Israel tests new missile

Israel tested a classified new missile system. Israel’s Defence Ministry announced that a missile had been fired from the Palmachim Air Base in the Negev Desert as part of a propulsion-system test. There was no more information forthcoming, prompting the Israeli media to speculate the missile was an advanced version of the Jericho-2, which is believed to be able to carry non-conventional warheads to distances of up to 1,000 miles. Israel has stepped up its development of strategic defence systems amid concerns that Iran could acquire nuclear weapons within a few years.

Condolences from Shalit

The father of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit extended condolences to a Hamas official bereaved by Gaza fighting. Noam Shalit sent a condolence letter to Mahmoud Zahar, a senior Hamas leader whose son, a gunman, was killed by Israeli forces near Gaza City this month. “May the day come when neither of our sides knows such pain,” read the letter, quoted on Israeli television Channel 2. Zahar, who is considered a hardliner even by the standards of a Palestinian Islamist movement committed to destroying Israel, confirmed receiving the letter but declined further comment. Hamas has been holding Shalit’s son Gilad since abducting the conscript on the Gaza border in June 2006. The killing of Zahar’s son raised concern in Israel that efforts to retrieve Shalit, perhaps through a prisoner swap, could be impeded.

Top West Bank terrorist killed

Israeli commandos killed the West Bank leader of the Islamic Jihad terrorist group. Special forces surrounded the hideout of Walid Obeidi in Kabatiya village near Jenin on Jan. 16 and called on him to surrender. But Obeidi, who was long on Israel’s wanted list for planning Palestinian terror attacks, came out firing his weapon and was shot dead. Two of his comrades were wounded and taken into custody. There were no Israeli casualties.

Gaucher’s treatment tested

A worldwide trial of an Israeli enzyme treatment for Gaucher’s disease is underway. The trial is looking at a new enzyme replacement drug for Gaucher’s disease produced by an Israeli company from plant cells. It’s being co-ordinated by Prof. Ari Zimran of the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. Gaucher’s, the most common hereditary Jewish disorder, is prevalent among Ashkenazim. Those who suffer from Gaucher’s have insufficient levels of an enzyme responsible for breaking down extra fatty material, called lipids, in the body. They are treated with enzyme replacement therapy. The safety of the drug was established in animals and healthy human volunteers.