IDF
The military’s state of readiness has dramatically improved, according to internal reports, but a senior analyst told JNS it had a lot more catching up to do after years of neglecting the ground forces, which will be essential for defeating enemies like Hezbollah decisively.
Literature professor Dr. Carola Hilfrich tells IDF soldier who was insulted by Arab classmate that she had to be “tolerant” of others’ stances • Hilfrich has signed petitions claiming that Israel “slaughters innocents.”
The new battalion, named Shaarei Ha’esh (“Gates of Fire”), will specialize in fighting the Iranian-backed Shi’ite terror group in the Galilee, and protecting local residents and military posts close to Lebanon, as well as attacking Hezbollah inside of Lebanon.
According to the data, Israel was hit by 1,000 rockets and mortars in 2018, with 250 intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile-defense system and 45 landing in populated areas.
A Saudi report quoted an unnamed senior Israeli official as saying that the government had rejected recommendations by Military Intelligence to topple the Syrian regime, potentially by assassinating Syrian President Bashar Assad.
As dangerous enemies arm themselves with missiles that can strike anywhere, the strategic value of Israel’s submarine fleet keeps rising. When did they start adding to the military security of the Jewish state, and how did Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first get involved in helping purchase them?
A report issued by satellite-imaging company ISI shows extensive damage to a site targeted near Damascus, largely attributed to Israel.
The latest tunnel was dug from the Lebanese town of Ayta ash Shab, just across from the small Israeli farming town of Shtula in the Galilee.
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov accused Israel of launching a “provocative” raid consisting of six Israeli F-16 jets simultaneously as two commercial airliners were about to land in the Syrian capital and Beirut.
“We are proud of you; the entire nation is proud of you,” the Israeli prime minister told them at a civil New Year event at the Tel Aviv Palmach Museum. “You belong to the most moral army on earth.”
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot says U.S. president’s surprise announcement on troop withdrawal is “significant,” but will not compromise Israel’s capabilities in Syria • “The IDF has been operating independently the entire time,” he says.
“One of your comrades is fighting for his life, and we are all praying for him,” said the Israeli prime minister. “We are full of appreciation for your activity and certain of our ability to carry out the main mission.”
