Tag Archive for IDF

| December 29, 2013
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Israel’s Christian community divided on IDF enlistment campaign

 

Pre-Christmas military ceremony honoring contribution of Christian volunteers into the IDF highlights Jerusalem’s new push to recruit its minorities.

Arab enlistment opponents use intimidation & scare tactics against those who sign up.

Christian soldier: ‘We are held hostages’ of Muslim Arab community

By The Associated Press

Dozens of Israeli soldiers respectfully rose from their seats as the Israeli national anthem began playing. The recording of “Hatikva,” an ode to the Jewish yearning for the Land of Israel, wrapped up a ceremony, held in Hebrew, during which speakers thanked the troops and handed out awards.

Elinor Joseph, was born 1991 into a Christian family from the Arab village of Jish, is the first Arab woman ever to serve in a combat role in the I.D.F.

Elinor Joseph, was born 1991 into a Christian family from the Arab village of Jish, is the first Arab woman ever to serve in a combat role in the I.D.F.

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Category: Israel News | Tags: , , , , ,
| December 29, 2013
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Two Rockets Hit Northern Israel; IDF Responds with Artillery Fire

Two Katyusha rockets fall just outside of Kiryat Shmona; no casualties reported.


IDF artillery unit fires rounds at Lebanese village identified as the source.

By Tova Dvorin

 

Two Katyusha rockets fell in Israel’s North Sunday.

Katyusha Rocket shot at Galilee (archive) – IsraelandStuff/PP

Katyusha Rocket shot at Galilee (archive) – IsraelandStuff/PP

The rocket fire was heard at about 7:00 am, near the city of Kiryat Shmona. Kiryat Shmona is close to the Lebanese border.

No casualties have been reported.

Local residents reported explosions and alerted security forces, who then combed the area to locate the points of impact and the launch site. Residents reported clouds of smoke billowing from the impact sites. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , ,
| December 25, 2013
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More & More Christians Serving In the IDF & Israel Police: A Growing Community

 

Today, as people around the world celebrate Christmas, Christian soldiers serving in the IDF are off duty and at home with their families for the holiday. The growing community of Christian IDF soldiers recently gathered for a special forum to recognize their contribution to the State of Israel.

By IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

 

 

Nearly 90 Christian soldiers  from all over the country and from all IDF units came together earlier this week in Nazareth Illit for an event organized by the Israeli Christians Recruitment Forum. Although it has only been around for a little over a year, its impact has been astounding. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| December 25, 2013
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Number of Christian conscripts rose in 2013 for the IDF

84 Israeli Christians have volunteered for the IDF since June, representing a noticeable spike in the recruitment rate, which normally average about 50 new annual recruits in past years.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
 

The IDF has observed a rise in the number of Christian-Arab Israelis enlisting in the IDF this year.

Elinor Joseph, was born 1991 into a Christian family from the Arab village of Jish, is the first Arab woman ever to serve in a combat role in the I.D.F.

Elinor Joseph, was born 1991 into a Christian family from the Arab village of Jish, is the first Arab woman ever to serve in a combat role in the I.D.F. – Photo: IDF Spokesperson Unit

Since June, 84 Christians have volunteered the military, representing a spike in the recruitment rate, which has averaged 50 new annual recruits in past years. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| December 25, 2013
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2 Videos: PM Netanyahu & President Peres Give Blessings to Israeli Christians

PM Netanyahu commends Christian citizens for joining the IDF & defending country, stops in the nick of time from uttering ‘Jewish’ state.

President Peres, in his own Christmas message, urges peace.

By  

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered his holiday blessings to the Christian citizens of Israel on Tuesday, in which he stressed the importance of the community’s contribution to the Israel Defense Forces – accidentally stopping just short of uttering the word “Jewish” state.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu

The video, released on the prime minister’s official channel, was widely distributed to Christian communities around the country. Calling them “loyal citizens”, Netanyahu commended the efforts of those active in recruiting Christians citizens to serve in the army. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , ,
| December 24, 2013
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Israel Air Force hits Gaza targets in retaliation for shooting of IDF employee

—> BREAKING NEWS <—

Palestinian sniper fire from Gaza kills Salah Shukri Abu Latyef, 22, a civilian contract employee who was working on the Gaza border fence.

Netanyahu calls shooting a “very grave incident,” says Israel will “react with force.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN, HERB KEINON

 

 

A civilian employee of the IDF was killed by a Palestinian gun attack on the Gaza – Israel border on Tuesday. He was identified as Salah Shukri Abu Latyef, 22, from Rahat.

IDF medics at the scene of the shooting on the northern Gaza border, December 24, 2013. Photo: REUTERS/Amir Cohen

The IAF attacked targets in Gaza in response for the shooting, Israel Radio reported. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , ,
| December 24, 2013
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Civilian worker shot by Palestinian sniper from inside Gaza

Civilian IDF contractor, fixing Gaza-Israel border’s security fence was shot by a Gaza sniper.

He was evacuated to Be’er Sheva’s Soroka Hospital.

By Ari Yashar, Arutz Sheva Staff

 

 

A civilian worker for the IDF was shot by sniper fire near Gaza, where he was working between Nachal Oz and Kfar Aza. The worker was evacuated to Be’er Sheva’s Soroka Hospital.

The worker was fixing the security fence that was revealed to have holes and damage in it, caused by the recent snow and rainstorm. Soldiers have reported that repairs have been slow or non-existent, creating a security threat.

The IDF is searching the area to find suspects involved in the incident. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , , ,
| December 22, 2013
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Gen. John Allen: Won’t let attacks on Israel happen under his watch

 

Renowned former commander of US forces in Afghanistan, General John Allen, was chosen by Obama to formulate security arrangement for future peace deal.

Former IDF General Gadi Shamni, ‘Allen is having sleepless nights, he won’t let attacks happen under his watch.’ 

By Yitzhak Benhorin

At the age of 59, US General Gadi Shamni was ready to take on one of the most important security roles the US has to offer. Shortly before his ascension to the role, Allen decided to serve his commander-in-chief in a different manner: He is the man meant to cause Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make history. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , , , ,
| December 20, 2013
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Gazan Killed, 3 Palestinians wounded in 3 separate border fence skirmishes with IDF

 

IDF shot dead a 22 yr-old Palestinian by the fence near Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza. One Palestinian source claimed the man was there trying to catch birds.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, REUTERS

 

 

Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian and wounded three others in three separate incidents of cross-border violence in the Gaza Strip on Friday, Palestinian officials said.

Explosive devices planted near Gaza security fence- Photo: IDF Spokesperson

Explosive devices planted near Gaza security fence- Photo: IDF Spokesperson

The Israeli military, which has long said the area in Gaza along the border fence is off limits, said it was looking into the reports.

A 22-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by the fence near Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| December 20, 2013
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Israeli Navy submarine service – isn’t for everybody

 

Senior recruiting Officer: ‘One doesn’t have to know how to swim, but a good sense of humor is important.’

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

 

 
 

For the time being, there is no chance for young Israelis to become astronauts, but young men who are highly motivated and intelligent, able to withstand long bouts away from civilization, suited for combat duty, capable of reacting immediately to orders and not disturbed by being cooped up for weeks on end in a small space are invited by the IDF and Israel Navy to apply for military service in a submarine.

Always ‘Watching & Listening” – Photo courtesy: IDF Spokespersons Unit

A 13-month-long preparatory course for the difficult but meaningful job has just been completed. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , ,
| December 18, 2013
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Israel’s Defense Minister: Lebanese Army Will Put Killer-Soldier on Trial

The Lebanese army has arrested & will try the rogue soldier who, without justification, shot & murdered IDF soldier Shlomi Cohen ז”ל , reported Defense Minister Yaalon .

By Elad Benari

 

The Lebanese army has arrested the soldier who shot and killed IDF soldier Shlomi Cohen near the border on Sunday night, Moshe Yaalon said on Tuesday evening.

Yaalon’s comments were made during a tour of the Jordan Valley.

“This is a serious incident and the Lebanese government and the Lebanese army are responsible for this,” he declared, adding that there had been a meeting on Monday between the liaison officers of the Lebanese army and the IDF, attended by members of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), during which the Lebanese army reported the findings of its investigation of the shooting incident. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , , , , ,
| December 18, 2013
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IDF to relocate it’s personnel towards peripheral areas

 

Army source reports that once the IDF command relocates most of its bases to sites outside the country’s center, 100,000 housing units can be built on vacated land.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN

 

 

The IDF is poised to launch the first phase of its move out of greater Tel Aviv. It’s a move that, when completed, would eventually see almost all bases and complexes move to the South, North, and around the Center of the country.

Photo: Good morning from #Israel.

IDF soldiers on patrol – Photo courtesy: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

When complete, some 1,100 hectares (2,718 acres) will be vacated, enabling the construction of 100,000 housing units and 2.5 million sq.m. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| December 17, 2013
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IDF Military Academy Plans for Mount Scopus Delayed by PM Netanyahu

IDF military academy plans approved in 2012, but Netanyahu delays program – probably due to fears of an unpleasant US reaction.

By Tova Dvorin

 

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has delayed plans to move the IDF’s military training academy to Mount Scopus, probably due to international pressures, Maariv reported Tuesday. Sources say the IDF has begun looking for other sites for its military program as a result.

The District Planning and Building Committee of Jerusalem has prevented the program from advancing for over a year, despite its importance. The move is part of a greater initiative to strengthen Jerusalem’s position as the symbolic and practical capital of Israel. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , , , ,
| December 16, 2013
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IDF shoots at 2 Lebanese soldiers on border

 

Video: Israel’s Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon

‘Missing’ Lebanese soldier surfaces after Israeli killed on border.

By and

 

 

The Lebanese soldier who reportedly went missing after opening fire at an Israeli military vehicle Sunday night on the northern border, killing an Israeli soldier, has returned to his base.

Israeli soldiers guard near the border between northern Israel and Lebanon, Monday, Dec. 16, 2013

Israeli soldiers guard near the border between northern Israel and Lebanon, Monday, Dec. 16, 2013. – Photo: AP

The Israeli soldier who was killed, Master Sgt. Sholmi Cohen, 31, was a resident of Afula, according to the Israel Defense Forces. His family has been informed of his death and his funeral will be held in Haifa at 5 P.M. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , ,
| December 16, 2013
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Lebanese Soldier Reports for Duty After Killing IDF Soldier

The Lebanese soldier who shot dead IDF Master Sgt. Shlomi Cohen spent the entire night ‘hiding in a bush’, before handing himself in this morning.

By Ari Soffer

 

 

The Lebanese soldier who shot dead IDF Master Sergeant Shlomi Cohen in an unprovoked attack Sunday evening has reportedly handed himself in to Lebanese authorities.

IDF Master Sergeant Shlomi Cohen ז”ל – Courtesy of the family

According to Lebanese media, after briefly disappearing in the aftermath of the attack and spending the night “hiding in a bush”, the unnamed soldier reported for duty at the Lebanese General Security post at the Ras al-Naqoura border crossing,  surrendering himself as the site where he committed the shooting just hours earlier. Continue Reading »

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