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tillerson Israel

Israel News for January 12, 2017

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Hamas Hacking
It was recently discovered that Hamas managed to hack the personal phones of dozens of IDF soldiers by using fake profiles of attractive Israeli women to initiate virtual relationships with them. Then the “girls” would ask the soldiers to download a specific video chat app. The app, which was a hacking tool, gave Hamas total control over the phone and allowed them to activate the camera and microphone, access contacts, videos and photos, and even Whatsapp conversations and emails—all without the soldier being aware. Hamas also managed to delete the application from the devices, while simultaneously installing more sophisticated monitoring and control applications without leaving a trace.

The investigation into the hacking by the IDF’s Information Security Department and the Shin Bet has revealed that there was minimal damage as almost all of the photos and information stolen was of a personal nature. The IDF is working on procedures to protect soldiers from falling prey to Hamas ruses on social media and to prevent Hamas from infiltrating the close to 3,000 IDF related Facebook groups. Quite a challenge.

While most of the soldiers only received a warning from their commanders, some may be put in military prison for 28 days.

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Tillerson on Israel
In the course of his Senate confirmation hearing, Rex Tillerson, President-elect Trump’s choice for Secretary of State revealed his views on issues relating to Israel.

Tillerson criticized the recent UN Security Council resolution as being a way of coercing Israel to change its policies. He said, “Israel is, has always been and remains our most important ally in the region. The UN resolution that was passed, in my view, is not helpful. It actually undermines a good set of conditions for talks to continue.” He added, “That will not lead to a solution.”

Tillerson also criticized John Kerry, saying that he found the Secretary of States decision to make a speech devoted to the Middle East conflict in which he focused heavily on Israeli settlement building as “quite troubling”.

He called on the Palestinian leadership to condemn and prevent terror attacks, saying that that was a prerequisite for “any productive discussion around settlements.” He questioned whether Israel could feasibly negotiate with a Palestinian Authority that refuses to recognize its right to exist as a Jewish state.

For further reading click here.

Israel News for November 9, 2016

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Terror Attempt
A Palestinian tried to stab an IDF soldier with a screwdriver and was shot and wounded by soldiers at the scene. The soldier who was stabbed was wearing a bulletproof vest, which protected him from the stabbing. He was not injured. The attack took place at a checkpoint outside of the town of Huwara in the northern West Bank.

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PM Congratulates Trump
Prime Minister Netanyahu released a statement congratulating Donald Trump on his victory saying, “President-elect Trump is a true friend of the State of Israel. We will work together to advance the security, stability and peace in our region. The strong connection between the U.S. and Israel is based on shared values, shared interests and a shared destiny. I’m certain that President-elect Trump and I will continue to strengthen the unique alliance between Israel and the United States and bring it to new heights.”

Opposition leader Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) congratulated Trump on Facebook: “Warm wishes to the president of the strongest and biggest global power: Donald J. Trump!”

In an announcement to the press, Herzog added that “the U.S. elections are a continuation of a global trend of rejecting the old ruling elites and a wish for a clear and emphatic change. Trump’s election is the continuation of a social, economic and political tsunami which we’ve seen in many countries, which will also bring about a change in Israel.”

Education Minister Naftali Bennett expressed his hopes in a Trump presidency saying, “Trump’s victory is a tremendous opportunity for Israel to immediately announce its intention to renege on the idea of establishing Palestine in the heart of the country, a direct blow to our security and the justice of our cause. This is the president-elect’s outlook as it appears in his platform, and that definitely should be our way. Salient, simple and clear. The era of the Palestinian state is over.”

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked called Trump, “a true friend of Israel.” She added, “I am certain Trump will know how to lead the free world to success in the goals of the global war against terror. This is an opportunity for the American government to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Israel. This will symbolize the close relationship and courageous friendship between the two nations.”

Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely echoed those sentiments saying, “Congratulations to the new President Donald Trump. I look forward to the fulfilling of the promise to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. That would be an important historic move.”

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat also referred to Trump’s promise to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, saying, “Mr. President-elect, you were always a staunch supporter of the city of Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Israel and the beating heart of the Jewish people, and for that I thank you. I’m certain that throughout your term you will continue strengthening the status and sovereignty of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the U.S. Embassy to the city.”

Will Donald Trump be the president who finally follows through and moves the embassy to Jerusalem?

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