By Daniel Shapiro ’23
After months of proclaimed neutrality, Israel has taken a stand against Russia in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Prime Minister Naftali Bennet is reportedly communicating with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an effort to help mediate an end to the conflict, while Israel has been sending supplies and defense gear to support Ukrainian refugees and soldiers.
0 Comments
By Rachel Max ‘24
Israeli spyware developer the NSO Group has recently faced allegations that the Israeli Police have been abusing one of their programs, named Pegasus, to spy on citizens. Thus far, these claims have been denied, and very little concrete evidence has been put forth, yet were serious enough to warrant an internal investigation. By Rachel Max ‘24
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett indicated that he is not planning on implementing the 2016 plan for the Kotel plaza expansion due to opposition from right-wing members of his party, leaving Israel’s Rabbinical Assembly sorely disappointed. By Daniel Shapiro’23
Israel has announced they will be rolling out a fourth dose of the vaccine, available immediately to those ages 60 and older, in response to the surge of COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant. By Rachel Max ‘24
In a huge step towards equality for the LGBTQ+ community in Israel, the country has made it legal for same-sex couples, transgender people and single men to have children through surrogacy. By Rachel Max ‘24
Recent concerns point to Iran possibly reneging on its nuclear production promises. Iran has been promising to hold discussions for months, yet since Iran’s new president, Ebrahim Raisi was elected in June, the discussion of reinstating the deal has been on hold. In 2015, Iran entered a deal with the World Powers that prohibited them from producing any form of nuclear weaponry and permitted international inspectors to ensure they were keeping their end of the bargain. By Daniel Shapiro’23
With a new administration elected in the United States of America, there will be new relations between the USA and Israel. The policies laid out by the Biden Administration at the UN suggest a turn toward modest non-interference regarding Israel, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At the United Nations Security Council meeting on Jan. 26, the then-acting US ambassador to the United Nations, Richard Mills, stated that the Biden administration would support a two-state solution. Rachel Max ‘24
It was anticipated for Israel’s borders to open by now, but for now, the country is still closed. No non-Israelis can enter the country, and there are restrictions, to even leave. To exit, you must have a negative COVID-19 test within three days before leaving or have papers that prove you fully recovered at least 90 days ago. However, Israel has already vaccinated over half its population and anticipates having everyone vaccinated within the next couple of months. Once everyone is vaccinated, the country should be able to reopen. Izzi Zellan, ‘23
For the fourth time in two years, Israel is forced to hold an election after its government collapsed in late December. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, after three inconclusive elections, agreed to form a coalition between their two parties, the Likud party and the Blue and White party respectively. The coalition lasted a mere seven months. The driving force behind the government collapse is generally considered to be Netanyahu’s desire to form a government that will be more favorable to him during his corruption trial, which is scheduled to begin hearing evidence in February. By Rachel Max ‘24
Tel Aviv is working to create a form of public transportation wirelessly charged by the road to improve air quality and save the earth. “Our strategic action plan to prepare for climate change has placed the fight against pollution at the top of the municipality’s environmental agenda,” Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai said. |