Israel
Romania could become the first European nation to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. The ruling Social Democrat Party leader, Liviu Dragnea, announced the decision on local television, however, the Romanian president said he had not been consulted on the issue.
Israeli Military Technology
Israel’s Defense Ministry’s Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure issued a new directive to acquire non-lethal methods of crowd control following Palestinian riots on the Gaza border.
Foreign Military Sales
Israel shipped two Shaldag MK II fast patrol boats to the Argentine Coast Guard as part of $49 million agreement to sell four of the vessels to Buenos Aires.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced a partnership with Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody Aerospace to integrate systems and jointly market the L-159. The Czech-made light multi-role combat aircraft will receive new avionics and other technologies as part of the cooperation agreement, according to a statement from the companies.
Elbit opened an office in Berlin as the firm seeks to expand its sales presence in Western Europe. The company also formed a new venture with Indian corporation Adani to establish a UAV production facility in Hyderabad, India.
Elbit completed its $120 million acquisition of Tucson, Arizona-based firm Universal Avionics. The merger will help the company provide complete cockpit solutions as it seeks to strengthen its aircraft technologies business.
Forty members of Congress signed a letter calling for the Pentagon to consider buying the Israeli-made Iron Dome missile defense system. The letter states, “Today, our forces face challenges from an emboldened, aggressive, and increasingly militarized Russia, North Korea, and other adversaries heightening our immediate need for advanced missile defense systems to protect our forward-based forces and key fixed installations.”
Regional Developments
Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned that the IDF would attack Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile sites in Syria if they targeted Israeli warplanes. The announcement comes shortly after a Russian media report that Moscow had decided to finally deliver the system to Damascus following years of delays.
