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    <title>LinkTV World News Video Feed</title>
    <link>http://news.linktv.org</link>
    <description>Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: Ehud Barak)</description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:52:00 -0800</pubDate>
    <copyright>Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc.</copyright>
      <item>
        <title>Ehud Barak Threatens Iran Over Nuclear Ambitions </title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/ehud-barak-threatens-iran-over-nuclear-ambitions?start=0</link>
        <description>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak opened the AIPAC conference by outlining Iran's nuclear threat, specifying it could not be dealt with using diplomacy alone. While AIPAC, America's largest pro-Israel lobby met in Washington DC,  Yukiya Amano, head of the IAEA, told a closed door session of the atomic agency that he cannot guarantee Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, saying additional military sites need inspection. John Kerry, US Secretary of State, also weighed in on Iran's nuclear program on his trip to Riyadh. IBA reports.</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:52:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/ehud-barak-threatens-iran-over-nuclear-ambitions</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-16563000/16563240/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=cf2c8ea71bb8b31b8f06fc798057899a" />
        <media:keywords>Nuclear program of Iran, Yukiya Amano, Ehud Barak, International Atomic Energy Agency, American Israel Public Affairs Committee, John Kerry, Israel lobby in the United States, US Secretary of State, Ministry of Defense (Israel), Washington, D.C.</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak opened the AIPAC conference by outlining Iran's nuclear threat, specifying it could not be dealt with using diplomacy alone. While AIPAC, America's largest pro-Israel lobby met in Washington DC,  Yukiya Amano, head of the IAEA, told a closed door session of the atomic agency that he cannot guarantee Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, saying additional military sites need inspection. John Kerry, US Secretary of State, also weighed in on Iran's nuclear program on his trip to Riyadh. IBA reports.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak to 'Quit Politics'</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/israels-defense-minister-ehud-barak-to-quit-politics?start=0</link>
        <description>Israel's Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, has announced he's retiring from politics.   Barak, 70, says he made the decision to dedicate more time to his family because he has &quot;exhausted&quot; his political activity.  &quot;I have decided to retire from political life and not to run for the next Knesset ... I will end my term as defense minister once the next government is established, in about three months,&quot; he told a news conference.  &lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2012 09:25:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/israels-defense-minister-ehud-barak-to-quit-politics</guid>
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        <media:keywords>Ehud Barak, Israel, Independence (Israeli political party), Knesset, Gaza, Ministry of Defense (Israel), Politics of Israel, Oslo Accords, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Operation Pillar of Defense</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Israel's Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, has announced he's retiring from politics. Barak, 70, says he made the decision to dedicate more time to his family because he has &quot;exhausted&quot; his political activity. &quot;I have decided to retire from political life and not to run for the next Knesset ... I will end my term as defense minister once the next government is established, in about three months,&quot; he told a news conference. Opinion polls had predicted a poor showing for the small party that Barak currently leads, Atzmaut, but recently indicated voter support had strengthened as a result of Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip that ended in a ceasefire on Wednesday. A former prime minister, Barak helped implement the Oslo accords and held final status talks with the Palestinians in 2000, but his coalition government collapsed a year later. </media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak quits politics [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112612?start=877</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Russia slams support for Syrian opposition as power of jihadist groups grows, standoff between Baghdad and Kurdistan Region intensifies, top polluter hosts &quot;critical&quot; climate change summit, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-112612-4530.mp4" length="147491604" type="video/mp4" />
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        <media:keywords>Likud, Knesset, Doha, Qatar, Protest, Ministry of Defense (Israel), Syrian Civil War, Iraqi Kurdistan, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Mohamed Morsi</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak announced this morning that he is quitting politics. This, as the Likud party is holding a second day of voting for the makeup of its Knesset list following a computer foul-up yesterday. Barak said that he was retiring to spend more time with his family, saying that he fulfilled his work in politics, which was &quot;never&quot; his passion, and added that new people should be allowed to take leadership positions in Israel. He will remain in his position as defense minister until a new government is formed following the Knesset election on January 22nd. Barak leaves behind the Independence party, which he founded after quitting the Labor party in January 2011.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Hamas Used 'Iranian-Made' Missiles for Jerusalem, Tel Aviv Attacks</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/hamas-used-iranian-made-missiles-for-jerusalem-tel-aviv-attacks?start=0</link>
        <description>Press TV reports that for the first time in decades, Palestinian fighters have managed to send Grad rockets deep into Israel. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem came under attack with what are claimed to be Iranian-made Fajr-5 missiles. Earlier, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah hailed the attacks on Israel by the Iranian-made Fajr-5 missiles. Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi says there are signs of a possible end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza, saying that diplomatic efforts are underway. Israel's minister for military affairs, Ehud Barak, has also said a ceasefire will be called shortly.</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:49:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/hamas-used-iranian-made-missiles-for-jerusalem-tel-aviv-attacks</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-14261000/14261172/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=4c94d36ff600d2d801a116136d114a00" />
        <media:keywords>Gaza–Israel conflict, Fajr-5, BM-21 Grad, Jerusalem, Hassan Nasrallah, Tel Aviv, President of Egypt, Hezbollah, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Press TV reports that for the first time in decades, Palestinian fighters have managed to send Grad rockets deep into Israel. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem came under attack with what are claimed to be Iranian-made Fajr-5 missiles. Earlier, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah hailed the attacks on Israel by the Iranian-made Fajr-5 missiles. Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi says there are signs of a possible end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza, saying that diplomatic efforts are underway. Israel's minister for military affairs, Ehud Barak, has also said a ceasefire will be called shortly.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Hamas fires Iranian-made Fajr-5 missiles at Israel [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112012?start=676</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Britain recognizes Syria's opposition council as armed groups commit atrocities in Aleppo, Israel escalates its aggression against Gaza as ceasefire looms, clashes in Mohamed Mahmoud Street highlight lack of justice in post-revolution Egypt, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112012</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-112012-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-4442.mp4" length="230942461" type="video/mp4" />
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        <media:keywords>Gaza–Israel conflict, Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Gaza City, Syrian Civil War, Iraqi people, Ceasefire, Israel Defense Forces, Ankara, Iraq</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Press TV reports that for the first time in decades, Palestinian fighters have managed to send Grad rockets deep into Israel. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem came under attack with what are claimed to be Iranian-made Fajr-5 missiles. Earlier, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah hailed the attacks on Israel by the Iranian-made Fajr-5 missiles. Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi says there are signs of a possible end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza, saying that diplomatic efforts are underway. Israel's minister for military affairs, Ehud Barak, has also said a ceasefire will be called shortly.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Hamas fires at Jerusalem, Tel Aviv as IDF calls up 30,000 for possible ground incursion [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111612?start=735</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Israel pounds Gaza as Arabs rally in solidarity with Palestinian people, Jordan caught between demands for king's ouster and pleas for reform, European leaders meet to finalize plan for military intervention in Mali, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-111612-4397.mp4" length="229962411" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-14248000/14248560/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=12ca1f1e45f0eff239a18c75cb9b3d4c" />
        <media:keywords>Gaza–Israel conflict, Gaza, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, Palestinians, Hamas, Israel Defense Forces, Mahmoud Abbas, Friday prayers, Jerusalem</media:keywords>
        <media:text>On Day 3 of Operation Pillar of Defense, IBA reports that rockets continued to pound deep within Israel. Over 500 missiles have been launched into the country since Wednesday. Hamas fired its first missile at Jerusalem, and air raid sirens were sounded there for the first time since the Gulf War 20 years ago. Rockets were also launched at the central city of Tel Aviv for the first time since the 1991 regional conflict. Over 90 rockets have hit southern Israel cities bordering Gaza, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Beersheba, causing significant damage but no casualties. The Iron Dome intercepted about 55 of the rockets. Israeli air strikes hit the Hamas Interior Ministry building and the house of a Hamas commander for southern Gaza.

Armored personnel tanks were seen heading to the border areas, as IDF units prepared for a possible invasion as part of Operation Pillar of Defense, after Defense Minister Ehud Barak issued a decision to call up 30,000 reservists for a possible extended ground incursion into Gaza. IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz approved 16,000 call-ups.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak blames Hamas for smuggling tunnel blast [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110912?start=850</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Kuwait's opposition renews calls for election boycott as candidate registration closes, US-approved Syrian opposition group forms governing body, Saudi-backed Bahraini forces kill teenage protester in Diraz, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-110912-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-4271.mp4" length="230734103" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-14096000/14096347/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=7e335be5cf839a739788b1afb9b9d5ef" />
        <media:keywords>Palestinians, Israel, Syrian National Council, Gaza, Syrian Civil War, Israel Defense Forces, Israeli-occupied territories, Politics of Israel, Damascus, Government of Kuwait</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak blamed Hamas for the detonation of an arms smuggling tunnel along the Gaza border last night, during which one IDF soldier was lightly injured. Barak says that Israel views the incident with severity, and is now considering how and when to respond. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz consulted with the head of the Southern Command, Major-General Tal Russo, as the IDF continues to investigate the cause of the explosion, and the purpose of the four-meter-deep tunnel.

The blast came just hours after a 13-year-old Palestinian boy was killed when IDF troops exchanged gunfire with terrorists east of Khan Younis. The IDF said that while responsibility for the shooting cannot be determined, there is no information that the IDF targeted a specific individual. The Palestinian teenager died in an area hospital after being hit by gunfire around noon.

Palestinians from the Gaza Strip also fired rockets that landed in an open field in the Eshkol region, causing no injury or damage.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israeli politicians wish Obama 'mazel tov' for US election win [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110712?start=260</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;World breathes sigh of relief over Romney's loss, Bahraini regime strips 31 dissenters of their citizenship, Israel's annexation wall hindering Palestinian economic development a decade later, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-110712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-4200.mp4" length="230485014" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-13722000/13722973/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=fb56234031d66db40fe1fd18b2aa614f" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Syrian Civil War, Syria, United States, US presidential election, 2012, Barack Obama, Palestinians, Shia Islam, Politics of Iran, Human rights</media:keywords>
        <media:text>IBA reports that Barack Obama was reelected US president this morning in a race that was not nearly as close as pundits predicted after Obama won the pivotal swing state of Ohio. Israeli officials were quick to offer their congratulations and pledge continuing friendship in working together over the coming four years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has close ties with defeated Republican candidate Mitt Romney, issued a statement saying that the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States is stronger than ever, and that he will continue to work with President Obama to ensure the vital security interests of Israeli citizens.

Similar words were heard from Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Labor Party leader Shelly Yachimovich, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Kadima Chairman Shaul Mofaz, and Housing Minister and Shas MK Ariel Atias. Meanwhile, Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid party issued a statement calling on Netanyahu to take immediate steps to correct Israel's sticky relationship with Washington, and the National Union party issued a statement saying that Obama's victory gives a boost to the Israeli left. The Prime Minister's office issued an order to Likud ministers not to make unauthorized comments on Obama's reelection for fear such remarks could further damage the ties between the two leaders.

A key focus for Obama's campaign was Israel and the Jewish vote. According to preliminary exit poll numbers, American Jews once again overwhelmingly supported the Democratic candidate with 69 percent of their vote, a sharp drop from the 78 percent support they gave him in 2008.

In the congressional races, the split between the Democrats and Republicans in both the House and Senate appeared to be about the same as the current Congress. Republicans retained their majority in the House, while Democrats have kept their control of the Senate.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israeli attack on Iran diverted in 2010 by IDF Chief, Mossad head [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110512?start=1154</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Myanmar's Suu Kyi under fire for ignoring violence against the Rohingyas as thousands lack medical care, two foreign workers killed by bombings in Bahrain's capital, Arabs disillusioned with Obama express indifference to the US presidential election, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110512</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-110512-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-4140.mp4" length="230359213" type="video/mp4" />
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        <media:keywords>Muammar Gaddafi , Israel, Rohingya, Civilian casualties, Myanmar, Iran, Aung San Suu Kyi, Iranian rial, Bahrain Uprising, Barack Obama</media:keywords>
        <media:text>A claim made by Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on a Channel 2 report says that Israel was on the verge of launching a military strike against Iran in 2010, but refrained from doing so because of opposition from then-IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, who said that just raising an alert for war could spook Iran and touch off a war, even if no military strike was ordered, adding that the alert could not be carried out because the military did not yet have the capability for a successful strike against Iran's nuclear program. Former Mossad head Yair Dagan concurred, and suggested that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Barak were acting illegally by not bringing the issue before the Cabinet, which must approve decisions that could lead to war.</media:text>
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      <item>
        <title>Israeli official: Egypt's revolution has given birth to 'shocking dictatorial force' [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110212?start=1096</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Mauritanian president remains in Paris as opposition calls for end to military rule, UN condemns Syrian rebels' summary execution of regime soldiers, Arab-American voters lean toward Obama in US elections, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110212</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-110212-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-4108.mp4" length="230499861" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-13488000/13488872/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=a73a570b9f504176e927ba13c71e83fe" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, US presidential election, 2012, Republican Party (United States), Democratic Party (United States), Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Syrian Civil War, Arab American, Israeli American, Mahmoud Abbas, Egyptian Revolution</media:keywords>
        <media:text>A senior Israeli official says Egypt's revolution has given birth to a &quot;shocking dictatorial force.&quot; Amos Gilad is a top aide to the Israeli minister of military affairs, Ehud Barak, and at a military security conference in Herzliya, he said that liberal forces behind Egypt's revolution have vanished, leaving the power in the hands of Islamic groups.</media:text>
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      <item>
        <title>Israeli opposition slams government plans to accept Levy report [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101712?start=479</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;NATO's immunity at stake over bombing of civilians in Libya, Bahraini man dies after regime forces fire toxic tear gas into his home, Palestinians shut down Israeli-only road in the West Bank, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-101712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3819.mp4" length="230835463" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-12406000/12406211/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=b24b12d53218f5f98648ec9e3f625b8c" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Palestinians, Jerusalem, Israel Defense Forces, Khaled K. El-Hamedi, Bahrain Uprising, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Levy Report, Egypt–Israel relations, Israeli-occupied territories</media:keywords>
        <media:text>The Israeli opposition has slammed reported plans by the government to accept parts of the Levy Report on settlement construction. The report was authored by retired Supreme Court Justice Edmund Levy three months ago, and found that Israeli settlement in the West Bank is legal under international law, and recommended that the government stop demolishing illegal outposts. Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned that the government would be making a &quot;big mistake&quot; by causing diplomatic harm if it accepts Levy's recommendation to legalize the settlement outposts.</media:text>
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      <item>
        <title>Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reveals secret Syrian-Israeli peace talks before uprising [Palestine TV, Ramallah]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101512?start=1353</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Philippines and Muslim separatists sign preliminary peace pact, NATO air strike kills three children in southern Afghanistan, &quot;Yalla Vote&quot; mobilizes Arab-American community to vote in presidential election, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101512</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-101512-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3791.mp4" length="230344307" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-12286000/12286976/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=beffae15ba3064b852b413d13d62df8d" />
        <media:keywords>Benjamin Netanyahu, Syria, Barack Obama, Taliban, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Hot Bird, Eutelsat, Helmand Province, Arab American Institute, Syrian Civil War</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth lifted the veil off secret peace negotiations between Tel Aviv and Damascus that occurred before the latest tensions erupted in Syria. During the negotiations, Netanyahu expressed willingness to completely withdraw from the occupied Golan Heights. Sources close to Netanyahu rushed to deny the news, claiming the Golan is considered a strategic asset that must not be given up.

Reporter, Male #1
This was in 2010. In today's issue, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted secret negotiations with the Syrian regime to reach peace between Tel Aviv and Damascus. Behind closed doors, Netanyahu agreed to completely withdrawal from the Golan, including returning to the June 4 borders, in return for full peace with Syria that includes exchanging ambassadors, and mandating Syria to cut its relations with Tehran.

Reporter, Male #1
Basing its claim on American documents, Yedioth Ahronoth said that Netanyahu assigned American diplomat Fred Hoff to conduct the secret negotiations. Hoff had worked for the American Navy, and is an expert on border demarcation in disputed areas; he was also responsible for the Syrian-Lebanese file in the Obama administration.

Reporter, Male #1
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the American administration was shocked at the flexibility that Netanyahu expressed during the negotiations and his willingness to withdraw, which exceeded that of any former Israeli prime minister, including Yitzhak Rabi, Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert.

Reporter, Male #1
The newspaper also said that Netanyahu moderated the negotiations in absolute secrecy, and hid them even from his cabinet and from the Mossad and Shabak, and that negotiation sessions took place at his official headquarters in occupied Jerusalem, and at his villa in Caesarea.

Reporter, Male #1
The newspaper noted that Barak was the only minister who was aware of these negotiations, in addition to Netanyahu's military advisor Maj.-Gen. Yohanan Loaker, Maj. Gen. Uzi Arad, Netanyahu's political consultant Ron Dermer, and Barak's military advisor Mark Herzog. As for the American side, President Barack Obama, his Vice President Joe Biden, and the mediator Fred Hoff were the only ones who were aware of the details of these negotiations.

Reporter, Male #1
According to the newspaper, Netanyahu had agreed to withdraw to the shores of Tabria Lake, as Syria had stipulated the withdrawal must be completed within two years, while Israel preferred a longer period of time. However, bloody events erupted in Syria, and put an end to these negotiations. Netanyahu's office was quick to comment on the news by saying that talks are one initiative among many that the Americans had offered Israel, but that they were rejected, adding that publishing this news at this time was done for political reasons and considerations.

** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israeli PM meets with coalition partners before calling early elections [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100912?start=698</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Deadly twin blasts rock Damascus as Salafi group targets security buildings, Emirati foreign minister slams Muslim Brotherhood amid crackdown on Islamists, humanitarian crisis mounts as 100,000 Sudanese flee internal violence, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-100912-3713.mp4" length="230681761" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-11921000/11921970/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=b3d3a9f6804e6859dccd2211eec276e7" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Syria, Aleppo, Antisemitism, Muslim Brotherhood, Israel, France, Egypt, Cairo, United States</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is conducting a final round of meetings with coalition partners and could announce a decision shortly on whether the Israeli government will head to early elections. Netanyahu met today with the leaders of United Torah Judaism, Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, and MK Moshe Gafni. Over the past week Netanyahu has met with Interior Minister Eli Yishai from Shas, Science and Technology Minister Daniel Hershkowitz of the new NRP, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman from Yisrael Beiteinu, and Defense Minister Ehud Barak of the Independence Party.</media:text>
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      <item>
        <title>Rasmussen: NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan could be 'speeded up' [New TV, Lebanon]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100412?start=991</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Turkish demonstrators clash with police after parliament vote to strike Syria, Libyan protestors storm National Congress over lack of representation, Somali government blames al-Shabab for &quot;systematic&quot; killing of journalists, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100412</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-100412-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3666.mp4" length="230573970" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-11620000/11620806/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=af9a5cd7714ef009c2550a74e4b06807" />
        <media:keywords>Politics of Israel, Taliban, Afghanistan, Syrian Civil War, Tzipi Livni, Coalition government, Jordan, Child, Israel Defense Forces, Ehud Barak</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
NATO in Afghanistan is walking in the steps of the Israelis in southern Lebanon.

Reporter, Male #2
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen confessed that the strategic resistance adopted by the Taliban has succeeded in bringing down the morale of occupation forces in Afghanistan. He suggested withdrawing from there before the scheduled date, which is at the end of 2014.

Reporter, Male #2
Rassmussen's statements are very similar to those of the enemy's Prime Minister Ehud Barak, before the Israeli army withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000. At that time, he announced that Israel was in the process of beginning a tactical withdrawal from southern Lebanon. It was soon revealed that the withdrawals were comprehensive withdrawals, following blows from the Lebanese resistance. Rassmussen admitted that the deaths this year of over 50 NATO soldiers, at the hands of Taliban fighters who infiltrated Afghan security forces, harmed the relationship between international forces and Afghan security and army forces, which NATO is working to train and prepare for the post-withdrawal stage. However, like the Israeli Barak, he insisted that the accelerated withdrawal from Afghanistan must not be seen as a race to exit the country.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Ehud Barak meets with Netanyahu opponents as Knesset early elections become imminent [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100412?start=1388</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Turkish demonstrators clash with police after parliament vote to strike Syria, Libyan protestors storm National Congress over lack of representation, Somali government blames al-Shabab for &quot;systematic&quot; killing of journalists, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100412</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-100412-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3666.mp4" length="230573970" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-11621000/11621029/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=25bfa7f6e5b0a21baa8bfbd540e27fb5" />
        <media:keywords>Politics of Israel, Taliban, Afghanistan, Syrian Civil War, Tzipi Livni, Coalition government, Jordan, Child, Israel Defense Forces, Ehud Barak</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Speculation continues to mount in Israel that Knesset elections will be moved forward. Persistent reports of a growing divide between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are fueling the story, especially given Barak's meeting two weeks ago with Chicago mayor and Obama confidant Rahm Emmanuel, as well as his meeting with former opposition leader Tzipi Livni. The need to pass a problematic budget is bringing the issue to a head. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman spoke out against the dispute, calling the public bickering &quot;unnecessary.&quot;</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak slams FM for criticizing PA President Abbas [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100212?start=913</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Jewish extremists storm Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque, Somalia's al-Shabab claims responsibility for blasts in &quot;liberated&quot; Kismayo, Iranian rial falls to all-time low as Western sanctions take hold, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100212</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-100212-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3643.mp4" length="230408648" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-11485000/11485456/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=4a0d38e2edbb66f03fa2fb69395ea411" />
        <media:keywords>Politics of Israel, Taliban, Afghanistan, Mahmoud Abbas, Israel Defense Forces, Israel, Muslim, United States, Al-Aqsa Mosque, Kismayo</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak harshly criticized Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman for calling Abbas the &quot;biggest obstacle to peace,&quot; and advocating his removal from office. Barak said that Lieberman's comments do not reflect Israeli policy, adding that if Abbas were ousted, Hamas would take over.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Rift between Netanyahu, Barak grows as Israel inches towards early elections [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100312?start=1148</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Iranian riot police clash with demonstrators during currency crisis protests in Tehran, Bahrain launches crackdown on funeral for activist who died in custody, Tunisian woman accused of indecency after being raped by security forces, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-100312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3659.mp4" length="230395839" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-11545000/11545278/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=a331254dd3ad52d3f13bddf44e95d2ec" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Syria, Israel, Human rights, Aleppo, Free Syrian Army, Palestinians, Iran, Damascus, Activism</media:keywords>
        <media:text>The odds of early elections in Israel appear to be increasing as infighting takes place between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak. Through conversations with Likud members, Netanyahu accused Barak last night of stoking the conflict between Israel and the US to come out as the moderate &quot;savior&quot; party that reconciles between the sides. Barak reportedly previously requested that he would be guaranteed to serve as Defense Minister in the next government, but Netanyahu responded negatively, resulting in Barak saying he will oppose the budget.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>German FM holds talks with Israel on Iranian nuclear issue [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091012?start=1269</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Somalia MPs vote for new president in 'historic' poll, Palestinians strike to protest rising prices in the West Bank, Taliban expresses willingness to work with US on security in Afghanistan, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091012</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-10177000/10177443/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=759135ee79c6f22d9c13a2bf4361f5a6" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Palestinians, Nuclear program of Iran, US-Afghanistan relations, Ehud Barak, Israeli-occupied territories, Benjamin Netanyahu, West Bank, United States, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud</media:keywords>
        <media:text>German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle wrapped up his whirlwind visit to Israel by holding high-level talks with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak. The Iranian nuclear issue dominated the discussions. The German diplomat urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table with substantial offers.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Ehud Barak: Israel may reoccupy Gaza [Palestine TV, Ramallah]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091012?start=1348</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Somalia MPs vote for new president in 'historic' poll, Palestinians strike to protest rising prices in the West Bank, Taliban expresses willingness to work with US on security in Afghanistan, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091012</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-10177000/10177857/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=f70d40edd8f254a3134aee9481340ded" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Palestinians, Nuclear program of Iran, US-Afghanistan relations, Ehud Barak, Israeli-occupied territories, Benjamin Netanyahu, West Bank, United States, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
Revealing the nature of his hostile government, the occupation army's minister Ehud Barak said he does not rule out occupying parts of the Gaza Strip in the future. During a conference in Herzliya addressing his army's aggression on Gaza in 2008, Barak added that his army is able to reoccupy Gaza and control it if a political decision is taken, unveiling that they will also occupy Rafah during this aggression.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>IDF's military advocate general recommends criminal investigation into ex-chief Ashkenazi [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082712?start=267</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;UN urges swift action to prevent impending disaster in besieged Gaza Strip, Iran hails summit of Non-Aligned Movement as diplomatic coup against the West, US arms sales reach record high as Gulf states stock up, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 27 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-082712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3259.mp4" length="230547141" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-9400000/9400986/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=f55615256222bfefcf4e3e619d864cab" />
        <media:keywords>Israel Defense Forces, Afghanistan War, Saudi Arabia, US Army, Israel, United States, Afghanistan, Gaza, Embassy, Gabi Ashkenazi</media:keywords>
        <media:text>The IDF military advocate general has reportedly recommended launching a criminal investigation into former Chief-of-Staff Gabi Ashkenazi and his former aide, Colonel Erez Viner, on counts of misconduct during Ashkenazi's term as the head of the IDF. The case has been brought to Attorney-General Yehuda Weinstein, who has to decide on the matter due to the fact that Ashkenazi is now a civilian. The suspicion is over the Harpaz Affair, in which Ashkenazi allegedly used Boaz Harpaz, a retired lieutenant-colonel, to collect incriminating information on Major-General Yoav Galant to torpedo his possible successor as chief of general staff, who was favored by Ehud Barak.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israel boosts defense budget, assigns new home front minister [Palestine TV, Ramallah]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-081512?start=1399</link>
        <description>In Israel, the government is looking into the IDF's request to increase the defense budget, as Avi Dichter resigned from the Knesset to serve as the home front defense minister in a series of moves that portends military action on Iran, reports Palestine TV.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-081512</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-081512-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3154.mp4" length="230536420" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-8743000/8743253/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=644a4c7df9fba24a2dd97aa03215bbb3" />
        <media:keywords>Syria, Syrian Civil War, Iran-Israel relations, Israel, Free Syrian Army, Ministry of Defense (Israel), Benjamin Netanyahu, Politics of Israel, Iran, Afghanistan-Pakistan border</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
In Israel, the Netanyahu government is looking into the occupation army's request to increase the defense budget next year. Meanwhile, the Israeli Knesset will hold an exceptional session on Thursday during its summer recess to appoint Avi Dichter as home front defense minister after he resigned from the Knesset.

Reporter, Male #1
Israel and the Kadima party awoke to an arrangement made overnight. Avi Dichter, member of the Knesset and former chief of the Israeli intelligence, surprised his party by resigning from the Knesset. He is joining the Israeli government by becoming the home front defense minister. Dichter's move comes following a meeting with the head of the Israeli government, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his defense minister, Ehud Barak, late last night. Experts say that Dichter's decision to join the Netanyahu and Barak government is a new indicator that Israel is close to waging an attack on Iran as part of its attempt to foil the latter's nuclear program.

Reporter, Male #1
Netanyahu, Barak, and Dichter are a dangerous trio. The trust between them dates back to over 30 years, when the three served as part of the elite unit in the Israel army, Sayeret Matkal. This is probably what led military analysts and others to believe that Israel is about to wage a dangerous military operation they've described as &quot;major.&quot;

Reporter, Male #1
An additional sign of the Israeli preparations to wage new wars is the Israeli government's scheduled session to discuss an increase of the occupation army's budget to 64 billion shekels.

Presenter, Female #1
Iran expressed confidence that Israel will not attack its nuclear facilities. A spokesman for the Interior Ministry in Tehran said that the country is not taking Israel's recent statements seriously. On the other hand, Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said that Tel Aviv's threats point to what he described as the weakness and stupidity of its leaders.

** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Netanyahu, Barak gearing up for military strike against Iran: Israeli press [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-081012?start=503</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Egypt arrests 15 militants linked to deadly attack in Sinai, Amnesty International calls on Bahrain to free prisoners of conscience after &quot;travesty of justice,&quot; Turkey hints at military intervention in Syria against Kurdish &quot;terrorists,&quot; and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-081012</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-081012-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3102.mp4" length="230339188" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-8591000/8591340/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=c0a79b425f7b50fe107d0036780550d4" />
        <media:keywords>Sinai Peninsula, Syrian Civil War, Israel, Politics of Syria, Egypt, Gaza, Syrian army, Smuggling tunnel, Iran-Israel relations, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Israel, local press carried intensified reports of a potential Israeli military strike against Iran. Multiple Israeli newspapers such as Haaretz and Yedioth Aharonoth published statements that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are gearing up for a strike within the coming months. According to the reports, Netanyahu remains steadfast to his commitment to hit Iran, and that such as attack is to take place ahead of US presidential elections in November.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Ehud Barak: US intelligence on Iran nuclear program 'closer to Israel's appraisal than ever' [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080912?start=1132</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Sectarian violence displaces thousands of Rohingyas in Myanmar, cradle of Tunisian uprising demands Sidi Bouzid's liberation, Libya celebrates transfer of power to elected assembly, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-080912-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3069.mp4" length="147494454" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-8463000/8463605/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=812804430f4153bb076bbefa0286b209" />
        <media:keywords>Rohingya, Islamism, Myanmar, Muslim, Foreign relations of Burma, İzmir Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sidi Bou Zid, Politics of Libya, Battle of Aleppo</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak says the latest US intelligence assessment regarding Iran's nuclear program is closer to Israel's appraisal than ever before. In addition, given the possibility of an Israeli military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, Saudi Arabia has reportedly warned that it would shoot down any Israeli warplanes that penetrate its airspace.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Egyptian army to take control of Sinai after deadly attack [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080612?start=355</link>
        <description>The Egyptian army vowed retaliation for the deaths of 16 soldiers in an attack that targeted a border crossing in Rafah, in the northern Sinai, as President Mohamed Morsi issued an order for forces to deploy in all of the Sinai Peninsula, Al Jazeera reports.</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:18:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-080612-world-news-from-the-middle-east-3048.mp4" length="230191486" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-8328000/8328030/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=61e4ea8b22244a423adc7dc119bfb0c5" />
        <media:keywords>Israel Defense Forces, Israel, Egyptian Army, Ehud Barak, Egypt, Iran, United Nations, Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, Riad Hijab</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces in Egypt vowed a speedy response and retaliation for the death of 16 soldiers in an attack that targeted a border crossing in Rafah, in northern Sinai.

Presenter, Male #1
According to the Egyptian presidency, President Mohamed Morsi issued an order to the military and security forces to deploy in all of the Sinai Peninsula. Meanwhile, our correspondent in Sinai reported that residents of the area called on President Morsi and the armed forces to quickly intervene, and put an end to such incidents.

Presenter, Female #1
The Egyptian presidency announced three days of national mourning for the victims of the attack, and said it will organize a military funeral for the dead on Tuesday.

Reporter, Male #2
On our way to the Masoura checkpoint that was the scene of an attack that resulted in the death of 16 members of the Egyptian security forces and wounded others, we passed through a number of checkpoints. Once there, we tried to photograph the scene of the attack, but we were prevented. So we returned to talk to eyewitnesses who were near the site of the attack.

Guest, Male #3
I was one of the first people to reach the place; we looked around and saw all the soldiers lying on the ground, wounded and injured; some were dead and some were still alive. We brought our personal cars, pickup trucks and sedans, we first picked up the people who were still alive. We moved them quickly and did some first aid, and took them to the hospital.

Reporter, Male #2
A lot of Sinai's residents felt resentment, saying the recurrence of such incidents requires the new political leadership to adopt new policies in Sinai and tackle the security situation there, which the previous regime ignored.

Guest, Male #4
I want to tell President Mohamed Morsi that he must deal with the residents of Sinai in a special way, not like the previous regime treated them. He must treat them like they are residents of the country, and that they have rights and obligations.

Reporter, Male #2
The strict security measures at the Rafah crossing, which was indefinitely closed to the Palestinians, is part of a comprehensive security plan aimed at surrounding the offenders, and tracking them down to uncover the circumstances of this attack. This plan relies on securing the strategic facilities in Sinai and maintaining a presence in areas that harbor militant elements, as described by the Egyptian security, in search of clues that would solve the mystery behind these incidents.

Guest, Male #5
What does it mean for a normal citizen to carry a weapon? It means that he has the law and the power in his hand, and can take his rights by himself. It means there is no state; the state is absent in Sinai. What we want is to feel that the Egyptian state is strongly present in Sinai.

Reporter, Male #2
Tribal elders and revolutionary youth coalitions are calling for an end to the chaos of weapons in Sinai, and for a reassessment of the Camp David agreement, which would lead to securing control of the Egyptian border with both the Gaza Strip and Israel. Mahmoud Hussein, Al Jazeera, North Sinai Governorate.

Presenter, Male #1
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that the attack on Sinai could be a warning sign for Egypt to tighten the security in northern Sinai. And at the beginning of a meeting for the Knesset's Committee on Foreign Affairs and Security, Barak praised the performance of the Israeli forces that fended off an attack by gunmen from Sinai.

Presenter, Female #1
He said it was a sharp and concentrated response by the Israeli army.

Guest, Male #6 (Ehud Barak, Israeli Defense Minister)
In my opinion, the danger of a bigger attack was prevented, and this is a very important operation, and a successful one in the battle that occurred there along the border. And this may be an alarm for the Egyptians to tighten their control in a more assertive way.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>IDF intercepts Islamist militants after Egyptian army base attack [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080612?start=589</link>
        <description>Tunisian police violently disperse protestors holding &quot;night of anger,&quot; Mossad agents confess to killing nuclear scientists on Iranian TV, Egyptian army to take control of Sinai after deadly attack, and more.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:18:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-080612-world-news-from-the-middle-east-3048.mp4" length="230191486" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-8328000/8328031/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=9cde1b07ff68b7b5f5d32ace1708f12c" />
        <media:keywords>Israel Defense Forces, Israel, Egyptian Army, Ehud Barak, Egypt, Iran, United Nations, Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, Riad Hijab</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Tensions remain high in southern Israel following a night attack along the border with Egypt. The IDF intercepted a stolen Egyptian armored personnel carrier with eight people aboard whom Defense Minister Ehud Barak said were linked with Islamic Jihad, after they raided an Egyptian army base on the border of the Gaza Strip and entered into Israel, passing the Kibbutz Kerem Shalom. Seventeen Egyptian soldiers were killed in the raid. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz said that it was a complex infiltration attempt from Egypt. IBA speaks with former Israeli ambassador to Egypt Zvi Mazel about the Syria situation and the recent developments in Egypt.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Panetta: Iran must negotiate nuclear program limits or face possible US military action [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080112?start=863</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Free Syrian Army claims advances in Aleppo as Turkey conducts military drills at border, HRW condemns Myanmar over ethnic cleansing of Muslims as UN envoy visits site of clashes, Somali assembly endorses new constitution, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080112</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-080112-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3005.mp4" length="147289542" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-8085000/8085639/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=21e851a7695d8d4e5c7f7d35732793ba" />
        <media:keywords>United Nations, Syrian Civil War, Rohingya, Politics of Somalia, Bahrain Uprising, Nuclear program of Iran, Haredi Judaism, Mujahedin Khalq, Foreign relations of Egypt, Leon Panetta</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Visiting US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says Iran must either negotiate acceptable limits to its nuclear program, or face the possibility of US military action to stop it from getting the bomb. His remarks came during a day of meetings with Israeli officials such as Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and included a visit to Israel's Iron Dome anti-rocket defense system outside of Ashkelon. Last night, President Barack Obama approved new sanctions against foreign banks that help Iran sell it oil, and Congress approved new legislation which could be passed later this week that include further sanctions.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israel orders demolition of eight Palestinian villages for military training sites [Palestine TV, Ramallah]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072612?start=237</link>
        <description>A document submitted to the Israeli Supreme Court and prepared by Defense Minister Ehud Barak orders the demolition of eight villages in Yatta's suburbs in southern Hebron to use the land for military training, Palestine TV reports.</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:20:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-072612-2951.mp4" length="196639130" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-7764000/7764342/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=dae8458f3a75c08bd06b4afc38c93a5f" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Iran-Israel relations, Ehud Barak, Human rights, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Iran, Afghanistan, Human Rights Watch, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
A document submitted to the Israeli Supreme Court and prepared by Defense Minister Ehud Barak has come to light. It orders the demolition of eight villages in Yatta's suburbs in southern Hebron, displacing its citizens under the pretext that the villages are on land needed for military training.

Reporter, Male #2
Here on the land of Khirbet Jinba, east of Yatta in southern Hebron, residents are scared and worried for their land, after Israel vowed to demolish the village and displace its people under the pretext that it is a vital region for the Israeli army's training.

Guest Male #3 (Khaled al-Jibarin, Citizen)
The occupation's goal is to displace us Arabs, because the army is pressing from the south under the excuse of training. The settlers pressure us from the north under the pretext that this land is theirs. The civil administration applies pressure on the village itself, handing us demolition orders. They are all one project, and their aim is to displace us.

Reporter, Male #2
Jinba is one of eight villages in Yatta's suburbs, and one that Defense Minister Ehud Barak wants to demolish, according to a document presented by the Israeli military authorities to the so-called Israeli Supreme Court.

Reporter, Male #2
The citizens who live in the villages of Yatta's suburbs before this occupation existed, assured they are connected to their land, and are holding on to the lands of their parents and grandparents. But the occupation tries to tighten the noose on these residents from time to time.

Guest, Male #5 (Ahmed Abu Araam, Citizen)
They affected our crops, it was at the beginning of its harvest, but their training completely destroyed it. No cattle were able to graze, and we were not able to harvest.

Reporter, Male #2
What else?

Guest, Male #4
As you can see here, they disturb us at night.

Reporter, Male #2
Observers at rights organizations describe this decision as a humanitarian disaster; it aims to demolish eight villages and displace more than 1,500 citizens to seize vast areas of land. The occupation seeks to displace citizens from their lands and to seize those lands under weak excuses. This time the claim is the need to hold military trainings here, while Israel preaches democracy and human rights to the world. Sari al-Uor, Palestine TV, from the suburbs of Yatta in southern Hebron.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Ehud Barak: Striking Iran before it is 'fully armed' would be far less dangerous [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072612?start=586</link>
        <description>UAE detains additional activists as crackdown on dissent continues, Israel orders the demolition of eight Palestinian villages to make way for army training land, Pakistan suspends NATO supply route over security concerns, and more.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:20:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-072612-2951.mp4" length="196639130" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-7764000/7764647/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=7b75cdb543262ace42bdfb9ec4cad70d" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Iran-Israel relations, Ehud Barak, Human rights, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Iran, Afghanistan, Human Rights Watch, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said at the graduation ceremony of the National Defense College that striking Iran before it is able to produce nuclear weapons would be far less dangerous than trying to knock out weapons of mass destruction once they are fully armed. Israeli leaders are ratcheting up their rhetoric about what Israel might do if sanctions against Iran fail. He added that economic and diplomatic sanctions against Iran are not working, and that the government may have to make &quot;difficult and crucial decisions&quot; about security, which is a hint that Israel may be poised to attack Iran.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israel points finger at Hezbollah for Bulgarian bus bombing [New TV, Lebanon]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072012?start=622</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;International community remains silent on ethnic cleansing in Myanmar, Egypt's striking workers to occupy Mahalla factory until their demands are met, Protestors defy government ban on rallies with 25 marches across Bahrain, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072012</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-072012-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2916.mp4" length="196089263" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-7511000/7511003/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=e7d1ded772832e629ced93cb0b77044e" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Burgas, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Hezbollah, Foreign relations of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Muslim, Rohingya, El-Mahalla El-Kubra</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
Israel has interrupted the chapter of settling its accounts with Syria, and has turned its attention to Lebanon. Since the tourist bus bombing in Bulgaria, Tel Aviv has not hesitated for one moment to accuse Hezbollah for the operation, be it Ehud Barak or Benjamin Netanyahu. And today, the accusation came from the American Pentagon, as part of the coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv to wage another campaign against the weapons of the resistance, as Israel has threatened to continue the war of terror.

Presenter, Male #1
The Pentagon believes the bombing in Bulgaria is marked by Hezbollah's fingerprints; an accusation that comes without any imprints, and its evidence resembles Colin Powell's documents and maps, with which he deceived the world to believe Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. The accusation also resembles George Bush's random documents, and his war on two countries without any evidence.
</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>International Leaders Call for al-Assad to Resign</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/international-leaders-call-for-al-assad-to-resign?start=0</link>
        <description>Britain and the United States have called for Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to step down and UN chief Ban Ki-moon has urged the Security Council to take strong action.</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jul 2012 09:07:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/international-leaders-call-for-al-assad-to-resign</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-7290000/7290953/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=eaa09f98d2b998afbf5ab60f33ab93bd" />
        <media:keywords>Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Civil War, Syria, UN Security Council, Battle of Damascus, UN Security Council Resolution, Dawoud Rajiha, Assef Shawkat, Ban Ki-moon, United Nations</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Britain and the United States have called for Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to step down and UN chief Ban Ki-moon has urged the Security Council to take strong action.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israel: Bulgaria Bus Bombing Was 'Iranian Terrorist Attack'</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/israel-bulgaria-bus-bombing-was-iranian-terrorist-attack?start=0</link>
        <description>Israel points the finger at Iranian-backed terrorist groups after seven Israeli tourists are killed in a bus bomb in Bulgaria.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:54:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/israel-bulgaria-bus-bombing-was-iranian-terrorist-attack</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-7272000/7272324/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=dafdfe79436bd2bef9ec2fa17c0178e8" />
        <media:keywords>Bulgaria, Israel, Iran, Iran-Israel relations, Burgas Airport, Ehud Barak, Terrorist attack, Bus, Burgas, Vehicle explosion</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Israel points the finger at Iranian-backed terrorist groups after seven Israeli tourists are killed in a bus bomb in Bulgaria.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Hillary Clinton in Israel for talks after Egypt visit [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071612?start=231</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Israel starts &quot;pilot&quot; prison visits from Gaza relatives for first time in seven years, Lavrov accuses West of blackmailing Russia over Syria, anti-NATO sentiment continues to grow in Pakistan, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-071612-2847.mp4" length="196470035" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-7216000/7216668/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=d16f27e8f0228c53927339b80572efd5" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, International Red Cross, Israel, Hillary Clinton, Syria, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, US-Israel relations, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain Uprising, US-Pakistan relations</media:keywords>
        <media:text>After nearly two years since her last visit to Israel, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in the country for a series of high-level talks with a number of Israeli leaders. She spoke with President Shimon Peres on a range of issues, including Iran's nuclear program, Egypt, Syria, and peace negotiations with the Palestinians. They also discussed the matter of releasing spy Jonathan Pollard. Clinton was also greeted at the Foreign Ministry by Minister Avigdor Lieberman on her way to a visit to Egypt, where she met newly-elected Islamist President Mohamed Morsi for the first time. She is slated to meet with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Ehud Barak: Iranian threat 'a sword on the neck' of Israel [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-053112?start=602</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Six bomb attacks in Baghdad kill at least 17 people, Israel returns the bodies of 91 Palestinian martyrs, UAE strips seven dissidents of their citizenship, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-053112</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-053112-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2480.mp4" length="230566751" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-5001000/5001670/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=15f6c5aa742289edaae910359942b21d" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Car bomb, Iran, Ghazaliya, Palestinians, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates, Iran-Israel relations, Syrian Civil War, Baku, Illegal immigration from Africa to Israel</media:keywords>
        <media:text>The Israeli minister of military affairs, Ehud Barak, says the so-called Iranian threat is a 'sword on the neck of Israel,' in one of his strongest statements against Iran, adding that Israel is in the same position it was in during the 1967 Six-Day War. But it seems that Tel Aviv is far from certain about a possible military option against Iran, and neither Israelis nor the rest of the world seem to favor the Israeli military option.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>US to give Israel another USD 70 million for Iron Dome missile defense system [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051712?start=702</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Renewed clashes erupt in Lebanon's Tripoli as Hezbollah is blamed, Israel and Iran beat the drums of war ahead of nuclear talks in Baghdad, the White House threatens to target anyone 'obstructing' transition in Yemen, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-051712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2388.mp4" length="230557930" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-4543000/4543537/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=524174fcbd76c8a54614eab1d88a8f4e" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Syrian Civil War, Tel Aviv, Tripoli, Lebanon, Iran-Israel relations, US-Yemen relations, US-Israel relations, Al Wefaq, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Eli Yishai</media:keywords>
        <media:text>The Pentagon says that it plans to give Israel an extra USD 70 million for its Iron Dome missile system. US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta made the announcement after talks with Israel's Minister of Military Affairs Ehud Barak in Washington. Israel says the Iron Dome is meant to protect it from missile bombardment. Washington has already provided USD 205 million to help fund the project. It gives an additional USD 3 billion to Tel Aviv every year in the name of security assistance, while the US government has made major cuts in its own military budget because of financial problems. Press TV speaks with Mr. Ralph Schoenman, author of The Hidden History of Zionism, on this development.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Ehud Barak levels criminal accusations at former IDF chief of staff [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050812?start=1189</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Interpol issues arrest notice for fugitive Iraqi VP, UN organization estimates one third of Somalis suffer from mental illness, NATO admits to killing Afghan family of six in Helmand Province, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050812</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-050812-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2311.mp4" length="230610339" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-4138000/4138793/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=6926d333dac4a408eba1a62095884770" />
        <media:keywords>Iraq, Israel, Tariq al-Hashemi, Somali people, Helmand Province, US-Pakistan relations, Quran desecration, Syrian Civil War, Copt, Politics of Israel</media:keywords>
        <media:text>There was an attack and a counterattack today, as Defense Minister Ehud Barak leveled criminal allegations at former IDF Chief of Staff Major General Gabi Ashkenazi, on counts of forgery, receiving a bribe, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice, saying that Ashkenazi manipulated senior appointments in the IDF for reasons that were not based on professional considerations. Ashkenazi said the accusations were &quot;ludicrous&quot; and &quot;bizarre.&quot;</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Ehud Barak's fledgling Independence Party will run in elections [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050312?start=1057</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Egypt's military rulers renew pledge to step down after Abbasiyah &quot;massacre,&quot; Syrian security forces raid Aleppo University following anti-government protests, former Libyan PM confirms Gaddafi funded Sarkozy's 2007 campaign, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-050312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2265.mp4" length="230213328" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3939000/3939370/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=e7326c300d978c1a02efce4bd4bd2618" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Politics of Israel, Iraq, Bashar al-Assad, Politics of Iran, Mauritania, Abbasiyah, Bahrain Uprising, Tariq al-Hashemi, Mohammad-Reza Rahimi</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Amid the flurry over the speculation over early elections, members of the Haaztmaut, or the Independence Party, led by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, held a press conference in Tel Aviv. Barak declared that his faction will not be joining any other parties and will indeed run, despite dismal predictions over its ability to garner sufficient mandates to pass the election's threshold.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Ehud Barak calls for strike on Iran before nuclear program enters 'immunity zone' [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050212?start=812</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Deadly clashes erupt in Egypt ahead of vote, Human Rights Watch accuses Syrian regime of committing war crimes in Idlib, blasts rock Afghan capital hours after Obama's surprise visit, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050212</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-050212-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2252.mp4" length="230095789" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3891000/3891484/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=7824201f12fe01e9ab79052cfb18c5d9" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Palestinians, Human rights, Hunger strike, Egyptian Revolution, Syrian Civil War, US-Afghanistan relations, Tzipi Livni, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Defense Minster Ehud Barak restated the case for a military strike on Iran's nuclear program before it reaches the immunity zone, and he dismissed growing criticism that political leaders were misleading the public over the consequences of such an action. But the criticism continues, this time from former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Top Israeli officials defend ex-Shin Bet chief's remarks on Netanyahu, Barak [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050112?start=1315</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Iran condemns US for deploying F-22 fighter jets to the gulf, Israeli army attacks Palestinians near Ofer prison, Sudan rejects deployment of additional UN troops to the border, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050112</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-050112-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2242.mp4" length="230281934" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3854000/3854720/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=341846b2233b7c20742941ec4eb52c07" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, United Nations, US-Iran relations, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Bahrain Uprising, Drone, Syrian Civil War, Politics of Israel</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Several members of Israel's top intelligence echelon and former government leaders have rushed to defend former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin. Former Mossad chief Meir Dagan and former prime minister Ehud Olmert both echoed Diskin's sentiments that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are misleading the public on Iran.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Debate over future of Beit El settlement outpost leads to Israeli Cabinet showdown [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042312?start=1312</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Morocco's February 20 Movement makes comeback after reform pledge falters, mass funeral held for Bahraini man killed by regime forces, Egyptians welcome cancellation of gas sales to Israel, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-042312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2178.mp4" length="230501788" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3527000/3527036/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=8a826097b86d71fc51702efa85e6600b" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, 2011 Moroccan Protests, Bahrain Uprising, Yemen Uprising, Egypt–Israel relations, Syrian Civil War, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Winter Stadium, Beit El, Ain al-Hilweh</media:keywords>
        <media:text>The future of a contentious neighborhood in the West Bank settlement of Beit El whose legality is in dispute is pitting Israeli Cabinet ministers against each other in a political showdown. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked his Likud Cabinet ministers to tone down the debate on the future of the Beit El neighborhood Ulpana. The Likud ministers have been upset with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who supported evacuating Ulpana following a High Court ruling in favor of Palestinians who challenged the legality of Beit El.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Ehud Barak: Israeli military action against Iran remains an option [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041812?start=1101</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Bahrain's opposition escalates protests for freedom ahead of Formula One race, US troops caught posing with body parts of Afghan militants, online campaign seeks to retrieve Egyptian treasures stolen by European nations, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041812</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-041812-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2138.mp4" length="229687040" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3298000/3298241/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=53389596d4cb3d4751f7eabb3ca14578" />
        <media:keywords>Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinians, Israeli-occupied territories, Egypt, Israel, Bahrain Uprising, US-Afghanistan relations, Karachi, Saif al-Islam, Syrian Civil War</media:keywords>
        <media:text>During a two-day visit to Colombia, Defense Minister Ehud Barak addressed the latest nuclear negotiations with Iran. He told Army Radio that Israeli military action against Iran's nuclear sites remains an option, even as diplomatic efforts continue, and added that he has strong doubts that the latest round of negotiations will yield any progress.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Washington will continue to pressure Iran as world powers prepare for the next round of nuclear talks in Baghdad, stressing that the burden now falls on Tehran to prove that it is serious.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Jewish settlers evacuated from disputed Beit Hamachpela home [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040412?start=915</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;British report points to Africa as the new frontier for the &quot;war on terror,&quot; Russia warns arming Syrian opposition would lead to more bloodshed, Al-Shabab claims responsibility for deadly blast at Somali theater, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040412</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-040412-2014.mp4" length="230698721" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2721000/2721740/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=556fb89d4014d5827a477f16196582d0" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Al-Qaeda, Terrorism in the United Kingdom, Houthis, Syrian Civil War, Israeli settlement, Benjamin Netanyahu, Hana Shalabi, Zuwarah, Nasiriyah</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In a surprise move today, security forces evacuated the disputed Beit Hamachpela home in Hebron. The order, given by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, was executed without major disturbance, but drew fury from right-wing politicians. Fifteen Jews, four adults and 11 children, who were preparing for Passover, were removed in about 40 minutes without resistance or disturbance. Some 150 members of a special police unit surrounded the building and then proceeded with the eviction.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Evacuation of Israeli settlers from Palestinian housing complex put on hold [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040312?start=1273</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Libya's Transitional Council struggles to end clashes between rival militias, Bahraini activist's life in danger after 55 days of hunger strike, France expels five Imams after Merah killings, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-040312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2007.mp4" length="229824847" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2673000/2673436/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=be54aa45ba11ffdba0cc3ab902ab9289" />
        <media:keywords>Iran, Palestinians, Israel, Syria, Israelis, Libya, Bahrain Uprising, Islamophobia, Yemeni al-Qaeda crackdown, Tariq al-Hashemi</media:keywords>
        <media:text>The fate of the disputed house in Beit Hamachpela in Hebron inhabited by dozens of Israeli settlers since last week remains unclear. While the 3 p.m. deadline set by Defense Minister Ehud Barak for the settlers to evacuate the premises expired, the issue was temporarily put on hold until later this evening, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to convene a special ministerial meeting on the matter. The Israeli settlers claim that they purchased the building legally from a Palestinian owner, but the Palestinians are challenging that claim.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Toulouse Shootings Provoke Diplomatic Row</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/toulouse-shootings-provoke-diplomatic-row?start=0</link>
        <description>Israeli politicians have reacted angrily to comments made by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, which they say drew comparisons between the killings in France to deaths of children in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. </description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:55:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/toulouse-shootings-provoke-diplomatic-row</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2051000/2051601/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=5051a2a8e7e70963b803f45704d4f56d" />
        <media:keywords>2012 Ozar Hatorah Toulouse shooting, Toulouse, Catherine Ashton, Benjamin Netanyahu, 2012 Midi-Pyrénées shootings , Israel, Israel Defense Forces, Gaza–Israel conflict, Shooting, Air strike</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In Israel, politicians have reacted angrily to comments made in the wake of the shootings in Toulouse. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized what he perceives to be comparisons by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton of the killings in France to deaths of children in the Gaza Strip. &quot;What gets me especially incensed is the comparison between the targeted slaughter of children, including the finishing off of a girl, and the surgical, defensive activities of the Israel Defense Forces that are meant to hit terrorists who use children for human shields,&quot; he said. It was in Brussels at a conference on Palestinian refugees where Catherine Ashton made the comments. Her spokesman denied she drew a parallel between Gaza and the deaths in Toulouse, saying her original comments were grossly distorted by a news agency. This is what she said: &quot;When we remember what happened in Toulouse today, when you remember what happened when I was in Norway last week a year ago, when we know what is happening in Syria, when you see what has happened in Gaza and Sderot, in different parts of the world, we remember young people and children who lose their lives.&quot; The Israeli Defense Minister added his voice to the diplomatic row. Ehud Barak said the grouping of the Gaza violence with the Toulouse shootings and the fighting in Syria was, &quot;infuriating and detached from reality.&quot;</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Ehud Barak: Israel will continue strikes as long rocket fire from Gaza Strip persists [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031212?start=383</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Israeli air strikes on Gaza claimed 23 lives since Friday, the Taliban vows revenge after US soldier massacres 16 Afghans, US drone attacks kill 60 people in Yemen over the weekend, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031212</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-031212-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1830.mp4" length="229607538" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-1733000/1733569/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=a5a3171f11c8f60a26dbfbe28a5712eb" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Palestinians, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Gaza, United States, Yemen, Arab Spring - duplicate, Gaza City, Migron, Mateh Binyamin</media:keywords>
        <media:text>As long as the rocket fire from the Gaza Strip continues, Israel will not stop striking terror targets inside the Hamas-run enclave, says Ehud Barak, who reacted to the latest escalation in the south during a meeting with his Italian counterpart, Giampaolo di Pala. The pair discussed strategic cooperation between the countries. The Italian expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself, but also called on both sides to resume negotiations, saying it was the key to achieving peace and stability in the region.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>US military prepares options to strike Iranian nuclear sites [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030112?start=1186</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Iran's Guardian Council disqualifies more parliamentary election candidates, Egypt's presidential election date draws mixed reactions, Yemeni troops demand the ouster of Saleh's army chief, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030112</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-030112-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1750.mp4" length="230594542" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-1316000/1316337/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=0fde0b83fa1aa003d503d5a20b9debf8" />
        <media:keywords>United States, Anti-Americanism, Iran, United Nations, Pentagon, Iranian legislative election, 2012, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Yemen Uprising, US-Afghanistan relations, Kashmir</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The United States military has prepared options to strike Iranian nuclear sites in the event of a conflict. That's the word from the US Air Force chief, who was speaking as Defense Minister Ehud Barak was holding talks on Iran with his counterpart, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. Those discussions come on the eve of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's White House meeting on Monday with President Barack Obama. IBA's Elli Wohlgerlenter has more.

Reporter, Male #1
In a run-up to the meeting on Monday between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US administration officials are talking tough on Iran. The head of the US Air Force told reporters that the US has prepared strike plans of its own in the event that sanctions fail to persuade Tehran to halt its nuclear development. Pentagon officials said military options being prepared start with providing aerial refueling for Israeli planes, and also involve attacking pillars of the clerical regime. These include the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, regular Iranian military bases, and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the House of Appropriations Subcommittee yesterday that so far, sanctions are working.

Guest, Female #2 (Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State)
We think that the sanctions are affecting the thinking of the Iranians in the leadership, but we have to remain vigilant, we have to keep the pressure on.

Reporter, Male #1
Clinton also said that the United States has unprecedented levels of cooperation with its ally, Israel.

Guest, Female #2
Prime Minister Netanyahu has called the bilateral security cooperation &quot;unprecedented,&quot; particularly with respect to cooperative missile defense developments and realistic military exercises. So there is an ongoing consultation at the very highest levels between our two governments, and we share our assessments with the Israelis, we listen to their assessments, and I think that the Prime Minister's words really speak for themselves, it's unprecedented.

Reporter, Male #1
Also in Washington, Defense Minister Ehud Barak met with US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to discuss Iran, Syria, and developments in the Middle East, a meeting Barak called &quot;important and useful.&quot; The meeting took place at the Pentagon, with Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also participating. The Pentagon press secretary did not address whether Panetta urged Israel not to strike Iran, saying only that the ongoing meetings between Panetta and Barak, their fourth since Panetta took over the Pentagon, provide them with opportunity to coordinate very closely with the Israelis on security issues, and will continue to do so.

Reporter, Male #1
Meanwhile, Netanyahu departs tonight for North America. He will meet with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper tomorrow morning, and spend the Sabbath in Ottawa before flying to Washington on Sunday. Elli Wohlgerlenter, IBA News.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>US downplays tension with Israel over Iran [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022212?start=1439</link>
        <description>IBA reports that the White House remains determined to keep Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while US State Department officials downplayed any tensions between the US and Israel over what is the best course of action towards Tehran.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022212</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-022212-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1681.mp4" length="230632888" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-1033000/1033231/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=891db587196543d52cda63ddf7ff5a03" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Syria, Iran, United States, Homs, Israel, Syrian army, Al-Shabaab, US-Afghanistan relations, Ali Abdullah Saleh</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
White House spokesman Jim Carney said the Obama administration remains determined to keep Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but Carney stressed the need for Israel to allow more time for sanctions before launching a military strike.

Guest, Male #2 (Jay Carney, White House Press Secretary)
What we feel, as I've said, and others have said, importantly the President has said, that there is time and space for diplomacy to work for the effect of sanctions to result in a change in Iranian behavior and an agreement by Iran to live up to its obligations to engage in negotiations and resolve this matter peacefully. We do not, of course, as we've said many times, take any option off the table.

Presenter, Female #1
And over at the State Department, officials downplayed any tensions between the US and Israel over what is the best course of action towards Tehran.

Guest, Female #2 (Victoria Nuland, State Department Spokeswoman)
Israel and the United States both believe that Iran has got to live up to its international obligations, and we're focused on the pressure we can bring to bear to make sure that happens.

Guest, Female #3
Well considering that the head for the DNI, James Clapper, is on his way to Israel this week, and there are reports now that Defense Minister Ehud Barak may be in Washington several days ahead of his expected appearance in the APEC conference the week after next, it seems to suggest that there seems to be more talking and more persuading that needs to be done with the Netanyahu government.

Guest, Female #2
You know, we've always had a very intense set of engagements with Israel, so this is just part and parcel of the conversation that we're having in all channels and in all levels, not only about Iran, of course, but about bilateral issues, about Syria, about the neighborhood. So it makes sense that various members of the US government are meeting various members of the Israeli government in this season.

** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israeli PM to visit White House in March to discuss Iran [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022112?start=622</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Yemen votes for Saleh's ouster as violence erupts in the south, Palestinian baker held by Israel ends 66-day hunger strike, thousands of Afghans protest Quran-burning at US base, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022112</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-022112-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1665.mp4" length="230540144" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-995000/995458/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=1c36ecf91cbb8f0b180421812770ed2f" />
        <media:keywords>Syria, Syrian Civil War, Afghanistan, United States, Palestinians, Jordan, Iran, Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, US-Afghanistan relations, Politics of Afghanistan</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
Iran today announced that it will take preemptive action against its enemies if it feels that its national interests have been endangered. The warning came from the deputy head of the Iranian Armed Forces, Mohammad Hejazi, amid the escalating pressure and isolation against the hardline republic against its nuclear activity. According to Hejazi, if Tehran feels threatened, it will act without waiting to be attacked. Just last week, a top US intelligence official said that while Washington believes that Iran would retaliate if attacked, it was likely that the Islamic republic would initiate a conflict. 

Presenter, Female #1
The nuclearization of Iran will top the agenda when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Barack Obama meet in the White House on March 5 following intensive talks here in Jerusalem between Israeli leaders and Obama's top security advisor. IBA's Elli Wohlgelernter joins us now with those details.

Guest, Male #1 (Elli Wohlgelernter, IBA Reporter)
Thank you, Erin. With the question of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran still very much undecided, Prime Minister Netanyahu will talk it over with President Obama in two weeks during the Prime Minister's visit to the United States to attend the annual APEC conference. Next month's meeting is seen as particularly significant, coming amidst a flurry of reports suggesting that Israel is considering imminent military intervention to try to thwart Iran's nuclear program. That position right now is contrary to the Obama administration, which is seeking to discourage unilateral Israeli action. The US has been urging Israel to give more time for economic sanctions on Iran to have an impact. Netanyahu is reportedly urging the US to intensify the sanctions.

Guest, Male #1
The March 5 meeting follows discussions over the last three days between Obama's national security advisor Tom Donilon and Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak. Last month, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey was here, and on Thursday James Clapper, the US direction of national intelligence, is also coming for more talks. After his two-hour meeting with Donilon, Barak said there is no friction with the United States, and that the US-Israel relationship is between two foreign countries, each one responsible in the final analysis of the decisions it takes for itself and its future. Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon echoed those comments this morning, telling Israel radio that ties between the US and Israeli administrations were solid, and denying that the two were in a crisis mode. Ayalon said that cooperation between the two countries was strong, and that mutual understanding was constantly growing. Before landing in Washington, Netanyahu will stop in Ottawa and meet with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Netanyahu can expect a warm welcome there, as the conservative government made Canada one of Israel's strongest international suppoerters. It will be Netanyahu's second visit to Canada in three years. The last time in May 2010, Netanyahu was forced to cut short his trip to deal with the fallout of the raid on the Mavi Marmara.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Mossad foils Ehud Barak assassination plot in Singapore [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021612?start=1004</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Militias accused of wreaking havoc in Libya on revolt anniversary, Iraq inquiry accuses VP al-Hashemi of running death squads, Yemen's Houthis to engage in the political process, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-021612-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1646.mp4" length="230127479" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-824000/824720/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=76f77df319c05d4a17b42983717d1690" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Syria, Mossad, Syrian Civil War, New Delhi, Iran, Daraa, Homs, Arrest warrant, 2011 Libyan Uprising</media:keywords>
        <media:text>A report in an Arabic newspaper today claims that the Mossad and security forces in Singapore foiled an assassination plot against Defense Minister Ehud Barak. The report in the Kuwaiti al-Jarida newspaper said that Iranian agents were attempting to target Barak, who will be heading to Singapore to attend an international aviation exhibition. Barak today is in Tokyo, where he's discussing the Iranian nuclear issue with Japanese Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka. Barak discounted Iranian claims of new nuclear achievements, which he called &quot;exaggerated&quot; and designed to scare off action against the Islamic republic. Barak accused the Iranians of trying to create the impression that they've passed the so-called &quot;point of no return&quot; in their drive to develop nuclear weapons, and that attempts to curb its development are too late. Barak also discounted Iran's announcement yesterday that it has developed a new centrifuge that's able to enrich uranium faster, and said that Iranians are priding themselves on achievements that do not exist. While not ruling out military action, Barak urged further sanctions against Iran.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Obama convinces Netanyahu to allow time for Iran sanctions [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020912?start=525</link>
        <description>US President Barack Obama has convinced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow time for sanctions to bear pressure on Iran before taking any military action, reports IBA.</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-020912-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1585.mp4" length="230217116" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-576000/576138/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=f2de1d4592b5525b78312d5f2ab06774" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, Iran, Protest, Iran-Israel relations, Civilian casualties, Military strike, Anniversary, Bahrain, Mahmoud Abbas</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In other news today, US President Barack Obama has convinced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow time for sanctions to bear pressure on Iran. This according to The New York Times, which reports that Obama believes that Jerusalem is still considering its options, but like Washington, Jerusalem remains convinced that Iran must be forced to stand down on its nuclear weapons program. The Obama administration is also reportedly upset with defense minister Ehud Barak's recent comments about whether the Islamic republic's nuclear facilities are on the verge of being made impregnable to attack. Barak recently said that the so-called &quot;zone of immunity&quot; will come into place, and after that time Israel will no longer be willing or able to cripple Tehran's efforts to produce nuclear weapons.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Iran's suspected nuclear program spotlighted in Herzliya Conference [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020312?start=1094</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WARNING: Graphic Content.&lt;/strong&gt; Yemeni protestors resilient on revolution's first anniversary, document reveals NYPD's religion-based policing eyed Shiites, Islamists take parliament in Kuwait vote, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-020312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1548.mp4" length="230496827" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-460000/460540/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=f7c1fd67c517589df82d81ed23b0cbb6" />
        <media:keywords>Iran-Israel relations, Iran, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Herzliya Conference, Nuclear program of Iran, Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Protest, United States</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Here at home, in capping a day of strident warnings from Israeli officials about the dangers posed by Iran, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that the world is increasingly prepared to consider a military strike against the Islamic republic if the economic sanctions fail to halt Iran's suspected nuclear program. Barak made his comments at the 12th Herzliya Conference, which serves as a center stage for the articulation of national policy by many prominent leaders. Vice President Premier Moshe Ya-Alon, who heads the Strategic Affairs Ministry, described all Iranian nuclear installations as vulnerable to military strikes. This assessment from the former IDF chief of staff comes in contradiction to those of other Israeli defense officials and experts, who have estimated that such a strike would be extraordinarily difficult due to the location of Iranian nuclear targets dozens of meters below the ground. Ya-Alon also went on to tell the audience that Tehran is also attempting to develop missiles with a 10,000 kilometer range, with the capability to strike the United States, and has already enriched uranium sufficient to construct four rudimentary nuclear bombs.</media:text>
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