Posted on 08/31/2006 12:01:31 PM PDT by John Jorsett
A former head of the Armed Forces struck a Labour Party peer during a furious row over the Lebanon conflict.
Lord Bramall, 82, hit Lord Janner, a senior member of Britain's Jewish community, after making what witnesses claim were a series of 'anti-Israel' comments.
Peers watched in astonishment as their argument over the Middle East escalated.
Lord Janner, 78, a veteran campaigner for Holocaust victims, was said to feel 'wronged and seriously offended' after the attack at the House of Lords.
He immediately sought the advice of fellow peers about how and whether to make a formal complaint against Lord Bramall, who was Chief of the Defence Staff during the 1982 Falklands War and sits as a cross-bencher.
But, after consulting several colleagues, Lord Janner decided he was prepared to accept an apology. They approached Lord Bramall, who later phoned him to say sorry.
A senior source said: 'There was no anti-Semitic remark but the comments by Bramall were anti-Israel. It took place in one of the rooms close to the Lords chamber and it got out of hand. It ended with Bramall hitting Janner.
'Those who witnessed the row were extremely shocked by his behaviour.'
The former Labour MP for Leicester - better known as Greville Janner - was left feeling 'distressed and bewildered', according to one of the senior peers he consulted.
When Lord Bramall was asked if it was true that he had had an argument with Lord Janner over the Lebanon crisis, in which he made anti-Israeli remarks, he replied: 'We are very old friends, we have corresponded since then.' Asked what 'then' meant, Lord Bramall said: 'Since we had a slight argument.'
Questioned over whether the argument involved any physical contact, Lord Bramall replied: 'Not an assault,' before terminating the conversation.
Eton-educated Lord Bramall served in the occupation of Japan. He was later on Lord Mountbatten's staff and became a full General in 1976.
No action has been taken by the Lords authorities and Lord Janner has made no complaint.
Last night he said: 'Lord Bramall has apologised, and, as far as I'm concerned, the matter is now closed. I'm sorry, I'm saying nothing more.
First Mel Gibson, now this dude...something in the water on the continent?
Marquis du Queenbury Rules??
Frankly, I blame Peer pressure.
"Now go away or I will taunt you a second time."
Please don't post from that garbage dump.
Sorry--never heard of them.
High volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel. also
2006israelwar or WOT
..................
I wish smeone would bop Ted kennedy over the head in the Senate.
Most Americans would buy a ticket to that performance.
Lord Bramall had a senior moment. He's feeling better now.
There's no fool like an old fool.
| As you probably know, the recent violence followed the kidnapping of three Israeli soldiers, one in Gaza and two in southern Lebanon. Which of the following statements comes closer to your own view? |
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| Israel has the right to defend itself and the Israeli attacks in Gaza and the Lebanon have been an appropriate and proportionate response to the kidnappings |
17 |
| Israel has the right to defend itself but the Israeli attacks in Gaza and the Lebanon have been an inappropriate and disproportionate response |
63 |
| Neither/Don't Know |
20 |
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| Some people say the Israelis have brought the present violence on themselves by refusing to withdraw behind their original borders and by taking over Palestinian land in the West Bank. Do you think the Israelis have, to any extent, brought the present violence on themselves? |
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| Yes, there would be fewer attacks and a real chance for peace if Israel withdrew behind its original borders |
40 |
| No, the opponents of Israel will always attack Israel and try to destroy it, no matter where its borders are |
35 |
| Don't know |
25 |
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How would you rate the American administration's performance in the current crisis? |
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Excellent |
1 |
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Good |
4 |
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Fair |
18 |
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Poor |
32 |
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Very Poor |
27 |
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Don't Know |
18 |
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Which of the following statements comes closer to your own view? |
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Tony Blair in the current crisis gives the impression of making up his own mind and taking his own line |
15 |
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Tony Blair in the current crisis gives the impression of siding with the Americans, whatever the Americans say |
64 |
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Don't know |
21 |
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ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1,000 adults aged 18+ by telephone on 20-21st April, 2002. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults.
. . .
"Q3. In the dispute in the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinians, from what you have seen and heard about the conflict which of the two do you sympathise with more, Israel or the Palestinians?"
Israel 14%
Palestine 28%
Both 14%
Neither 23%
Don't know 20%
Tragically, just like a western Jew. Never protects himself, just gets a bloody nose and then asks for advice and counseling.
What did he say about Israel?
Inquiring minds want to know.
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