On Saturday, August 20th, over 60 rockets and mortars were fired from Gaza towards Israel.  One man was killed and dozens more were wounded, including a 4 month-old baby.  More than 500,000 residents of Israel were forced into bomb shelters.

This barrage of rockets follows a coordinated attack on Israel that claimed the lives of eight citizens and wounded 30 more.

The names of the casualties have been released (click on their names to read about their lives as Israeli citizens):

• St-Sgt Moshe Naftali, 22
• Chief Warrant Officer Pascal Avrahami,  49-year old father of three
• Flora Gez and her husband Moshe Gez, as well as Flora’s sister Shula Karlinsky and her husband Dov Karlinsky
• Yosef Levy, 57
• Yitzhak Sela, 56

Since Thursday’s attack, over 100 rockets were fired at Israel.  For a timeline of events, click here.

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The Minister of Defense, Ehud Barak, conducted this afternoon (August 20th) a special situation analysis with the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-General Benny Ganz, as well as intelligence and security officers. The Defense Minister received an update of the situation and gave instructions for future activity. Barak said that he views very seriously the horrific attack on Thursday that targeted Israeli civilians on Israeli territory.

Defense Minister Barak stated: “The terrorist attack originated in Gaza, most of the perpetrators were killed and the senior terrorists responsible for the attack were killed shortly after it. Over the last two days, Israel has been hitting back hard at those responsible for the attack in the south, and is acting with efficiency against the launching of Grad missiles and rockets from Gaza in order to protect the citizens of Israel.”

The Defense Minister noted the importance of the peace treaty with Egypt and his appreciation for the reasonableness and responsibility that Egypt has demonstrated. Barak stated: “We regret the deaths of members of the Egyptian security forces during the terror attack on the Israeli-Egyptian border.” The Minister of Defense has ordered an IDF investigation, followed by a joint examination with the Egyptian military, to examine the circumstances of the event. The appropriate conclusions will be reached following the investigation. Defense Minister Barak stated: “The Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty has great importance and much strategic value for the stability of the Middle East.”

UPDATE: Saturday’s rocket barrage from Gaza at Israeli cities in the south has killed at least one individual, injuring 16, including a 4 month old baby.

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Firstly, I would like to express my condolences to the families of the civilians murdered, and to those of the soldiers who fell while responding to today’s terrorist attacks.

I share their pain. I know that their lives will never be the same. I also want to express my hopes for a speedy recovery to those injured in these attacks and are currently undergoing treatment in hospital.

We all witnessed today an attempt to escalate the terrorist war against Israel by launching of attacks from the Sinai. If there is someone who thinks that the State of Israel will let this pass, he is mistaken.

I have set out a principle – when the citizens of Israel are attacked, we respond immediately and with strength.  That principle was implemented today.  Those who gave the order to murder our citizens, while hiding in Gaza, are no longer among the living.

I commend the IDF and the security services who eliminated today in Gaza the senior figures of the organization which carried out the terror attacks in the south. I commend the soldiers, police, and members of the security services who acted swiftly, determinately and bravely against the terrorists, and who thereby prevented an even greater tragedy.

If the terrorist organizations believe that they can attack our citizens and get away with it, they will soon learn how wrong they are. We will exact a price, a very heavy price.

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Just a few hours ago on Thursday afternoon Israeli time, terrorists carried out three coordinated terrorist attacks near the southern Israeli city of Eilat on Thursday. Current reports place the casualties at 7 killed, over 40 injured.

Today’s combined terrorist attacks on Israeli civilian vehicles began several hours ago, around noon local Israel time, when gunfire was opened at an Israeli bus. The bus was traveling from Be’er Sheva to the resort town of Eilat on Highway 12 along the Israel-Egypt border. 14 people were injured as a result and evacuated to nearby hospitals.  Simultaneously, fire was opened on an additional bus and two civilian vehicles, injuring several people.

An explosive device was detonated on IDF soldiers that arrived at the scene a short while afterwards, injuring several of them.

Magen David Adom paramedics were called to the scene and injured persons were transported to Yoseftal Hospital in Eilat.

In addition to mortars being fired from across the Egyptian border at soldiers conducting routine maintenance work on the security fence on the Israel-Egypt border, terrorists also launched an anti-tank missile at a private car. At least 5 civilians were killed in that attack.

All incidents occurred approximately 20 kilometers north of Eilat.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the attacks saying, “The terror attacks are a serious incident, in which Israeli citizens were killed and our sovereignty was breached.” He added that “Israel will react accordingly.” You can find the full English translation of his address here.

IDF forces pursued the terrorists that carried out the attacks and exchanged fire with them.

Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz arrived in the area a short time ago.

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yoav (Poly) Mordechai said that the attacks were part of a “grave and complex event” in which civilians and soldiers were injured.

The White House condemned the attack in no uncertain terms, saying in a statement:

“We condemn the brutal terrorist attacks in southern Israel today in the strongest terms.  Our deepest condolences go to the victims, their families and loved ones, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery.  The U.S. and Israel stand united against terror and we hope that those behind this attack will be brought to justice swiftly.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also spoke out against the attacks:

“The United States condemns today’s attacks in southern Israel and all acts of terrorism in the strongest terms. These brutal and cowardly attacks appear to be premeditated acts of terrorism against innocent civilians. Our deepest condolences go out to the victims, their families and loved ones.

This violence only underscores our strong concerns about the security situation in the Sinai Peninsula. Recent commitments by the Egyptian government to address the security situation in the Sinai are important and we urge the Egyptian government to find a lasting resolution.

The United States and Israel are united in the fight against terror. We hope that those involved in the planning of these gruesome attacks will be brought to swift justice. We stand by Israel as our friend, partner, and ally — now and always.”

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South of Lebanon’s Litani River, many villages lay in ruin. Others were deserted, their inhabitants having fled northward to Beirut. Across the border, Israeli civilians emerged from shelters to find their neighborhoods ravaged by thousands of Katyusha rockets. The surrounding forests were scorched. Israeli troops deployed throughout southern Lebanon, poised to deal a decisive blow to Hezbollah, but they did not. At that moment, 8 a.m. on Aug. 14, 2006—five years ago this weekend—the guns of the Second Lebanon War fell silent.

Continue reading over at WSJ.com

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(Communicated by the President’s media advisor)

President Shimon Peres conducted a working meeting yesterday morning with 26 Democratic Members of Congress that are visiting Israel in a delegation headed by the Democratic Whip, Rep. Steny Hoyer. The visit was organized by American Israel Education Foundation, and is the first of a number of Congressional delegations that will visit Israel in the next few weeks in an effort to strengthen relations between the United States and Israel.

Rep. Hoyer presented President Peres with a parchment copy of House Resolution 268 which was adopted on May 13, 2011. Rep. Hoyer said when presenting it: “As you know we have a lot of partisan differences in our Congress today, but there is real value and centrality on the policies of the United States towards Israel and there is little if any partisan difference in the Congress on the issue of Israel. Rep. Cantor and I introduced a resolution that was passed by the Congress, just a few weeks ago. That resolution articulated, once again, and reaffirmed our unyielding support for Israel, and our opposition to either party its declaring independence. We believe the Palestinians would be making an error seeking UN recognition now before negotiations. We urge the Palestinians and the Israelis to return to the table without preconditions.”

President Peres responded by saying: “Thank you very much from the depth of my heart. You are always so generous and friendly to our people and our nation. For us your visit here is a real event. We never forget your bipartisan support of Israel which is an expression of the people of the United States.” President Peres also expressed his condolences on the loss of the servicemen killed recently in Afghanistan saying: “I know you lost some of your best boys.” In addition, he said that regardless of the current economic situation, the United States would overcome its difficulties and continue to be the “only country that seriously pays attention to the problems of the rest of the world.”

Regarding the Palestinian issue President Peres said: “The peace process is experiencing some difficulties, as usual, but I believe that peace can be achieved. Even some of the Palestinians who are considering asking the U.N. for recognition are not sure that it is the right move. The U.N. cannot provide solutions like stopping global terror or Iranian terror specifically. A U.N. declaration would be lacking any meaning and will only lengthen the conflict. I hope that both sides will come back to the negotiating table before September. Both us and the Palestinians understand that the alternative to peace is continued mistakes.”

* * *

PM Netanyahu, who also met with the delegation, said that he was committed to peace: “The only way to achieve peace between us and the Palestinians is through direct negotiations. We are ready to begin negotiations without prior conditions immediately. If the UN recognizes a unilateral Palestinian step, his will harm the chance of achieving peace.”

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President Shimon Peres accepted the credentials today of the incoming Ambassador of the United States to Israel, Daniel Shapiro.

President Peres said to Ambassador Shapiro: “As a representative of the great United States of America, which to us is not just a country but the closest friend a nation can have. I would like to express my admiration to the President of the United States. By overcoming the complicated issue of the budget through compromise, he saved both the United States and humanity from a possible disaster. I consider President Obama as a friend of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. I don’t have any doubt about it. He represents the best tradition of the United States when it comes to relations with Israel. Not only with words but with deeds, the President has promised on many occasions that the security of Israel will be at the top of his agenda – and he does it.”

Ambassador Shapiro, who was Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa on the National Security Staff at the White House prior to his appointment as Ambassador, surprised President Peres and responded in fluent Hebrew saying:

“Thank you for the warm reception. Your wisdom is something we can learn from. The relationship between the United States and Israel is the most important and strongest we have anywhere in the world. We have common interests and common values and they unite us, our two democracies. We are coping with the same threats and as a result we built an excellent relationship of cooperation, between our governments and our intelligence gathering agencies. But even more important than our strategic relationship is our moral relationship. I have been sent by President Obama to oversee this important relationship. My presence here represents a commitment of President Obama to strengthen and deepen the warm and important relations between the State of Israel and the United States.”

On current events in the Middle East, President Peres added: “I think we are in full agreement about the best way to achieve peace. Some countries are committed to supporting the Palestinian’s intentions but they are making a mistake. The United Nations can only produce a declaration and what we need is an understanding, not a declaration. Unless the Palestinians and us solve the last remaining issues, no declarations will help. The gaps between both sides are narrow and can be overcome. There is a built-in majority against us at the UN. Also, maybe they can declare peace but they cannot create a peaceful situation. They cannot stop Iran from building bombs, spreading terror, and supporting terrorist groups. Can you have peace without it? We appreciate the position of the President and the Congress on this issue to enter into direct negotiations and not take any empty gestures.

Ambassador Shapiro said: “The current situation in the Middle East is filled with challenges and dangers. There is even a threat against the very existence of the only Jewish and democratic country in the world, the State of Israel. We will face these threats together, as allies, with a central purpose of defending the security of the State of Israel. At the same time we will take advantage of the new realities to promote democracy and the opportunities to establish peace between you and your neighbors, especially the Palestinians.”

He also said: “As a representative of President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and in the name of the American people, I will be your partner and the partner of Prime Minister Netanyahu, and all the citizens of Israel. I have worked closely for the past two years with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his advisers and I am sure that this important work will continue.”

The Ambassador also mentioned his desire to reach out directly to the people of Israel and open a dialogue with them. He is interested in both hearing their opinions and in representing the United States to them.

(As communicated by the Office of the President of Israel)

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(Communicated by the MFA Spokesman)

The Government of the State of Israel and the Government of the Republic of South Sudan,

Guided by the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1963,

Desirous to promote and strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation between their countries and peoples, on the basis of equality, mutual respect and non interference in the internal affairs of one another,

Have decided to establish diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level as of today.

The practical aspects of this decision, including the accreditation of Ambassadors, will be pursued through diplomatic channels.

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(Communicated by the MFA Spokesman)

Israel expresses its shock at the revolting terror attacks in Oslo, which have taken the lives of innocent victims. Nothing at all can justify such wanton violence, and we condemn this brutal action with the utmost gravity.

We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Norway in this hour of trial, and trust Norwegian authorities to bring to justice those responsible for this heinous crime.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We send our condolences to the bereaved families, and our wishes for prompt recovery to the injured. We remain at the Government of Norway’s disposal for any assistance it may require.

President Shimon Peres sent a special condolence letter to the King of Norway and the Norwegian people.

In the letter the President wrote: “The people of Israel are shocked and share the grief of the people of Norway on the despicable murder of innocent civilians and innocent youth. Our hearts are with the bereaved families who have lost that which is most dear to them. We pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded.”

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With recent events shining an international spotlight on the situation in Gaza, the Middle East Quartet (United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia), released a statement noting that efforts “have improved conditions over the last year, including a marked increase in the range and scope of goods and materials moving into Gaza, an increase in international project activity, and the facilitation of some exports.” Last week alone, 1,236 truckloads totaling over 29,556 tons of goods were unloaded at the land crossings into the Gaza Strip and transferred to Palestinian and international organizations for distribution. This is in addition to Egypt’s reopening of the Rafah border crossing.  The Quartet commended “the recent approval by Israel of materials for new homes and schools to be constructed by UNRWA.”

The statement continued saying:

“The Quartet recognizes that Israel has legitimate security concerns that must continue to be safeguarded. Members of the Quartet are committed to working with Israel, Egypt and the international community to prevent the illicit trafficking of arms and ammunition into Gaza and believe efforts to maintain security while enabling movement and access for Palestinian people and goods are critical. In this context, the Quartet strongly urges all those wishing to deliver goods to the people of Gaza to do so through established channels so that their cargo can be inspected and transferred via established land crossings. The Quartet regrets the injury and deaths caused by the 2010 flotilla, urges restraint and calls on all Governments concerned to use their influence to discourage additional flotillas, which risk the safety of their participants and carry the potential for escalation.”

The Quartet also called for an end to “the deplorable five-year detention of Gilad Shalit.”

Read the full statement here.

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