Tel Aviv Update September 9, 2022
New Chief of Staff,terror attack, Munich anniversary, over $1 Billion Raised in August and a restaurant review
DEFENSE
It was announced this week that Herzi Halevy had been selected as the next Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). His ascension was expected as he previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and was long viewed as the leading candidate. He also headed the IDF Intelligence Directorate and was chief of the Southern Command. On a lighter side note, in 1984, Halevy was a shaliach (emissary) from the Israeli Scouts to Young Judea’s Camp Sprout Lake.
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On Sunday, a terror attack was mounted on a bus in the Jordan Valley; five people were injured with four of them soldiers traveling on that bus. Two of the terrorists then tried to set the bus on fire and were apprehended immediately while the third – the father of one of the other terrorists – escaped and remains at-large.
On Tuesday, Israel again bombed the airport in Aleppo, Syria, in an effort to halt another Iranian arms shipment destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The IDF released its long-awaited report on the killing of Al Jazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh. The IDF, in its report, stated that it was more than likely that Abu Akleh was killed by an Israeli soldier, a member of the elite Duvdvan unit, but that she was killed by mistake and not intentionally. However, the report leaves open the question of how she was mistaken for an armed terrorist.
In response to the report, the US Administration has asked Israel to review its rules of engagement to decrease the number of civilians killed. Defense Minister Gantz, Prime Minister Lapid, and Alternative Prime Minister Bennet angrily denounced the US demand, saying only the Chief of Staff of the Israeli army can determine the rules of engagement. Many believe this is all a political game; the Biden Administration can placate its progressive critics by criticizing Israel, while Lapid can look strong standing up to the US Administration.
The problem is, however, real. While in almost all cases, the decision to use force can be justified, the cumulative effect is that since the beginning of 2022, 90 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security services. It is in our interest to decrease that number.
Meanwhile, an Arab from Nablus was caught in Jaffa near the historic Clock Tower, carrying an automatic rifle and two pipe bombs. In his initial interrogation, he stated he came to carry out a terror attack in Tel Aviv. Ironically I was within one block of where he was apprehended while I was returning from i24 News, participating in a panel on the anniversary of 9/11 and discussing the likelihood of another significant terror attack (it was prerecorded to be aired the following Sunday).
DIPLOMACY
President Herzog visited Germany this week to participate in the ceremonies marking 50 years since the Munich Olympics Massacre, where 12 Israel athletes were murdered. It's hard to believe that a half-century has passed since that horrific event. I was in Israel right before the Olympics started and I still remember the coverage of the departure to Germany of the athletes on Israel's then-single TV station. Before the memorial ceremony, the German government and the relatives of those killed finally reached a compensation agreement. The Germans also admitted that it was a mistake not to accept Israeli help to free the hostages. President Herzog also met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and addressed the German Bundestag
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POLITICS
In Political news: Meirav Michaeli and Zahava Galon agreed to attend a meeting with Yair Lapid to discuss combing their party lists. Galon has always been open to the idea, but Michaeli has been resistant.
A strange story surfaced, initially broken by Ayala Hasson, who always seems to have great sources in the Likud. The story was that Avigdor Lieberman offered $100,000 to kill a particular police officer. A witness came forward after the story broke and claimed he was the one who was offered the money. The States Attorney said it would begin an initial investigation, but the witness was not considered reliable.
Former Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, now part of Gantz's National Unity party, made his first reported comments on the conflict. In remarks to a small group meeting in Metula he opined that settlers’ actions to populate every part of the West Bank would end in disaster for the State of Israel, saying it would lead to a binational state. The Likud immediately pounced on the statement to call Eizenkot a left-winger.
ECONOMY
Despite all of the chatter surrounding the question of venture funds drying up, August turned out to be one of the best months ever for Israeli companies with over $1 Billion raised.
After a modest decline, salaries in the high-tech sector rose in August. Overall, current salaries are now 8% higher than those of a year ago.
Elmo Motion Controls has been sold to Bosch. Elmo specializes in the control of robots and other manufacturing equipment. The company was sold for $700 million.
A PIECE OF HISTORY
Israel’s National Opera
In 1917, Moscovite Mordechai Golinkin wrote a treatise about an opera he envisioned for The Holy Land. He arrived in Mandatory Palestine in 1923 and mounted Verdi's La Traviata. In the absence of formal theaters, it and other operas were performed on the stages of movie theaters. It took almost two decades, but in 1940, composer Marc Lavry and conductor George Singer established the Palestine Folk Opera.
On November 13, 1945, American soprano Edis de Philippe landed in Israel and within a short time, began the Israel National Opera. It was very successful. In the 1960s, Placido Domingo spent three years in Tel Aviv as part of the Opera. In 1982 the Israeli government stopped funding the Opera, leading to its closure. In 1985, The New Israeli Opera was created thanks to a partnership with the Cameri Theater.
For many years the Opera was performed at a theater located by the seashore on Hayarkon. However, the property was sold in 1992, and the Opera moved in 1994 to Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center on Shaul Hamelech Street.
A Taste of Tel Aviv: Triger Steak and Wine by Tali Schulman
Located on Montefiore street, right off of Allenby, you can find Triger steak and wine bar. One of the only of its kind in the city, Triger both grows and ages their own meat in addition to growing their own vegetables, ensuring every ingredient they serve is incredibly fresh! Sit on the balcony for a great people watching experience while eating fantastic cuts of perfectly cooked meat and sipping on their wonderfully curated wine selection all very much made to share. In addition to the delicious steak selection, their short ribs served pulled on top of a piece of toast with aioli is fabulous as well. I promise you’ll enjoy every bite and want to come back for more!
For more restaurant recommendations, find me on Instagram @talischulman all my food adventures are saved in my highlights!
