Monthly Archives: August 2011

Combined Terrorist Attacks in Southern Israel

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Terror attack in southern Israel

Combined terrorist attacks are currently taking place on Israeli territory, near the Israel- Egypt border, approximately 20 kilometers north of the city of Eilat.

Terror Strikes Israeli Civilians in Southern Israel

Terror Strikes Israeli Civilians in Southern Israel, Photo: Ariel Hermoni

Nine people were injured when terrorist opened fire at an Israeli bus approximately two hours ago. The injured were evacuated to receive medical care at a nearby hospital.

Several people were injured as a result of an explosive device, detonated on an IDF force that arrived at the scene and drove over it.

Crossfire between IDF forces, led by the Commander of the 80th Division, Brigadier General Tamir Yadi and the cell of terrorists is currently underway. Additional IDF and rescue forces are arriving at the scene.

IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant – General Benny Gantz arrived at the Division a short while ago and is currently holding an initial situation assessment.

The IDF calls on the public to avoid the area and allow security and rescue forces to carry out their tasks.

 

In Response to Rocket Fire, IAF Targets Sites in the Gaza Strip

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Overnight, IAF aircraft targeted four targets in the Gaza Strip. Direct hits were confirmed.

These sites were targeted in response to the firing of a rocket from the Gaza Strip at the city of Be’er Sheva.

In a separate incident, IDF soldiers identified a squad of terrorists planning to fire rockets at Israel. IAF aircraft thwarted the attempt, confirming a hit.

Archive: IAF Targeting Terror Facilities in Gaza

Archive: IAF Targeting Terror Facilities (Photo: IDF Website)

The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, and will respond with determination to any attempt to use terror against the State of Israel. The IDF holds the Hamas terrorist organization solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.

Israel Air Force Returns to Romania

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For the first time since an Israeli military helicopter crashed in Romania last year, the Israel Air Force returned to training in joint Israel-Romania aviation exercises. Last summer’s Sikorsky helicopter crash resulted in the deaths of six IDF soldiers and one Romanian soldier. Sikorsky squadrons did not participate in this summer’s joint aviation exercises held in Romania.

Romanian Air Force Deputy Commander General Alexander Glushka comments on Romania-Israel strategic cooperation:

“In the past year, the friendship between us has become a brotherhood. This cooperation is extremely important to us.”

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U.S. Marines Visit Israel for Training with IDF

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Last week, a company of US Marines conquered a module city in Israel’s Negev desert, the final act in a month-long tactical training session with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) infantry instructors. At the IDF Urban Warfare Training Center, the US Marines were instructed to conquer the module city in a methodically selective and surgical manner while minimizing harm to uninvolved civilians.

US Marines Visit Israel for Training with IDF

US Marines Visit Israel for Training with IDF. Photo: Cpl. Florit Shoihet, IDF Spokesperson Unit

The US Marines flew to Israel for a joint US-Israeli infantry exercise, receiving training in urban warfare, reconnaissance, and more. In addition to the IDF Urban Warfare Training Center, the US Marines also visited other IDF facilities.

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Israel Defense Forces Joins Facebook

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Today, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched its official Facebook page. In addition to establishing a presence on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr, the IDF will now share information on Facebook regarding its activities in Israel, Judea and Samaria and Gaza.

The IDF Spokesperson Unit opened the page in an effort to provide Facebook users with real-time updates from the field, as well as information, photos and videos on IDF activities.

Israel Defense Forces Official Facebook Page

Like the Israel Defense Forces-Now on Facebook

Chinese Chief of the General Staff to Visit Israel

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The Chinese Chief of the General Staff, General Chen Bingde, will arrive today for a brief visit to Israel.

Gen. Bingde is the guest of the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz, who will hold a festive dinner in his honor this evening, attended by senior IDF officers.

Chinese Chief of the General Staff, General Chen Bingde

Chinese Chief of the General Staff, General Chen Bingde. Photo: IDF Website

Gen. Bingde will meet senior security officials and attend strategic and security briefings, visit the IDF Urban Warfare Training Center, and observe a display of IDF forces training.

In addition, Gen. Bingde will tour the Wailing Wall and the Yad va’Shem Holocaust Memorial and Museum in Jerusalem.

The IDF places significant emphasis on the development and upkeep of international cooperation as a mean to facing mutual challenges. This visit is part of a series of cooperative exchanges with the IDF and foreign partners. Previous visits have included the Italian Chief of Defense Staff, German Chief of Defense, the American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Bulgarian Chief of Staff among additional dignitaries.

US Ambassador to Israel Applauds Israel’s Iron Dome System

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Today, Daniel Shapiro, the new U.S. Ambassador to Israel, paid a working visit to the site of a deployed Iron Dome anti-rocket battery near Ashkelon, Israel; a southern Israeli city shaken by constant rocket attacks.

US Amb. to Israel Dan Shapiro

US Amb. to Israel Dan Shapiro meets with Col. Zvika Haimovitch. Photo: Roni Aviv, Bamahane.

“I’m pleased to be here with my friends from the IDF and learn from them about the successful Iron Dome system,” said Shapiro.

After receiving a briefing on the system, the ambassador discussed U.S. support for anti-missile systems utilized by the IDF: Iron Dome, Magic Wand and Arrow.

“April marked the first success of this new technology, made possible by the well-trained, brilliant IDF operators.” Shapiro said. “In the name of the U.S., I am proud to be part of this great accomplishment to defeat missiles launched at civilians and I am looking forward to the continued development of the system to protect more people.”

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IDF Chief of Staff Appoints New Advisor on Women’s Issues

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Today, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz appointed Colonel Rachel Tevet-Wiesel as women’s affairs advisor to the IDF. Upon assuming her new position, Col. Tevet-Wiesel will be promoted to the rank of brigadier general. She currently serves as president of the Central and Air Force District Military Tribunal.

Appointed IDF women's issues advisor

Colonel Rachel Tevet-Wiesel, newly appointed IDF women's issues advisor. Photo: Hagi Hershfield, Bamahane.

Founded in 2001, the IDF’s women’s affairs advisor unit promotes empowerment of military women and assists in providing women with equal opportunities in the IDF. The women’s affairs advisor unit impacts various aspects of women’s service in the IDF, including research, instruction and media representation. It is responsible for assisting women in breaking gender barriers.

Outgoing Brigadier General Gila Kalifi-Amir served as women’s affairs advisor for the past two years. She holds the record for the first woman to graduate from the IDF brigade commander course.

“Unlike before, today women can serve for longer than two years with more positions available including such as flight supervisors, technicians and more. As such, an entire field of positions within combat has been opened,” said Brig. Gen. Kalifi-Amir.

Escalation in Gaza Rocket Attacks Prompts Deployment of Iron Dome Battery

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Over the weekend, Israeli defense officials approved the deployment of an Iron Dome anti-rocket battery to a community near Ashkelon, Israel. This measure is a response to the recent escalation in rocket fire emanating from the Gaza Strip.

Israel's Iron Dome System

Israel's Iron Dome System. Photo: Itai Cohen, Bamahane.

Since the month of July, terrorists operating in the Gaza Strip launched 30 rockets and three grad rockets into Israel. On Monday, a Gaza rocket landed in the outskirts of Ashkelon and moderately injured an Israeli woman. The year 2011 saw an increase in rocket attacks—340 rockets and mortars fired from Gaza hit dozens of Israeli southern communities.

Responding to short-range rockets and mortar shells

The Iron Dome system was designed as a response to the threats Israel faces from short-range rockets and mortar shells. The system has the capability to identify and destroy such projectiles before they land in Israeli territory. It has the capability to determine where an incoming projectile will land and only intercepts projectiles that pose meaningful threats.

The Iron Dome system is comprised of three components: the design and tracking radar, built by the Elta defense company; the battle management and weapon control system, designed by the mPrest Systems software company; and the missile firing unit, manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.

In Response to Rocket Fire, IAF Targets Terror Tunnels and Terror Activity Sites in the Gaza Strip

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Overnight, IAF aircraft targeted three tunnels used for terror activity and a terror activity site, both located in the central Gaza Strip, as well as a terror activity site in the southern Gaza Strip.

Direct hits were confirmed. These sites were targeted in response to the firing of rockets at Israel in the past number of days.

The IDF will operate with determination and respond with force against any terror organization attempting to disturb the way of life or harm the citizens of Israel. The IDF holds the Hamas terrorist organization solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.