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An Israel Defense Forces officer inspecting damage to a Sderot home after a Qassam rocket strike. (Jini Archives) del.icio.us Digg It!  new Last update - 16:32 19/12/2007 MKs slam gov't declaration of 'special situation' in Sderot By Shahar Ilan, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Gaza Strip, Qassam rockets  Numerous MKs sharply criticized the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee's decision Wednesday to approve the extension of the "special situation" declared in Sderot and other communities along the border with the Gaza Strip. Defense Minister Ehud Barak decided last week to seek cabinet approval to extend the declaration, due to the ongoing Qassam rocket fire into the southern Israel communities from the Gaza Strip. The declaration essentially transfers emergency authority from the state to the army. Therefore, the IDF Southern Command can determine whether or not schools will remain open, and the Home Front can order factories containing dangerous materials to close their doors. Advertisement MK Yuval Steinitz (Likud) said that the transfer of command over the rocket-weary communities from the hands of the state over to the military was a "blow to democracy," and that the Knesset committee cannot serve as a "rubber stamp." MK Limor Livnat (Likud) asked why this decision was necessary, and inquired in what ways the Israel Defense Forces had invoked the authority granted under the "special situation" declaration during the past month. MK Yisrael Hasson (Yisrael Beiteinu) also criticized the government's decision. Defense Ministry Director-General Pinchas Bucharis, however, said the declaration had great significance because of the moral support if gives to the residents of Sderot and other communities. The "special situation" was initially declared in May by then defense minister Amir Peretz, but the order expired approximately one month ago. Residents affected by the special situation are eligible to be compensated for damages suffered as a result of the declaration. The government approved Barak's recommendation that the declaration be extended in a vote carried out by telephone last Friday. The proposal was then brought before the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for its approval. Cabinet approves formation of national emergency authority Meanwhile, the security cabinet approved Wednesday the establishment of a national emergency authority. The authority will operate under the auspices of the Defense Ministry, and will be responsible for managing and coordinating between all rescue services and relevant government agencies, such as health care services, fire departments, and the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command. The decision to create a single governmental body to handle the home front during national emergencies was made approximately one year ago, despite the objections of the Public Security Ministry and the National Security Council. These organizations withdrew most of their objections following additional meetings held in recent days. The authority will be headed by IDF Brigadier General (res.) Ze'ev Zuk-Rom, who will report to Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai. The authority is expected to begin operating next month. Related articles: Qassam hits Negev factory as gov't declares 'special situation' Toddler hurt in Qassam strike on Ashkelon-area kibbutz ANALYSIS: Israel strikes hard in Gaza in attempt to avoid an invasion Bookmark to del.icio.us Religious discrimination Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch rejects Israel's Jewish identity in a pre-Christmas speech. Patriot protection The IDF successfully tested an improved defense missile in anticipation of attacks.   1.   Barak & other israeli leaders should be brought to trial! 13:53  |  lakshmi 19/12/07   2.   Isreal has the right to defend against terror 14:59  |  Lakshmi 19/12/07   3.   Bring them to Trial ! 15:08  |  Straight Talk 19/12/07   4.   Gov`t approved TERRORISM 15:27  |  POP 19/12/07   5.   lakshmi - You are a joke... 15:50  |  mk 19/12/07   6.   lakshmi #1, OK, lets assume they go to jail in Patagonia 16:04  |  Marabu 19/12/07   7.   germany has shock troops, israhel has troops in shock 17:19  |  mohammed 19/12/07   8.   all of israhel is `special situation` 17:41  |  mohammed 19/12/07   9.   Party politics 19:13  |  Esther 19/12/07   10.   Mohammed, Isn`t that the name of a teddy bear? 19:39  |  Yonatan 19/12/07   11.   "A Military Junta Posing As A Democracy" 20:15  |  chet 19/12/07   12.   Protecting civilians a blow to democracy? 20:46  |  JB 19/12/07   13.   #9 Esther - I`ll second that 21:08  |  Yonatan 19/12/07

Today Online PMO: 'No decision' on new East Jerusalem Jewish neighborhood Responses: 211 Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch rejects Israel's Jewish identity Responses: 199 Argentina: Iran behind Jewish center, Israeli embassy attacks Responses: 107 Issacharoff and Harel: A Gaza invasion is the last thing Israel wants Responses: 105 Falafel recipe painted on West Bank fence as part of protest Responses: 50 Rosner's Domain Huckabee can 'live with a contained Iran' (What to Read) Rabin's long memory and the U.S. NIE report on Iran Guest: Leader of the Zionist Organization of America on post-Annapolis Mideast Without the Reform movement in Israel, there's no Reform movement More Headlines 21:25 IDF successfully tests improved Patriot defense missile 23:19 U.S.: We support Israel's right to defend itself against Qassams 21:04 Palestinian teen tries to stab IDF soldier at West Bank checkpoint 23:44 Police question PM's associate Messer in corruption probe 17:14 Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch rejects Israel's Jewish identity 23:40 Saudi king invites Iranian President Ahmadinejad to Mecca for hajj 20:53 Report: Cluster bomb left over from war kills man in S. Lebanon 19:57 Assad: U.S. election makes peace by 2008 unlikely 18:35 Parents file NIS 3.8b suit against Education Ministry over strike 21:31 IDF takes responsibility for reservists' deaths in Katyusha strike Previous Editions Select Day 18 dec 17 dec 16 dec 14 dec 13 dec 12 dec 11 dec 10 dec 09 dec 07 dec 06 dec 05 dec

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