Latest news with #IsraelDefenceForces
Economist
a day ago
- Politics
- Economist
As Gaza starves, Israel fights on
IN A LONG-TERM planning session on July 21st Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, the head of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), told his fellow generals that 2026 would be a year of 'preparedness, realising achievements, returning to competency and fundamentals'. In the meeting, the largest since the war in Gaza began nearly 22 months ago, he said the army should be preparing for another war with Iran. General Zamir's message was not intended just for the officers in the room. He was telling the government and the Israeli public that the IDF's top brass did not think the Gaza war should continue.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Man accused of storming Israeli restaurant in CBD makes second bid for freedom
A serial protester accused of storming an Israeli-owned restaurant in Melbourne's CBD has made a second bid for freedom, his lawyer claiming his behaviour was not antisemitic or fuelled by hate. Antwany Arnold, 55, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to make his second application for bail this month, after police alleged he hurled a chair at a diner at Miznon restaurant in Hardware Lane shortly after 8pm on July 4. Arnold has been charged with several offences, including throwing a missile and behaving in a riotous manner. Police allege food, glasses and chairs were thrown at staff and patrons during the incident, which involved a group of 20 or 30 people who had splintered off from an earlier demonstration about police presence at protests. A lawyer acting for police described Arnold's conduct as disgraceful and highly offensive. Arnold's lawyer, Tim Hutton, told the court his alleged actions, some of which had been captured on CCTV and shown to the court, were not driven by antisemitism, prejudice or hate. 'It [was] a compassionate condemnation of an organisation, the IDF, the Israel Defence Forces ... it is condemnation of the atrocities and crimes ... committed,' he said. 'It is in no way any reflection on Jewish people or thoughts or feelings towards Jewish people.' Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz interjected, saying that regardless of whether the incident was to do with political or humanitarian issues, her role was to consider allegations put to her about Arnold's conduct and whether he posed a danger to community safety. The court heard Arnold was on bail over another incident which occurred on April 14, at the corner of Swanston and Bourke streets just after 3pm.
The Age
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Age
Man accused of storming Israeli restaurant in CBD makes second bid for freedom
A serial protester accused of storming an Israeli-owned restaurant in Melbourne's CBD has made a second bid for freedom, his lawyer claiming his behaviour was not antisemitic or fuelled by hate. Antwany Arnold, 55, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to make his second application for bail this month, after police alleged he hurled a chair at a diner at Miznon restaurant in Hardware Lane shortly after 8pm on July 4. Arnold has been charged with several offences, including throwing a missile and behaving in a riotous manner. Police allege food, glasses and chairs were thrown at staff and patrons during the incident, which involved a group of 20 or 30 people who had splintered off from an earlier demonstration about police presence at protests. A lawyer acting for police described Arnold's conduct as disgraceful and highly offensive. Arnold's lawyer, Tim Hutton, told the court his alleged actions, some of which had been captured on CCTV and shown to the court, were not driven by antisemitism, prejudice or hate. 'It [was] a compassionate condemnation of an organisation, the IDF, the Israel Defence Forces ... it is condemnation of the atrocities and crimes ... committed,' he said. 'It is in no way any reflection on Jewish people or thoughts or feelings towards Jewish people.' Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz interjected, saying that regardless of whether the incident was to do with political or humanitarian issues, her role was to consider allegations put to her about Arnold's conduct and whether he posed a danger to community safety. The court heard Arnold was on bail over another incident which occurred on April 14, at the corner of Swanston and Bourke streets just after 3pm.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: Ireland and the US worked together for peace in the past and can do so again
Many comments were coarse and showed no evidence of their having read the meticulously worded Occupied Territories Bill (OTB). We must do more than respond in kind. Many of us have strong American links. US citizens with Irish ancestry can grasp Ireland's empathy for victims of famine and forced depopulation. Other Americans may not have such insights and might need inspiration from wise and erudite US politicians. Unfortunately, such guidance was often lacking in recent tragedies in Palestine and Israel. By contrast, from 1970 onwards, Democratic and Republican politicians tried to help Ireland during the Troubles. They sought the advice of Irish politicians, including John Hume. These exchanges hastened peace and brought enormous benefits for the island of Ireland. It is beyond time to revive the Ireland-US diplomatic and political exchanges of the John Hume era. Not all Gaza peace negotiations need to be held in Qatar. With Ireland's history, perhaps sharing the nuances of the OTB, Ireland could help bring a lasting accord. It could reciprocate the vital US input of 1998. Philip Powell, Co Dublin Israeli use of antisemitism defence rings hollow as abhorrent war continues The abhorrent and continuing inhumanity to the people of Gaza cannot be described as anything other than genocide. At the time, there was little awareness of the Holocaust, but today, there are ceaseless daily media reports of the killing of innocent people – God's children – by the Israel Defence Forces. Israel, alleging it is the sole democracy in the Middle East, claims criticism of the carnage is antisemitic. The Oxford English Dictionary defines 'semitic' as 'relating to or denoting a family of languages that includes Hebrew, Arabic and Aramaic and certain ancient languages such as Phoenician and Akkadian, constituting the main subgroup of the Afro-Asiatic family'. Therefore, Israel has no moral claim to the term 'antisemitic'. This is nothing other than an inhumane, immoral attempt to press naive parliamentarians into doing the bidding of those who desire to depopulate Gaza, allowing settlers to take it over. I can only conclude the perpetrators of this genocide do not trust God, as they delude themselves on the seriousness of what believing in God incurs personally. Declan Foley, Melbourne, Australia We put ourselves at risk of economic shock in cosying up to the once-friendly US Ireland can't afford to dismiss Donald Trump's 30pc tariff threat. I think from an Irish perspective it could be argued by some commentators that this really illuminates how foolish we were in making ourselves a US vassal state and becoming so economically dependent on the whims of one country. It's all fine and dandy when there's a US president who is affectionate towards Ireland. However, when there isn't that same affinity and closeness, and when we are just being treated like any other nation, especially when it comes to US interests, we are vulnerable to shocks, particularly when it comes to pharmaceuticals. Many would suggest that if we were a US vassal state, it has transformed this country. If one were to look at our nearest neighbour, Britain, and compare the standard of living, it could be argued that we are in a different league to the UK and most European countries. However, most young people in Ireland are living with their parents. For many of our citizens, there is a palpable cost-of-living crisis, and it could also be argued that this thriving economy of ours doesn't always translate to a real quality of living. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Cork hurlers did so well this year, I hope they won't be too hard on themselves While I fully understand why Cork's management and players did not want a big homecoming reception, I would also say to them that they have done Cork proud in 2025 by winning the National League and the Munster Championship – no small achievement. Disappointment I can understand, but they did bring a lot of happiness to Cork fans this year, so they should not be too hard on themselves. But of course, full congratulations are due to Liam Cahill and the Tipp boys. Donough O Reilly, Stillorgan, Dublin Cork may have been the experts' choice, but their predictions fell flat on day In the Irish Independent sports section last Saturday ('All-Ireland final jury',) a so-called panel of experts, namely Colm Keys, Michael Verney, John Mullane, Frank Roche, Dermot Crowe, Conor McKeon and Eddie Brennan, all predicted at least a four-point win for Cork in the All-Ireland hurling final. The defence rests. Brendan Daly, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Good to see budget move from cost-of-living action to more capital spending The Summer Economic Statement details what levels of funding will be available for Budget 2026. It is good to see that there will be a move away from the so-called once-off cost-of-living measures towards more capital spending and investment in healthcare, education and social protection. There is going to be investment in infrastructure, and this is good for the future. There is an uncertainty out there and the Government needs to be careful. Each department needs to have a plan, and they all need to be cautious going forward. At least this year's budget will not fall in an election year. There will not be the same lobbying by interest groups. However, there will be a presidential election in November, which will be more of a personality contest than a political one. The economic state of the country should be the most important priority at the moment. We are about to enter choppy waters thanks to Donald Trump. However, we are fortunate that our economic state is in the safe hands of Paschal Donohoe. He and Jack Chambers are a formidable partnership. Thomas Garvey, Claremorris Mayo
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- Politics
- AsiaOne
All options on the table if Israel does not deliver on Gaza pledges, EU's Kallas says, World News
BRUSSELS — All options are on the table if Israel does not deliver on its pledges to facilitate humanitarian aid in Gaza, the European Union's (EU) top diplomat said on Tuesday (July 22). "The killing of civilians seeking aid in Gaza is indefensible," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote in a post on X, adding that she spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar "to recall our understanding on aid flow and made clear that Israel Defence Forces must stop killing people at distribution points". Earlier this month, Kallas said Israel had agreed to expand humanitarian access to Gaza, including increasing the number of aid trucks, crossing points and routes to distribution hubs. "All options remain on the table if Israel doesn't deliver on its pledges," Kallas said. On Monday, two dozen Western countries called for Israel to immediately end its war in Gaza and criticised what they described as "inhumane killing" of Palestinians, saying it was "horrifying" that more than 800 civilians had been killed while seeking aid. Israel's foreign ministry called Monday's statement "disconnected from reality" and said it would send the wrong message to Hamas. Gaza health officials have said more than 59,000 Palestinians have died during the 21-month conflict in Gaza. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on Oct 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. [[nid:720206]]
