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Thursday, Dec. 31 '15, Tevet 19, 5776
HEADLINES:
1. BOMB ATTACK THWARTED IN EILAT HOTEL LAST MONTH
2. DUMA AFFAIR: ANOTHER SUSPECT RELEASED TO HOUSE ARREST
3. CAR-RAMMING ATTACK IN SAMARIA
4. EGYPTIAN AIR FORCE JETS ENTER GAZA AIRSPACE IN BOMBING RAIDS
5. ISRAELIS CLAIM THEY WERE TORTURED BY PALESTINIAN POLICE
6. WITH RAIN, WIND AND COLD, ISRAEL'S FIRST WINTER STORM IS UPON US
7. RABBI KANIEVSKY INSTRUCTS PARAMEDICS: DON'T SAVE TERRORISTS
8. RABBI RISKIN OPPOSES CELEBRATION OF SECULAR NEW YEAR
1. BOMB ATTACK THWARTED IN EILAT HOTEL LAST MONTH
by Cynthia Blank
Prosecutors filed indictments with the Be'er Sheva District Court on Thursday against two Arabs originally from Jerusalem accused of planning a bomb attack on a hotel in Eilat.
The pair, identified as Khalil Nimri and Ashraf Salaima, had been residing and working in Eilat for several years when they plotted to plant explosives inside one of the southern resort's many hotels.
The attack was apparently foiled thanks to the vigilance of the hotel staff who reported the suspicious-looking men to management, who in turn called in security forces.
The terrorists have been charged with conspiracy to commit an offense to aid the enemy in wartime.
According to the indictment, Nimri and Salaima met while working at a hotel in Eilat. Two months ago the pair got together and decided to attack Jews out of a desire to take revenge on Israel for the elimination of terrorists in the current terror wave.
More specifically, one wanted to avenge the death of his childhood friend, who was killed while carrying out a stabbing attack in Jerusalem.
Nimri suggested the two conduct a stabbing attack and kill a religious Jew, but Salaima objected on the grounds they would likely be caught and their action would thus carry no meaning. He then proposed planting a bomb in a hotel in Eilat, to which Nimri agreed.
The two began surveillance on the hotel from the outside, following a group of religious Jews staying at the hotel. One of the suspects also combed the internet for videos on how to prepare an explosive device.
Salaima arrived at the hotel on November 30 pretending to be a prospective guest. He asked to view different hotel rooms and also expressed interest in the room located directly beneath the dining room, with the thought of planting the bomb there.
He asked both the desk clerk and the housekeepers numerous questions which aroused their suspicions, including about entrances into the hotel, the hotel's occupancy level, and whether a group of religious Jews were expected soon.
After questioning the staff members, Salaima left the hotel, and they immediately sprang into action.
The receptionist and housekeeper reported the visit to the hotel's management and security staff eventually leading to both Nimri and Salaima's arrests, thereby thwarting the attack and saving the lives of dozens of people.
2. DUMA AFFAIR: ANOTHER SUSPECT RELEASED TO HOUSE ARREST
by Arutz Sheva Staff
Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court ordered Thursday afternoon the release of another minor who was arrested in suspected involvement of the Duma affair to house arrest. The minor was released on bail.
The minor, who resides in central Israel, was arrested two weeks ago, and only after 15 days he was allowed to meet with Honenu attorney Uri Keinan.
After the hearing, Mr. Keinan said, "I am pleased that after 15 difficult days, the minor was released, thank God, and his spirit was able to overcome the unbearable conditions he encountered in the harsh interrogations."
The release of the minor to house arrest comes two days after the release of another minor who was arrested on suspicion of involvement. After 30 days of harsh interrogations it became clear that he had no involvement in the affair.
It should be noted that the investigation into the Duma case is still under a gag order.
3. CAR-RAMMING ATTACK IN SAMARIA
by Arutz Sheva Staff
An IDF soldier in his 20s was been injured in a car-ramming attack near the Arab village of Huwara in Samaria.
The terrorist was shot dead at the scene by security forces.
The injured soldier was evacuated by IDF medics to Beilinson hospital with light injuries.
Huwara and its environs have been a focal point of Arab terrorist attacks in recent weeks.
In related news, according to statistics released Thursday by the Magen David Adom ambulance service, a total of 25 people have been murdered in terrorist attacks since the start of October.
The vast majority of attacks have taken place in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, but a significant minority have also taken place in major Israeli cities including Tel Aviv, Ra'anana, Rishon Letzion, Be'er Sheva and elsewhere.
MDA paramedics alone have provided emergency, first aid to 271 injured victims of terrorist attacks during the past three months, including stabbing, car-ramming and shooting attacks. Of those victims, 23 were seriously injured, 8 were moderately-to-seriously injured, 39 suffered from moderate injuries, while 201 were injured lightly or lightly-to-moderately.
MDA has also treated 99 people for anxiety at the scene of attacks.
MDA teams have provided first aid at the scene of 84 rock-throwing attacks, 75 stabbings, 20 car-rammings and nine shooting attacks.
4. EGYPTIAN AIR FORCE JETS ENTER GAZA AIRSPACE IN BOMBING RAIDS
by Raphael Poch
The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) began intensive bombardment near the Gaza Strip this morning in the area surrounding the Egyptian town of Rafah. According to Palestinian media reports EAF planes entered into the airspace of Gaza itself.
The target of the air raids are positions belonging to ISIS's Egypt branch, known as "Sinai Province." Arabic language Sky News reported 15 fatalities thus far due to the bombings.
Hamas at times helps ISIS supporters in the Sinai Peninsula by supplying them with weapons and supplies smuggled out of the strip. Reports of bombings within the strip itself have increased tensions between Egypt and Hamas.
Recently Egypt has been flooding the smuggling tunnels that Hamas has set up connecting the strip to Sinai, causing the tunnels to collapse while killing the Hamas operatives inside. Last week a high ranking Hamas operative, Abed al Rahman Salah al Mubashar, who was one of the kidnappers of Gilad Schalit, was killed in a tunnel collapse due to flooding.
Continued Egyptian bombardment and floodings threaten the drinking water reserves of those in the strip, which are already in danger of salt contamination due to overuse. Tensions spiked on Friday when a Palestinian teen was shot to death after swimming across the border into the Sinai peninsula.
Hamas is very limited with regards to making any sort of response against the Egyptian Air Force. While Hamas does have a supply of shoulder mounted anti-aircraft missiles, it is unlikely that they would risk a direct confrontation with Egypt that would result from a direct attack on an Egyptian fighter jet.
5. ISRAELIS CLAIM THEY WERE TORTURED BY PALESTINIAN POLICE
by Raphael Poch
Two Israeli Arab brothers arrested in Bitunia by the Palestinian Authority (PA) on suspicion of growing marijuana a month ago, have finally been released. The brothers claimed that during their interrogations they were tortured. Among other devices used, the brothers claimed that they were tied up and hung upside down.
According to the brothers' claims, the two were arrested four weeks ago by PA police officers near Ramallah, and kept in the PA police headquarters. Their arrests were made known to the IDF only two weeks ago.
The brothers, who are Israeli Arab citizens, were transferred to Israeli custody two days ago at the Checkpoint outside of Ramallah that is close to Beit El and the IDF's COGAT command center for the Binyamin region. They were taken by Israeli police for questioning. After their initial questioning, Israeli police brought the brothers to a Jerusalem district court and requested that they be released to house arrest for a period of twenty days. The Judge granted house arrest until the beginning of the new calendar year.
The family is furious that the brothers were at the mercy of PA police officers for more than a month and that there was no intervention from any Israeli authoritative body for the entire period. According to the family's attorney, Faras Mustafa Ali, the family feels that the Israeli Police and COGAT would have acted differently had the brothers been Jewish.
Israeli sources refute the claims that they ignored the plight of the brothers. "The family submitted a complaint to the Judea and Samaria division that their children had been arrested by PA police. Upon contacting the PA, Israeli police forces were told that the brothers own an apartment in Ramallah, in which they built a marijuana growing facility. The PA police said that they were stopped numerous times in the past for criminal offences committed. Officers from Judea and Samaria District Police contacted the PA numerous times to arrange for the transfer of the brothers, and even attempted to get other security forces involved. After 29 days in PA custody, the brothers were transferred to the Judea and Samaria Division of the Israeli Police, with evidence linking them to the ownership and growing of marijuana. By law they were questioned by Israeli police before being brought to an Israeli court."
A spokesperson for COGAT said: "These two brothers entered the Palestinian Authority at their own wishes, and proceeded to participate in illegal activity with Palestinian citizens. Their actions and subsequent arrests were brought to our attention after two weeks of their detention. From that point onwards COGAT worked on all levels to attain their release." According to COGAT the interaction with the family was conducted by the Israeli Police, and that no claims of torture had been brought to their attention.
6. WITH RAIN, WIND AND COLD, ISRAEL'S FIRST WINTER STORM IS UPON US
by Cynthia Blank
The peak of Israel's first major winter storm will hit only on Thursday night - but rain, wind and cold are expected all day.
Local rains are expected to fall throughout the day from northern Israel to the northern Negev, intensifying during the afternoon. Toward the evening, snow will also begin to fall in the north.
Up to 20 centimeters (~8 inches) of snow are predicted on Mount Hermon, with another 15 anticipated in the Galilee. Jerusalem, however, will likely have to settle with some light snow on Friday, although sleet is more likely.
The worst part of the storm will occur overnight Thursday into Friday afternoon. Heavy flooding is anticipated and Israeli authorities are also concerned over damage to the electrical system.
The record low temperatures, however, are only expected Friday night until the afternoon on Saturday. The cold temperatures will be accompanied by cloudy skies and light rainfall, particularly in Israel's central region.
Rain may continue on Sunday, particularly in the north and additional snow is also predicted on Mount Hermon and in the Golan. Temperatures will be slightly warmer, but still unseasonably cold.
The Ministry of Health has published a list of safety recommendations for citizens, especially the elderly and parents with young children, in order to minimize damage caused by the cold.
These include heating the house at a constant 24°C (75.2°F) temperature, wearing warm clothing, and sealing all windows and doors to prevent cold from entering.
Magen David Adom is also preparing for the storm; it has added reinforcements to shifts and put dozens of ambulances on high alert.
The Israel Electric Company has taken preventive measures against potential power outages, and has ordered reinforcements to its teams, particularly in northern Israel.
7. RABBI KANIEVSKY INSTRUCTS PARAMEDICS: DON'T SAVE TERRORISTS
by Hezki Ezra
Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, one of the leading haredi authorities on Jewish law, instructed members of the United Hatzalah paramedic organization not to treat injured terrorists in a meeting Thursday.
Heads of the organization arrived at the Rabbi's house, and after receiving his blessing inquired as to the halachik issues of treating terrorists at the site of terror attacks.
The Rabbi clarified that in cases in which it is clear to the paramedics who among the wounded is the terrorist, paramedics should not treat the terrorist before the wounded in the attack - even if the terrorist is more seriously injured.
Furthermore the Rabbi instructed that if the terrorist was in a life threatening condition, they should leave him or her to die.
Having said that, the Rabbi explained that if the identity of the terrorist is not clear, then the paramedics need to treat all of the injured in the area so as to avoid a case in which a victim of an attack would not receive treatment.
The rabbi's ruling follows an ongoing controversy in Israel over the issue. The various heads of different emergency paramedic groups have differed on defining the proper ethical practice, with some suggesting paramedics should treat the most seriously injured first - even if it is the terrorist who carried out the attack - while others insist the victims of the attack must be treated first.
8. RABBI RISKIN OPPOSES CELEBRATION OF SECULAR NEW YEAR
by Eliran Aharon
[video:2011058]
Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has announced his opposition to Jews celebrating the secular New Year, known as "Sylvester" in Israel.
In a special interview with Arutz Sheva, Riskin asserted that secular New Year's festivities are not compatible with the Jewish spirit.
He explained that Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, has far-reaching spiritual meaning throughout the year, while the secular New Year was created by the Romans as an expression of "debauchery."
Riskin qualified there was no biblical prohibition against celebrating, but noted he felt there was a rabbinic one.
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