WJC News Update – UK opposed to Israel boycott, British prime minister tells Knesset

News updates from the World Jewish Congress website – 13 March 2014

UK opposes Israel boycott, British PM tells Knesset

Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron has committed himself to opposing any boycott of Israeli goods if peace talks with Palestinians fail.

Knesset passes bill requiring referendum to cede land – JTA

13 Mar 2014 Israeli voters must approve the withdrawal from sovereign Israeli territory under a bill passed by the Knesset. READ MORE »

Pope sees banner first year, but expectations remain high – Associated Press

13 Mar 2014 Claudio Epelman, an Argentine Jew who is a friend of the pope, said Francis was up to the task. “He will surprise us. Don’t ask me how because I don’t know. But he will go even farther than the expectations.” READ MORE »

Abbas condemns rocket attacks from Gaza – Jerusalem Post

13 Mar 2014 Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the recent escalation in violence on the border between Israel and Gaza during a news conference in Bethlehem on Thursday. READ MORE »

US anti-Semitism envoy blasts Russian effort to play Ukraine ‘Jewish card’ – Forward

13 Mar 2014 Ira Foman’s usually low-profile brief is front and center as he is charged with making the call on whether the country’s Jewish community is now under threat. READ MORE »

Islamic Jihad announces ceasefire with Israel – Times of Israel

13 Mar 2014 Egypt reportedly mediates deal, which comes as IAF strikes targets in the Gaza Strip; Abbas condemns rocket fire. READ MORE »

Cruise US line cancels Tunisia service after Israeli tourists are denied entry – Tunisialive

13 Mar 2014 Norwegian Cruise Lines, based in Miami, has canceled port calls to Tunisia in response to a number of Israeli tourists being denied the ability to disembark during a stop Sunday. READ MORE »

Netanyahu: No deal unless Palestinians acept Jewish state

12 Mar 2014 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday ruled out any deal with the Palestinians unless they recognize Israel as the Jewish state and give up their refugees’ right of return. READ MORE »