–Palestinian terrorists attacked Israeli motorists with “rocks” and Molotovs at Azzun, on Route 55 in Samaria, Migdalot,  Hizma (a man was wounded), El Aruv, on the Gush Etzon Road near Hevron, the Tapuach Junction, and at numerous other locations.

–Palestinian arsonists set a huge fire near Mount Bracha which is currently moving toward Giv’at Ronen.

–Palestinian terrorists opened fire on an IDF vehicle at Nur a-Shams; the soldiers returned fire, but the terrorists escaped.

–Palestinian terrorists in Gaza ignited numerous fires overnight using Molotov kites.

Speaking of the Molotov kites (1) . . .

As we have reported in the last few weeks, the “kites” launched from Gaza have become much more sophisticated. Most of them now contain remote control detonation devices, and a number are actually helium-filled balloon incendiary devices.

It was reported yesterday that these helium-filled incendiary devices are being fueled at Gaza hospitals–the only places in Gaza that have helium.

Speaking of the Molotov kites (2) . . .

Everyday, the Israeli government collects taxes and import duties which are subsequently turned over to the PLO.

The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee sent a bill to the Knesset for its second and third readings today that will authorize the government to deduct money paid to the PLO for damages incurred from the fires set by Molotov kites and for money paid by the PLO to terrorists in prison and dead terrorists’ families.

The new law proposes that the amount deducted be deposited in a fund to be used for compensating Israeli victims of Palestinian terror.

There is only one question to ask: why in the world hasn’t Israel done this long before now?

The impact of the U.S.-North Korean talks . . .

It should not be overlooked that Israel will be closely watching the outcome of the talks between President Trump and Kim Jong Un in Singapore.

Of course, the primary thrust of the talks involves the denuclearization of North Korea and the possible reunification of North and South Korea.

But we should not forget that North Korean scientists have been actively participating in the Iranian nuclear program, and the country has been a primary supplier of weapons to terrorists supported by Iran throughout the Middle East.

Cutting off this participation and supply would be a major step forward.

TODAY’S BLOG:

The Struggle for Israel’s National Identity:

Banning Hatikvah at Tel Aviv University

Yesterday, Israel continued its slide into the cultural abyss.

Tel Aviv University decided to eliminate our national anthem Hatikvah from its official graduation ceremony in the humanities division. 

There was no attempt to hide the reason; a senior university official brazenly declared that it was being done out of  “consideration for the feelings of Arab students.”

What’s more, Hatikvah will be replaced with the kumbaya song: “You and I Will Change the World.”

Your humble servant is going to be ill.

But why should anyone be surprised? Looking back through the years, we can easily see how we came to this nauseating place.

Back in 2011, when the Education Ministry decided to return the daily singing of Hatikvah to kindergarten classrooms, we heard such comments from the “left” as these:

“It looks like a competition between members of the Likud to see who can push us faster into the arms of fascism . . .”  Professor Gabi Solomon of the University of Haifa, Israel Prize Laureate for Education.

“Instead of wrapping [newborn] babies in a white sheet, they should wrap them in an Israeli flag, and hang Israeli flags over every bassinet, and make sure that in the delivery room they play ‘Hatikva’ in the background.”  Professor Yaron Ezrahi, political scientist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

And do you remember back in August of 2013?

The Barcelona soccer (football) team played a friendly game at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv. Before that game started only one national anthem was played: the Catalonian national anthem. There was no Hatikvah.

Why not? Because Shimon Peres announced that playing Hatikvah would be insulting to Palestinians who might be in attendance at the game. 

We could go on and on, but the bottom line is that there is a constant struggle in Israel between those on the “left” who would eliminate our national symbols and cultural icons, and the rest of us–the overwhelming majority of Israelis.

It is a struggle that we dare not lose.