Israel News for 7-23-18
IDF Rescue
The IDF rescued several hundred Syrian civil defense activists, along with their families, from the war torn area near the Israeli border. The activists belong to the White Helmets, officially known as Syria Civil Defence, which is a volunteer organization that operates in parts of rebel-controlled segments of the country and which works to rescue and assist civilians caught in war zones. After being taken across the Israeli border the activists were transported to Jordan.
Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mohammed al-Kayed, confirmed that Jordan had agreed to accept the activists strictly on humanitarian grounds. From Jordan the rescued activists are expected to be relocated within three months to one of the three countries that have committed to accepting them: Britain, Canada and Germany.
The White Helmets organization has saved more than 100,000 lives since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, according to the US State Department. Syrian President Assad has accused the organization of aiding the rebels. Syrian state TV Al-Ikhbariya reported the Israeli evacuation of the White Helmets, calling it a “scandal” and saying “terrorist groups” now have “zero options.”
Great Britain and the EU requested Israeli assistance in rescuing the activity and praised the rescue missions success. British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted, ”Fantastic news that we— UK and friends—have secured evacuation of White Helmets and their families. thank you Israel and Jordan for acting so quickly on our request.”
European Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement that “The EU recognizes the essential efforts of Israel and Jordan, and of all others—including several EU Member States—who contributed to bringing the White Helmets and their families to safety.”
PM Netanyahu issued a video statement saying US President Trump, Canadian PM Trudeau and others had asked him to help evacuate the group’s members. He said, “These are people who saved lives and whose lives are now in danger. I authorized bringing them through Israel to other countries as an important humanitarian gesture.”
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Syrian Strike
The Syrian news agency SANA reported Sunday evening that an Israeli air strike hit a military post in the city of Misyaf in Syria’s Hama province, causing damage but no casualties. The Hezbollah-affiliated Al Mayadeen network reported that the alleged targets were scientific research centers for chemical arms production. An intelligence source said a major military research center for chemical arms production was located near the city. Syrian opposition members reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as well as Hezbollah’s members were killed in the alleged the strike. According to Syrian reports four Israeli fighter jets took part in the attack, with three missiles being intercepted by Syria’s airspace defense system.
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Gaza Strike
An IDF aircraft struck Sunday a cell of terrorists launching incendiary balloons from northern Gaza into Israel. No casualties were reported in the incident. Defense Minister Lieberman addressed the people of Gaza saying, “We have completed a situation assessment regarding the passage of goods in Kerem Shalom, and the residents of Gaza must understand that as long as incendiary balloons keep landing on our side and causing fires, on both sides of the fence, life will not go back to normal. My message to the residents of Gaza is — take responsibility, the key, among others, is pressure. You, Gaza residents, will put pressure on the Hamas leadership.”
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Soldier Buried
Hundreds of people attended the funeral yesterday of IDF soldier Staff Sgt. Aviv Levi, who was killed by a Hamas sniper on Friday afternoon on the Gaza border. Levi, who was 20 years old, was a commander of an IDF force that was in charge of preventing dozens of Gazan protesters from crossing the border fence.
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Palestinian Killed
IDF troops were carrying out an arrest raid in the Dheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem overnight Sunday when a “violent riot” began. Palestinians hurled firebombs and grenades at soldier, which caused the soldiers to respond by firing live rounds selectively. A 15 year old Palestinian boy was reportedly shot in the chest and killed and another Palestinian shot in the legs and wounded. No IDF soldiers were injured.
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Free Shipping
Amazon has resumed free shipping to Israel for purchased over $75, which is the amount above which Israeli buyers must pay 17% VAT for their purchases. So you still need to pay the tax, but the shipping is free. Not too bad.
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