Mark Regev Answer Readers' Questions

A few weeks ago, I was able to secure an interview with Mark Regev based on readers' questions. Many of you have responded by posting your questions, and selected topics were presented to Mr. Regev.

On a personal note, I wanted to apologize for the delay in posting these answers. I gave birth to a baby boy a few weeks ago, thus was less available than I hoped and was unable to upload these answers in a timely fashion.

Here are some of the answers I've received, dealing with the following issues:

• Terror attacks and the tools used against them - Israel has seen a dramatic reduction in terror attacks in the last few years and its not because terrorists have stopped trying.

• Israel's relations with the media - many of you raised the issue of Hasbara, or how Israel is explaining itself to international media. Mr. Regev explained Israel's efforts in this field as well as its approach to new media trends such as social media sites.

• The issue of torture - torture is illegal in Israel and the security services operate within the limits of the law.
• The Jewish identity of Israel and its impact on non Jewish citizens.

I'd be happy to hear your thoughts on these matters.

Comments

[spoffmoffat]

"Israel has seen a dramatic reduction in terror attacks in the last few years and its not because terrorists have stopped trying."
I am disappointed he didn't mention the truce Hamas has honored:
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2008/06/2008619122850753939.html

"torture is illegal in Israel and the security services operate within the limits of the law."
Definitely good news if they have indeed given it up:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/637293.stm

Well, maybe not:
http://www.dci-pal.org/english/display.cfm?DocId=724&CategoryId=3

"The Jewish identity of Israel"
What is the identity of the United States? White Anglo Saxon?

[Batya]

Sorry, but I don't agree with his answers. I don't think the wall helps, because terrorism on the otherside stopped, too.

Before Barak became PM, it was very low. Barak's reign was the most dangerous in Israeli history. Don't forget that. He's trying to get elected again.

[Batya]

ps MAZALTOV!!!

[Carlos]

Why doesn't Israel insist, as part of the peace process, that Palestinian and Arab media and educational institutions teach tolerance and the value of peace?

[Eliezer Gevirtz]

The wall seems to been extremely beneficial, as terrorism has dropped significantly. When the terrorists know that the other side 'means business' and isn't ready to roll over and play dead, they curb their attacks.

[winston]

no answer to my question on Iran?

[Tel-Avivian]

Is laying