Tag: Israel

Alon Ben-Meir: Is a war between Israel and Iran/Hezbollah imminent?
The recent violation of Israel’s air space by an Iranian drone and Israel’s retaliation against Syrian and Iranian targets prompted many observers to suggest that the growing regional tension resulting from such incidents may precipitate a war between Israel and Iran/Hezbollah, and perhaps inadvertently with Syria as well.

Alon Ben-Meir: US enablement jeopardizes Israel’s future
The United States has been and remains the staunchest supporter of Israel, and its unqualified support will cause significant damage to Israel’s future wellbeing.

Kaine welcomes new memorandum of understanding between U.S., Israel
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine released the following statement today on the new Memorandum of Understanding on security assistance with Israel.

The settlements: Self-entrapment of existential proportions
Israel’s continued settlement activity represents yet another nail in the coffin of the peace process.
Alon Ben-Meir: Incentives and peace, Part 2
Unless distrust, insecurity, and illusions are first addressed, no incentives will motivate Israel and the Palestinians to make concessions needed to reach a peace agreement.
Alon Ben-Meir: Incentives and peace [Part 1]
Unless distrust, insecurity, and illusions are first addressed, no incentives will motivate Israel and the Palestinians to make the critical concessions needed to reach a peace agreement.

UVA to host prominent Israeli author Sayed Kashua
Decorated newspaper humorist and novelist Sayad Kashua will speak at the University of Virginia Thursday at 5 p.m.

A plea for reason: An open letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu
I write this letter to you with a heavy heart as it pains me deeply to see the beautiful dream of a strong and proud Israel now losing its reason for being.

Harry Griego: Comments on Pope’s statements on immigration
As a Catholic, I have several concerns about the Holy Father’s criticism of the United States immigration policy.

Alon Ben-Meir: Erecting a giant prison for all Israelis
The demagoguery of Prime Minster Netanyahu seems to have no limit—in a sense that he says and acts on anything to buttress Israel’s hold on the West Bank.

Alon Ben-Meir: The truth about Israel’s national security
Israel’s historical experiences have created a major psychological barrier embedded in the psyche of every Israeli.
Alon Ben-Meir: The dire consequences of revenge and retribution
A regular reader of my weekly column recently shared with me a commentary about the brutal murder of Dafna Meir, an Israeli Jew who was stabbed to death by a Palestinian teenager.
Alon Ben-Meir: Civil disobedience is the Palestinians’ best option
The use of violence to end the occupation has not served the Palestinian cause well, instead making matters worse as it hardened the resolve of successive Israeli governments.
Alon Ben-Meir: In the grip of powerful illusions
The belief that by expanding the settlements Israel will augment its national security and maintain its hold on the entire land is an illusion of tomorrow.
Alon Ben-Meir: Israel’s occupation is morally indefensible
Whereas Israel has agreed to a two-state solution, it continues to usurp Palestinian land, thereby violating international agreements.
Alon Ben-Meir: The absence of real commitment to peace
Regardless of what Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Abbas stated in their speeches at the United Nations General Assembly, neither is genuinely committed to negotiating a peace agreement based on a two-state solution.

Kaine blisters Senate colleagues for playing politics on national security
In remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and co-sponsor of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, called for Congress to “pull back from the brink of irresponsible and partisan action” and seek a constructive path to engage on the Iran nuclear negotiations, criticizing a partisan letter sent to Iran’s leaders yesterday that was signed by 47 Senate Republicans.

Robert Hurt: Working with Israel to prevent a nuclear Iran
Last Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of Congress. It was a great honor to have Prime Minister Netanyahu come to the United States and speak to both Houses of Congress.
Bob Goodlatte: I stand with Israel
The United States and Israel share a strong bond. Since Israel declared its independence in 1948, the U.S. has developed a positive relationship with Israel based on shared democratic values and common security interests. Israel has proven to be a valuable American ally since.

Robert Hurt statement on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress
Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after attending an address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a joint meeting of Congress.

Randy Forbes on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress
Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) released the following statement in advance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to both Chambers of Congress.
Tim Kaine statement on end of congressional visit to Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement today at the conclusion of a bipartisan congressional delegation to Israel, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Sen. Tim Kaine arrives in Israel with bipartisan congressional delegation
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, today arrived in Israel as a part of a bipartisan congressional delegation to meet with senior Israeli and Palestinian government leaders.
Nulife Glass to invest $5.9 million to establish first Virginia operation in Bristol
Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Friday that Nulife Glass will invest $5.9 million to establish its first Virginia operation in the City of Bristol. A Manchester, England-based company, Nulife provides a complete and sustainable recycling service for all types of cathode ray tube (CRT) glass.

Robert Hurt votes to strengthen U.S.-Israel Alliance
Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after the House unanimously passed S. 2673, the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014.