The incoming head of Israel’s National Security Council Eyal Hulata and his soon-to-be predecessor, Meir Ben-Shabbat, reportedly traveled to Cairo to discuss plans to strengthen the fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group.
The duo is said to have met with Egyptian General Intelligence Directorate chair Abbas Kamel two months after he visited Israel to help secure an end to the 11-day conflict in May.
The meeting between the two sides is the first to take place since a new coalition government led by Naftali Bennett was formed in June and comes amid ongoing tensions between Gaza-based terrorists and the Jewish state.
Hamas is pressing Israel to relax restrictions on the passage of goods through the Kerem Shalom crossing into the Strip that ensure only humanitarian aid gets through. Bennett previously promised to put an end to the smuggling of “suitcases full of dollars” that end up in the hands of militants.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has warned that Israel will no longer put up with rocket fire emanating from across the northern border and said he will hold Lebanon’s government and military responsible.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Bennett said: “The State of Lebanon and the Lebanese army must take responsibility for what is happening in their backyard…. Israel will not accept shooting at its territory.”
His comments come two days after Iranian terrorist proxy Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a barrage of 19 rockets launched towards the Jewish state. The Iron Dome defense system intercepted 10 of them, while the rest fell in open areas or within Lebanese territory.
The IDF has responded to multiple attacks along the northern border over the last week with heavy artillery shelling and airstrikes.
Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz offered a glimmer of hope to Israelis looking to spend the Jewish holidays with family and friends by affirming it was “too early to say” whether another nationwide lockdown would be needed in September to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Horowitz insisted any closures would be a “last resort” option for the government. “As long as there is a chance to avoid it, we will do everything possible to prevent it,” he said.
Meanwhile, a new rapid antigen testing program has been rolled out. The test, which provides results in 15 minutes, is part of the so-called Green Pass system that grants people access to large public events.
Israel is currently offering a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine following a rise in infections. So far, half a million Israelis aged over 60 have received the booster jab.
A total of 3,372 new cases were diagnosed on Sunday, while the number of people in a serious condition stands at 260.
Israel enjoyed its best-ever performance at the Tokyo Olympics after athletes won two gold and two bronze medals.
Israeli rhythmic gymnast Linoy Ashram scooped the top prize making her the Jewish state’s first female gold medalist, while Artem Dologopyat won the other gold medal for his floor routine in the men’s artistic gymnastics.
Avishag Samberg was awarded bronze in the women’s 49kg taekwondo and Israel’s mixed judo team also took third place.
Israel’s first gold medal was won in the 2004 Athens Games by windsurfer Gal Fridman.
HonestReporting is pleased to inform you that it is organizing a mission to Israel from October 5-12, 2021.
The behind-the-scenes trip includes:
- 5-star accommodations at the Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
- Exclusive briefings by political, defense and academic leaders
- Tour of the Lebanon border with an anti-terrorism expert
- Insider’s look into the complexities of the disputed West Bank
- Examination of Israel’s vibrant democracy at the Supreme Court
- Meetings with influential journalists… and much more!
For more information, please contact us.
Recommended Reading
- Parents of Teen Killed by Hamas Bomb Take On Jordan’s King Abdullah (Doree Lewak, New York Post)
- Israeli Medical Holography Firm Gets FDA Clearance for 3-D In-Air Hologram System (NoCamels)
- The IDF Doesn’t Scare Hezbollah Anymore – analysis (Anna Ahronheim, Jerusalem Post)
- Israel’s Fanciest New Mall Opens in the Judean Desert (Zev Stub, Jerusalem Post)
