR THE APR 15,14 BLOOD MOON FOR ISRAEL TO GET SOME OF ITS PROMISED LAND BY GOD GIVIN TO ISRAEL THREW WARS.PROOF AGAIN THESE ARAB MURDERERS WANT TO STEAL EVERYTHING FROM ISRAEL.AND IF THEY CAN'T THEY BAIL QUICK AND START MISSLING ISRAEL.WELL I CAN GUARENTEE THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME WHEN THESE MURDERERS TRY THE MISSLE PLAY AGAINST ISRAEL.
PEACE TALKS OVER-Kerry Cancels Abbas Meeting as PA Requests To Join UN Agencies
Abbas breaches peace talk conditions by making unilateral bid for international recognition; Kerry cancels upcoming visit to Ramallah.By Ari Yashar-First Publish: 4/1/2014, 8:18 PM-Israelnationalnews
Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas breached the conditions of the peace talks Tuesday by signing a request to join several United Nations (UN) agencies.Abbas obligated himself to refrain from such unilateral moves for international recognition during the course of the peace talks, restarted last July by US Secretary of State John Kerry."The Palestinian leadership has unanimously approved a decision to seek membership of 15 UN agencies and international treaties, beginning with the Fourth Geneva Convention," Abbas said on TV following the signing, reports AFP.The PA chief also threatened that if Israel did not release the fourth batch of 26 convicted terrorists set to be released as part of ongoing talks, the PA would "immediately" seek membership in another 63 international agencies."The demands (for membership) will be sent immediately," declared Abbas, but added "This is not a move against America, or any other party - it is our right, and we agreed to suspend it for nine months."Despite that insistence, in the last few minutes it has been reported that John Kerry cancelled his Wednesday visit to meet Abbas, in a clear sign of Washington's displeasure at the move and perhaps the clearest sign yet that the faltering talks are rapidly imploded."We are no longer travelling tomorrow," a senior State Department said.Kerry had been set to meet with the PA leader in Ramallah, after a meeting with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday took longer than planned, preventing Kerry's scheduled meeting with Abbas.The unilateral move by the PA effectively torpedoes the peace talks, which were set to continue until April 29, and which have been stalling of late amid Abbas's consistent refusal to recognize Israel as the Jewish state.Abbas set conditions on the extension of peace talks, demanding a Jewish construction freeze in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem, as well as the release of the fourth and final batch of terrorists promised to the PA by Israel as a "gesture."Israel at least temporarily refused the last batch of releases this Saturday, given the wide-spread opposition to the highly unpopular move and the lack of progress in the talks.
'Blackmail'
Just on Tuesday, reports revealed that the US offered to release Jonathan Pollard, now in his 29th year in an American jail for charges of spying for Israel, in a bid to save the talks. The offer for Pollard would have come in exchange for Israel's release of the fourth batch of terrorists, plus over 400 other Arab terrorists, including arch-terrorist Marwan Barghouti, and a temporary construction freeze in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem.However, in a dramatic move Pollard waived a parole hearing on Tuesday to protest the release, given his opposition to such a deal that would set Arab terrorists free.Meanwhile a spokesman for Abbas's Fatah party revealed two weeks ago on official PA TV that the PA is using its non-member observer status in the United Nations (UN), given in 2012, as a "weapon" to "blackmail" Israel into releasing terrorists.Given the UN status, the PA has been "waving around" the threat of going to the International Criminal Court for around two years according to the spokesman: "we've obtained the release of the prisoners, we blackmailed [Israel], that is, in quotation marks, and we've taken important positions because we have a card that we're waving around."
Herzog: Palestinians have no unilateral alternative to talks-Opposition leader also says Syrian sources have expressed ‘extreme concern’ over country’s future-By Elhanan Miller April 1, 2014, 6:57 pm-The Times of Israel
Palestinians cannot fulfill their national aspirations through a unilateral appeal to join international institutions, the head of Israel’s opposition said on Tuesday.Speaking at a conference in Jerusalem titled “Israel, US and the Middle East: New Visions,” organized by Israeli left-wing research center Molad and the Center for American Progress, a Washington-based progressive think tank, Labor Party chairman Isaac Herzog addressed the possibility of Palestinian unilateral action if Israel fails to accept Palestinian preconditions for extending talks beyond April.“[PA leader Mahmoud] Abbas should understand that there’s no unilateral avenue,” Herzog told the audience. “He has no alternative in any UN forum. It will bring no solace to his people.”Herzog added that the only viable option at the moment is “pressing both sides to negotiate.”The Israeli opposition leader was speaking as Palestinian leaders were preparing to discuss an American offer for extending negotiations, presented by Secretary of State John Kerry to chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat on Monday evening, and reported to include the release of American-Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard.Herzog reiterated his commitment to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in any bid to bolster peace talks with the Palestinians, noting that he heads a Knesset “peace bloc” encompassing 59 members of Knesset outside the governing Likud party willing to endorse continued negotiations.“There is a clear, unequivocal majority [in the Knesset] for peace,” he said.The Arab Peace Initiative, first presented by Saudi Arabia in 2002 and endorsed by the Arab League in 2007, should be the basis for future talks, Herzog argued.“We need the Arab League as a partner for future progress,” he said, calling for a “full fledged” implementation of the plan.Referring to the security issue following a visit earlier today to the Israeli border with Syria on the Golan Heights, Herzog said that security should not be considered a subject associated exclusively with the Israeli right.He mentioned historic Israeli shortcomings in ensuring proper security arrangements in two cases: the IDF withdrawal from the Philadelphi Route on the border between the Gaza Strip and Sinai (which Israel withdrew from in September 2005, leaving the area under the control of the Egyptian army); and the security provisions in the Sinai Peninsula under the Camp David Peace Accords, which Israel signed with Egypt in March 1979.Briefly addressing the situation in Syria, Herzog said the country now faces a choice between “bad and worse” Islamists. He said that Syrian opposition leaders with whom he has been in touch over the past few years have voiced grave concern over the country’s future.
Abbas signs Palestine request to join 15 UN bodies-Officials on both sides say move doesn’t end talks; PA sources: It’s a response to Israeli refusal to release prisoners-By Yifa Yaakov April 1, 2014, 8:18 pm 31-The Times of Israel
In an apparent breach of understandings with the US and Israel, and with a proposed agreement to extend peace talks awaiting a Palestinian response, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday evening signed an official appeal to join 15 UN bodies.At a PLO meeting in Ramallah, Abbas president formally requested membership in the international organizations for the “State of Palestine.”“The Palestinian leadership has unanimously approved a decision to seek membership of 15 UN agencies and international treaties, beginning with the Fourth Geneva Convention,” Abbas said on television after signing the demand. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reporter Derek Stoffel tweeted Tuesday evening that the Palestinian Authority had made the move in response to Israel’s unwillingness to fulfill an obligation to release a fourth round of Palestinian prisoners, some of them Arab Israelis.Stoffel quoted sources in Abbas’s office as saying the peace process would continue regardless of Tuesday’s move. Officials in Jerusalem were also quoted by Channel 2 news as saying that the move didn’t necessarily signal an end to the talks.After the announcement was made, a meeting scheduled for Wednesday between Abbas and US Secretary of State John Kerry was canceled, Palestinian sources said.“We salute the American efforts. But Israel is procrastinating,” Abbas reportedly said before signing a series of documents to apply to the UN bodies.The Palestinian leadership was convened on Tuesday evening to discuss a tripartite deal between the US, Israel and the PA, which would see Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard freed from a US prison, reportedly in exchange for a partial settlement construction freeze and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.The identity of the prisoners to be released would be decided partly by Israel and partly by the Palestinian Authority.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with senior Likud party members on Tuesday to elaborate on the details of the plan and enlist their support. An official close to the negotiations said earlier Tuesday that Kerry was close to a deal that would rescue the faltering Mideast peace talks. The deal would not include a freeze on construction in Jewish settlements in the West Bank as the Palestinians have demanded but would envisage Israel committing to show “great restraint” and not issue new housing tenders. The Palestinians gave the emerging proposal a cool reception, saying it fell far short of their demands for a complete halt to settlement construction and the freeing of 1,000 prisoners of their choosing.White House spokesman Jay Carney said Tuesday evening that the US had yet to decide to free Pollard.“There are obviously a lot of things happening in that arena and I’m not going to get ahead of where we are,” he said in a press briefing. “The president has not made a decision to release Jonathan Pollard”Times of Israel staff, AP and AFP contributed to this report.
Israel reissues tenders for 708 East Jerusalem homes-Plans for apartments offered under more attractive terms to appeal to contractors who previously shunned project-By AFP and Times of Israel staff April 1, 2014, 6:21 pm
Israel reissued Tuesday a call for tenders for homes in East Jerusalem, in a move that could hike tensions as Washington struggles to salvage crisis-hit peace talks.The Israel Lands Authority issued the tenders for living units in the Gilo neighborhood of the capital, which is located beyond the 1967 lines and was annexed by Israel.Peace Now’s Hagit Ofran confirmed the tenders were for 708 homes in Gilo, saying “the Housing Ministry is trying to forcefully undermine the peace process… and [US Secretary of State] John Kerry’s efforts to promote it.“This morning, the Israel Land Authority announced this project, which is actually a renewed tender which was published (in two parts) last year but found no bidders,” she told AFP.Army Radio, which first reported the news, said the tenders had been reissued under conditions significantly better than last year, making it more likely they would be taken up.The tenders were first issued six months ago but had no takers from contractors.Israeli NGO Ir Amim, which supports an “equitable” sharing of Jerusalem between Jews and Arabs, described the tenders as “a poke in the eye of both the Palestinians and the Americans,” the radio said.The development came amid intensive efforts to keep afloat the foundering talks between Israel, the Palestinians. Among the chief demands by Palestinians is a halt to construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Pollard Waives Parole Hearing To Oppose Deal-Parole commissioner reveals Pollard refuses hearing on same day that deal for his release in exchange for Arab terrorists is revealed.By Ari Yashar-First Publish: 4/1/2014, 7:46 PM-Israelnationalnews
According to a member of the US Parole Commission, Jonathan Pollard, now in his 29th year in a US jail on charges of spying for Israel, has waived a planned parole hearing. The move is seen as a protest of reports of a deal in which he would be released in exchange for over 400 Arab terrorists.The commissioner, Patricia Smoot, noted that the parole hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, reports ABC News. Parole Commission Administrator Stephen Husk added that the hearing was to take place at the federal prison in Butner, North Carolina, where Pollard is being held.The surprising move comes the same Tuesday that a US offer to release Pollard was revealed, in exchange for the release of over 400 Israeli-held Arab terrorists, including arch-terrorist Marwan Barghouti. Further, Israel would obligate itself to a partial construction freeze in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem, in a move to save the failing peace talks.Pollard's refusal to attend the hearing was reportedly meant to express his opposition to the deal that would set Arab terrorists free.Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel (Jewish Home) criticized the deal on Tuesday, noting that Pollard himself has opposed a "shameless" deal like this before, saying he isn't prepared to be released if it meant freedom for Arab terrorists.Attorney Ze'ev Desberg, who himself lost a sister and brother-in-law to Arab terrorism, stated on Tuesday that it was Pollard's right to refuse to cooperate in the deal that would free terrorists.The proposed deal was also sharply criticized by Judea and Samaria's Yesha Council as being a "disgraceful" case of "Arab blackmail and American bribery." Leading Israeli rabbis similarly slammed the proposal, arguing that the release of terrorists is forbidden by Jewish law. They further criticized the US for holding Pollard "hostage."
PA Admits 'Blackmailing' Israel To Free Terrorists-Spokesman of Abbas's party reveals use of UN recognition to 'blackmail' releases; confirms Judea Samaria council accusations.By Ari Yashar-First Publish: 4/1/2014, 7:20 PM-Israelnationalnews
A spokesman for Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction has admitted that the PA is "blackmailing" Israel into releasing terrorist prisoners. The revelation comes as the US is reportedly attempting to push Israel to release another 400 terrorists to continue peace talks.Spokesman Ahmad Assaf revealed on official PA TV two weeks ago, on March 19, that the PA is using its non-member observer status in the United Nations (UN), given in 2012, as a "weapon" against Israel. Palestinian Media Watch translated the comments.Given the UN status, the PA has been "waving around" the threat of going to the International Criminal Court for around two years according to Assaf: "we've obtained the release of the prisoners, we blackmailed [Israel], that is, in quotation marks, and we've taken important positions because we have a card that we're waving around."Senior Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Official Nabil Shaath revealed last November that the PA is only staying in the peace talks to secure the release of the 104 terrorists promised by Israel as a "gesture" to restart peace talks last July. So far 78 have been released, but the last release set for last Saturday has been put on hold.Shaath reiterated his comments early last December, saying the PA had conformed to the conditions of the peace talks and not pressed for further international recognition at the UN until then only to secure the release of the remaining terrorists.Just last week the PA threatened to take unilateral moves for international recognition this week if the last batch of terrorist releases didn't go through; it has yet to follow through on its threats.Assaf's admission of "blackmail" is revealed the same Tuesday that Judea and Samaria's Yesha Council slammed the new US proposal to free Jonathan Pollard, in US jail for 29 years over charges of spying for Israel, in exchange for over 400 terrorists and a partial construction freeze in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem." The submission to Arab blackmail and American bribery through the use of Pollard is a disgrace," argued the Yesha Council.
Abbas: Palestinians to seek further UN recognition
By MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH and KARIN LAUB 13 minutes ago-APR 1,14-Yahoonews
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — In a surprise move that could jeopardize U.S. peace efforts, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday resumed a bid for further Palestinian recognition by the United Nations, despite a promise to suspend such efforts during nine months of negotiations with Israel.Abbas signed "State of Palestine" applications for 15 U.N. agencies in a hastily convened ceremony televised live from his West Bank headquarters. Abbas said he was compelled to take action because Israel had failed to carry out a promised released of veteran Palestinian prisoners."We will apply to 15 agencies and conventions immediately," Abbas said after leading members of his Fatah movement and the Palestine Liberation Organization supported the decision unanimously by a show of hands.Abbas insisted that he is still interested in negotiating a deal with Israel on the terms of Palestinian statehood, saying he and his aides "will continue our efforts to reach a peaceful solution through negotiations."Such talks resumed in late July, after a push by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and were to last for nine months, until the end of April. During this period, Abbas promised to suspend his U.N. bid, while Israel was to release 104 veteran Palestinian prisoners in four stages.The Palestinians say the fourth group of prisoners was due to be released by the end of March, and that Israel failed to live up to its promise.There was no immediate reaction from Israel and from Kerry, who has been mediating between Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the past year.It was not immediately clear if Abbas' decision was a negotiating tactic or signaled a fundamental shift in strategy. In his brief comments Tuesday, the Palestinian leader said he is "not seeking a conflict with anyone, particularly the U.S."It was also uncertain if a meeting between Abbas and Kerry, tentatively arranged for Wednesday, would still take place.Abbas' decision, meanwhile, also threw into doubt claims that a deal was emerging that would have extended Israel-Palestinian talks beyond an April 29 deadline and included the release of imprisoned American Jewish spy Jonathan Pollard.
11 For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:3
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
ISAIAH 33:8
8 The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant,(7 YR TREATY) he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man.(THE WORLD LEADER-WAR MONGER CALLS HIMSELF GOD)
JERUSALEM DIVIDED
GENESIS 25:20-26
20 And Isaac was forty years old (A BIBLE GENERATION NUMBER=1967 + 40=2007+) when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.
21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
22 And the children (2 NATIONS IN HER-ISRAEL-ARABS) struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.
23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels;(ISRAEL AND THE ARABS) and the one people shall be stronger than the other people;(ISRAEL STRONGER THAN ARABS) and the elder shall serve the younger.(LITERALLY ISRAEL THE YOUNGER RULES (ISSAC)(JACOB-LATER NAME CHANGED TO ISRAEL) OVER THE OLDER ARABS (ISHMAEL)(ESAU)
24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.(THE OLDER AN ARAB)
26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob:(THE YOUNGER-ISRAELI) and Isaac was threescore (60) years old when she bare them.(1967 + 60=2027)(COULD BE THE LAST GENERATION WHEN JERUSALEM IS DIVIDED AMOUNG THE 2 TWINS)(THE 2 TWINS WANT JERUSALEM-THE DIVISION OF JERUSALEM TODAY)(AND WHOS IN CONTROL OF JERUSALEM TODAY-THE YOUNGER ISSAC-JACOB-ISRAEL)(AND WHO WANTS JERUSALEM DIVIDED-THE OLDER,ESAU-ISHMAEL (THE ARABS)
ISAIAH 28:14-19 (THIS IS THE 7 YR TREATY COVENANT OF DANIEL 9:27)
14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.
19 From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report.
OK NOW THAT ABBAS IS GOING TO THE USELESS U.N INSTEAD OF DOING A DEAL.. AND THE PEACE TALKS ARE HISTORY.WE CAN EXPECT ROCKETS FROM GAZA.AND ISRAEL BOMBING GAZA IN ITS DEFENCE.JUST INTIME FOR THE APR 15,14 BLOOD MOON FOR ISRAEL TO GET SOME OF ITS PROMISED LAND BY GOD GIVIN TO ISRAEL THREW WARS.PROOF AGAIN THESE ARAB MURDERERS WANT TO STEAL EVERYTHING FROM ISRAEL.AND IF THEY CAN'T THEY BAIL QUICK AND START MISSLING ISRAEL.WELL I CAN GUARENTEE THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME WHEN THESE MURDERERS TRY THE MISSLE PLAY AGAINST ISRAEL.
PEACE TALKS OVER-Kerry Cancels Abbas Meeting as PA Requests To Join UN Agencies
Abbas breaches peace talk conditions by making unilateral bid for international recognition; Kerry cancels upcoming visit to Ramallah.By Ari Yashar-First Publish: 4/1/2014, 8:18 PM-Israelnationalnews
Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas breached the conditions of the peace talks Tuesday by signing a request to join several United Nations (UN) agencies.Abbas obligated himself to refrain from such unilateral moves for international recognition during the course of the peace talks, restarted last July by US Secretary of State John Kerry."The Palestinian leadership has unanimously approved a decision to seek membership of 15 UN agencies and international treaties, beginning with the Fourth Geneva Convention," Abbas said on TV following the signing, reports AFP.The PA chief also threatened that if Israel did not release the fourth batch of 26 convicted terrorists set to be released as part of ongoing talks, the PA would "immediately" seek membership in another 63 international agencies."The demands (for membership) will be sent immediately," declared Abbas, but added "This is not a move against America, or any other party - it is our right, and we agreed to suspend it for nine months."Despite that insistence, in the last few minutes it has been reported that John Kerry cancelled his Wednesday visit to meet Abbas, in a clear sign of Washington's displeasure at the move and perhaps the clearest sign yet that the faltering talks are rapidly imploded."We are no longer travelling tomorrow," a senior State Department said.Kerry had been set to meet with the PA leader in Ramallah, after a meeting with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday took longer than planned, preventing Kerry's scheduled meeting with Abbas.The unilateral move by the PA effectively torpedoes the peace talks, which were set to continue until April 29, and which have been stalling of late amid Abbas's consistent refusal to recognize Israel as the Jewish state.Abbas set conditions on the extension of peace talks, demanding a Jewish construction freeze in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem, as well as the release of the fourth and final batch of terrorists promised to the PA by Israel as a "gesture."Israel at least temporarily refused the last batch of releases this Saturday, given the wide-spread opposition to the highly unpopular move and the lack of progress in the talks.
'Blackmail'
Just on Tuesday, reports revealed that the US offered to release Jonathan Pollard, now in his 29th year in an American jail for charges of spying for Israel, in a bid to save the talks. The offer for Pollard would have come in exchange for Israel's release of the fourth batch of terrorists, plus over 400 other Arab terrorists, including arch-terrorist Marwan Barghouti, and a temporary construction freeze in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem.However, in a dramatic move Pollard waived a parole hearing on Tuesday to protest the release, given his opposition to such a deal that would set Arab terrorists free.Meanwhile a spokesman for Abbas's Fatah party revealed two weeks ago on official PA TV that the PA is using its non-member observer status in the United Nations (UN), given in 2012, as a "weapon" to "blackmail" Israel into releasing terrorists.Given the UN status, the PA has been "waving around" the threat of going to the International Criminal Court for around two years according to the spokesman: "we've obtained the release of the prisoners, we blackmailed [Israel], that is, in quotation marks, and we've taken important positions because we have a card that we're waving around."
Herzog: Palestinians have no unilateral alternative to talks-Opposition leader also says Syrian sources have expressed ‘extreme concern’ over country’s future-By Elhanan Miller April 1, 2014, 6:57 pm-The Times of Israel
Palestinians cannot fulfill their national aspirations through a unilateral appeal to join international institutions, the head of Israel’s opposition said on Tuesday.Speaking at a conference in Jerusalem titled “Israel, US and the Middle East: New Visions,” organized by Israeli left-wing research center Molad and the Center for American Progress, a Washington-based progressive think tank, Labor Party chairman Isaac Herzog addressed the possibility of Palestinian unilateral action if Israel fails to accept Palestinian preconditions for extending talks beyond April.“[PA leader Mahmoud] Abbas should understand that there’s no unilateral avenue,” Herzog told the audience. “He has no alternative in any UN forum. It will bring no solace to his people.”Herzog added that the only viable option at the moment is “pressing both sides to negotiate.”The Israeli opposition leader was speaking as Palestinian leaders were preparing to discuss an American offer for extending negotiations, presented by Secretary of State John Kerry to chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat on Monday evening, and reported to include the release of American-Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard.Herzog reiterated his commitment to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in any bid to bolster peace talks with the Palestinians, noting that he heads a Knesset “peace bloc” encompassing 59 members of Knesset outside the governing Likud party willing to endorse continued negotiations.“There is a clear, unequivocal majority [in the Knesset] for peace,” he said.The Arab Peace Initiative, first presented by Saudi Arabia in 2002 and endorsed by the Arab League in 2007, should be the basis for future talks, Herzog argued.“We need the Arab League as a partner for future progress,” he said, calling for a “full fledged” implementation of the plan.Referring to the security issue following a visit earlier today to the Israeli border with Syria on the Golan Heights, Herzog said that security should not be considered a subject associated exclusively with the Israeli right.He mentioned historic Israeli shortcomings in ensuring proper security arrangements in two cases: the IDF withdrawal from the Philadelphi Route on the border between the Gaza Strip and Sinai (which Israel withdrew from in September 2005, leaving the area under the control of the Egyptian army); and the security provisions in the Sinai Peninsula under the Camp David Peace Accords, which Israel signed with Egypt in March 1979.Briefly addressing the situation in Syria, Herzog said the country now faces a choice between “bad and worse” Islamists. He said that Syrian opposition leaders with whom he has been in touch over the past few years have voiced grave concern over the country’s future.
Abbas signs Palestine request to join 15 UN bodies-Officials on both sides say move doesn’t end talks; PA sources: It’s a response to Israeli refusal to release prisoners-By Yifa Yaakov April 1, 2014, 8:18 pm 31-The Times of Israel
In an apparent breach of understandings with the US and Israel, and with a proposed agreement to extend peace talks awaiting a Palestinian response, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday evening signed an official appeal to join 15 UN bodies.At a PLO meeting in Ramallah, Abbas president formally requested membership in the international organizations for the “State of Palestine.”“The Palestinian leadership has unanimously approved a decision to seek membership of 15 UN agencies and international treaties, beginning with the Fourth Geneva Convention,” Abbas said on television after signing the demand. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reporter Derek Stoffel tweeted Tuesday evening that the Palestinian Authority had made the move in response to Israel’s unwillingness to fulfill an obligation to release a fourth round of Palestinian prisoners, some of them Arab Israelis.Stoffel quoted sources in Abbas’s office as saying the peace process would continue regardless of Tuesday’s move. Officials in Jerusalem were also quoted by Channel 2 news as saying that the move didn’t necessarily signal an end to the talks.After the announcement was made, a meeting scheduled for Wednesday between Abbas and US Secretary of State John Kerry was canceled, Palestinian sources said.“We salute the American efforts. But Israel is procrastinating,” Abbas reportedly said before signing a series of documents to apply to the UN bodies.The Palestinian leadership was convened on Tuesday evening to discuss a tripartite deal between the US, Israel and the PA, which would see Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard freed from a US prison, reportedly in exchange for a partial settlement construction freeze and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.The identity of the prisoners to be released would be decided partly by Israel and partly by the Palestinian Authority.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with senior Likud party members on Tuesday to elaborate on the details of the plan and enlist their support. An official close to the negotiations said earlier Tuesday that Kerry was close to a deal that would rescue the faltering Mideast peace talks. The deal would not include a freeze on construction in Jewish settlements in the West Bank as the Palestinians have demanded but would envisage Israel committing to show “great restraint” and not issue new housing tenders. The Palestinians gave the emerging proposal a cool reception, saying it fell far short of their demands for a complete halt to settlement construction and the freeing of 1,000 prisoners of their choosing.White House spokesman Jay Carney said Tuesday evening that the US had yet to decide to free Pollard.“There are obviously a lot of things happening in that arena and I’m not going to get ahead of where we are,” he said in a press briefing. “The president has not made a decision to release Jonathan Pollard”Times of Israel staff, AP and AFP contributed to this report.
Israel reissues tenders for 708 East Jerusalem homes-Plans for apartments offered under more attractive terms to appeal to contractors who previously shunned project-By AFP and Times of Israel staff April 1, 2014, 6:21 pm
Israel reissued Tuesday a call for tenders for homes in East Jerusalem, in a move that could hike tensions as Washington struggles to salvage crisis-hit peace talks.The Israel Lands Authority issued the tenders for living units in the Gilo neighborhood of the capital, which is located beyond the 1967 lines and was annexed by Israel.Peace Now’s Hagit Ofran confirmed the tenders were for 708 homes in Gilo, saying “the Housing Ministry is trying to forcefully undermine the peace process… and [US Secretary of State] John Kerry’s efforts to promote it.“This morning, the Israel Land Authority announced this project, which is actually a renewed tender which was published (in two parts) last year but found no bidders,” she told AFP.Army Radio, which first reported the news, said the tenders had been reissued under conditions significantly better than last year, making it more likely they would be taken up.The tenders were first issued six months ago but had no takers from contractors.Israeli NGO Ir Amim, which supports an “equitable” sharing of Jerusalem between Jews and Arabs, described the tenders as “a poke in the eye of both the Palestinians and the Americans,” the radio said.The development came amid intensive efforts to keep afloat the foundering talks between Israel, the Palestinians. Among the chief demands by Palestinians is a halt to construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Pollard Waives Parole Hearing To Oppose Deal-Parole commissioner reveals Pollard refuses hearing on same day that deal for his release in exchange for Arab terrorists is revealed.By Ari Yashar-First Publish: 4/1/2014, 7:46 PM-Israelnationalnews
According to a member of the US Parole Commission, Jonathan Pollard, now in his 29th year in a US jail on charges of spying for Israel, has waived a planned parole hearing. The move is seen as a protest of reports of a deal in which he would be released in exchange for over 400 Arab terrorists.The commissioner, Patricia Smoot, noted that the parole hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, reports ABC News. Parole Commission Administrator Stephen Husk added that the hearing was to take place at the federal prison in Butner, North Carolina, where Pollard is being held.The surprising move comes the same Tuesday that a US offer to release Pollard was revealed, in exchange for the release of over 400 Israeli-held Arab terrorists, including arch-terrorist Marwan Barghouti. Further, Israel would obligate itself to a partial construction freeze in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem, in a move to save the failing peace talks.Pollard's refusal to attend the hearing was reportedly meant to express his opposition to the deal that would set Arab terrorists free.Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel (Jewish Home) criticized the deal on Tuesday, noting that Pollard himself has opposed a "shameless" deal like this before, saying he isn't prepared to be released if it meant freedom for Arab terrorists.Attorney Ze'ev Desberg, who himself lost a sister and brother-in-law to Arab terrorism, stated on Tuesday that it was Pollard's right to refuse to cooperate in the deal that would free terrorists.The proposed deal was also sharply criticized by Judea and Samaria's Yesha Council as being a "disgraceful" case of "Arab blackmail and American bribery." Leading Israeli rabbis similarly slammed the proposal, arguing that the release of terrorists is forbidden by Jewish law. They further criticized the US for holding Pollard "hostage."
PA Admits 'Blackmailing' Israel To Free Terrorists-Spokesman of Abbas's party reveals use of UN recognition to 'blackmail' releases; confirms Judea Samaria council accusations.By Ari Yashar-First Publish: 4/1/2014, 7:20 PM-Israelnationalnews
A spokesman for Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction has admitted that the PA is "blackmailing" Israel into releasing terrorist prisoners. The revelation comes as the US is reportedly attempting to push Israel to release another 400 terrorists to continue peace talks.Spokesman Ahmad Assaf revealed on official PA TV two weeks ago, on March 19, that the PA is using its non-member observer status in the United Nations (UN), given in 2012, as a "weapon" against Israel. Palestinian Media Watch translated the comments.Given the UN status, the PA has been "waving around" the threat of going to the International Criminal Court for around two years according to Assaf: "we've obtained the release of the prisoners, we blackmailed [Israel], that is, in quotation marks, and we've taken important positions because we have a card that we're waving around."Senior Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Official Nabil Shaath revealed last November that the PA is only staying in the peace talks to secure the release of the 104 terrorists promised by Israel as a "gesture" to restart peace talks last July. So far 78 have been released, but the last release set for last Saturday has been put on hold.Shaath reiterated his comments early last December, saying the PA had conformed to the conditions of the peace talks and not pressed for further international recognition at the UN until then only to secure the release of the remaining terrorists.Just last week the PA threatened to take unilateral moves for international recognition this week if the last batch of terrorist releases didn't go through; it has yet to follow through on its threats.Assaf's admission of "blackmail" is revealed the same Tuesday that Judea and Samaria's Yesha Council slammed the new US proposal to free Jonathan Pollard, in US jail for 29 years over charges of spying for Israel, in exchange for over 400 terrorists and a partial construction freeze in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem." The submission to Arab blackmail and American bribery through the use of Pollard is a disgrace," argued the Yesha Council.
Abbas: Palestinians to seek further UN recognition
By MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH and KARIN LAUB 13 minutes ago-APR 1,14-Yahoonews
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — In a surprise move that could jeopardize U.S. peace efforts, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday resumed a bid for further Palestinian recognition by the United Nations, despite a promise to suspend such efforts during nine months of negotiations with Israel.Abbas signed "State of Palestine" applications for 15 U.N. agencies in a hastily convened ceremony televised live from his West Bank headquarters. Abbas said he was compelled to take action because Israel had failed to carry out a promised released of veteran Palestinian prisoners."We will apply to 15 agencies and conventions immediately," Abbas said after leading members of his Fatah movement and the Palestine Liberation Organization supported the decision unanimously by a show of hands.Abbas insisted that he is still interested in negotiating a deal with Israel on the terms of Palestinian statehood, saying he and his aides "will continue our efforts to reach a peaceful solution through negotiations."Such talks resumed in late July, after a push by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and were to last for nine months, until the end of April. During this period, Abbas promised to suspend his U.N. bid, while Israel was to release 104 veteran Palestinian prisoners in four stages.The Palestinians say the fourth group of prisoners was due to be released by the end of March, and that Israel failed to live up to its promise.There was no immediate reaction from Israel and from Kerry, who has been mediating between Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the past year.It was not immediately clear if Abbas' decision was a negotiating tactic or signaled a fundamental shift in strategy. In his brief comments Tuesday, the Palestinian leader said he is "not seeking a conflict with anyone, particularly the U.S."It was also uncertain if a meeting between Abbas and Kerry, tentatively arranged for Wednesday, would still take place.Abbas' decision, meanwhile, also threw into doubt claims that a deal was emerging that would have extended Israel-Palestinian talks beyond an April 29 deadline and included the release of imprisoned American Jewish spy Jonathan Pollard.
