VFI News PA Continues to Pay Terrorists and Nationwide Protests in Israel

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This week's edition covers the massive protests and demonstrations against judicial reforms, shedding light on the delicate balance between the courts and the legislature.

Discover the challenges faced by Israel's governing coalition and their urgent measures to support the Palestinian Authority amidst growing tensions. Explore the evolving cultural climate, political dynamics, and the potential impact on Israel's relationship with the Jewish Diaspora.

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Senior officials from the Palestinian Authority met Monday, July 10, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh once again rejecting Israel's demands in return for measures preventing its immediate collapse.

According to Israeli media, Israel is insisting that the PA put an end to moves against Israel in the international arena as well as paying terrorists and their families.

Shtayyeh, however, called the move "extortion," also saying that: "Israel's condition that we stop our actions in the international arena and in return our funds will be returned to us - will not happen. Regarding cessation of funds for the martyrs and prisoners - that will not happen either."

In addition, the PA's Foreign Ministry clarified earlier that it rejects Israeli demands to put an end to illegal construction in Area C. The Palestinian Authority claimed that these are rights they deserve due to agreements with Israel as well as international law.

According to the Palestinian Authority's Foreign Ministry, "This is an attempt to hide the actions of the extreme right-wing government that wants to destroy the PA and harm it through the bloody escalation against the Palestinians and their lands," it was quoted as saying. (INN / VFI News)

“God, we thank You for gifting us strong leadership and defense forces that are able to protect us from harm. We are also grateful for being in a position to negotiate for the peace of our region and we trust that no more Israelis will be in danger because of other nations’ malevolent plans.”

The articles included in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Vision for Israel. We try to provide accurate reporting on news pertinent to Israel, the Middle East, the diaspora, and Jewish issues around the world—and we hope that you find it both informative and useful for intercessory prayer.

Protesters blocked roads across Israel and demonstrated at Ben-Gurion Airport and additional locations on Tuesday, July 11, in a "Day of Resistance" in protest against the reasonableness standard bill passing its first reading in Knesset on Monday night by a vote of 64 to 56.

The bill is an amendment to Basic Law: The Judiciary, that would block Israel's courts from applying what is known as the "reasonableness standard" to decisions made by elected officials. The reasonableness standard is a common law doctrine that allows for judicial review against government administrative decisions that are deemed beyond the scope of what a responsible and reasonable authority would undertake.

73 protesters were arrested by Israel Police for disturbing the peace, as of Tuesday evening. 45 of those have already been released, according to police.

At Ben-Gurion Airport, a group of Yom Kippur War veterans and the "Building an Alternative" protest movement gathered in the arrivals hall with signs reading "Welcome to Gilead" and "Blessed be the fruit" in reference to the book The Handmaid's Tale.

In Herzliya, protesters set up tents and burned tires in the middle of the HaSira junction, blocking the road on Tuesday morning before being forcibly removed by police.

Demonstrators also blocked Highway 2 near Haifa, the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv, Highway 1 near Jerusalem, and Begin Road in Jerusalem. Roads were also blocked in Tirat Hacarmel, Modi'in, and Binyamina. Police said they were operating at the various protest locations in an effort to clear roads and prevent disruptions. (JPost / VFI News)

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’ ” - Psalm 122:6-7

US President Joe Biden said Sunday, July 9, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government has some “of the most extreme members” he’s seen in Israel, and that cabinet ministers who back settling “anywhere they want” in Judea and Samaria are “part of the problem” in the conflict.

In addition to offering rare comments during an interview on his thoughts about the Israeli government, he provided an update on his administration’s effort to broker a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, saying, “We’re a long way from there.”

Biden was pressed on what it would take for him to extend an invitation to Netanyahu to visit the White House, but he dodged the question, noting that Israeli President Isaac Herzog will be coming to Washington next week.

Herzog was invited by Congressional leaders to address a joint session in honor of Israel’s 75th year of independence. He is also expected to meet with Biden at the White House, but those invites are traditionally extended only a few days ahead of time.

As for Netanyahu, Biden said, “I think, [he] is trying to [figure out] how he can work through his existing problems in terms of his coalition.”

“I’m one of those who believe that Israel’s ultimate security rests in a two-state solution,” Biden then said and went on: “I think it’s a mistake to think that, as some members of his cabinet — and this is one of the most extreme members of cabinets that I have seen,” he added. (TOI / VFI News)

“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” - Proverbs 12:26

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated at the conclusion of the discussions at the Ministerial Committee for Arab Society Affairs on Tuesday, July 11, that the government wants to "narrow the gaps” and achieve full integration of the Arab society in Israel.

"We discussed topics such as credit, education, Hebrew [language], welfare, legislation, and many other issues. We also have a special focus on combating crime in Arab society, which is endangering the lives of Arab citizens of Israel. "

"It is a national problem. Therefore, we have established a subcommittee, and many issues under its jurisdiction have already begun to be addressed, and we intend to delve into them in the coming days."

The subcommittee was authorized, among other things, to decide on the assistance of the Shin Bet security agency to the police in dealing with crime in Arab society.

Rising violence in Israel's Arab sector has become a significant challenge for the current coalition government, with a death toll that has nearly tripled compared to the same period last year. It took until November 2022 to reach 100 murders in the Arab sector, but only until June this year to reach that mark. (JPost / VFI News)

This 17th-century Jewish poem (piyut) was written by Rabbi Sa'adya ben Amram and has remained a beloved song throughout history. With both Hebrew and Yemenite Arabic, this beautiful ballad is an ode to the connection between body and soul. It is a testament to how the body and mind are one; our bodies do not limit our soul’s purpose, but rather support it. We must merge these parts of ourselves to fully serve our ultimate purpose. While our souls know the bliss of heaven, our bodies must remain on earth where we may only learn of paradise. When the two are in harmony, we can know peace.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office refused to disclose how it ensures its funding for the Palestinian Authority does not go to incentivizing terrorism, it said in response to a freedom of information request from pro-Israel organizations.

The FCDO website states that it is prioritizing “helping the Palestinian Authority to build strong institutions and enable them to deliver essential services, including policing, health, and education.” We Believe in Israel and B’nai B’rith UK submitted a freedom of information petition, calling on the Foreign Office to publish documents concerning how British aid to the PA is audited.

The two NGOs sought, in light of the recent murder of UK citizens Lucy, Maia, and Rina Dee in a Palestinian terror attack, to establish whether British taxpayer funds were going to the “Pay for Slay” program, by which the PA pays a monthly stipend greater than the average salary of a Palestinian to terrorists and their families.

The amount increases the greater the prison sentence, such that Ramallah pays more for wounding or killing more Israelis.

At first, the FCDO failed to respond to the petition, in apparent contravention of UK law, eventually answering after the organizations complained to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

The FCDO sent a refusal letter to the NGOs, saying that “the disclosure of information detailing the audit reports of the Palestinian Recovery and Development Programme could potentially damage the bilateral relationship between the UK and Palestine.” (JPost / VFI News)

“God, we ask that countries stop providing financial support to the PA and its terrorist causes. We trust that worldwide leaders, together with our allies, realize how many Israeli and international citizens are killed from Palestinian terror, and that they start acting accordingly to prevent any more terrorist attacks.”

After heavy monsoon rains caused deadly floods in northern India, friends and families of a number of Israelis have reported to the Foreign Ministry that they are unable to reach their loved ones.

Around 200 Israelis are currently unreachable, the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday, July 11. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that “in recent hours, a number of requests have arrived about those unable to be reached.”

According to Israel’s consulate in New Delhi, the problem comes primarily from damaged communications infrastructure and lack of reception.

There are currently no indications that any Israelis have been hurt in the floods. Israeli media reported that hundreds more Israelis are known to be stuck in northern areas where roads have become blocked and the internet is down.

Landslides and flash floods in the country’s north have killed at least 15 people. India’s weather agency has forecast more heavy rains in the north in the coming days. It said monsoon rains across the country have already brought about 2% more rainfall than normal. (TOI / VFI News)

“God, we pray for the families of the monsoon victims and we ask that You comfort them while they mourn. We hope that all of the Israelis that cannot be found presently will soon return safely to their homes and families. Let us pray that the Indian people will not experience more floods and that all damages can be restored soon.”

Iran's Revolutionary Guards "forcibly seized" a commercial ship in international waters in the Gulf on Thursday, July 6, and the vessel was possibly involved in smuggling, a US Navy spokesperson said.

The US Navy had monitored the situation and decided not to make any further response, US 5th Fleet spokesperson Commander Tim Hawkins said.

British maritime security company Ambrey said it was aware of an attempted seizure by Iranian forces of a small Tanzanian-flagged tanker, around 59 nautical miles northeast of the Saudi Arabian port city of Dammam. "Iran regularly intercepts smaller tankers it suspects of smuggling oil," the company added in a note.

The US Navy said last Wednesday that it had intervened to prevent Iran from seizing two commercial tankers in the Gulf of Oman, in the latest in a series of attacks on ships in the area since 2019.

Since 2021, "Iran has harassed, attacked or seized nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels," the US Navy said.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has embarked on a rare Africa tour (which includes Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe) in the latest diplomatic efforts to reduce the Islamic Republic’s isolation by forging new alliances. (JPost / VFI News)

“The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast.” - Proverbs 15:22

Azerbaijani security forces arrested a 33-year-old Afghan national on suspicion of planning an attack on Israel’s embassy in Baku, the State Security Service announced Monday, July 10.

The statement did not specify that he was suspected of targeting Israel’s mission, but an Israeli news outlet has learned that he was observed near the embassy in the Hyatt Regency hotel and is currently being questioned by Azerbaijani officials.

“Fawzan Mosa Khan, a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, born in 1990, in conspiration with other individuals has been planning to commit terrorist acts accompanied by explosion, fire or other similar events resulting in the death of people, health injuries, property damage, and other socially dangerous incidents in order to create panic among the population, influence decision-making by state authorities and international organizations,” the State Security Service said in a statement.

Azerbaijan said that Khan came from “a foreign country” in order to surveil “a third country embassy,” recruit a cell and obtain weapons and funding.

The SSS is working to find other members of Khan’s cell. Though the statement did not identify the country from which Khan arrived in Azerbaijan, neighboring Iran has been using third-party nationals to plan terror attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets. (TOI / VFI News)

“You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked.” - Psalm 12:7

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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