Israel Active

Back above ground, Tel Aviv’s skyline may soon have 3 huge new skyscrapers.

Anyone cleared by Israeli security can now work on US defence projects without further security checks. That includes Israeli Arabs and those born outside Israel.

Israel has advanced from 1948 when Al Schwimmer smuggled planes into the country. In 2010 Israel exported defensive equipment to the tune of $7.2 billion. Now the world looks to us for protection.

Some 354,000 visitors arrived in Israel in April, 19 percent more than in April 2011 and 12 percent more than in April 2010, during Israel's record year for tourism. Over one million visitors arrived in Israel between January and April of this year, 4 percent more than the previous record.

Italian clothing retailer Benetton will open its first flagship store in Israel at Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Centre. At least ten new Israeli stores are planned.

And they’re getting better. As the tourist industry boom continues, Israeli Youth Hostels are to have a $33 million upgrade and expansion. All rooms have cable TV, fridges, air con and private bathrooms.

It’s official; Bank of Israel chairman Sir Stanley Fischer is a candidate. According to a Reuters’ poll of economists, he is the person they think is most suitable for the role.

We’re not sure when our location changed, but our email complaint two weeks ago (to a Scottish council boycotting Israel) appears to have spread across the Internet. Here’s one example. You can still read Part 1 of the complaint (featuring the technology and food contributions Israel has made to the world) on the Jerusalem Post website. Part 2 (highlighting Israel’s medical achievements) is due soon.

Despite the ongoing spat with Turkey, Israel’s exports to them doubled to $0.5 billion in the first three months of 2011. Turkey is now Israel’s 3rd highest customer of Israeli products.

Hailed as an innovative success, Israel’s idea of a two-year state budget cycle is to be adopted by Western countries, including the USA.