Israel News for 4-23-18
Missiles to Syria
Russia is reportedly considering supplying the Syrian government with its powerful S-300 missile defense system, and has warned Israel that attacking it would be “catastrophic for all sides.” Russia had originally agreed to sell the system to Syria in 2010, but scrapped the plan at Israel’s request.
The Russian-made system offers long-range protection against both fighter jets and missiles. The system has been supplied by Moscow to Tehran, and deployed by the Russian army in Syria, alongside its more advanced iteration: the S-400.
Israeli officials have expressed concerns that selling the S-300 system to Damascus could weaken Israel’s regional air supremacy. Therefore, Israel might look to destroy the defense system, preferably before it is set up and made operational.
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Terrorists Arrested
Israeli security forces arrested 19 wanted Palestinians early Sunday, including 15 Hamas members who were arrested in the Ramallah area. Among them was Khaled al-Din Hamed, a Hamas member from the Gaza Strip, and other senior members who received funding to carry out different assignments in their area of residence.
Meanwhile, Arab media outlets are reporting that a senior Hamas terrorist was killed in an explosion in northern Gaza. Three other terrorists were injured in the blast. It’s unclear whether the explosion was accidental or a result of a drone attack.
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Terrorist Assassinated
A Hamas-affiliated Palestinian engineer from the Gaza Strip was shot dead on Saturday near the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur by two people on a motorcycle. The assassination is being blamed on the Mossad. Israel denies the accusation. The engineer was an expert in rocket building.
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Embassy Prep
The Foreign Ministry is busy preparing for the opening of the new US embassy in Jerusalem, which is scheduled for May 14. The ministry is planning for an 800 person US delegation led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are also expected to attend. Of course, all of Israel’s senior officials will be there too. Guatemala is scheduled to open its embassy in Jerusalem 2 days after the American opening.
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Eurovision Yiddish
If you haven’t heard yet, Israel’s song entry in the annual Eurovision contest is Toy by Netta, which addresses issues related to the #MeToo movement. Well, now there’s a Yiddish version (parody).
To watch the music video click here.
Prayer for Israel
Check out this music video of a version of the prayer for the welfare of the State of Israel sung by acapella group Voices – click here.
