Elite IDF Women's Units - It's Not Worth The Harm

by Ofrah Lax, www.inn.co.il/besheva, translated and adapted by Hillel Fendel

Israel's Supreme Court has deferred its ruling on a case brought by several future (female) soldiers who wish to enlist in elite combat units, saying it will wait to hear the IDF's position.

It was a real "happening" last Monday outside the Supreme Court in Jerusalem. Women with placards calling for the IDF to grant gender equality, MK and former IDF Personnel Branch head (retired with the rank of Major-General) Orit Barbivai making speeches in favor of the same, and four young women and their lawyers explaining to every available media microphone why they demand to be recruited to the unit of their choice. 

Internet Revolution in Judea & Samaria

by the Yesha Council, myesha.org.il, translated by Hillel Fendel

Just in time for the expected new wave of Aliyah! Israel's Communications Ministry has announced a new policy that will facilitate ultra-fast internet infrastructures, effective immediately.

Specifically, the Ministry wishes to bridge the internet capability gaps between the areas known as the "periphery" – Judea, Samaria, the Jordan Valley, and elsewhere – and central Israel.

Building Plans in Yesha Finally Approved!

by the Yesha Council, http://myesha.org.il/, translated by Hillel Fendel

After eight long months of a construction freeze whose end did not appear in sight, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu finally agreed to convene a meeting of the Supreme Construction Planning Commission – and the results almost made it worth the wait!

Expiration of Iran Sanctions - What's Next?

Iran Sanctions Expiration: Biden Will Allow, Trump Will Not

[Dr. Guy Bechor spotlights a critical but all-but-ignored news development]

by Hillel Fendel 

What's with the arms embargo on Iran that expired this week? It seems the media is busy with other topics, but at least Arab affairs expert Dr. Guy Bechor (Gplanet.co.il) is "on" this all-important issue.

He warns in his analysis this week that it could stir up trouble in South America, with Iranian rockets ending up in dictatorial Venezuela; that Obama-Kerry are to blame, not Trump; and that Russia and Iran signed an arms deal on the very first day after the embargo's expiration date.

But most important, Iran itself warns that only the U.S. and Israel have what to fear!

Will Bibi Rotate with Gantz -- or with Bennett?

by Hillel Fendel

[Two B'sheva commentators provide their political prognoses at this point in time]

Though Covid-19 appears to have no plans to leave us any time soon, the political process in Israel – always a source of fascination, though some would use a more negative term – continues along its wrangling way. 

The ultimate question is: Will the "unity" government - comprising the two rival parties Likud and Blue-and-White - continue to limp along, or will Prime Minister Netanyahu arrange for new elections before the clause enabling Benny Gantz to replace him in rotation takes effect?