Israel Picks Michael Oren as Ambassador to U.S.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed the appointment of Michael Oren, a New York-born and Princeton-educated historian and commentator on Middle East affairs, as the country’s new ambassador to the US.
Israel Army: No charges in Gaza Probe
The Israeli army has closed an investigation into alleged killings of civilians during its offensive in the Gaza Strip, saying soldiers’ testimonies were based on hearsay, “purposely exaggerated” and not supported by facts. Allegations of wrongful shootings emerged from some soldiers speaking in a closed-door meeting at a military prep school. Their accounts, along with their reports of vandalism in Palestinian homes, had been published by Israeli media. (more…)
Netanyahu Picked to Form New Israeli Government
After the failure of his last-ditch effort to muster Kadima leader Tzipi Livni’s support for a unity government, President Shimon Peres formally entrusted Likud chairman Benjamin (“Bibi”) Netanyahu with the task of building a national coalition government. The right-wing Netanyahu was given 42 days to put together a coalition that might draw on Labor and Kadima, though he also spoke favorably of including the ultranationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party, which made substantial gains in the national election. (more…)
Israeli Election Produces No Clear Winner
Both Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni’s Kadima party and Benjamin Netanyahu’s opposition Likud styled themselves the winners of Israel’s elections, after it became apparent that Kadima had won the most seats in the new Knesset, but the Likud-led right-wing would constitute the larger bloc. (more…)
Israel Kills Senior Hamas Leader
GAZA CITY – January 15, 2009 (AFP) – Israel killed a top Hamas leader as tanks pressed into the heart of Gaza City. Said Siam, interior minister in Gaza’s Hamas government, was slain along with his brother and son in an air strike on the brother’s house north of Gaza City, Hamas said, as its armed wing vowed to avenge his death. (more…)
Israel Launches Operation “Cast Lead” Against Hamas
On December 27th, the sixth day of Hanukkah, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Cast Lead with the aim of striking the infrastructure of the Hamas terrorist organization as a result of the relentless terror attacks perpetrated by Hamas from the Gaza Strip and the continued firing of missiles at Israeli citizens. (more…)
Netanyahu Upbeat on Obama Plans for Iran
Benjamin Netanyahu, who many think will be Israel’s next Prime Minister said recently he saw the U.S. president-elect, Barack Obama as serious about denying Iran nuclear arms. Netanyahu, whose right-wing party leads in polls before the upcoming February 10th Israeli election, was responding to concerns raised by Israeli analysts that Obama did not explicitly say in recent televised remarks that he could resort to force against Tehran if it did not bow to U.S. demands over its nuclear program. (more…)
Israeli Leaders Congratulate Obama On Victory
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni congratulated US president-elect Barack Obama on his victory, saying that Israelis were “impressed by his commitment to the peace and security of Israel” during his recent visit. In a statement released after the election, Livni also thanked Sen. John McCain for his “long-standing friendship” with Israel, and congratulated him on an honorable campaign.
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US Approves “Stealth” Fighter Aircraft Sale to Israel
The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency has approved the $15.2 billion sale of 25 of the stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighters for Israel with an option for another 50, saying it is vital to US national security interests to assist Israel in the development of “a strong and ready self-defense capability.”
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Israel Absorbs Georgian Refugees From War
A total of 75 new immigrants fleeing the conflict between Georgia and Russia arrived in Israel with most of them settling in the cities of Bat Yam and Ashdod. The Immigrant Absorption Ministry approved an assistance package for the newcomers that will include Hebrew schooling, employment offers and subsidized rent. Underprivileged immigrants will also receive a grant of several thousand shekels. According to the Jewish Agency, some 120 additional Georgians are preparing to immigrate to Israel within the coming.
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