The Middle East part 2

[EiZei 0]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4889668.stm

Quote[/b] ]

US suspends aid to Palestinians

The United States says it will suspend direct aid to the Palestinian government now led by Hamas.

But the US will boost humanitarian aid to Palestinians through UN aid agencies, a spokesman said.

The US statement came the same day the European Union announced it was suspending direct aid payments to the Palestinian government.

The US and the EU want Hamas to recognise Israel, renounce violence and accept past peace agreements.

Will be interesting to see where this leads to. Not that I was very keen on the idea of wasting our tax money on religious extremists.

[Nemesis6 0]

Religious extremists... yeah, that's one side of them. For anyone out there who think they know who the new Palestinian government really is - Try this quiz.

[scary 0]

There is no right or wrong side in the Israel/Palestine conflict, both are as bad as each other. Any dubious statistics of one sides wrong-doings can be countered with more dubious statistics of the others wrong-doings, ad infinitum.

It's a self-perpetuating conflict, initiated by post-war British protectionism, funded by American political ambition and enacted by the people at the top of the Israeli and Palestinian political trees.

The Israeli leadership need the fighting to continue because no fighting means no US tax dollars. The Palestinian leadership need the fighting to continue in order to keep control, and therefore ownership, of Palestine's limited finances. Both parties flood their respective voting populi with spurious propaganda telling them how evil the other side is and how righteous they are, both voting populi suck it all up and keep them in power. If either of the US parties threatened to pull Israeli funding they would lose Jewish and pro-Israeli votes and wouldn't stand a chance in an election.

So long as there are people with a vested interest in the conflict continuing, the conflict will continue. The only way for it to end is by the voting masses on both sides saying they've had enough and voting in new people, people without the vested interest.

Both sides need to do the world a favour, and grow up.

Who's going to be the first to say 'they started it'? You know you want to.

[theavonlady 2]

The Israeli leadership need the fighting to continue because no fighting means no US tax dollars.

But military expenditure in Israel is a major financial burden for the country. Your mythical claim doesn't make sense. And Israel's Knesset has cut back the IDF's budget throughout the last several years - not increased it.

There's much more fiction in the rest of your post but this claim of yours is outstanding.

[scary 0]

But military expenditure in Israel is a major financial burden for the country.

I never mentioned Israel as a country; individuals are corrupt not countries. But if you wish to do some maths:

US aid to Israel in 1967 (prior to the six days war) $24m, by 1971 it was $634m and in 1974 it hit $2.5bn, this was also the first year Israel received a grant rather than just a loan. Since 1985 Israel has only received 2 loans, all other aid has been grants. Odd situation when you consider that Israel's position was much more precarious prior to 1967.

Click for a handy table of US aid. Additional notice should be taken of the statement at the bottom: "Loan guarantees are not considered foreign aid so the $7.9 billion in guarantees have been excluded from this table. This table also excludes funding for certain other projects the CRS does not consider foreign aid, such as the $180 million for the research and development of the Arrow missile."

That's a lot of aid for the 44th richest country, in fact more aid than the US gives to the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.

Most countries that receive US military aid do so under the proviso that procurements are made from the US, this isn't the case for Israel. Most Israeli procurements are from Israeli companies, of which, three of the largest are wholly owned by the Israeli government. Exports of military equipment and civilian application of military technology are Israel's largest single source of income. The result is a net gain to Israeli coffers.

Military expenditure doesn't actually disappear into the ether; every Shekel spent goes somewhere. The IDF don't do a lot of globe trotting, therefore, Israeli military personnel spend their incomes in Israel. Israeli unemployment stands at 9%, any reduction in IDF personnel levels would just serve to increase unemployment levels. The cost of military personnel to the Israeli government in real terms is roughly 0.

Out of an initial expenditure of $9.5 (16th in the world, and a long way behind the big military spenders) the Israeli government receives $2.5bn in aid from the US, spends most of it's budget on it's own companies and then sells military technology abroad. Not really the major financial burden you think it is.

Quote[/b] ]Your mythical claim doesn't make sense.

My claim isn't mythical; I definitely made it. And it does make sense.

Quote[/b] ]And Israel's Knesset has cut back the IDF's budget throughout the last several years - not increased it.

As a percentage of GDP, that is true. As a dollar value, it isn't.

Quote[/b] ]There's much more fiction in the rest of your post but this claim of yours is outstanding.

Feel free to prove it.

[EiZei 0]

As a percentage of GDP, that is true. As a dollar value, it isn't.

That does'nt mean much either considering the inflation.

[theavonlady 2]

But military expenditure in Israel is a major financial burden for the country.

I never mentioned Israel as a country; individuals are corrupt not countries.

You meantioned "Israeli leadership". This usually refers to people who run the country. Or by country were you referring to trees and hills?

Quote[/b] ]But if you wish to do some maths:

US aid to Israel in 1967 (prior to the six days war) $24m, by 1971 it was $634m and in 1974 it hit $2.5bn, this was also the first year Israel received a grant rather than just a loan. Since 1985 Israel has only received 2 loans, all other aid has been grants. Odd situation when you consider that Israel's position was much more precarious prior to 1967.

Click for a handy table of US aid. Additional notice should be taken of the statement at the bottom: "Loan guarantees are not considered foreign aid so the $7.9 billion in guarantees have been excluded from this table. This table also excludes funding for certain other projects the CRS does not consider foreign aid, such as the $180 million for the research and development of the Arrow missile."

Question: does the above chart's figure of $2.22B for "2005 proposed military grant" include this Foreign Military Financing (FMF) chart's $2.2B figure? If so, here is where over 70% of that money goes to.

Quote[/b] ]That's a lot of aid for the 44th richest country, in fact more aid than the US gives to the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.[/url]

Some reasons why.

BTW, the CIA's 2005 data ranks Israel at 55 by GDP.

Quote[/b] ]Most countries that receive US military aid do so under the proviso that procurements are made from the US, this isn't the case for Israel. Most Israeli procurements are from Israeli companies, of which, three of the largest are wholly owned by the Israeli government. Exports of military equipment and civilian application of military technology are Israel's largest single source of income. The result is a net gain to Israeli coffers.

I again ask you to explain the FMF chart I previously linked to.

Quote[/b] ]Military expenditure doesn't actually disappear into the ether; every Shekel spent goes somewhere. The IDF don't do a lot of globe trotting, therefore, Israeli military personnel spend their incomes in Israel. Israeli unemployment stands at 9%,

10.4% at year end 2005.

Quote[/b] ]any reduction in IDF personnel levels would just serve to increase unemployment levels. The cost of military personnel to the Israeli government in real terms is roughly 0.

Nonsense. Drafted youths cannot be financial contributors to the military. Called up reservists have their business lives interrupted and the government has to compensate both reservists and their employers for their stints of duty. Permanently employed IDF personnel have seen numerous layoffs in the last few years and much tighter budgets.

Quote[/b] ]Out of an initial expenditure of $9.5 (16th in the world, and a long way behind the big military spenders) the Israeli government receives $2.5bn in aid from the US, spends most of it's budget on it's own companies and then sells military technology abroad. Not really the major financial burden you think it is.

Again my question about the FMF chart.

Quote[/b] ]

Quote[/b] ]Your mythical claim doesn't make sense.

My claim isn't mythical; I definitely made it. And it does make sense.

Not to anyone here.

Quote[/b] ]

Quote[/b] ]And Israel's Knesset has cut back the IDF's budget throughout the last several years - not increased it.

As a percentage of GDP, that is true. As a dollar value, it isn't.

Not sure where you're getting your figures from. Have a look here, for example/.

Quote[/b] ]

Quote[/b] ]There's much more fiction in the rest of your post but this claim of yours is outstanding.

Feel free to prove it.

Well, I'll need answers to my questions to better understand whether there are or are not overlapping statistics here.

[scary 0]

That does'nt mean much either considering the inflation.

What it means is that considering inflation the IDF's budget is fairly static. Although I'm not really sure how this had any relevance to begin with.

You meantioned "Israeli leadership". This usually refers to people who run the country. Or by country were you referring to trees and hills?

The Israeli leadership don't fund anything out of their own pockets, therefore, military expenditure is not a financial burden for them. Whether or not it is a financial burden for the country is a different matter.

Quote[/b] ]Question: does the above chart's figure of $2.22B for "2005 proposed military grant" include this Foreign Military Financing (FMF) chart's $2.2B figure? If so, here is where over 70% of that money goes to.

So what you are saying is that $555m of US aid, in addition to $7.3bn of Israel's own finances is spent in Israel, whilst also getting $2.7bn of free stuff from the US, some of it equipment containing Israeli components. How does that disagree with "Most Israeli procurements are from Israeli companies"?

Quote[/b] ]Some reasons why.

What position do you think most of Europe was in after WWII?

And none of that explains why Israel receives more than all of sub-Saharan Africa combined. These are countries with less money, more violence, more refugees, higher unemployment and higher poverty than Israel. I don't think Chad has much of a tourist industry.

Quote[/b] ]BTW, the CIA's 2005 data ranks Israel at 55 by GDP.

And 44 per capita, which is a much better indicator of relative wealth.

Quote[/b] ]10.4% at year end 2005.

8.9% according to the CIA. Not that it is important.

Quote[/b] ]Nonsense. Drafted youths cannot be financial contributors to the military. Called up reservists have their business lives interrupted and the government has to compensate both reservists and their employers for their stints of duty. Permanently employed IDF personnel have seen numerous layoffs in the last few years and much tighter budgets.

Where did I say they were financial contributors to anything? I'll assume you completely missed the point and try again.

Israel pays it's drafted youths. Israel's drafted youths spend their wages in Israel, just like the tax paying, money spending reservists and employers. The money being spent on them is not leaving the country. If they weren't in the IDF then they would mostly be unemployed and would need some form of sustenance. They are neither contributors nor detractors from the Israeli economy. If permanently employed IDF personnel are being laid off, it begs the question, why does Israel still have conscription? It is widely acknowledged that conscripts are less effective, and therefore less cost-effective, than volunteers.

Quote[/b] ]Not to anyone here.

Do you speak for everyone? I was unaware of a hive mind.

Quote[/b] ]Not sure where you're getting your figures from. Have a look here, for example

In 1999 it was $8.7bn, in 2003 $9.1bn and in 2006 $9.5. Taking into account inflation, it's fairly static.

I suggest you read more than just the table.

From your own source:

"First of all it must be clear that the overall cutback is a reduction in the budget increase, and not an actual reduction compared with last year"

The politicians at the top on both sides will do whatever is necessary to stay at the top, including dragging out this conflict.

If you wish to defend the Palestinian leadership, go ahead, (unless you wish to appear partisan) they're a sack of camels arse too.

[Nemesis6 0]

Quote[/b] ]HELSINKI (AFP) - Swedish Prime Minister Goeran Persson has said two leading Hamas officials hoping to visit Sweden this month would not be allowed entry after France denied them a visa.

Sweden and France are signatories of the so-called Schengen accords between EU members and others, which grant freedom of travel within their borders to visitors having obtained a visa from any other member country.

Hamas parliamentary group spokesman Salah Muhammad al-Bardawil and Hamas official Mohammad al-Rantissi were to visit Malmoe in southern Sweden on May 16 following an invitation by a local association

[Nemesis6 0]

Palestinian death cults threaten banks

Quote[/b] ]GAZA CITY (AFP) - The armed wing of Hamas and three other groups have threatened Palestinian banks if they do not transfer salaries to civil servants, who remain unpaid since late February.

“The national banks were created to serve the interests of the Palestinian people. If their mission has changed and they become an instrument of the siege we will treat them as those who besiege the Palestinians,†the statement signed by Hamas’s Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades said Sunday.

The other signatories were the Popular Resistance Committees and two cells that operate under the umbrella of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.

In other news,

Palestinian Terrorist Prime Minister rejects terrorist referendum

Quote[/b] ]GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - The Hamas-led Palestinian government on Sunday rejected a deadline to accept a proposal that implicitly recognizes Israel, saying President Mahmoud Abbas’ plan for a referendum on the matter is illegal.

The statement by Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh was the strongest sign yet that Hamas will not give in to Abbas’ ultimatum to accept the principle of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Abbas has given Hamas until Tuesday to decide or face a national referendum that he is expected to win.

[mp_phonix 0]

Israel cutted the budget for the IDF in 550 Milion shekels, and thats about 110-130 million U.S. Dollars . . .

AvonLady

'scary' go a point, IDF soldier are being paid purly. 70$ a month for average soldier is not that high pay

{helkit hu zodek ve ani helkit maskim ito ba nose haze [shel ha kesef]}

[Nemesis6 0]

"Gunmen" versus "militants": Five bystanders killed in Gaza shootings: medics

Quote[/b] ]GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian gunmen killed five bystanders in two separate shooting incidents in the Gaza Strip on Sunday as tension between rival factions in the impoverished territory deteriorated even further.

In the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis gunmen killed a pregnant Palestinian woman and another family member and wounded her husband and his brother, a Hamas militant, hospital sources said.

Witnesses said gunmen, whose identity was unclear, shot at local Hamas leader Mohammad al-Ghalban as he was traveling in a car with family members after dark in the town. The motive for the shooting was not known, but local Hamas militia blamed rival Fatah gunmen and deployed in the streets as tensions rose. Ghalban and his brother, who was critically wounded, were being treated at a Gaza hospital, medics said.

In a separate incident in Gaza City, three bystanders were killed in the crossfire as Hamas militants returned fire at unknown gunmen, local witnesses said. The three victims, all male, were pronounced dead at a Gaza hospital, medics said.

[Nemesis6 0]

Admadinajad says Iran will not negociate on enrichment

Quote[/b] ]Tehran, Iran, Jun. 04 – Iran’s hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced that Iran had an “inalienable right†to carry out uranium enrichment and that it was not willing to negotiate over the matter with any other country, state television reported on Sunday.

“Production of nuclear fuel technology for peaceful purposes is part of our inalienable and legal rights and we will not negotiate with anyone over our rightsâ€, Ahmadinejad said at a ceremony at the tomb of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on Saturday.

“Negotiating over the inalienable right of a nation is tantamount to negotiating over the country’s independence. We will not negotiate with anyone over our independenceâ€, he said.

The hard-line president said that the Tehran was not prepared to hold talks with preconditions, adding that it was in no rush to take a position on the latest package of incentives that it will be offered in the coming days in exchange for it to abandon its uranium enrichment activities.

QUCKLY, UNITED NATIONS! OFFER THEM MORE INCENTIVES!

[theavonlady 2]

QUCKLY, UNITED NATIONS! OFFER THEM MORE INCENTIVES!  

I think it's time for another threatening letter. That'll teach 'em.

[Balschoiw 0]

Israel should be the last country to talk about other countries aims to get nuclear weapons. They have quite a nice record on that.

If Iran was supposed not to have nukes, why should Israel be allowed to have around 200 of them ?

Double standards ?

@Nemesis6:

You should stop flamebaiting by producing wrong headlines for the things you link. Makes you look like an extremist, no better than the ones you complain about.

[theavonlady 2]

Israel should be the last country to talk about other countries aims to get nuclear weapons. They have quite a nice record on that.

We'll talk all we want to.

Did we sign the NP agreement? No. Sorry.

How many years have we "supposedly" had nukes? 30? 40? Did we ever use them? Did we ever initiate a threat to?

What advantage did Israel's nukes have when every surrounding country was threatening to drives us Jews into the sea? BTW, this desire still persists.

Quote[/b] ]

If Iran was supposed not to have nukes, why should Israel be allowed to have around 200 of them ?

Double standards ?

Only to people like you who could equate Israel and an Islamic Jihadist dictatorship, run by a guy who has clearly stated his interest in producing another holocaust (stated by Iran over 5 years ago but who notices! ) and denying another holocaust ever occurred. All this while their regime is planning everything to bring about the return of the 12th Mahdi and has been exporting terrorism worldwide.

Quote[/b] ]

@Nemesis6:

You should stop flamebaiting by producing wrong headlines for the things you link. Makes you look like an extremist, no better than the ones you complain about.

Nemesis, let them whine away.

[Balschoiw 0]

Quote[/b] ]Did we ever initiate a threat to?

Yes. In 1973 Israel threatened with the use of nuclear weapons during Yom Kippur War. Nothing new.

Quote[/b] ]Did we sign the NP agreement? No. Sorry.

Does this make you immune to allegations about your nuke program ? No.

In fact you should be preemptively bombed following todays US logic as Israel has conducted terrorist acts and repeatedly broken international law by commiting illegal acts on foreign soil. Israeli agents killed worldwide. That plus the possesion of nukes makes Israel a dubious country with dubious motives.

In fact you have to know about thw whole deal a lot since it was Israel who lied about their nuke program back in the day.

Your country pulled the same stunt as Iran and now you speak up on an issue that your country has put throught he same way ?

Quote[/b] ]The United States first became aware of Dimona's existence after U-2 overflights in 1958 captured the facility's construction, but it was not identified as a nuclear site until two years later. The complex was variously explained as a textile plant, an agricultural station, and a metallurgical research facility, until David Ben-Gurion stated in December 1960 that Dimona complex was a nuclear research center built for "peaceful purposes."

The irony !

Quote[/b] ]Only to people like you who could equate Israel and an Islamic Jihadist dictatorship, run by a guy who has clearly stated his interest in producing another holocaust (stated by Iran over 5 years ago but who notices! ) and denying another holocaust ever occurred. All this while their regime is planning everything to bring about the return of the 12th Mahdi and has been exporting terrorism worldwide.

Oh yeah, Avon again. What´s next ? Bailing out of the discussion when you run out of gossip like you have done so often lately.

No surprises here.

Quote[/b] ]

Nemesis, let them whine away.

Nice to see that he created motherly feelings with you but that still doesn´t mean that he can´t bypass forum rules to place his own personal jewish hate-driven agenda here. Maybe you can

explain that to him as you are so special with each other.

[theavonlady 2]

Quote[/b] ]Did we ever initiate a threat to?

Yes. In 1973 Israel threatened with the use of nuclear weapons during Yom Kippur War. Nothing new.

No. Something new. Please document where Israel threatened anyone and under what circumstances.

Quote[/b] ]

Quote[/b] ]Did we sign the NP agreement? No. Sorry.

Does this make you immune to allegations about your nuke program ? No.

Allegations of what? That we have a nuke program? Let's assume Israel does. So what?

Quote[/b] ]In fact you should be preemptively bombed following todays US logic as Israel has conducted terrorist acts and repeatedly broken international law by commiting illegal acts on foreign soil. Israeli agents killed worldwide. That plus the possesion of nukes makes Israel a dubious country with dubious motives.

Israel has protected itself for decades because snotting politicians, who follow a line of thought like yours, couldn't have given a damn otherwise.

Much of the Europe you live in was a haven for terrorists for decades and did as much as they could, within the bounds of politically correct shenaniginery, to what Israel die a slow death.

Keep trying, you and your UN, a thug organization run by a majoritty of international thugs and despots.

We won't die for you anymore. Suffer.

Quote[/b] ]

Quote[/b] ]Only to people like you who could equate Israel and an Islamic Jihadist dictatorship, run by a guy who has clearly stated his interest in producing another holocaust (stated by Iran over 5 years ago but who notices! ) and denying another holocaust ever occurred. All this while their regime is planning everything to bring about the return of the 12th Mahdi and has been exporting terrorism worldwide.

Oh yeah, Avon again. What´s next ? Bailing out of the discussion when you run out of gossip like you have done so often lately.

No surprises here.

Is there something incorrect in what I've stated? Just point it out, please.

As you can see, the gossip goes on.

Quote[/b] ]

Quote[/b] ]

Nemesis, let them whine away.

Nice to see that he created motherly feelings with you but that still doesn´t mean that he can´t bypass forum rules to place his own personal jewish hate-driven agenda here. Maybe you can

explain that to him as you are so special with each other.

So one must be Jewish in order to agree with what Nemesis posted. Well, well!

[Balschoiw 0]

Quote[/b] ]No. Something new. Please document where Israel threatened anyone and under what circumstances.

Quote[/b] ]During the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, a panicky Israel, facing early battlefield losses, threatened a nuclear strike. This evoked a massive arms shipment from the United States, eventually permitting Israel to turn the tide of the war — demonstrating the kinds of pressures that nuclear powers can apply, even on allies

Should Israel give up its nukes?

Quote[/b] ]

Allegations of what? That we have a nuke program? Let's assume Israel does. So what?

Why should you be allowed to have one while Iran shouldn´t be.

Explain pls.

Quote[/b] ]Much of the Europe you live in was a haven for terrorists for decades and did as much as they could, within the bounds of politically correct shenaniginery, to what Israel die a slow death.

Judged from this perspective here in germany I would assume that I live in a much more terrorist free zone than anyone in Israel or Palestine. Makes you think of sucess and failure somewhat. Don´t you agree ?

Quote[/b] ]Keep trying, you and your UN, a thug organization run by a majoritty of international thugs and despots.

How contributing...

At least UN personel is still actively doing work on the Golan heights for what reason again ?

United Nations Disengagement Observer Force serves your country since 30th may of 1974. It´s the safest piece of border you have today. Over 1000 UN soldiers do their job there to keep the Israel-Syria border safe and it is safe compared to the border parts you control on your own. In my oppinion it´s very arrogant to just forget the help that the UN actually provides to your country aswell !

Without the UN the palestinian areas would have turned into hell for them. I understand that you don´t care for such, but if you would care you would see that peace is not made by walls you built around people.

Yeah, speaking from your perspective I´d say that you should be thankful for any UN help you can get. You won´t solve the problem, you´re part of the problem.

Quote[/b] ]We won't die for you anymore. Suffer.

You do, on a weekly base.

Quote[/b] ]So one must be Jewish in order to agree with what Nemesis posted. Well, well!

Haha pulling the Nazi card again.

[theavonlady 2]

Quote[/b] ]No. Something new. Please document where Israel threatened anyone and under what circumstances.

Quote[/b] ]During the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, a panicky Israel, facing early battlefield losses, threatened a nuclear strike. This evoked a massive arms shipment from the United States, eventually permitting Israel to turn the tide of the war — demonstrating the kinds of pressures that nuclear powers can apply, even on allies

Should Israel give up its nukes?

I hereby contend that Mr. Basharat's claim is false, nothing less than that.

BTW, Bisharat's and Arab whose grandparents lost their homes in Jerusalem in the 1948 war. He has repeatedly sought a "right of return" of Arabs to Israel and advocated other action that would have the effect of destroying Israel.

As you like to say, no surprises here.

Quote[/b] ]

Quote[/b] ]Allegations of what? That we have a nuke program? Let's assume Israel does. So what?

Why should you be allowed to have one while Iran shouldn´t be.

Explain pls.

I already did.

Why should Britain and France have been allowed to have a full military force while Nazi Germany couldn't.

Please explain.

Quote[/b] ]

Quote[/b] ]Much of the Europe you live in was a haven for terrorists for decades and did as much as they could, within the bounds of politically correct shenaniginery, to what Israel die a slow death.

Judged from this perspective here in germany I would assume that I live in a much more terrorist free zone than anyone in Israel or Palestine. Makes you think of sucess and failure somewhat. Don´t you agree ?

Is it safe?

Quote[/b] ]

Quote[/b] ]Keep trying, you and your UN, a thug organization run by a majoritty of international thugs and despots.

How contributing...

At least UN personel is still actively doing work on the Golan heights for what reason again ?

To prevent infiltrations and confrontations from Syria perhaps? But of course, everyone's a rogue regime.......

A little link for those interested in the basket case that is the UN:

Eye on the UN

Your tax dollars/euros/yen/whatever at work.

Sorry Bals, must stop. Feeding time at the zoo and busy this evening. Maybe manana.

UPDATE:

Quote[/b] ]So one must be Jewish in order to agree with what Nemesis posted. Well, well!

Haha pulling the Nazi card again.  

Funny.

I didn't say anything about Nazis.

But you did about Jews.

Funny.

[mp_phonix 0]

Balschoiw, you funny.

UN protecs our borders ? where do you hear that ? ythe UN is there so we dont kick their asses {Leabanon's and Syria's} !

about two weeks ago Hizbalah started to bomb Israel in the north, and after we retaliated, the Lebanons go cry to the UN the "Israelis are so aggresive towards our country" . please . . . . . . .

[EiZei 0]

In couple of days it will be the 25th anniversary of osirak, mission successful in hours, only 11 deaths and no downed planes. Just beatiful.

[Nemesis6 0]

U.N protect the borders between Israel any Syria? Let me guess, like they protected Adi Avitan, Binyamin Avraham, and Omar Souad from getting killed?

Let's review, shall we?

U.N. Knows about a terrorist plot to kidnap Israeli soldiers. They do nothing.

U.N. lets the terrorists keep the blood-stained car they used to "avoid confrontations"

U.N. denies the presence of a tape filmed by an Indian UNIFIL worker.

U.N. admits that the tape exists.

U.N. refuses to hand the tape over to the Israelis.

U.N. edits tape and establishes "viewing conditions"

Former U.N. ambassador Dore Gold sums up Israel's view of the events: "The U.N. always has been one-sided, and it is an illusion to think that it could play an effective role here."

Read it all, guys... http://judaism.about.com/library/1_terrorism/bl_hardov_un.htm

I summerized the major points. Here's a last quote -

Quote[/b] ]Some believe the denial was intentional. They believe that UNIFIL workers in the area had prior knowledge of the kidnapping plot, but did nothing to prevent it. Hizbullah crossed through a U.N. patrolled area to get to the Israeli soldiers.

[Nemesis6 0]

By the way: Why can Israel have nukes when Iran can't, you ask?

Because Israel is not run by an Islamofascist madman dictator who "purges" reformers and hangs homosexuals from cranes.

Explosion kills Hamas death cultist in Gaza

Quote[/b] ]GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - A large explosion ripped through a house in northern Gaza on Monday, killing a member of the Hamas militant group and wounding two other people, including his 8-year-old son, hospital officials said.

There were no details on the cause of the blast in Jebaliya. The dead man, identified as Ahmed Sari, taught children Islamic studies in his house, residents said.

The Israeli army said it wasn’t involved in the incident. The army frequently carries out airstrikes against Palestinian militants and typically claims responsibility for such actions

[mp_phonix 0]

By the way: Why can Israel have nukes when Iran can't, you ask?

The answear to the is in the Name of the Israli army:

IDF = Israel DEFENSE Force

Israel will use nukes only to defend itself.