Richard Gere slams Israeli settlements as 'absurd provocation'

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American actor Richard Gere speaks during a press conference at the Israeli premiere of the "Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer" movie, in Jerusalem, on March 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
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A general view taken on March 9, 2017, shows the Israel settlement of Migdal Oz, north of the West Bank Town of Hebron. (AFP / HAZEM BADER)
Updated 13 March 2017
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Richard Gere slams Israeli settlements as 'absurd provocation'

JERUSALEM: Richard Gere has lashed out at Israel over its settlements in territory that Palestinians want for a state.
The “Pretty Woman” star came to Jerusalem for the local premiere of a new film by Israeli writer-director Joseph Cedar in which he stars.
A story in Sunday’s Haaretz newspaper quoted the actor as saying “settlements are such an absurd provocation ... and they are certainly not part of the program of someone who wants a genuine peace process.”
The international community mostly views settlements as an obstacle to creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel in territory it captured in the 1967 war. Israel says settlements along with other core issues like security should be resolved in peace talks.


Jordan begins implementing Royal directives to modernize Arab Army

Updated 11 sec ago
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Jordan begins implementing Royal directives to modernize Arab Army

  • On Saturday, it was reported that King Abdullah had announced the strategy

AMMAN: Jordan’s Armed Forces have begun implementing royal directives from King Abdullah II aimed at restructuring and modernizing the Arab Army to strengthen its operational readiness and ability to meet evolving security challenges, it was announced on Sunday.

The overhaul is designed to sharpen combat capabilities and establish a streamlined, flexible force equipped to operate across varied environments, while adapting to the demands of modern and unconventional warfare, the Jordan News Agency reported.

The directives called for closer alignment between organizational structures and operational needs, alongside upgrades to command, control and communications systems. 

They also urged stronger integration across military branches and units, as well as expanded use of advanced technologies, including unmanned systems and cyber capabilities.

Plans also include reinforcing reserve forces, improving logistics to ensure reliable supply chains, and supporting Jordan’s defense industries to enhance self-sufficiency and efficiency.

In a statement, the Jordanian Armed Forces said they were fully committed to carrying out the royal directives as part of a broader strategic vision to raise professionalism and preparedness.

On Saturday, it was reported that King Abdullah had announced a strategy “to achieve a structural transformation in the armed forces over the course of the next three years,” Petra said.

In a letter to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the King wrote: “Our Arab Army is a national institution that every Jordanian is proud of.”

“We must examine the requirements for modernizing and developing our Armed Forces, while restructuring them to keep pace with combat demands within various environments of operation,” the king wrote. 

The king also said the army must have sufficient reserve forces reinforced with the necessary capabilities.

“Our Armed Forces must have sufficient reserve forces, equipped with the various needed capabilities to execute their operations efficiently.”