Monthly Archives: April 2010

Carbine Rifle Discovered in Overnight Arrests Near Bethlehem, 28 Apr 2010a

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During an IDF operation in the villages of Sa’ir and A-Shuyuch, south of Bethlehem, forces uncovered a Carbine rifle with the corresponding ammunition. The weapon was confiscated by security forces. In addition, 10 wanted Palestinians were arrested overnight during IDF operations in Judea & Samaria. The IDF will continue to act against any terrorist organizations operating in the area, while protecting the quality of life of Palestinian residents.

Soldiers find a rifle in the residence of a wanted Palestinian

Hamas Terrorist Behind Murder of Israelis Killed During Exchange of Fire with Security Forces, 26 Apr 2010

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Ali Ismail Ahmed Sawiti, a wanted member of the Hamas terrorist organization, who was killed during an exchange of fire with security forces

Ali Ismail Ahmed Sawiti, a wanted member of the Hamas terrorist organization was killed during a joint IDF-Border Police-ISA arrest operation in the village of Beit ‘Awwa, south of Hebron, last night.

A force surrounded the building in which Sawiti was hiding and called on him to surrender. Sawiti refused and opened fire at the forces, who than used engineering tools in addition to firing at the building’s exterior wall, in order to cause him to surrender. The terrorist continued to fire at the force, and was ultimately killed.

Sawiti, born in 1968, a resident of Beit ‘Awwa, was a member of a Hamas militant squad. He executed five shooting attacks and an explosive device attack between 1999- 2004.

Border Policeman Yaniv Mashiach was killed in one of the shooting attacks six years ago. Two additional border policemen were injured in the attack.

Sawiti escaped an attempted arrest in February 2007.

Sawiti was a member of the Jahad Mahmad Ismail Sawiti terror squad. Jahad, a Hamas member, executed several attacks which killed Israeli civilians. He was killed by IDF forces in 2004.

Ali Sawiti was recruited to Hamas in 2002 and  immediately began planning shooting attacks against Israeli civilians. His involvement in terrorism continued after Jahad Sawiti was killed.

Ali Sawiti is responsible for the following terror attacks:

  • October 3rd, 2000: Shooting at an Israeli vehicle traveling near Shekef, west of Hebron.
  • November 13th, 2003: Shooting at an Israeli vehicle traveling near the Idhna Junction.
  • December 18th, 2003: Shooting at an Israeli vehicle traveling near the Idhna Junction.
  • April 25th, 2004: Ali Sawiti and other members of his squad executed a shooting attack in the area of Idhna Jnction. The attack killed a Border Policemen. Two additional border policemen were injured.

IDF Discovers Three Landmines Near Gaza Security Fence, 25 Apr 2010

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Earlier today, during an operational activity near the security fence in the central Gaza Strip, Engineering forces discovered three land mines planted in the ground, thus thwarting an attack against IDF soldiers.

The mines were detonated in a controlled manner. No injuries or damage were caused.

The presence of Palestinian civilians in the area adjacent to the security fence in Gaza is used by terrorist organizations as cover for their activities, including planting explosive devices, planning terrorist attacks and attempts to kidnap IDF soldiers. For this reason, the IDF considers this a combat zone.

One of the landmines found near the Gaza Security Fence

One of the landmines found near the Gaza Security Fence

IDF Spokesperson Announcement, 22 Apr 2010

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This morning, explosions and flashes of light were reported near the city of Eilat. The Home Front Command and the Israeli Police searched the city following the reports, but no evidence indicating a security related incident was found. A few hours following the incident, it was reported that remains of a Katyusha rocket were discovered near the city of Aqaba, Jordan. The IDF is currently investigating the source of the launch.

The President’s Award For Excellence on Independence Day, 22 Apr 2010

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On Israel’s 62nd Independence Day, 120 soldiers gathered at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem to receive the prestigious President’s Award from Excellence from the Israeli president, Shimon Peres. Watch as the Israeli soldiers share their feelings on Israel and their roles in the IDF in a clip that was broadcast during the ceremony.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WEhYhtf24I&feature=player_embedded]

“You are the Land, You are the Home” By The Education Corps Band, 20 April 2010

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sZVz1bermM&feature=player_embedded]

The Education Corps of the IDF is proud to release a music video for “You are the Home,” celebrating Israel’s 62 years of independence. Smadar Shir wrote the song and Libi (Li Biran), who works as a musical arranger for the IDF band, composed the music. Gaya Traub stars in the music video, playing a young photographer capturing various scenes of Israeli life.

General Closure of the Judea and Samaria Region During Memorial Day and Independence Day, 17 Apr 2010

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In accordance with the directives of the Minister of Defense, Mr. Ehud Barak, and following situation assessments adopted by the defense establishment, a general closure will be implemented in the Judea and Samaria region for the duration of Israel’s memorial day and Independence day. The closure will begin on Saturday, April 17th, 2010 at 23:59. The closure will be lifted on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010 at 23:59, in accordance with security assessments.

For the duration of the closure, persons in need of medical attention will be permitted to pass for care. The passage of humanitarian aid as well as doctors, medical personnel, , lawyers, religious workers and additional professional groups will be authorized by the Civil Administration.

The  passage of journalists will also be permitted, who are reminded to ensure that their GPO credentials, passports and visas are valid. Media personnel with Israeli or dual citizenship are required to sign release forms prior to visiting the A areas and are encouraged to coordinate their passage in advance  with the IDF Spokesperson’s News Desk.

The IDF will continue to operate in order to defend the citizens of Israel while maintaining the quality of life of the Palestinian population in the area.

Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi Lays Flag on Fallen Soldier’s Grave , 14 Apr 2010

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The Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, opened memorial events ahead of Monday’s Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s memorial day for fallen soldiers and victoms of terrorism,by placing Israel’s memorial day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, by placing an Israeli flag on the grave of the most recent fallen soldier, the late Maj. Eliraz Peretz. Maj. Peretz was a deputy battalion commander in the Golani Brigade who was killed three weeks ago in an exchange of fire in the Kissufim area, and is now buried in the military cemetery at Mount Herzl.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7odnOoXzT4&feature=player_embedded]

Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi lays a flag down on the late Maj. Eliraz Peretz's grave

Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi lays a flag down on the late Maj. Eliraz Peretz's grave

Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi with the family of the late Maj. Eliraz Peretz

IDF Condemns Acts of Vandalism in Huwwara, 14 Apr 2010

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The Bilal Ibn Rabah mosque in the village of Huwwara, south of Nablus, was vandalized by anonymous suspects last night. The Star of David symbol and the caption “Mohammad” in Hebrew were among the graffiti painted on the wall of the mosque. In addition, two vehicles were set on fire in the village.

The Commander of the IDF Judea and Samaria division, Brig. Gen. Nitzan Alon ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, condemned the acts and said that those responsible should be brought to justice.

The IDF conveyed a message to the Palestinians through the Civil Administration to reassure them that the IDF takes the matter of harming or vandalizing of holy sites very seriously.  It should be noted  that the Civil Administration erased  the graffiti this morning.

IDF Thwarts Attack Along Gaza Security Fence, 13 Apr 2010

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IDF forces, operating near the central Gaza Strip, killed four Palestinians planting explosives near the security fence. IDF searches turned up the bodies of terrorists associated with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organization. During the search two explosive devices, two rifles, an AK-47 and a vest were uncovered. While operating in the area, a mortar shell was fired at the soldiers in the field.

The operation was a joint effort between the Infantry Corps, Armored Corps, and Air Force. Israeli soldiers fired at the suspects planting the explosive devices, and direct hits were reported. No damage or injuries were caused to IDF soldiers.

The weapons found on the bodies of the terrorists