Tag Archive for IDF

| May 3, 2012
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IDF Calls Up 6 Battalions to Guard Egyptian, Syrian Fronts

The IDF has issued call up orders for six battalions to guard the Egyptian and Syrian borders, with authorization for 16 more.

The IDF has issued call up orders for six battalions to guard the Egyptian and Syrian borders, with authorization for more if needed. The orders were approved by the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee as part of a request to call up as many as 22 battalions.

Egyptian Soldiers Lost Control of Sinai

Egyptian Soldiers Lost Control of Sinai - Photo by Reuters

The call up came following intelligent assessments calling for increased deployment of more troops, an IDF spokesperson said.

Former deputy IDF chief of staff Dan Harel said Wednesday night the call-up meant the IDF views the Egyptian and Syrian borders as a “potential source of greater threat than in the past.”  Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| May 3, 2012
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Security fence on Egyptian border breached

Smugglers manage to cut into fence in southern border but are eventually caught by IDF forces. Five similar attempts recorded in past few months. IDF considers installing electronic alert system

Egyptian smugglers recently managed to cut into the new security fence on the Israeli border for the first time, Ynet has learned. The cell members, who used hydraulic and mechanical means to cut through the fence, were caught by the IDF.

The incident occurred last month. The Egyptians were smuggling goods for criminal, and not nationalistic purposes, and took advantage of a blind spot in the fence.

Senior elements in the IDF confirmed the report. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: ,
| May 1, 2012
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IDF closes probe into Israeli air strike that killed 21 members of Gaza family

Military prosecution says will take no legal steps against those responsible for deaths of Samouni family, killed in their home during Operation Cast Lead.

 

Israel’s military prosecution announced Tuesday that no legal steps will be taken against those responsible for the killing of 21 members of the Samouni family during the 2009 Operation Cast Lead in Gaza.

A letter was received by the human rights group B’Tselem from Major Dorit Tuval, Deputy Military Advocate for Operational Matters. Tuval said that the case has been closed after the investigation has found that the attack on the civilians, “who did not take part in the fighting,” and their killing were not done knowingly and directly, or out of haste and negligence “in a manner that would indicate criminal responsibility.”

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Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , ,
| April 28, 2012
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IDF nabs Palestinian carrying 2 bombs

Terror attack averted: Security forces arrest man in possession of two explosive devices at West Bank roadblock Saturday; suspect taken in for interrogation

 

Terror attack averted: IDF troops nabbed Saturday evening a Palestinian in possession of two explosive devices near the Hawara roadblock in the West Bank, south of Nablus.

The bombs were later blown up by sappers in a controlled detonation. The Palestinian terror suspect was taken in for interrogation by security authorities.

Saturday’s arrest marks the latest in a string of incidents involving Palestinian terrorists detained in possession of arms.

Sappers blow up bombs (Archive) Photo: AFP

Sappers blow up bombs (Archive) - Photo AFP

Last Saturday, Border Guard and Judea and Samaria police forces thwarted a terror attack in the area after detaining two Palestinians armed with four pipe bombs, a handgun and some ammunition. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: ,
| April 26, 2012
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IDF chief: Other countries are prepared for possible Iran strike

Following recent comments that appeared to put Lt. Gen. Gantz at odds with other senior Israeli officials, the IDF Chief of Staff strongly hints that other nations could be backing military action.

 

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz said on Thursday that other countries have readied their armed forces for a potential strike against Iran’s nuclear sites to keep Tehran from acquiring atomic weapons.

IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz - Archive

IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz - Photo by Archive

Gantz did not specify which nations might be willing to support or take direct action against Iran. Still, his comments were one of the strongest hints yet that Israel may have the backing of other countries to strike the Islamic Republic to prevent it from developing nuclear arms.”The

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Category: Israel News | Tags: ,
| April 26, 2012
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New IDF Rifle has Double Barrel

First Israeli twin-barrel assault rifle has greater fire power and effectiveness, uses regular ammunition.

A new Israeli assault rifle features a twin barrel – the first such gun to be made in Israel, writes Israel Defense.

Double barreled assault rifle

Double barreled assault rifle - Israel Defense

Silver Shadow, the firm that manufactures the Gilboa assault rifle, will soon unveil a new member of the Gilboa family with a double barrel, meaningfully increasing fire power and enhancing the effect of a hit on target.

The gun uses standard ammunition.

The new weapon will be presented by the company at the Eurosatory 2012 weapons trade show, to be held in June in Paris. Continue Reading »

Category: Innovations & Discoveries | Tags:
| April 24, 2012
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True heroes of Israel

Op-ed: Israel must rectify mistakes in way it treats widows of IDF soldiers who have fallen in battle – by MK Danny Danon

There is one day in the year when all Israelis feel the excruciating pain endured by our heroic bereaved families. On Remembrance Day the anguish, the sorrow, the sense of loss envelopes all of us, yet also pride that these families feel on a daily basis, evident on the faces of all Israelis.

We Israelis know how to argue and debate with one another in a fashion that sometimes seems overly wrought with emotions to outsiders, but when it comes to the honor and respect we feel for these brave families, our unity knows no bounds. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags:
| April 18, 2012
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Ariel Mayor: IDF Commanders Lack Courage

Ariel Mayor Ron Nachman slammed IDF chief Benny Gantz charging he lacked the courage to deal with foreign anarchists

Ariel Mayor Ron Nachman on Wednesday sent a scathing letter to IDF chief of Staff Benny Gantz and Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon protesting the dismissal of Lt. Col. Shalom Eisner from his post as commander of the Jordan Valley Brigade.

“I, sir, protest the decision to dismiss the deputy commander which indicates that the IDF and Defense Minister’s aim was to stop criticism.

“The decision did not address that Palestinians and foreign citizens came to provoke us in Israeli territory and Judea and Samaria. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags:
| April 18, 2012
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IDF graduates first ‘Cyber Defenders’ class

Around 30 soldiers completed the course training soldiers to prevent online attacks against IDF networks.

 

The IDF made history on Tuesday with the graduation of its first class of Cyber Defenders, a new role established the C4I Directorate established to prevent online attacks against IDF networks.

IDF soldiers of the first-ever Cyber Defenders class - Photo: Marc Israel Sellem

IDF soldiers of the first-ever Cyber Defenders class - Photo: Marc Israel Sellem

Around 30 soldiers completed the course. Following their graduation, the soldiers will be assigned to the IDF’s various branches where they will be responsible for preventing online infiltrations of military networks.

The graduation ceremony comes a year after the IDF General Staff established a Cyber Defense Division in the C4I Directorate, which is responsible for protecting IDF networks from hackers and infiltrations. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags:
| April 18, 2012
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Lt. Col. Eisner: I didn’t put anyone’s life at risk

Deputy brigade commander suspended for striking pro-Palestinian activist with M-16 says, ‘What’s more important, fulfilling the task or looking good for the camera?’

Lt. Col. Shalom Eisner, the IDF officer who was suspended for striking a pro-Palestinian protester from Denmark with an M-16 rifle, said in a conversation with a supporter that he never put “anyone’s life in danger.”

“What’s more important, fulfilling the task or looking good for the camera?” he said in a chat that was broadcast on Channel 10 News. “I am familiar with these anarchists’ history. They came with sticks and broke my hand, but no one talks about that or films that. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags:
| April 16, 2012
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New I.D.F. tank shells can penetrate reinforced targets

Such a capability is believed to be crucial for the IDF as it faces future conflicts with Hezbollah and Hamas.

 

In an effort to improve its ability to accurately target terrorists hiding inside homes, the IDF will receive new tank shells developed to penetrate reinforced targets in the coming weeks.

New IDF tank shells - Photo: IMI

New IDF tank shells - Photo: IMI

Such a capability is believed to be crucial for the IDF as it faces future conflicts with Hezbollah and Hamas, both terrorist groups which embed themselves within civilian infrastructure, according to the military.

Called M339, the new 120 mm. shell was developed by Israel Military Industries together with the IDF Ground Forces Command.

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Category: Israel News | Tags:
| April 11, 2012
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Israel, Lebanon navy increase cooperation in Mediterranean

Lebanese navy has been helping the IDF drive away boats that approach the Israeli border, as Israel Navy prepares for possible altercations on upcoming Nakba Day.

The Israel Navy has recently strengthened its cooperation with the Lebanese Navy in the Mediterranean, as it prepares for possible pro-Palestinian flotillas to Gaza on Nakba Day this month.

Israel Navy ships on the northern border with Lebanon

Israel Navy ships on the northern border with Lebanon - Photo by: Hagai Fried

According to Israel Navy officials, the indirect cooperation between the Israeli and Lebanese navies has increased.

On Land Day last month, when hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets to protest the loss of Arab lands in the Galilee, the Lebanese army increased its naval operations and barred any ship from approaching the maritime border with Israel, to prevent any possible provocations.

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Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , ,
| April 6, 2012
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Operation IDF Passover Seder

As millions of Israelis prepare to celebrate the Passover seder on Friday night, the IDF will join them at bases around the country.

 

As millions of Israelis prepare to celebrate the Passover seder on Friday night, the IDF will join them at bases around the country.

The various IDF units have been busy all week preparing for the feast to come. Passover preparations involve dozens of soldiers and commanders at army bases and outposts on land, out at sea, and flying the skies.

As part of its preparations for the holiday, the IDF purchased 70,000 kg of various foods that included 8,000 kg of Nile perch fish, 3,500 kg of roast beef, 9,000 kg of chicken thighs, 7,200 kg of matzah, 16,000 bottles of grape juice, and more. Continue Reading »

Category: Jewish News | Tags:
| April 6, 2012
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Israel presents new deterrence policy

IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz on Thursday declared a change in army policy whereby any firing at Israel’s south will be met with an attack on Hamas, regardless of the group behind the fire.

Similarly, any firing from Lebanon will result in an attack on Hezbollah, and any terror attack by Iran’s emissaries overseas will prompt a response against Tehran.

Speaking at a conference in the Gelilot base, Gantz discussed the many threats Israel faces. “The IDF is Israel’s sharpened sword and protector,” he noted. He also addressed the firing of rockets at Eilat on Wednesday night.

הרמטכ"ל גנץ. "להכות בעוצמה במבקש רעתנו" (צילום: עידו ארז)

IDF chief Gantz.

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Category: Israel News | Tags:
| April 6, 2012
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Britain’s Royal Air Force considering purchase of Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle

U.K. looking at the Eitan system, also known as the Heron TP – the largest and most sophisticated drone Israel makes.

Britain’s Royal Air Force has been considering the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles from Israel.

Heron TP drone

The Israeli army Heron TP drone, also known locally as the Eitan, flies during a display at the Palmahim Air Force Base. - Photo by AP

The Eitan, also known as the Heron TP, is the largest and most sophisticated drone Israel makes. It is assembled by Israel Aerospace Industries and began operational service in the Israel Air Force two years ago, in a new squadron at the Tel Nof airbase. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: ,
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