Today is the fiftieth anniversary of the Six-Day War, Israel's greatest military victory, a victory that ironically inflicted a political disaster upon the state of Israel.

After fifty years, the disastrous Pyrrhic repercussions of this military victory are intensifying as the occupation of the West Bank solidifies both on the ground and in the minds of many Israelis, Palestinians, and their leaders.

Yossi Alpher is an independent security analyst. He is the former director of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, a former senior official with the Mossad, and a former IDF intelligence officer. Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent APN's views and policy positions.

This week, Alpher discusses whether the Six-Day War was a just war from Israel's standpoint; the benefits that came from Israel's victory in the war; the costs at the regional strategic level; the Palestinian issue coming out of the war; where we are today; and what Israel should have done after the war in 1967, in hindsight.

Shortly before midnight on June 2nd, the remarkable Sara Ehrman - longtime Board member, leader and a founder of APN - died at age 98.  

If you knew Sara, you know that there never was and will never be anyone else like her. She led a full and meaningful life, full of friends, family, humor, and purpose. She was smart, funny, courageous, frank, irreverent and generous.

JTA: May 28, 2017
"Thousands rally in Tel Aviv for two states, against occupation," thousands gather in Tel Aviv for Peace Now rally for two states, against occupation.

Ma'an News: May 28, 2017
"Tens of thousands of Israelis attend 'two states one hope' demonstration in Tel Aviv," a message from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was read during the rally which said: "There isn't a voice stronger than the voice of just and inclusive peace, just like there isn't a voice stronger than the right of people for self-determination and freedom from the burden of occupation."

PressTV (AFP story): May 28, 2017
"Israeli protesters support Palestinian state, urge end to occupation," Peace Now rally supports Palestinian state and urges end to occupation.

Ynet News: May 27, 2017
"'Two states, One hope'—peace demonstration held in Rabin Square," quotes Avi Buskila ahead of the rally saying, "From Rabin Square, a clear message will be sent: Yes to hope—not to be afraid, yes to two states—not to one bi-national state, yes to a better future for Israel—no to annexation and continued control over millions of Palestinians in the West Bank."

Jerusalem Post: May 27, 2017
"Thousands on Left rally for two-state solution," thousands turn out to Peace Now rally for two-state solution.

Times of Israel: May 27, 2017
"On Trump’s tailwinds, thousands to attend Tel Aviv pro-peace rally," high turn-out expected for Peace Now rally against 50 years of occupation.

Deutche Welle: May 27, 2017
"Tel Aviv rally for two-state model," Peace Now rally expresses support for two-state solution.

A semi-annual presidential act, signing a waiver that maintains America’s Israel embassy in Tel Aviv, has become a subject of heated speculation and debate, following Donald Trump’s statements of intent – as presidential candidate and as President-elect -- to move the embassy to Jerusalem.

The statements and the speculations ended with President Trump doing exactly what all his predecessors, Democrats and Republicans, did since Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act in 1995. He signed a presidential waiver, stipulating that the embassy will remain in Tel Aviv for six more months.