The Maxim-Israeli Conflict
With the Palestinians fighting... the other Palestinians, for a change, Israel is now facing lots of other conflicts. Hezbollah, for instance. And Iran, with their nuclear ambitions and genocidal threats and all. Or those British professors, who decided with all the wars and killing and suffering in the world, that it was Israel who it was worth singling out with a boycott. Now, Israel's fighting another front- the enemies of Maxim.
The mens' magazine, in its July issue, will feature "Women of the Israeli Defense Forces," an idea anyone who's been to Israel can instantly recognize as ingenious- I'm just shocked it took them this many years to come up with it. The spread is in conjunction with a new campaign by Israel's tourism ministry, an attempt to draw Americans to the country by highlighting the, uh, scenery.
Members of the Knesset are outraged, with one female legislator calling the campaign "pornographic"; I'd imagine the religious parties aren't so happy with the effort either.
I'm with Arye Mekel, Israel's consul-general in New York:
"The pictures aren't anything you wouldn't see at a pool or a beach. Israel is always mentioned in the context of wars and violence. We want to show there is a normal life. Among the beautiful things we have are our women. We came there from 120 countries. Anytime you have a mix from any continents, you get very beautiful people. We don't see having beautiful women as a problem."
The Palestinians are fighting over which group of fanatics will represent them; the Israelis are fighting over whether or not it's okay to have an ad campaign with hotties. I'd say Israel's had bigger problems in the past. Posted by Stephen Silver at June 19, 2007 05:33 PM
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http://www.stevesilver.net/mt/archives/008511.htmlMaxim Women of Israeli Defense Forces Pics
James Joyner @ Gone Hollywood | Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Maxim has a photo spread on the Women of the Israeli Defense Forces in their July issue.
They’re drop-dead gorgeous and can take apart an Uzi in seconds. Are the women of the Israeli Defense Forces the world’s sexiest soldiers?
Gal
Expertise: Physical fitness
“I taught gymnastics and calisthenics,” says this flawless former Miss Israel. “The soldiers loved me because I made them fit.”
Yarden
Expertise: Military intelligence
Stationed in northern Israel for her two-year IDF stint, Yarden says target practice was her favorite activity. “I loved shooting the M-16,” she says. “And I was good at hitting the targets. But I haven’t shot anything since I left the army.” Or anyone, we hope.
Nivit
Expertise: Military intelligence
“My job was top secret,” says this Tel Aviv native, who still lives with her parents. “I can’t talk about it other than to say I studied some Arabic!”
Natalie
Expertise: Naval Telecommunications
This beguiling blonde clearly remembers her favorite part of serving her country: “I met my husband. His commander kept trying to set us up.” Lucky for him, Natalie followed orders.
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http://www.maximonline.com/girls_of_maxim/girl_template_magnified.aspx?id=1296&ind=2