Reports from opposition groups in Syria early Tuesday estimated that as many as 12 Iranian Revolutionary Guards troops were killed by Israeli air strikes on targets in and around Damascus international airport earlier this week. A handful of troops serving in other Iranian-allied factions were also killed in the strikes, with many more wounded. In related news, the IDF and US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) carried out a successful test Tuesday morning of the Arrow-3 air defense system, which forms a crucial part of Israel’s plans to defend itself against attacks by long-range ballistic missiles.

Visiting Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a free trade agreement in Jerusalem on Monday. The wide ranging agreement is expected to generate large volumes of trade between Israel and Ukraine and create many jobs in both countries and was a highlight of a day which saw several crushing defeats for the movement to Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) the Jewish State.

Israelis were heartened on Monday at the inauguration of the new Ramon Airport in the Timna Valley north of Eilat, named for Ilan Ramon and his son Assaf, who both served in the Israeli Air Force and died in accidents while serving their country. “The Zionist vision is being realized here, from the foundations up to the rafters: planting a root into the earth of the homeland – and at the same time taking off to the peak of success, on the wings of great imagination,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the inauguration ceremony.

A study was recently published by researchers at Tel Aviv University giving hope to millions of people around the world who suffer or are at risk from various forms of cancer and other health problems. The research shows a connection between levels of the protein ubiquilin – 4 can have a destabilizing effect on the human genome, which can cause various health issues including cancer but also genetic disorders and chronic diseases. Health professionals can use the new research to develop more effective treatments and prevention programs for patients.

The heads of European Union diplomatic missions in Ramallah took a highly unusual step on Monday, calling on the Palestinian Authority to conduct free and fair elections in the near future and expressing concerns over various irregularities in the PA’s administration of the Palestinian population in the West Bank. The statement noted that election are “crucial” to the “establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.”

It would seem that at this stage, we are facing a new strategic situation with regard to Israel’s dealing with Iran in Syria. At its foundation lies the risk that Iran, through the Qods Force, will intensify its reactions to Israeli attacks on Syria and is even prepared to enter into a limited conflict with Israel.

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