Israel Archives - Tennessee Star

Democrats Blast Omar for Comparing America, Israel to Taliban

June 11, 2021June 10, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) caused another rift in the Democrat Party this week when she openly compared the United States and Israel to the Taliban and Hamas in a now-deleted tweet.

After an exchange with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, wherein Omar demanded an International Criminal Court investigation into possible war crimes in Afghanistan and Palestine, Omar took to Twitter, saying there have been “unthinkable atrocities committed by the U.S., Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan, and the Taliban.”

DeSantis Talks Combating Anti-Semitism at Town Hall

June 10, 2021June 9, 2021 Grant Holcomb

On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at a town hall organized by the Jewish Federations of Florida and touted an education bill he signed after this year’s legislative session requiring schools to teach about the Holocaust.

DeSantis also took time to address the increase of anti-Semitic attacks and overall anti-Semitism.

Commentary: Why Does the Left Hate Israel?

May 21, 2021May 20, 2021 Admin

As over 3,000 rockets are fired into Israel by Hamas, the establishment of the Democratic Party seems paralyzed over how to respond to the latest Middle East war.

It is not just that they fear that the squad, Black Lives Matter, the shock troops of Antifa, and the woke institutions such as professional sports, academia, and the media are now unapologetically anti-Israel.

United States Senator Bill Hagerty Explains His January 6 Vote and Positions on Big Tech, S1, and Israel

May 21, 2021June 9, 2021 Julie Carr

Thursday morning on the Tennessee Star Report, host Michael Patrick Leahy welcomed United States Senator (TN-R) Bill Hagerty to the newsmakers line to answer a tough question about his January sixth vote, Big Tech, S1, and Israel.

Hagerty Urges Biden to Confirm Support for Abraham Accords

May 20, 2021May 19, 2021 Cooper Moran

Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) sent a letter to President Biden on Wednesday urging the President to support the Abraham Accords, the historic Middle East peace deal brokered by President Trump.

Hagerty’s letter comes in response to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki making concerning remarks over the Biden administration’s approach to the Middle East.

Liberal Activists Hold Anti-Israel Rally in Richmond

May 20, 2021May 19, 2021 Cooper Moran

Liberal activist group “Activate Virginia” held a march and rally on Wednesday in opposition to Israel.

“America’s cries on behalf of human rights sound increasingly tinny, given our enabling and defense of what’s happening in places like Gaza,” Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist Michael Paul Williams wrote Tuesday in a piece promoting the event that was published by the paper. “Our ability to navigate a path to social justice here is doubtful if we don’t walk the walk abroad.”

He added,” As long as Palestinians can’t breathe, neither can we.”

By mid-day, hundreds of Richmonders heeded the call and gathered to show their “solidarity with Palestine.”

Report: Tlaib Lobbied Biden on Behalf of Hamas on Detroit Tarmac

May 20, 2021May 21, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

President Joe Biden visited a Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center plant Tuesday, and was greeted on a Detroit tarmac by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13).

According to NPR, America’s first Palestinian congresswoman used her short time with the forty-sixth president to discuss the escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

Congressman Tim Burchett on Pelosi’s Power, Mask Mandates, and John Kerry’s Elusive Role

May 18, 2021June 9, 2021 Julie Carr

Monday morning on the Tennessee Star Report, host Michael Patrick Leahy welcomed Congressman Tim Burchett to the newsmaker line to weigh on what it’s like working in Nancy Pelosi’s House of Represenatives, changing maks mandates and John Kerry’s role.

Amid Violence, UMich Student Government Pledges to be in ‘Lockstep’ with Palestinians in Their ‘Fight Against Oppression’

May 14, 2021May 13, 2021 Admin

The University of Michigan Central Student Government released a scathing statement in support of Palestine and against Israel, prompted by the ongoing conflict in Jerusalem. The letter accuses Israel of “settler colonialism, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid.”

“We aim to do whatever is in our power to ensure that we remain in lockstep with [the Palestinians] and their fight against oppression,” the student government said in an open letter.

Democratic Socialists to Hold Anti-Israel Rally in Knoxville

May 14, 2021May 13, 2021 Cooper Moran

A group of self-proclaimed “democratic socialists” announced in a tweet on Thursday that they will hold an anti-Israel rally on Saturday at 2pm at Market Square in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The announcement of the rally comes as Israel has repeatedly had to defend itself from attacks throughout the week. Hundreds of rockets have been fired at Israeli cities, almost each day, by pro-Palestine forces. The rockets have struck businesses, homes, and buildings throughout various cities.

Commentary: Five Ways President Biden Undermined Middle East Peace Last Week

February 16, 2021February 15, 2021 Admin

Last week alone, the Biden administration has made at least five blunders that will set back prospects for Middle East peace. These unforced errors will only serve to isolate our traditional allies in the region (Israel and the Gulf States) and enable Iran and its proxies and the Palestinian Authority.

35 Years Ago: Unsolved Gander Aircrash Kills 248 101st Airborne Soldiers, 8 Crew

December 13, 2020December 13, 2020 Neil W. McCabe

Thirty-five years years later, questions remain how Arrow Air 1285 crashed into a wooded hillside in Gander, Newfoundland, with 248 soldiers from 101st Airborne Division for the final leg of their journey Cairo to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, killing all the soldiers and the eight crewmembers the morning of Dec. 12,…

Iran’s Supreme Leader Vows Revenge Over Slain Scientist

November 29, 2020November 28, 2020 The Associated Press

Iran’s supreme leader on Saturday demanded the “definitive punishment” of those behind the killing of a scientist who led Tehran’s disbanded military nuclear program, as the Islamic Republic blamed Israel for a slaying that has raised fears of reignited tensions across the Middle East.

After years of being in the shadows, the image of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh suddenly was to be seen everywhere in Iranian media, as his widow spoke on state television and officials publicly demanded revenge on Israel for the scientist’s slaying.

Iran Scientist Linked to Military Nuclear Program Killed

November 28, 2020November 27, 2020 The Associated Press

An Iranian scientist named by the West as the leader of the Islamic Republic’s disbanded military nuclear program was killed Friday in an ambush on the outskirts of Tehran, authorities said.

Iran’s foreign minister alleged the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh bore “serious indications” of an Israeli role, but did not elaborate. Israel, long suspected of killing several Iranian nuclear scientists a decade ago, declined to immediately comment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once told the public to “remember that name” when talking about Fakhrizadeh.

Pompeo Is First Top U.S. Diplomat to Visit an Israeli Settlement

November 20, 2020November 19, 2020 The Associated Press

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday became the first top American diplomat to visit an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank as the State Department in a major policy shift announced that products from the settlements can be labeled “Made in Israel.”

The two moves reflected the Trump administration’s acceptance of Israeli settlements, which the Palestinians and most of the international community view as a violation of international law and a major obstacle to peace.

Commentary: A Biden–Harris Administration Would Unravel Middle East Peace

November 11, 2020November 10, 2020 Admin

Stormy weather might be on the Middle East’s horizon. Following the U.S. presidential election, Iran offered a mafia-style protection deal to countries that have normalized relations with Israel: they must abandon Israel and align with Iran, or face the consequences. A Biden–Harris administration would likely undermine much of the progress towards Middle East peace that the Trump administration has made. Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) have several policy positions that would jeopardize the progress towards Middle East peace brokered by the Trump administration.

Prayer at Tomb of the Patriarchs for Trump’s Success

November 2, 2020November 1, 2020 Admin

Hours before the US election, the heads of local authorities in Judea and Samaria will hold a prayer service at the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron for the success of incumbent President Donald Trump in the election.

The head of the Mount Hebron Council, Yohai Damari, explained this morning, Sunday, that the prayer stems first and foremost from gratitude to Trump for his efforts on behalf of the Land of Israel.

Trump: Sudan to Join UAE, Bahrain in Recognizing Israel

October 24, 2020October 23, 2020 The Associated Press

President Donald Trump announced Friday that Sudan will start to normalize ties with Israel, making it the third Arab state to do so as part of U.S.-brokered deals in the run-up to Election Day.

The announcement came after the North African nation agreed to put $335 million in an escrow account to be used to compensate American victims of terror attacks. The attacks include the 1998 bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania by the al-Qaida network while its leader, Osama bin Laden, was living in Sudan. In exchange, Trump notified Congress on Friday of his intent to remove Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Commentary: The Obama-Biden ‘Ostracize and Punish Israel’ Legacy Will Return if Democrats Win the White House in 2020

October 13, 2020October 12, 2020 Admin

Joe Biden portrays himself as Israel’s ally and a friend of the Jewish people. Obama did the same when he was running for president and then he played bait and switch. It’s time voters wizen up because Biden vows to repeat the Obama-Biden playbook on Israel and the Middle East. It’s even worse: today’s Democrat party leadership has taken a major turn to the left. They are no friend of the Jewish people here or in Israel.

A quick history lesson is instructive: In 2008, Candidate Obama pledged Israel’s security was “sacrosanct” and “non-negotiable” with “secure recognized defensible borders,” where Jerusalem would “remain” Israel’s capital and “must remain undivided.” Fast forward, months later in 2009, then President Obama wasted no time abandoning his empty words. Embarking on their true agenda, Obama-Biden declared a “serious problem” existed precisely because there was no daylight between the United States and Israel. Obama-Biden was determined to change that and, off to the races, they didn’t look back.

Neil W. McCabe Weighs in on the National Security Establishment’s Response to Rule Breaking Trump

September 17, 2020September 17, 2020 Julie Carr

Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report, host Michael Patrick Leahy welcomed the Tennessee Star’s National Correspondent Neil W. McCabe to the show to discuss recent peace treaties completed by the Trump administration.

Ambassador Anne Patterson Talks Trump’s Historic Peace Deal in the Middle East and the Thread That Tied it Together

September 17, 2020September 17, 2020 Julie Carr

Wednesday morning on The John Fredericks Show, host Fredericks welcomed former U.S. Ambassador to Egypt and Pakistan Anne Patterson to weigh in on the new peace deal in the Middle East.

Signing of Abraham Accords Is ‘Paradigm Shift’ for Israel-Gulf Relations, Sen. Blackburn Says

September 16, 2020September 15, 2020 Jason M. Reynolds

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) applauded the signing Tuesday of the Abraham Accords, calling it a “paradigm shift.”

Blackburn on Tuesday tweeted, “Today, we are witnessing history at the @WhiteHouse. 27 years since the signing of the Oslo Accords, Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain have achieved monumental peace. This deal brings great potential and opportunity to the region and is a paradigm shift in Israel-Gulf state relations.”

Bahrain Becomes Latest Arab Nation to Recognize Israel

September 12, 2020September 11, 2020 The Associated Press

Bahrain has become the latest Arab nation to agree to normalize ties with Israel as part of a broader diplomatic push by President Donald Trump and his administration to fully integrate the Jewish state into the Middle East.

Trump announced the agreement on Friday, following a three-way phone call he had with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The three leaders also issued a brief six-paragraph joint statement, attesting to the deal.

UAE Formally Ends Israel Boycott Amid US-Brokered Deal

August 30, 2020August 29, 2020 Admin

The ruler of the United Arab Emirates issued a decree Saturday formally ending the country’s boycott of Israel amid a U.S.-brokered deal to normalize relations between the two countries.

The announcement now allows trade and commerce between the UAE, home to oil-rich Abu Dhabi and skyscraper-studded Dubai, and Israel, home to a thriving diamond trade, pharmaceutical companies and tech start-ups.

Trump Says UAE to Open Diplomatic Ties with Israel

August 14, 2020August 13, 2020 The Associated Press

The United Arab Emirates and Israel have agreed to establish full diplomatic ties as part of a deal to halt the annexation of occupied land sought by the Palestinians for their future state, President Donald Trump said Thursday.

The announcement makes the UAE the first Gulf Arab state to do so and only the third Arab nation to have active diplomatic ties to Israel.

France, Israel Shut Down All Non-Essential Stores, Restaurants, Cafes

March 16, 2020March 15, 2020 Admin

France and Israel shut down all non-essential stores, restaurants and cafes Saturday to prevent the coronavirus pandemic from spreading.

Rashida Tlaib Wears T-Shirt That Erases Israel from the Map

March 13, 2020March 12, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13) recently posted a picture of herself wearing a T-shirt that erases Israel from the map.

Tlaib Headlined Event Alongside Speaker Who Has Expressed Support for Hamas

March 2, 2020March 2, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13) headlined an event Saturday put on by the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), a group whose national policy director has expressed support for Hamas.

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum Calls Pro-Israel Lobbying Firm a ‘Hate Group’

February 14, 2020February 13, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) called the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) a “hate group” in a Wednesday statement after the lobbying firm ran negative ads about her on Facebook.

Former New York Lawmaker Removed from Event for Asking Tlaib About Her Anti-Semitism

February 11, 2020February 11, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Dov Hikind, a former Democratic state lawmaker from New York and a Jewish American, was removed from an event Sunday after asking Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13) about her anti-Semitism. “What about your anti-Semitism? What about your blood libel against Israel?” a video of the event shows Hikind saying before…

Trump Unveils Mideast Peace Plan

January 29, 2020January 28, 2020 Admin

JERUSALEM – U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his plan to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Tuesday, nearly six years after talks between the two sides broke down.

Anti-Defamation League Calls on Rashida Tlaib to Apologize for ‘Blood Libel’

January 28, 2020January 27, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

The CEO of the left-leaning Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has called on Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13) to apologize for spreading false allegations that Israelis kidnapped and murdered an eight-year-old Palestinian boy.

Rashida Tlaib Retweeted False Claim That Israelis Kidnapped and Murdered Palestinian Boy

January 27, 2020January 26, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13) retweeted and then deleted a tweet that falsely accused Israelis of kidnapping and murdering an eight-year-old Palestinian boy.

Apple’s Digital Assistant Siri Told Users Israel’s Reuvin Rivlin Was the ‘President of the Zionist Occupation State’

January 20, 2020January 19, 2020 Admin

by Chris White Apple’s voice-controlled assistant told the big tech company’s customers Saturday night that Israel President Reuvin Rivlin is the leader of the Zionist occupation state.” Someone changed Rivlin’s Wikipedia page to describe Israel’s president as the “main child of Israel,” Israel’s i24 News reported Saturday. Apple and Google often rely…

Hagerty Writes Op-Ed Praising Israel

January 10, 2020January 10, 2020 Jason M. Reynolds

“The American people support the Jewish community, and we support Israel,” U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty wrote in an op-ed Thursday for The Times of Israel but also called for a two-state solution.

President Trump Calls Omar and Tlaib Anti-Semites During Evangelical Rally

January 6, 2020January 5, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

President Donald Trump condemned the progressive “squad” Friday for their anti-Semitism and support of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement.

Israeli PM Netanyahu Indicted on Bribery, Fraud and Breach of Trust Charges

November 22, 2019November 21, 2019 Admin

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has led the country for 13 years, was indicted by the country’s top prosecutor on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust on Thursday.

Tlaib Uses Botched Israel Trip for Fundraising

August 21, 2019August 20, 2019 Admin

Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib used her failed trip to Israel for fundraising purposes and said she was “banned from traveling to Israel and Palestine,” in an email Democracy for America sent.

President Trump Calls Tlaib’s Flip-Flop on Israel Trip a ‘Complete Setup,’ Her Grandma Says ‘May God Ruin Him’

August 18, 2019January 23, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

President Donald Trump has called Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s (D-MI-13) request to visit Israel for family reasons a “complete setup” after the congresswoman almost immediately canceled the trip upon receiving permission to enter the country.

Trump Jumps on Reports of Israel Banning Reps. Omar And Tlaib: ‘They Hate … All Jewish People’

August 16, 2019August 15, 2019 Admin

President Donald Trump weighed in Thursday after reports that Israel planned to ban Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan from entering the country for a trip scheduled to start Friday.

Israel, US Test Missile Defense in Alaska

July 29, 2019July 28, 2019 Admin

U.S. and Israeli officials say tests in Alaska of a jointly developed missile defense system have been successful.

Netanyahu Unveils ‘Trump Heights’ In Israel’s Golan Heights

June 18, 2019June 17, 2019 Admin

by Molly Prince Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his administration gathered in the Golan Heights on Sunday to unveil a sign for the community, newly named “Ramat Trump,” which translates into “Trump Heights.” “We are proud to have the opportunity to establish a new community,” Netanyahu said during…

Buttigieg Tells Jewish Leaders That US Should ‘Guide’ Israel Away from ‘Harmful’ Policies

May 26, 2019May 25, 2019 Admin

by Matthew M. Miller Democratic 2020 candidate and mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg told a group of Jewish leaders, Thursday that the U.S. should “guide” Israel away from “harmful” policies. “The right approach comes about when you have an ally or a friend [who] is taking steps…

Pompeo Won’t Publicly Back Two-State Solution for Israel, Palestinians

April 11, 2019April 10, 2019 Admin

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declined on Wednesday to publicly say the Trump administration still backs a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. “We are now working with many parties to share what our vision (is) as to how to solve this problem,” Pompeo told…

Commentary: Trump Follows in the Footsteps of King Cyrus

April 7, 2019April 6, 2019 Admin

by Larry Greenfield Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, found inspiration in the writings of Xenophon, a contemporary of Socrates, who chronicled the life of the great Persian, King Cyrus, whose vast empire was known for toleration of religious minorities and for demanding no single state religion.…

Ohio Dentist Says She Will Torture ‘Zionist Patients’ With ‘Pleasure,’ Expresses Support for Hamas

April 3, 2019April 2, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

A Cincinnati, Ohio dentist was recently exposed for suggesting that she would torture “Zionist patients” and repeatedly expressed support for Hamas, a terrorist organization. According to her LinkedIn page, Nessreen Zayed is a dentist in the Cincinnati area, though it’s unclear where she’s currently employed. @AnarchoZionist @onetripp I loved the…

AIPAC Protester Who Called Israel Supporters ‘Progressive Nazis’ Attended Private Dinner for Rashida Tlaib

March 29, 2019March 28, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

A protester outside of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) recent conference in Washington, D.C. called supporters of Israel “progressive Nazis” and was later identified as an acquaintance of Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13). In fact, he attended a private dinner in Detroit in January to celebrate Tlaib’s official entrance…

Top Ranking Democrat Slams Ilhan Omar’s Comments During AIPAC Speech: ‘I Stand With Israel, Proudly and Unapologetically’

March 28, 2019March 27, 2019 Admin

by Molly Prince House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer defended the American-Israeli alliance on Sunday, taking aim at Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar for her repeated anti-Semitic and anti-Israel statements. “I am an American who believes passionately in the idea of Israel, in the State of Israel, and in the…

Omar Erupts After Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Calls Her Out

March 27, 2019March 26, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Twitter Tuesday after he indirectly singled her out during his televised address to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference in Washington. Omar faced significant backlash for her February criticisms of AIPAC when she said…

Jewish Org Calls for Investigation of Reps. Omar and Tlaib’s Ties to CAIR

March 26, 2019March 25, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

A trending online petition calls on U.S. Attorney General William Barr and Special Envoy for Antisemitism Elan Carr to investigate Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13) and their ties to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The petition, which had more than 12,000 signatures at the time of…