JERUSALEM (Press Release)—Massimo D'Alema, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, will arrive in Israel tomorrow (Wednesday, 5 September). He will meet senior Israeli officials, and be updated on recent developments in the region.

During his visit, FM D'Alema will meet with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni and with Minster of Defense Ehud Barak. FM D'Alema will also meet with Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair, who is currently in Jerusalem, and with the families of the abducted soldiers.

Upon his return, FM D'Alema will meet with President Shimon Peres, who is currently in Italy.

Prior to his visit to Israel, FM D'Alema visited the Palestinian Authority and Egypt, where he held discussions with the Foreign Ministers of several countries that are members of the Arab League. 

The preceding story was provided by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs


Israel hosts Red Cross delegations from Botswana, Cyprus and Georgia

JERUSALEM (Press Release) --Israel’s Deputy Director General of the Division for International Organizations and the United Nations, Mr. Ronny Leshno-Yaar, met today (Tuesday, 4 September) with President of the Botswana Red Cross Dr. N. Mbere, the President of the Georgian Red Cross Nana Keinishvili and with the Director General of the Cypriot Red Cross, Takis Neophytou, who are on an official visit to Israel as guests of Magen David Adom.

The heads of these national associations spoke of their wish to strengthen the humanitarian cooperation with Israel, under the auspices of Magen David Adom. The Director General of the Cypriot Red Cross referred to the importance of regional cooperation, expressed by Israeli assistance during the recent fires in Cyprus. Mr. Neophytou expressed his hope that Magen Davis Adom's admission to the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies will set a precedent for the Cypriot Red Cross.

The President of the Georgian Red Cross referred to the bilateral cooperation agreement with Magen David Adom, and the first-aid training courses that Magen David Adom will operate in Georgia. The President of the Botswana Red Cross expressed her country's desire for Israeli assistance in the struggle against AIDS and in coping with emergencies.

The Deputy Director General of the Division for International Organizations and the United Nations stressed the importance Israel places on international humanitarian aid, with special emphasis on regional neighbors. He reiterated Israel's commitment to help Magen David Adom fulfill its role of proffering humanitarian aid.

The three guests agreed that political and humanitarian issues should be separated, and expressed their admiration at Magen David Adom's performance in both the international and regional arenas.

The preceding story was provided by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs 


New tanks will be acquired by the Israel Defense Force—IDF photo
Jets, tanks and antiballistic systems on IDF acquisition list

JERUSALEM (Press Release)--The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi gave a summation of the IDF military plan for the coming years to the General Staff forum. The plan is known as ‘Tefen’.

“The plan will enforce the IDF and improve its ability to cope with defense challenges in coming years,” said the Chief of Staff. “The plan encourages renewal, building and enhancing a competitive edge, but simultaneously demands an efficiency improvement plan for all branches of the IDF.” The plan analyzed all of the potential threats and possible scenarios which may arise in the region, in order to prepare and implement a solution to any possible future challenges.

As part of the changes which will be implemented in the IDF work plans, by order of the Chief of Staff, the exercises for the ground forces, both in general service and in the reserves will be sped up – alongside large munitions acquisitions. “The improvement of our readiness, focusing on improving exercises and the rules of engagement,” said the deputy to the Chief of Staff Major General Moshe Kaplinski, in a press conference which took place Sunday.

The Ground forces will be reinforced considerably, noted Major General Kaplinski, in order to achieve the ability to decide battles quickly. This is to be done while improving the maneuverability of the ground forces and their firepower. As part of this, the Merkava Mk. 4 tank will continue to be manufactured, as tanks which are currently operating will have numerous upgrades, including ‘active’ defenses. In addition, The Chief of Staff approved the production of hundreds of the ‘Namer’ model of APC, which is based on the platform of the Merkava tanks.

The IAF and Navy will also receive new equipment. Among the new weapons systems will be the Joint Strike Fighter - or F-35 – and additional UAVs. The Navy is to receive multi-purpose amphibious vehicles. Furthermore, the plan dictates that in order to improve defenses against rocket and missile fire, the military will equip itself with early-warning and missile destruction systems. “The plan allows the addressing of a number of the aspects of defense. They include the reinforcement of the Aerospace Branch to ensure the security of the extended arm of the State of Israel, and to ensure air superiority, and also the improvement of our engineering capabilities and our control of the seas. We will improve our home-front defenses with advanced technology which will target the threat of rockets, including short-range rockets, such as the Qassam rockets,” said Major General Kaplinski.

The Chief of Staff also stated that the IDF will invest more in Intelligence and teleprocessing, so that the military’s might will be improved, as well as its operational affectivity. The plan also deals with the predicted decrease in the number of enlistees, and the need to conserve the quality of human resources serving in the IDF. In relation to that, the Chief of Staff dictated that the issue of human resources be listed as of the utmost priority, including the reservists, and the possible benefits to those serving in that capacity. “The source of the greatness of the IDF is our people,” said the Deputy to the Chief of Staff. “The plan answers the need for improving the quality and attending to the needs of those serving in general service, in professional military careers, and most importantly – our reservists, to whom we owe so much. The plan designates a specific roadmap for systematic training for reservist troops through criteria which were set ahead of time, and which we will follow throughout the years in which this plan is valid.”

The plan is to “build the IDF as a strong military, with the power and readiness improved. It will be better trained, better prepared, with improved Intelligence and firepower capabilities, which will enable us to perform better in battle engaging any threat,” concluded Major General Kaplinski.

The ‘Tefen’ plan will be presented as needed to the governmental bodies, and will be relevant as of January 2008.

  The preceding story was provided by the Israel Defense Force

Givati Brigade remembers its
fallen in emotional ceremony

YOAV, Israel (Press Release) -- An emotional ceremony took place Monday and was presided over by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi, the minister of defense, Mr. Ehud Barak, the commander of the Southern Command, Major General Yoav Glant, the commander of IDF Ground Forces, Major General Beni Gantz, the soldiers and commanders of the Givati Brigade, and the families of the fallen.

“Once a year we meet at this location, in the ‘Yoav’ memorial, in the very same place which saw battle and capture by the hands of the Givati Brigade in the War of Independence, on blood-soaked battlefields,” noted the Chief of Staff. ‘We stand here tonight beside the families of the fallen, the parents, companions, brothers and sisters, friends, combat soldiers and commanders of the Givati Brigade throughout the years. We are all one family. A proud and bereaved family. Thanks to these family and others like it, the rebirth of the nation of Israel has begun and continues to strengthen in our land.”

The Chief of Staff further mentioned the glorious battle lore of the brigade. “The Givati Brigade was established together with the IDF in the War of Independence. In the war, the soldiers and commanders of the brigade had many exemplary chapters in battle, and courage worthy of the canon.” He added: ”Its fingerprints, and operational achievements are recognized in every front, and every action arena where it serves. The Givati Brigade of 1948 is associated with the southern front of the war, with the breaching of the Negev, and in the courageous battles with the Egyptian incursion. These engagements defined our southern border,”

“We find ourselves in the Hebrew month of Elul, about to begin the festivals of the coming month of Tishrey, days of festivities, and of personal and national introspection. When we each analyze ourselves, we must all remember the fallen that are not with us today, who will not dine with us on the days of festivity. We will remember what they fought and died for. We will remember their legacy and their courageous deaths. Every day of the year we live their absence, and the pain of loss and the emotion of lacking are with us wherever we are.”

The Chief of Staff concluded his speech as he turned to the families of the fallen, “We are with you, throughout every day of the year. We are with you in the most difficult times for you, where the joy of the festivities is saturated with the grief of your loss. We will offer you a hand for embrace, an embrace which is spirited, feeling pain, and warm. This embrace expresses what we all feel toward you without words. We will remember our fallen brothers in arms until our dying day. We follow the guiding light of their legacy, and way of life. We do all that is in our capacity to make our lives worthy of their sacrifice. We cannot bring them back from the dead. However, if we turn our lives into a living and breathing model of their values, their life path, and their legacy, we will establish a memory and monument in their name.”

  The preceding story was provided by the Israel Defense Forces


Maj. Gen. Moshe Kaplinksi has his photo taken with two lone soldiers
 Lone soldiers of IDF get a special
 treat: a day off at the beach 

SDOT YAM, Israel (Press Release)--Hundreds of lone soldiers from the combat forces of the IDF had the privilege of lying back and enjoying themselves on a day off funded by the Friends of the IDF Foundation. Massages on the beach, beach sports, moon bounces, and various ‘extreme’ boats were there for the soldiers to pilot. The boats included catamarans, rubber dinghies, and kayaks.  These were just some of the activities which were at the disposal of the soldiers. The first to arrive at the scene Monday were the paratroops, who were replaced today by the soldiers of the Golani Brigade, who had a pleasant surprise awaiting them. The deputy to the Chief of Staff, a former member of the Brigade, stopped by for a visit.

Major General Moshe Kaplinski reached the area in Sdot Yam in the afternoon. He made sure to walk among the hundreds of soldiers, shake their hands, and thank them for their service. “Are you a senior soldier of the Golani Reconnaissance Unit?” he asked one of the soldiers. When the soldier confirmed his suspicions, he replied jokingly, ”so this is a worsening of conditions for you, I do not understand why you agreed to come.” A different soldier thanked the Major General for the day off. “I should be thanking you,” he answered.

The day off is taking place for the fourth year running, thanks to the members of the Friends of the IDF Foundation in the United States and the United Kingdom. They are lead by Mike Gross, Avi Oren, and Sammy Bar-Or. “All three of them served as paratroops in their distant past as lone soldiers. Today, they have returned temporarily to their countries of origin, where they were successful, and made the issue of lone soldiers of utmost priority to them. This is their life work. They do this every year, and invest hundreds of thousands of Shekels routinely,” explains Eti Avergil, the manager of social services for the Friends of the IDF Foundation.

“It is important to express the following message to the combat soldiers: we respect and appreciate their service in the IDF. There are approximately 2,000 foreign combat soldiers who came to Israel by themselves, and chose to serve in the military as combat soldiers – that is amazing,” adds Avergil.

"Being a lone soldier is not simple,“ says Sergeant Adir Falah. However, he explains the power of the positive aspect of the situation, “despite the fact that it is difficult, it makes being in the military easier. You know how to cope better than the other soldiers. You return home and personally wash your clothes, iron your uniform, and buy your own food. The experience of being in the army, coupled with being a lone soldier is an experience which stays with you throughout the rest of your life.”

 The preceding story was provided by the Israel Defense Forces

White House issues statement
congratulating Lebanese government

WASHINGTON (Press Release) —The White House issued a statement today congratulating the Lebanese government on its defeat of the Fatah al-Islam forces within its country.  Here is the statement:

We congratulate Prime Minister Siniora and the Lebanese Government on its victory over the terrorist organization Fatah al-Islam in the battle for Nahr al-Bared camp in Northern Lebanon. We especially commend the bravery of the Lebanese Armed Forces who fought courageously for over three months to defeat this dangerous enemy. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the 163 Lebanese soldiers who sacrificed their lives to ensure the continued freedom and security of their country.

The United States is pleased to have been able to satisfy the Lebanese Government's request to provide supplies and training to the Lebanese Armed Forces to aid in the defeat of this terrorist threat. We remain committed to assisting the Lebanese Government in building the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces to take on challenges critical to the stability of Lebanon and the region.

The preceding story was provided by the White House

Voice of America broadcasts Israel's Consul General Ehud Danach to Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)-- Voice of America TV in Washington DC aired an unprecedented edition of its political program "Roundtable" on Sunday, September 2nd, with special guest Consul General of Israel Ehud Danoch.

Voice of America is viewed by an estimated 20 million citizens in Iran.  At the same time, the program was aired on Voice of America radio. The Consul General's responses were translated into Farsi for the benefit of the viewers.  Live on air questions were taken from callers and e-mailers in Iran.

The Consul General emphasized the following messages:

• The issue is not Israel/Iran nor Iran/Israel, but is Iran against the free world.  

• Israel makes a clear distinction between the people of Iran and the extremist regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran that has taken the people and the rich Persian culture hostage.  

• Israel respects the historic culture of Iran and the relationship that existed between Israel and Iran prior to 1979.  Israel has always extended its hand to Iran and to all of its neighbors in peace.

 The preceding story was provided by Israel's Consulate General in Los Angeles