Israel bans Arab parties from running in upcoming election

This is the headline of a article on the Ha'aretz website reporting that the Central Elections Committee in Israel's Knesset voted to ban 2 Arab political parties from running in the upcoming Israeli general election. I was truly shocked until I heard on a news item on Israel's Channel 10 TV news explaining that the same thing happened in the last two elections in 2003 and 2006 and both times the decision was overturned by Israel's Supreme Court. I hope and expect the court to do so again, for the sake of Israeli democracy.

N.B. The decision did not include Hadash (formerly the Israeli Communist party) which is frequently perceived as an Arab party since most of its voters are Arab, but which has also 2 Jews on its list of candidates for the upcoming elections.

The prospects for peace

My (96-year old) Dad asked me today whether I think we are any closer to peace now with the various peace activities that I am involved in. I don't think so. He is worried that a new Intifada might break out after the upcoming Annapolis conference fails. He thinks (and I tend to agree) that the Palestinians (as usual) are asking for the moon. It may seem just (maybe even reasonable) to them but Ehud Olmert gives no impression of being able (politically) or inclined to 'give' them anything on any of the substantive issues - the right of return or greater Palestinian control over Palestinian areas.