freelance reporter
Freelance journalist in Jerusalem; former correspondent for McClatchy newspapers, based in Jerusalem; former Jerusalem correspondent for the Washington Post; former Jerusalem Bureau Chief for the Chicago Tribune, long-time reporter for the New York Times in its Jerusalem Bureau and media coordinator for HaMoked, an Israeli human rights organization
Former Israeli leader Shimon Peres dies at age 93 Shimon Peres died today at age of 93, the last of Israel's founders. He was both a soldier and a peacemaker, as we hear from freelance journalist Joel Greenberg. Special thanks to Tena Rubio for production assistance.
Biden Lands in Israel amid Netanyahu Snub of Obama Vice President Joe Biden landed in Israel today with plans to meet Benjamin Netanyahu tomorrow. The Prime Minister recently cancelled a visit to Washington — and turned down a visit to the Obama White House, as we hear from Jerusalem-based freelance reporter Joel Greenberg.
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Heats Up Again Deadly violence continued today, with three more Israelis fatally stabbed by Palestinians who were then shot dead by Israeli police. The pattern has been repeated since rumor spread that Israel plans to change the rules for prayer at a site considered holy by both Jews and Muslims. There are predictions of a new Palestinian Intifada, and Israel’s already cracking down — as daily life becomes a nightmare for neighbors on both sides. Despite preoccupation with Syria, Iraq and ISIS, the US and the rest of the world may not be able to look the other way much longer.
Is "Bibi" on the Ropes in Israel? Israel's parliament, called the Knesset, has 120 seats. In Tuesday's election, neither of the two major political parties is expected to win more than 25. That means there won't be a new government until Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud or Isaac Herzog's Zionist Union assembles a coalition big enough to constitute a majority. Recent polls show Netanyahu's in trouble . If Republicans on Capitol Hill could decide Tuesday's election, Netanyahu would get a record fourth term as Prime Minister. Israeli voters may have other ideas. The latest polls show his conservative Likud Party lagging behind the center-left Zionist Union. But forming a government means assembling a coalition in Israel's parliament of many parties — so nothing is certain. Adding to this year's drama, Israeli Arabs may win enough seats to make a difference.
Mistrust between the US and Israel Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is running for re-election — at the same time jumping with both feet into American politics. First, he agreed to address the President's nuclear talks with Iran before a joint session of Congress — without telling the White House. The Obama Administration now suspects him of leaking what it calls "misleading" details about the talks with Iran, creating more mistrust. Vice President Biden and other Democrats — including some Jews — will stay away from the speech. Will Israel gain or lose with the American public?
Palestinian Driver Plows into Pedestrians in Jerusalem In Jerusalem, a Palestinian driver plowed into pedestrians near a light-rail station, killing one Israeli and injuring a dozen more. It’s the second attack in two weeks that police call “terrorism.” It comes at a time of renewed tension over access to one of the city’s holiest sites for Muslims. Joel Greenberg is there for the McClatchy newspapers .
Proposed Cease Fire and Day of Rage In the West Bank today, five Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces during widespread protests planned as a “day of rage” over the war in Gaza. The focus was yesterday’s deadly strike on a school where civilians had taken refuge. Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas are discussing a week-long ceasefire proposal by US Secretary of State John Kerry. Joel Greenberg is in Jerusalem for the McClatchy News Service.
What's at Stake for Israel and Hamas? No Israelis have been killed by rockets from Gaza, while the Palestinian death toll from retaliatory strikes is almost 100. But, despite efforts to broker a ceasefire, there’s no end in sight. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he’s had “good conversations” with world leaders, including President Obama. But he told reporters today “no international pressure will prevent” continued attacks on the Gaza Strip until there’s an end to rocket fire that’s come closer than ever to major Israeli cities.
Tensions Escalate between Israelis and Palestinians The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians reached new heights today in the wake of killings of teenagers on both sides of the divide in the West Bank. This morning Israel began to mobilize troops in the area of the Gaza strip; reportedly it’s in response to a sharp increase in shelling by Hamas into Israeli territory over the last 24 hours. The current flare-up of violence was sparked by 2 brutal incidents: first the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers near Hebron in the West Bank, followed by what some describe as a revenge killing of a young Palestinian boy from East Jerusalem.
John Kerry in Jerusalem to Shore Up Peace Talks After visiting Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Secretary of State John Kerry met today with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, who've been throwing cold water on renewed negotiations which began only three months ago. Joel Greenberg is special correspondent based in Jerusalem for the McClatchy Newspapers .
Israeli Strike on Syria Puts Pressure on US Twice during the past few days, Israel reportedly struck military installations near Damascus, the capital of Syria. The ostensible reason was evidence that Syria was transferring weapons to Hezbollah, Israel's enemy located in Lebanon. Israel has not confirmed or denied the airstrikes. Last week, President Obama promised continued humanitarian and non-lethal aid to the Syrian opposition "get Assad out of power" and "move to a peaceful transition." Will the ease with which Israel penetrated Syrian defenses put more pressure on Obama to intervene?
As Israel Tilts More Right, is a Showdown with Washington Looming? After next Tuesday’s parliamentary elections, Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to retain his job as Prime Minister. But he could be leading a government very different from the one conceived by Israel’s founders. They were secular Jews who were open to living next to a Palestinian state. But religious nationalism is a growing force that could lead to historic change. Prime Minister Netanyahu made clear he supported Mitt Romney. President Obama has signaled that Netanyahu doesn’t know what’s good for his country. Netanyahu’s expected to win next Tuesday’s elections but his coalition government may include people who no longer support a Palestinian state. Will Israel’s leaders once again turn their backs on international law? What will that mean for US support—and for Israel’s relations with its Arab neighbors?
Will Israel Move from the Right to the Far Right? After next Tuesday’s parliamentary elections, Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to retain his job as Prime Minister. But he could be leading a government very different from the one conceived by Israel’s founders. They were secular Jews who were open to living next to a Palestinian state. But religious nationalism is a growing force that could lead to historic change. Prime Minister Netanyahu made clear he supported Mitt Romney. President Obama has signaled that Netanyahu doesn’t know what’s good for his country. Netanyahu’s expected to win next Tuesday’s elections but his coalition government may include people who no longer support a Palestinian state. Will Israel’s leaders once again turn their backs on international law? What will that mean for US support—and for Israel’s relations with its Arab neighbors?
Air War between Israel and Hamas Continues Alarms sounded today in Tel Aviv, but incoming rockets from the Gaza Strip fell in open areas near the port city of Jaffa and another community. The Israeli Army has called up the reserves. Joel Greenberg is Jerusalem correspondent for the Washington Post .
Israel Centrist Party Leader to Join Netanyahu Coalition Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stunned Israel today by calling off early elections after forming one of the strongest coalition governments in the nation's history, with 94 out of 120 seats in the Knesset, Israeli's parliament. Joel Greenberg is a freelance reporter in Jerusalem.
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
What is Trump's plan for Middle East peace? On his first foreign tour, President Trump has promised "peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. Are there any details for re-starting talks that have been stalled for the past three years?
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?