Israel declined to offer former US President Jimmy Carter security help during his visit to the country. Carter’s planned meeting with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal in Syria… and calling Israel’s policies in occupied Palestine “a system of apartheid” in a 2006 book probably didn’t help matters either.

“They’re not getting support from local security,” one of the sources said, on condition of anonymity.

An Israeli security source said the Shin Bet security service provided no protection to Carter during his visit to the Jewish state because no request was made.

Asked about the Israeli account, Carter’s delegation, which had previously declined to comment, told Reuters in a statement: “The Carter delegation inquired with both the lead agent of the Secret Service detail (protecting Carter) and the State Department Regional Security Officer and were told unequivocally that an official request for assistance had been made.”

American sources close to the matter said the Shin Bet, which helps protect visiting dignitaries and is overseen by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s office, declined to meet the head of Carter’s Secret Service detail or provide his team with assistance as is customary during such visits.

Carter said he hoped his meeting with Hamas would help “gauge the group’s willingness to accept Arab peace overtures.” Carter shouldn’t be too concerned, though. There’s always Secret Service Cat.

Wow, a concert for peace in the heart of Jerusalem, densely packed with thousands of young Israelis. That’s the equivalent of like, 1,000 buses, preschools and pizza parlors. What could possibly go wrong?

I’m just praying that these guys aren’t the opening act.

Now, I may be a cynic, but this strikes me as a terrible, terrible idea. I mean, the Black Eyed Peas? They’re like the poster children for pop music at its most insipid and vomitous. Just thinking about their awful, soul-crushing music makes me want to punch myself in the face, over and over again. Oh, plus, you know, the hundreds upon hundreds of culturally and mentally ravaged suicide bombers waiting for a chance to murder Israeli civilians might make this concert a downer. Just sayin.

JERUSALEM ROCKS!

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL TO BRING BLACK EYED PEAS, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT AND THE COMMITMENTS TO TEDDY STADIUM IN JERUSALEM SEPTEMBER 9, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JULY 23, 2007 – NEW YORK, NEW YORK — For the first time in history, an extraordinary lineup of musical artists will unite together on one stage in Jerusalem, Israel. Jerusalem Rocks! is a non-profit International music festival which will be set against the backdrop of the Teddy Kollek Stadium in Jerusalem on September 9, 2007. Much more then a concert, Jerusalem Rocks! is a cultural extravaganza celebrating the freedom of expression inherent in music and is committed to shedding light on Jerusalem as a beacon of peace.

I’m sure it will be a family event. More info after the jump.
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