Obama victory raises questions about future of Israel relations

BY JOEL GREENBERG, WASHINGTON POST— In Israel, the reelection of President Obama raised immediate questions about the future of the rocky relationship between him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — specifically whether in a second term Obama might be firmer with Israel on a possible military strike against Iran’s nuclear program and on promoting…

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Israel officials down but not out over Obama win

By RYAN JONES, ISRAEL TODAY— Israeli government officials belonging to the ruling right-wing parties had a difficult time hiding their disappointment over Barack Obama’s victory in the US presidential election, but remained determined to keep Israel-US ties tight and secure. Deputy Knesset Speaker Danny Danon, a rising start in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party,…

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Israel congratulates Obama, looks forward to strengthening 'great friendship'

By ISRAEL HAYOM— Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated U.S. President Barack Obama on his election victory on Wednesday morning, sending a statement which said, “The strategic alliance between Israel and the U.S. is stronger than ever. I will continue to work with President Obama in order to assure the interests that are vital to the…

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Meanwhile, on the Israeli-Palestinian issue

By ELLIOTT ABRAMS— While Americans have been focusing on our election, there have been a few developments in the so-called “Middle East Peace Process.” PLO chairman Mahmoud Abbas has said he would drop his precondition for negotiations—a total construction halt in the settlements and in East Jerusalem—and return to the table after the UN General…

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Pat Mercer Hutchens artwork in Ukraine Museum Center

by DR. INNA ROGATCHI, THE ROGATCHI FOUNDATION— The very morning of the opening ceremony, I filmed for the project, representing The Rogatchi Foundation with my husband, renowned artist Michael Rogatchi. We donated Michael’s famous Faces of the Holocaust  triptych to the Museum; but there was another very special ceremony for us. The Rogatchi Foundation donated…

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The Obama Doctrine: Keeping Enemies Closer

By JAMES S. ROBBINS, inFOCUS— When Barack Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, the committee expected he would make “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” More than three years later, Mr. Obama has failed to meet expectations, but it has not been for lack of trying. His administration has…

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Netanyahu: Only direct talks can reveal Abbas' true position

By ISRAEL HAYOM— Following Channel 2 interview in which Abbas implies he would be willing to abandon the Palestinian demand for a “right of return,” Israeli leaders warn that the Palestinian Authority president is trying to influence the coming Israeli elections. It is only through direct peace negotiations that Israel would ever learn the true…

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Jerusalem mayor: Let Jews pray on the Temple Mount

By RYAN JONES, ISRAEL TODAY— Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat last week said it was time for Israel to finally implement true religious freedom and allow Jews to pray atop the Temple Mount. “The government is ultimately responsible for whether or not Jews can pray on the Temple Mount, not the Jerusalem municipality,” Barkat told students…

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Spot Report: Who chooses our leaders?

Think on this: “There is no authority execpt that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”…”I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all…

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Iran Media: U.S. Admiral Fired for 'Republican-Israeli' Plot

By GIL RONEN, ARUTZ 7— State-owned Iranian news outlet Press TV claims that U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Charles M. Gaouette, head of the John C. Stennis carrier group, who has been recalled for “inappropriate leadership judgment,” was part of a plot to overthrow the U.S. government if Barack Obama should be re-elected as president. “The decision was…

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