In Response to Qassam Firing, Israel Air Force Targets a Terror Activity Site In Southern Gaza Strip

Posted on November 9, 2011 by idfspokesperson

Overnight, IAF aircraft targeted a terror activity site in the southern Gaza Strip. A direct hit was confirmed.

The targeting of the site, was in response to the firing of a Qassam rocket at the Israeli home front, that hit southern Israel on Tuesday evening.

Only Last Saturday an Israel Air Force aircraft targeted a terrorist squad, who were identified preparing to fire rockets at Israel while last Thursday, IDF soldiers came under fire from a terrorist squad during routine activity adjacent to the security fence in the northern Gaza Strip, causing damage to their vehicle. In response to the fire, IDF soldiers targeted the terrorist squad aided by IAF aircraft.

During October 2011 52 rockets and 6 mortar shells were fired into Israel, 48 more attacks than the previous month.

The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm the State of Israel 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.

Terrorist Squad Planting Explosive Devices, Targeted by IDF Soldiers

Posted on November 7, 2011 by idfspokesperson

A short while ago IDF soldiers identified a terrorist squad planting two explosive devices adjacent to the security fence in the northern Gaza Strip. The soldiers fired towards the suspects, confirming a hit.

During October 2011 52 rockets and 6 mortar shells were fired into Israel, 48 more attacks than the previous month.

Improvised Explosive Device planted adjacent to Gaza Strip

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found planted adjacent to the Gaza Strip

The area adjacent to the security fence is used by terror organizations to plant explosive devices and plan kidnappings against IDF soldiers. Terror organizations’ presence endangers the citizens of Israel and security forces operating in the area.

Terrorist who Carried Out October 22nd Stabbing in Ramot Neighborhood Arrested

Posted on November 6, 2011 by idfspokesperson

Abad Elrahman Mahmud Alian Zayid, the terrorist who carried out the stabbing attack in the Ramot neighborhood on October 22^nd was arrested on 3.11.11 in a joint ISA-Israel Police -IDF operation.

In the terror attack a 17 year old teen from the Ramot neighborhood was severely injured.

Zayid, born in 1991 in Beit-Iksa, near Ramot, a student in the Abu-Dis University, confessed that his crime was of a nationalist background, and also repeated the details of the incident during an ISA investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

IDF Chief of Staff Marks Eid al-Adha

Posted on November 6, 2011 by idfspokesperson

Last Friday, the IDF’s Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz visited the Bedouin and Druze communities which are celebrating now the religious holiday of Eid al-Adha.

IDF Chief of Staff Meets Durze and Bedouin Community Leaders

Lt. Gen. Gantz visited the Israeli-Arab local council of Zarzir where he met the Bedouin community leaders, including the Chairman of the Forum of Bedouin Councils, Mr. Hassan El-Hayeb. Lt. Gen. Gantz also met with leaders of the Druze community, such as Sheikh Muwaffak Tarīf, while visiting the Druze village of Julis.

Lt. Gen. expressed his appreciation of their devoted service throughout all of the Israeli security forces: “In light of the challenges before us, we must continue and stand strong together, all the variety of communities that comprise the Israeli society.”

Continue reading “IDF Chief of Staff Marks Eid al-Adha” »

IDF Thwarts Rocket Fire Attempt

Posted on November 5, 2011 by idfspokesperson

A short time ago, IAF aircraft targeted a terrorist squad, who were identified preparing to fire rockets at Israel. A direct hit was confirmed.

Only last Thursday, IDF soldiers came under fire from a terrorist squad during routine activity adjacent to the security fence in the northern Gaza Strip, causing damage to their vehicle. In response to the fire, IDF soldiers targeted the terrorist squad aided by IAF aircraft.

During October 2011 52 rockets and 6 mortar shells were fired into Israel, 48 more attacks than the previous month.

A short time ago, IAF aircraft targeted a terrorist squad, who were identified preparing to fire rockets at Israel.

Terror organizations in the Gaza Strip persist in their attempt to harm Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. The IDF holds the Hamas terrorist organization solely responsible for maintaining the calm in the Gaza Strip and for any terrorist activity emanating from it.

Israel Navy Soldiers Board Provocation Vessels, Leading Them to Ashdod Port

Posted on November 4, 2011 by idfspokesperson

A short while ago, Israel Navy soldiers boarded the vessels which were en-route to the Gaza Strip, attempting to break the maritime security blockade that is in accordance with international law.

The boarding was carried out following numerous calls to the activists onboard and during different points at sea. Following their unwillingness to cooperate, and after ignoring calls to divert to the port of Ashdod, the decision was made to board the vessels and lead them there.

The Israel Navy soldiers operated as planned, and took every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of the activists onboard the vessels as well as themselves.

Upon arrival of the vessels at the Ashdod port, the activists will be transferred to the custody of the Israel Police and immigration authorities in the Ministry of Interior.

Israel Navy Soldiers Board Provocation Vessels, Leading Them to Ashdod Port

The Israel Navy notified the vessels that the area they are en-route to, off the coast of Gaza, is under a maritime security blockade in accordance with international law. The Israel Navy advised the vessels that they may turn back at any point, thereby not breaking the maritime security blockade. In addition, Israel Navy soldiers presented the activists onboard with the legal options of transferring supplies to the Gaza via the existing land crossings and after coordinating with the relevant Israeli Authorities.

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Last Posts:
- Israel Navy Soldiers Board Provocation Vessels, Leading Them to Ashdod Port
- Israel Navy Prepares to Stop Vessels Attempting to Break Maritime Security Blockade

Israel Navy Soldiers Board Provocation Vessels, Leading Them to Ashdod Port

Posted on November 4, 2011 by idfspokesperson

Update: Israel Navy soldiers boarded the vessels.

Initial contact was made between the Israel Navy and the vessels Tahrir and Saorise which are sailing towards the Gaza Strip. The purpose of this attempt is to create a provocation against the State of Israel, to break the maritime security blockade on Gaza, and to undermine Israel’s security.

15:10 - IDF Chief of Staff has ordered the israel navy to board the vessels after all attempts to contact them failed.

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July 19, 2011 - Free Gaza Flotilla Participant Accepts Food From IDF Soldier (Archive: IDF)

Why did Israel impose a naval blockade on the Gaza Strip?

According to international law, it is lawful for Israel to impose a naval 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.

Since taking over the Gaza Strip in 2007, the Hamas terrorist organization has launched thousands of rockets into major Israeli population centers, populated by one million Israeli civilians. During the last decade, Hamas has orchestrated a long series of suicide bombings, killing hundreds of Israeli civilians. The Hamas terrorist organization continues to smuggle rockets into Gaza via the sea and underground tunnels.

Steps for Transferring Goods and Materials into the Gaza Strip

1. To make a donation to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, contact one of the humanitarian organizations (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and the International Committee of the Red Cross are the main organizations who regularly operate in the Gaza Strip). Contact details and further information can be found on their websites.

2. Humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza submit all formal requests to the International Organizations Branch of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), an Israeli governmental body which coordinates civilian policy including humanitarian issues, infrastructure projects, and economic projects.

3. The COGAT’s donations officer, part of the International Organizations Branch, is responsible for approving and coordinating the transfer of all donations. UNRWA, the Red Cross and other major organizations typically receive immediate approval.

4. Requests for dual-use items must undergo a project review.

5. Per submitted requests, Israel transfers thousands of tons in goods and materials into Gaza on a weekly basis via the Kerem Shalom land crossing.

The Israeli and Italian Airforces Train Together in Joint Exercise in Sardinia

Posted on November 3, 2011 by idfspokesperson

The Israel Air Force and Italian Air Force finished a extensive training exercise, strengthening cooperation between the armies

The outlines practiced in the joint exercise between the Israeli and Italian Air Forces were particularly complicated ones, increasing in difficulty and complexity each day of the delegation.

“The deepness and complexity of the exercises are some of the reasons this delegation is so important”, said Col.l Nir, commander of “Ramat David” airbase. “It makes me very proud to watch our planes taking off the runway and taking part in such a useful exercise together with the Italians”.

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Continue reading “The Israeli and Italian Airforces Train Together in Joint Exercise in Sardinia” »

Terrorist Squad Opens Fire on IDF Soldiers

Posted on November 3, 2011 by idfspokesperson

A short while ago, IDF soldiers came under fire during routine activity adjacent to the security fence in the northern Gaza Strip, causing damage to their vehicle.

In response to the fire, IDF soldiers targeted the terrorist squad aided by IAF aircraft. A direct hit was confirmed.

Terrorist Squad Opens Fire on IDF Soldiers

A short while ago, IDF soldiers came under fire during routine activity adjacent to the security fence in the northern Gaza Strip, causing damage to their vehicle.

Israel Navy Prepares to Stop Vessels Attempting to Break Maritime Security Blockade

Posted on November 2, 2011 by idfspokesperson

The Israel Navy is prepared to contact two vessels, that according to reports on the internet and in the media, are currently headed toward the Gaza Strip with the intention of breaking the legal maritime security blockade, in the coming days.

The Israel Navy has completed the necessary preparations in order to prevent them from reaching the Gaza Strip.

The purpose of this attempt is to create a provocation against the State of Israel, to break the maritime security blockade on Gaza, and to undermine Israel’s security.

The blockade is legal and in accordance with international law. Furthermore, the Palmer committee appointed by the UN to examine the matter has concluded that the blockade is in fact legal.

It should be stated that any organization or state who wishes to transfer humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip can do so via the existing land crossings and in coordination with the Israeli authorities.

The IDF is fully prepared to guard the safety of Israel and its maritime border and to take any necessary action and prevent vessels from breaking the maritime security blockade.

The Israeli Navy is preparing to intercept two ships headed to violate the maritime security blockade of Gaza