Israel News for 10-19-18
Russian Missiles
Russian newspaper Izvestia cited a Russian Defense Ministry official as saying that Russia provided Syria with three S-300 PM-2 anti-aircraft missile systems, which are more advanced than the S-300 system Moscow has recently delivered to Damascus.
According to the report, the S-300 system differs from the S-300 PM-2 system by its cutting-edge radars and advanced ability to identify targets as well as its mobile command center. It was also said that the S-300 PM-2 system is able to handle fifth-generation fighter jets and can intercept not only short-range ballistic missiles, but also medium-range rockets of up to 250 kilometers (155 miles). The system is capable of defeating electronic warfare systems.
Officials from the Russian Defense Ministry denied that Iranian forces are operating the new system.
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US Embassy
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced yesterday that the US will merge the US Consulate General, which serves Palestinians, with its new embassy into a single diplomatic mission in Jerusalem. He said, “This decision is driven by our global efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. It does not signal a change of US policy on Jerusalem, the West Bank, or the Gaza Strip.” He added, “We will continue to conduct a full range of reporting, outreach, and programming in the West Bank and Gaza as well as with Palestinians in Jerusalem through a new Palestinian Affairs Unit inside US Embassy Jerusalem.”
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Student Can Stay
The Supreme Court has ruled that Lara Alqasem, the 22 year old American student who was barred from entering Israel to study because of her BDS activity, will be allowed to stay in Israel. Several government ministers harshly criticized the court’s ruling, calling it a victory for BDS.
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No Assimilation
As part of its campaign for municipal elections in the mixed Arab and Jewish city of Ramle, the Bayit Yehudi party hung banners saying, “Hundreds cases of assimilation and nobody cares—tomorrow it can be your daughter. Only a strong Bayit Yehudi will keep Ramla Jewish.” The anti assimilation banners were called racist by Arab Joint-List candidates, who demanded their removal. Bayit Yehudi issued a statement saying, “The party’s stance regarding assimilation is clear—the Jewish people should preserve its national character, tradition, religion, culture and heritage.”
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