The second time in recent years, Israel will assist Belarus in the investigation of the attack. A small group of Israeli police sappers to fly to the next few days in Minsk. Sources IzRus portal in Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed reports of Belarusian mass media that the Israeli experts will soon fly out to Minsk to assist in investigating terrorist attacks that occurred on the evening of 11 April in the Moscow metro. As noted in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is not the first time that the engineers of Israeli assist Belarusian colleagues. Previous terrorist attack occurred on the night of July 4, 2008 in Minsk. Near the monument “Minsk-City Hero”, which hosted a gala concert dedicated to the Independence Day of Belarus to detonate a bomb hidden in a packet of juice and packed with bolts and nuts. As a result, wounding 50 people. Then, at the request of the Belarusian authorities to assist in the investigation of the incident flew two Israeli police sappers. It is unknown how many Israeli experts will travel to Minsk at this time. According to local law enforcement, at the metro station “Oktyabrskaya” exploded a much more powerful and “professional” to make a bomb. Its capacity is estimated at around 7 pounds of TNT, and this time it was packed with metal balls. The explosion killed at least 12 people, wounding nearly 150. At the moment, Israel’s consul in Minsk Asaf Braha refrains from commenting on the situation. It is known that among the victims and the victims are not Israelis. Today, Israel’s diplomatic office in Minsk is working on a limited scale, as a former ambassador Edward Shapira moved to St. Petersburg, the Consul General to work, and his time “smenschitsa” – former Ambassador to Russia Anna Azari only to arrive in Belarus at the end of April, after Passover. (Izrus.co.il)

Egypt has stopped the construction of a steel wall, designed to prevent weapons smuggling from Sinai to Hamas through underground tunnels. Reported by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Construction of the barrier was stopped after the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak in February this year, according to reports citing a source in the Defense Ministry newspaper The Jerusalem Post. Israel, for its part, asked the new government of Egypt to follow the course of the Mubarak regime to prevent arms shipments to the Gaza Strip. However, the construction of the wall was not renewed. Some senior Israeli civil servants consider cessation of construction of underground-land “security wall” is not accidental. According to them, Egypt is trying to strengthen ties with Hamas. Recently, Minister of Foreign Affairs, “the Hamas government,” Mahmoud al-Zahar was in Cairo, where he met with Egyptian politicians, military commanders and intelligence, which clearly indicates an improvement in relations between the Islamist Hamas movement and the new authorities of Egypt. “Between Hamas and Cairo have established a new relationship – The Jerusalem Post quoted a public servant, whose name was not mentioned. – This is probably due to the upcoming elections and the recognition that” Muslim Brotherhood “in Egypt is a strong player. As a result, the current authorities of Egypt it is important to maintain contacts with Hamas. ” Egypt, we recall, began construction of the “security wall” in 2009. In some of the tunnels on the border between Egypt and Rafah in the Gaza Strip even were driven first iron piles … (ZMAN.com)

April 12 radio station of Hezbollah, “Al-Manar” reported that the apartment Aldzharah Ali, who was arrested in 2008 on suspicion of spying for Israel, spyware detected the device, hidden in a log. Syrian citizen, who rented the apartment, suddenly found a strange device logs. He called the police, who took the device to test. According to “Al-Manar”, a device for transferring information reconnaissance aircraft of the enemy. (ZMAN.com)

Along with the duty to return Gilad Shalit unharmed, the government is responsible for the lives and safety of Israeli citizens. This is stated in an official statement the Prime Minister Office, released last night. This message is a response to the appeal of former senior security officials, Hamas to accept the demands and release Shalit. “Attempts to free the kidnapped soldier do not stop for a moment, almost a year, ever since Israel gave Hamas the last sentence of the transaction, but no response so far has not followed,” – explain the sources in the office of Benjamin Netanyahu. Official sources also recall that in the past dozens of Israelis have paid with their lives for the deal with terrorists in the name of the release of abductees. In particular, we are talking about deals and Djibril Tenenbaum. “Should be added that earlier the prime minister declared that” Israel is willing to pay high, but not any price for the release of Gilad Shalit. “The debate on the permissibility of transactions with terrorists, in which will be released Shalit in exchange for hundreds of murderers, deteriorated after senior intelligence officer in the past has officially called for the deal. Among the signatories of this initiative, the former head of General Security Service Yaakov Peri, and Ami Ayalon, a former head of Mossad and Danny Yatom. (cursorinfo.co. il)

Most anti-Israeli initiatives are not born in the U.S., namely Israel, in an environment of so-called professional peacekeepers, and then to just get to the west. This was stated by Minister of Strategic Planning Moshe Yaalon, told the publication “Israel hayom.” According to Ya’alon, who held office in the last chapter of military intelligence and later chief of staff, the IDF, “talk about a” tsunami diplomacy “- is nothing more than a method of political intimidation. At the same time, this is a series of prophecies of those who have an unfortunate tendency to justify themselves themselves, “- said Ya’alon. He also noted that “in spite of this intimidation, the U.S. is growing awareness of the dangers and the inadmissibility of any unilateral steps by the Palestinians, including a unilateral declaration of an independent state.” According to the minister, “the United States recognize the practical futility of such steps, and therefore very low likelihood of serious anti-Israel decisions at the UN General Assembly in September.” Referring to the new “peace initiative”, published by retired military and intelligence leaders in the past, Moshe Yaalon declared that “we are negotiating with themselves, while the Palestinians continue to draw cards that do not bring up the children of Israel and to hate the Jewish state. As long as this continues, any agreement with them is not worth the paper on which it is signed. ” (Cursorinfo.co.il)

According to the publication of the Institute for Peace SIPRI (Stockholm, Sweden), Israel ranked fifth worldwide in terms of military expenditure in relation to the state budget. In 2009, Israel handed over to the defense needs to 6,3% of the total cost of the state budget. It is noted that the prospect of a global war in the Middle East and also scares the Gulf oil-producing countries, trying to defend themselves against aggression from Iran. Most of Israel (in relative terms) on defense spending only Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE. Immediately after Israel in the list are Jordan, Iraq and Georgia. The absolute leader in military spending is the U.S. – 698 billion dollars in 2009. In second place, China – 67 billion dollars. This is followed by Britain, France and Russia. Worldwide cost of humankind to destroy itself like last year totaled $ 1.6 trillion. On average over the past ten years, military spending grew at 5.1% per year. (Nashe.orbita.co.il)

Another crisis in Israel associated with the termination of the Great Aliyah: there are not enough crane operators. As the economic issue Calcalist, construction company Lev Leviev, is experiencing shortages of professionals in this field, has opened courses for those wishing to learn how to operate crane operator. The course, which usually costs more than 7000 shekels, all the students promised a 75% discount and, in addition, grant of 5000 shekels. At the end of the 4-month course, which includes 320 hours of training and 240 hours of practice, all the students promised to work for the company’s facilities “Denia Sibus.” However, despite strong demand and a very tempting offer, the courses enrolled only 16 people. Leviev company takes a lot more professionals for the 60 facilities being built in Israel. “The situation here just like with doctors – three-quarters of the crane operators in Israel, is Russian-speaking immigrants. Most of them – the professionals who studied in the USSR and the CIS, and there are even senior citizens who continue to work”, – noted the deputy portal IzRus Marina Solodkin (“Kadima “). According to her, the reason that the Israelis do not want to do this kind of work is clear – for crane operators do not have a union, and they earn far less than how much they should receive, taking into account all the risks associated with this work and the responsibility that rests on their shoulders. “I am a long time talking with groups of crane operators, who came to me for advice. Immigrants professionals were paid very little, cranes on which they worked the past decade – in a terrible state. I will not unfounded – remember the recent incidents in which last year suffered crane. It came from the former Soviet Union. In one case lacked the grid and fixing the floor, in the other – there was no large-scale detail and the crane fell. But they failed to establish a trade union to defend their rights, even though demand is huge, “- said Solodkin. According to her, did not help even the frequent reference to the former Minister of Industry Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, who Solodkin explained that the situation is critical and you need to take this area under control department. (Izrus.co.il)

Benjamin Netanyahu’s government almost doubled ahead of the previous Israeli government on the number of flights abroad, said “Kalkalist.” In two years, ministers of the current study conducted abroad, a total of more than 1,600 man-days, while the Minister Ehud Olmert during the same period spent in foreign travel 840 days. The publication emphasizes that it is only about government-approved business travel at government expense – private tours of Ministers no one believed. Interest in the subject arose from international travel journalists in connection with the history of “Bibi-tours” – Benjamin Netanyahu travels by private sponsors. Having studied the topic, a correspondent for “Kalkalist” Tomer Avital came to the conclusion that ministers fully share the love of the Prime Minister to distant wanderings. Rekondsmenom in puneshestvy was foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, who two years flew abroad 33 times and spent outside the country 155 days. Routes FM ran mainly on the “third world” in the U.S., he was only four times, said “Kalkalist.” Respectable second place in the ranking of travelers went to the Minister Yuli Edelstein, who, unlike the foreign minister, traveled mainly in the U.S. and other English-speaking country. In two years, the minister responsible for propaganda and communication with the Diaspora, for two years flew abroad 20 times, spent 124 days on the road. Defense Minister Ehud Barak flew abroad often Edelstein, but the tours were shorter, so that a total of Barak in Israel was absent 115 days. The Minister for Intelligence Dan Meridor also managed to make a foreign visit, 22 for 88 days, finishing in fourth place in the ranking of Tomer Avital. Fifth place went to the Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov, who two years flew abroad 13 times, spent 79 days there. Misezhnikov in their travel preference for post-Soviet countries – most notably, Russia, where Tourism Minister went three times in two years, having spent there a total of 15 days. Completing the rating minister without portfolio Benny Begin, Ariel Atias Minister of Construction (held in overseas missions for 9 days), the Interior Minister Eli Yishai, and Minister Michael Eitan, responsible for improving the quality of government services to the public. Eitan went to go abroad just once in four days and partially covered the cost of travel from his own pocket, said “Kalkalist.” (News.israelinfo.ru)

The newspaper “Maariv” published April 11 article Arie Aplatoni under “Journalists, biting Netanyahu should remember about their cleanliness”.

Investigation concerning family visits Netanyahu, paid by various organizations and private entrepreneurs, is a prime example of meticulous work of journalism high. But it is also a time to remember other trips, which made other people getting money from organizations and businesses. It is, perhaps, a few thousand people, who for years traveled the world, enjoying life in expensive hotels, ate at expensive restaurants, received gifts – all they would never pay out of pocket. They returned home safely – they are not tormented by pangs of conscience, although they were aware that violated some basic ethical rules. I’m talking not about the politicians and MPs. I’m talking about journalists. About those “watch Psakhie democracy,” which at the first opportunity painful bite corrupt politicians, but when they offer different bonuses expensive, their keen sense of social justice somewhere disappears, and they do not hesitate to accept gifts from his master’s table. Watchdogs become sobachonok room. I am not a hypocrite: I have sinned – twice, until you realize that this is unacceptable from an ethical point of view. A journalist who goes abroad at the expense of the inviting party, it will be difficult to criticize a product, brand or place whose description he had been invited. Even if no one will require it to behave this way. Important note: this is why this phenomenon has almost disappeared from the journalistic life. In the editorial quality newspapers are making maximum efforts to avoid such situations. Editors do not send reporters and cameramen to cover the projects, enterprises abroad through the host. This is to some extent restored the credibility of the journalistic profession. Of course, this does not justify the desire for a luxurious life for others shown by Netanyahu. Unlike members of the media Netanyahu was elected to a public figure and politician. He knows that his mission funding organizations and individuals who have specific interests. This is not a disinterested friendship and mutual sympathy. And yet: before we journalists Raviv Drucker using the materials, begin their campaign in the media moralizing, we should – above all – to check their own cleanliness. (“Ma’ariv”)

The government of Konrad Adenauer, the first postwar Chancellor of West Germany (1961-1962 gg.) Intended to pay the Israeli judge who presided at the hearing on the case of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in order to avoid Nazi persecution in the future. This is evidenced by the secret federal intelligence archive materials (BND), released on the eve of the magazine Der Spiegel. According to archival data, the BND agent consulted on this matter with the Israeli prosecutor’s office and then communicated to the Government of Germany: the Israelis “are positive” with respect to the director of the federal Office of Dr. Hans Globke, a key aide Adenauer previously supported anti-Semitic laws of the Third Reich and, in particular, the law to deprive German Jews of citizenship. However, as the newspaper writes, the 84-year-old Israeli prosecutor Gabriel Bach denied the manipulation of administration Adenauer Foundation in connection with the case of Eichmann. Note that after this process, a native of Berlin, Bach, who fled Germany in 1938, served as chairman of the Israeli High Court of Justice (High Court). At Chancellor Adenauer was in the process only goal: to learn from the Israelis, in what is going to admit to Eichmann and the Nazis would be incriminated in connection with the extermination of the Jews. This is explained by the fact that almost all senior positions in government, Adenauer took former Nazis, such as the already mentioned Director of the Secretariat and head of Hans Globke Reinhard Gehlen BND, a senior intelligence on the Eastern Front, creator of the “Gehlen Organization”, later transformed into the Federal Intelligence Service Germany. Note that the declassified several years ago, CIA documents indicate that the Adenauer government to convince the administration to put pressure on the magazine Life and force to remove mention of Globke published in its pages the memoirs of Eichmann. (Newsru.co.il)

A year ago, Israel became a full member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and now our country, like everyone else, get estimates and recommendations from experts, “the club of developed countries.” The annual research report Going for Growth (“Path to growth”), published last week by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, provides an analysis of the major weaknesses of the Israeli economy and recommendations for overcoming them. According to the report, in the last decade, labor productivity in Israel is growing at an average rate of 1.4% per year, and these growth rates remain stable. The gap in this indicator between Israel and the more developed countries OECDza half past 15 years, not only declined, but even slightly increased. Israel’s main problem, which hinders the country to fully exploit their potential for economic growth, analysts see in OECD inefficiency of the education system – especially in its “sectoral” part. The average estimate derived by the Israeli students on international tests PISA, from 2006 to 2009. increased somewhat, but remained much lower than in most other countries in OECD. To improve the situation Israel is recommended to continue the reforms of the type “Ofek Hadash”, allowing to increase teachers’ salaries and reduce the number of students in classes, take special programs to support the Arab schools, as well as hard to link public funding of private schools with their ultra-willingness to teach general subjects. In second place in the list of Israeli issues called excessive number of bureaucratic obstacles to creating and maintaining a business. In terms of administrative burden on business and the level of state regulation of Israel strongly “ahead of” other developed countries. For example, the average level of state regulation of four-point scale in the OECD estimated 2.1 points in Israel – 3.4 points. OECD recommends further reforms to simplify procedures for obtaining construction permits and simplified procedures for obtaining licenses to entrepreneurs. List the three most important problems that undermine the effectiveness of the Israeli economy, makes the lack of competition in the infrastructure sector, energy and communications. OECD recommends nevertheless reform “Hevrat Hashmal” (Netanyahu government abandoned this task in the very beginning of his career), as well as to complete the reforms initiated by the Minister of Communications Moshe Kahlonom. OECD Recommendation on the tax policy and labor laws are unlikely to enjoy Israeli supporters of socially-oriented policy: report endorses the government’s policy of reducing direct taxes and replace them with indirect, suggests to introduce the program across the country, “Wisconsin”, and recommends to reduce the statutory minimum wage accompanied this unpopular measure of a strict observance of labor legislation. (News.israelinfo.ru)

According to the International Monetary Fund, the future of the Israeli economy and rosy pink. Although this year the economy grew at 3.8%, slightly lower than in the past when it was equal to 4.5%, but it will be stable – in 2012, Israel promised the same performance. Inflation IMF this year will not exceed 3%, and in the future – 2.8%. The most optimistic forecasts regarding the Fund committed Israeli unemployment. This year it will fall to 5.5% in 2012 to 5%. (Isra.com)

Fill up the country’s water resources are planned with the help of “Kiduhey-batsoret” aimed at increasing the supply of untreated waste water and desalination of saline water. Alex Vizhnitser, chairman of the board of directors “Mekorot”: “To ensure a consistent supply of water should go to be creative.” Due to exacerbation of the water crisis and concerns about the regularity of fresh water to the population of Israel National Water Company “Mekorot” prepared a program of emergency measures to increase water supplies in the coming years. The main measures to be taken under this program and are expected to allow up to 2014 to give the country an additional 108 million cubic meters of water will the project “Kiduhey-batsoret”, construction of desalination plants and businesses to clean up wastewater for reuse. The program was presented for approval by the Office of Water Resources and the Ministry of National Infrastructure. “Mekorot” plans to resume the project “Kiduhey-batsoret”, providing extra drilling in places where hydrologists “Mekorot” discovered additional water supplies that are not connected with the main aquifers. According to the plan over the next two years, plans to drill wells on 35 new sites in the north, so that resources can Water Resources will add 24 million cubic meters of water, and then, during 2013-2014 – a further 30 sites that will give an additional 20 million cubic meters. In aquifers that lie beneath the surface of the earth, hidden water of medium salinity. In these days of “Mekorot” builds desalination of saline water in the southern coastal plain (Shfela), which should stop the salinization of the aquifer. The company also proposes to construct three small desalination plant – near Ashdod and Rehovot, Hof Ha-Carmel, and in the Western Galilee – for additional deliveries of more than 30 million cubic meters of water per year. Installation under construction in the southern coastal plain, give up to 2014 more than 30 million cubic meters of water addition. In addition, “Mekorot” offers a complex wastewater treatment, which can be recycled – for agriculture instead of fresh water that goes to the needs of households. It is planned that the treatment plant, the company involved, “Mekorot” to combine “the Kishon,” 2015 will process 24 million cubic meters of water, which will save the same amount of fresh water. In this regard, Alex Vizhnitser, chairman of the board of directors “Mekorot” said: “To ensure an uninterrupted supply of water to all residents of Israel, you need a creative approach. I urge management of water resources and all those responsible to give us the green light to implement the program, which will prevent disruptions water supply in the future “. (ZMAN.com)

The ex-president Moshe Katsav plans to appeal to a higher court decision of the District Court of Tel Aviv, which sentenced him to seven years in prison, two years probation and a large fine. This was reported by radio station “Galey IDF.” In the radio interview, Avigdor Feldman, one of the lawyers for the former president, accused of sex crimes, said that lawyers are asked to postpone the execution of sentence pending appeal. He stressed that the postponement will not affect the timing of monetary compensation to the victims. In an interview with the second channel ITV attorney Zion Amir said that his client from the first day denies all the allegations against him, and still maintains his innocence. In his view, there is a high probability that the Supreme Court will reconsider and soften the sentence. Recall that the March 22 District Court of Tel Aviv sentenced a former Israeli President Moshe Katsav, convicted of sex crimes, to 7 years in prison, two years probation and a large fine. Never before in the history of Israel’s former president is not subjected to such punishment. Moshe Katsav was to serve his sentence to begin on May 8. (Newsru.co.il)

Police will have to pay 25,000 shekels compensation Four activists of the left movement “Solidarity Sheikh Jar”, who were arrested during a demonstration in front of City Hall without sufficient grounds. Judge Haim Lee Run subjected to sharp criticism of the police. The court verdict said that the right to demonstrate and express their opinions is a fundamental right of a democratic regime, and the police are obliged to resort to the arrests of demonstrators with extreme caution, in exceptional cases. The group “Solidarity Sheikh Jar” is fighting against purposeful settlement Arab neighborhood of East Jerusalem by Jewish settlers and systematically organized demonstrations in Sheikh Jara, and in other areas. Four activists were arrested during a demonstration outside the walls of City Hall. Police charged them with holding an illegal demonstration and create hazards to human life, asking the court for permission to release the activists from detention under the condition that they undertake during the six months to not participate in the protest. The court, however, rejected this and ordered to release those arrested without any restrictive conditions, according to Haaretz. The police tried to appeal the verdict in district court, but were unable to find understanding. After that, lawyer arrested filed a lawsuit demanding compensation in Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court and the judge granted the petition. Each of the plaintiffs receive for unlawful detention and attorney’s fees of 6.250 shekels. Earlier, the Jerusalem police had agreed to pay the court without 1.000 shekels of compensation other left activist, was arrested twice in Sheikh Jara. In response to a request Haaretz police reported that examines the verdict. (News.israelinfo.ru)

Institute “Haruv”, which studies the problems of child abuse, published a report concerning the situation of young residents of the eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem, the predominantly Arab population. According to this study, over the past year in social welfare agencies received about 1,000 complaints of abuse and lack of proper care. Most of the complaints contains information about the beating of young, there are also some 80 testimony of sexual violence against girls and boys. In addition, recorded about 400 cases in which minors are residents of the eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem were thrown unattended and sent to orphanages. In addition, as shown by survey data of the Institute “Haruv”, most of the girls in the Arab areas of Jerusalem are married off at age 14, about 90% of preschool-age children not enrolled in any institution of public education and upbringing. In addition, 84% of children from the same quarters of the capital of Israel grow up in families living below the “poverty line”. (ZMAN.com)

Ministry of Education provided data on matriculation exams (bagruty) in 2010, according to which the number of successful candidates exams increased by 2.2%. In addition, there was an increase in the number of graduates who received matriculation at 2.8% among Jews (excluding the ultra-Orthodox): from 61.8% (2009) to 64.6% (2010), and 3.3% in group of non-Jews. In addition, in the Jewish sector recorded an increase in students in grades 12 to 2.5% from 79.8% (2009) to 82.3% (2010) and increased by 1.9% in the number of students passing grades: 71 8% (2009) to 73.7% (2010), the number of school leavers, passing grades, excluding ultra-Orthodox has risen from 88.9% (2009) to 90.4% (2010). “The good results indicate the improvement of all relevant parameters, and primarily, to measure the number of students receiving matriculation (bagrut),” – said Minister of Education, Gideon Saar, speaking at a press conference with Director General of the Ministry, Dr. Samson Shoshana. “For the second consecutive year, the rise of indicators, if we take the statistics for the 2 years in general, we can speak of an explicit increase of nearly 4%. Also, the data show that increasing numbers of students in general, an increasing number of students taking matriculation exams, and an increasing number of students successfully passed the exam “- the minister said Saar. Saarland Minister said that the increase in students receiving a certificate of secondary education, “was one of the key tasks of the Ministry, and fortunately, we had successfully managed. Without a doubt, the very formulation of goals to improve the academic performance of schoolchildren affected the performance, since all the participants of the system starting from the leaders of districts, local authorities, and ending with teachers, sought to improve these figures. In education today, of course, there are positive changes, and I hope that we will see better results and international tests, scheduled for the near future “. (News.israelinfo.ru)

Company Mirs Communications Ltd., Supervised by Patrick Draga, and 018 Xfone, controlled by Marathon Telecom Ltd. Hezi Bezalel, the Ministry of Communications won a tender for two operating frequencies in the bands allocated for wireless communications. In the tender “Miers” has offered 710 million shekels as a bank guarantee, a 018 Xfone – 705 million are won in stiff competition Golan Telecom Ltd. and Select Communications Ltd. The tender started at 10 am Monday and lasted till late evening. The initial rate was “only” 10 million shekels, so the final amount has exceeded all expectations of the organizers of the tender. Indeed, by its terms, the winners will get their money back only if they succeed in the next 5 years to attract as clients not less than 7% of the current mobile market, which uses third generation technology. Sleudet noted that the company “Mears” and is now working in the mobile market, but only in the corporate market, not with private clients. At the same time, its owner, Patrick Draga is also the owner of a cable television company HOT, enabling it to now offer in addition to services delivered today and cellular services. (ZMAN.com)

The head of the Ministry of Communications Moshe Kahlon, the initiating mobile operators in competition, won by the company Exphone 018 and Mirs, said that by the end of this year, expects at least a 50% decrease in tariffs for mobile services. Kahlon said that he intends to withdraw permission to conduct business in new mobile operators if the price of telephone calls will not fall more than doubled. The joke was greeted with approving Kahlona laughter present at the meeting, marking the end of the contest of Ministry of Communications. The Minister expressed confidence that Exphone 018 and Mirs are relentlessly competing for new customers, which in turn will lead to improved service and lower prices. The company owner Hezi Bezalel Exphone 018, which amassed a huge fortune in banking in Africa, said his company is not seeking to obtain excessive profits and shall be fair to clients. Bezalel said that his company could lead to lower prices for mobile talks more than doubled. Recall that each of the companies pledged in February 2011 to gain control of up to 7% of the total mobile market. If this condition is not met the Communications Ministry in time, companies will have to pay a fine in the 710 and 705 million shekels, respectively. (Nashe.orbita.co.il)

The Jerusalem municipality secured a contract to build 50 solar panels, which will be located on rooftops, behind the construction company “Moriah” (Moriah Jerusalem Development Company). Row was obtained as a result of the tender. The total cost of the project, approved last month, is 50 million shekels. Solar panels will be located mainly on the roofs of public buildings such as schools, cultural centers, etc. The company hopes to have time to work during the summer holidays. Received permission to install from the Electric Company (“Hevrat a-Hashmal”), signed with the “Moriah” contract for 20 years. Solar panels are planned, will produce 2.5 megawatts of electricity per hour. “Moriah” – a construction company owned by the Jerusalem municipality. Company President Alex Weisman says that it first invested not in the construction or expansion of roads and installation of energy production. Today, Wiseman is in talks with banks about a loan in the amount of 35 million shekels. “We believe that many banks will want to support our project – says Weissman. – That – eco-friendly project, and the company is making great efforts to improve the ecology of Jerusalem.” In addition, Wiseman sees additional benefits for their company – its invasion in the energy sector. Electric company pays money for electricity generated, and the income will be divided between the “Moriah” and the municipality. (ZMAN.com)

The newspaper “Haaretz” published April 11 editorial titled “Is the best medicine in the world suffer from a strike?”

Negotiations between the union of doctors and the Ministry of Finance have reached an impasse. But even if eventually be making rapprochement of conflicting parties, the list of demands of physicians, there is one on which the government has no right to settle in any case: the introduction of private medical services in public hospitals and those that belong to health insurance. At the head of lobbyists who are trying to impose this decision to the Government, there are private insurance companies, a group of doctors, well-known experts in their field, which is primarily concerned with personal welfare (due to his younger colleagues and specialists in medical fields in which there is no system of private services), as well as the Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litsman. Litsman supports this point, because the system of private medical services are very popular in the ultra-sector. Now the supporters of the introduction of private medical services in public hospitals and joined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His position is contrary to the recommendations of the legal advisers of the Government of 2000, which strongly objected to this innovation. It also contradicts the Supreme Court ruling in 2009, according to which system of private medical services in government health facilities is illegal (except for historical and fixed by the contract special situation in Jerusalem hospitals.) Proponents of the introduction of private health care providers say it will help keep the major specialists in public hospitals, will keep them from going to private clinics, shorten queues for operations, will become an additional source of revenue for public health facilities, which are mainly funded by the Treasury. It is also argued that the formal introduction of private medical services in public hospitals will increase the health budget by three billion shekels a year. However, from a social point of view, this innovation will have extremely negative consequences. Many experts in the health sector believe that the expansion of private health care lead to more queuing at reception to specialists and surgery. Israeli taxpayers, which to date cover out of pocket 42% of total government expenditure on health care, will pay even more. Damage will occur to medicine in outlying areas. The Israeli health care system is one of the best in the world. However, in recent years there has been a serious shortage of doctors and nurses. Personnel should be resolved. The use of public infrastructure for the provision of private services would cause the state to reduce its obligations to provide equal medical services to all citizens, regardless of their income and social status. This can destroy the entire health care system. (“Haaretz”)

Rates on long trips to the coaches will be reduced by 30 percent, announced Minister of Transport Yisrael Katz. He explained that this measure will be the answer to higher prices for motor fuel. New rates will take effect the day before Passover, the Ministry of Transport announced on Monday. It clarifies the newspaper “Globes”, the highest price for long distance travel by bus (with the exception of Eilat) to fall to 45 NIS 63 NIS from the present. Tickets, which are now in the price range of 51 – 56 NIS. Will cost NIS 42., 42 – 48 NIS. – 40 NIS. and 37 – 42 NIS. – 36 NIS. In the biennial budget 2011-12. Government provided subsidies of 600 million shekels to improve public transport. Upcoming tariff reduction is part of the plan. In response to public outcry, the price of monthly tickets on buses has been reduced by 10% last month, partly offsetting a sharp increase in fuel prices. (ZMAN.com)