Israel News for 10-29-18
Gaza Updates
An IDF airstrike killed 3 terrorists near Khan Yunis who were spotted placing an explosive device on the Gaza border fence. On Friday, Four Palestinians rioters in their 20s were killed during violent protests at the Gaza border fence. IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said that some 16,000 demonstrators attended Friday’s riots, hurling Molotov cocktails, hand grenades and stones at the security forces, and burning tires.
Overnight Friday, 39 rockets were launched into Israel from Gaza. In response, the airfare struck 87 targets in Gaza on Saturday morning. Out of the 39 rockets launched into Israel, the Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted 17. Two rockets landed inside the Gaza Strip and the rest landed in open areas in Israel. Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the rocket fire and have vowed to avenge the deaths of the 3 terrorists killed near Khan Yunis.
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Oman Visit
The PM’s office said Friday that the PM has returned from a visit to the Gulf state of Oman, where he joined the country’s leader in the first meeting of its kind in more than 20 years. He had been invited by Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said after lengthy communications. Netanyahu and his wife were joined on the trip by Mossad Head Yossi Cohen, his Foreign Ministry director, and other defense officials. The two leaders issued a joint statement saying the two sides “discussed ways to advance the Middle East peace process and discussed a number of issues of mutual interest to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Palestinian President Authority President Abbas also paid a three-day visit to Oman earlier this week and Oman’s foreign minister paid a visit to the PA controlled West Bank earlier this year.
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PM Netanyahu announced Sunday that Transportation and Intelligence Minister Israel Katz will embark on a visit to Oman next week. Katz will attend an international transportation conference in Muscat upon personal invitation by his Omani counterpart and the organizers of the conference. This is the first time an Israeli minister has been formally invited to participate in an international conference in Oman.
During the visit, Katz will present the regional transportation initiative, which he is advancing jointly with Netanyahu. The initiative, called “Tracks for Regional Peace,” is aimed at connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Gulf by rail via Israel as a land bridge and Jordan as a regional transportation hub.
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First Time
The Israeli national anthem was, for the first time, played in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), when the Israeli lightweight judoka Sagi Muki won a gold medal at the Grand Slam judo tournaments on Sunday. Minister of Culture and Sport Miri Regev, who accompanied the team during the competition, wept while she sang the anthem on stage. Three other Israelis won bronze medals yesterday: Gili Cohen, Baruch Shamilov and Timna Nelson Levy.
To watch the emotional video click here. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5382307,00.html
Regev was also given a tour of the grand mosque in the capital, which is the 3rd largest mosque after Mecca and Medina. To watch a video click here.
New Construction
The Construction and Housing Ministry has approved the construction of 20,000 housing units in the city of Ma’aleh Adumim. Initially, 470 housing units will be constructed, with the remainder awaiting government approval. The project is expected to cost NIS 2.8 billion ($756 million).
Construction and Housing Minister Yoav Gallant said that the approval would “lead to significant development and growth in the population of Ma’aleh Adumim.” He said,
“In addition to the new housing units, public and educational institutions will also be established, and will include synagogues, schools, parks, community centers and sports arenas. We must continue to establish [our] hold on the Jerusalem area, from Ma’aleh Adumin in the east to Givat Zeev in the west, from Atarot in the north to the area of Bethlehem and Rachel’s Tomb to Efrat and Gush Etzion.”
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Pittsburgh
Our deepest condolences go out to the families who’s loved ones were murdered in synagogue on Shabbat simply because they were Jews. May their souls find everlasting peace in the special place reserved for those who died for being Jewish (Al Kiddush Hashem). And we pray for the full and speedy recovery of those who were wounded in the horrific shooting attack. May we never again have to mourn the murder of Jews anywhere.
