The main theme of today’s Israeli missile attack on the media is a school bus near Sdot-Negev, near the border with Gaza. All politicians commenting on the attack, carried out on April 7, emphasize that it is a yellow bus – that is, a bus carrying children. Israeli authorities believe that the terrorists deliberately chose the goal, so – crossed the “red line”. Recall that as a result of firing anti-tank rocket bus were injured two people: a 16-year-old schoolboy, Daniel Bethlehem, of Beit Shemesh, was very seriously injured, the driver received minor injuries. At the time of attack on the bus were only two people: a driver and a teenager. The driver of Zion Yamini was wounded in the leg and got a concussion, but was trying to help seriously injured. Tried to provide all possible assistance and driver of the vehicle, which went to the bus – Shmuel Bar-Ziv. Shortly after the attack arrived on the scene the helicopter and the severely wounded were evacuated to the hospital. Doctors assess the condition of a teenager with severe traumatic brain injury fragmentation, as critical. The bus driver on Friday morning, was discharged from the hospital. Responsibility for the attack a school bus took the “Brigades of al-Qassam Izaddina” (military wing of Hamas a terrorist organization). In a statement issued this group, it was said that the shelling was in retaliation for the bus elimination of several Hamas militants who planned to capture Israeli citizens on the territory of the Sinai Peninsula. During the previous day and the night of April 8, the IDF struck a series of retaliatory air strikes on targets in the Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian sources, the Israeli military killed at least 5 Palestinians and wounded about 40. During yesterday’s Palestinian terrorists fired on Israeli territory dozens of rockets and mortar shells. Several missiles were shot down over Ashkelon missile defense system “Iron Dome”. The political leadership of Hamas claims that seek an end to rocket attacks on Israeli territory, and intends to file a complaint with the UN to “disproportionate” Israeli military action. At this stage it is unclear whether the Israeli leadership to take the decision to hold a large-scale anti-terror operation in Gaza. (Strana.co.il)

The U.S. State Department condemned the attack on an Israeli school bus, and expressed concern about the use of modern anti-tank weapons against civilians. “We strongly condemn the attack on civilians in southern Israel and the constant rocket attacks from Gaza,” said a State Department statement. “There is no reason to attack innocent civilians and those responsible for these terrorist attacks should be brought to justice.” “We are deeply concerned at reports indicating that the targeting of civilians used a modern anti-tank weapons,” the statement said. (Mignews.com)

Continuing exchange of fire started by terrorists from the Gaza Strip. As a result of a direct hit in one of the settlements in the Negev burned kindergarten. Fortunately, this happened after the children left the garden. The terrorists are firing mortars and antitank missiles from the area in the center Sadzhaiya Gaza Strip. Army forces returned fire with tank shells. They were joined by helicopter gunships. (7kanal.com) On Thursday evening, April 7 missile defense system “Iron Dome” (“Kipat Barzel”) was first successfully tested in field conditions. At 18:16 the system has detected a missile, “city”, which was started in the direction of Ashkelon, and released on her two missiles. The very first anti-missile missile destroyed the flying “hail” in the air. In the IDF stressed that the successful test of battle “Iron Dome” – a historical event, as the system of this kind has demonstrated its effectiveness for the first time in world practice. A source in the army leadership explained to journalists that the complex “Kipat Barzel” simultaneously performs three functions – warning people about the threat of destroying flying rocket and instantly BBC IDF accurate information about the site launch. On Thursday, all three systems have worked well and accurately, as a result of the group started the “city” of militants had been destroyed. The military will continue to deploy and test the battery “Kipat Barzel” in other areas south of the country living under the threat of rocket attacks. Battery “Kipat Barzel,” designed to intercept medium-range missiles have been deployed in the Ashkelon area on Monday. Apart from Ashkelon, Ashdod protects the battery and the settlements located to the north. Last week, the first such battery covered by rockets Beersheba. (News.israelinfo.ru)

Palestinian groups declared a cease-fire starting from 23:00 local time, at the time of consultation with the Western countries and international representatives. This was announced on Thursday evening, April 7, a representative of Hamas after a meeting with representatives of other groups. Offer Hamas cease-fire came after the IDF struck several blows against terrorist targets in Gaza in response to the massive shelling of Israeli territory. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel would take any necessary action in the Gaza Strip after the bombing of a school bus anti-tank missile. “We hope that the situation will remain the same, but we will not shy away from taking the necessary measures, offensive or defensive, to protect our country and our citizens,” – said Mr. Netanyahu on Thursday, April 7, at a press conference during his visit to Prague. The Hamas government, in turn, said that demand from the UN Security Council to stop the “ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza.” Press secretary of Hamas Tahar Nunu said that “Israel does not respect the ceasefire agreement”, which was signed by Palestinian factions in Gaza. Another Hamas spokesman, Fawzi Barhoum, said that Palestinian fire, which includes dozens of rockets and mortar shells, as well as a school bus fire, come from the desire to protect the people of Gaza from the “pressure of the occupation” and called upon “to stop the Israeli crimes.” (Mignews.com)

IDF ignored the cease-fire declared by Hamas and continued to attack various sites in Gaza. The Army leadership believes that attacking the school bus yesterday, the terrorists crossed the red line and should be severely punished. The Israeli Air Force attacked a three tunnels in the southern Gaza and successfully hit the target. In IDF claimed that the current operation in Gaza – the largest since the end of “Cast Lead.” According to the military, the political leadership of Hamas has lost control over the armed forces, and cease all rocket attacks are short-lived. (Isra.com)

After a massive rocket and mortar fire south of Israel, the leadership of the Regional Council of Sha’ar Ha-Negev has decided to cancel classes in primary schools on Friday, April 8. Nurseries will continue to work normally. Schools in Asheklone, Sderot and the Eshkol Regional Council will also continue to work on Friday. As the press service of the Israeli army, for on Thursday, Palestinian terrorists fired 45 rockets and mortar shells at southern Israel. (Mignews.com)

France’s foreign minister said that Israel asked for his help in evacuating its diplomats from the Ivory Coast. According to him, with the request to him personally asked the foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman. France, whose numerous military stationed in Cote d’Ivoire, currently plays a significant role in political life. Recall special unit forces the UN peacekeeping mission and the French army corps launched a joint military operation in Côte d’Ivoire, said on Monday, April 4, Agence France-Presse, with reference to the UN representative. Prior to that UN peacekeepers and French troops to help him maintain neutrality. Landing of French forces took place on Sunday, and from that day waiting for orders military to begin operations. April 4th Air Force UN and France attacked the fortified buildings where, in all likelihood, the headquarters of the unrecognized republic’s President Laurent Gbagbo in Abidjan. This city is the economic capital of the republic. Air strikes were also marked by Gbagbo and the residence of the presidential palace. (Mignews.com)

According to Egyptian press, since the overthrow of President Mubarak’s crime rate has increased by 200%. Rampant crime is so influenced by some of the Egyptians, that they have with nostalgia, “Mubarak’s order.” During the riots of the wave that preceded the overthrow of the Mubarak, the Egyptian prisons had fled thousands of dangerous criminals. Following this, at the request of the demonstrators was disbanded the hated security ministry. In addition to the fight against political opponents of the regime has been involved and common criminals. Now in this area creates a dangerous vacuum, which were not slow to take advantage of criminal elements. Unbelted not only criminals, but ordinary Egyptians. In Cairo you can see how in prohibited places cars are parked in two, and then in three rows, blocking traffic on main roads even. Drivers quietly ride around on the wrong side – also on one-way street. Throughout Egypt, a wave of armed kidnapping children of wealthy citizens. The most famous was the great-niece abduction of Anwar Sadat, which was released after paying a ransom of $ 600 thousand euros. In Alexandria, in the wealthy neighborhoods of children now walk under armed guard. In Assuate fight ended with two students in that clan offended by hand, using firearms, siege, blocking it in 25 students. The siege was lifted only after the arrival of army armored personnel carriers. (Mignews.com)

After a four-month break, the Palestinian Authority chairman Abu Mazen again sent on a visit to Egypt. Since that time, the political structures of this country there have been significant changes, and this time the visit will take place without mandatory meeting with Mubarak at the presidential palace in Heliopolis. Last night, Abu Mazen met with Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the League of Arab States and one of the contenders for the presidency of Egypt. Policy discussed the situation on the border of the Gaza Strip and plans for the new Egyptian prime minister Issam Sharaf on the regulation of Rafah checkpoint, and a possible visit to Abu Mazen in Gaza. Said Amr Moussa, secretary general of the League of Arab States: “At its heart is an initiative of President Abbas, his visit to Gaza and the resumption of talks on national unity. Of course, the Arab League supports this process and is ready to render all necessary assistance, because we are interested in that this reconciliation happen immediately. There is no explanation of continuing intra-conflict and confrontation. ” Today, Abbas met with Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, as well as other members of the Supreme Military Council. Sources close to Abbas, announced that the parties discussed a possible meeting between the Chairman of autonomy and Khaled Mashaal, head of political bureau of Hamas in the Egyptian capital. Apparently, the official Cairo decided not to waste time on the eve of the treatment Abu Mazen’s unilateral recognition of Palestinian independence in the UN General Assembly in September this year to achieve the end of the split between the two parts of autonomy. These efforts fit perfectly into the new Palestinian policy of Cairo – on the day of prisons were released and transferred to the Gaza Strip 14 Palestinian prisoners, but today the Government announced the granting of citizenship to children of joint marriages between Palestinians and Egyptians. (ZMAN.com)
p>

The police allowed to publish the fact of exposure, arrest and prosecution of Israeli citizens, Arabs living in Tzur Baher in the south-east of Jerusalem, involved in planning terrorist acts and terrorist operations against the Jews. In particular, one of the members of this group, Ahmad Dueyt, has made it the most explosive device that exploded in the hands of the garbage collector, an employee of the municipality of Jerusalem, in March of this year outdoors Derech Hebron, Jerusalem. Originally destined for an explosive device under the tabs at the entrance of trempiadu quarter of Gilo on Tunnel road leading to Gush Etzion and Hebron, but something scared terrorists and forced him to throw a homemade bomb in the bushes by the roadside, where, to his misfortune, has picked up its garbage collector (he severed hand). We add that the brother of Ahmad Dueyta, Husam Tayseer Dueyt was one of the suicide tractor, Jerusalem, in July 2008 changed the course of the bus with passengers and a bulldozer crushed a passenger car wheels, which was a half-year-old child. The child’s mother, who was driving, died under the wheels of a bulldozer. Baby – half-year-old girl – was in the back seat of a car, tied to his chair. She received minor injuries. In addition to his lineup consisted of brothers, Jihad and Marwan Mounir-Atun – Hamas militants who served prison terms in Israeli prisons, left on freedom and returned to terrorist activities. They are responsible for liaison with the leadership of Hamas and the transfer of funds and ammunition to terrorists in Jerusalem. Their brother, Mahmoud Atun, serving time in an Israeli prison for involvement in the murder of an Israeli policeman Nissim Toledano. Jihad Atun was the one who handed the leadership of Hamas order to commit terrorist attacks in the yeshiva, “Merkaz Harav, and” on the eve of Purim, three years ago. (7kanal.com)

Allowed to publish information on the prevention of the Shin Bet at the beginning of the year, attempts to capture IDF soldiers in order to exchange the terrorists sitting in Israeli jails. According to the disclosed information, in January of this year Shin Bet arrested in Ramallah and its environs a few Arabs, who were members of a terrorist group planning to seize IDF soldiers. At the head of the group was Hamza Ibrahim Musa Zaharan (31) from the village of Bidu, located northwest of Jerusalem, the District of Benjamin. Apart from him in the group was part of Nizam-Shnina Hamtu Mehmet, who had served in the “security organs” Arab Authority, in Ramallah. Name another member of the group, which managed to arrest the Shin Bet – Honey Gahar Deer Shaami, a former resident of Jebal (Gaza Strip), the PFLP activist, who was in the West Bank illegally. It should be noted that all three served in the past, prison terms in Israel for involvement in terrorist activities, and have been granted early release in 2006. The group thoroughly prepared for the long-term terrorist activities in Israel, they have received from the Gaza Strip, from the brother Deer Shaami, monies earmarked for acquisitions in the area in Ramallah home with land, which should have been equipped with sound and puleneprnitsaemoe space for content It soldiers, who had planned to take in order to further negotiations on their exchange on Hamas terrorists sitting in Israeli jails. They also received instructions on how to make fake documents, on the basis of Israeli identity cards who were planning to steal from unsuspecting Israelis. Under the guise of a fictional they intended to visit the Israeli cities, collecting information for terrorist acts. A month ago against the three, the indictments were brought against the charges in military court in Judea, and now these facts have been approved for publication. (7kanal.com)

MK Danny Danon (“Likud”), who is currently in the United States, finished talks with a group of American lawyers of Jewish origin for the preparation and filing a lawsuit against Justice Richard Goldstone. The lawyers agreed to provide their services free of charge, on a voluntary basis, the press service of the motion “World Likud.” The petition, which must be filed next week in the U.S. District Court in New York, Judge Richard Goldstone will be accused of libel. The plaintiffs intend to demand from him a formal apology to the offended party and the state of Israel to pay a symbolic compensation. At the first stage of the trial will be held in the United States. If Goldstone come to Israel, the same claim can be filed in Israeli courts. Recall Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Yishai (Shas) has invited the judge to visit the Jewish state, and he accepted the invitation. In 2009, Judge Richard Goldstone, appointed by the UN Human Rights published a report accusing Israeli soldiers of committing war crimes during the anti-terrorist operation “Cast Lead” in the Gaza Strip. “The distorted picture of events presented in the report of Judge Richard Goldstone, paid, deals, and for decades to come will continue to harm the State of Israel and its citizens. The public apology to the entire country, perhaps a little will reduce the amount of damage” – said the deputy Danny Danon. Danone decided to sue after the Goldstone published in the newspaper The Washington Post article and said that the revised his attitude to the operation in Gaza and acknowledged that his report dealt a significant damage to the State of Israel and its image in the eyes of the world community. But then he added that he would not help Israel achieve the abolition of the report on “Litomu lead.” At the same time, the UN claim that the report is required to review an official request from the author. Earlier intention to seek the abolition of the Goldstone report said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, numerous sources in the government warned that it is technically feasible. At best, Israel would achieve the adoption of the new document. (Newsru.co.il)

Amazing events have occurred that week. On Sunday, April 3, in Paris the new president of the European Union of Jewish Igor Kolomoisky announces work on the creation of a 24-hour news channel called multilingual Jewish News 1. The next day, speaking before thousands of delegates to the congress in Paris, Vice-President of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Malcolm Hoenlein said that the decision is a historic decision Kolomoisky for Jewish communities around the world. Kolomoisky reports that after 3 months the channel has broadcast starts in test mode. April 6, President of Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Alexander Mashkevich reported in Washington to start work on a new Jewish news channel, which three months will be presented to the public. Several questions arise: either the two most prominent Jewish oligarch channel decided to do together and reported it separately or Mashkevich took this decision after Kolomoisky, and we will have two channels, while decades of dreaming about one, or there may be other options unknown to the public. It seems that soon we will know what happened, but in any case, I want to congratulate all of us that finally we will have a Jewish channel, maybe for two. (Mignews.com)

According to some data, as a result of a collision between two passenger trains in Netanya, injured over 70 people. Fortunately, since the rate of both formulations was low, the vast majority of the victims escaped with bruises and contusions. The engineer of a train received moderate injuries. All the victims were hospitalized in the hospital in Netanya, Kfar Saba, Hadera and Tel Aviv. The accident occurred as a result of a frontal collision between two trains at 100 meters south of the railway station in Netanya, in a place where the sideline, running from the station, merges with the main railroad tracks. According to initial investigations, the culprit of the accident was the train driver, heading from north to south. Apparently, the driver did not notice the red traffic light signal the train. (Newsru.co.il)

According to Israeli fuel companies, in March 2011, Israeli gas stations sold 190 million liters of gasoline with an octane number of 95, 5% less than in March 2010. The volume of gasoline sold in the first quarter of 2011 to 3% (20 million liters) of lower volume sold during the same period last year. The decline in diesel fuel consumption was even more dramatic. According to the fuel companies, in the first quarter 2011 sales volumes of diesel fuel fell by 9%, including in March – by 19%. Reason for the decline in consumption of gasoline, obviously, is a sharp rise in fuel prices on world markets, leading to a record increase in the price of gasoline and diesel fuel in Israel. As reported today, the newspaper “Maariv”, reducing fuel consumption, indicating that reducing the number of trips, and led to a decrease in the number of hits car owners for maintenance. (Newsru.co.il)

World Bank published a report on the state of the economy PA and highly appreciated the successes achieved in recent years. Bank shares the view of the willingness of financial institutions to the proclamation of Palestinian state. In a report transmitted to the sponsoring countries, indicates that the PA authorities continue to improve public institutions, as well as carry out reforms that are not always a virtue to other governments. The World Bank welcomes the strong growth in the PA (9.3% in 2010), but warns that to keep such figures is very difficult. Experts note that the Palestinian private sector can not flourish without softening the Israeli restrictions. Bank urges the PA to invest in trade and infrastructure, to reduce unemployment and increase productivity. Among the problems of the PA World Bank experts have called a high level of poverty – 16% of the population in the West Bank and 33% in the Gaza Strip live in poverty. Yesterday the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that the Palestinian economy is ready to proclaim an independent state. IMF experts praised the action of Salam Fayyad to implement financial controls and the principle of transparency and budget planning. However, if the IMF stressed the PA to reduce dependence on foreign aid, the World Bank, by contrast, said that without donor Palestinian economy can not develop at this time. (Newsru.co.il)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Development of the Negev and Galilee and Regional Cooperation Silvan Shalom, a leader of the party “Likud”, has kindly agreed to answer questions from NEWSru.co.il. Michael Borodkin.

Please tell us about the work of the Ministry of Development of the Negev and Galilee.

Our ministry deals with issues that no one has yet dealt with, and also acts as a focal point when you should ensure the cooperation of other agencies. We carry out numerous projects, both small and very large. For example, the opening of the Medical Faculty in Safed. This problem the government has instructed my ministry, and we have done it. Today the faculty accepts those who already have a first degree, but eventually I plan to turn it into a full-fledged medical school, where students will receive all six years of medical education. Faculty will open its doors in October, initially for 130 students, but then we hope to increase this number to 1,000. Moreover, I want to become a base for faculty new university, several campuses scattered in different places. The appearance of the higher education institution in the Galilee will certainly help improve the quality of life in the periphery.

I also got confirmation of the plan for the construction of the railway in Karmiel. I remember you talked about trying to disrupt laying of the railway in Karmiel.

Yes, the Finance Ministry demanded instead adopt a project to build a tram line. The fact that the railway from Karmiel, sooner or later will be extended to Safed, and further, and the tram line – no. Treasury preferred tram for reasons of economy. Had to endure a difficult battle, while the Minister of Transport and did not support me no matter decided in favor of the railway, in defiance of the Treasury and officials of his ministry. In my ministry is engaged in the Negev, such as the civil side of the transfer of military bases, including the allocation of funds to subsidize a removable housing, construction of new areas, information support, development of transport systems and other such matters. We were able to thaw a project to build a Beer Shevoy park for car racing. This is a very important project, as it envisages the creation of jobs, attract tourists and much more. In between racing fleet will be used for training military and civilian truck drivers. Another major project involves the upgrading of industrial zones in the southern areas – road repairs, better lighting, etc. In addition, we have begun work on a large industrial area in Netivot, the first plant will move there, “Terra”, which will take about a thousand people. Behind him followed by others. In addition, I attach great importance to education, not only high, but average. It was here, on the periphery, launched a project to create a modern class of electronic boards instead of the normal and other computing equipment. We started with 400 training classes, but then decided to increase this number to 1,000. Already prepared the first hundred. Incidentally, nowhere in the middle of the country does not. We are working on this project with the World Network of schools, “Ort”. They identified 15 million shekels, and we are the same. The Ministry of Education has provided training for teachers. There are other projects, such as “password for each student,” that students could personally from any location via the Internet to contact the teacher.

I believe that there should be an equal opportunity to realize the potential. A good education helps you create a successful career, and this leads to a reduction in social inequality. I can cite a personal example. I grew up in Beersheba, and, as it was believed, could become what was. But, thanks to my mother and my own efforts, my brother and I were able to successfully finish school and then university. I learned several trades, and I a lawyer and auditor, and an economist, and a second degree in my management of public companies. So for me, education is paramount. We are also engaged in the construction of gyms and playgrounds. Until now, the government did not build gyms, but I decided it was time to do and that. In general, I want to say that if the ministry earlier in the development of the Negev and Galilee was considered somewhat minor, but now our budget has grown five-fold and reached a billion shekels. I think after I left for this post will compete many.

Do you support the reform of political system?

Support, but with reservations. Our society still has many groups – the religious sector, the Arab sector, new immigrants, etc. They all deserve representation in power structures, and the parliamentary system gives them a mission. But you need to make a difference. First, we must raise the electoral threshold to 4%. We are in the Knesset, then 12, then 15 fractions, it’s madness. It’s better to be 7.6 larger parties. Second, reduce the number of votes of no confidence. After all, few people know that the weekly supply of no-confidence vote results in a bitter dispute behind the scenes in the coalition. Party are exacting more and more demands. For example, recently refused Shas MPs to come to a vote of no-confidence until they fulfill one of their conditions. This must stop. Third, the prime minister should get more powers. You should not apply to the Knesset for approval of each appointment and each of the decree. This, again, gives the coalition partners the opportunity to demand more concessions. My last suggestion is associated with earlier. If we are able to ensure stability of the government, it will be necessary to limit the tenure of Prime Minister to two terms in succession.

What do you think about the proposal to increase the number of Knesset members?

No, this I disagree. The arguments of supporters is clear: when a quarter of MPs hold ministerial posts, but still about the same shall serve as chairmen of the factions and the chairs of parliamentary committees, working just a nobody. But I believe that this problem will be solved by raising the electoral threshold.

You’ll fight for the post of party chairman “Likud”?

I do not deny any opportunity. We have a democratic society. In the past, often a member of the party leadership challenged the incumbent government. Sharon was fighting for the post of head of “Likud” with Prime Minister Shamir, Netanyahu – the prime minister Sharon, Peres – with Rabin, etc. It is quite legitimate. You know, I could double to become the head of the government? For the first time in 2001, when elections were on the prime minister. I then considered the possibility to run for the presidency, “Likud” against Sharon and Netanyahu. Sharon in the polls coming out the weakest candidate, and he also had the least chance of winning Barak. We had to make a decision very quickly, and eventually I decided to give up the fight. But then suddenly, Netanyahu withdrew his candidacy, as it failed to achieve promised to dissolve the Knesset. So if in the end I was against Sharon, you probably would have won, because my position in the party were very strong. And then I’d beat and Barak. The second time occurred when Sharon left, “Likud”. He called me with you, but I refused because I thought it my duty to remain in the party. Sharon adviser Reuven Adler persuaded me, saying that I make a big mistake, but in vain. Sharon then disaster struck. Many people think that Mr Olmert became prime minister, because he held the post of first deputy prime minister, but it is not. The law states that in such a situation, the head of government is one of the members of the ruling faction. If you remember, Tzipi Livni, Meir Shitrit and refused to fight in favor of Olmert. And at that moment I was in the “Likud”. If I were in the “Kadima”, the prime minister would be me. But I do not regret about it. My choice was conscious, I chose to remain faithful to the values.

I want to ask you about the peace talks with the Palestinians. Why no progress? What should be done to advance the peace process?

As the Americans say, takes two to tango. The Palestinian side has absolutely no interest in peace negotiations with our government, as made clear in the first day after the swearing in of ministers. They began to invent various nonsensical excuses. First required to accept the principle of “two states for two peoples.” It’s absurd – surely someone seriously believed that after several successive governments to recognize this principle, Netanyahu will come and abandon him? However, the prime minister decided to go towards the Palestinians and gave a speech at Bar-Ilan University. I was sure that he made those statements in vain, as the Palestinians did not want negotiations. After his speech, the Palestinians have said that it is impossible to negotiate and continue to build settlements at the same time. Too absurd, because until now none of the Israeli government did not present such demands. But we went out to meet them again, freeze for 10 months. Incidentally, I once again was against it, because he thought such meaningless concessions. The Palestinians have confirmed that I was right. They then took another three months to negotiate permanent borders. It would be a terrible mistake, as we would forego the benefits of our unique – territory, and they would retain the position on all other issues. I’m not surprised at the lack of desire to the Palestinian side. No Palestinian leader today is not in a position to demand less than Arafat, who rejected an offer of Barack. I hope also, that no Israeli leader did not offer the Palestinians more than the suggested time Barack, but it would be better and do not offer. Let me remind you, he yielded 97% of Judea and Samaria, with compensation for the remaining 3% gave control over the Temple Mount and three quarters of the old town, retreated to the 1967 borders, and even agreed to accept 100,000 refugees. Negotiations broke down only because of the fact that Barak demanded that Arafat to declare end to the conflict and pledge not to raise new claims. The Palestinian leader refused, fortunately for us. But he set a certain standard requirements, to reduce that today none of the Palestinians can not. This does not mean that we should not try to reach a compromise. We need to act in other areas, primarily in the economic sphere.

When you were Minister of Foreign Affairs, the much talked about establishing good relations with Arab countries. Speaking about the success in this area, you singled out two states, which are now undergoing a severe crisis – Egypt and Tunisia. How do you evaluate what is happening in the Middle East and North Africa? Should Israel put forward some initiatives to take any action against the background of these revolutions?

Without a doubt, we are talking about this earthquake. And today we are still far from complete these crises. We can not know whether all will end democratization. Moreover, democratization can lead to power items that are least supportive of democracy. The closest example – elections in the PA, won by Hamas. The transformation of the Arab countries in the present democratic government is welcome, but I will not attempt to predict whether such a result in ongoing processes. Egypt there is a key country in determining the overall trend. We need to draw several conclusions from the events. First, it is now clear that instability in the Middle East is not related to the Israeli-Palestinian kofnliktom, contrary to what we were told all these years. Instability in the Arab countries due to internal causes. Secondly, all future peace agreements must be based on an agreement on security, not the other way. We do not want peace for thirty years. The agreement with Egypt is such an arrangement, it is the demilitarization of the Sinai Peninsula. So no compromises on security issues in future agreements can not be. Thirdly, it is necessary to use a broader, strategic approach to the situation. We are seeing a tremendous battle between Iran and Western countries for hegemony in the Middle East, and the outcome of this battle will be crucial. Iran is behaving as if he already has become the new lord of the region. I believe that Tehran will ultimately brought to its knees by a UN Security Council resolutions and new sanctions.

Do you think that sanctions are able to stop Iran?

Yes, I’m sure of it. Sanctions have had at one time its effect on South Africa, Libya and North Korea. Tougher measures against Iran will also be effective. Tehran is already experiencing great difficulties. The Iranian leadership is a dispute over the future of politics. They choose between the development of its nuclear program and dialogue with the West. Ali Khamenei chose nuclear program, and now they are reaping the benefits. Not only the UN Security Council imposed sanctions, as many Western countries have made and continue to make their own, unilateral steps. For example, a few months ago, Barack Obama traveled to India, where he discussed, in particular, the question of supplies of gasoline to Iran, because the Indian refineries processed about 15% of Iran’s gasoline. Of course, there are Russia and China, whose interests in Iran.

In conclusion, I would like to ask you to tell us more about your two initiatives: the extension of daylight saving time, and of turning Sunday into a day off.

I believe that it is high time to start thinking “in a civilian” and not “in the military.” Security issues are very important, but today there are many other equally important things. Today, Israel must be connected to the outside world. One way – to set the order of daylight saving time in accordance with European countries. The objections of the religious parties seem to me irrelevant, I had fasted on Yom Kippur. Let’s not easy to avoid an extra hour, but after the summer we have a post on the 9th of Av, which ends after eight o’clock in the evening. Do not worry, coping. A longer period of daylight saving time is needed. I do not really trust the commission established by the Minister of the Interior, but look what they write in the report, which must submit in May. In any case, I will seek an extension of daylight saving time, with their recommendation, or without it. But summer time is less important than the introduction of the day off on Sunday. Today, we have virtually no normal output at the end of the week. This just in Tel Aviv, people think that a Friday afternoon you can find an open store. In other parts of the country things are very different, there the afternoon before Shabbat and the man has nowhere to go. In addition, we are cut off from the world for three days a week – a Friday-Saturday we are closed on Sunday – they have. Therefore, I propose the following. Friday will be a shorter working day, with six hours. The remaining two and a half hours to split between Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. That is, the working week will remain at a rate of 42.5 hours. My initiative is supported by trade union chairman Ofer Eyni, head of the Industrialists Association Shraga Brosh, the head of the Association of Chambers of Commerce, Uriel Lynn, hotel owners and local authorities, and now I will consult with teachers’ organizations and other entities. Overall, while this initiative does not agree to those, I think, would have won more than anyone else – religious. But I think the chances I have. We may not need the Knesset, and we will be able to do collective bargaining agreements with the subsequent extension to all workers. First of all, the winner will be the periphery, where people will go to rest. This will be an important step in turning Israel into a normal country. (Newsru.co.il)

In the heart of Tel Aviv will build a new luxury hotel. At the site of the destroyed 20 years ago, the old “Sheraton”, on which one is left only memories and archival photographs, will be built a new hotel with direct access to the sea and parkland. On the site of a huge empty lot, crowning the elite Tel Aviv street Nordau, soon will begin construction of a 17-storey hotel. Also near the hotel will be equipped with a small park, paths for pedestrians, cafes, restaurants and direct access to the sea for leisure. The project authors have taken care of parking spaces – at the disposal of the guests and visitors will be built 300-seat underground parking. Experts argue that the new project will greatly improve the infrastructure of the Tel Aviv seafront and make vacation more comfortable and enjoyable. (Mignews.com)

Israel has long been a phenomenon, when in relation to certain categories of employees not covered by established labor laws regarding minimum wages, social conditions, etc. As a rule, this applies to unskilled labor used for cleaning, construction, agriculture and some other areas. For a long time as a cheap labor force were mostly Palestinians from the territories. Their number was strongly reduced after the first intifada and the numerous terrorist attacks in the 90s, when they were severely restricted in their access to Israel. This decrease was for some time, “offset” by an influx of immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Then the immigrants replaced by foreign workers. In recent years, as cheap labor used refugees illegally infiltrated into Israel from African countries (mainly from Sudan and Eritrea).

In TheMarker published a long article on the use of refugees as cheap labor. This phenomenon has emerged relatively recently. Illegal refugees began to appear in Israel since 2006. Now their number is about 33 thousand people. It is mainly young unmarried men 20-30 years with low, as a rule, the level of education. Naturally, they do not (and can not be) an official work permit. The government, worried that all the growing flows of illegal refugees, approved the sanctions against employers who illegally engage them to perform heavy unskilled work. However, since the ban followed a complaint to the High Court, the government decided not to apply until the sanctions. The government’s plan is to bring these people into special camps, where they will be deported from the country. But this is only a plan. Thus, the savvy “employers” continue to hire illegal refugees, taking advantage of the contradictions and loopholes in the legislation and the lack of any refugee rights. One refugee told TheMarker described a typical “labor exchange” in the Tel Aviv area. Those wishing to earn a living for refugees gather near Kibbutz Galuyot highway. Several dozen people waiting for the next machine will Kablan that will take them to a location for various tasks. According to this refugee, for the hard work they usually pay 15 to 18 shekels an hour (although sometimes just cheat and do not pay at all). Of course, a surcharge for additional hours of work (and it often lasts 12 hours or more) of the question, as well as on social conditions. But illegal refugees happily grab any opportunity to eat. As a rule, this one-time random suggestions. The owner of a small factory said on condition of anonymity, said recently hired 60 Sudanese. He said he would prefer to Israelis or Palestinians, but “they are asking too much.” Lawyer Jonathan Berman believes that such a cynical use of refugee problems only leads to further reduction in the price of work they perform. If the Israelis somehow agree to perform such work, he will have to work for a pittance. An article in TheMarker completes the assumption that such an uncertain situation can not last long – soon to be illegal refugees are forced to go on the offense in order to get something to eat. (News.israelinfo.ru)

After a two-day strike, the doctors are going to discuss further steps to meet their requirements. The protests of doctors is a very serious concern in the government. Doctors are one of the strongest and most influential trade groups in Israel. With their demands to be reckoned. Moreover, the majority of society supports doctors in their confrontation with the Ministry of Finance. On the other hand, satisfaction of physicians will require an additional NIS 3.5 billion from the budget. Amount considerable. But the Treasury fears most is not even these costs, but that success physicians inevitably will be a signal to workers in other sectors also require a salary increase. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance so stubbornly refused to meet the doctors, though, and realize that sooner or later will become inevitable significant concessions. In this situation it is seeking alternative plan that would suit doctors and did not cause any damage to the state budget. Ynet says that in recent days, such a “Solomonic solution” to submit proposals put forward by the way, by the doctors, the introduction of public health facilities in the system of private medical services (eg SHARAPOV – Rafa shirut prati). An active supporter of this idea was Deputy Minister of Health and Jacob Litsman. But by Thursday everything has changed, and many former supporters deny any involvement in this “seductive” idea. The union the doctors also removed a sentence from among its basic requirements. Why? The introduction of a system of private medical services in public hospitals means that patients who have not only basic medical insurance compulsory for all citizens, but also additional insurance (“National Insurance mashlim”), will be able to select their own doctors. In other words, for appointments with a good reputation or for the operation carried out to them, patients must pay out of pocket. Thus, doctors who will select patients who will receive additional and substantial pay raises, but budget will not suffer. The problem is that the introduction of such a system will inevitably lead to the creation of two health systems – for both rich and poor. TheMarker indicates that citizens already pay 42% of all spending on public health – one of the highest rates in Western countries. In the case of adopting such a system, these costs could increase by several times. This will benefit the most wealthy segments of the population, for most of the same professional care would be “too expensive”. The poor will have to be satisfied with the services of “those who remain” – doctors who are not in demand. It is also clear that the most popular would be the most famous and skilled doctors, who are already earning a lot today, at the expense of private practice. Young and inexperienced as doctors who do not have big names, even from such a system will lose, as the vast majority of the population. Thus, the introduction of such “extra” services will be a boomerang which will destroy the entire health care system.

The union accused the Treasury of physicians that he purposely brought to the fore the issue to set the public against doctors and their just requirements. They argue that their proposal was, basically, hospitals in the periphery. Whatever it was, until the idea of ​​introducing private health services in state institutions under intense criticism. But it can emerge again as a compromise if talks between the doctors and the Ministry of Finance finally come to a standstill. Therefore TheMarker encourages the Prime Minister Netanyahu to resist the temptation so “easy” way to solve the short term fiscal problem, if he does not want to be prime minister, who will make history as the destroyer of the Israeli health system. (News.israelinfo.ru)

Zakaria Zbeydi, former commander of the “Battalions Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ and now director of the theater,” Liberty, “created by Israeli Juliano Mer in Jenin, said that the shooting of measure is” a large organization, “according to Haaretz. According Zbeydi, it is a complicated operation that requires a “big guiding hand.” Zbeydi told Haaretz, that the director and human rights activist waylaid and shot the lone killer in a mask. As a result of fire was slightly injured nurse little boy Measure. In the past, the theater, “Freedom” has been attacked. Because of this, and it was decided to appoint the former leader of the militant Zbeydi director of the theater, according to Haaretz. However, threats to the theater by Islamic extremists continued. Islamists do not like the fact that in the circles of the boys involved in the theater, along with the girls. Mer recently decided to put “Animal Farm” Orwell. If you believe in Haaretz, the adherents of Islam caused the irritation itself dystopian setting and the fact that Muslims were obliged to perform the role of pigs – unclean, in accordance with the laws of Shariah, and animals. Palestinian security services are also considering the version that the murder occurred on the measure of criminal romantic soil. (News.israelinfo.ru)

Israir reported: the number of passengers flying from Moscow to Tel Aviv, has grown by about 50% compared to last year. If you thought you’ve heard this winter in Israel, the Russian language is much more than before, probably because it was. Israir airline reported an increase of about 50% of the number of passengers from Moscow, flew to Israel in January and February of 2011, compared to the same period last year. This figure is twice the number of passengers flying in the same time in Moscow: in January and February of 2010 their number amounted to 73.152 people, exactly one year later (January-February 2011) was their 91.292 people. In other words, the rate of growth in passenger traffic from Israel to Russia increased by 25%. “Since the abolition of visas between Russia and Israel, we have witnessed a significant increase in attention to our country by tourists from Russia, – says the airline’s deputy general director of marketing Dori Shoshan. – In last year’s positive trend rise aviaturizma from Russia has been provided, including among other things, due to an increase in flights from Moscow to Israir, Ben-Gurion Airport, as well as the introduction of our special flight from Moscow to Eilat during the Russian public holidays. In addition, the situation has certainly influenced the high level of service that our company provides on line Moscow – Tel Aviv. Professionalism experienced pilots and attentive staff catering to our comfortable aircraft Airbus A320, flying was taken in this direction to the rank of the most prestigious and advanced in the Israeli airline. ” In addition, the Dori Shoshan said that along with bright growth of Russian tourists to the attention of Israir flights to Israel, notes and increased tourism activity in the opposite direction. Flexible pricing policy Israir and a number of attractive events and activities conducted by the airline in recent years, have allowed each month to attract thousands of new aviaturistov traveling from Moscow to Israel and back. Dori Shoshan clarified that the majority of Russian tourists prefer to stay exclusively at prestigious hotels Class “luxury” (5 star and 5 star “luxury”). Starting from October 17, 2010, Israir offers four weekly flights from Tel Aviv to Moscow and from Moscow, two in Eilat. Until May of this year, flights, Mosca, Eilat carried out weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays. Airline Israir, which is an integral part of the leading tourism group in Israel, IDB, specializes in domestic and international scheduled passenger traffic. In Israel, Israir offers regular flights between Haifa, Eilat and airports Sdey Dov and Ben Gurion. Among the international destinations on the map appear airlines Rome, Nice, Berlin and Moscow, and in the capital of the Russian Federation can fly Israir flight from both the Ben-Gurion airport, and from Eilat Airport. In addition, the company offers its clients a variety of organized tours and individual tours holiday abroad, but also engaged in international flights by charter, vip-transportation and services to air taxi. The company recently updated its fleet of Israir, acquiring two of the newest Airbus A320 aircraft and two aircraft ATR-72-500. The newest aircraft are already busy in the company and operate flights to Israel and abroad. (7kanal.com)

April 8 at the center of Tel Aviv will be a marathon, which will involve about 20,000 athletes. The annual international marathon, which gathers thousands of participants and spectators, is the largest and leading Israeli sporting event. In this regard, some streets in the center of Tel Aviv will be closed from 05:00 to 13:00 Friday, April 8. (Mignews.com)