The recent violence in Israel, the Jonathan Pollard saga, and the Entebbe raid are the topics of today’s show.
VOI’s Dov Lipman says that while he condemns in the strongest terms the attack at the gay pride parade in Jerusalem on Thursday and on an Arab home on Friday — and calls for serious self-reflection in the country — the Israeli response across the board should be a source of pride. He contrasts Israel’s swift condemnation and justice-seeking with the Palestinian celebration of terrorists and the murder of Jews.
He also raises the issue of Jonathan Pollard, arguing that the US leadership has not been motivated by anti-Israel or anti-Jewish feelings, but rather by the responsibility to do what is best for America. Dov says that we in Israel must recognize that we have to take care of our own needs and not rely on the US, regardless of our friendship and relationship.
Then, Dov is joined in-studio by attorney Nat Lewin, who sheds new light on the Pollard saga. Lewin, who represented Aviem Sella (the former Israel Air Force commander who recruited Pollard), explains that Pollard violated his plea agreement by not sharing the full story with the United States Justice Department. Lewin says he does not think President Obama was involved in the parole board decision, nor will he get involved in allowing Pollard to come to Israel upon his release.
Then, Dov is joined by MK Omer Bar-Lev (Labor) to talk about the burning issues of the day. Bar-Lev blames incitement from members of the current Knesset for recent incidences of Israeli extremism, and believes the leadership must take responsibility and change its tone. He also discusses his proposal for Israel to take unilateral action, if necessary, in order to separate from the Palestinians.
Finally, Dov hears from Bar-Lev, the last Israeli soldier with feet on the ground at the Entebbe airport during the famous raid in 1976, details of the daring operation. He describes the mood among the soldiers prior to and following the raid, and his role — which included blowing up 12 Ugandan air force jets fully fueled and ready to take off.