Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu left for Germany for a brief visit, accompanied by a handful of cabinet ministers. Traveling with Mr. Netanyahu are Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, National Infrastructure Minister Dr. Uzi Landau, Minister of Industry & Trade Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, Minister of Science Rabbi Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz and Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon.

The ministers will take part in a symbolic joint cabinet meeting with a number of German ministers, headed by Chancellor Angela Merkel. At the opening of the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday morning, Mr. Netanyahu stressed the strategic importance of the alliance with Germany in a number of areas, including economic, adding Berlin remains a steadfast ally of the Jewish state and plays a role in Israel’s security as well.

Ben-Eliezer and Landau are expected to sign a number of trade agreements as well as discussing ways to enhance dealings between the two nations.

Also on the agenda are stalled talks between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority), as well as projects earmarked for Hamas-controlled Gaza, including the construction of a new sewage system, as well as rebuilding schools and return the once-vibrant farming industry to Gaza seen during the period of the Jewish communities of Gush Katif and other areas of Gaza, prior to the 2005 expulsion.

In addition, the cabinet on Sunday approved a trip for President Shimon Peres, who will be responding from an invitation from Berlin, a visit that will coincide with International Holocaust Day. Mr. Peres will address the Bundestag to mark the event.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)