Gallant hails Dutch artillery deal

BY DAVID SAFFER

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has welcomed a $305 million five-year artillery agreement with the with the Dutch Ministry of Defense.

synagogue with thousands of Jews and Israelis in attendance.

CER expressed its shock at the deadly terror attack. Goldschmidt said after the attack: “Yet again, we grieve for the loss of life at the historic Synagogue in Djerba and pray for the recovery of the injured. Our hearts go out to Chief Rabbi Bitan and the Tunisian community. The world must unite and loudly condemn yet another cowardly attack on Jews at worship.”

EJC President Ariel Muzicant added. “The threat of terror remains real and all countries have heavy responsibilities to isolate not only the terror organisations but also the terror states who support them. The swift actions of the Tunisian police undoubtedly prevented what would have been an intended mass murder inside the synagogue.”

Tunisia used to have over 100,000 Jews, around 1,000 remain in the small Jewish community. The pilgrimage to Africa's oldest synagogue draws Jews from Europe to Djerba. Al Qaeda terrorists attacked the synagogue in 2002 with a bomb, killing 21 Western tourists.

Israel’s Ministry of Defence will supply 20 Elbit Systems-made PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System) artillery rocket systems to the Royal Netherlands Army.

SIBAT Director, Brig Gen Yair Kulas and Lt Gen M.H. Martin Wijnen of the Royal Netherlands Army signed the deal in the Netherlands last week (Wednesday).

This is the first GTG defense exports agreement between Israel and Netherlands. It is one of the largest deals between Israel and a European country in recent years. Gallant approved the deal led by Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir.

Elbit Systems will supply the artillery rocket systems on the COMMIT selected truck platform, missiles of various ranges, training and support services. PULS supports free-flying rockets and precision guided rockets and missiles from 12km to 300km. The launching system can be mounted on a range of wheeled and tracked platforms, providing a reduction in costs for legacy fleets.

Kulas said: “This event symbolises the strategic relationship between our countries and constitutes an opportunity to strengthen our partnership.”

Butzi Machlis, Elbit President and CEO hailed the groundbreaking agreement as it would enhance the Netherland Army's ability to provide effective indirect fire support.

He added: “It will also provide interoperability with NATO customers that have acquired these systems. This contract further validates Elbit Systems' cutting-edge military technologies and our strong partnerships with NATO countries across Europe.”

Gallant noted: “The Israeli defense establishment continues to be a source of national pride and international success. Solutions developed by Israeli defense industries allow us to strengthen our ties with countries around the world and enhance our global position. I commend this important agreement signed together, and am confident that our cooperation will continue to grow.”