A Daily Analysis
By Marc Schulman

March 26, 2008 Katzav in the News Again, Qassams Fire Again

Former Israeli President Katzav is back in the news.  Tomorrow was supposed to be the court date for Katzav’s plea bargain to be discussed.  His lawyers are now demanding additional legal material so that they can cross-examine one of the original complainants who gave the court a statement on the damages Katzav had caused her.  Legal observers are not sure why they have decided to take this course, with most people are just wishing could be ended quickly.

The temporary lull in southern Israel ended today with a renewed barrage of Qassam rockets by the Islamic Jihad.  The Islamic Jihad clearly could not fire without Hamas’ permission.  Hamas may not want all out war, but on the other hand, the status quo is not working for them either so they want to keep some pressure up without pushing Israel too far.

A small political storm developed today when it was reported that the Knesset has asked that an investigation be undertaken on the actions of various Israeli governments on behalf of Jonathan Pollard, who has been languishing in American jails for over 20 years.  The investigation was taking place in secret, but someone and not from the side of the investigators, leaked it and claimed that it would hurt negotiations for Pollard’s release.   One thing is clear: the Israeli government will forever be shamed by how it dealt with the Pollard affair.