Apple Pulls Anti-Israel App From Store

Apple Inc. says it has removed an application called “ThirdIntifada” from its App Store following complaints that it glorified violence against Israel.

Israel’s information minister, Yuli Edelstein, requested the company remove the app in an e-mail he sent to Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Jewish human rights group The Simon Wiesenthal Center also complained to Apple.

“Intifada” is the Arabic term for two violent uprisings against Israel over the past two decades. The free application encouraged followers to share opinions and organize protests against Israel.

It linked to a website that helped organize violent clashes with Israeli troops recently along Israel’s frontiers with Lebanon and Syria.

Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr said Wednesday the app was removed “because it violates the developer guidelines by being offensive to large groups of people.” All apps released to the public are audited first, and Apple is refusing to state why this app was released.