Israel News for 9-13-18
Bomb Neutralized
The IDF neutralized an explosive device located near the security fence in the southern Gaza Strip today. In a statement the IDF spokesperson said, “The terror squad that planted the bomb had plans to attack IDF soldiers and disrupt the activity of the forces operating in the area.The planting of the explosive device, conducted under a disguise of violent riots along the border, is another confirmation that Hamas terror organization is working to preserve the confrontation in the border area and to harm IDF soldiers while using civilians in the Gaza Strip as human and as a cover for terrorist activity. The IDF is ready to act against terror that seeks to harm its forces and defense infrastructures.”
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Massive Fire
A huge fire destroyed hundreds of dunks of the Ein Tzukim Nature Reserve near the Dead Sea. Between 300 and 400 dunams of the reserve’s unique vegetation were destroyed and many animals perished as well. According to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the rehabilitation of the Ein Tzukim Nature Reserve will take years. Police arrested 2 Arab residents of East Jerusalem and 1 resident nearby village of Azaria for allegedly starting the fire. The suspects deny the allegations.
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PLO Office
PM Netanyahu praised the US decision taken earlier this week to close down the Palestinian diplomatic mission in Washington in reaction to the Palestinian refusal to enter into peace negotiations with Israel. He said, “The US made the correct decision when it decided to close the PLO offices in Washington. The Palestinians refuse to enter negotiations with Israel even as they attack Israel with false claims in international forums.”
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Defense Agreements
Defense Minister Lieberman traveled to the country of Georgia on Wednesday to sign counterterrorism and cybersecurity cooperation. He said, “On the issue of defense cooperation, we have set out four main objectives: cybersecurity, help in establishing a military reserves system, fighting terror and defending the homeland.” Lieberman and Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria also discussed Iran and the current situation in the Middle East. The two politicians signed an official cooperation agreement between their two ministries.
Over the years, Israel has sold a number of weapons systems to the eastern European nation and has also trained members of the Georgian armed forces in Israeli military tactics and strategy.
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Czech Embassy
Czech leaders on Wednesday endorsed moving the country’s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In a joint statement, the Czech president, prime minister, parliament speaker and the foreign and defense ministers said the opening of a “Czech House” there in November would be “the first step in the plan to move the Czech embassy to Jerusalem.”
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Judo Identity
The International Judo Federation (IJF) announced that it will bring back the Grand Slam competition tour to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, after the state pledged to allow Israeli athletes to participate with the Israeli flag and play the national anthem during medal ceremonies. The IJF published a statement saying the UAE had succumbed to the many pressures exerted on it and will permit the Israeli delegation to compete with the country’s national symbols.
According to an IJF statement, “The historic decision will allow all nations, including Israel, to be accompanied by their national symbols and anthem. The IJF salutes the efforts of the UAE for taking a major step toward promoting peaceful relations between all countries of the world. The UAE, along with our partners, remains committed to the struggle against all discrimination in sports, which should be used as a tool for reconciliation and promotion of peace in the world.”
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More Flights
Irish low-cost airline Ryanair is launching a new route between Tel Aviv and Memmingen, Germany on October 29. There will be two weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays with outward bound fares starting from €30 and inward bound fares from Memmingen to Tel Aviv starting from €25. Fares include only hand baggage. Memmingen is located in Bavaria, 110 kilometers west of Munich.
This will bring to 24 the number of routes Ryanair operates from Israel – 9 from Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv and 15 from Eilat. Ryanair will receive a grant of €150,000 from Israel’s Ministry of Tourism for launching a route to a city as yet unserved by any other carrier.
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Portuguese national carrier TAP Air Portugal is to launch daily Tel Aviv – Lisbon flights starting April 1, 2019. Round trip ticket fares currently being advertised on TAP’s website start from €236 for Tel Aviv – Lisbon – Tel Aviv (hand luggage only).
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