The Israeli media crammed into a briefing room with much commotion. The government had called a meeting of the press for a supposedly important announcement of a new government agency. After five minutes an unknown government official walked up to the podium and delivered a briefing to the press.

“Hello, I am spokesman Haim Aaron of the National Council for Research and Development. Today the Prime minister ordered the formal end of the National Committee for Space Research and the creation of the Israeli Space Agency. The National Committee for Space Research has done a commendable job building the infrastructure for Israel to join the space age. As we reflect on the history of this vastly important organization that is soon to leave us we see many of the most impressive and important feats of Israeli science and technology.

Among these feats, the one we will never forget is the launch of the first Israeli two stage rocket six years ago in 1961. All of Israel is thankful for the truly impressive work of the National Committee on Space Research for the work they have done expanding the prestige of Israel as a technological power across the globe as well as the minds of all Israelis as to what is possible.

However, to meet our national aspiration in space a national agency is required. The government of Israel will be putting its full resources behind that nation's push into space. In addition to pushing the bounds of scientific research, the government strongly believes that space exploration if a key component of maintaining the nation’s security both directly and indirectly. Thank you, I will now be taking questions.”

“Does this move have anything to do with the deterioration of stability in Lebanon?”

“While this move is not directly connected with the situation in Lebanon, that is one example of a situation in which our space program can help us develop new technologies to monitor and confront threats to Israel”

“Does Israel intend to use space as a means of collecting intelligence on her neighbors and if so does this move to space have anything to do with the sale of Soviet SAM batteries to the UAR and Egypt?”

“The government will not be commenting on that speculation at this time”

“Will this venture be purely governmental, or will private companies be joining?”

“The Prime Minister has promised to liberalize the economy and encourage private industry. This will expand to the space industry. Many leading Israeli companies including Elron Electronic Industries, Israel Aerospace Industries, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have expressed interest in bidding for certain projects that will be revealed in time. However, for now the agency is focused on hiring staff and building its campus. Thank you very much ladies and gentleman, that's all the time I have. Feel free to direct any further inquiries to my office.”