Two days ago a terrorist attack coming from Sinai was luckily prevented. The intended attackers, who are presumed to belong to the  global Jihad terror cell based in Sinai, including Beduin from the region, first broke into an Egyptian army base, killed 16 Egyptian soldiers and stole two armoured jeeps. One of these vehicles which was probably boobytrapped, exploded as  it rammed through the Kerem Shalom crossing which is shared by Israel, Egypt and the Gaza Strip. The second jeep raced ahead and engaged in a firefight with Israeli troops, but was destroyed by an Israeli air strike, six terrorists were killed, and the army went looking for  survivors  who could also be a danger, but none were found. Later the six bodies were returned to Egypt. It is presumed that the aim of the attack was to take Israeli hostages or infilterate into a nearby community and  attack its residents.

There had been previous warnings of possible terrorist activity in the area, and residents of communities in the area had been told to be on the alert.  Defence Minister Ehud Barak congratulated the IDF (Israel defence Force) for thwarting the attack and called on the new Egyptian government to immediately restore control over Sinai, restore security and prevent further terrorist activities. I must add that the Egyptians are especially angry at the loss of life of their own soldiers and the army commander has given orders to shoot anyone dangerous without special orders. Even Hamas condemned the assault because of the death of Egyptian soldiers, but some members of the Moslem Brotherhood strangely enough blamed Israel for this crime.

In Syria the fighting is still going on, and more and more people, officers and even politicians are deserting. Koffee Anan, the United Nations mediator has resigned after three months of unsuccessfully trying to make peace.

And now a few words about the Olympics in London. So far the Israeli team has not done well, but there is still a chance later today in the women’s windsurfing competition. So far Lee  Korzits has taken second place in all the rounds – hopefully in this coming last stage she will get a medal.                                                                                                                                                                                                      Enough for today. Shalom from Irene