Israel-Palestine: Settlers' Conflict with Palestinians Escalating?

Tension in the West Bank between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank appears to be rising. On Friday, settlers vandalized and set fire to a mosque in a Palestinian village in the village of Yasuf, south of Nablus. The attackers left messages such as "Price tag - greetings from Effi" and "We will burn the lot of you" before escaping.

Palestinian villagers and Israeli security forces clashed after the incident, and the Palestinian Authority criticised the Israeli Government even though Israeli officials condemned the mosque assault.

Buying Power: Did UK Government Just Aid A Boycott of Israeli Products?
President Obama’s Hanukkah Message

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said, "This is an extremist act geared toward harming the government's efforts to advance the political process for the sake of Israel's future." Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the PA, responded, "The torching of the mosque in Yasuf is a despicable crime, and the settlers are behaving with brutality. The settlers' unruly behavior must be stopped."

The U.S. State Department said: "We condemn this attack in the strongest terms and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice."

President Obama's Hanukkah Message

President Barack Obama celebrated the Jewish holiday Hanukkah on Friday:

Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating Hanukkah around the world. The Hanukkah story of the Maccabees and the miracles they witnessed reminds us that faith and perseverance are powerful forces that can sustain us in difficult times and help us overcome even the greatest odds.

Hanukkah is not only a time to celebrate the faith and customs of the Jewish people, but for people of all faiths to celebrate the common aspirations we share. As families, friends and neighbors gather together to kindle the lights, may Hanukkah's lessons inspire us all to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy, to find light in times of darkness, and to work together for a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow.

Buying Power: Did UK Government Just Aid A Boycott of Israeli Products?

The British government has issued an official recommendation urging UK businesses to pay attention to whether any product from the West Bank is produced by Israeli settlers or Palestinians. Labeling a product from a settlement as "manufactured in Israel" will be considered misleading of the consumer.

Israel's Foreign Ministry official Yossi Levy criticized the move on Thursday: "This is a capitulation of the British government to the Palestinian and pro-Palestinian organizations. This only harms the Middle East peace process, and will hinder Israel's and the world's efforts to renew the diplomatic process at such a critical stage, and that is doubly disappointing." In response, the British embassy in Israel issued a statement: "This is a recommendation, not a binding order. The British government is opposed to any kind of boycott of Israel."

Hmm.... Despite the British Government's denial, the effect is both a message to British businesses --- would the label "manufactured in Israel" on a West Bank product be considered a criminal offense? --- and an aid to any consumer who boycotts Israeli products or those produced by Israeli settlers.

Is this just good business practice, attracting Muslim consumers who want the assurance of Palestinian production? Or is this more than an economic "clarification", putting political pressure on Israel? part of scheduled pressure on Israeli decision-makers?

Today on EA (11 December)

Iran: There are reports that Iran's army will stand with the people. Iranian state TV reports that "thousands" of students have demonstrated in Tehran after Friday prayers to chant against the US and Israel, whilst an IAEA inspection team arrived yesterday for its 3rd visit. We've received two Iran-special remix videos featuring Sesame Street's Kermit singing "It's not easy being Green".

We consider, in light of President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, whether there is a renewal of Washington's "love-affair" with the Green movement.

Much of today's news surrounds the regime's arrest of student activist Majid Tavakoli - and we show his 16 Azar video here. Of course, you can keep up to date with all latest developments in today's liveblog.

Turkey: Prime Minister Erdogan maintains his wary stance on Israel.

Israel : Our analysis asks, "Is Prime Minister Netanyahu helpless against right-wing protests?"

US : We have the video and transcript of Obama's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech.

Iran Special: Kermit the Frog Re-Mixes "It's Not Easy Being Green"

Being of a certain age, I can remember the original Sesame Street version of this tune (which follows this newer, Iran-friendly version). Can't say I ever expected it to take on such political significance

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Iwq7HPLfM[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpiIWMWWVco[/youtube]