By Ambassador Yacov Hadas-Handelsman The situation in our part of the Middle East does not appear to make much sense at first glance.

Over 30 rockets and mortars have been fired from the Gaza Strip at Israeli communities since Saturday.

Five new ambassadors from Russia, China, Finland, Philippines, and Nigeria presented their credentials to President Peres.

Technion Professor Dan Shechtman, has been awarded the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on quasicrystals.

President Shimon Peres hosted a New Year's reception for members of the foreign Diplomatic Corps posted in Israel.