Israel News for 10-3-18

Russian Missiles
The Russian Defense Minister has confirmed the delivery of an S-300 anti-aircraft missile system to Syria. Russia announced last week that it would supply the advanced missile system after Syrian forces responding to an Israeli airstrike on September 17 mistakenly shot down a Russian military reconnaissance plane, killing all 15 people on board. Moscow also said it will start using electronic countermeasures to jam any aircraft that would try to launch attacks off Syria’s coast. The Defense Minister said, “In 2013, we agreed to stop the transfer of the system to Syria due to an Israeli request. However, through no fault of our own, the situation has changed.”

For further reading click here.

In response to the new anti-aircraft missile system, the Israeli air force has said that it will begin using its new F-35 stealth fighters in its attacks on Syria. A source at the air force said, “The coming attacks won’t be the first, but they will be safer for the pilots in light of the new reality in Syria’s skies.” He added, “This is the most expensive weapon in the world, and it’s the most advanced airplane in the world. Israel paid 125 million for each plane, and the Defense Ministry purchased 50 of the Model A planes… Our planes are called the F-35I. Eight of the planes have already landed in Israel and 33 are expected to arrive by 2021.”

For further reading click here.

Violent Clashes
Rioters launched violent clashes against IDF forces that entered the al-Am’ari refugee camp near Ramallah to map the home of Islam Yousef Abu Hamid for demolition. Abu Hamid killed Ronen Lubarsky in May by dropping a marble slab on his head from a rooftop. Rioters hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at security forces who responded with riot dispersal methods. There were no reports of injuries. In other operations throughout the West Bank last night, the IDF arrested 7 suspected terrorists.

For further reading click here.

Bike Safety
PM Netanyahu called for increased safety regulations for electric bicycles after the death of the son of a prominent Israeli director in a hit and run accident in Tel Aviv last week. Netanyahu on Monday directed Prime Minister’s Office Acting Director General Yoav Horowitz to check – together with the ministries of Transportation, Public Security and Justice – what changes and actions must be taken to increase the safety of electric bicycle riders. An Israeli Premier League soccer player is a prime suspect in the hit and run.

For further reading click here.