Terror Attack in Be’er-Sheva: four people were killed and two wounded in a terror attack on Tuesday in a shopping center in Be’er-Sheva, known as the capital of the Negev, Israel’s southern region. A bus driver present at the scene attempted to get the attacker to lower his weapon, but when he came at him with a knife, the bus driver shot him dead, and put an end to the killing spree.
The attacker, Mohammad Abu al-Kian a resident of the Bedouin village of Hura in the Negev, was known to the security forces. He served four years in prison for attempting to cross the border to Syria and join the Islamic State forces. He first stabbed a woman, mother of four children, then ran over a cyclist with his car, and then stabbed two other people. The victims were brought to burial the following day. Government ministers who attended and spoke at the funerals were interrupted by angry mourners who criticized the government for the loss of a sense of security in the Negev.
Political leaders from both the left and right condemned the terror attack, the deadliest in five years. PM Bennett posted on Twitter that terrorists and their helpers will be chased down and prosecuted. Members of Ra'am, the Arab party and member of the coalition, said that Arab citizens reject violence.
Ukraine President Volodimir Zelensky Delivered a Speech to 120 Members of the Israeli Knesset (parliament), Almost Begging for Military and Moral Support: Zelensky asked the state of Israel to make an effort and support Ukraine. In his speech, which was broadcast live at Tel Aviv’s Habima square, Zelensky compared Russia to Nazi Germany, and tried to push the sentimental button of the Land of the Jews, adding that Putin is executing the “final solution”. But unfortunately this did not go over well, and the comparison created strong push-back from most members of the Knesset and other public figures who claimed that the Holocaust was a stand-alone horrific event that cannot be compared to any other, especially because Nazi Germany systematically executed a planned genocide of the Jewish people. A few hours later, Zelensky published a statement in which he retreated from the comparison, apologized to the Jewish people and thanked Israel for its’ support.
PM Bennett Held a Summit Meeting with President of Egypt Al-Sisi and Crown Prince of UAE (United Arab Emirates) Mohammed bin Zayed at Sharm Al-Sheik in Southern Sinai: In the meeting, kept a secret until PM Bennett was already there, the three leaders established a coalition of Middle Eastern countries resisting the progression of the deal with Iran on its’ nuclear plant and intentions. The three countries share a common interest that Iran not obtain nuclear capacity in the near future, and they tried to establish a strong coalition that may be able to stand strong especially against the USA. This was a first meeting between the three leaders, and the first time an Israel PM spent an overnight in Egypt.
The talks on the nuclear deal with Iran, which are being held in Europe, made progress lately and Israeli officials are afraid that the superpowers and especially the USA may give up on key demands that may leave the deal lacking with regard to important red lines.
It is important to mention in this context that the three leaders did not mention in their meeting the Palestinians and the need to solve the conflict with Israel.
More than 350,000 People Attended the Funeral of Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, Revered Religious and Spiritual Leader in the Ashkenazi Ultra-Orthodox World: Rabbi Kanievsky passed away last Friday at the age of 94, and was brought to burial on Sunday. The police prepared in advance for a mass funeral, with initial estimates of one million attendees, and massive traffic jams. Yet, while the streets of Bnei Brak began to fill with people arriving early, the funeral concluded with minimal disturbances.
Israeli politicians from both left and right issued public eulogies, commending Rabbi Kanievsky for his wisdom, extensive knowledge of the Jewish texts and laws, and his humble, almost spartan, lifestyle. Rabbi Kanievsky, known as “the Prince of Torah”, was respected outside of the Haredi Lithuanian stream, for his spiritual approach and blessings. During the initial stages of COVID-19, Rabbi Kanievsky was at the heart of the public controversy when he ordered that Haredi schools, Yeshivas, and synagogues stay open, despite strict lockdown regulations. Kanievsky was also consulted by his followers with regards to vaccinations.
Kanievsky’s successor, 98-year-old Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, served as his junior partner until his passing. Media commentators say that Edelstein’s leadership marks the return to a more “rational and pragmatic” approach, different from Kanievsky’s spiritual leadership.
COVID-19 in Israel: infection rates are on the rise again, and the number of those infected doubled this week. According to data collected and published by one of Israel’s public health funds, 60% - 70% of those diagnosed with COVID-19 were infected with the new Omicron sub-variant, BA.2, believed to be 30% more contagious. The Health Ministry COVID team convened earlier this week and is expected to reach decisions in the coming days regarding measures to be taken to curb the spread of the virus.
For further reading:
Terrorist attack: Here, here, here, here
Middle East Summit: Here, here, here, here