Israel News for 12-27-17
Gaza Warning
Defense officials warned ministers at a recent cabinet meeting that the situation in Gaza was volatile and similar to the one immediately prior to the 2014 Gaza war (Operation Protective Edge). The assessment was based on a combination of the worsening Gaza humanitarian situation, failure by Hamas to pay salaries for several months, public disappointment that built expectations on the stalled PA-Hamas reconciliation agreement, and the “Jerusalem Effect”. Other factors include Hamas frustration at their tunnels being destroyed by the IDF and IDF retaliation against it for any rockets fired from Gaza (even if they didn’t fire them).
Based on the assessment, the PM instructed the head of the National Security Council to formulate a desirable course of action and present it to the cabinet within three weeks.
For further reading click here.
Terrorist Convicted
The Ofer Military Court convicted the terrorist who murdered Yosef, Elad and Chaya Salomon in Halamish last July. The terrorist entered the courtroom with a wide smile on his face. His parents were also present. The prosecution asked the court for four life sentences one for each murder and a fourth one for the rest of the offenses —attempted murder, incitement and stone-throwing. The Salomon family members and relatives were upset that the prosecution didn’t demand the death penalty.
Earlier today, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman tweeted: “A life sentence is the only proper punishment for such a despicable act. I call on the judges to demonstrate their courage and sentence the terrorist to death. Jewish blood isn’t cheap! There is no room for terrorists, not even in our prisons.”
To read more of the comments made by family members click here.
Trump Station
Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz approved recommendations made by the Israel Railways steering committee to create a train station in the Jerusalem’s Old City’s Jewish Quarter and name it after Donald Trump. The train and station will be in a tunnel 52 meters below street level and will bring travelers from the city center. The official station name will be, “Donald John Trump, Western Wall”.
Katz said, “The Kotel is the holiest place to the Jewish people, and I have decided to name the train station leading to it after US President Donald Trump, in recognition of his brave and historic decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.”
The train line to the Jewish Quarter will be an extension of the soon to be launched Tel Aviv-Jerusalem express train, which is supposed to make the journey in around a half hour.
For further reading click here.
Teva Rebound
While Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (TEVA) isn’t very popular with the thousands of workers it is laying off, its shareholders are beginning to smile again. The company’s share price, which was once at a high of $70, had plunged to a low of $10.85 on Nov. 2. But then new CEO Kare Schultz took over and yesterday the stock hit $18.92. The company has now reclaimed its status as Israel’s most valuable company with a market cap of $19.22 billion. Time to buy Teva?
For further reading click here.
Chess Snub
Saudi Arabia is hosting the world chess championship in Riyadh, but seven Israeli chess masters won’t be allowed to attend since the Saudis have refused to grant them visas. There are protests and condemnations, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference to the Saudis. Perhaps the White House should add Saudi Arabia’s name to the “list” and cut their financial aid? Wait, do they finance us??
For further reading click here.
Prayer for IDF
Here’s an inspiring rendition of the prayer for the soldiers of the IDF sung by the IDF Chief Cantor LT. Colonel Shai Abramson. To watch video click here.
