IDF Spokesperson Launches Twitter Accounts in English, French and Arabic

Posted on July 31, 2011 by idfspokesperson

In keeping with their commitment to transmit the message of the IDF in the most the most efficient and cutting-edge way possible, IDF spokesmen have now launched their own Twitter accounts. These accounts, written in English, French and Arabic, provide Internet users with real-time information on events in the field.

Follow Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich on Twitter.

Here is what the spokesmen have to say about their new Twitter accounts:

Follow Lieutenant Colonel Avital Leibovich, official IDF Spokeswoman for the international press, on Twitter.

I believe that it is the responsibility of every spokesperson to use the Internet to reach the public. In the near future, these platforms will become even more dominant and even replace some of the more traditional platforms.

Follow the Arabic tweets of Major Avichai Adraee, head of the IDF Spokesperson’s Arabic desk, on Twitter.

The last few months have made it increasingly clear what a profound influence social media networks have on the Arab world. We live in the Middle East; we must speak its language.

Follow Captain Barak Raz, head of the IDF Spokesperson’s North American Desk on Twitter.

I am excited that spokespeople to the foreign press are available on Twitter so that we can reach out around the world and engage in open dialogue – to share from our thoughts and experiences.

Follow the French tweets of Lieutenant Sacha Dratwa, head of the IDF Spokesperson’s new media desk on Twitter.

I’m very happy to see the recognition on behalf of the other spokespeople of the importance of social media and their understanding of the possibilities inherent within it.

New Road Protects Southern Residents from Missile Attacks

Posted on July 27, 2011 by idfspokesperson

Today, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) opened access to a newly built road along the Israel-Gaza border. The three-kilometer road is intended to safeguard Israeli civilians in southern Israel from anti-tank missiles launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel.

Israeli children try out the new protective road at the opening ceremony. Photo: Ariel Hermoni, Israeli Defense Ministry.

In the past, Israeli drivers and passengers along the Israel-Gaza border were vulnerable to Hamas-fired missiles. In an effort to reduce the threat of missile attacks, the secure road was integrated into a fold of land outside the visual range of terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

Last April, Hamas launched an antitank missile from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, striking a school bus, killing 16-year-old Daniel Viflic and wounding the bus driver.

School Bus Being Hit by Anti-Tank Missile. Photo: Edi Israel.

“August Cycle” of Recruitment into the Israel Defense Forces Begins this Week

Posted on July 26, 2011 by idfspokesperson

Starting this week and continuing throughout the month, new recruits will be absorbed into the Israel Defense Force. Traditionally, an Israeli soldier’s first day in the army is considered a festive event. Families accompany their sons and daughters to the Military Absorption Center, sending them off with sweets and presents, teasing them about their new, short haircuts (at least, the sons).

Personnel Branch Head Maj. Gen. Orna Barbivai, the first female Major General in Israeli history said that the Israel Defense Forces are now concentrating on giving attention to “special populations” among the new soldiers, including those soldiers drawn from Israel’s haredi and ethnic minority populations.

Becoming a Soldier

Among the youngest brigades in the Israel Defense Forces is “Kfir”, which specializes in urban combat and counter-terror operations.The following clip showcases some of Kfir’s activities and soldiers:

The Israel Defense Forces’ Navy focuses on protecting Israeli commerce, collecting intelligence, and combating terror at sea. The following clip showcases the Israeli Navy’s activities and ships:

Photos: Weaponry and Ammunition Uncovered on Palestinian Boat in the Dead Sea

Posted on July 25, 2011 by idfspokesperson

Palestinian boat with weaponry found in the Dead Sea by IDF, Police

Ten AK-47s, ten magazines and hundreds of bullets were found on a Palestinian boat in the Dead Sea

Today the IDF and Israel Police thwarted an attempt by two Palestinians to smuggle weapons from Jordan to the Judea and Samaria Region. An inflatable rubber boat carrying ten AK-47s, ten magazines and approximately 300 matching bullets along with the Palestinian suspects, was apprehended by the IDF and Police in the Dead Sea.

The two Palestinians on-board will be questioned by Israeli security forces.

Ten AK-47s, ten magazines and hundreds of bullets were found on a Palestinian boat in the Dead Sea.

IDF Reinforces Israel-Syria Border Fence Following Riots

Posted on July 24, 2011 by idfspokesperson

Today, Golan Brigade Commander Colonel Eshkol Shukron addressed recent changes made along Israel-Syria border.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has completed the installation of a sturdier border fence along the Israel-Syria border as a measure to prevent future illegal infiltrations into Israeli territory and uphold the security of Israel’s northern residents.

In May 2011 as part of the “Nakba Day” riots, Palestinians from Syria illegally crossed into Israel, violating Israeli sovereignty. Infiltrators from Syria attempted to break through the border fence on two occasions, but only succeeded the first time.

IDF soldiers prepare for expected "Naqsa Day" riots in Majdal Shams near the Israeli-Syrian border.

Picasso’s “Buste de Femme” Exhibited in Ramallah

Posted on July 21, 2011 by idfspokesperson

Today, the Civil Administration played a small role in the long journey of a famous Picasso painting by coordinating the passage of the artwork out of the West Bank on its way home to the Netherlands. Buste de Femme (1943), an iconic 100 x80 centimeteroil-on-canvas work by Pablo Picasso had been on loan from the Van Abbemuseum in the Netherlands to International Academy of Art Palestine (IAAP) in Ramallah for the past month.

The work is valued at $4.3 Million and as such is the most valuable piece of art ever to be exhibited in the West Bank. The IAAP requested the painting for loan in September 2010, and put it on display from June 24 through July 21, 2011. The 15% security deposit required by Israel for all important artistic works was waived due to the special circumstances of this case.

Pablo Picasso's "Buste de Femme" painting.

The entire experience of requesting a significant piece of art, the transfer process, the display and the return journey were documented by the IAAP as part of a larger project.

The Civil Administration was pleased to contribute to this endeavor and will continue to assist in any and all such artistic and cultural efforts in the future.

Israeli officer and representatives of the Van Abbemuseum

An Israeli Civil Administration International Liaison Officer and Dutch diplomats and representatives of the Van Abbemuseum ensure the orderly passage of the painting.

The Civil Administration is a government and IDF body, which functions under the auspices of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), a unit of the Israel Ministry of Defense. The Civil Administration incorporates representatives of the Israeli Government Ministries and agencies who work in Judea and Samaria, and has 8 District Coordination and Liaison Offices in each major district. The purpose of the CA is to coordinate with the different populations in the area, Palestinian authorities and representatives and international organizations in order to oversee and facilitate projects and manage civilian needs in the area.

Following Rocket Fire, Israeli Air Force Targets Terror Activity Site

Posted on July 20, 2011 by idfspokesperson

Overnight, an Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft targeted a site of terror activity in the northern Gaza Strip, confirming a direct hit. No civilian casualties were reported.

The site was targeted as a response following the recent launch of rockets from the Gaza Strip.

Archive: IAF targeting terror facility in Gaza

The IDF will not stand by as southern Israeli communities live under the constant threat of rocket attacks. The IDF will continue to respond with determination to attempts at terrorizing Israeli civilians by the Hamas terrorist organization, which is solely responsible for all terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.

Free Gaza Flotilla Participants Accept Food, Water from IDF Navy Soldiers

Posted on July 19, 2011 by idfspokesperson

The below photos show the condition of Al-Karama ship passengers following the boarding of Israeli naval soldiers.

Al-Karama Passenger accepts food and water given to him by an IDF Navy soldier

An Al-Karama passenger accepts food and water from an Israel Navy soldier.

: Israeli naval soldier helps Al-Karama passenger board an Israel Navy vessel.

The Al-Karama, a ship belonging to the Free Gaza Movement’s flotilla initiative, sought to breach the maritime security blockade on the Gaza Strip. Previously, it had declared to authorities that it was headed for Egypt’s Alexandria port.

As Al-Karama approached Gaza, Israel Navy officials contacted the ship via radio, warning its captain of the blockade and offering to transfer any of the ship’s goods to Gaza by established land crossings. Following the ship’s refusal, IDF Navy soldiers peacefully boarded the Al-Karama ship without incident and offered its passengers food and water, as seen in the photos.

In addition, the passengers’ health was verified by Israeli doctors.

Israel Navy Boarded the Al-Karama which Sought Provocation

Posted on July 19, 2011 by idfspokesperson

IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Yoav Mordechai explained that the boarding of the Al-Karama took place “as soon as their actions turned into a provocation.”

“After our dialogue with the yacht reached a dead-end and all options were exhausted, the Israel Navy decided to board the Al-Karama. We realized that the Al-Karama captain was lying. He lied to the Greek authorities on his voyage route, changing it midway from Egypt to the Gaza port,” said Brig. Gen. Mordechai.

The Al-Karama breaking international law

Brig. Gen. Mordechai described the successful, peaceful boarding of the Al-Karama, which will be towed to Israel’s Ashdod port. Passengers behaved in an orderly manner, following instructions from the naval soldiers:

The event went well, but has not yet ended. It will end when the passengers come ashore.

Activists aboard the Al-Karama were not harmed by Israel Navy soldiers, instead received food and beverages. Upon reaching Israel’s Ashdod port, activists will undergo standard security procedures before being processed by the Israeli Ministry of Interior and immigration authorities.

The Israel Navy is steadfast in its commitment to lawfully enforce the maritime security blockade on the Gaza Strip. According to international law, it is lawful for Israel to impose a maritime security blockade on the Gaza Strip because it is currently in a state of armed conflict with the Hamas terrorist organization, the ruling entity of the Gaza Strip (see the law of blockade for more information). The Hamas terrorist organization is designated as a terrorist entity by the US, UK, EU and state of Israel.

Israel Navy Boards Boat Attempting to Break Maritime Security Blockade

Posted on July 19, 2011 by idfspokesperson

In accordance with government directives, after all diplomatic channels had been exhausted and continuous calls to the vessel had been ignored, IDF Navy soldiers boarded the Al-Karama in an effort to stop it from breaking the maritime security blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Upon expressing their unwillingness to arrive at the Ashdod port, it was unequivocally necessary to board the vessel and lead it to Ashdod.

The soldiers operated in line with procedures and took every precaution necessary while using all operational tactics determined prior to the operation, and avoid causing harm to the activists on-board while ensuring the safety of the soldiers. Following the boarding, the passengers’ health was examined and they were offered food and beverages.

Upon the arrival of the vessel at the Ashdod port, the relevant security authorities and the Israel Police will begin the process of questioning the passengers, who will then be transferred to the Ministry of Interior and the Immigration authorities.

Any organization or country wishing to transfer supplies to the Gaza Strip can do so through the existing channels at any time via the established land crossings by coordinating with the relevant authorities.