Honestly, I'm at a loss of words over what you would exactly call this. But, if anyone ever spots a female Hamas member dressed as such, please give me a call.
Karl Sharro
31.7.14
30.7.14
Lapid Strikes Back
Some heavy words from Israeli Finance Minister Yair Lapid have been directed today at Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas' military wing, after a fiery speech from the Hamas leader threatened that IDF soldiers would meet their deaths in Gaza. Lapid didn't take to it quietly. Quotes from Times of Israel:
“Deif has been hiding underground in Gaza for weeks and that’s where he will stay,” Lapid says, according to media reports. “That’s because he’s a dead man; sooner or later we will find him and assassinate him.”
Meanwhile, heavy fighting continues in the Shuja'iya neighborhood of Gaza, with reports of IDF paratroopers and armored forces battling with Hamas militants in the highly dense urban area.
“Deif has been hiding underground in Gaza for weeks and that’s where he will stay,” Lapid says, according to media reports. “That’s because he’s a dead man; sooner or later we will find him and assassinate him.”
Meanwhile, heavy fighting continues in the Shuja'iya neighborhood of Gaza, with reports of IDF paratroopers and armored forces battling with Hamas militants in the highly dense urban area.
IDF soldiers in the Gaza strike after an Israeli airstrike. Times of Israel
Holding the Line
It's a story that won't easily fall away from the headlines. Four to Seven Hamas militants infiltrated through a tunnel into southern Israel near Kibbutz Nahal Oz yesterday and stormed an army outpost, tragically killing five IDF soldiers stationed at their pillbox.
According to military sources on the ground, it was the heroism of one individual soldier that prevented an even greater tragedy from occurring. After firing an anti-tank missile and attacking with Kalashnikovs, Hamas terrorists then attempted to abduct the body of a soldier on the scene and flee back towards Gaza. It was only due to the honorable and brave actions of this one anonymous soldier that something much worse didn't up materializing.
According to military sources on the ground, it was the heroism of one individual soldier that prevented an even greater tragedy from occurring. After firing an anti-tank missile and attacking with Kalashnikovs, Hamas terrorists then attempted to abduct the body of a soldier on the scene and flee back towards Gaza. It was only due to the honorable and brave actions of this one anonymous soldier that something much worse didn't up materializing.
IDF soldiers just outside the Gaza Strip. Walla
Israeli reservist soldiers greet each other near the border of Gaza. Walla
No Words
In keeping with their tradition of heinous and cowardly actions, the Hamas members who carried out yesterday's tunnel infiltration attack on an IDF outpost near Kibbutz Nahal Oz in southern Israel apparently filmed the entire episode with GoPro cameras. The attack, which was an attempted kidnapping, resulted in the deaths of 5 IDF soldiers. 1 terrorist was reported killed by IDF fire at the top of the pillbox as he tried to drag the body of a deceased soldier towards the infiltration tunnel. Just watching this fills me with disgust. I can only hope that swift justice in the form of the long reach of the IDF finds the surviving terrorists quick.
29.7.14
Israel Under Fire
I was hesitant to update this information yesterday as rumors spread of additional IDF fatalities that were likely still under a military gag order at the time. Sadly and regrettably, it was in fact confirmed this morning that 5 IDF soldiers were killed in yesterday's late afternoon/early evening Hamas tunnel infiltration attack on an IDF outpost near Kibbutz Nahal Oz in southern Israel. This incident comes in addition to the 5 killed earlier in the day. 4 in the mortar attack on the border and 1 in a separate incident in Khan Younis. Bringing the total IDF death toll to 10 for the day.
A brief summary of the scene of events appeared in The Times of Israel:
"According to an initial investigation by the IDF, four to seven gunmen emerged from a tunnel 150 meters inside Israel early Tuesday morning, Walla reports. The existence of the tunnel was known to Israeli forces. The assailants managed to reach a pillbox guard tower next to Kibbutz Nahal Oz, and fired an anti-tank missile at the small barracks attached to the pillbox. Five soldiers were killed in that attack.
The terrorists then charged at the position in an attempt to kidnap a soldier and bring him to the Gaza Strip, but a soldier in the top portion of the tower opened fire, hitting one of the attackers. Two other soldiers failed to fire their weapons.The other Hamas gunmen dropped their weapons and slipped back into Gaza. Soldiers searching the area found a rifle and missiles left behind by the Palestinians.
The IDF said that the soldier’s action prevented an infiltration into the kibbutz. Hamas took responsibility for the attack, saying “conditions in the field did not allow” them to finish the mission."
An illustrated map detailing all Hamas cross border raids from Gaza into southern Israel, including tunnel attacks. Daniel Nisman
Israeli soldiers and medical workers evacuate an injured comrade. Ynet
A brief summary of the scene of events appeared in The Times of Israel:
"According to an initial investigation by the IDF, four to seven gunmen emerged from a tunnel 150 meters inside Israel early Tuesday morning, Walla reports. The existence of the tunnel was known to Israeli forces. The assailants managed to reach a pillbox guard tower next to Kibbutz Nahal Oz, and fired an anti-tank missile at the small barracks attached to the pillbox. Five soldiers were killed in that attack.
The terrorists then charged at the position in an attempt to kidnap a soldier and bring him to the Gaza Strip, but a soldier in the top portion of the tower opened fire, hitting one of the attackers. Two other soldiers failed to fire their weapons.The other Hamas gunmen dropped their weapons and slipped back into Gaza. Soldiers searching the area found a rifle and missiles left behind by the Palestinians.
The IDF said that the soldier’s action prevented an infiltration into the kibbutz. Hamas took responsibility for the attack, saying “conditions in the field did not allow” them to finish the mission."
As new talks of a humanitarian ceasefire intensify once again, both sides are collectively holding their breath to see how things will play out next.
אזעקה
An Israeli soldier carries a woman during an code red air raid siren in Netivot, Israel.
Walla
Gaza residents watch as Hamas rockets are indiscriminately fired towards Israel. Walla
כוחות מיוחדים פועלים ברצועת עזה
IDF special forces engage in operations in the Gaza Strip during Operation Protective Edge.
Going on Day 22
As the conflict in Gaza between IDF forces and Hamas militants grinds on into its 22nd day, the tit for tat exchanges of rocket fire and airstrikes that were taking place earlier in the day throughout the strip are now escalating once again with threatened IDF moves towards central and northern Gaza. The heavy battles of previous days had slightly abated over the weekend as ceasefire talks intensified, however, not surprisingly, in large part thanks to John Kerry, things fell apart rather quickly. Hamas, while severely damaged has still shown a willingness and capability to launch brazen attacks on Israel, the results of which were responsible for the deaths of five IDF soldiers today. Four from a mortar attack on the border and one other soldier in Khan Younis in a separate incident.
Hamas also incorporated the firing of a long range rocket fired towards Haifa into their array of attacks for today. Thankfully, the rocket disintegrated mid flight and did not result in any harm or damage. More so though, an additional tunnel infiltration attack into southern Israel near Nahal Oz occurred. Numerous Hamas militants engaged responding IDF forces in a firefight. One terrorist was reported killed, while the rest were presumed to have escaped. Heavy Israeli artillery fire was directed into Gaza, specially towards the Maghazi refugee camp following the attack.
The IDF has repeated the mantra that quiet will be answered with quiet, but it doesn't seem like this is proposal that's being heeded on the other side.
Here, soldiers rest on the Israeli side of the border while taking advantage of the brief lull in the fighting earlier yesterday.
Hamas also incorporated the firing of a long range rocket fired towards Haifa into their array of attacks for today. Thankfully, the rocket disintegrated mid flight and did not result in any harm or damage. More so though, an additional tunnel infiltration attack into southern Israel near Nahal Oz occurred. Numerous Hamas militants engaged responding IDF forces in a firefight. One terrorist was reported killed, while the rest were presumed to have escaped. Heavy Israeli artillery fire was directed into Gaza, specially towards the Maghazi refugee camp following the attack.
The IDF has repeated the mantra that quiet will be answered with quiet, but it doesn't seem like this is proposal that's being heeded on the other side.
Here, soldiers rest on the Israeli side of the border while taking advantage of the brief lull in the fighting earlier yesterday.
AFP
AFP
28.7.14
Adebayor of Arabia
He might not be a Muslim himself, but from the looks if it Emanuel Adebayor seems to be quite the Arabist. More so, Adebayor serves as another example of the ever growing trend in the UK of non-Muslim citizens co-opting Islamic holidays and festivities. All of which is an indicator of just how strong the presence of Islam in Britain has become.
27.7.14
In the Field
Channel 10's Alon Ben-David was embedded with IDF Givati forces in Gaza this weekend. Here is the full report.
Under Fire
Another week of conflict.
IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz addresses troops at a staging area on the border of the Gaza Strip. AP
Gaza's Shuja'iya neighborhood in ruins. AP
The scene at an IDF artillery battery. AFP
26.7.14
מבצע "צוק איתן": פעילות כוחות צה"ל ברצועת עזה
IDF forces continue their operations to root out the Hamas terror infrastructure of Gaza during Operation Protective Edge.
25.7.14
Subterranean
An inside look at the underground tunnels built by the Hamas government in Gaza for the use of launching terror attacks into Israel. Among other things, including weapons and technical equipment, IDF soldiers searching the tunnels reportedly found tranquilizer drugs and hand cuffs in many instances. A clear indicator of the intention to kidnap and physically subdue Israeli citizens across the border and bring them back to Gaza as hostages.
An IDF officer searches the confines of an underground tunnel in Gaza. EPA
IDF officers consult one another after the discovery of another Gaza tunnel. EPA
Operation Protective Edge: Day 17
As the current conflagration between Israel and Hamas enters its 18th day, things are still just as uncertain as ever with no obvious clear end in sight. The muted optimism that was apparent briefly yesterday after talks of another ceasefire proposal had intensified has now all but disappeared. Following a relatively quiet night on both sides, rocket fire on Tel Aviv resumed this morning with two heavy barrages directed at the city and other areas in Gush Dan and central Israel.
Later last night, Khaled Mashaal's defiant speech from Qatar further reinforced the fact that Hamas has no intention of wavering at this stage from their core demands. Given the unwillingness of the Hamas leadership to compromise, it is clear that this is something the Israeli government will not be able to accept. Any demand to lift the siege on Gaza without a concrete agreement in place to demilitarize the strip is a demand not even worth considering from the Israeli perspective. As long as Hamas continues to advance their terror infrastructure in Gaza with increased long range rocket development and an underground tunnel network for smuggling weapons and launching attacks into Israel, it seems no agreement will be in the cards for the foreseeable future. Factor in Hamas' additional key demand for the release of prisoners from the Gilad Shalit deal who have since been rearrested by Israel, as well as their insistence that Israel carry out the final unilateral prisoner release of hundreds of convicted Palestinian terrorists, it's hard to see how things will move forward without these demands being dropped and without serious concessions from the Hamas side.
Meanwhile though, despite taking heavy casualties only a few days ago in the Hamas stronghold of Shuja'iya in eastern Gaza, the IDF has begun to turn the table and is now said to be in nearly full control of the area. Additionally, the confirmation of surrendering Hamas fighters to IDF forces could already be a tell tale sign that the morale of the fighting units in Gaza may indeed be slipping. With the reduction in overall rocket fire from Gaza into Israel already dropping significantly since the beginning of the IDF ground operation, Hamas may be conserving their stockpiles, however, it's apparent that their arsenal has been severely damaged by IDF ground and air operations. The Israeli leadership is once again at a crossroads over which direction to go in next.
In the absence of any new diplomatic developments or breakthrough, the first primary act on the Israeli end would be to complete the current objective and to destroy and dismantle Hamas' remaining tunnel infrastructure. This may take an additional week or so to complete, per IDF estimates. However, there exists a finite ending period for this specific mission. If Hamas has yet to capitulate and still is maintaining the capacity to launch rockets deep into Israel, the IDF will then be forced to make another more difficult decision. This mainly being whether to hold their current battle lines, or to seek to deliver the Hamas leadership in Gaza a final devastating blow by attempting to conquer the entire Gaza Strip and remove the Hamas military threat entirely. Clearly, this would be a very large scale next step that would have the potential to be extremely costly on both sides. With international pressure increasing by the day, it seems like it might just end up being a question of who blinks first.
Later last night, Khaled Mashaal's defiant speech from Qatar further reinforced the fact that Hamas has no intention of wavering at this stage from their core demands. Given the unwillingness of the Hamas leadership to compromise, it is clear that this is something the Israeli government will not be able to accept. Any demand to lift the siege on Gaza without a concrete agreement in place to demilitarize the strip is a demand not even worth considering from the Israeli perspective. As long as Hamas continues to advance their terror infrastructure in Gaza with increased long range rocket development and an underground tunnel network for smuggling weapons and launching attacks into Israel, it seems no agreement will be in the cards for the foreseeable future. Factor in Hamas' additional key demand for the release of prisoners from the Gilad Shalit deal who have since been rearrested by Israel, as well as their insistence that Israel carry out the final unilateral prisoner release of hundreds of convicted Palestinian terrorists, it's hard to see how things will move forward without these demands being dropped and without serious concessions from the Hamas side.
An IAF chopper lands in support of troops on the ground. IsraelHatzolah
Meanwhile though, despite taking heavy casualties only a few days ago in the Hamas stronghold of Shuja'iya in eastern Gaza, the IDF has begun to turn the table and is now said to be in nearly full control of the area. Additionally, the confirmation of surrendering Hamas fighters to IDF forces could already be a tell tale sign that the morale of the fighting units in Gaza may indeed be slipping. With the reduction in overall rocket fire from Gaza into Israel already dropping significantly since the beginning of the IDF ground operation, Hamas may be conserving their stockpiles, however, it's apparent that their arsenal has been severely damaged by IDF ground and air operations. The Israeli leadership is once again at a crossroads over which direction to go in next.
IDF soldiers uncover another Hamas terror tunnel in Gaza. Israel Hatzolah
In the absence of any new diplomatic developments or breakthrough, the first primary act on the Israeli end would be to complete the current objective and to destroy and dismantle Hamas' remaining tunnel infrastructure. This may take an additional week or so to complete, per IDF estimates. However, there exists a finite ending period for this specific mission. If Hamas has yet to capitulate and still is maintaining the capacity to launch rockets deep into Israel, the IDF will then be forced to make another more difficult decision. This mainly being whether to hold their current battle lines, or to seek to deliver the Hamas leadership in Gaza a final devastating blow by attempting to conquer the entire Gaza Strip and remove the Hamas military threat entirely. Clearly, this would be a very large scale next step that would have the potential to be extremely costly on both sides. With international pressure increasing by the day, it seems like it might just end up being a question of who blinks first.
24.7.14
Golani on the Frontline
Fighters of the Golani Brigade engage gunfire with Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip during Operation Protective Edge.
מבצע "צוק איתן"
The following is additional footage released by the IDF from the attempted infiltration attack by Gaza terrorists near Kibbutz Nir Am in southern Israel. The attacking gunmen disguised themselves by dressing in IDF uniforms, a tactic that has been utilized before. In addition to the weapons found on their person, a suicide vest was also uncovered on one of the bodies of the dead terrorists. The IDF successfully neutralized the attacking gunmen.
"Friendly Match"
Maccabi Haifa players were assaulted tonight by an anti-Israel mob during a "friendly" match against Lille. Sickening pic.twitter.com/jihd3hRg6U
— Jonathan (@jj34) July 23, 2014
Southern Sweep
Earlier yesterday soldiers from the Givati Brigade captured 150 Palestinians suspected to be Hamas and Islamic Jihad members near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. As part of the sweep, the IDF forces found concealed weaponry, as well as instructional pamphlets on how to build and plant explosives, in addition to information related to various IDF units.
Suspected Palestinian militants captured in Gaza. Israel Hatzolah
23.7.14
מבצע "צוק איתן": מח''ט גולני אל''ם רסאן עליאן חוזר לשטח
Just saying, you're going to be hard pressed to find anyone in the world as bad ass as Col. Ghassan Elian, commander of the Golani Brigade.
Col. Ghassan Elian returns to the front to lead after being hospitalized with injuries from battle
Long Days and Nights
In these long days and nights, it can be fairly and accurately discerned that Israel has not seen such difficult times in quite awhile. Certainly not since the Lebanon war of 2006 eight years ago. The fact that rocket attacks, which are still pounding southern and central Israel are now falling out of the top headlines is something that speaks volumes about the current state of the conflict right now and just how rapidly new developments are happening.
However, this isn't the first time we as a nation have had to face trying times. There are hardly words to explain the courage, will and dedication of IDF soldiers on the front lines, and the sacrifices they're making in order to return quiet to the citizens of Israel and to defeat our enemies who want nothing less than our destruction. This is something that will never be achieved thanks to the fortitude and strength of the IDF. The resolve of the Israeli public and the overall support for the soldiers in action is nothing short of incredible as well.
After many days of speculation following a Hamas announcement of having "kidnapped" a soldier in Gaza, the IDF has now in fact confirmed that indeed one soldier among those who were killed in an ambush after their APC was hit by an anti-tank missile has been unaccounted for. The likelihood of this soldier still being alive is extremely slim. However, any type of bargaining chip in Hamas' favor is extremely concerning to say the least. The most likely scenario is that Hamas may be in possession of the soldier's body, or parts of it, or even simply in possession of items on his person, such as dog tags, which are also found in a combat boot of every soldier. Still, this is a matter that is extremely worrying for the IDF and is being investigated in every scope as thoroughly as possible. Defense Minister Ya'alon additionally raised some eyebrows this weekend with his prematurely optimistic remarks referring to the time frame of this current operation. He stressed that the ongoing mission against the tunnel infrastructure in Gaza will be completed in two or three days. A prediction that no longer seems realistic. Within the Israeli cabinet this statement was greeted with displeasure and called irresponsible and potentially psychologically damaging. Today the IDF clarified that an additional one to two weeks would be necessary in order to satisfactorily complete the operation.
Perhaps the biggest headline of the day though has been the news that the FAA in America has advised all US airlines to halt flights to Tel Aviv. It's hard to present this action as anything other than a perverse Hamas victory. This regulation came after a rocket landed in the backyard of a house in Yehud, just north of Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. It is too early to tell just how long this restriction will hold, however, there are already some indications that certain European airlines may be following suit as well. In any case, this only adds more credence to the argument regarding ceding control over the West Bank. If rockets from Gaza can reach Israel's sole international airport and severely disrupt life during the peak of summer's tourist season, we can only imagine what the possibilities could be if the West Bank were to fall into chaos following a prospective Israeli withdrawal.
However, this isn't the first time we as a nation have had to face trying times. There are hardly words to explain the courage, will and dedication of IDF soldiers on the front lines, and the sacrifices they're making in order to return quiet to the citizens of Israel and to defeat our enemies who want nothing less than our destruction. This is something that will never be achieved thanks to the fortitude and strength of the IDF. The resolve of the Israeli public and the overall support for the soldiers in action is nothing short of incredible as well.
IDF soldiers in Gaza. Bamahane
After many days of speculation following a Hamas announcement of having "kidnapped" a soldier in Gaza, the IDF has now in fact confirmed that indeed one soldier among those who were killed in an ambush after their APC was hit by an anti-tank missile has been unaccounted for. The likelihood of this soldier still being alive is extremely slim. However, any type of bargaining chip in Hamas' favor is extremely concerning to say the least. The most likely scenario is that Hamas may be in possession of the soldier's body, or parts of it, or even simply in possession of items on his person, such as dog tags, which are also found in a combat boot of every soldier. Still, this is a matter that is extremely worrying for the IDF and is being investigated in every scope as thoroughly as possible. Defense Minister Ya'alon additionally raised some eyebrows this weekend with his prematurely optimistic remarks referring to the time frame of this current operation. He stressed that the ongoing mission against the tunnel infrastructure in Gaza will be completed in two or three days. A prediction that no longer seems realistic. Within the Israeli cabinet this statement was greeted with displeasure and called irresponsible and potentially psychologically damaging. Today the IDF clarified that an additional one to two weeks would be necessary in order to satisfactorily complete the operation.
Perhaps the biggest headline of the day though has been the news that the FAA in America has advised all US airlines to halt flights to Tel Aviv. It's hard to present this action as anything other than a perverse Hamas victory. This regulation came after a rocket landed in the backyard of a house in Yehud, just north of Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. It is too early to tell just how long this restriction will hold, however, there are already some indications that certain European airlines may be following suit as well. In any case, this only adds more credence to the argument regarding ceding control over the West Bank. If rockets from Gaza can reach Israel's sole international airport and severely disrupt life during the peak of summer's tourist season, we can only imagine what the possibilities could be if the West Bank were to fall into chaos following a prospective Israeli withdrawal.
22.7.14
High Heat
Since starting our ground operation in Gaza, we have struck 1,388 terror sites and killed 183 terrorists. pic.twitter.com/g7FtwHq1Tc
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) July 22, 2014
כוח יהל"ם סורק בית ממולכד
IDF soldiers from the Yahalom unit of the Combat Engineering Corps encounter a booby trapped house placed with explosives while engaging in operations in the Gaza Strip.
21.7.14
Gaza to the West Bank
As the conflict continues to intensify in Gaza and southern Israel, Palestinians in the West Bank took to the streets last night to celebrate the rumor of a kidnapped Israeli soldier by Hamas militants in Gaza. Rumors that have been categorically denied by the IDF.
IDF infantry in the Gaza Strip. AFP
Palestinians celebrate the rumors of a kidnapped Israeli soldier in Gaza. AFP
IDF Thwarts Hamas Infiltration into Israel
Here is the released footage from this morning's tunnel infiltration attack by Hamas militants near Kibbutz Erez just outside the northern Gaza Strip that was thwarted by IDF forces in the area. An additional infiltration attempt was also reported near Kibbutz Nir Am resulting in IDF soldiers engaging in direct combat with Hamas militants after having their army jeep ambushed by anti-tank missiles. 10 Hamas members have been confirmed neutralized.
Turning Point
It's the middle of summer here in what's usually known as the bubble of Tel Aviv, a time normally reserved for the beach and non-stop parties that go deep into the night. Instead, a war is still raging, and despite a brief respite from rocket fire, more so than ever. Today was not only the deadliest day so far in the nearly two weeks of fighting between Israel and Hamas, but among the most violent in over a decade. At this point, from the Israeli perspective, the rules of the game are seemingly going to have to change. It's clear by their actions that Hamas has no intention of giving up the fight without having their demands met. Demands that are deemed completely unacceptable to Israel in light of Hamas' unwillingness to moderate and relent from the path of violence. For the IDF, this is no longer just a contained operation restricted to combating the labyrinth of underground tunnels in Gaza, but a broader campaign now aimed at severely crippling Hamas with a focus on destroying their military capability entirely.
More so, IDF soldiers operating on the ground are currently being pulled into exactly the type of conflict that Hamas has wanted all along. While the current focus of IDF forces on the ground up until today has mostly been limited to the dismantlement of underground tunnels used for smuggling weapons and launching attacks on Israel, the heavy fighting in the densely populated Shuja'iya neighborhood on the eastern edge of Gaza City today seems to have been a turning point in this conflict. The devastation on both sides is a clear indicator of just how much the scope of operations are being expanded. Shuja'iya is significant for many reasons as well. As a Hamas stronghold for launching rocket attacks against Israel, it is considered as close to an impregnable fortress in Gaza that exists for Hamas. One Israeli officer described it as an "underground city" consisting of a maze of tunnels in all directions that are utilized strictly for the purpose of Hamas military operations. Additionally, this district of Gaza City is known to be an area staffed by a highly competent battalion of Hamas fighters who are responsible for putting up heavy resistance in the same area during Operation Cast Lead in 2008-2009. It is not surprising therefore that they're proving to be formidable foes once again. At the same time, IDF soldiers on the ground have already made their presence felt handily by effectively beginning to disrupt the terror infrastructure that is in place in Gaza. This includes having neutralized over 100 Hamas fighters and the subsequent discovery of tens of underground tunnels since the beginning of this current ground campaign.
The overall direction of this Operation Protective Edge is still up in the air, but may soon now be changing fast. By inflicting heavy casualties on IDF soldiers today, Hamas has now "achieved" the type of operational success they've been looking for since day one. It is impossible for the leaders of the Israeli government and the IDF to allow these achievements to stand.
However, the question is now, just how far will the IDF go in terms of crippling Hamas? It is an open ended question that may determine the path of this conflict entirely.
Smoke rises from the Shuja'iya neighborhood in Gaza. Haaretz
The overall direction of this Operation Protective Edge is still up in the air, but may soon now be changing fast. By inflicting heavy casualties on IDF soldiers today, Hamas has now "achieved" the type of operational success they've been looking for since day one. It is impossible for the leaders of the Israeli government and the IDF to allow these achievements to stand.
However, the question is now, just how far will the IDF go in terms of crippling Hamas? It is an open ended question that may determine the path of this conflict entirely.
IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz. Dover Tzahal
The Longest Days
מח"ט גולני, אלוף-משנה רסאן עליאן (צילום: דובר צה"ל) וואלה
20.7.14
One Nation
In addition to the terrible news of the 13 Golani soldiers killed in combat in northern Gaza that's just been confirmed, RIP to fallen warriors, Sgt. Bnaya Rubel, 20 of Holon and 2nd Lt. Bar Rahav, 21 of Ramat Yishai who fell in combat defending Israel yesterday. Z"L.
Sgt. Bnaya Rubel and 2nd Lt. Bar Rahav
Second Lieutenant Bar Rahav, 21, of Ramat Yishai, was killed on Saturday afternoon when he was struck by an anti-tank rocket fired at a Puma APC near the refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. Mortally wounded, he was evacuated from the battlefield, but died of his wounds. Rahav is survived by his parents, Effi and Na’ama, and three siblings: his brothers Nir, 18, and Rotem, 11, and his sister Ron, 14.
A recent graduate of the officers’ course, Rahav was to have begun supplementary army studies. His uncle, Moran Binyamin, said that Rahav played water polo for Hapoel Kiryat Tivon. “Although he could have been an outstanding athlete, he chose combat service in the army,” he said. “We spoke on Thursday, and he said he was in good spirits. I was worried about him and asked whether he was protected, and he said he was all right. Then I realized that he had gone in. I was afraid for him because he always did whatever was required. I prayed that loss would not come to us. He was an amazing brother — a wonderful example for his siblings.”
Sgt. Bnaya Rubel, 20, of Holon, was also gravely wounded on Saturday afternoon in an encounter with a terrorist who emerged from a tunnel in the central Gaza Strip.
Yesterday morning an officer and a soldier were killed and four other soldiers wounded when armed men infiltrated into Israeli territory near Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha. The wounded soldiers — two of them moderately wounded and two lightly wounded — were evacuated to Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva. Maj. (Res.) Amotz Greenberg, 45, of Hod Hasharon, and Sgt. Adar Barsano, 20, of Nahariya, were killed.
Haaretz
More from Paris
A few more pics from yesterday's chaos on the streets of Paris courtesy of pro-Palestinian supporters.
Intifada in the heart of the French republic. AFP
Not the West Bank, but the streets of Paris. Haaretz
The aftermath. AFP
מבצע 'צוק איתן'
IDF forces operating in the Gaza Strip have confirmed the discovery of additional underground tunnels within the confines of Palestinian homes in Gaza that reportedly lead into Israel.
The discovery of an additional terror tunnel in Gaza. Haaretz
Paris is Burning
There are same crazy pictures coming out of Paris of the (now banned) protests in support of #Gaza (v. @BuzzFeedNews) pic.twitter.com/vXjFrcAArf
— Dalia Hatuqa (@DaliaHatuqa) July 19, 2014
Meanwhile in Paris
After the fiasco of last week's pro-Gaza demonstration, the Paris municipality declared that there would no repeat of such similar scenes, and controversially decided to uphold a ban on today's proposed rally. The authorities came to the realization that the incidents that unfolded last Saturday in which pro-Palestinian supporters brandished fake rockets and then attacked synagogues would simply not be allowed to happen again. Fast forward to today. Defying all official orders, protesters nonetheless returned to the streets of Paris once again in a show of thuggish behavior and violence, something that has unfortunately almost become expected at this point.
Riots on the streets of Paris.Shasha
Clashes near the Barbes-Rochechouart metro station. AFP
Pro-Palestinian supporters violently confront French riot police. Shasha
19.7.14
Stay Classy, London
Nothing like a rally full of Hamas supporters in the middle of central London. Since apparently hatred and antisemitism seem to be the uniting factors tying this crowd together, they're clearing placing themselves in good company. Keep it up. Any credibility you've ever had is now lost.
"Pro-Palestinian" rally in London. The Spectator
Z"L
RIP Maj (res) Amotz Greenberg, 45 from Hod Ha'sharon and Sgt Adar Bersano, 20 from Nahariya who fell this morning in combat while defending a Hamas infiltration attack in southern Israel. As well as to 1st Sgt. Eitan Barak, the first IDF casualty of this unfortunate conflict. May their memories be a blessing and never forgotten.
Sgt. Adar Bersano and Maj. Amotz Greenberg. יהי זכרם ברוך
1st Sgt. Eitan Barak, 20 from Herzilya. Z"L
Staff Sgt. Eitan Barak, 20, of Herzliya, a combat soldier in the Nahal Brigade, was killed in the northern Gaza Strip on Friday, evidently by gunfire. Mortally wounded, he was taken to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, where he was pronounced dead. Army officials are investigating whether he was killed by friendly fire.
Maj. (Res.) Amotz Greenberg, 45, born on Kibbutz Yotvata and a resident of Hod Hasharon, was the father of three children aged 15, 12 and seven. Trained as an attorney, he worked as an investigator in the Israel Securities Authority. “He was an amazing person, the salt of the earth, and this is the most painful thing that has ever happened to me,” said Yossi Keret, Greenberg’s closest friend. “He went voluntarily, out of a feeling of mission. When we sat in a pub on Thursday, I asked him why he was doing it if he didn’t have to. But he just wanted to. He said, “If my soldiers are there, I don’t want to stay here.”
Sgt. Adar Barsano, 20, from Nahariyeh, enlisted in the Armored Corps as a combat soldier two years ago. “He was a good boy,” said Bar Schaps, a childhood friend of Barsano. “He took care of his friends before himself. He cheered everyone around him and made them laugh.” Schaps added, “Adar told me there was nothing to worry about, that it would all be over soon and we would meet at my house. He was a hero and he died as a hero. His family is crushed — his mother and father, grandfather and grandmother, must bury a son and grandson. Our hearts are broken.”
Haaretz
Unprecedented
You won't find any mass protests in London or Paris for the over 100k Syrians killed by their own government or the thousands in Iraq by Islamic extremists. It certainly makes you think. I must commend the city of Paris though for standing up for justice and deciding to bar the planned protest that was set for today. After witnessing the vile hatred and violence that was present last week at Place de la Bastille, which resulted in physical assaults and an attack on surrounding synagogues, it's hard to argue with their decision.
Today's pro-Palestinian rally on the streets of London. Huffington Post UK
Around the corner from Big Ben. Kelo3adi
Pushing Ahead
Israeli soldiers are on the move as they push forward into Gaza in anticipation of a widening of operations directed against the Hamas terror infrastructure in the coastal enclave. As of now the current IDF campaign on the ground is still focused on finding and destroying the labyrinth of underground tunnels used for smuggling weapons and launching attacks into Israel. However, as Gaza militants continue to fall back further into central Gaza in order to regroup, the possibility for an expansion of actions may be approaching soon.
IDF soldiers on their way into Gaza. Reuters
Weapons left behind following another attempted Hamas/PIJ infiltration attack into Israel. Dover Tzahal
At it Again
It's one thing to fend off pro-Palestinian loons trying to defend Hamas, it's another when you add in overly politically correct feminists to the mix. Kudos though to Bill Maher for staying in true form.
Dealing w/ Hamas is like dealing w/ a crazy woman who's trying to kill u - u can only hold her wrists so long before you have to slap her
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) July 18, 2014
18.7.14
The Next Stage
We are now 24 hours into the Israeli ground offensive in Gaza, and despite its limited aims for the time being, the operation has already started to pay dividends. Forces from the IDF's Givati and Paratrooper brigades have confirmed the discovering of 21 underground terror tunnels stocked with weapons and explosives. As well, over 20 Hamas militants have reportedly already been killed in action so far. In perhaps the most dynamic story from today, IDF sources are also confirming the capture of a multi-member rocket launching cell who are now currently in custody and undergoing questioning by the Shin Bet. It's too early to tell in which direction things will go. However, one thing is clear, with Tel Aviv and the greater Gush Dan region coming under intense rocket fire again this evening, I would not be surprised to see a complete expansion of operations in Gaza in the coming days.
PM Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ya'alon in the war room with IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz and fellow top army officers. Times of Israel
IDF artillery canons fire towards Gaza. Times of Israel
On the Ground
It was only a matter of time. After balking at an Egyptian proposed ceasefire two days ago by refusing to halt rocket fire and cease hostilities against Israel, Hamas has backed themselves into a corner. The continuation of indiscriminate rocket fire deep into Israel, combined with even more additional attempted infiltration attacks in recent days through smuggling tunnels along the border has made an IDF incursion on the ground into Gaza inevitable. The number one responsibility of a nation's government is to protect its citizens, and in this case I applaud Prime Minister Netanyahu for taking the right stand. Having exhausted all diplomatic options available, Israel is beginning this next phase of Operation Protective Edge with the type of broad international legitimacy it rarely has. Perhaps most importantly, this includes an unprecedented statement released earlier today by the Egyptian government laying exclusive blame at the feet of Hamas. With all options truly having been exhausted, the Israeli government was left with little choice but to order IDF forces on the ground to act in order to return quiet to the citizens of Israel.
I don't expect anything resembling the large scale ground offensive deep into Gaza a la Operation Cast Lead in 2008-2009. However, I do believe that dealing with the terror tunnels spread along the border of Gaza and southern Israel is an imperative priority that couldn't be left alone. The attempted infiltration attack early this morning near Kibbutz Sufa seemed to have been the straw that broke the camel's back. I anticipate on seeing IDF special forces lead the way in destroying the terror infrastructure that has been implanted along the border, while backed up by heavy tank and artillery fire. The next 48 to 72 hours will be among the most crucial in order to see in which direction things will go next.
I don't expect anything resembling the large scale ground offensive deep into Gaza a la Operation Cast Lead in 2008-2009. However, I do believe that dealing with the terror tunnels spread along the border of Gaza and southern Israel is an imperative priority that couldn't be left alone. The attempted infiltration attack early this morning near Kibbutz Sufa seemed to have been the straw that broke the camel's back. I anticipate on seeing IDF special forces lead the way in destroying the terror infrastructure that has been implanted along the border, while backed up by heavy tank and artillery fire. The next 48 to 72 hours will be among the most crucial in order to see in which direction things will go next.
IDF soldiers are briefed before their mission in Gaza. Dover Tzahal
17.7.14
Another Infiltration Attack Thwarted
At around 4:30 am this morning a Hamas terror cell on their way to carry out an attack against a civilian target was spotted and neutralized after having infiltrated into southern Israel through one of the countless underground tunnels that have been constructed for that very aim. IDF forces have been heavily massed on the Gaza-Israel border since the outbreak of recent hostilities and have been on alert in preparation for this same exact scenario that has unfortunately already played out many times. While certainly for no lack of trying on the part of Hamas, as numerous weapons including RPGs, grenades and assault rifles were found at the scene following the thwarted attack. This latest failed incursion only illustrates the constant readiness of IDF forces to face down any threat emerging from Gaza, of which there are many.
Day 10
It's hard to believe, but it is already day 10 of the current conflict between Israel and Hamas. Having outright rejected an Egyptian proposed ceasefire just yesterday, a proposal which was accepted by Israel, Hamas has so far shown no willingness to give up the fight and capitulate without having their demands met. While rocket fire aimed at Israel was slightly down in comparison to previous days, southern Israeli cities such as Ashkelon and Ashdod were once again under a relentless assault of indiscriminate incoming fire emanating from Gaza. Meanwhile in Tel Aviv, air raid sirens sounded in the morning, as has become almost routine so far, and was followed immediately by four or five deafening explosions that were the result of Iron Dome interceptions over the city. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries, however, shrapnel and debris did end up damaging various homes in the Tel Aviv area. It's hard for me to imagine what this conflict would look like without Iron Dome. One thing is for sure, the entire Iron Dome project has been worth every single shekel and dollar spent.
Despite Iron Dome's overwhelming success rate though, one thing has been blatantly clear throughout the course of this conflict so far. Israel's deterrence is no longer what it was. Even under the constant aerial assaults of the IAF and the heavy shelling of the Israeli Navy, Hamas has proven to be a resilient foe that has shown no sign of backing down. This has to be the most disconcerting aspect of all. With the Israeli government constantly shuffling their feet and making it clear that any ground incursion into Gaza by IDF forces is the least preferred option, it seems that Hamas and co. will only continue to become emboldened by what they perceive to be the lack of will by the Israeli government to face them head on. In my opinion, swift and decisive leadership is needed in order to restore Israeli deterrence back to its desired level, even if it means putting boots on the ground in Gaza. It might not be the preferred option, but it is the necessary step required to significantly damage Hamas' military capabilities, and the only way to ensure that the indiscriminate rocket fire directed at millions of innocent Israeli civilians will cease.
FM Lieberman and his Norwegian counterpart seek shelter in Ashkelon. IsraelHatzolah
Despite Iron Dome's overwhelming success rate though, one thing has been blatantly clear throughout the course of this conflict so far. Israel's deterrence is no longer what it was. Even under the constant aerial assaults of the IAF and the heavy shelling of the Israeli Navy, Hamas has proven to be a resilient foe that has shown no sign of backing down. This has to be the most disconcerting aspect of all. With the Israeli government constantly shuffling their feet and making it clear that any ground incursion into Gaza by IDF forces is the least preferred option, it seems that Hamas and co. will only continue to become emboldened by what they perceive to be the lack of will by the Israeli government to face them head on. In my opinion, swift and decisive leadership is needed in order to restore Israeli deterrence back to its desired level, even if it means putting boots on the ground in Gaza. It might not be the preferred option, but it is the necessary step required to significantly damage Hamas' military capabilities, and the only way to ensure that the indiscriminate rocket fire directed at millions of innocent Israeli civilians will cease.
Israeli Police and IDF Home Front Command soldiers following a rocket attack in Ashdod. Times of Israel
16.7.14
Greetings from Gaza
Rockets fired towards Israel are seen directly within the built up confines of Gaza City, with the Israeli city of Ashkelon in the distance.
AFP
15.7.14
Can't We All Just Get Along?
After an Egyptian brokered ceasefire was accepted by the Israeli government this morning, the proposal was swiftly rejected by Hamas and met with only more indiscriminate rocket fire directed at Israel. Despite the IDF managing to hold fire for 6 hours in order to give the ceasefire a chance, predictably, it was not to be. In that same time, from Sderot to Haifa, rockets rained down upon Israel as Hamas made their intentions clear by showing no sign of curbing hostilities. Now it looks like we're back exactly where we started yesterday.
Rockets leaving Gaza for Israel just now. Nick Schifrin
Into the Night
As an Egyptian brokered cease fire agreement has been drafted and already greeted with approval from Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, a rocket hit is just being reported near a hotel in the Red Sea resort of Eilat.
A car is engulfed in fire as a result of a direct rocket attack in Eilat. Alon Ben David
Rocket strike in Eilat from the entrance of the hotel. Israel Breaking News
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