Sunset Serenade

Sunset Serenade, a photo by Dave Bender on Flickr.

'Jerusalem Sunset Serenade'
Dave Bender (all rights reserved)

Winter sunset falls over Jerusalem, bracketed by the International Convention Center and the supporting spar of the "Bridge of Chords" for the light rail system.

Jerusalem Police: The Real Story

I took a “ride-along” with Israel Police patrolman Hadi Hassan out on the beat on an average day in Jerusalem, which included a possible terrorist bombing at the central bus station, an attempted suicide in a downtown park, car theft, not to mention maneuvering through all of the above in midday traffic snarls…

Here's The IAEA Report on Iran's Nuke Program

The IAEA's report on Iran's nuke program: http://isis-online.org/uploads/isis-reports/documents/IAEA_Iran_8Nov2011.pdf

In the .pdf doc, hit Cntrl + F, and then enter "G Possible Military Dimensions," for the money quotes.

Awaiting Shalit's Arrival at Israeli Airbase

Standing by at Tel Nof airbase for Shalit's arrival.

The press tent erupted in applause as soon as Shalit was seen on tv. Some reporters are tearing up from the emotional moment.

Immense tension in the air, and among the media and officials here. But there's hot coffee, good sandwiches, and a working Wifi and PA system, so things are good so far... ;-).

An IDF spokesman told me they backed off a premature report that he was already being checked within Israel at an army base. HOWEVER, Bibi, officials and Shalit family are now at Tel Nof:  "I'm glad we've reached this day. You will soon get Gilad back," Netanyahu told Gilad's parents Noam and Aviva.

Bereaved Father of Palestinian Terror Bombing Victim on Shalit Prisoner Swap

Audio: http://soundcloud.com/dave-bender/bereaved-father-of-palestinian

Arnold Roth, the father of 15-year-old Malki, who was killed in a terrorist bombing at a Sbarro pizzeria in Jerusalem in August, 2001, talks with Dave Bender about the controversial and unprecedented prisoner swap with Hamas. In return for freeing IDF Cpl. Gilad Shalit, who was abducted in the summer of 2006 near Gaza, Israel is releasing Ahlam Tamimi, who was serving 16 life sentences in prison for planning and helping to execute the attack which killed 15 diners and wounded 130. 1,026 other prisoners are also to be freed to return to Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, and abroad, as part of the deal.

 Bereaved Father of Palestinian Terror Bombing Victim on Shalit Prisoner Swap by Dave Bender 

This Just In: Israel Dismantles: World's Problems End

Arabs: Welcome to your new home. Jews: But where do we hang the mezuzas? (Photo: Pria Bender. All Rights Reserved)

Reposting the link to a classic satire (...at least I think it is), since it seems to be even more timely now than when it first came out.

"My cabinet and I had long discussions about world troubles, and we concluded that our critics are right - all the troubles can be traced back to us. So, in order to resolve "We are dismantling the Nation of Israel. I'm leaving for Poland next week."these issues, we felt it would be best to extend our withdrawal beyond Gaza to include the West Bank and Israel proper."

"We are dismantling the Nation of Israel. I'm leaving for Poland next week."

Read the rest: http://betbender.blogspot.com/2006/07/this-just-in-israel-dismantles-worlds_11.html

EXCLUSIVE AUDIO: IDF Tactics Aboard the Mavi Marmara

In the wake of the just-released UN's Palmer report on the Mavi Marmara and rapid deterioration in bilateral relations between Israel and Turkey, you might be interested in hearing an interview I held with an American/Israeli maritime security expert right after the flotilla takeover, in order to get a professional assessment of the Israeli SEAL tactics.

The audio report also includes the voices of the IHH wannabe' martyrs, the IDF warnings, and more. Give it a listen:

Maritime Security Expert on Gaza Flotillas
http://davebrianbender.com/reporting.html

'As-the-Grad-Flies' Distances From Gaza to Israeli Cities

Click to embiggen the the map.

(H-T: Jameel at The Muqata)

Israeli Pols 6 Years Ago: 'There is No Threat of Rockets from the Disengagement'

Just saying. Or better yet, let them say it themselves...

What Israeli Reserve Duty Maneuvers Are Really Like

Author's view from the driver's seat... (Photo: Dave Bender. All Rights Reserved)

I wrote this almost a decade ago, and still think it resonates. Comments (constructive, mind you...) welcome.

"Soaked to the skin despite a two-piece rain slicker, I try to pilot my open, windshield-less jeep through the downpour, stiff winds, and lowering clouds. With helmet and oversized driving goggles, I feel like Snoopy taking on the Red Baron - minus the doghouse.

"A recent call-up notice from my army unit once again invited me to join up with brothers - in - arms for exercises somewhere among the dramatic wadis in the sprawling southern Negev Desert.

"I was asked to drop everything I was doing at the moment, pick up an oily rifle and a heavy tan duffle bag, and spend some quality time practicing for the big one."

Read the rest.