Israel News for August 2, 2016
Air Force Alef
An Israeli company has been authorized to build the Israeli version of Air Force One, the iconic aircraft that ferries the President of the United States. The plane will cost more than $70 million and will be fitted with the latest security technology. The Prime Minister, President and other important officials will use the plane. Currently the PM leases a plane when he needs to fly overseas. So the new aircraft will save Israel money in the long run, in addition to the obvious security benefits. Specific details about the new aircraft are being kept secret by the military censor.
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Israeli Gems
According to Australian Prof. William (Bill) Griffin, a world-renowned geologist and expert on the earth’s crust, Israel might not be so resource poor as you thought. Griffin said, “Israel has large deposits containing different types of precious stones, including diamonds. This is really a bonanza.”
He recently visited Israel to study the findings of Shefa Yamim (TASE:SEFA), the only company in Israel dealing with the exploration of diamonds and precious stones. It might, however, be a bit early to load up on the company’s stock. The company hasn’t actually begun mining on a commercial scale, due to the extremely high costs involved and the need for huge capital investments. But the company is currently working on a public offering in London, so you never know.
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The Wall
Mahal, the Israeli company that built the barrier that separates Gaza from Israel, has indicated that it would be the perfect choice to build a wall between the US and Mexico, in the event that Donald Trump become the next US President.
Sa’ar Koursh, owner of Magal Security Systems Ltd., said in an interview with Bloomberg news, “We would join forces with a major US defense company that has experience with such projects worldwide. We’ve done it in the past and we would definitely want to do it.”
The company has helped construct security barriers along Egypt and Jordan, and has contracts to do the same in Kenya, Somalia and other African countries.
Regarding the Mexico wall, you already know who’ll be paying for it.
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Lebanese Blooper
A Lebanese entertainment ticketing company called Ticketing Box Office, which is owned by or related to Virgin, decided to commemorate Lebanese Army week with a special ad containing a photo of a Lebanese officer. Great idea, except for the fact that the photo was of an IDF officer. The mistake was noticed when the company posted the ad on its Facebook page. Then the press picked it up. Needless to say, the company got rid of the ad and apologized for the careless error. Someone probably got fired. Quite a blooper!
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