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In May 2008, Israel will celebrate its 60th birthday, a significant milestone that deserves special recognition and provides a great opportunity to celebrate its achievements and beauty. Events, programs and activities throughout the year are planned in Israel to commemorate this special birthday. All photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Ashdod Nitzanim Sand Dune Park is a psammosere ecosystem located close to the city of Ashdod on the Israeli Coastal Plain near the Mediterranean sea. It is located south of Tel Aviv and represents the landscape on which most of modern-day Israel was constructed on by pioneers following various Aliyah's and the Establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

The Israeli Air Force -IAF; Hebrew: Zroa HaAvir VeHahalal, Air and Space Arm , commonly known as Hel HaAvir, Air Corps is the air force of the Israel Defense Forces. The current Commander in Chief is Aluf Elyezer Shkedy. The Israeli Air Force has approximately 1000 aircraft. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

After weeks of protests, petitions and security preparations the Jerusalem gay pride parade went ahead under heavy guard as Jerusalem Police deployed over 7,000 officers to protect the 2,000 participants of the Gay Parade. Some 20 rioters were arrested after protesting against the parade. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Benjamin Netanyahu In first public response to reports about his 'splurge visit' to London during Second Lebanon War, Likud chairman denies accusations, says his political adversaries are behind publications On Sunday March 16 2006.According to a Channel 10 investigative report, Netanyahu and his wife, Sarah, spent huge sums of money on their hotel stay, restaurants, theater shows and shopping during their six-day visit to London. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Sderot, Israel - Thursday 06, March 2008. One person suffered from a moderate head wounds after shrapnel from a rocket fired by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip hit a home in Sderot and caught fire on Thursday evening. Another person was lightly wounded and several others were treated for shock during the incident. A second rocket landed in a nearby neighborhood, hitting a gas canister and subsequently setting a house on fire. Firefighters extinguished the blaze. This was the second home in the city to sustain a direct hit throughout the day, during in which eight Kassam rockets in total were fired into the Southern reigon. Four people were treated for shock in the earlier incident. Meanwhile, four mortar shells fired from the Gaza Strip hit open fields near Ein Hashlosha. Gunfire was also heard in the area. The farmers working the fields returned to their homes, but no casualties or damage were reported. Photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

After a six-day IDF warm winter operation in the Gaza Strip, IDF forces withdrew from Gaza on Monday, ending a three-day offensive that left more than 100 Palestinians dead. During the fighting, Givati force collected weapons, Qassam launchers, and arrested 70-80 Palestinians. In total, Givati suffered two dead and eight injured in the Warm Winter operation. Six of those wounded are still hospitalized. Most of those lightly injured in the activities contributed to fight with their units. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak, leader of the Labour Party came to visit Sapir and the scene where a Kassam killed an Israeli Man earlier today in Sapir College, Sderot Israel on Wednesday February 27, 2008. One person was killed, several were wounded and many were treated for shock Wednesday as least 50 Qassam rockets slammed into the western Negev town of Sderot and surrounding communities. The 47-year-old man called Roni Yechiah was apparently in a car, parked next to Sapir College on the outskirts of Sderot, which was hit by a Qassam. He suffered lethal shrapnel wounds to the chest. The rocket barrage occurred hours after an Israel Air Force strike killed five Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip who were apparently planning a large scale terrorist attack against Israel after having been trained in Iran and Syria. Palestinian officials said two more people, including a civilian, were killed in a second IAF airstrike carried out immediately after the Qassam attack against Sderot. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

One of several Grad type missiles fired into Ashkelon City, Israel on Wednesday February 27, 2008. Earlier in the day a rocket hit a poultry factory in an industrial zone and a several hours later a rocket struck just outside a Carlsberg beer facility. Several rockets landed in the city of Ashkelon, with one rocket landing near the Barzilai hospital's helicopter pad. One man was wounded from a rocket that landed in a residential street in the city. At least one person was killed, several were wounded and many were treated for shock Wednesday as least 40 Qassam rockets slammed into the western Negev town of Sderot and surrounding communities. The 47-year-old man called Roni Ichyea was apparently in a car, parked next to Sapir College on the outskirts of Sderot, which was hit by a Qassam. He suffered lethal shrapnel wounds to the chest. The rocket barrage occurred hours after an Israel Air Force strike killed five Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip who were apparently planning a large scale terrorist attack against Israel after having been trained in Iran and Syria. Palestinian officials said two more people, including a civilian, were killed in a second IAF airstrike carried out immediately after the Qassam attack against Sderot. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Sderot, Israel - Wednesday February 27, 2008. At least one person was killed, several were wounded and many were treated for shock Wednesday as least 40 Qassam rockets slammed into the western Negev town of Sderot and surrounding communities. The 47-year-old man called Roni Ichyea was apparently in a car, parked next to Sapir College on the outskirts of Sderot, which was hit by a Qassam. He suffered lethal shrapnel wounds to the chest. The rocket barrage occurred hours after an Israel Air Force strike killed five Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip who were apparently planning a large scale terrorist attack against Israel after having been trained in Iran and Syria. Palestinian officials said two more people, including a civilian, were killed in a second IAF airstrike carried out immediately after the Qassam attack against Sderot. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Israeli Medical teams in Barzilai Hospital, Ashkelon city in South Israel are practicing a mass casualty scenario in Ashkelon city caused by a rocket attack on the city on Tuesday February 26, 2008. Hundreds of Medical staff in Ashkelon's hospital staged a rocket attack and suicide bomber exercise, simulating varied attacks in an operation meant to demonstrate lessons security, rescue forces and medical personnel including doctors, surgons, and emergency crew previously learnt. In the one-day operation, which involved hundreds of staff from the hospital were to respond to a mass simulated emergency situation where many civilians were wounded from the rocket attack. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Thousands of soldiers idle as fears of Palestinian border breach prove unfounded at Nativ Ha'asra/Nachal Oz on Monday February 25, 2008. A Palestinian attempt to draw international attention to Israel's siege on the Gaza Strip yielded a disappointing turnout Monday, with a few thousand, rather than the expected tens of thousands, forming a human chain of protest. The protesters, many women and children and many holding Palestinian and Hamas flags, turned out for the start of what organizers said they hoped would be a peaceful protest involving some 50,000 people. About 5,000 people, many of them schoolchildren and university students, formed a human chain outside the town of Beit Hanun, about six kilometers from the border. The protesters were to supposed to run the length of the 40 kilometer-long Gaza Strip, from the Rafah border to the Erez crossing. The crowd hoisted banners in English and Arabic, saying "End the siege of Gaza now," and "Your siege will not break our will". After the protest ended, some 2,000 Hamas loyalists marched to a checkpoint several kilometers away from Erez. However, Hamas police blocked the main road leading to the Erez checkpoint and called on loyalists to obey the law. About 50 youths briefly approached Erez and threw stones and burned tires near the crossing, witnesses said. The army said border police fired in the air and dispersed the crowd. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Sderot - Monday February 25, 2008. A 10-year-old boy was badly wounded on Monday when a Qassam rocket fired by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip struck an underground shelter in the Negev town of Sderot. Palestinian militants fired five rockets at southern Israel on Monday, three of which hit residential areas in Sderot. The boy suffered a serious wound to his shoulder and was rushed into surgery. The Magen David Adom rescue services said the boy's arm had been partially severed. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Israelis enjoy the sun and flowers at the Adom Darom festival in the fields of Kibbutz Bitronot Ruchama in South Israel on Saturday February 23, 2008. Spring is almost here again and with it the Darom Adom (Red South) festival, the northern Negev's annual celebration of blossoming anemones, culinary attractions and recreation for the entire family. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

More than 10,000 people from northern and central Israel traveled to Sderot on Friday to carry out their Shabbat shopping and show their solidarity for the residents of the beleaguered town. Hundreds of cars headed to the rocket-hit town from meeting points in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Ra'anana. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Gad Elbaz, an Israeli singer that wrote the song "children of the world" is singing the song with children in Sderot on Wednesday February 20, 2008. Hundreds of children from Sderot cooperated with American songwriter and producer Rudy Perez along with some of the most famous latin American singers including Beyonce Knowles, Christian Aguilera, Shakira and Enrique Iglesias to produce a song written by Israeli singer Gad Elbaz about the Kassam struck southern Israeli town which has constantly come under fire in the last few years by barrages of Kassams fired from Gaza Strip. The song entitled "children of the world" creates awareness of their suffering and to empathize with the town. The project was initiated the American Jewish community. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Damage to a garage next to a house in Sderot on Monday February 18, 2008. At least 10 people suffered shock after a Qassam rocket hit Sderot Monday evening. One woman sustained mild injuries while attempting to take cover. The rocket landed in a local yard, causing some damage to a nearby building. The Popular Resistance Committees and Islamic Jihad's military wing, the al-Quds Brigades, claimed responsibility for the Qassam fire. The rocket barrages at the western Negev were ongoing throughout the day. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

American Musician Bucky Baxter is playing the pedal steel guitar in Israel on Friday January 25, 2008. William "Bucky" Baxter is an American multi-instrumentalist from New Jersey. Over the years Baxter has worked with super-talented artists such as Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, Steve Earle, R.E.M., Elton John, the Rolling Stones and the Beastie Boys. In studio, or while performing live, Baxter has played steel guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, dobro and organ as well as other instruments. Baxter played with Bob Dylan for 8 years during the Never Ending Tour. He has recently produced a new album entitled "The Moonshine Sessions" with Philippe Solal at Baxter"s rural Three Trees Studios which will be released 25th February 2008. Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Professor Aryeh Eldad a parliament member and leader of Hatikva party is giving a speech to supporters and members of Hatikva on Friday 15 February 2008. Hatikva - The Zionist Party and their supporters held a meeting in a vineyard in Sderot to present a new plan to give support the residents of Sderot and the surrounding settlements and to show sympathy towards them. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Representatives from Germany - a government member, a city mayor and important businessmen arrived to experience Sderot's life where they visited a kindergarten and viewed damage from kassams with the intention to donate money to the cities residents on Friday 15 February 2008. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

60 foreign ambassadors visited Sapir in Sderot - the Sha'ar Hanegev educational campus which constantly comes under attack by Kassam rockets on Wednesday February 13 2008. Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni today hosted the foreign ambassadors and diplomatic corps serving in Israel on a visit to South Israel. There they met with Brig. Gen. Moshe Tamir, commander of the IDF Gaza Division, and Col. Nir Peres, head of the Coordination and Liaison Administration. After this briefing, Foreign Minister Livni said: "The situation in the region is unbearable, and the threat of terror from Gaza is growing larger from year to year. The problem is not only the Kassam rockets, but also the strengthening of the terror organizations. Israel must act to reduce these threats. Even if there is a lull in the shooting - don't let this quiet deceive you. The terror organizations are growing in strength, and planning for the future must be based on an understanding of this threat in the present." All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Damage to an apartment cause by a Kassam rocket fired from Gaza strip on Wednesday February 13 2008. A Kassam rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a apartment building in Sderot on Wednesday afternoon. Several people were treated for shock as a result of the attack, and the house sustained damage. Another rocket landed in an open field outside the town. The Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades claimed responsibility for firing the rockets, saying it was retaliation for the assassination of Hizbullah terror chief Imad Mughniyeh in Damascus on Tuesday night. Earlier Wednesday, two Kassams fired from the Strip landed in open areas in the western Negev. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Businesses and factories in Sderot are struggling to survive under the constant barrage of Qassam as customers are afraid to come and shop or work On Monday Feb 11 2007. The streets are empty not because people are working but because people are closed in their homes as kassams slam into the town. 80% of businesses in Sedrot suffer from non-arrival of employees and costumers according to the Manufactures Association of Israel which is slowly causing more and more businesses in the town to close down. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

Two brothers were seriously hurt by a Kassam rocket in Sderot on Saturday February 9, 2008. Two Sderot residents, brothers aged eight and 19, were seriously wounded Saturday evening when a Qassam rocket struck the backyard of a home in the city. The two were rushed to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon with the 8-year-old suffering serious wounds to the lower extremities. The boys' mother and another brother were brought to the hospital suffering shock. The rocket that wounded the brothers was one of three that hit the rocket-weary city Saturday evening. Three additional rockets were fired into southern Israel earlier Saturday, causing no casualties or damage. The armed wing of the Islamic Jihad, Al-Quds Brigade, claimed responsibility for Saturday evening's Qassam attack. Also Saturday, the Israel Air Force targeted four Qassam rocket-launching squads in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, following a barrage of 30 rockets on Friday that pounded southern Israeli communities. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

A special dental appliance is a new treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Sleep apnea means "cessation of breath." It is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction that occur during sleep, usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation. In other words, the airway becomes obstructed at several possible sites. The upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue in the airway, large tonsils, and a large tongue and usually includes the airway muscles relaxing and collapsing when asleep. Another site of obstruction can be the nasal passages. Sometimes the structure of the jaw and airway can be a factor in sleep apnea. The risks of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea include heart attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems. The severity of the symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. The new appliance advances the lower jaw a little bit forward and by doing so it shifts the base of the tongue forward. This action enlarges the upper airway diameter, allowing a better flow of air and easy breathing during sleep. The new treatment is a great solution for people with severs sleep apnea who cannot tolerate treatment with CPAP or people who failed surgery. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Israeli President Shimon Peres (L) touches a Torah Scroll dedicated in his name by a local from Sderot during an inauguration ceremony on February 5, 2008 before presenting it to a synagogue in the southern Israeli town. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

An Israeli farmers from Kibbutz Nir Oz taking a cover near the field where a Palestinian sniper shoot towards them while working. Tuesday Feb 05, 2008. Palestinian Snipers from Gaza strip shooting toward Israeli farmers along the Israeli Gaza border on a daily bases in attempt to kill and terrorize the Israeli settlers. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Aviad Cohen, a four year old boy from Sderot is hugging a hush puppy toy that he received today in his kindergarten on Tuesday evening February 5 2008. Children of Sderot received in thier kindergarten today, hush puppy toys given by the Israeli Education Minister which experts beleive will help them with anxiety and stress they feel when the warning alarm against Kassam rockets is sounded and they need to take cover. They will have something to look after and care for during this time. The town of Sderot and the western Negev as a whole have been subjected to barrages of rockets launched by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip for over seven years. In the last several months, more children have been in need of more extended care in order to prevent the development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Since May, an additional 105 children, 70 percent of whom are now in need of extended psychological treatment, have been identified as suffering from trauma. Between 75 percent and 94 percent of Sderot children aged 4-18 exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress which includes problems sleeping and concentrating. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Six people were wounded and several suffered from shock on Tuesday evening February 5 2008 as ten Kassam rockets hit Sderot. IAF strike killed six Hamas terrorists in the southern Gaza Strip. One of the rockets hit a house, moderately wounding a 14-year-old girl and lightly wounding two other people. The house itself was also reported to be heavily damaged. Power outages occured in some parts of the city, apparently a result of one of the rockets hitting electricity infrastructure. The latest barrage came shortly after seven Hamas operatives were killed in an IAF strike on a Hamas post in the Gaza Strip. The rockets were fired at Sderot precisely during the time that President Shimon Peres was meant to be visiting the area. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

A 15-meter-long whale was seen in Ashkelon harbor in Southern Israel on Sunday February 3, 2008. The whale died a few hours later due to deep wounds to its head and tail. It took two cranes to remove it from the harbor. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Alon Elmakais, a resident of Kiryat Shmona who a year and a half ago, suffered from Katyushas fired from Lebanon, finished his two week/350-km march today which started from the top of Israel in Kiryat Shmona and finished in the Kassam ridden town of Sderot at the bottom of Israel. He marched in sympathy for the residents of Sderot marching an average of 25-km per day. Sderot residents welcomed him with open arms and thanked him for his support. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

A short break in the Stormy weather in Israel when a rainbow in the cloud appear in the sky on Wednesday Jan 30 2008.Rainbows are optical and meteorological phenomena that cause a spectrum of light to appear in the sky when the Sun shines onto droplets of moisture in the Earth's atmosphere. The droplets of moisture take the form of a multicolored arc, with red on the outer part of the arch and violet on the inner section of the arch. More rarely, a secondary rainbow is seen, which is a second, fainter arc, outside the primary arc, with colors in the opposite order, that is, with violet on the outside and red on the inside. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

ZAKA voluntaries giving away warm blankets and heaters for poor people and families in Ashkelon as part of a preventing operation against the stormy weather in Israel arriving on Wednesday Jan 30 2007.The stormy weather is expected to continue with snow in places that are more than 700 meters above sea level - possibly even including the Negev hills. On Wednesday evening, the snow may extend to lower areas as well, such as the Carmel and Nazareth hills. Strong winds, ranging in force from 50 to 100 kilometers an hour, were also expected to continue Wednesday with unseasonably cold temperatures. The bad weather was expected to continue through Thursday, but will start clearing up on Friday. ZAKA is humanitarian voluntary organizations, coordinating nearly 1000 volunteers responding to tragic incidents in Israel Members of ZAKA, most of whom are Orthodox Jews, assist ambulance crews, aid in the identification of the victims of terrorism, road accidents and other disasters, and where necessary gather body parts and spilled blood for proper burial. They also provide first aid and rescue services, and help with the search for missing persons. ZAKA was involved in helping forensic teams in Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, where they were nicknamed "the team that sleeps with the dead" because of their willingness to work around the clock. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Israeli Students say No! To new cowl power station in Ashkelon on Monday Jan 28 2008.The protesters are claiming that it would be cleaner and better for our society to use solar technology instead of building a new cowl power station near the populated city. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

A Qassam rocket victims family from Sderot is still living in a temporary residency in small hotel room in Ashkelon on Tuesday Jan 29 2007.The family home was damaged by a Qassam rocket that was fired from the Gaza Strip and directly hit their home in sderot and caused a severe damage on 13 of December 2008. The wife a 40-year-old woman was moderately wounded from the impact of the strike. Her injuries were inflicted primarily as a result of the force of the rocket's impact. Several other family members suffered from shock and still having a medical treatment but cannot return back to their home as the Israeli government refusing to pay the full amount of money that is necessary for a proper protected house. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

American musician Bucky Baxter is visited the Kassam ridden town of Sderot in Israel on Friday January 25, 2008 to show his support to the residents. William "Bucky" Baxter is an American multi-instrumentalist from New Jersey. Over the years Baxter has worked with super-talented artists such as Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, Steve Earle, R.E.M., Elton John, the Rolling Stones and the Beastie Boys. In studio, or while performing live, Baxter has played steel guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, dobro and organ as well as other instruments. Baxter played with Bob Dylan for 8 years during the Never Ending Tour. He has recently produced a new album entitled “The Moonshine Sessions” with Philippe Solal at Baxter’s rural Three Trees Studios which will be released 25th February 2008. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Israeli Arab demonstrators protest the siege on Gaza and clash with right-wing activists at Erez crossing, Israel on Tuesday January 22, 2008. Hundreds of Arab demonstrators protested the Israeli siege on Gaza on Tuesday, clashing with right-wing activists at the Erez crossing, as Border Guard officers attempted to separate them. Some 300 representative of the "committee for lifting the blockade on Gaza", including members of Balad and the Islamic Movement, arrived at the Erez crossing and declared that they would try and transfer food to the Palestinian residents. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Images photos and pictures of Oman or The Sultanate of Oman .Oman is a country in southwest Asia, on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the United Arab Emirates on the northwest, Saudi Arabia on the west, and Yemen on the southwest. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea on the south and east, and the Gulf of Oman on the northeast. The country also contains Madha, an exclave enclosed by the United Arab Emirates, and Musandam, an exclave also separated by Emirati territory. All photos by Chameleons Eye

Children are being evacuated from the city of Sderot by bus on Wednesday January 16 2008. Russian billionaire Arkadi Gaydamak on Wednesday has decided to fund buses to Jerusalem and accommodation for kids and youths between the ages of 13 and 20 from Sderot, because of Wednesday's barrage of some 50 Kassams and mortar shells which hit the city. Gaydamak has already taken such actions in the past; last May, he funded the "evacuation" of a few hundred Sderot residents to a Beersheba hotel. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Israel Defense forces are conducting a small operation on Tuesday, January 15, 2008. Four residents of Sderot were lightly injured on Tuesday while Israel Defense Forces operation killed at least 19 Palestinians in ground and air raids on Gaza City. Also on Tuesday, an Ecuadorian volunteer working in the fields of Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha near Gaza was shot and killed by a sniper belonging to Hamas' armed wing following the IDF raids. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Palestinians launched a Qassam rocket this afternoon that hit the city of Ashkelon, in Southern Israel causing damage to a road on January 15, 2008. No reports of injuries or damage. Five Qassam rockets and five mortar rounds have landed in the western Negev since this morning. There were no injuries in any of the incidents. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Damage to a house in Sderot on Tuesday, January 15, 2008. Four people were wounded, two moderately and two lightly, as two Kassam rockets scored direct hits on houses in the town Tuesday evening. The rockets were part of a volley of seven rockets. Amongst the wounded was a seven-year old girl, and a woman who was hurt by shrapnel from a different rocket in a nearby house. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

A foreign volunteer in a western Negev kibbutz who was killed on Tuesday morning, January 15, 2008 when he was shot by a Palestinian sniper. The 20-year-old man from Ecuador, was working in a potato field in Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha, near the central Gaza Strip, about 100 meters from the perimeter fence, as an Israel Defense Forces operation killed at least 15 Palestinians in ground and air raids on Gaza City. An emergency team was called to the scene and took the man, who was in serious condition, to the kibbutz infirmary, where he died of his wounds. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

"Walking" Condoms present a farewell greetings to President George W Bush as he departs Jerusalem Friday morning Nov 11 2008.This unusual farewell comes as a genuine Israeli HIV/AIDS activists appreciation of the President's initiatives to support African countries in the fight against AIDS through PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ) and other funding mechanism.President Bush decided and the American people have committed $48.3 billion across 10 years to fight HIV/AIDS aimed at: Treatment for 2.5 million people; Prevention of more than 12 million new infections; and Care for more than 12 million people, including 5 million orphans and vulnerable children.This is a lesson other nations – including Israel – could learn from. The Jerusalem AIDS Project is the leading Israeli non-profit organization focusing on HIV prevention among young people in Israel and in 27 developing countries. JAIP is also a focal point on Male Circumcision for HIV prevention.All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

U.S. President George W. Bush arrived in Israel early Wednesday afternoon, for a visit that will seek to advance peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. "We seek lasting peace. We see a new opportunity for peace here in the holy land and for freedom across the region," Bush said during the official welcoming ceremony at Ben-Gurion International Airport, where he was greeted by President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Qassam rocket fired from Gaza strikes Sderot, damaging homes and cars on Saturday Nov 05 2008. .Seven Qassam rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip at the western Negev town of Sderot on Saturday evening, one of which damaged several homes and cars.One man suffered from shock, and was taken to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon for treatment.Palestinian rocket fire into Israel continued Saturday, a day after a Qassam hit the yard of a house in Sderot and the Israel Defense Forces killed two Hamas militants in the northern Gaza Strip.Advertisement A Qassam rocket struck an open field in the western Negev on Saturday morning, causing no injury or damage. Several hours earlier, Palestinian militants fired a mortar shell at IDF troops near the Gaza border fence. No one was injured in the incident, either.Palestinians in Gaza launched seven Qassam rockets at the western Negev on Friday, one of which struck the yard of a home in the town of Sderot, causing damage. Israel Radio reported that a 14-year-old boy was lightly injured and subsequently evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon.All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

A Katyusha rocket fired by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning Nov 03 2007.It struck in an open field in northern Ashkelon, the furthest distance a rocket has struck yet.The rocket was identified as a Grad-type Katyusha, 122 milimeters in diameter, according to Army Radio. Militants acquired the rocket from Iran and have used the type before in attacks on Israel.All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

Ashkelon residents with the support of Greenpeace and other green organizations from all over Israel protesting outside Rotenberg Power Station, Ashkelon on Monday December 24 2007.The protesters are claiming that it would be cleaner and better for our society to use solar technology instead of building a new cowl power station near the populated city. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

IDF Special forces operating along Israel and Gaza strip border on Friday 21 December 2007 .A Hamas militant was killed Friday morning in by Israel Defense Forces fire in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis on Friday, the Palestinian Islamist group and medical workers said. The IDF Spokesman's Office, however, said it was not aware of any exchange of fire in the area. The IDF has said it would continue its attacks against militants in the Gaza Strip despite calls by the Hamas leadership for a possible temporary calm. Defense officials say the heavy pressure on the militants is making progress, and there will be room to consider a change to the offensive only if Hamas imposes on other militant factions a moratorium on Qassam rocket attacks.All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

Welcome to Chameleons Eye Israel Pictures of the Year 2007 Gallery. Here you’ll find our collections of the best images from 2007. A lot happens in 365 days. As we reach the end of another year, it’s time to reflect on the events and milestones of 2007 in Israel. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

A Kassam is being fired from Gaza Strip towards Israel on Tuesday December 18, 2007. Magen David Adom has raised their alertness level to emergency status B - just one level below its highest state of alert due to Tuesday's Qassam and mortar shells barrage in the western Negev. Following the IDF operations, Islamic Jihad spokesman in the Gaza Strip Abu Hamza hinted that his organization would carry out suicide attacks in Jewish towns in the Gaza periphery in retaliation. Earlier, in an e-mail sent to reporters, Islamic Jihad said it would retaliate for its losses with suicide attacks inside Israel, threatening "a wave of martyrdom operations." All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Father and son stand in the area of their house where a Kassam hit yesterday in Kibbutz Zikim damaging their house and wounding their toddler in the face on December 18, 2007. After a near-miss at one western Negev kibbutz over the weekend, Kibbutz Zikim was less fortunate Sunday when a rocket landed directly under the window of a kibbutz residence, causing extensive damage and hurting a three-year-old boy. Both mother and son were evacuated to Ashkelon's Barzilai Medical Center, where the boy was treated for scratches to his face and Katzir was treated for shock. Their house has a "secure room," Katzir said, but she hadn't heard any alarm sounded alerting her to take cover. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

The 72nd navel ceremony of the Israeli Submarine Flotilla in Haifa port on Sunday 16 December 2007. The Israeli Submarine Flotilla is elite and voluntary serving as the attacking underwater force of the Israel Navy. In the last few months the unit and submarine has stopped a few enemy submarines to enter Israeli water. The unit's roles are: enemies vessels destruction, control at port entries, secret espionage missions and assistance to other forces participating in battle. The most dominant advantage of the submarine is its secrecy. About 50% of their time, the submarines conduct operational activities outside of the Israel's borders. By their means, it is possible to stray for from the Israel's borders and to observe the enemy's steps. This unique advantage does not exist in any other war craft in the IDF. Due to the operational importance, the crew and the submarine must be operationally prepared to a war all the time. The service onboard the submarines, enables a soldier to join the most high-standard crew of men, enclosing about 1700 fighters from the Submarine Flotilla establishment in 1959. In 2006 the Israeli Navy ordered two additional nuclear weapon capable submarines (Type 214 - Dolphin Class) from a German manufacturer, giving it an offensive capability to launch cruise and nuclear weapons, as well as a second strike survivability/relaunch capability. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

A deadly car accident occurred this morning at Nizanim intersection on highway 4 on Saturday December 15 2007. 3 cars where involve in the accident. One woman died and six more people were evacuated to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon with severe injuries. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

Damage to a house caused by a Kassam rocket in western Negev town of Sderot on Thursday December, 13, 2007. A Qassam rocket fired from the Gaza Strip directly hit a house in causing severe damage. A 40-year-old woman was moderately wounded from the impact of the strike. Her injuries were inflicted primarily as a result of the force of the rocket's impact. Several other people suffered from shock. On Wednesday, at least 17 rockets were fired at the Negev, leaving five people lightly wounded and prompting the mayor of Sderot to resign in protest of what he termed government inaction against the daily attacks. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Noam Shalit, the father of Gilad Shalit makes a speech in Kerem Shalom on December 12, 2007. Noam Shalit said in his speech that he misses his son very much and hopes to see him and the rest of the kidnapped soldiers very soon. Thousands of youth from all over Israel participated in a protest meeting in Kerem Shalom in Southern Israel where the Israeli Soldier Gilad Shalit was kidnapped. Gilad Shalit is an Israeli soldier who was captured in a cross border raid by members of several militant Palestinian organizations on 25 June 2006. Shalit, a member of the IDF's Armor Corps, holds the rank of corporal. His abduction and the following cross border raid by Hezbollah, resulting in the abduction of Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev into Lebanon, were key events leading up to the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon during summer 2006. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Israeli Defense forces tanks returned after a small scale operation in Gaza Strip and are preparing for the next retaliation in Kerem Shalom on Wednesday December 12, 2007. Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said Wednesday that though daily strikes against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip were having a positive impact, a major military offensive was becoming more likely. Ashkenazi spoke mere hours after a barrage of at least 15 Qassam rockets, fired from Gaza, slammed into the western Negev. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

An injured woman has been evacuated to Barzilai Hospital Ashkelon Israel on December 12, 2007. A total of 15 Qassam rockets struck the western Negev on Wednesday morning, most of them landing in open fields. Five people were lightly wounded, including one girl, who was hit by shrapnel. The rest were treated for shock. Only four of the rockets were located, one of which damaged a building in Sderot. Another landed near Kibbutz Mifsalim, where two people were treated for shock.All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

Youth from all over Israel gathered in Sderot on December 9, 2007 to celebrate the Jewish holiday Hanukka by handing out Sufganiya to the residents of Sderot, singing, lighting torches with fire and walking around Sderot in support of the city that has recently been barraged with Kassam Rockets fired from Gaza Strip. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Children immigrants from Ethiopia are being introduced to the olive oil process as part of their Hanuka holiday experience in Moshav Bnei Darom Visitors Center on December 9 2007. The Jewish Agency of Israel organized for young new immigrants to Israel, Hanuka events and entertainment all over the country. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Damage to a building caused by a Kassam Rocket in Sderot, Israel on December 5, 2007. A Kassam rocket fired by militants from northern Gaza Strip landed north of Sderot, Israel late Wednesday afternoon. Several people were treated for shock, and at least one building sustained structural damage. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

The community of Sderot and supporters from all over Israel, gather together in Sderot Israel to light a Hanukiya made out of Kassam Rockets on December 5, 2007. Sderot residents gathered together on Wednesday night to light a Hanukiya made out of eight used Kassam Rockets on the second day of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah to protest and to show that they will make a good situation out of a bad one and are not scared of the Kassam Rockets fired from Gaza Strip into Southern Israel on a daily basis. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chamelenos Eye.

A wounded soldier is being rushed to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon City for treatment on December 2, 2007. Four IDF soldiers were lightly wounded after a mortar shell fired from the Gaza Strip landed in a military base in the western Negev on Sunday. Three other mortars, fired in the same attack, landed nearby in open feilds causing no casulaties.The troops, hit by shrapnel, were evacuated to a nearby hospital to receive medical treatment. Fifteen mortar shells fired from the Gaza Strip on Sunday landed in open fields. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

An Israeli grandmother shows here grand child how to light a Chanukiya for the coming Jewish holiday of Hanukkah on Sunday Des 02 2007. The Festival of Rededication or the Festival of Lights is an eight-day Jewish holiday Hanuka, Hanukah, Hanukkah, Chanukah, Chanuka, Festival of Lights, Hanukiyot, hanukyia, hanukia, Menorah, Khanukkah, Celebrating, Holiday Lights, Judaica,Silver Plated Menorah , Hanukia, hanukia, Menorah, Authentic Jewish Menora Israel, Hanuca.It is observed in Jewish homes by the kindling of lights on each of the festival's eight nights, one on the first night, and so on. Hanukkah meaning dedication because it marks the re-dedication of the Temple after its desecration under Antiochus IV. Spiritually, Hanukkah commemorates the Miracle of the Oil. All Photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

Israeli Defense Forces are practicing a mass casualty scenario in Ashkelon caused by a suicide bomber attack on November 28, 2007. The IDF on Wednesday staged a suicide bomber exercise, simulating varied attacks in an operation meant to demonstrate lessons security and rescue forces previously learnt. In the one-day operation, which involved thousands of police, soldiers, security forces and emergency crews were to respond to simulated attacks on several different locations, including a chemical attack on civilian facilities in Ashdod. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

The Levi family from Sderot, listens to the speech from Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert live at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis November 27, 2007. The Annapolis conference is aimed at restarting the stalled Middle East peace process. During the speech Olmert said, "When negotiations are concluded, I believe we would be able to fulfill the vision set out by President Bush: two states for two people; a terror-free state for the Palestinians and a Jewish democratic state, free of terror threats, and a home to the Jewish people - for the State of Israel." All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Tuesday November 27, 2007. Shimrit Pastry company donated hundreds of Sufganyiot to show support for the residents of Sderot during the constant raining of Kassam rockets over their city fired from militants in Gaza strip. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Lightning Thunder Strom Israel on Wednsday Nov 21 2007.Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity, which typically occurs during thunderstorms, and sometimes during volcanic eruptions or dust storms. A bolt of lightning can travel at a speed of 220,000 km/h (136,000 mph), and can reach temperatures approaching 30,000 °C (54,000 °F), hot enough to fuse soil or sand into glass channels. There are over 16 million lightning storms every year. Lightning can also occur within the ash clouds from volcanic eruptions, or can be caused by violent forest fires which generate sufficient dust to create a static charge.[1][4]How lightning initially forms is still a matter of debate: Scientists have studied root causes ranging from atmospheric perturbations (wind, humidity, and atmospheric pressure) to the impact of solar wind and accumulation of charged solar particles.Ice inside a cloud is thought to be a key element in lightning development, and may cause a forcible separation of positive and negative charges within the cloud, thus assisting in the formation of lightning.All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

Yotvata Hai-Bar, Wildlife Preserve and Nature Reserve was created to establish reproduction groups for populations of wild animals that are mentioned in the Bible but have disappeared from our landscape, as well as for other endangered desert animals. The reserve is dotted with acacia trees Acacia tortilis and Acacia raddiana and includes a variety of desert habitats: an acacia forest, a salt marsh, and sand dunes.The reserve has three parts: a three-acre penned-in open area, where herds of herbivorous animals live in conditions similar to those in the wild; the Predators Center, where reptiles, small desert animals, and large predators are on display; and the Desert Night Life Exhibition Hall, where night and day are reversed so that visitors to the reserve can observe nocturnal animals during their active hours.The wildlife preserve has a large population of onagers. This untamable Asiatic wild ass has tremendous physical strength and remarkable fortitude. Onagers bred in the reproduction groups at the Yotvata Hai-Bar have been released into the Negev Desert and are apparently acclimating well to their new surroundings. Other animals on view at the reserve include the African ass (ancestor of the donkey), addax, ostrich, Arabian oryx, and scimitar oryx. Yotvata Hai-Bar is raising reproduction groups of oryx as part of an international campaign to save this species from extinction. Predators are held in cages away from the open area in which the mammals live. A visit to the Predators Center provides a rare opportunity for visitors to observe wolves, sand foxes, Afghan foxes, fennecs, leopards, caracals, wild cat, sand cats, and striped hyenas. Birds of prey and desert reptiles are also housed at the center.The Desert Night Life Exhibition Hall is populated primarily by nocturnal rodents, which generally spend the day cloistered away in the long burrows they have dug. Because their cages are lit during the night but not during the day, they are active during daytime hours. Nocturnal residents of the hall include pygmy gerbils, Wagner's gerbils, Sundevall's jirds, and garden dormouses. Two diurnal rodents on view are the Cairo spiny mouse and the fat sand rat.Visitors tour the open area in their own cars, accompanied by a guide from the reserve, and explore the Predators Center and Desert Night Life Exhibition Hall on their own. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

Eilat Bay sits at the northern tip of a magnificent coral reef which straddles the equator. The clear, warm sea (at least 20 degrees centigrade) provides the ideal environment for the coral to build their homes. The coral reef is as variegated as its inhabitants are: ichthyologists have identified over 100 types of stony coral and 650 species of fish in the Coral Beach Reserve. The reserve is a utopia for snorkelers. The 1200-meter-long reef is only 20 meters from the shore, with a shallow lagoon lying between the beach and the coral. The black-quilled sea urchin is just one of the unusual animals that inhabit the lagoon. A wooden bridge leads from the shore to the beginning of the reef. To enjoy the phantasmagoria, visitors jump from the four-meter wall or walk down the steps into the sparkling water. The lime secreted by the stony coral hardens into formations that resemble trees, shrubs, balls, and brains, to name just four. The reserve also is home to soft coral, whose fantastically odd shapes are reminiscent of, for instance, a head of cabbage, a mushroom, or algae. The Coral Beach Reserve has an unusually wide variety of coral and fish clustered in a small area. The reserve looks totally different in the morning than it does in the afternoon. When the diurnal fish retire for the day, the nocturnal fish take their place, creating a brand new world. The Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority will soon open a center with exhibits and films about the sea and the marine environment.Anyone who can swim can enjoy a fantastic glimpse into the natural world. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

Tal Tasa, Head of Security for the community of Nativ Ha'asara is holding a kassam rocket while he explains that he is exhausted from working day and night to prevent terror in his region on Tuesday November 20, 2007. IDF troops from the Golani Infantry Brigade killed four Palestinian terrorists in two separate incidents Monday overnight. On the northern border of the Gaza Strip, a field unit identified three men trying to scale the security fence with a ladder. The soldiers fired at them, killing two. The third managed to escape. The cell was attempting to enter the Gaza periphery moshav Netiv Ha'asara, Israel Radio reported. In the southern part of the Strip, two Palestinians who approached the fence suspiciously were shot and killed. The military reported that the two were likely trying to plant explosive devices on the patrol road used by army jeeps. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Gila Chedva Sara, an Israeli child from the Kassam beaten town of Sderot in Israel wishes for International Children's Day tomorrow that "the Kassam rockets will stop falling on Sderot because I'm scared to die from them." on Monday November 19, 2007. The International Children's Day (ICD) is celebrated in numerous countries and is celebrated in Israel on November 20. Since December 14, 1954, United Nations and UNESCO observes 20 November as the Universal Children's Day "to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. It recommended that the Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world." Focusing world attention on the 60,000 children dying per day, half under the age of five according to UNICEF and the 150 million orphaned children as of 2007. This is the greatest and most urgent emergency on the planet for mankind. Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

Wadi Rum is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in southwest Jordan. It is the largest wadi in Jordan. The name Rum most likely comes from an Aramaic root meaning 'high' or 'elevated'. To reflect its Arabic pronunciation properly, archaeologists transcribe the name Wadi Ramm. Wadi Rum has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times, with many cultures — including the Nabateans — leaving their mark in the form of rock paintings, graffiti, and temples. As of 2007, several Bedouin tribes inhabit the area. In the West, Wadi Rum may be best known for its connection with British officer T.E. Lawrence, who based his operations in Wadi Rum during the Arab Revolt of 1917–18. One of the more impressive rock formations in Wadi Rum was named,The Seven Pillars of Wisdom by Lawrence. Years later, Lawrence decided to use this evocative title for the memoirs he penned in the aftermath of the war. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

The Israeli Bike Club is visiting Barzilai Hospital Ashkelon for a meeting about safty when riding a motorcycle On Wed Nov 14 2007. Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

Israel teachers students and youth are protesting over pay and conditions in Midreshet Sde Boker/ Ben Gurion on Monday Nov 12 2007. Teachers all over Israel have voted to take strike action after the collapse of negotiations over pay and conditions .Teachers plan to launch a full strike today, classes on Sunday were cancelled except for those students preparing for exams. Teachers have been offered a 22% pay increase over the next few years in exchange for accepting widespread reforms. These reforms include schools being able to pay higher wages to oustanding teachers, changes to employment rules making the firing of unsuitable teachers far easier and an average 8% increase in contact hours.Pay increases for new teachers and easier progression up the salary scale are also on offer. However this progress comes against a back ground of teaching cuts. It has also been admitted that in order to pay for these reforms cuts (and further increases to working hours) will be necessary.Teachers have been demanding as much as a 50% increase in wages, in view of the divisive salary measures and the loss of job security then the pay rises seems a lot lower, as it will be paid over several years.The University student's strike in Israel has entered its fifth week. As previously reported on libcom students are striking over increased fees and large budget cuts. Last Wednesday there were widespread reports that the Police had used excessive force to break up a demonstration. Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye

Ashkelon city - Thursday November 8, 2007. If Gaza terror groups achieve in launching longer range rockets capable of hitting cities like Ashkelon, home to 120,000, Hamas officials stated that Ashkelon would be next, saying that the group had succeeded in developing rockets capable of hitting the southern city. “We will turn Ashkelon into a ghost city,” stated a Hamas official in the Jabalya refugee camp. “We will use all methods against the Zionist enemy.” Israel’s efforts to target Hamas leadership could lead to attacks with longer-range rockets, creating more damage than Qassams, within a 25 km. radius of Gaza and capable of hitting southern cities like Beersheba and Ashdod. Defense officials have said that terrorists have succeeded in smuggling long-range rockets from Egypt into Gaza through border tunnels, and that Islamic Jihad has a small number of out-of-date Grad-model Katyushas. The group has not yet fired the rockets at their maximum distance, which is 25 km. The groups pledged to continue rocket attacks “until the Zionists flee from Palestine” and that Gaza would become a “graveyard” for IDF soldiers if Israel decided to invade. Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, leader of the Opposition in the Knesset and Chairman of the Likud Party, is at the Sapir center in the Southern town of Sderot on Wednesday November 7, 2007 at the Sderot Conference for Social and Economic Policy in the shadow of the Qassam rocket barrages that this town has been absorbing. The Sderot Conference for Social and Economic Policy is a centerpiece in Israel’s social debate and focuses on social and economic issues in Israel. Its participants included government ministers, members of the Knesset, researchers in various social fields, and social activists. The goal of the conference is to become “the motivating force behind the social discourse in Israel and a forum for the raising of issues, proposals, ideas, and ways of coping with Israel’s current reality.” All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

The Sderot Conference for Social and Economic Policy at Sapir center in the Southern town of Sderot on Wednesday November 7, 2007 in the shadow of the Qassam rocket barrages that this town has been absorbing. The Sderot Conference for Social and Economic Policy is a centerpiece in Israel’s social debate and focuses on social and economic issues in Israel. Its participants included government ministers, members of the Knesset, researchers in various social fields, and social activists. The goal of the conference is to become “the motivating force behind the social discourse in Israel and a forum for the raising of issues, proposals, ideas, and ways of coping with Israel’s current reality.” All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Two Kassam rockets fired from the Gaza Strip landed in Sderot on Tuesday evening causing significant damage to surrounding cars, houses and streets. A number of people were reportedly treated for shock. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Minister of Environmental Protection, Gideon Ezra at the Sapir center in the Southern town of Sderot on Tuesday November 6, 2007 and attended the Sderot Conference for Social and Economic Policy in the shadow of the Qassam rocket barrages that this town has been absorbing. The Sderot Conference for Social and Economic Policy is a centerpiece in Israel’s social debate and focuses on social and economic issues in Israel. Its participants included government ministers, members of the Knesset, researchers in various social fields, and social activists. The goal of the conference is to become “the motivating force behind the social discourse in Israel and a forum for the raising of issues, proposals, ideas, and ways of coping with Israel’s current reality.” Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Minister of Environmental Protection, Gideon Ezra is visited Israel’s Recycling Corporation (ELA) in Ashdod on Tuesday November 6, 2007 for the launch of its brand new machinery which separates glass, metal and plastic for transferring to other factories in Israel. The purchase of the machinery is part of an effort for Israel to become a cleaner and greener country. Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Sderot, Sunday November 4, 2007. Three Kassam rockets were fired Sunday afternoon from the northern Gaza Strip towards the western Negev. One of the rockets hit a house, causing damage to the building and its surroundings. IDF forces arrived at the scene shortly afterwards and disposed of the rocket's debris. A second rocket hit a power line, starting a small fire. Several people suffered from shock. The damaged power line also resulted in a temporary blackout in Sderot. Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Hundreds of steers and calves wait hours in the heat of the sun cramped in trucks while waiting for permission to enter Gaza Strip at Kerem Shalom crossing on Sunday November 4 2007. One of the drivers points at a calf in anger and says "Look, this calf will die soon if we don't get permission to enter Gaza soon". Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Israel’s Deputy Minister of Defense - Matan Vilnai is visited Kerem Shalom Pass to discuss defense matters on Sunday November 4 2007. Vilnai visited Kerem Shalom’s crossing, Israel’s main crossing to Gaza strip for supplies and aid on Sunday, in hopes to improve security and defense due to ongoing Kassam rocket and mortar shell attacks on Israel from Gaza Strip. Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

The Home Front Command Unit explain to Sderot residents how to use the newly installed and protected bus stops in Sderot Centre on Thursday morning, November 1, 2007. The Home Front Command began installing beefed up bus stops which can withstand rocket attacks. These have been introduced following a demand by the PTA and the Sderot Security Headquarters to install them as a condition for beginning the new school year in the town. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Israeli Minister for Strategic Threats, Avigdor Lieberman visits a house in Netiv Ha'asara on Thursday Morning, November 1, 2007 that was recently struck by several mortar shells without warning from Palestinian Militants from Gaza Strip causing damage to their house and belongings. Lieberman, visited the community to support them and to listen to their thoughts on the constant threats from Palestinian Militants and other issues. All photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

After defense minister's announcement to reduce power supplies in retaliation to ongoing Kassam rockets fired into Israel, Gaza Strips' shortage in basic commodities in the Strip is expected to increase in the near future. Gaza's governor told a Red Cross delegation on Wednesday that while the Strip was in need of 200 trucks carrying food and humanitarian aid in light of the growing unemployment rate, Israel only allowed up to 60 trucks to enter Gaza. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

President Shimon Peres is visited the Kassam struck city of Sderot on Wednesday October 31, 2007. Peres said during a visit to Sderot that the government is doing everything in its power to put an end to the Qassam rocket fire toward the western Negev city. "The attacks are carried out against all of Israel, not only Sderot," Peres said, adding that he was personally involved in the development of the latest anti-Qassam defense systems. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Nativ Ha'asara - Tuesday October 30, 2007 - A grandmother and her granddaughter, residents of Netiv Ha'asara, were almost hit by a mortar round fired by Palestinians in northern Gaza into Israel Tuesday evening. A total of five mortar rounds and four Qassam rockets were fired from the northern Gaza Strip Tuesday. The al-Quds Brigades, the Islamic Jihad's military wing claimed responsibility for the barrage. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

A number of mortar shells fired by Palestinian gunmen from the Gaza Strip landed in the western Negev, one landing inside a greenhouse in Nativ Ha'asara where Thai workers were working in it, causing damage damage to the greenhouse. There were no reports of injuries. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Matan Vilnai, Israel's deputy defense minister visiting with Bezalel Triber, who is in charge of planning the crossings and Col. Yoav Mordechai, Head of the District Coordination Office in the new Tarkumia Crossing on Friday Oct 26 2007.Israel continuing to privatize its border crossing with the West Bank and Gaza Strip replacing Israel's Defense Force soldiers with private security guards in an attempt to ease the strain of the occupation on innocent Palestinians and assign its human resources to more vital tasks. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye.

Damage to a home in Sderot, Israel after being hit directly by Kassam rocket from Gaza Strip on Tuesday, October 23, 2007. Several hours after an IAF strike left a senior security official in the Hamas government dead, Palestinians fired a ninth rocket into the western Negev. Although no casualties were reported in the attack, the rocket hit a house in Sderot, causing several people