The 11-year-old boy whose leg was severed after stepping on a land mine in the Golan Heights says there was no fence or sign warning of the mine field. Daniel Yuval said he was playing with his sister in the snow when the explosion occurred.
Top military brass acknowledged more could be done to protect the public from such incidents. Golan Brigade Commander Colonel Eshkol Shakrun said the public must be vigilant when stopping in the Golan, and said weather has caused some warning signs to deteriorate.
Pinchas Cohen will remain behind bars – for the time being at least. Cohen threw a shoe at Supreme Court President Dorit Beinish several weeks ago.
His lawyer argued before the Jerusalem Magistrate that Cohen should be put on house arrest, but Judge Alexander Ron disagreed, saying Cohen had thrown a shoe at the entire justice system.
Cohen claims the police and the courts are corrupt.
Prime Minister Netanyahu says Israel wants peace with Syria and the Palestinians. That statement comes just after Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman fired strong words at Syria and the Assad regime in an ongoing war of words between the two countries.
Netanyahu said Israel wants peace with all of its neighbors, and that negotiations must take place without the Arab world placing ‘pre-conditions that mean huge concessions on Israel’s part ahead of time.’
Former Chief Rabbi Rishon Letzion Mordechai Eliyahu’s condition deteriorated over Shabbat. He is now listed in critical condition.
Rabbi Eliyahu has been hospitalized since suffering a stroke and having open heart surgery 20 months ago. He served as the country’s chief Sephardic Rabbi from 1983 to 1993.
Iran successfully launched a rocket into space carrying live animals a turtle, a mouse and worms among them. Iran is saying the Explorer 3 rocket will serve the countrys research interests, but a number of world powers arent so sure.
A spokesman for United States President Barack Obama called the act provocative, while Australia cancelled a shipment to the Islamic Republic fearing the contents could have been for Tehrans nuclear program. Even Russia voiced concerns over the issue.
Rocket fire continues in the South. A Kassam rocket fired from the Gaza Strip struck farmland Wednesday near the border fence separating Israel and Gaza in the Shaar HaNegev Regional Council. The rocket attack comes a day after another Kassam hit nearby. No one was injured in either incident.
The Air Force responded to Tuesdays rocket attack with a strike on Rafah and the defunct Dahania airport in Gaza. Three Gazans were injured in that incident. Military officials say they targeted a weapons smuggling tunnel.
Hamas strongman Mahmoud Al-Zahar blames Prime Minister Netanyahu for breakdowns in the negotiations for kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalits release. Al-Zahar told the BBC that negotiations went backwards after Netanyahu got involved.
The Prime Minister reportedly balked at Hamass demand that between 1,000 and 7,000 Palestinian prisoners be released in exchange for Shalit. Many of those prisoners have been directly involved in attacks on Israelis.
Netanyahu responded to Al Zahars claim, saying if Hamas wants a deal, it will happen.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi addressed the Knesset, saying the relationship between Israel and Italy is strong.
The Italian Premier said he is proud of his countrys show of support of Israel. He highlighted Italys vote against the U-Ns Goldstone Report which sought to criminalize Israel for responding to Hamas rocket fire.
Berlusconi also called for hard sanctions and international condemnation of Iran until Tehran ends its nuclear program.
Problems continue to mount for Jerusalem Beitar and HaPoel. United States-based billionaire Guma Agiar pulled his investment from both teams, and in the case of Beitar, Agiars money had alone rescued the team from dissolution last summer.
Compounding concerns for Beitar Arcadi Gaydamaks ownership of the team. The Russian-Israeli businessmans legal wranglings prevent the financially strapped Beitar from being sold to someone who can support the team.
Beitar can still put up about 20 million shekels for the next season, but the team will likely need to offload some of its best talents.
Israeli economy has been surprising, it has increased by 0.5% at year's ending. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics prediction figures, the economy was supposed to decline by about 1 to 1.5%. However, based on the population growth per capita, there is a decline of 1.3%
03/01/10
The official website of the Israeli secret service, the Shin bet, has recently released confidential data about its spying techniques. Explanations are given on terrorist threats on Israel and many covert operations that were executed. Moreover, the history of this organization is told and that of its members. And for apprentice spies who are interested, recruitment opportunities are also cited.
After the Christmas holidays and New Year German mediator, Gerhard Conrad, returned to Gaza through Rafah crossing .The mediator, is scheduled to meet with Hamas heads Dr. Mahmoud al-Zahar and Dr. Khalil al-Haya, in order to receive Hamas' position towards a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. As reported in recent days, the movement is expected to present its reservations regarding the Israeli offer, but is unlikely to shut the door on the continuation of talks.
Alert Policemen were able to thwart a stabbing attack by arresting three Palestinians of Hebron near Jaffa Gate, in the Old City of the Jerusalem. They were arrested in a Fiat car after raising the suspicion of police officers stationed in the area. They admitted, during their interrogation, that they were going to stab a security guard or a Jew who would "bump" into them on the way.
This morning Iran banned its citizens to contact with 60 Western non-governmental organizations, mostly Americans, as well as with Web sites who oppose the regime or with foreign media in Persian, including the "Voice of Israel". Iranian Ministry of Intelligence, stands behind the decision, explaining the process that all organizations and sites listed here take part in organizing protests against the regime since the reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, about six months ago.
Despite the condemnations - Israel continues to build in East Jerusalem. Just a few days ago Jerusalem's Planning and Construction Committee authorized the establishment of a new Jewish neighborhood near the Mount of Olives. It will constitute an extension of a Yeshiva school named "Bet Orot", which now operates in several caravans. .According to the plan, four residential buildings will be built, which will accomodate 24 Jewish families.
