Israel news summary

Israel News for 6-6-18

Breaking News
IDF troops carrying out a raid to capture terrorists in Nabi Saleh, northwest of Ramallah, were attacked by a mob throwing rocks. According to an IDF spokesman, “One of the Palestinians flanked the troops and hurled the rock, striking a soldier’s head.” The soldier opened fire at the attacker, seriously wounding him. IDF medics attempted to save the wounded terrorist, but he died. An army spokesperson said the incident “is being examined”.

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Kite Terror
An incendiary kite flown from Gaza sparked a major fire in an open field across from the Sapir College in the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council, near the southern city of Sderot, on Tuesday afternoon. Heavy smoke covered the college building as firefighters were dispatched to the area and worked to prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby road and into the college. Fires also broke out in 7 other locations near Gaza from incendiary kites. There were no reports of injuries.

The Defense Minister said that 600 incendiary kites have been launched into Israel from Gaza, of which 400 have been intercepted by the IDF. The other 200 have burned 9,000 dunams of crops and forests. He vowed to take whatever action is necessary to stop the terror.

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European Trip
PM Netanyahu kicked off his 4 day European trip with a meeting in Berlin with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday. He met with French President Macron in Paris yesterday and is meeting with Britain’s PM May in London today. Netanyahu’s main objective is to highlight Iran’s ongoing terror activities and muster European support against Iran, despite understanding that the Europeans will most likely not join the US in withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal.

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Golan Initiative
Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon endorsed a new plan today to rapidly develop the Golan and raise its population from 22,000 to 100,000 within a decade. The plan, which was written by Deputy Minister Michael Oren, calls for forming an inter-ministerial committee led by Finance Ministry Director-General Shai Babad to improve the quality of life in the Golan and bring more tourists to the area. The idea of building up the Golan has support in both the government and the opposition.

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Soccer Snub
The Palestinian Football Association praised the Argentinian national soccer team for cancelling a scheduled “friendly” game with Israel which was supposed to have been held in Jerusalem this week. The Argentinians were under intense pressure from Palestinians and pro BDS forces to cancel the pre-World Cup practice match. The game was originally supposed to be held in Haifa, but Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev decided to relocate the game to Jerusalem in honor of Israel’s 70th anniversary. Prime Minister Netanyahu briefly addressed the match’s cancellation saying, “We’re moving on, guys.”

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Giuliani Interview
Rudy Giuliani gave an exclusive to Globes yesterday at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem in which he spoke candidly about a wide range of issues including the recent embassy move and Trump’s peace plan. To read the interview click here.