Diskin to Abbas: Defer UN vote on Goldstone or face 'second Gaza'

John In SF. I agree with your analysis. I would like to add one more point that Abbas does not even have the power to make those decisions except what he is told by his masters in the USA via Israel. I know it is a shame! I wish he has the personal freedom to commit suicide. His fate will be determined when he is no longer useful to his masters. Just ask Sadam, Noriaga, Musharaf, the Shah of Iran and the list goes on. "Wars are never fought for altruistic reasons. They're usually fought for hegemony, for business. And then of course there's the business of war."

of the Goldstone report can't be believed As in all other matters, you pervert the written world to suit your devious needs It's no wonder that you lost your readership, all you do is re-hash gossip and claptrap

"it will mea that the whole world has always been wrong and you the only one right" J.S. are you talking about yourself ?!

You seems to confirm what we all know! NOBODY is with you! Now to paraphrase Emperor Charles V to Martin Luther in Worms: "It is not possible that what to say is right. It will mean that the whole world has always been wrong and you the only one right, which is clearly impossible!"

It's only the beginning. Even though it is clear you have not read the entire report, otherwise you could not ignore it, no one who has read the entire report and followed the research can doubt it's conclusions. The fact is, Israel has been shaken to its core over the findings of the Goldstone Mission. One would have to live under a rock or be in complete denial to not acknowledge this self-evident fact. Check the story bright eyes... The report was so explosive that Diskin would use a threatened crime against humanity to keep it from coming out. You'll never see this of course because I'm not allowed to break it down for you here, like I am over at the bigger more populated Israeli news sites....

first the Turkish ambassador, then this. these people are not rookies in diplomacy.. Israel have some of the best politicians in the world ... surly the head of the shin bet something is cooking.. building up the Palestinian confidence

Grandious statements are not necessary. The Goldstone report has not gone much of anywhere, nor will it.

The proper terminology would be "Fighting fire with fire" Goldstone came in with his mind already made up, so whatever it takes will be done

The USA is more concerned with it's own problems, Unemployment, Obama's Health Care, the failure of Iran to fold to Obama's demands to cease their nuclear activity, ditto for N. Korea's refusal to curtail their nukes and threats, to name just a few priorities Israel is bupkis by comparison, Obama is attempting to take care of many things, most without success It seems the Democrat's political programs now hinge on one Senator's election in Mass. If the Repulican candidate wins, Obama's domestic plans will be flushed in the sherutim

"the Israelis warned the Gaza population to get out of harms way, thereby minimizing casualties." Gullible! The actual reason for the phone calls was to spread panic and drive the people into the streets and away from their homes. They had no safe place to go but they had to leave because they were told that their homes were to be bombed.

I do not know where to begin with. "stop the necessities"... what fantasy land you live in? Gaza has more nessessities transferred in ( at the expense of Israel ) than entire state of Haiti had for a previous year, combined, including food, medical, and other supplies nesessary for living good life. Unlike Haitian's who had hard time meeting their ends Gazans are treated with free medical ( no insurance purchase required ) and such, which even citizens of our own country do not have, never had, and are not going to have for another 50-100 years at least. Now, let's get back to key question. How many rockets did Mexico send in Austin in the past year? And judging by 9/11 what would you think going to be an outcome of such a delivery?

Someone else we can arrest if he tries to visit London.

when in doubt to say nowt !! so how would you do it bill as pm of israel ! do you imagine that the un is perfect ??

Collective punishment is a War Crime. This man should be sent to The Hague.

GUESS-Who were the members of the "Foreign Diplomatic Delegation" Were they Foreign Colleagues of Diskin? How "Foreign"? Were they from a "Very Friendly Super Power?

So, this is a government that will continue the tradition of not being accountable to the international community, despite relying on parts of it for trade and the leader of it for subsistence support. The well worn justification is that that community is dominated by Israel antagonists - Arab states and enemies of Israel. Therefore Israel need not answer to them. That the US has asked Israel to respond to the questions raised in Goldstone - which none of the other Talkbackers have bothered to read - is ignored. BUT what about being accountable to the nation - to us. Are we not owed an explanation as to why there are so many questions about how the IDF carried out Cast Lead - in our name? Wouldn't a Commission of Inquiry at least provide Israel with the means of honestly saying we have investigated these claims and here our findings? Is it that we have now reached the point where our government can do as it pleases? If this is the case, what does that say about us??

You are rigth, we sould boicot isrealy's good and see what they do, apply the same roles that they apply to the palestinians...eye for an eye.

All that is necessary in order to demonstrate that the appeal to the U.N. is unnecessary is to subject Mr. Goldstone's report to a full dress review by Israelis who are known for their rectitude and have proved to be scrupulously, fair and honest in the past. They exist, but the present government evidently does wish to use their services.

Hey Mike do you tell your family your sitting on stolen land from Mexico? Or do you let them read those censored school books and tell them to believe it. Unlike the USA jews have inhabited Israel for thousands of years. Texas and AMerica for that matter were invaded by Europeans. Dont you dare go preaching to Israelis when your sitting on stolen land. Moral hypocrisy at its best.

"owever.... as a Jew (who opposes Israel`s policies) living in America" you pretty much so your arrogance and spinelessness. Come to Israel and live there or visit and maybe you will get a taste for real life. Living in your icebox state does give you and idea of what reality on the ground in Israel. Sounds like your more of an isolationst jew bitter about your religion and overall self.

This threat is nothing less than state terrorism.

"... with the dilution of the Soviet threat .." Bill. I can't imagine your Senator will share your wrong thinking regards today's international worlds politics. There are more dangers in the world today than ever was with the USSR. Most of them concerning the Mideast & Israel. Iran's atomic ambitions & Pakistan's Islamic Bomb; both of these two problems are the results of radical islam. israel is just on the front line of both of these problems. The US have no friends among any of the arab countries. Most of them are anti-us, for reasons that israel is not part of them. Such as afghanistan, iraq etc.. To blame israel for all the problems of the mideast is an arab lie; accepted with an open arms by the anti-us international media . It will be interesting ro know your Senator's response ! Waiting.

Wow, the Palestinians don't need to do a thing but watch the numbers grow. 8000 rockets now? Pretty soon it will be up in the millions -- another holocaust? Must be a lot of long noses in NY

Do you remember Brown's comments about livni? Aljazera has a limited audience which will not elect a government in either the UK or the EU.

You comparison is a nonsense. Austin do not have Mexico totally surrounded by land sea & air. Austin does not stop the necessities of life from entering Mexico so that people are living in hell. As to "warning" a people who have no way of escape that they are going to be bombed and bulldozed to Kingdom come, that was just a cynical exercise thought up by one of the increasingly warped minds in charge in Israel and no one but the very gullible, gives it the time of day. Take your head out of the sand and see what the rest of the world is seeing, then your responses might just be a tad plausible.

Jenin Massacre, Mohammed Al-Dura, Lebanon atrocities, Gaza war crimes, and now this. Is there no end to Israeli evil?

"Abbas, his son, and other of his loser crew own big shares in the company, so Abbas had 2 choices, Bring those who have massacred your own people including children and women to justice, or risk millions of dollars that you and your kind can make." And this is the bloody crook that the United State of America continues to support~!

Nothing is quite as reviled as your inept entity, pretending it was gathering news, while it was merely bottom fishing,that's why it failed, nobody bothered to read it or paid to have ads posted

My point was that there are many people in Israel that have a strong interest in avoiding peace. One of the reasons is that they are afraid of accountability. A reasonable fear. As for 'U.N. lies..." etc etc. Of course there has been anti-Israel sentiment at some members of the U.N. The flip side... In America, it would be an easy thing for American Jews to force a law that said "Israel is a country created by above and the Palestinians must be destroyed". That law could be passed easily. However.... as a Jew (who opposes Israel's policies) living in America, I am preparing for the obvious danger. Not from arabs. Not from terrorists. From the security needed to prop Israel up. When some new gestapo starts nosing in people like me, Israel must stop creating that problem. It has started. They are here.

... when the fate of israel plus the jews is concerned only to those who don't have love to their ancestry & heritage. If one does not get his preferences right these days Esther, one is selling himself to evil ! Think of that in a world where dogs are eating dogs & freedom is no more than today's terrorism !

What is the truth, Mike, that you want from Israel ? Do YOU know the truth, Mike ? The only truth we know is that Israel took 8000 rockets before they had enough. How many rockets launched from Mexico at Austin would you absorb before YOU retaliated, MIKE ?? 50, 300, 800, what's the number ?? Much less that 8000. The Israeli restraint was remarkable, contrary to what all the nitwits think. Mike, here's some more truth, the Israelis warned the Gaza population to get out of harms way, thereby minimizing casualties. Did Hamas thugs ever warn the people of Sderot of launched rockets, or did they hope to maximize the casualties with their 8000 launched rockets. Now, Mike, what's your questions.

This guy should also be arrested the moment he sets foot outside of Israel, and be sent to the ICC.

but hardly of the numbers to actually influence an election. The fact is supporting Israel is becoming a vote loser not a vote winner for politicians. There are three million moslems in the UK as opposed to 300,000 Jews. You do the maths.

the goldstone judge does not wash away the crimes of the Hamas leaders or the stone age cruelty of the Muslim brotherhood the ordinary muslim, and palestinian must be liberated from the Hamas mafia violence-free mentality must be adopted by all palestinians to acquire dignity and respectability the street must show civility then goldstone can revisit israel and talk about the war crimes

He is more foolish than the Israeli leadership. If he is not prepared to stand up for his people against eveil than what good is he.

It is hard to believe the way people from every corner of the globe will condemn and pounce on the Jewish state based on unsubstantiated rumors and flat-out lies.

... as for where the Gladstone judgement was supposed to go or not to go, that is truly a-storm-in-a-teacup, since the the enormity of the deeds in Gaza spoke for themselves... we will have to answer for them... ... let us hope and pray that finally it will be categorised as far too heavy-handed, but not within the category of war-crime...

... and correctly ; is the fact that the UN is being highjacked by failed countries (most of them are arabs & anti=semites); due to their numbers they can vote to the side of terrorism & anti-jews (as they always does) Diskin's is the voice of truth & NOT "Diskin's threats are problem for all of us" as you have said !

As far as elections in Europe and the UK, both have immense financial and economic problems and are more interested in trade and investments for their own benefit. Israel is a good trading partner, and Jews are substantial investors in both.

The biggest obstacle to peace are the terrorists & those who are living with fabricated lies ! Israel through out its life of 60 years was defending itself against thugs who slept in bed with stark red communists & murderers mullah. Goldstone criticized israel for using excessive power in gaza ! Did Goldsmith & others, ever asked themselves what power the palestinians would have prevented themselves to use against israel ?! As for the UN; one needs not to ask himself what side their majority arabs always voted ?! According to common civilized laws, most of the countries who are members of the UN are from failed countries & traitors to their own people ! Enough believing in lies Walter !

For the past 10 years, I have closely followed the events and politics of the Middle East. For 9 of those years, I was a staunch supporter of Israel. With the government of Netanyahu, I have now realized my mistake and urge you and the senate to please stop our blind support of Israel -- both in aid and at the UN. With the dilution of the Soviet threat, we no longer need to be so desperate for a foothold in the Middle East. Further, whatever good we derive from our relationship is more than offset by the enmity of the entire Muslem world. Bin Laden cited our support as one of the main causes of 9/11, and I have no reason not to believe him on that issue. That alone should give us cause for concern. But their human rights record is dismal, the Goldstone Report accuses them of war crimes in Gaza, they continue to ignore one UN resolution after another, their intransigence on settlement activity and construction is an undeniable roadblock to peace, and they themselves have indicated that they do not need our aid. So why give it to them? If we cannot bring this country into line with the cause of peace -- and after 60+ years it seems evident that we cannot -- then we should drop all support in protest and allow them to fight their own battles with the Arabs and indeed, the rest of the world. Please stop squandering our tax dollars on this rogue nation. Thank you for your continued service to Massachusetts and the United States.

calm down.

If " The matter was slated to be transferred from the UN General Assembly to the Security Council, " Then how come "The Goldstone commission recommended that the case be referred to the International Criminal Court. " ???????

That's why whenever a Shin Bet bully talks to me, I wear a wire.

Did he p-ss u off when he went after the Apartheid Regime in South Africa. Gee---you must hate the guy.

labarse he didnt threaten to kneecap him !!!

The United Kingdom has already imposed sanctions on produce and products produced in the illegally occup[ied territories. There are a number of elections due in Europe and it will be relatively easy in March to remind politicians about Israel and it's mistreatment of the Palestinians and how supporting those Palestinians will prove more of a vote winner than supporting Israel. The world's view of Israel is changing, and Lieberman and Ayalon's increasingly erratic behaviour suggests Israel's politicians are beginning to realise that the jig is up.

Ever wonder why Israel can't find a Peace Partner?

Abbas tries more lies. Using the big lie of Goldstone, a false man using dubious sources and selective criteria, the plot thickens. Liars all. Ignore. Move on.

Just one Gaza is enough for a nation to have hanging over them, two would prove to any doubter left on this planet that Netanyahu is indeed "stupid & insane"

"Goldstone knows the people at the ICC (he`s worked with some, and despite the smear campaign Israel undertook, respected by most of the others), and can bypass the whole UN, and suggest that the prosecutor (as is allowed for) start the ball rolling of his own choice." RP He can request all signatories to the GC,s to follow the Commissions recomendations. "1975. To the international community, (a) The Mission recommends that the States parties to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 should start criminal investigations in national courts, using universal jurisdiction, where there is sufficient evidence of the commission of grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949. Where so warranted following investigation, alleged perpetrators should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with internationally recognized standards of justice; Lets face it Israel is in a pickle. It,s leaders will find it hard to go anywhere -if the will of the UN is twarthed by the USA.

... to have to try and back up our current regime, no matter what their 'fashlas' and 'bushot' are... ... Diskin's threats are a problem for all of us... left and right alike...

return and beat you again. This time I will beat your family and knock down your house and those who try to interfere. This is the Israel that claims to be the light unto Nations. It is clearly worthy of it,s postion at the top of the list of most hated states on the planet. It shares top spot with Iran and I believe that is an unfair assessment of Iran.

Ibrahim, #2 - I misunderstood. Yes, Abbas DID agree to a postponement of the UN vote to March 2010.

Abbas did, #2 Ibrahim - after he realized that he might be lynched, even by his own kapos. I repeat - Haaretz, a Zionist paper, does more for Peace by its reporting and its roster of reporters than others. It is the glue for the Peace and Human Rights IL movement and has helped these groups stay the hand of IL from outright massacres and genocide. I am trying to get a Nobel sponsor for the nomination. If you qualify please email me. U know how. If not, Barak could transfer his.

doris, time you studied the history of the usa in the last 100 years !

No israeli wants another war. It is Hamas who is trying to test Israel by sending rockets into Israel.

so, what would be your preference, if say tomorrow Gaza is ravaged by one of those horrible disasters of nature. Or Israel is ravaged by one of those disasters... There isn't a single moment to loose. The time when one of those events occur is too close, even if "too close" is 1 million years. My preference is we meet it as human beings. Everything else can be earned and purchased and aint' worth mentioned.

his people, or the US to sell out justice, and thus prevent the ICC from starting a war crimes inquiry and likely laying charges against Israeli leaders. Goldstone knows the people at the ICC (he's worked with some, and despite the smear campaign Israel undertook, respected by most of the others), and can bypass the whole UN, and suggest that the prosecutor (as is allowed for) start the ball rolling of his own choice. And a man who could find a way to be faithful to the South African constitution of the Apartheid era, and still help bring down a pillar of Apartheid, shouldn't have a problem with being a Zionist, and still bringing down a pillar of Zionist discrimination.

I used to think that Israelis and their supporters were smart. Looks like I was wrong. The denial of what Israel and her institutions have become are just dripping off this page. Someone please tell me just how Israel is supposed to be different from her neighbours who use violence, extortion and threats to get what they want. Someone mentioned Arafat and Abbas being corrupt, how many of your own high ranking ministers are being investigated for corruption and lining their own pockets ? Wake up all you apologists you are nowhere near being a true democracy.

what you imply. This was an "international" delegation to Ramallah and the public news was all about US pressure on Abbas. Isn't this becoming a pattern, where the US public face seems always turned towards Israel, but behind the pressure keeps on building with permission? Remember the EU plan for Jerusalem? No strong words from Washington. I guess the US knew about this shameful episode and promised to keep the lid on it if Israel gave something back. They gave nothing back. Now the lid comes off. Sounds like no Goldstone veto is in prospect. Jonathan

The IDF has already started an investigation which was published in Harretz. After a US Veto, the UN, as a body, has no power. Individual states can do what they want, but do not count on the EU or Britian, Maybe some Asian states will?

to dissuade Abbas from statehood declaration or face a 'second Gaza' . But Akiva Eldar doesn't like militarists the type of Diskin who brought justice to the murderers of Rabbi Chai on route 57 , the murderers who left their burning car on route 5715. (a few feets from Schkhem). Akiva Eldar like the type of endless far left manipulative diplomacy that seek to 'outsmart' arab terrorism with stupidity: gestures and concessions in return for more arab terrorism and appetite for more .

Assembly to the Security Council, " Then how come "The Goldstone commission recommended that the case being referred to the International Criminal Court. " The Goldstone commission behaviour seems to be a 'power grab' reflecting the ICJ's aspirations to assume prerogatives reserved solely for the Security Council, in order to bring the ICJ's own powers into parity with those of the Security Council, UNSC the only UN organ with the power under the UN Charter to direct or obligate Member States on how to act. The Goldstone commission directive that the case be referred to the International Criminal Court challenges the power of the veto and the Security Council's management of "threats to world peace," Using the International Court of Justice's interpretations of the rule of international law in matters of 'threats to world peace' coupled with claims that the international community is obliged to support its rulings and calling for sanctions - decisions that under Chapter VII of the UN Charter is the sole prerogative of the Security Council. 'vetoing the veto. ' Complete imbalance arise from the entry of scores of new states into the United Nations who promote resolutions in the General Assembly reflecting political, economic, or sociological aspirations rather than a responsible assessment of the relevant legal issues and considerations. It would greatly enhance the dangers inherent in this imbalance in the United Nations and in the ICJ if thoughtlessly indulged were the illusion to consider declarations and resolutions of the UN General Assembly as if they were customary international law . Such power grab attempt by the International Court of Justice is short-sighted. the International Court of Justice perceived reputation and effectiveness are based solely on gut feelings and unsubstantiated assumptions - almost taking a leap of faith based on a mixture of personal and collective prejudice and popular opinion. The free and democratic world must rein in the appetite of the General Assembly and to demand of the International Court of Justice to step not beyond its limited mandate, and respect and obey international laws as set forth in the United Nations Charter.

Hey Mr Abu Mazen be aman for one time and solve this funny Palestinian authority

Actually if Israel doesn't act on the Goldstone Report there is an obscure paragraph which enables countries to impose sanctions against Israel inside the framework of International Law. So even if the United States veto it, and it is not certain that they will there will be repercussions for Israel.

which means it goes no place.

So, we've got until March to get off our bums and get that investigation Judge Goldstone asked for going. Do you think we'll have to apply for an extension and that Danny Ayalon will be the man to negotiate it?

This is a perfect case of misinformation and distortion of facts to justify Abbas and Fatah from the anger of his own people and improve his immage for the coming election. Israel had good reason to attack Hamas in Gaza after years of rocket attacs. There is no justafyable way Israel could attack the west bank without having the whole world turn against it. Israeli leadership has made mistakes but stupid they are not.

That's the sort of thing all colonial powers end up doing. It's the sort of thing Brits used to do under the British Empire. Time to end Israel's West Bank colonial rule before all Israeli leaders turn into Diskin or Ayalon.

Were they Foreign Colleagues of Diskin? How "Foreign"? Were they from a "Very Friendly Super Power?

The threat to "withdraw permission for mobile phone company Wataniya to operate in the Palestinian Authority" was widely reported at the time. The rest is hardly surprising. Intimidation is one of the standard tools gangsterism.

and still even today with the clock ticking Israel is not doing what the United States of America (a country which pays Israel's bills) has suggested it should do. I think Israel is expecting vetoes where vetoes may not be an automatic process.

I don't believe I've ever seen the unanimity of condemnation that exists in these posts. With any luck, it is clear evidence that Israel is becoming a pariah state even among its own people and the diaspora.

we already knew that the politics in israel stunk but now we know it is also stupid.

His threat is the most appalling contradiction I have ever heard--a Jew trying to avoid war crimes. He sounds absolutely soulless to me and should be removed. Dutch

The questions is: Is there anyone in Israel who really wants to know what happened in Gaza? or do they want to dismiss it as an anti Israeli porpoganda? Don't the people of Isreal want their children to know the true history of Israel, or just tell them the Israeli goevernment lies and ignore the truth.Don't look at only today, look at the future, and see what's best for the children of both Palestine and Israel.

"Either they live here by our rules or they don't live here at all." -Avi or you might end up in the sea. *** hmm... I think you guys are in no position to make threats. You just fronted a few hundred children to make do with one of those "seabound" excercises, and the prospects of the next one does not look any better. My suggestion, return kidnapped Gilad Schalit home. That step along will not be too much of a humiliation, particularly if taken by Arabs of their own accord. And will be a huge steps in terms of bridging rules by which we live next to each other. Personally, I would hate to find either of our nations in the sea anytime soon. But as you can see on the TV screens, things like that are not really all that impossible.

Israel has long ago chosen the same path as its fellow middle eastern countries. Tyranny and unlawfulness. The only difference is that Israel is still widely around the world perceived as a democratic and law abiding state. I suggest that all readers of this article translate it into their own language and try to get it published in their own country - to let the world know about Israels conduct. Outrageous!

reported immediately after it happened, that's not new and probably true. Well keeping in mind Israel's recent diplomatic behaviour I have no real doubt that the other threat was made too. Nothing is above Israel these days, sadly I must add.

may be... did the recording include Diskin discussion of agenda with his US counterpart prior paying visit to Ramallah? Are you that naive, Mark of Lewiston, to pretend that Diskin would voice anything outside of what US absolutely demanded in joint statement? The heat of your statement only reflects on the depth of embarrassment of US to see Israel investment in Palestine ( of 0 dollars and sheer amount of good will ) after tenth of billions of US dollars transferred on Arafat accounts ( while he was working on throwing Israel into the sea ) went into the sand. Any way you can explain why Israel would destroy own investment into coexistance? Even if recording conveys words similar to what Akiva reports, the actions of Israel under Netanyahoo government speak louder than vitriol of vicious and libelous propaganda.

and now this one. Truth is stranger than fiction with Arabs. For Abass truth is a stranger

Taken at its face value, the report indicates that Mr. Diskin is forty times over a fool. But I find it unlikely that anyone so high up in Israeli government circles would, in so many words and so bluntly, say anything that stupid knowing that it would so easily be broadcast to the public at large. Unless, it was approved by the foreign ministry first. Then it becomes understandable. That great and witty diplomat, our loyal and most highly regarded foreign minister suggested the tactic.

michael, and the need for treatment to eradicate bias!!

....why we are (have to be) here !!

why believe him now? Any 'people' who wage war on a recognized state for 61 years is nuts! Between Fatah and Hamas, there is no partner for peace. Both are terror organizations who will never have anything but the war they want and will lose each one as they always have. The world wearies of these "Pal" extortionists who ever have enough. They want all of Israel not it isn't theirs.

Fatah being a secular organization is what attracted Christians in Palestine to them. Abu Ammar in the end decided not to sell his soul to the devil. Abbas on the other hand, sold out his people so he didn't lose money in the communication company. Hamas who everyone feared for their Islamic agenda has by far shown to be more pragmatic and more than anything TRUTHFUL than Fatah. Abbas must go, Barghouti is the next leader of Palestine whether freed or from prison. Israel on the other hand will fall on her keester big time by using bully type mafiaso tactics.

Last I read, the Muqata was under Palestinian control. Maybe like Nixon, the offices are monitored and recorded. Maybe not. But Shin Bet can't be sure without tearing the building apart again. Hence, no denial.

there is no proof that diskin had threatened abbas except for an unnamed source somewhere in the pa. the story as written is very difficult to believe.

"Either they live here by our rules or they don`t live here at all." -Avi or you might end up in the sea.

Israel shouldn't need the reaction of Abbas to make life hell for the Arab's occupying Jewish territory. It is mandatory for an nation to oppress, harass and expel those who wish to destroy them. For those who think otherwise, go to Haiti and do something useful for society, rather than express your inherited addiction to hate Jews.

I can't believe that those peace-hating Palestinians almost forced the peace-loving Israelis to turn the WB into a 2nd Gaza. Will Palestinian terrorism never end?

Making Abbas an offer he could not refuse exemplifies the working of the thugs in the Israeli government. Seating the Turkish envoy on a low sofa to 'teach him a lesson' is just another aspect of Israel's mindless heavy -handedness. With or without Abbas the Security council will take up the goldstone report in 2 months. The US can redeem itself by abstaining. Israel had plenty time to seriously investigate itself and come up clean to avoid what's coming. It chose inadvisedly to remain obstinate. The chips will fall where they may. Israel's apparently delights itwself in being an international pariah.

Palestinians want to use any means to accomplish their plans without conceding anything. That is Hammas strategy. My reckoning is that they won't get anything out of this move. Using Goldstone's bunch of lyies to corner Israel is a strategic move that has a price tag. The U. States will block any initiative against Israel in the Security council. Natural law. Most americans are with Israel and most americans understand the dirty Paletinan strategy. The formula is very clear, if Pals want territories to design a state, they will have to recognize the jewish state and house the Palestinian refugees in the future Palestine and not in Israel.

Israel mostly defends own country and citizens from terrorists, living in her neighborhood. The only party in that mix that really has little to nothing to lose is US. Considering that Abbas did follow up and submitted to UN, this is not only implausible. The only country occupying two countries half way around the world, and otherwise emboldened by making threats, is our own. Akiva Eldar wasn't there during meeting as well and is also speaking off of a third party "description", without either context or insight. US tried to persuade Abbas to not to pursue matter in UN for own sake. Our king of spades, Ambassador to ME Mitchell, is calling all the shots, most recently threatening Israel with economic war. Was it not for Haiti earthquake, this week Hamas would of launched new round of "rockets investment". With Obama controlled US media run funraiser from get go that would make for interest on principal. And that would of being only appetizer.

Good for Diskin. Abbas should go and what better way to do it

dence to justify, support & favor arab terrorism ; And at the same time to deny the right to self defence against arab terrorism , to ignore arab terrorism aggression , to indulge OIC-Arab League abuse of democratic tactics against democracy(s).

I have looked at the Palestinian and Israeli online newspapers under a magnifying glass for about eight years now, and I have not found Abbas to be very reliable, but this, it just couldn't have been pulled out of the air. It fits with Israeli bullying perfectly. Unfortunately, Abbas should have made this conversation public immediately but he didn't.

Totl: "Is there no end to the lies,deceptions,twisting of the facts that the pals will not attempt." Weeeeeeeell, a DENIAL would be a good start, don'tcha' think? Haaretz: "The Shin Bet said in response that it does not comment on Diskin's schedule or meetings." Oh dear. A serious accusation is made against Disking, and Shin Bet refuses to deny it. Why do you wonder that Israel's reputation is in the toilet, considering that Israel makes no attempt to defend that reputation?

The inability of Abbas to stand up to Israel is very depressing and bodes ill for the future.

They have had their chances for real peace, for a state, for prosperity, and they have demonstrated time and again that that's not what they want; that throwing the Jews into the sea is. Either they live here by our rules or they don't live here at all.

TOTL Nr 2, you say the claim of the threat is a lie. Best then the Shin Bet people deny they made the threat, and we can see where that goes. Rather their statement saying they don't comment looks like a real admission of guilt. Why not comment if it is a lie? In any case now March is not far away, so we will look forward to an Israeli inquiry that while no doubt fudged would at least have to think of plausible reasons why they undertook the specific acts quoted as probable war crimes by Goldstone. Or by this article there will be a UN vote finding there to be a good case to go the International Criminal Court with charges. Won't hold my breath as sadly the US (as much as I like the current administration) will probably find a way to let Israel off the hook again. The best way would be to really embrace a genuine peace offer going forwards. Lets see.

...Is there no end to the lies,deceptions,twisting of the facts that the pals will not attempt. They are delusional...actually believe their own propaganda. Truly mind boggling!

What a sham the Israeli claim is that they want peace with the Arabs. It is not for me to decide whether Abbas is fit to lead the Palestinian struggle. But would Nelson Mandela have caved in to a South African demand like that?

Can't Israelis see that their country is out of control and is at the edge of the abyss? Another "Gaza" will be the final straw.

"Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin told Abbas that if he did not ask for a deferral of the vote on the critical report on last year's military operation, Israel would turn the West Bank into a "second Gaza." - Akiva Eldar via Haaretz The threat is clear. Israel is threatening to launch the same sort of punitive war waged against Gaza upon the West Bank unless the PA asks for the UN to not vote on the Goldstone Report. This threat PROVES that the Goldstone Report was true and Israel's response false. Only if Israel was a thuggish and malevolent as the Goldstone Report suggested would it threaten to do what happened to Gaza to the West Bank. Israel has a very real problem. It is that the men running the nation are just as evil as Israel's detractors suggest. The threat to savage the citizens of the West Bank as was done to Gaza can ONLY be valid if the destruction wrought upon Gaza was as ruthless and criminal as the Goldstone report states. The threat comes from a fool or a monster.

this is a case of pure extortion, crude, unprofessional, and violent physical pressure. surely such behavior underscores the need for renewed international commitment to carrying out the recommendations of the goldstone report

the only democracy in the middle east. It does not threaten its neighbors all it wants is a secured border.If you believe this I have a bridge to sell.

Abbas should call Diskin on this issue. If Israel followed through on such a threat, the entire world, even the United States, would see him and Netanyahu as exactly what they are.

So! Abbas request for the UN to defer its vote on the Goldstone Report was based on threats by Shin Bet, et. al, to devastate the West Bank! Let us hope that by March, the USA will encourage the UN to refer the matter to the International Criminal Court.

This is baseless, and too late of a response for Abbas. The reality is that Abbas sold out his people, and the article is partially right in one aspect, but it missed the point: "He also said Israel would withdraw permission for mobile phone company Wataniya to operate in the Palestinian Authority. Abbas, his son, and other of his loser crew own big shares in the company, so Abbas had 2 choices, Bring those who have massacred your own people including children and women to justice, or risk millions of dollars that you and your kind can make. Obviously, the so called president chose greed, just like his party (fatah). and Hamas only gets stronger as a result of the actions of this crook.

Shin Ben/Israel, it seems, is prepared to commit more war crimes against Palestinian people rather than face up to an international criminal court of law in an attempt to prove Israel's innocence!

Any stable settlement between the Palestinians and the Israelis will have to involve some accountability for thugs on both sides. The Palestinians will not hesitate to take their lumps. But there is little doubt that higher up people in the Shin Bet, and other organizations, who have particularly abused their authority will do whatever they can to derail a settlement. Israel needs to clean house quickly.

Israel is increasingly becoming a pariah state. I am so encouraged when I see regular American folk illustrate disdain for Israel. So different from the pre-IntifaddehOne days. Had Israel done what she threatened, the Goldstone vote would have simply meant more at the UN. Israel's mafia tactics could be used against her...if Abbas could just play the right cards. Peace without justice is not peace.

Of course with each of these incidents, a Chapter Seven resolution gets that much closer. And it will not be hard to get the US to vote for it - after all that Israeli slapping of successive US President's faces...