MESS Report-Israel News - Haaretz Israeli News source.

MESS Report

Blogs

MESS Report Haaretz.com

By title:

By writer:

From date:

To date:

MESS Report

by Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff

| Last Update: 18.12.2011

Appointment of IDF's new 'Iran Command' chief raises eyebrows

While the idea of the corps itself has broad support within the army, the same cannot be said about the choice of the man who is to lead it.

By Amos Harel | Dec 18, 2011 | 12:38 AM | 3

Today they are outraged, tomorrow they will forget

When the wave of condemnation passes, everything will be just as it was before: authorities will continue to act forgivingly toward the extreme right, and IDF officers will continue to tread carefully when it comes to settler violence.

By Amos Harel | Dec 13, 2011 | 06:50 PM | 7

Efraim Base - Daniel Bar-On - December 2011

Netanyahu: All lines were crossed when Israeli citizens attacked IDF soldiers
By Ophir Bar-Zohar and Haaretz | 5
Right-wing activist calls on IDF soldiers to sabotage equipment
By Chaim Levinson | 4

Israel, Hamas looking to avoid escalation in south after cross-border attacks

Latest round of violence began at noon on Thursday following the assassination of Isam al-Batash, a Palestinian activist who was planning to carry out a terrorist attack in Israel from Egypt.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Dec 11, 2011 | 03:07 AM | 51

Qassam strike - Eliyahu Hershkovitz - December 2011

The Islamic Winter is already here

Muslim Brotherhood success in Egypt elections could aid Hamas; Islamic Jihad seeking escalation in Gaza; fall of Assad regime in Syria only a matter of time.

By Avi Issacharoff | Nov 19, 2011 | 10:54 AM | 20

Islamic Jihad rally in Gaza Nov. 4, 2011 (Reuters)

In the IDF, it's the officers vs. the rabbis

Military elders are struggling against a gradual cultural shift that threatens the position of women in the IDF.

By Amos Harel | Nov 14, 2011 | 01:54 PM | 3

Top IDF officers urge Barak to fight religious discrimination of women
By Amos Harel | 38

Future will reveal true price of Shalit swap deal

Senior Palestinian security source says it's just a matter of time before another Israeli soldier is abducted in an effort to negotiate the release of the remaining prisoners.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Oct 17, 2011 | 12:48 AM | 42

Shalit promoted to rank of IDF sergeant-major on eve of release
By Haaretz and DPA | 7
Before Shalit swap / Details of Israel-Arab prisoner exchanges since 1982
By Reuters

Gilad Shalit's bittersweet homecoming

When Gilad Shalit returns to his family a collective sigh of relief will be heard through Israel, almost like that at the end of a war; but in agreeing to this painful deal, the country's security services have assumed a heavy risk.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Oct 14, 2011 | 11:39 AM | 3

Gilad Shalit March 15, 2011 (Gil Cohen Magen)

Israel and Hamas are both winners and losers in Shalit swap deal

Never before has Israel paid so high a price for a single soldier, while Hamas must have been pushed into a corner to have agreed to such a dramatic compromise.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Oct 12, 2011 | 01:54 AM | 78

Hamas, Israel's enemy or economic partner?

Cooperation between Israel and Hamas exists on several fronts, including at the Kerem Shalom terminal, where goods pass in and out of Gaza. And the more the PA challenges Israel, the more Hamas makes nice.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Oct 7, 2011 | 09:48 AM | 15

Abbas will head home with little to show

The Palestinian public might be too tired to embark on a new intifada. But without diplomatic achievements, the term "third intifada" might stop being taboo.

By Avi Issacharoff | Sep 23, 2011 | 03:00 AM | 33

Arrest near Ramallah - Daniel Bar-On - September 2011

Political war between Israel and Palestinians enters critical stage

Both sides hope battle will remain in New York, and will not move to checkpoints and settlements of West Bank.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Sep 21, 2011 | 03:08 AM | 14

Abbas has shown Israel he is not like Arafat

Abbas' declaration that he will request for full UN membership reflects a politician who knows how to garner domestic support, but also knows how to send calming signals to the Israeli public and international community.

By Avi Issacharoff | Sep 18, 2011 | 12:32 AM | 39

Abbas' historical gamble

Abbas admits he is taking a gamble by turning to the UN Security Council, but nevertheless made a masterful speech to gain support for his domestic politics while sending a calming message to the international community.

By Avi Issacharoff | Sep 17, 2011 | 11:20 AM | 15

Palestinians trying to dodge pre-UN vote face-off with Obama

Palestinian Authority officials understand that a Security Council petition for statehood would prompt a U.S. veto and are trying to wrest last-minute promises from the Obama administration.

By Avi Issacharoff | Sep 14, 2011 | 03:14 AM | 91

Obama on 9/11 - Reuters - Sept. 11, 2011

Gazans wary of Palestinian UN statehood bid
By Reuters | 3
U.S. envoys to visit region in last-ditch effort to avert Palestinian statehood bid
By Reuters | 61

Israel not facing an all-out Middle East war

Maj. Gen. Eyal Eisenberg has discovered it's one thing to successfully command Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip and something else entirely to make an appearance before cameras and microphones.

By Amos Harel | Sep 7, 2011 | 01:07 AM | 31

IDF soldiers during Cast Lead (Matan Hakimi, IDF Spokesman's Office)

The Egyptian revolution has created a vacuum in Sinai

Chaos in Sinai since the revolution in Egypt makes it easier to carry out the attacks turning Israel's quietest border into its deadliest.

By Avi Issacharoff | Aug 19, 2011 | 01:57 AM

Israel and Hamas both have an interest in showing progress on Shalit deal

Despite interest, there is still distance between intensive negotiations and the signing of a deal, due to substantive disparities in parties' positions.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Aug 18, 2011 | 02:27 AM | 5

IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, captured by Hamas in 2006

Palestinian sources: Hamas leader won't soften demands for Shalit swap
By Avi Issacharoff | 25

The IDF has one eye on Hamas, one eye on Syria

While this has been a quiet summer in terms of security in the country, the army is tensely following developments in Syria, Sinai and the PA - and waiting to have its budget slashed.

By Amos Harel | Aug 12, 2011 | 01:38 PM | 4

Syria's Assad - Reuters - August 1, 2010.

Likely freeze in Israel's defense budget is a victory for protesters

Netanyahu and Barak are close to an agreement to delay implementation of the IDF's multiyear program and leave the existing budget unchanged for the coming year.

By Amos Harel | Aug 12, 2011 | 02:10 AM | 11

Israeli sources: Arab Spring let Palestinians ramp up Gaza arms smuggling

In the past months, Hamas has acquired improved rockets, ready-made explosive devices, anti-tank missiles and possibly anti-aircraft missiles, say Israeli defense officials.

By Amos Harel | Jul 25, 2011 | 02:13 AM | 49

Palestinians: Gaza gunman wounded in Israeli air strike
By Reuters | 15
IDF condemns Hamas for failing to halt Gaza rocket fire
By Anshel Pfeffer | 1

Is the IDF becoming an Orthodox army?

Documents drawn up by high-ranking army officers show that IDF regulations aimed at accommodating religious male soldiers are restrictive and even damaging vis-a-vis female soldiers.

By Amos Harel | Jul 22, 2011 | 11:28 AM | 26

Gaza rocket fire: Why now?

There does not seem to be one clear explanation for the latest resumption of rocket fire from Gaza, and theories abound.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Jul 17, 2011 | 01:09 PM | 9

Regards from Hamas leader Khaled Meshal

As September approaches, the Palestinians themselves aren’t sure what their plan is, but one thing is for sure: It’s not the economy, stupid.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Jul 15, 2011 | 11:14 AM | 5

Five years after war, Israel-Lebanon border is quieter than ever

Hezbollah has not made a single aggressive move since the war ended five years ago, but the deterrence established in that conflict may not be the only reason.

By Amos Harel | Jul 12, 2011 | 02:34 AM | 22

West Bank escalation reminiscent of years before second intifada

Escalating tensions between settlers and Palestinians today recall the first days of the second intifada, with the IDF increasing defensive rings around settlements; IDF officers report renewed, systematic settler agression.

By Amos Harel | Jul 10, 2011 | 01:32 AM | 7

Clashes in West Bank - Yitzhak Levinson - June 2, 2011

Palestinians are preparing for September, but is Israel?

A simulation exercise by Palestinians, designed to help them assess what will happen after the UN vote in September, leads to a few conclusions. One is that widespread violence is possible - but not inevitable or desired.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Jul 8, 2011 | 11:49 AM | 21

September Palestine - Amos Biderman - 08072011

The pro-Palestinian 'fly-in' poses no danger to Israel

Excessive preparations for clashes risk becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

By Amos Harel | Jul 8, 2011 | 01:57 AM | 2

Arab Spring may be good for Israel after all

Even Arab analysts who witnessed the changes in the region up close recognize that forecasting the future is futile. But that doesn't mean they don't see recent events as a cause for elation.

By Amos Harel | Jul 1, 2011 | 02:02 PM | 6

children carry Egyptian flag June 21, 2011

IDF prepares for possible escalation in run-up to vote on Palestinian state

As the Palestinian Authority officially declares it will petition the UN for statehood in September, the IDF holds a two-day exercise to prepare for possible clashes on its borders in the tense months ahead.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Jun 27, 2011 | 11:47 AM | 9

Palestinians officially decide to seek UN recognition for statehood in September
By Jack Khoury | 45

IDF on high alert in Golan Heights in anticipation of further protests

Tuesday marks the 44th anniversary of the battles over East Jerusalem in the Six Day war, as IDF prepares for rallies in Golan Heights, West Bank and East Jerusalem.

By Amos Harel | Jun 7, 2011 | 01:09 AM | 15

U.S.: Syria 'clearly' inciting Israel border protests
By News Agencies | 9

Violence on Syria border leaves Israel in a no-win situation

Syrian government has a clear interest in exaggerating the number of casualties from Sunday's clashes in order to overshadow Assad's massacre of anti-government protesters.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Jun 6, 2011 | 01:57 AM | 89

Calm returns to Israel-Syria border after day of deadly violence
By Jack Khoury, Eli Ashkenazi, Amos Harel, Anshel Pfeffer and News Agencies | 35
IDF fears continued Palestinian infiltration on Syria border
By Anshel Pfeffer | 238

Syria's focus will be on its Israel border on Naksa Day

Syria-Israel frontier expected to be site of demonstrations marking the anniversary of the Naksa, the Arab defeat in the 1967 Six-Day War, with protesters attempting to recreate the clashes of last month's Nakba Day.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Jun 5, 2011 | 01:34 AM | 34

Opening of Rafah crossing spells end of Israel's blockade of Gaza

Move heralds closer ties between Hamas and Egypt; Israel objects to gesture but does not see it causing major security damage.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | May 29, 2011 | 01:19 AM | 34

Fatah official hails 'brave' Egyptian decision to open Rafah crossing
By Reuters and The Associated Press | 92

Criticism of Israel's Gaza blockade may diminish due to opening of Rafah crossing

The opening of the crossing is part of a package of benefits that the new regime in Cairo offered Hamas in exchange for its agreement to reach a reconciliation with Fatah.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | May 27, 2011 | 01:04 AM | 27

U.S. 'confident' Egypt can provide good security at Rafah border
By DPA | 22

A third intifada? Not necessarily

West Bank violence may erupt due to anger over a gap between UN resolutions and achievements, but it is not a foregone conclusion.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | May 20, 2011 | 09:50 AM | 15

Lebanon Nakba Day protest - Reuters - 15.5.2011

'Goldstone Report failed to address difficulties of asymmetric warfare'

Professor Michael Walzer discusses if and when terrorists should be assassinated.

By Amos Harel | May 18, 2011 | 02:29 AM | 78

Netanyahu: Abbas is distorting known historical facts
By Reuters and Haaretz Service | 11
Obama: Israeli-Palestinian peace talks more vital than ever
By Reuters and Haaretz Service | 10

Ramallah gussies up for statehood declaration

The standard of living in the West Bank has risen in terms of security, economics, health and infrastructure. But is that enough to build a state?

By Avi Issacharoff | May 16, 2011 | 02:39 AM

Israel remaining calm ahead of Nakba Day protests

Top PA officials have evinced irony about the wide-scale preparations now undertaken by the IDF in advance of the days of protest, which will begin on Friday.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | May 12, 2011 | 02:04 AM | 34

Demonstrators marking Nakba Day, May 2006.

Bin Laden hit is a symbolic victory for U.S. and Obama

While the U.S. military has advanced significantly during its fight against extremists in Afghanistan, the killing of bin Laden is an achievement that may finally resonate with the Middle Eastern consciousness.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | May 2, 2011 | 02:48 PM | 3

Netanyahu: Killing of bin Laden is 'resounding victory for justice'
By Barak Ravid | 36
Killing a terror kingpin / How Osama bin Laden was taken out
By Natasha Mozgovaya and The Associated Press | 80
Hamas slams killing of 'holy warrior' Osama bin Laden
By Jack Khoury and Reuters | 75

Jumping the gun

Prime Minister would have been better advised to hold his tongue and sit the newly formed reconciliation deal out, say Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Apr 29, 2011 | 08:30 AM | 27

PA: New unity government to prepare elections and rehabilitate Gaza
By Avi Issacharoff | 9

Trouble brewing between Palestinians and Israelis

The Palestinian Authority is keen to prevent a broad confrontation with Israel, but this may change by September.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Apr 26, 2011 | 01:53 AM | 13

Damascus on the cusp

President Assad's latest declarations are on par with the desperate measures taken by his Egyptian counterpart. Eventually, something will give.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Apr 22, 2011 | 08:40 AM | 13

At least 88 protesters killed in deadliest day of Syria unrest
By Avi Issacharoff and News Agencies | 132
Government fact-finding mission shows 846 killed in Egypt uprising
By The Associated Press and Haaretz Service | 4

Mideast turmoil boosts Iran's regional arms smuggling

Iran has been able to take advantage of the West's preoccupation with regional unrest; According to Western intelligence, only a relatively small quantity of smuggled Iranian weapons is currently being intercepted.

By Amos Harel | Apr 15, 2011 | 02:33 AM | 6

U.S. officials: Iran aiding Syria in crackdown on anti-Assad protests
By Haaretz Service | 7

Next Gaza war is getting closer

After a week-long lull in violence along the Gaza border, the southern front is heating up once again following Israel's assassination of three Hamas men in Khan Yunis.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Apr 3, 2011 | 02:03 AM | 12

Assad's 'j'accuse'

While the Syrian president predictably blamed 'them' - the Lebanese, the Saudis, the U.S. and Israel - for troubles at home, PA President Abbas made it clear that there is no time to lose when it comes to Jerusalem's renewal of talks with the Palestinians.

By Avi Issacharoff | Apr 1, 2011 | 09:41 AM | 18

Protests sweep across Syria as Assad considers cabinet shake-up

Assad's forces fire at demonstrators; Syrian cabinet considers release of political prisoners in an attempt to quell the unrest.

By Avi Issacharoff | Mar 27, 2011 | 01:17 AM | 21

Is Syria reaching the point of no return?
By Avi Issacharoff | 14

Is Syria reaching the point of no return?

Friday's demonstrations were a first step on a long path that could end with the fall of the regime of Bashar Assad.

By Avi Issacharoff | Mar 26, 2011 | 09:45 AM | 14

Anti-Syrian government protesters, flash V-victory signs on March 23, 2011

Caution: Middle East under construction
By Aluf Benn | 6
At least 23 said killed as protesters in Syria clash with security forces
By News Agencies | 5
Amnesty: At least 55 killed in a week of Syria protests
By Reuters | 20

Israel struggling to avoid head-on clash with Hamas

IAF attacks on Gaza have been largely symbolic thus far; Gaza residents say among targets hit was a long-abandoned building and an unused Hamas post that had been bombed before.

By Amos Harel | Mar 25, 2011 | 02:04 AM | 21

Gaza war reenactment – AP – Dec. 30, 2010

Hamas not likely behind Jerusalem bombing

Despite the escalation, Hamas does not seem to want large-scale clashes yet. The organization actually has good reasons to believe that Israel is the one heating up the southern front.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Mar 24, 2011 | 02:53 AM | 62

Injured Jerusalem bus explosion - AP - Mar. 23, 2011

Bomb explodes in central Jerusalem; 1 dead, at least 30 hurt
By Nir Hasson and Haaretz Service | 193
TIMELINE / Terror returns to Jerusalem after three-year lull
By Haaretz Service and Reuters | 4

A small war is starting along Gaza border

What began as a local escalation is steadily transforming into a broader conflict that the sides will apparently have difficulty stopping.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Mar 23, 2011 | 12:56 AM | 103

Grad rocket explodes near Ashdod as Gaza tensions spiral
By Anshel Pfeffer and Haaretz Service | 89
IDF kills 4 Gaza civilians, 4 militants
By Anshel Pfeffer

Settlement attack could trigger terrorism by Jewish extremists

Attack at Itamar will cast pall over intelligence cooperation between Israel and Palestinian security services, as well as over lofty goal of restarting the diplomatic process.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Mar 13, 2011 | 02:11 AM | 26

Series of security failures led up to West Bank settlement attack, probe shows
By Anshel Pfeffer | 20
Victims of West Bank settlement attack identified as Fogel family
By Yaniv Kubovich | 2

With 20/20 hindsight

Senior intelligence personnel are showing that it's easy to be right in retrospect. What they're not talking about is all the predictions they got wrong about recent regional events

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Mar 11, 2011 | 01:22 PM

Hamas planning to resume efforts against IDF in West Bank

According to Palestinian and Israeli security sources, Hamas plans to kill Israelis and abduct their bodies, and then negotiate their return to Israel.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Mar 11, 2011 | 02:29 AM | 13

Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas' Qassam Brigades, March 26, 2010

Egypt's revolution not over, but stability is in sight

Power remains in hands of the young people; Egyptians see chances of Muslim Brotherhood seizing power as slim; Current PM and promising presidential candidate not Israel's best friends, but are aware of need to maintain a reasonable relationship with its neighbor.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Mar 6, 2011 | 01:53 AM | 14

Muammar Gadhafi is still in power, and Iran and many parts of the Arab world are roiling. Could the regional unrest spill over into the Palestinian territories and lead to a Tahrir Square in Ramallah?

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Mar 4, 2011 | 08:27 AM | 18

Barak: Make-up of government is problematic for advancing peace
By Haaretz Service and The Associated Press | 44
Palestinians may be looking for peace beyond Washington
By Jonathan Schachter | 4

Escalation with Gaza will likely be contained within a few days

Israeli military assessment is that the missile fire on Be'er Sheva does not reflect a new Palestinian policy; the three weeks following the rioting in Egypt have been the calmest along the border during the past two years.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Feb 25, 2011 | 02:10 AM | 8

Israeli missile strike, AP, Dec. 27, 2008.

IDF targets Hamas in Gaza after rocket strike on Be'er Sheva
By Haaretz Service | 19

Predicting the next Mideast revolution

The world's eyes are focused on any and every hint of dissent emerging from the Middle East these days, as pundits try to predict the next revolution - or crackdown.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Feb 18, 2011 | 09:11 AM | 4

Dozens killed in Libya as army continues crackdown
By The Associated Press | 18
One killed in Yemen as protesters capture government buildings
By News Agencies

Israeli-Egyptian relations / Quiet military coup was behind Mubarak's resignation

After Mubarak's Thursday-night address Egyptian military leaders, anticipating the anger of the protesters, told Mubarak that if he did not step down voluntarily the army would force him out.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Feb 13, 2011 | 01:27 AM | 4

Embittered and embattled in Tel Aviv and Cairo

In Egypt, citizens are fighting for their basic rights, while in Israel members of the defense establishment and the army's top brass are waging an equally heated war - on each other.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Feb 4, 2011 | 09:20 AM | 22

Protests in Tahrir Square - Reuters - Feb. 4, 2011

Is Mubarak at the end of his tether?

The army refrained from intervening in Wednesday's clashes, strengthening the suspicion that Mubarak's regime is behind the near bloodbath that took place in Cairo that day.

By Avi Issacharoff | Feb 3, 2011 | 01:53 AM | 38

Cairo square clashes - AP - Feb. 2, 2011

The price Mubarak will have to pay

Just two days ago, Mideast experts and commentators could not foresee that Egypt could be on the verge of a revolution, and Mubarak's 30-year regime might come to a forced end.

By Avi Issacharoff | Jan 29, 2011 | 05:50 PM | 10

IDF faces crisis of values over Galant report

The IDF is facing a crisis no less serious than the one it faced in the Second Lebanon War, while that was a professional crisis, this, in contrast, is a deep crisis of values.

By Amos Harel | Jan 28, 2011 | 01:16 AM | 4

lindenstrauss - Olivia Pitusi - December 7 2010

Galant confident of imminent appointment to IDF chief despite report
By Tomer Zarchin and Amos Harel | 9

With the West Bank barrier unfinished, the path for terrorists is wide open

Money for the project begun under Ariel Sharon's government stopped rolling the moment terrorist attacks became fewer (the paradox, being of course, that the barrier played a major role in that success).

By Amos Harel | Jan 26, 2011 | 01:32 PM | 13

Body of slain tourist Kristine Luken recovered Dec. 19, 2010 (Ilan Assayag)

Hezbollah has emerged as Lebanon's real victor

Nasrallah took a significant gamble: winning political power without openly using force.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Jan 26, 2011 | 03:39 AM | 4

Calm in Ramallah debunks Al-Jazeera claims

Fatah officials voiced no criticism of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas or other senior PA figures. Far from it: Fatah leaders closed ranks to protect Abbas and launched a direct assault on Al Jazeera.

By Avi Issacharoff | Jan 25, 2011 | 12:56 AM | 4

Palestine papers hardly likely to spur a revolution

It is entirely possible that the dramatic leak may have a boomerang effect that will see increased support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is being portrayed as wrongfully persecuted.

By Avi Issacharoff | Jan 24, 2011 | 06:26 PM | 4

Israel's probe of Gaza flotilla is preaching to the choir

The Turkel Committee concluded that Israel acted in line with international law, but it is hard to believe the international community will accept it.

By Amos Harel | Jan 23, 2011 | 09:49 PM | 6

Former Supreme Court justice Jacob Turkel

Galant faces battle with state comptroller

The saga of the appointment of IDF's 20th chief of staff is nearing its final episode, which will apparently be as stormy as previous ones and Galant has no intention of bowing out.

By Amos Harel | Jan 20, 2011 | 01:42 AM | 4

Barak, Eizenkot, Gantz - Ariel Hermoni - 2010

Lebanese Druze leader to decide Hariri's political fate

Draft indictment in the 2005 murder of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri is expected to charge senior figures in Hezbollah over the assasination.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Jan 16, 2011 | 01:03 AM | 8

Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri - AP - Jan. 14, 2010

UN reaffirms independence of Hariri tribunal, after collapse of Lebanon government
By DPA and Shlomo Shamir | 1
Report: UN tribunal to link Iran's Supreme Leader with Hariri assassination
By Avi Issacharoff and Haaretz Service | 104

Hezbollah leader Nasrallah in no hurry to spark civil war in Lebanon

Security sources tell Haaretz that at this point the developments in Lebanon are internal and there is no immediate risk of a conflict on the northern border.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Jan 13, 2011 | 11:47 PM | 24

Hezbollah exit from Lebanon government carefully planned
By Zvi Bar'el | 45
Obama backs embattled Lebanon PM, after Hezbollah topples government
By Reuters and Natasha Mozgovaya | 32

South Korea eyes upgrading Israel defense deals in light of tensions with North

South Korea's defense procurement from Israel has significantly increased in recent years.

By Amos Harel | Jan 12, 2011 | 02:08 AM | 34

How will Israel's new strategic leadership deal with Iran?

Those exposed to outgoing Mossad chief's Meir Dagan's arguments will find it difficult to ignore their logic, and the assertive tone in which they were made.

By Amos Harel | Jan 9, 2011 | 12:38 AM | 14

Ticking clocks and threats

As new people take the top spots in the army and Mossad, Iran will continue to be a major focus of their concern. In addition, the possibility of Israeli military action must remain on the table.

By Amos Harel | Jan 7, 2011 | 11:37 AM

Has Israel lost the battle to convince the world it did not kill Bil'in activist?

According to testimonies, Jawaher Abu Rahmah was hurt by the tear gas fired at the anti-fence protest, but it's reasonable to assume this wasn't the sole cause of death.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Jan 5, 2011 | 01:51 AM | 86

Bil'in eyewitnesses: Woman killed by tear gas wasn't protesting
By Avi Issacharoff | 26
Abbas: Latest Palestinian death another Israeli crime against our helpless nation
By Haaretz Service and Amira Hass | 28
IDF opens probe into death of Palestinian protester
By News Agencies | 11

Saudis urge Lebanon PM to accept compromise with Hezbollah

Hezbollah to guarantee Saad Hariri protection if he rejects international tribunal investigating 2005 assassination of his father.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Dec 29, 2010 | 02:10 AM | 120

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri - AP

Report: Lebanon PM halts backing of Hariri tribunal amid tensions with Hezbollah
By Avi Issacharoff and News Agencies | 108
Iran's Ayatollah Khamanei: Any Hariri tribunal findings are ‘null and void’
By Reuters | 13
CBC report points to Hezbollah involvement in Hariri murder
By Avi Issacharoff | 22

Hamas sending mixed messages on 2nd anniversary of Gaza war

At Hamas press conference on Saturday, the military wing claimed official responsibility for first time for terror attacks that killed total of 15 Israelis.

By Avi Issacharoff | Dec 26, 2010 | 02:25 AM | 27

Hamas: Israel has two options - death or leaving Palestinian lands
By Haaretz Service | 238
IAF warplanes strike Gaza tunnels, leave 3 wounded
By DPA | 16
Former PM Olmert: Barak protected Hamas during Cast Lead
By Haaretz Service | 9
Israel allows more exports from Gaza in effort to slowly ease blockade
By Haaretz Service | 41

As tensions on its borders grow, so do rivalries among Israel's defense industries

Behind the scenes of IDF's decision to deploy a Rafael-developed tank along Gaza border, company's rival Israel Military Industries is fighting for survival.

By Amos Harel | Dec 24, 2010 | 05:29 AM | 21

Does Israel have a peace partner after all?

The big news from Sunday's visit to Ramallah by Geneva Initiative supporters may be that there is still a peace camp in both the Palestinian territories and Israel.

By Avi Issacharoff | Dec 20, 2010 | 01:27 AM | 50

Israel orders envoys: Take 'urgent' action against Palestinian efforts at UN
By Barak Ravid | 29

How is Lebanon's sighting of Israeli 'spy gear' linked to the Hariri tribunal?

Lebanese Foreign Ministry says it has submitted an official complaint to the UN Security Council after it found espionage devices in mountains near Beirut.

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Dec 19, 2010 | 01:39 AM | 14

Lebanon submits official complaint to UN over Israeli 'spy devices'
By Haaretz Service | 40
Report: Lebanon suspects citizens aided Israel in planting espionage cameras
By Haaretz Service | 34
Lebanese television shows pictures of 'spy equipment' with Hebrew writing
By Avi Issacharoff

Discovery of Israeli 'spy cameras' is good news for Hezbollah

Supposed Israeli spy activity in Lebanon serves Hezbollah interests by reminding the Lebanese public that Israel, not Hezbollah, is the real enemy.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Dec 16, 2010 | 02:07 AM | 39

Palestinians are planning to make Netanyahu sweat

Right now it appears that the Palestinians have the White House sympathy market cornered and returning to the indirect talks will help them get even more.

By Avi Issacharoff | Dec 13, 2010 | 02:09 AM | 72

Mahmoud Abbas and Salam Fayyad AP 10.9.2010

Hezbollah threatens 'new era for resistance' unless Lebanon shuns Hariri tribunal

Hezbollah is demanding that the government end its financial backing of the international tribunal as a precondition for staying in the government.

By Avi Issacharoff | Dec 12, 2010 | 01:39 AM | 40

Rafik Hariri and Nasrallah - Haaretz archive

Fire services report shows Israel unready for war, again

With the Carmel fire sadly becoming history, it remains to be seen if Israel's politicians will actually listen to the warning bells this time around.

By Amos Harel | Dec 8, 2010 | 06:08 PM | 9

Will Hezbollah go to war against Israel to avoid civil strife in Lebanon?

If the Hariri tribunal indict several Hezbollah operatives, as expected, the militant group could use an escalation against Israel to divert the political storm.

By Avi Issacharoff | Dec 2, 2010 | 09:56 AM | 22

WikiLeaks exposé makes it clear: Everybody hates Iran

The screen has lifted, revealing that all are preoccupied with the Iranian threat.

By Amos Harel | Nov 29, 2010 | 03:35 AM | 40

Should IDF officers be able to disagree with superiors?

In military journal, Nahal Brigade commander Amir Abilafia warns disconnect between senior commanders and the processes inside the organization will make army less effective.

By Amos Harel | Nov 28, 2010 | 02:10 AM | 5

Intel sources implicate Syria in Hariri assassination

While UN tribunal is expected to indict senior Hezbollah operatives for the killing, Western sources say the assassination was a joint venture between Syria and Hezbollah.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Nov 26, 2010 | 02:03 AM | 41

Lebanon response to scandal over Hariri probe may be war against Israel

Wave of arrests among officials in Lebanese mobile phone operators - all on suspicions of spying for Israel - also reflects just how close cooperation has become between Lebanese intelligence and Hezbollah.

By Avi Issacharoff | Nov 23, 2010 | 02:45 AM | 36

Syria's threats and counter threats
By Amos Harel | 11
Lebanon army chief: We must be wary of Israel's military schemes
By Haaretz Service | 5
CBC report points to Hezbollah involvement in Hariri murder
By Avi Issacharoff | 22
Tapping into their telephones
By Yossi Melman

The Internet, Facebook are placing IDF soldiers in the crossfire

An online list of Israeli military personnel who took part in Gaza fighting is putting regular Israeli conscripts under threat of global arrest and harassment.

By Amos Harel | Nov 19, 2010 | 11:35 AM | 31

Website names soldiers, officers in Gaza offensive
By Anshel Pfeffer

Here's why Israel must not attack Iran now

In any attack plan of any country there is a risk that the pilots, and particularly the leaders above them, will become enthralled by the plan, without considering all the implications.

By Amos Harel | Nov 18, 2010 | 12:53 AM | 55

Netanyahu is fomenting revolution in the West Bank

It may be that the time has come to step back from the dream of transforming PA officials into enthusiastic Zionists who will not only act against Islamist groups out of a desire to save Israelis but will also recognize Israel as a Jewish state.

By Avi Issacharoff | Nov 16, 2010 | 02:17 AM | 19

MESS Report / Warnings of Hamas, Hezbollah threats should be taken seriously

Ashkenazi: Lebanon could fall into Hezbollah's hands after indictments are served in probe into the Rafiq Hariri assassination; Diskin: Egypt could stop weapons smuggling into Gaza.

By Amos Harel | Nov 16, 2010 | 02:17 AM | 41

Obama has made Netanyahu an offer he can't refuse

What benefits Israeli security more - a few more trailers on some hilltops or doubling the number of advanced fighters in its inventory?

By Amos Harel | Nov 15, 2010 | 01:33 AM | 142

MESS Report / Fragile Palestinian unity threatened by Fatah split

President Abbas faces challenges from Fatah inner circle just as ruling movement seems ascendant once again.

By Avi Issacharoff | Nov 12, 2010 | 02:44 AM | 15

Here's how Israel can help delegitimize itself

Israel must not choose to grant automatic and sweeping support to every soldier.

By Amos Harel | Nov 9, 2010 | 01:03 AM | 16

Peres with Mandelblit - Mark Neiman - Nov 7, 2010

What is Israel really doing about Iran?

Most of Israel's intelligence activity remains a deep secret, including its efforts to stop Tehran's nuclear program and the smuggling of arms to Gaza and Lebanon.

By Amos Harel | Nov 3, 2010 | 02:19 AM | 33

Ahmadinejad in Lebanon - AP - Oct 13, 2010

Lessons from the Southern Command

The next chief of staff is not the predatory hawk described in some newspapers, but neither will Yoav Galant be the obedient servant of the defense minister and the prime minister

By Amos Harel | Oct 22, 2010 | 08:13 AM

However wonderful they may be, settlers are an insurmountable obstacle to peace

The settlers' pain is understandable as the state tries to freeze their vision, but it is also apparent that the settlement enterprise cannot continue if we want to achieve a two-state solution to the conflict with the Palestinians.

By Avi Issacharoff | Oct 20, 2010 | 02:30 PM

MESS Report / Did Ahmadinejad visit to Lebanon help or hurt Hezbollah?

Ahmadinejad visits southern Lebanon while Nasrallah stays hidden in his bunker

By Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel | Oct 15, 2010 | 01:43 AM

MESS Report / Fearing civil war, Lebanese citizens arm themselves

Volatile probe into 2005 murder of Ex-Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri, upcoming Ahmadinejad visit, could easily set off a country on verge of explosion.

By Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff | Oct 11, 2010 | 02:58 AM

About the blog

Welcome to MESS (Middle East Security Survey) Report.

For more than a decade the two of us have been covering the Mideast conflict, primarily from a security-diplomatic perspective. We've witnessed wars, terror attacks and now and then peace initiatives, which, we are sorry to say, have not amounted to much.

If there is one thing that we have learnt, it is that the narrative is not simple. There is no one binding viewpoint, rather different competing perspectives, which sometimes - ironically – complement one another.

Our collaborative work – in the form of books as well as our Haaretz coverage – have allowed us to present a broader slice of reality for our readers. Now, we will try to do the same thing in this blog – and provide a bigger, credible picture from one of the most complex areas in the world. Now and then, too, we will try to present you with our own personal observations about the situation.

About the authors:

Amos Harel is one of Israel's leading media experts on military and defense issues. He has been the military correspondent and defense analyst for Haaretz for the last 12 years. In this role, he has written extensively about Israel's ongoing fight against terrorist organizations, its battles during the Palestinian Intifadah (uprising) and the last war in Lebanon. More about Amos Harel >>>

Avi Issacharoff has been the Palestinian and Arab Affairs Correspondent for Haaretz since 2006. A fluent Arabic speaker, Issacharoff, 36, has an insider's knowledge and contact with the inner workings of Palestinian society, and has directed and edited documentary films about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. More about Avi Issacharoff >>>

Benjamin Netanyahu

About the blog

About the authors: