Latest news with #Chikli
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chikli denounces Syria's Sharaa as 'barbaric terrorist murder who should be eliminated'
"We must not stand idly by in the face of the Islamo-Nazi terror regime of al-Qaeda operatives in suits," Chikli stated. Anyone who thinks Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is a legitimate leader is "gravely mistaken," Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli wrote on X/Twitter on Tuesday. He is "a terrorist, a barbaric murderer who should be eliminated now," Chikli added. "We must not stand idly by in the face of the Islamo-Nazi terror regime of al-Qaeda operatives in suits," Chikli stated. Sharaa was formerly aligned with al-Qaeda until splitting from the terror group in July 2016. "We saw the horrific massacre of the Alawites, which European leaders remained silent about, and we now see the acts of slaughter and humiliation against the Druze," he commented as context for his statement. "The terror regime in Syria must be fought!" he concluded. Chikli also posted a video showing footage from Israel's Channel 14, in which Sharaa, while still going by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Julani, was speaking to HTS militants in an undated video, and stated: "With Allah's help, we will not only reach Damascus, Jerusalem awaits us too." "No agreement should be made with an enemy," Chikli commented in response, stating that people refuse to learn from past mistakes, and must listen to the enemy, take them seriously, and learn about the basic concepts of political Islam. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also denounced Sharaa as having carried out a "brutal massacre." "They remain violent, cruel extremist Islamists, and the West must not be deceived by their suits and ties," Smotrich added. "Israel cannot afford to retreat under any circumstances from the buffer zone and Mount Hermon's peak. Clashes between Syrian gov't., Druze in Sweida This followed a clash in which at least 18 members of Syria's security forces were killed in the predominantly Druze city of Sweida, the Defence Ministry said. The clash came after they deployed to quell deadly sectarian violence that had resumed on Monday, while Israel said it struck tanks in a town in the same province on the same day. Reuters contributed to this report.
Middle East Eye
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
The Jewish diaspora must confront what Israel is doing in our name
Israel's minister of diaspora affairs and combating antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, is worried about the Jews in Britain. In the aftermath of the hyperbolic media and political reaction to pro-Palestine chants at the Glastonbury music festival, Chikli posted on X that the Jewish community must "leave the country". His reasons? The supposedly ubiquitous antisemitism across Britain, from the BBC to music fans, was threatening the "blood of Jews and Israelis living in Britain". He added: "I am deeply disturbed by what is happening in Britain. In a place where antisemitism flourishes, society sinks into dark and dangerous a conservative revolution, this country is lost." Chikli has spent years building close alliances with some of Europe's far-right parties, many of whom maintain ties with actual neo-Nazis, because he sees them as useful allies in his dream of building a global ethno-nationalist movement led by the master of the model, Israel. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters This is Israel in 2025 - pursuing ethnic cleansing and genocide in Gaza, implementing a grotesque system where Palestinians seeking aid are gunned down, and smearing any criticism as akin to Nazism. Messianic vision Israel's messianic extremism is too rarely interrogated in the West, but it is a frightening phenomenon that threatens the lives of Palestinians, less dogmatic Jews and the entire Middle East. Judaism is not Zionism, and those who argue they are one and the same are being fundamentally dishonest An influential segment of the Israeli Jewish population views Iran's Islamic Republic or the Taliban's Afghanistan as ideal models to follow - fundamentalist, theocratic states that accept nobody who does not conform to their vision - Jew, Christian, Muslim or atheist. As a Jewish journalist who has been writing about Israel and Palestine for over 20 years, I sometimes hesitate to centre uncomfortable Jewish feelings in the face of horrors in Gaza, the West Bank and beyond. While it is vital to focus principally on Palestinian lives, suffering and resistance, it is impossible to ignore the moral, political and practical culpability of the organised Jewish community in the UK, US and much of the western world. None of this would be happening if more Jews had refused to partake in anguished silence or acquiescence over endless occupation and deprivation in Palestine; refused to lobby their governments for yet more money and arms for Israel; and resisted pressuring media outlets to silence legitimate criticism of Israeli actions. Collective silence "Why should any Jew feel obligated to perform emotional penance for the actions of the Israeli government?" one Australian Jewish writer recently asked. It is a fair question - until you recognise the inherent dishonesty in its premise. When every major (and mostly self-appointed) representative Jewish organisation in Australia, the UK, US and Europe uncritically endorses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war aims in Gaza, backs Israel's illegal military strikes against Iran, and says nothing about daily settler-led pogroms in the West Bank, it is reasonable to ask: what kind of Judaism is being supported, and in whose name? Follow Middle East Eye's live coverage of the Israel-Palestine war Judaism is not Zionism, and those who argue they are one and the same are being fundamentally dishonest. Yet collectively, Jews are often held responsible when the world's only Jewish state claims to act in our name. Jewish critics are shunned and blacklisted from Jewish organisations for any deviation from the party line of "Israel, right or wrong". This leaves no room for disagreement or robust debate. War on Gaza: After Palestinians, Zionism's next victim is the Jewish faith Read More » Unsurprisingly, many citizens in democracies cannot tell the difference between Israel and Judaism - the latter's "official" spokespeople insist there isn't one. Many of these Zionist organisations have long been right-wing, but the 21st century has seen a rapid shift towards a more authoritarian stance on Israel, Palestinians, Islam and immigration. It is why a growing number of American Jews voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election (even though a majority still supported former Vice President Kamala Harris). The American Jewish writer Peter Beinart argues in his new book, Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza, that conflating Zionism and Judaism certainly does not make Jews any safer, nor does a "Free Palestine" sign inherently endanger Jews. "But if conflating Israel and Zionism is a terrible way to defend Jews," he writes, "it's an effective way to discredit Palestinians because it turns Palestinian opposition to Zionism from a natural response to oppression into a form of bigotry." For many Jews in the diaspora - and I was instructed to follow these dictates when growing up in Melbourne, Australia in the 1970s and 1980s - Israel was framed as a beacon of freedom, a place of refuge in the event of pogroms or genocide. But what if the victims of the Nazi genocide are now perpetrating a genocide against the Palestinians? Zionist conflation The global Jewish population is around 16 million, with nearly half living in just two places: Israel and the US. A live and necessary battle is now under way for the soul of this community. What does it mean to be Jewish in the 21st century? As a secular, atheist Jew myself, I would argue it means reckoning with the catastrophic actions of the Jewish state, supported by much of the diaspora. We must build something more humane and robust - a vision that upholds the concept of a multiracial world. We as Jews urgently need to challenge the Jewish mainstream's embrace of Jewish supremacy in Israel and its increasing lip-service to multiculturalism at home - in London, New York or Sydney. These are inherently contradictory ideologies, and yet Jews are rarely held to account for them. How is it acceptable to romanticise West Bank settlers, whose vision is exclusionary and violent, while embracing the diverse cultures, foods and religions in your own backyard? To be clear, Jews outside of Israel are not all personally responsible for the actions of the Israeli state - no more than Muslims were responsible for the crimes of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or Catholics for the sins of paedophile priests. But many Jews have allowed themselves to be represented by the most militarised - and frankly racist - elements within their communities, under the delusion that this is what will keep us safe in the century after the Holocaust. Moral reckoning At a time when real antisemitism is rising in many parts of the world, the pro-Israel lobby and the loudest Zionist voices are singularly ill-equipped to respond. The hardline thinking was perhaps best articulated by former Netanyahu spokesperson Eylon Levy, who posted on X in 2024 after Israel had assassinated an "enemy" leader: "Not your grandparents' Jews anymore" - an apparent reference to decades of defenceless Jews killed without revenge or punishment. In this worldview, Israel is the protector of Jews - and without its "live by the sword, die by the sword" approach, we would all be quivering Jews on the cattle train to Auschwitz. The Jewish community is undergoing a long-overdue moral reckoning with its identity, role and responsibility Only the most blinkered would look at the Middle East today and conclude that Israel is more secure for Jews than it was before 7 October 2023. It is not. It remains more unsafe to be Jewish in Israel than in almost any other part of the globe. The Jewish community is undergoing a long-overdue moral reckoning with its identity, role and responsibility. Only some are meeting the moment. As Phil Weiss, Jewish founder of the US news website Mondoweiss, recently wrote: "This is a vulnerable time for American Jews, as [New York mayoral candidate] Zohran Mamdani says. Overwhelmingly, our community is identified with a brutal aggressor." This is our challenge in the 21st century. And it is also a choice. Do we continue to associate with a fascistic Israel, or build inclusive communities in the diaspora? For me, the decision is clear. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye.
Vancouver Sun
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
The decision to enter the war against Iran lies with Trump, Israeli minister says
The United States will make its own decision about whether to enter the war against Iran, and Israel will not pressure the Trump administration to do so, Minister of Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli told JNS on Thursday. The statement follows the White House's announcement that President Donald Trump will make a definitive decision on whether to enter the conflict within two weeks. 'The United States has an excellent president who knows exactly what is in the best interest of his country,' Chikli said. 'We don't make decisions for them.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'But it's no secret that Iran is the enemy of the United States,' he continued. 'At every conference and parade of this regime, they shout, 'Death to America, Death to Israel.'' Chikli said that the world has not forgotten Iran's nefarious activities, such as the 1979-81 U.S. embassy hostage crisis in Tehran, where American diplomats were held captive for more than a year. He also referenced the 1983 Hezbollah attack on the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, which resulted in the deaths of 241 American service members and 58 French personnel. These events, he emphasized, are stark reminders of Iran's longstanding hostility toward the United States and its direct involvement in attacks on Americans. 'Iran is an enemy of America, an enemy of Israel, and an enemy of Western civilization,' Chikli said. 'It's up to each state, including the U.S., to decide if they want to join us,' he continued. 'We respect every decision. We are grateful for President Trump's diplomatic support in recent weeks and for his role in removing the arms embargo imposed by the Biden administration, which has allowed us to purchase the crucial weapons needed for these operations.' Chikli stressed that Israel is facing an existential threat, particularly from ballistic missiles, which are now being systematically neutralized. He added that the military is targeting missile factories, arsenals and launchers, having already eliminated two-thirds of the stockpile. Regarding the nuclear threat, Chikli said, 'We're taking steps, one by one, targeting key sites like Natanz, Isfahan and Arak. Top scientists working on Iran's nuclear project have been eliminated, and we're determined to finish the job.' Opposition lawmaker Karine Elharrar (Yesh Atid) told JNS that Iran represents a 'grave threat' not only to Israel but to the entire world. She highlighted Tehran's ballistic missile strike on Thursday that targeted Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva. 'The threat will only be neutralized if Iran is completely prevented from acquiring nuclear capabilities and if its ballistic arsenal is dismantled,' she said. 'Additionally, Iran must be deterred and made to understand that it cannot continue to act against us in the region without facing serious consequences.' Religious Zionism lawmaker Simcha Rothman told JNS that the world should not require an attack on a hospital to recognize Iran as a threat, pointing out that the Islamic Republic has been targeting civilian areas from the very beginning of the war. 'Iran was behind Hamas's vicious attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, both before and after, and has been behind Hezbollah's attacks as well. Iran has always directed its attacks at civilians in the most brutal ways, both then and now. The world sees this, and those who choose not to stand with Israel do so willingly, supporting evil,' he said. He emphasized that Israel is following the right course of action, saying that it is essential to dismantle Iran's missile and nuclear programs, as both pose a direct threat to Israel and global peace. The ultimate goal, he added, is to eliminate Iran's capacity to target Israel. 'I believe President Trump understands the situation,' said Rothman. 'We see how he speaks publicly, and he recognizes that this is an opportunity to make the world a better place. I believe he wants to be part of it and lead this effort.'
Euronews
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Germany and France increase security at Jewish sites amid Iran threat
Germany has announced it is increasing security around Israeli and Jewish sites within its borders due to growing concerns about potential attacks from Iran. France has also put similar measures in place. Amichai Chikli, Israel's Minister for Diaspora Affairs, spoke to Euronews, warning that the threat to Jewish communities and Israeli embassies is now greater than ever. "It is obvious that after we managed to hit the top leadership of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, they would want revenge and to hit Israeli embassies, [and] Jewish communities, and therefore we need to be much more alert than usual," Chikli said. "We are monitoring everything we can based on OSINT. And obviously we have security services who are working with foreign security services to make sure that embassies, Jewish community centres are being protected." The recent protests in Brussels have raised alarm for the safety of the Jewish community in Belgium. At least 75,000 people participated in the "red line" protests against Israel's actions in Gaza on Sunday. Chikli expressed his concerns regarding the violence and anti-Semitic sentiment visible during the march. "We are highly concerned about what's happening now in Belgium. We see violent demonstrations. We see signs of 'wanted people' against Jewish leaders, rabbis in the streets of Belgium and we've seen no condemnation. We've seen no action from the authorities in Belgium and we hope that we will be able to see more serious steps to protect the Jewish community in Belgium," Chikli said. In response to Israel's recent attack on Iran, EU leaders have called for restraint and diplomacy. The President of the European Commission reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself and protect its citizens, while urging all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution.
United News of India
14-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Years of preparation went into 'Rising Lion' ops against Iran: Israeli Minister
Tel Aviv/Tehran, June 14 (UNI) Israel's military strikes on Iran, code-named 'Rising Lion', were the result of years of preparation and mark just the beginning of what's to come, Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli said in an interview with Eye for Iran. 'This operation took years to prepare,' Chikli told Eye for Iran. 'It's the very hard walk of the IDF intelligence, the Mossad... thousands of people are involved in this.' 'This is just the beginning,' he said, without disclosing operational details or how the mission might continue. Iran launched over 200 missiles at Israel injuring at least 14 people after Israeli attacks killed its top military leadership and pounded armed forces and nuclear sites leaving scores of Iranians dead. While Israel's initial strikes hit key nuclear sites like Natanz and Fordow, Iran's nuclear infrastructure spans dozens of locations. According to Israeli assessments, further strikes will likely be needed to eliminate what is seen as an existential threat, Iran International reported. Chikli said the objective was not regime change, but to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. While many Iranians have called on Israel to help bring down the Islamic Republic, he said meaningful change must come from within. 'This is the time to seize the moment and to try and take back your country from the Revolutionary Guards," said Chikli, "Will Iranians use this moment to change the course of history, or not?' Dr. Eric Mandel, a Middle East analyst and advisor to US and Israeli defense officials, told Eye for Iran that this moment marks the Islamic Republic's deepest vulnerability since its founding in 1979—one of the most consequential events in modern Iranian and Middle Eastern history. 'Iran is at its weakest in 46 years,' said Mandel, who directs the Middle East Political and Information Network (MEPIN). He says Trump now faces a defining choice—retreat into isolationism or use Israeli military action as leverage for long-term strategic change. 'The big question is, what will President Trump do? Not what the Israelis will do. What will the president do with what Israel has handed to them?' Mandel suggests that one option remains on the table: a US strike on Iran's deeply fortified enrichment site. Israeli Minister Chikli said the operation's name, Rising Lion, came from both Iran's original flag and a verse from the Book of Numbers: 'A nation that rises like a lion.' "We believe this is a moment not just for security—but for shared history and future peace.' UNI ANV RN
