Israel bans Islamist Arab party, says it's inciting violence

[webfact]

Israel bans Islamist Arab party, says it's inciting violence
By TIA GOLDENBERG

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel announced Tuesday it has outlawed an Islamist party accused of inciting violence among the country's Arab citizens, as part of measures to stamp out a two month-long deadly escalation.

The government declared the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement of Israel illegal, saying its activists could be subject to arrest if they violate the ban.

The party, which provides religious and educational services for Israeli Arabs, routinely accuses Israel of trying to take over a sensitive holy site in Jerusalem, a charge Israel denies. The site is at the heart of the latest surge in Israeli-Palestinian violence.

After the decision, Israeli forces searched more than a dozen of the group's offices around the country, seizing computers, files and funds, police said. Authorities also froze its bank accounts and said that 17 organizations affiliated with the party were served with orders to close down.

Israel's Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan linked the decision to the attacks in Paris, saying in a statement that "Israel must act as an example and spearhead the struggle against radical Islam whose emissaries we saw massacring innocent people in Paris" and elsewhere.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "the goal is to stop the dangerous incitement at home and prevent harm to innocent life."

Radical cleric Raed Salah, the group's leader, was defiant, saying his party would fight the measure and continue its mission.

"All these measures done by the Israeli establishment are oppressive and condemned," Salah said in a statement, adding that he and two other party leaders were summoned to police questioning.

Separately, Salah is set to start an 11-month jail term later this month in connection with incitement charges from a 2007 sermon.

The ban sparked outrage among Arab leaders and lawmakers who condemned the move.

Mohammed Barakeh, the head of an umbrella group of Arab Israeli political parties and community leaders, called the decision "an unjustified draconian step." The umbrella organization was set to hold an emergency meeting about the ban.

The Jerusalem hilltop compound, holy to both Jews and Muslims, houses the Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam. It is the holiest site in Judaism and was home to the biblical Jewish Temples.

The current round of violence erupted in mid-September over rumors that Israel was trying to expand Jewish presence at the Jerusalem shrine and spread to the West Bank, Israeli cities and the Gaza border. Palestinian attacks, mainly stabbings, have killed 14 Israelis, and at least 83 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, including 51 Israel says were involved in assaults. The rest were killed in clashes with security forces.

Salah has alleged in speeches and annual rallies under the heading "Al-Aqsa is in Danger" that Israel plans to expand its control there.

Since 2001, the Islamic Movement has bused tens of thousands of supporters to the mosque compound every year to strengthen the Muslim presence.

Several years ago, the movement helped form groups of male and female activists, known as "Morabitoun" — loosely translated as defenders of Islamic lands — who spend hours each weekday at the shrine trying to disrupt visits by Jews.

During periods of tension, police at times block busloads of Islamic Movement supporters from Jerusalem. Earlier this year, Israel outlawed three associations suspected of funding the Morabitoun and later declared the groups illegal.

Israel says the violence is the result of incitement from Palestinian leaders and has blamed the Islamic Movement for fanning the flames among the country's Arabs. The Palestinians say the violence stems from frustration over nearly half a century of Israeli occupation.

In its struggle to contain the violence, Israel has beefed up security across the country, sending hundreds of soldiers to back up police, and setting up checkpoints and concrete barriers in Arab neighborhoods of east Jerusalem, where many of the attackers have come from.
___

Associated Press writer Mohammed Daraghmeh contributed to this report from Ramallah, West Bank.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-11-17

[Emster23]

Can't stand the competition? Israel just maintains the steady, codified, state violence on daily basis against Palestinians in their land

[Ulysses G.]

Ban them and arrest anyone inciting violence. Drop them in the desert in Syria if that does not work.

[Seastallion]

Ban them and arrest anyone inciting violence. Drop them in the desert in Syria if that does not work.

Shades of Thailand.

Arrest incitement to violence, yes. But there is no evidence that this group has done that.

The worst they have done is offer an opinion: "The party, which provides religious and educational services for Israeli Arabs, routinely accuses Israel of trying to take over a sensitive holy site in Jerusalem, a charge Israel denies."

This is gagging. Draconian indeed, and not surprising at all from this government.

[h90]

Can't stand the competition? Israel just maintains the steady, codified, state violence on daily basis against Palestinians in their land

Israel is doing war crimes on a daily base, but an Islamist Arab party that inciting violence won't make it better.....

What Israel does, does not make it better what the Islamists do.....both come from the same area, have the same religious roots and the same genetic.....just different invisible friend.

The question is why Europe, which need centuries to overcome their christian fanatics needs to invite new fanatics....

[dexterm]

What amazing chutzpah and hypocrisy, when Netanyau bans a party for inciting violence, while his own Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked, advocates Palestinian genocide.

"It is a call for genocide because it declares that “the entire Palestinian people is the enemy” and justifies its destruction, “including its elderly and its women, its cities and its villages, its property and its infrastructure.”

It is a call for genocide because it calls for the slaughter of Palestinian mothers who give birth to “little snakes.” "

https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/israeli-lawmakers-call-genocide-palestinians-gets-thousands-facebook-likes

[dexterm]

Ban them and arrest anyone inciting violence. Drop them in the desert in Syria if that does not work.

Shades of Thailand.

Arrest incitement to violence, yes. But there is no evidence that this group has done that.

The worst they have done is offer an opinion: "The party, which provides religious and educational services for Israeli Arabs, routinely accuses Israel of trying to take over a sensitive holy site in Jerusalem, a charge Israel denies."

This is gagging. Draconian indeed, and not surprising at all from this government.

If your national survival is at stake...bring out the dragons.

I have to remind you that Israel is at the midst of a 'knife Intifada' in case you haven't noticed

Don't be silly. Knives threatening the survival of nuclear armed Israel.?? Give us a break from the histrionics.

Israel is here to stay. The government should be focusing on ways to create an atmosphere for peace talks, rather than exacerbating the situation.

Peace is achieved when you make your enemies your friends.

Edited November 18, 2015 by dexterm

[Ulysses G.]

What amazing chutzpah and hypocrisy, when Netanyau bans a party for inciting violence, while his own Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked, advocates Palestinian genocide.

Not genocide. Open war and Shaked might have a point. The Palestinians show no sign of being ready for peace.

"The Palestinian people has declared war on us, and we must respond with war. Not an

operation, not a slow ­moving one, not low ­intensity, not controlled escalation, no destruction of

terror infrastructure, no targeted killings. Enough with the oblique references. This is a war.

Words have meanings. This is a war. It is not a war against terror, and not a war against

extremists, and not even a war against the Palestinian Authority. These too are forms of avoiding reality. This is a war between two people. Who is the enemy? The Palestinian people. Why? Ask them, they started [it]."

[Steely Dan]

Can't stand the competition? Israel just maintains the steady, codified, state violence on daily basis against Palestinians in their land

Any dissenters campaigning against Arab governments would have been jailed or killed, regardless of whether or not they incited violence. I can see how any measure aimed at preventing terrorist attacks against Jewish civilians is deeply upsetting to some of our esteemed members though.

[Steely Dan]

What amazing chutzpah and hypocrisy, when Netanyau bans a party for inciting violence, while his own Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked, advocates Palestinian genocide.

Not genocide. Open war and Shaked might have a point. The Palestinians show no sign of being ready for peace.

"The Palestinian people has declared war on us, and we must respond with war. Not an

operation, not a slow ­moving one, not low ­intensity, not controlled escalation, no destruction of

terror infrastructure, no targeted killings. Enough with the oblique references. This is a war.

Words have meanings. This is a war. It is not a war against terror, and not a war against

extremists, and not even a war against the Palestinian Authority. These too are forms of avoiding reality. This is a war between two people. Who is the enemy? The Palestinian people. Why? Ask them, they started [it]."

If the murder of French civilians is considered an act of war by France then why shouldn't Israel conclude the same? To expect otherwise would be hypocritical.

[dexterm]

What amazing chutzpah and hypocrisy, when Netanyau bans a party for inciting violence, while his own Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked, advocates Palestinian genocide.

Not genocide. Open war and Shaked might have a point. The Palestinians show no sign of being ready for peace.

"The Palestinian people has declared war on us, and we must respond with war. Not an

operation, not a slow ­moving one, not low ­intensity, not controlled escalation, no destruction of

terror infrastructure, no targeted killings. Enough with the oblique references. This is a war.

Words have meanings. This is a war. It is not a war against terror, and not a war against

extremists, and not even a war against the Palestinian Authority. These too are forms of avoiding reality. This is a war between two people. Who is the enemy? The Palestinian people. Why? Ask them, they started [it]."

QED. You just proved my point.

Netanyahu bans an Israeli Arab party claiming it incites violence, when his own Justice Minister as you so ably point out, declares we are at war with the Palestinian people.

[h90]

What amazing chutzpah and hypocrisy, when Netanyau bans a party for inciting violence, while his own Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked, advocates Palestinian genocide.

"It is a call for genocide because it declares that “the entire Palestinian people is the enemy” and justifies its destruction, “including its elderly and its women, its cities and its villages, its property and its infrastructure.”

It is a call for genocide because it calls for the slaughter of Palestinian mothers who give birth to “little snakes.” "

https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/israeli-lawmakers-call-genocide-palestinians-gets-thousands-facebook-likes

Of course they want the land......

That isn't hypocrisy...that is logic....Israel is a conqueror. You won't get yourself voted out of the land you just conquered

[Dustdevil]

The Palestinians began blowing up planes and airports and murdering athletes back in the 1970s. During 9/11 they danced in the streets. Screw them.

[dexterm]

What amazing chutzpah and hypocrisy, when Netanyau bans a party for inciting violence, while his own Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked, advocates Palestinian genocide.

Not genocide. Open war and Shaked might have a point. The Palestinians show no sign of being ready for peace.

"The Palestinian people has declared war on us, and we must respond with war. Not an

operation, not a slow ­moving one, not low ­intensity, not controlled escalation, no destruction of

terror infrastructure, no targeted killings. Enough with the oblique references. This is a war.

Words have meanings. This is a war. It is not a war against terror, and not a war against

extremists, and not even a war against the Palestinian Authority. These too are forms of avoiding reality. This is a war between two people. Who is the enemy? The Palestinian people. Why? Ask them, they started [it]."

If the murder of French civilians is considered an act of war by France then why shouldn't Israel conclude the same? To expect otherwise would be hypocritical.

You are off topic and trying to deflect by associating two completely differentt events. Shame on you for besmirching the memories of the victims of the Paris atrocity as part of your transparent political agenda..

[Steely Dan]

What amazing chutzpah and hypocrisy, when Netanyau bans a party for inciting violence, while his own Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked, advocates Palestinian genocide.

Not genocide. Open war and Shaked might have a point. The Palestinians show no sign of being ready for peace.

"The Palestinian people has declared war on us, and we must respond with war. Not an

operation, not a slow ­moving one, not low ­intensity, not controlled escalation, no destruction of

terror infrastructure, no targeted killings. Enough with the oblique references. This is a war.

Words have meanings. This is a war. It is not a war against terror, and not a war against

extremists, and not even a war against the Palestinian Authority. These too are forms of avoiding reality. This is a war between two people. Who is the enemy? The Palestinian people. Why? Ask them, they started [it]."

If the murder of French civilians is considered an act of war by France then why shouldn't Israel conclude the same? To expect otherwise would be hypocritical.

You are off topic and trying to deflect by associating two completely differentt events. Shame on you for besmirching the memories of the victims of the Paris atrocity as part of your transparent political agenda..

Shame on you supporting a Palestinian authority who alleged that Israel was behind the Paris attack, quite a feat when their populace hands out sweets and dances in the streets whenever Jews or indeed any westerners are murdered by terrorists.

[manarak]

Ban them and arrest anyone inciting violence. Drop them in the desert in Syria if that does not work.

Shades of Thailand.

Arrest incitement to violence, yes. But there is no evidence that this group has done that.

The worst they have done is offer an opinion: "The party, which provides religious and educational services for Israeli Arabs, routinely accuses Israel of trying to take over a sensitive holy site in Jerusalem, a charge Israel denies."

This is gagging. Draconian indeed, and not surprising at all from this government.

What amazing chutzpah and hypocrisy, when Netanyau bans a party for inciting violence, while his own Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked, advocates Palestinian genocide.

"It is a call for genocide because it declares that “the entire Palestinian people is the enemy” and justifies its destruction, “including its elderly and its women, its cities and its villages, its property and its infrastructure.”

It is a call for genocide because it calls for the slaughter of Palestinian mothers who give birth to “little snakes.” "

https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/israeli-lawmakers-call-genocide-palestinians-gets-thousands-facebook-likes

Islamist parties should be banned anywhere.

Edited November 18, 2015 by manarak

[dexterm]

sorry thread full

Steeley dan wrote...

Shame on you supporting a Palestinian authority who alleged that Israel was behind the Paris attack, quite a feat when their populace hands out sweets and dances in the streets whenever Jews or indeed any westerners are murdered by terrorists.

No links I notice....trying to deflect and conflate the murders of innocents in Paris, just to score a few political points for Israel...disgusting.

[Scott]

Please stop with the baiting of other posters. The situation in France is not particularly relevant to this thread.

As easy as it might be to paint everyone with the same brush, let's not do it here or now.

Some posts have been removed.

[Morch]

Alright....

For starters it was specifically the the Northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel that was banned. It is not a political party as implied in the OP.

The Islamic movement in Israel went through certain changes over the years. One of the main divides was between the Southern and the Northern branches, with the Northern branch advocating a more radical approach vs. Israel. This includes boycotting the general elections (while the Southern branch participates).

There could be arguments for banning the organization, citing numerous cases of incitement, a public stance which rejects the existence of Israel and ties with the Hamas. There could also be counter-arguments, to the effect that outlawing an organization with membership in the tens of thousands might not be a wise move. The latter position was presented to the government by the Shin Bet, which argued that it would be better to take steps against specific leaders, rather than the branch as a whole.

For further information - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Movement_in_Israel and also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raed_Salah (the leadership issue is central to the current situation).

Those defending the banned organization may want to have a clue as to what they are defending, those who cheer the ban may wish to reflect on some of the probable outcomes.

[Morch]

Shades of Thailand.

Arrest incitement to violence, yes. But there is no evidence that this group has done that.

The worst they have done is offer an opinion: "The party, which provides religious and educational services for Israeli Arabs, routinely accuses Israel of trying to take over a sensitive holy site in Jerusalem, a charge Israel denies."

This is gagging. Draconian indeed, and not surprising at all from this government.

From the OP - "Separately, Salah is set to start an 11-month jail term later this month in connection with incitement charges from a 2007 sermon."

Shoddy reporting, as things are not "separate", but part of an ongoing activities by the same person and the organization he leads. The conviction in question was with incitement to violence and incitement to racism. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raed_Salah#Later_criminal_convictions

Edited November 18, 2015 by Morch

[Morch]

If your national survival is at stake...bring out the dragons.

I have to remind you that Israel is at the midst of a 'knife Intifada' in case you haven't noticed

Israel is not in such a bad shape that knife attacks would constitute a threat to its survival.

[Morch]

What amazing chutzpah and hypocrisy, when Netanyau bans a party for inciting violence, while his own Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked, advocates Palestinian genocide.

"It is a call for genocide because it declares that “the entire Palestinian people is the enemy” and justifies its destruction, “including its elderly and its women, its cities and its villages, its property and its infrastructure.”

It is a call for genocide because it calls for the slaughter of Palestinian mothers who give birth to “little snakes.” "

https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/israeli-lawmakers-call-genocide-palestinians-gets-thousands-facebook-likes

The actual reference was to "mothers of the martyrs" (in this context, more to do with suicide attacks), which are referred to as "little snakes". Doesn't make the words more palatable, but might as well get it right, even if the link provided doesn't.

Isn't it yourself who is fond of claiming that two wrongs don't make a right? Or does it apply only in certain situations and only in one direction?

[Linky]

Alright....

For starters it was specifically the the Northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel that was banned. It is not a political party as implied in the OP.

The Islamic movement in Israel went through certain changes over the years. One of the main divides was between the Southern and the Northern branches, with the Northern branch advocating a more radical approach vs. Israel. This includes boycotting the general elections (while the Southern branch participates).

There could be arguments for banning the organization, citing numerous cases of incitement, a public stance which rejects the existence of Israel and ties with the Hamas. There could also be counter-arguments, to the effect that outlawing an organization with membership in the tens of thousands might not be a wise move. The latter position was presented to the government by the Shin Bet, which argued that it would be better to take steps against specific leaders, rather than the branch as a whole.

For further information - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Movement_in_Israel and also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raed_Salah (the leadership issue is central to the current situation).

Those defending the banned organization may want to have a clue as to what they are defending, those who cheer the ban may wish to reflect on some of the probable outcomes.

Oh well, free speech and all.

[Morch]

What amazing chutzpah and hypocrisy, when Netanyau bans a party for inciting violence, while his own Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked, advocates Palestinian genocide.

Not genocide. Open war and Shaked might have a point. The Palestinians show no sign of being ready for peace.

"The Palestinian people has declared war on us, and we must respond with war. Not an

operation, not a slow ­moving one, not low ­intensity, not controlled escalation, no destruction of

terror infrastructure, no targeted killings. Enough with the oblique references. This is a war.

Words have meanings. This is a war. It is not a war against terror, and not a war against

extremists, and not even a war against the Palestinian Authority. These too are forms of avoiding reality. This is a war between two people. Who is the enemy? The Palestinian people. Why? Ask them, they started [it]."

If the murder of French civilians is considered an act of war by France then why shouldn't Israel conclude the same? To expect otherwise would be hypocritical.

According to international law, war can be declared by one country on another. This makes an official war deceleration, a de-facto recognition of the enemy, and allows it a certain legitimacy. One reason that fighting ISIS is called many things, but not, officially, a war. If Israel was to declare war on the Palestinians it would amount to recognition, something which both right wing politicians and certain posters are loath to do. Hence, also, the common Arab reference to Israel as an "entity" (illegal or Zionist or whatever).

[Morch]

Alright....

For starters it was specifically the the Northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel that was banned. It is not a political party as implied in the OP.

The Islamic movement in Israel went through certain changes over the years. One of the main divides was between the Southern and the Northern branches, with the Northern branch advocating a more radical approach vs. Israel. This includes boycotting the general elections (while the Southern branch participates).

There could be arguments for banning the organization, citing numerous cases of incitement, a public stance which rejects the existence of Israel and ties with the Hamas. There could also be counter-arguments, to the effect that outlawing an organization with membership in the tens of thousands might not be a wise move. The latter position was presented to the government by the Shin Bet, which argued that it would be better to take steps against specific leaders, rather than the branch as a whole.

For further information - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Movement_in_Israel and also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raed_Salah (the leadership issue is central to the current situation).

Those defending the banned organization may want to have a clue as to what they are defending, those who cheer the ban may wish to reflect on some of the probable outcomes.

Oh well, free speech and all.

Free speech is not without limits, and limits change from country to country. Considering leaders of the organization had their way and their say for years, it is not so much that their basic rights are curbed, but more to do with repeatedly overstepping the line. The quotes appearing on these English versions of Wikipedia are but a fraction of the whole, also in terms of content.

[Morch]

Don't be silly. Knives threatening the survival of nuclear armed Israel.?? Give us a break from the histrionics.

Israel is here to stay. The government should be focusing on ways to create an atmosphere for peace talks, rather than exacerbating the situation.

Peace is achieved when you make your enemies your friends.

You are, of course, ignoring the fact that the banned organization was disruptive of any attempts to create a peaceful atmosphere, or that it rejects the agreements signed between Israel and the Palestinians. Predictably, no expectation is expressed the organization will promote goodwill, understanding or dialogue.

As mentioned earlier, there were, perhaps, better ways of dealing with this organization than a wholesale ban. But it would still amount to curbing the activities of leadership. Not a whole lot of common ground there. Predictably, Definitely one of the targets for pointed fingers with regard to the current situation.

Peace does not require that enemies be friends. That's just another instance of setting the bar too high. It is perfectly alright for peace to be unfriendly and grumpy, as long as it is kept.

[abrahamzvi]

Ban them and arrest anyone inciting violence. Drop them in the desert in Syria if that does not work.

Will you include also Israeli politicians, including government ministers like Mrs. Shaked and Mr. Ariel and others inciting against Arabs?

[Thorgal]

Timing with Paris attacks is more than suspicious. Another Israeli vicious trick from the same old box from the only democracy of the ME.

To know that 2 weeks ago, Yoram Cohen, the head of Israel’s Shin Bet secret police told the government he had no evidence linking the group to terrorism and objected to proposals to outlaw it.

Let's not forget that they're linked to legitimate Israeli voters...who come in droves...

Edited November 18, 2015 by Thorgal

[Thorgal]

What amazing chutzpah and hypocrisy, when Netanyau bans a party for inciting violence, while his own Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked, advocates Palestinian genocide.

Not genocide. Open war and Shaked might have a point. The Palestinians show no sign of being ready for peace.

"The Palestinian people has declared war on us, and we must respond with war. Not an

operation, not a slow ­moving one, not low ­intensity, not controlled escalation, no destruction of

terror infrastructure, no targeted killings. Enough with the oblique references. This is a war.

Words have meanings. This is a war. It is not a war against terror, and not a war against

extremists, and not even a war against the Palestinian Authority. These too are forms of avoiding reality. This is a war between two people. Who is the enemy? The Palestinian people. Why? Ask them, they started [it]."

If the murder of French civilians is considered an act of war by France then why shouldn't Israel conclude the same? To expect otherwise would be hypocritical.

Just a slight difference. France doesn't occupy lands , doesn't subjugate millions of people to a cruel occupation. Having said this, I sharply condemn any terrorism against innocent civilians, anywhere , by anyone, against anyone!

France attacks and foreign land occupation is off topic.

Perhaps we can discuss this in another thread.

On the orther hand you should consider as starting point the new flag used by the Free Syrian Army, who's exactly the same as the one used under French mandate between 1932 till 1958 (Independency). It's not a coincidence and capital to analyse/understand the FSA attempt to 'liberation'.

The Israeli decision from OP is far from democratic...and used in a time of regional political confusion.

Let's not forget that Hamas came to power through satellite NGO's sponsored by Israel to counter Fatah/PLO.

Edited November 18, 2015 by Thorgal

[Morch]

Timing with Paris attacks is more than suspicious. Another Israeli vicious trick from the same old box from the only democracy of the ME.

To know that 2 weeks ago, Yoram Cohen, the head of Israel’s Shin Bet secret police told the government he had no evidence linking the group to terrorism and objected to proposals to outlaw it.

Let's not forget that they're linked to legitimate Israeli voters...who come in droves...

The objection of the Shin Bet was due to practical considerations, not to be confused with whitewashing the banned organization.

The reasons cited were that presentable evidence with regard to actual terrorist activities were not sufficient (there are several wording, information being leaked from government meeting - lack of, not strong enough, insufficient, not presentable) or solid enough to pursue cases. On the other hand, there was enough evidence relating to incitement to violence which could be used as a legal foundation to curb activities without a wholesale ban.

Another argument was that banning the whole branch might make it go underground (hence, harder to track) and further radicalize some members. A major factor was a difference in assessment between the police and the Shin Bet regarding the likelihood of riots following the ban.

The positions on the Shin Bet was that it would be more productive to apply investigative and legal focus on activities of the organization's leadership, specifically targeting financial dealings with illegal sources (Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood).

Considering the banned organization's stance on the general elections, mention of voters is odd.