Prime Minister Netanyahu states that Israel can defend itself:
On Thursday, PM Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is capable of defending itself at a memorial service commemorating those killed in the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Although he chose not to specifically mention it, the comments appear to be in regards to the US’s recent decision to withdraw from Syria. Netanyahu stated that “we greatly appreciate the support of the US, but … Israel will defend itself.”
Yisrael Beytinu outlines its plan for a unity government:
Yisrael Beytenu released a plan for a unity government on their website. The plan would feature only Likud, Blue and White, and Yisrael Beytenu in the governing coalition. Benny Gantz and Benjamin Netanyahu would rotate as prime minister, and the first steps for the government would be a “2020 budget and a multi-stage plan for the IDF for the next 10 years.”
Reservisits etition to help the Kurds:
A petition addressed to Prime Minister Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochav calling on Israel to give assistant to the Kurdish people was signed by dozens of reservists. ““We, as Israelis and Jews, must not stand by when we see another nation abandoned by its allies and left defenseless, …We remember very well the blood of our people, what happens when the nations of the world abandon the fate of a people.”
Russian journalist held in Iran released:
On Wednesday night, the Russian embassy in Iran reported that Yulia Yuzik, a Russian journalist and Russian citizen suspected of spying for Israel had been released by Iran. She immediately flew back to Moscow. The Iranian government stated that she had been detained due to visa issues and not suspicion of espionage.
Iranian MMA fighter pushes back against Iran, plans to fight an Israeli:
Reza Madadi, an Iranian living in Sweden, announced he will return from retirement to fight Israeli Moshe Ben-Shimol. As Iran forbids its sports competitors from competing with Israelis, Madadi will likely be forced to defect from Iran and continue living in Sweden after the competition. He stated “The reason I am returning is to show the world that two professional athletes can compete with each other despite cultural, religious and political differences – and then leave the gym like two friends.”