Monthly Archives: November 2011

IDF and ISA thwart terrorist cell activity south of Jerusalem

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In a combined IDF and Israel Security Agency (ISA) operation, a terrorist cell was recently arrested. The terrorists (ages 18-22), from a village near Bethlehem, are suspected for a shooting attack as well as placement and launching of explosives- released for publication on Wednesday (November 16).

Details published by the ISA indicate that the terrorists are responsible for shooting at a Border Police vehicle near the security fence north of Beit Sahour in August.

IDF and ISA thwart terrorist cell activity south of Jerusalem, Israel, Israeli,

IDF and ISA thwart terrorist cell activity south of Jerusalem

Several days after the terror attack the ISA and the Israel Police interrogated several residents from the Beit Sahour village suspected to be involved in the attack. During the investigation, extensive terrorist activity by a local terrorist cell was revealed. The terrorists were trained, used improvised weapons, performed several shooting attacks, placed explosives in the area and threw numerous Molotov Cocktails.

The ISA added that the terrorists planned violent riots to ‘lure’ security forces to the area. Once the security forces arrived at the scene, the terrorist cell fired at them using improvised guns. No injuries or damage were reported in any of the attacks.

Indictments against the suspects were presented to the Judea and Samaria military court, including attempted murder, production of weapons, weapon trade, military training, throwing of lit items and more. The trial will commence in the coming days.

In Response to Rocket Fire IAF Targets Terror Tunnel and Terror Activity Site

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In response to rocket fire, IAF aircraft targeted a terror tunnel and a terror activity site in the northern Gaza Strip overnight. Direct hits were confirmed. Tunnels such as this one are intended for infiltrating into Israel and executing terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.

Since the beginning of October, more than 60 rockets and mortars were launched from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, risking the lives of more than one million Israelis.

Archive: IAF Targeting Terror Facilities, IDF, Gaza, Hamas, Rockets, rocket

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

The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers, and will continue to operate against anyone who uses terror against the State of Israel. The Hamas terror organization is solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.

Discover the IDF’s Future Field Intelligence Vehicle

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An Israeli invention will soon be changing the world of field intelligence technology- the IDF’s Field Intelligence Corps’s “Granite” vehicle.

field intelligence, IDF, Israel Defense Forces, Granite

The Future Field Intelligence Vehicle-The Granite

Developed by ELTA Systems Ltd. and based on the Ford 550 model, the vehicle is unlike the “Raccoon” observation vehicle, already in IDF possession, which scans back and forth in order to cover 360 degrees. Instead, the “Granite” combines synchronized radars and observation tools that scan the entire area at all times and focus automatically on every suspicious target. Additionally, the “Granite” has even better armor protection than the “Raccoon”.

The introduction of the Granit is not only an advancement in technology, but will also reduce the number of soldiers required to scout a restricted field from two to one, combining the roles of observing an area and focusing on suspicious activity.

Continue reading “Discover the IDF’s Future Field Intelligence Vehicle” »

Keepers of the Dead Sea

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Every day, IDF soldiers rigorously scout the Dead Sea area, defending Israel’s border with Jordan from weapon smuggling. While acting as a frontier and an international health resort, the Dead Sea is a unique site, and ensuring its security poses great challenges to the IDF. Despite it being a peaceful border, there have been several attempts to smuggle illegal weapons through the Dead Sea to the Judea and Samaria region. The most recent, in July 2011, led to the interception of a boat loaded with M16 riffles. Male and female scouts operate the advanced technology systems used to secure the border. Their work is best done behind the scenes. They watch discreetly and out of sight so as to avoid disrupting the calm enjoyed by visitors of the beaches and hotels on the shores.

Cpl. Iris Morales: "While people sit on the beaches, they are in front of the frontier with Jordan"

Cpl. Iris Morales: "While people sit on the beaches, they are in front of the frontier with Jordan"

The Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on earth, has been a source of healing and wealth for the land’s inhabitants for thousands of years. It presents a unique natural solution of salts and minerals, which does not allow for wildlife to develop and sustain like in other seas.

Continue reading “Keepers of the Dead Sea” »

Agricultural Export Season From Gaza To Begin

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In light of the agricultural export season due to start at the end of November, and following the finalization of the trade process from Gaza to various European markets, a continuing education program for Palestinian agriculturists took place last Tuesday in the Coordination and Liaison Administration for Gaza.

As part of the conference, a detailed explanation of the export process was given. This process begins from the moment the product is picked and packed in Gaza, after which it is sent out of Gaza via the Kerem Shalom land crossing and sold in the European market, all while maintaining the freshness and high quality of the products. Furthermore, representatives of the Coordinator of the Government Activates in the Territories (COGAT) have announced that starting next month, an initial pilot program of furniture export from Gaza to Europe will commence.

This conference is part of the ongoing daily cooperation between the Coordination and Liaison Administration for Gaza and the Palestinians in the agricultural sector. The conference was attended by representatives of both the Agricultural Ministry of Israel and Gaza, observers on behalf of the Quartet, representatives of Israeli exporters, representative of the European States in the PA and a representative of the Kerem Shalom land crossing. All the attendees mentioned the great importance of the cooperation in this field and expressed their hope it would expand to other fields as well.

Mr. Tim Williams, the Quartet Advisor said: “It is important that we will see exports from Gaza and not just from the network of the Dutch project. We know that the Quartet is working and supporting the advancement of this field and that Israel already okayed the export of furniture and textiles, and I expect that from now on we will begin to see exports of furniture already in the coming weeks as was promised”.

This conference is one of many held as part of the initiative to mutually learn, improve and advance the agricultural sector in Gaza, including a host of issues ranging from technological innovation to the control of harmful pests and diseases.

One example of the regular services done by the CLA is teaching Gazan farmers how to treat the severe infestation of the red palm weevil in the past year. This dangerous pest, though tiny in size, is extremely harmful for crops. This pest made its way to Gaza via the illegal tunnel network often used by Hamas terrorist between the Strip and Egypt. Though the existence of these illegal tunnels served as the catalyst for the infestation, the CLA assisted the farmers in Gaza whose crops had been damaged.

During the past year, Palestinians from the Gaza Strip have exported  more than 399 tons of strawberries, 10 million carnations, 6.5 tons of cherry tomato and 6 tons of red, green and yellow bell peppers to European markets. In the coming year, Palestinians are expected to export 1,000 tons of strawberries, 20 million carnations and 150 tons of red, green and yellow bell peppers. The exports are carried out thanks to the cooperation between COGAT and the Palestinian agricultural coordinator who work together in order to improve the lives of Gaza’s civilian population.

See Also: Infographic: Gaza Strip Weekly Crossing Report

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IDF Orders Investigation into This Morning’s Incident near Beit Hagai

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Earlier this morning, at approximately 05:30 AM, an Israeli vehicle was identified driving suspiciously in the Beit Hagai area. As a result, a temporary crossing was established in the area.

Soldiers present at the crossing then identified the vehicle, driving at them suspiciously at high speed. The vehicle failed to comply with the soldiers’ calls to halt. A soldier felt his life was in danger; he then fired at the vehicle, which deviated to the side of the road. One passenger was killed and two others injured (lightly and moderately).

A truck driving in the opposite direction did not notice the soldiers manning the crossing and ran over a soldier, injuring him lightly.

IDF Orders Investigation into This Morning’s Incident near Beit Hagai, Israel, Israeli, IDF, Israel Defense Forces, Crossing

IDF Orders Investigation into This Morning’s Incident near Beit Hagai. Photo by: Judea and Samaria Rescue Units

Medical personnel arrived at the scene, providing initial medical treatment and later evacuated the injured to the hospital. GOC Central Command, Major-General Avi Mizrahi has ordered for an immediate investigation of the incident. The IDF expresses sorrow and takes part in the family’s mourning.

Meet Emanuel Pasana, Garin Program’s First Ethiopian Officer

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The Nahal Brigade has always been proud of its diverse population and its ability to integrate new immigrants. Since 1947, the brigade has welcomed Jews from around the world asking to serve in the IDF through its “Garin” (Hebrew: grain, core) program, a project that provides new immigrants with surrogate family.
2nd Lt. Emanuel Pasana, First Ethiopian Officer From Nachal Program

2nd Lt. Emanuel Pasana, first Ethiopian officer from "Garin" Nachal program

16 Years since the Death of Yitzhak Rabin

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Today, Israel marks 16 years since the death of Lt. Gen. Yitzhak Rabin, one of the IDF’s most admired leaders and one of Israel’s most remembered Prime Ministers. Hundreds of ceremonies throughout the country commemorated his life’s work and his untimely death.  The IDF’s current Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz encouraged the soldiers under his command to use the day as an opportunity to go to even greater lengths to act with more humanity and kindness to those around them.

General Staff Memorial Service in Honor of Sixteen Years Since Rabin's Assassination

General Staff Memorial Service in Honor of Sixteen Years Since Rabin's Assassination

Yitzhak Rabin was born in 1922 in Jerusalem. At the age of 19, he joined the Palmach (The strike force for the Haganah), being one of the first of his generation to do so. The Palmach was disbanded with the establishment of Israel, and merged into the newborn IDF.

Since its establishment, Rabin was one of the IDF’s boldest and most admired leaders.
He was the commander of some of the IDF’s most impressive operations, including entering Jerusalem that was at the time (1948) under siege, infiltrating the Egyptian control in Sinai and forcing the Egyptian government to negotiate a truce.
Rabin quickly advanced in the IDF’s hierarchy, and by the time he was 32 years old he already received the rank of Major-General.

In 1962 Rabin was appointed Chief of the General Staff and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. As Chief of Staff, Rabin responded to the multiple terror attacks organized by the Fatah organizational front, ordering Golani Brigade troops to attack several key locations.

In June 1967, a war erupted that proved to be the most successful in IDF’s history, and one of the most impressive in the history of modern warfare. In six days, Israel has defeated Egypt, Syria and Jordan. During less than a week, the IDF managed to not only survive such a disparity of forces, but also keep its enemies away for years to come.

Chief of staff Yitzhak Rabin talking to soldiers in the field during the Six day war (source: GPO)

Chief of staff Yitzhak Rabin talking to soldiers in the field during the Six day war (source: GPO)

After establishing himself as one of the greatest generals the IDF has ever had, Rabin went on to become a successful politician. As a politician, he was awarded with key roles in the Israeli government. Rabin, the first native-born Israeli Prime minister, was elected twice: once in 1974 and again in 1992. Despite his tough image as a soldier and an officer, from the moment he was elected, Rabin made every effort possible in order to promote the peace process. In 1992, he signed an historical peace agreement with Jordan, and in 1995 he has signed the Oslo Accords, which were to lead the way for a future peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.

Mr. David Ben Gurion Recieving the Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin who Came to Congratulate him on his 80th Birthday (source:GPO)

Mr. David Ben Gurion Recieving the Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin who Came to Congratulate him on his 80th Birthday (source:GPO)

Yizhak Rabin was assassinated on November 4, 1995 by Yigal Amir, an Israeli civilian. Today, the IDF salutes the great role model Rabin represented in his public service.

Female Soldiers Study First Israeli-Developed Martial Art: Krav Maga

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The course for female soldiers training to be exercise instructors is currently well under way. Soldiers training to be exercise instructors, among a variety of health, sports and combat fitness, also take classes in Krav Maga (lit. “contact combat”), an Israeli-developed form of martial arts.

Krav Maga Instructor Explains the Basic Principles of the Israeli Martial Art

Krav Maga Instructor Explains the Basic Principles of the Israeli Martial Art

Krav Maga is the defensive tactics system used to train the security forces in Israel. It had been developed by the IDF with the purpose of training their soldiers in self-defense both on the battlefield and off of it. As the martial art of self defense advanced, it spread to civilian populations throughout Israel and abroad. Krav Maga was quickly modified for civilians, especially youth, once it was finally recognized as an indispensable skill for everyone.

Female Soldiers Practice Kicks and Punches as a Part of a Training Exercise

Female Soldiers Practice Kicks and Punches as a Part of a Training Exercise

Yesterday, female soldiers who are studying to be exercise instructors had a Krav Maga training session. Led by Krav Maga Instructor Cpl. Rachel Shir, the soldiers learned about the principles of the sport, primary among which is the emphasis not to fight for fighting’s own sake, but rather to protect oneself by first neutralizing one’s attacker, get away from the area and call for help. Cpl. Shir said: “I chose this job out of a sense of vocation. I’m proud to be a soldier in the IDF and I appreciate all the things the army has given me, like the lifelong friends I’ve made here, and the professional training that I received in the army. I really feel that I’ve widened my horizons.”