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THIS WEEK IN ISRAEL
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ISOLATE ARAFAT THROUGH STRICT HOUSE ARREST; MINISTER OF DEFENSE: CONSIDER EXPELLING ARAFAT As a result of the latest round of terror attacks, a complete closure of the territories will continue, and the ring around the cities will be tightened. The security establishment is continuing its policy of restraint with no new or extraordinary measures taken. Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz raised the possibility of expelling Arafat, who stands behind the latest wave of terror to ensure his own survival, and is preventing Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Mazen from reaching an agreement with Israel. He emphasized, however, that expelling Arafat at this time will not serve Israel's interests. Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert suggested that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon "consider isolating Arafat by placing him under strict house arrest, so that he will be unable to speak to anyone." It has been disclosed that during the Sharon-Abu Mazen talks last Saturday night, Israel offered the Palestinians responsibility for various areas in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with Israel withdrawing from the large cities, but the Palestinians rejected the offer.
Government bodies and public institutions in China have ordered one quarter of a million digital thermometers from an Israeli company, following the spread of the SARS virus. Orders also came from public institutions in Taiwan and other countries in the Far East where the disease has spread. The Israeli manufacturer is SAAT (System Application of Advanced Technology) and Thermotek is its flagship product. The thermometer is placed on the forehead for five seconds; it beeps and displays the temperature digitally. The company explains that the huge demand for the digital thermometers is due to "new regulations in China that require all factory or office workers to have take their temperature taken when they get to work. Children's temperature is taken when they enter the classroom, and people are examined in public places."
Before an enthusiastic audience of hundreds of people that included Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, some of Russia's greatest singers participated in a salute to Israel - From Russia with Love. Among the performers at the event, which was held in Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park, were Philip Korkov, the Yagra duo, the Mirage group, and the Reflex group, who came from Russia especially for the occasion. Entrance to the performance was free of charge, and glasses of vodka were on sale. The Prime Minister won a standing ovation when he went up on stage and said in Russian, "We have a tiny state, but it's all ours!"
It was a great achievement for Israeli sport when Arik Ze'evi won Europe's judo championship this week, after beating Holland's European champion in 69 seconds in the finals. Ze'evi won back the European title (in the 100 kg category), which he lost in the Slovania games last year. Ze'evi arrived at the games, which were held in Weiseldorf, Germany, suffering from a back injury that prevented him from training more extensively. Nevertheless, he proved that he is one of the world's best judo players. He won his place in the finals following five victories, almost ensuring his place in the Athens Olympics next year.
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