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[Israel (Skyenet)]

Netanyahu wows to 'hunt down and destroy' perpetrators of Bulgaria bombing
3Q2012

Prime Minister Netanyahu has wowed that Israel will hunt down and destroy the perpetrators of the recent bombing in Bulgaria, that killed 5 Israeli tourists and wounded 30 other Israelis.

So far the bombing is being labeled a suicide bombing, and the government originally blamed Iran, but later said its intelligence had tied the attack to Hezbollah in Lebanon, at the behest of Iran. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has announced plans to travel to Brussels to try to convince the European Union to put Hezbollah, a major terrorist organization in Lebanon, on their terrorist blacklist.

Bulgarian authorities have been uncooperative with media on information, refusing to confirm or deny that they are chasing a second suspect, and refusing to comment on the Israeli statements.

The bombings come at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, over Iran's illegal nuclear program and development of nuclear weapons.

[Israel (Skyenet)]

Thousands march in the streets of Tel Aviv, self-immolator dies in hostpital
3Q2012

A disabled IDF veteran who set himself on fire at a bus stop near Tel Aviv last week has died in hospital, the spokesperson at a local hospital confirmed. According to the hospital the man suffered burns on 80% of his body and his life was simply impossible to save.

The man's self-immolation is reported to be the fifth attempted and second successful one in connection with protests over rising costs of living, and the lack of improved social services, which have been ongoing for a year now.

The death triggered a new protest in Tel Aviv, gathering thousands marching through the streets. Police say approx. 2,000 people marched peacefully through the streets in an approved march, while the organizers say as many as 10,000 people were present.

[Israel (Skyenet)]

Lieberman criticizes Egyptian President for calling on bloodshed in Judea and Samaria
3Q2012

Foreign Minister Lieberman has criticized the recently elected Egyptian President, Mohamed Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood organization, for comments he made with regards to the Syrian civil war.

President Morsi condemned an imagined western interference in Syria, stating it was a matter of Arabs alone to handle, and then brought Judea and Samaria, as well as the Gaza Strip, into the matter, by asking if Western nations would support a civil war in Israel.

Lieberman said that he felt disgusted that the Egyptian President would wish for a civil war to erupt in Israel, and that this clearly shone a light on the anti-Israel policy of the Muslim Brotherhood that has recently taken power in Egypt.

[Israel (Skyenet)]

Rockets fall on Israel from Gaza, IAF retaliates
3Q2012

Again rockets have fallen on Israel, launched from within the Gaza Strip. A total of 5 rockets were fired according to the IDF Spokesperson, four of which fell harmlessly in uninhabited areas, with the last one intercepted by an IDF missile battery due to the rosk of it potentially hitting Ashdod.

The IDF also reported that the following night four Israeli jets retaliated, firing guided missiles at two militant headquarters and at one militant weapons cache believed to hold additional rockets, mortars and other weaponry. The IDF reports that they believe five people were killed in total, all militants, while Hamas claims at least two civilians were killed and have called on more attacks on Israel 'in response to this outrageous attack on Palestinian soil', one Hamas spokesperson stated.

Other Headlines
Israel silent on latest events in Syrian Civil War
Israeli soldiers arrest suspected suicide bombers and bomb makers in Judea and Samaria
Rumors suggest Gaza Flotilla apology may be forthcoming
Israel unveils new armored vehicle at arms expo
Protests die down following burial of self-immolating IDF veteran
Israel condemns alleged Russian approval of Tehran oil summit
Rumors that Israel has agents in Egypt to assassinate Iranian President dismissed as 'ludicrous' by IDF spokesperson

[Israel (Skyenet)]

BREAKING NEWS: Explosion in Tel Aviv cafe, 60 people reported dead
13:00 3Q2012

An explosion has destroyed a cafe in downtown Tel Aviv. Reports from the area suggest that as many as 60 people could have been killed, but no official statement has been made by local police or the government.

Pictures show extensive damage in the street, which has been closed down by local police. Local hospitals are advising everyone with non-critical issues to either wait or to go to hospitals outside Tel Aviv if at all possible, suggesting a large number of casualities.

The explosion took place at approx. 12:21 pm, and the cafe was supposedly full of people enjoying their lunch.

Police confirm bombing of Tel Aviv cafe, as many as 30 people are dead with up to 90 wounded
17:00 3Q2012

Tel Aviv police have confirmed that it was a bomb that caused the explosion in a Tel Aviv cafe earlier today, with no information as to what kind of bomb it was. According to the Police spokesperson over 100 people have been taken to hospital, and according to the latest information 10 people are confirmed dead, while as many as 30 people could be dead, with as many as 90 wounded.

Witnesses have stated that they saw an arab man yelling in the cafe just before the explosion, but these reports are not confirmed by the police or from any other source. According to the Police, no groups have taken responsibility for the bombing, and they cannot confirm or deny the reports that it was a suicide bomber of arab origin.

Police confirm 26 people dead, 43 in critical condition in suicide attack in Tel Aviv
20:00 3Q2012

Tel Aviv police have officially confirmed that 26 people are dead following a bombing of a cafe in Tel Aviv, with 43 in critical condition. Police have also stated that they believe it was most likely a suicide attack, based on forensic finds at the scene and witness reports.

This marks the biggest suicide attack in Israel since 2008, and the deadliest attack, so far, since 2006.
Last month, following a failed rocket attack against Israel, Hamas encouraged renewed attacks against Israel. Some have speculated that this attack is the fruits of this encouragement, and blame Hamas and Egypt for encouraging these attacks.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated on live television that 'this attack on all people in Israel will not go unanswered' and that his own and his cabinet's 'thoughts and prayers' are with the families of the dead and has stated that he intends to declare a day of mourning set for next week after the immediate crisis is over. This echoes statements by various officials and politicians.

'Bomber was Israeli Arab man' IDF confirms
3Q2012

The Israel Defense Forces has confirmed that the bomber at the Tel Aviv resturant yesterday was an Israeli Arab, with no traceable ties to known terrorist organizations. Evidence suggests however that he did not undertake this attack alone, and most likely had a as-of-yet unknown link to a terrorist organization linked to Hamas. The IDF has stated that they are currently cooperating with local police and intelligence agencies to identify these links and act on them.

The IDF would not comment on the possible actions to be taken if the ties lead to a foreign nation rather than to Hamas.

IDF executes raids and air strikes in Israel, Gaza and Judea and Samaria
3Q2012

The Israel Defense Forces has confirmed that they have raided two buildings in Israel in connection to last weeks bombing in Tel Aviv that claimed 32 lives in a cafe during lunch hours. The raids are said to be against specific persons and some witnesses have stated seeing men lead out with restraints and hoods, but this is not confirmed by the IDF.

The IDF have also conducted raids in Judea and Samaria, here the IDF have confirmed that they have detained four arab men in connection to the bombing, with one killed in a fire fight, in addition to airstrikes in Gaza against several buildings linked to Hamas and other terrorist organizations, with the IDF reporting as many as a dozen terrorists killed.

While no group has taken responsibility for the terrorist bombing in Tel Aviv, Hamas has praised the attack as a 'strike at the heart of the Zionist threat' according to a Hamas spokesperson. The Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria have condemned the attack as hurting the peace process and have extended their condolences to the families of those killed and wounded.

[Israel (Skyenet)]

Egypt goes to war in Sinai, Israel watches closely
4Q2012

The IDF has confirmed reports of an Egyptian offensive in the Sinai against insurgents, and has stated that 'while Egypt has informed us to the extent of our plans' and that Egypt 'offered Israeli inspectors to confirm that they are in no way intended as an offensive against Israel', an offer the IDF has accepted.

In addition sources within the MoD have confirmed that the Israeli Air Force has been flying UAV missions near the Israeli border to monitor activities further.

Other Headlines
Chinese Foreign Minister visits Israel, rumors suggest major energy deal
Israeli Ministry of Energy condemns Egyptian nuclear fear mongering
Kadima down to 2 seats in latest polls, party members suggest leadership change was mistake
Egyptian Air Force rumored to receive Russian stealth fighters, MoD dismiss start of weapons race

OOC: Chris, you're totally going to start an arms race, even without stealth fighters

[Israel (Skyenet)]

Russian Air Force to deploy major force to Egypt, Ehud Barak strongly condemns the move
1Q2013

The Russian Air Force will be opening a major airbase in Egypt featuring a mission described as "monitoring the Middle-East", as well as multiple types of air craft. This comes in addition to a new Russian naval base, possibly intended to replace the turbulent base at Tartus in Syria.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak has strongly condemned the move as the Russian Federation 'once again attempting to become the Soviet Union' and has stated that Israel will have 'no choice but to respond to Russia deploying such a large force near Israel',

Analysts have said that it is unlikely that the base will pose any threat to Israel, however they do rate it as likely that Israel will use the base as a political means to further grow their military capability, along with several other Egyptian advancements, such as Su-35 aircraft.

Other Headlines
Major Energy Deal with China
Netanyahu set for third term as Prime Minister polls show
'Syrian showdown imminent' - IDF source

[Israel (Skyenet)]

President of the United States, Mitt Romney, visits Israel, meets with Netanyahu and Barak
2Q2013

Mitt Romney, who recently took office as President of the United States, is visiting Israel for the second time in a year, to meet with Netanyahu and Ehud Barak, Minister of Defense.

While no statement has been made about the agenda for the meeting, beyond "furthering the excellent relations between Israel and the United States", analysts believes that the meeting will revolve around security policy, due to the presence of Barak.

Israel's security situation has been pressed lately, with the Arab Spring making the entire region unpredictable, and most recently, the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt attempting to start an arms race, while standing by to invade Syria.

The last time Romney visited Israel, as a Presidential Candidate, the international community condemned him, after he suggested that the reason Israel was better off than its neighbors was a "cultural difference", implying that Israelis are better than their neighbors, and by stating that Jerusalem was Israel's capital, a fact only recognized by Israel itself, with all other nations maintaining that Tel Aviv is Israel's capital.

[Israel (Skyenet)]

Election date set, Tal Law is major issue
3Q2013

The Knesset Election date has officially been set to October 22nd, 2013, a Tuesday, as expected. This means that the 18th Knesset has become one of the longest continuous sessions since the formation of Israel, lasting from February 10th, 2009.

Polls show that Kadima is approaching a disaster, having won 28 seats in 2008, and now showing single-digit seats if the election was held today, the latest polls hovering around 4 seats.

Likud may also be losing seats, with polls varying between showing them at 28 seats, one up from 2009, to as low as 25 seats, down two. Most of Kadima's seats seem to be going to Labor, who is up to 21 seats from 13, as well as journalist Yair Lapid's party Yesh Atid, formed in 2012, which currently hovers at 12 seats.

Data also show that Tal Law, which governs the conscription of Orthodox Jews into the IDF, allowing them to be excepted until they can get a permanent exception for parental or age reasons. The law caused Kadima to leave the coalition last year and has since been a divisive issue in Israel. The existing law was marginally extended by the Knesset, to allow elections to be held.

While nearly all parties promise to reform Tal Law 'to the better', very few have given any details to what this means. Netanyahu's platform is the clearest, promising to reform it to give a fairer division of duty, based on the view that Orthodox Jews being able to 'dodge serving their country', as some have put it, is unfair.

Another issue that has jumped into the spotlight is Security, which has been an issue on which there has been little debate until recently. The jump is fueled by IDF reports that Egypt has become at significant security threat after the Muslim Brotherhood took power last year, with extensive weapons imports. On one side, many argue that Israel should maintain their defenses but not participate in an arms race with Egypt, instead spending money on improving the social situation in Israel, while on the other hand, many argue that a threat like Egypt cannot be ignored.

Other Headlines
Egypt - Whore of the Middle East?
Government to allow export of Gas from Israel
Muppets to advise Israelis on Disaster Preparation in new Ads
'Iran fueling Egypt, Syrian rebels' - IDF Source

[Israel (Skyenet)]

Election Results, 2013
4Q2013

Once again Israel has gone to the election booths, demonstrating why it is the only true democracy in the Middle East.

Ahead of the election polls had foreshadowed a radical change from last election, with Kadima, the previously biggest party at 28 seats, losing between 21 and 25 seats, while many new parties stole those seats, like Yesh Atid, who were slated for 14 seats.

Netanyahu's party, Likud, looked to stay put in the election, having hovered one or two above or below their current 27 seats, while practically every old party kept the same number of seats, except Labor who was setting up to gain between two and five seats.

One of the new parties bursting forward, is Yesh Atid, founded by former TV personality Yair Lapid in 2012, who barely managed to provide evidence of the 13.5 million shekels needed. The party has gained much support for their “Lapid Programme”, their plan to have all Israelis regardless of religion, serve their military service. The party originally hovered around 10 to 12 seats, but has lately gained even more seats from Kadima, with the latest polls having them around 15 seats.

Distribution of Seats in the 20th Knesset
Likud - 29 seats
Labor - 18 seats
Yesh Atid - 16 seats
Yisrael Beiteinu - 15 seats
Shas - 11 seats
United Torah Judaism - 5 seats
Kadima - 4 seats
National Union - 4 seats
UAL-Ta’al - 4 seats
Hadash - 4 seats
Jewish Home - 3 seats
Meretz - 2 seats
Balad - 2 seats
Atzmaut - 2 seats
Tikun - 1 seat

Netanyahu and his party, Likud, has announced that they intend to form a government coalition with Yesh Atid, Yisrael Beiteinu and Kadima, for a total of 64 seats. While the cabinet makeup isn’t finalized yet, Netanyahu is expected to keep the Prime Minister post.

The coalition includes a wide spectrum of positions, but is largely right-wing or centrist. All parties but YB supports or would accept a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue, but all parties also advocate that large portions of Judea and Samaria, which are historically Israeli such as settlements, be kept by Israel. There are however nationalistic tendencies, especially with the presence of YB.

This third Netanyahu government is likely to be hard on terrorism, even harder on Iran and reform the Israeli economy to ease doing business in economy and equality in Israel.

Other Headlines
IDF practicing for Iran bombing - IDF source
Polls show orthodox Jews unhappy with election result
Two rockets from Gaza fall harmlessly, one intercepted over town
Former General advocates seizing Suez Canal to prevent Russian control

[Israel (Skyenet)]

Netanyahu III Cabinet
Slightly Delayed

Prime Minister of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu, Likud
Minister of Defense: Shaul Mofaz, Kadima
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Avigdor Lieberman, Yisrael Beitenu
Minister of Internal Affairs: Yair Lapid, Yesh Atid

Romney staunch supporter of Israel
2Q2014

According to documents from the American Defense Security Cooperation Agency, responsible for selling military equipment to America's allies, Romney has approved a significant hike in Israel's military support.

Under a previous agreement with former President George W. Bush, Israel was allocated up to 3.1 billion dollars per year, until 2013. For 2014 documents indicate that Israel has 3.5 billion dollars per year. In addition sources inside the Ministry of Defense confirm that there is a plan in place for a boost in these funds until 2020.

Romney recently visited Jerusalem, meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. According to Netanyahu the meeting largely revolved around security issues, such as the recent Russian and Chinese moves into Egypt, the issue of Syria and other local security issues.

Polls show that Romney is currently significantly more popular than Obama ever was, even when he was newly elected, in Israel.

Other Headlines
Mossad official claims that he has seen evidence of Jordanian Nuclear Weapons
Iran rattles sabers, but can they really put up a fight?
Pakistan tests new long range missile, Government officials say this proves that countries hostile to Israel are developing weapons to strike Israel
UN General Secretary supports giving Jerusalem to a Palestinian State, protests in Israel result in 3 deaths, several destroyed cars