Archives

IDF announces fallen soldier Eviatar Ben Yehuda, killed in West Bank

IDF announces fallen soldier Eviatar Ben Yehuda, killed in West Bank

YONAH JEREMY BOB / JERUSALEM POST STAFF


The Jerusalem Post understands that the wounded officer was the commander of Battalion 8211 from the Efraim Brigade in the northern West Bank.

.
Staff-Sergeant Eviatar Ben Yehuda / (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON’S UNIT)

The IDF announced on Monday that IDF soldier Staff-Sergeant Evyatar Ben Yehuda was killed and that another IDF officer was severely wounded in an incident in the West Bank.

The Jerusalem Post understands that the wounded officer was the commander of Battalion 8211 from the Efraim Brigade in the northern West Bank.

A David vehicle holding the two soldiers ran over an improvised explosive device during a proactive IDF raid in the Tamun area of the Menashe region.

Improvised explosive devices have been a more frequent problem in the West Bank since the 2023-2024 Middle East war took off, with Iran providing more powerful weapons and Palestinian terror groups learning new tactics for ambushing some IDF armored vehicles.

In August 2024, the IDF announced that four soldiers were wounded in Tubas in the northern West Bank after their partially armored David vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive

IDF soldiers operate in the West Bank, January 19, 2025 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON’S UNIT)

The IDF did not provide how many times this had happened, but it had already reported on several such instances over the summer. 

Major incident in Jenin

Another major incident was a June 27 incident in Jenin in which one soldier was killed and 22 were wounded.

Yet another incident was earlier in August when two soldiers were moderately wounded and another two soldiers were lightly wounded.

During the June 27 incident, a Panther armored vehicle drove over a road where there was one of multiple planted explosive devices underground.

The road had already been bulldozed and “cleared” by an IDF D-9 bulldozer to ensure that such hidden improvised explosive devices could not ambush the soldiers.

The initial injuries to the soldiers within the Panther were much more limited, but nearby Palestinians activated a second improvised explosive device – possibly remotely – against the rescuers.

During the June 27 incident, the IDF said that the D-9 missed the explosive devices because they were buried at a much deeper depth than usual.

Until then, the devices had been buried around 40-50 centimeters under a road.

These devices were probably placed around 1.5 meters deep.

According to public records, D-9s standard digging depth cuts off at less than 70 centimeters.

Of course, if a D-9 does multiple runs through a specific area, it can go much deeper, but this creates other operational dilemmas when operating in a hostile environment and trying to maintain an element of surprise and quick and decisive action.

Back in June, the IDF was unclear how it would overcome such ambushes if the Palestinians copied their success in the future and based on numerous such incidents, it does not seem that the military has arrived at a solution.


Zawartość publikowanych artykułów i materiałów nie reprezentuje poglądów ani opinii Reunion’68,
ani też webmastera Blogu Reunion’68, chyba ze jest to wyraźnie zaznaczone.
Twoje uwagi, linki, własne artykuły lub wiadomości prześlij na adres:
webmaster@reunion68.com


Gaza Terrorists Likely Have ‘a Few Hundred’ Rockets Left

Gaza Terrorists Likely Have ‘a Few Hundred’ Rockets Left

Yaakov Lappin / JNS.org


Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from Sderot, Israel May 13, 2023 Photo: REUTERS/Ammar Awad

On Jan. 6, terrorists in northern Gaza fired three rockets toward Sderot, Ibim and Nir Am, one of which was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force, with the other two causing damage but no injuries. The attack came after days of sirens in southern Israel, only some of which were false alarms.

These incidents underline the vastly reduced yet persistent threat posed by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), whose rocket arsenals and operational capabilities have been significantly degraded since the start of the war on Oct. 7, 2023.

At the start of the war, Hamas and PIJ reportedly held 15,000 rockets and a five-brigade, division-strong invasion force capable of seizing Israeli territory and committing massacres. Today, their remnants consist of scattered guerrilla cells with small arms, rocket-propelled grenades and explosives—as well as a handful of projectiles. Israeli assessments suggest that these groups collectively have no more than dozens of rockets left, perhaps as many as 100.

However, professor Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy in Jerusalem, believes it may be more than a handful.

“I think it’s more than dozens. I think we’re talking about a few hundred rockets. We have to remember that Hamas prepared in advance for launching very large barrages at Israel, and hence, many rockets were prepared ahead of time,” including in underground locations and in orchards, he told JNS.

Michael described the recent launches as the Gaza terrorist groups’ final performance, arguing that in the war’s aftermath they will not regain the ability to flood Israeli skies with rockets, retaining only the ability to sporadically launch a projectile.

Currently, the vast majority of the Hamas and PIJ arsenal has been destroyed, said Michael. He noted also that some of its precious few remaining rockets are being launched as IDF forces close in on them.

While Hamas retains small arms, TNT, and, potentially, the capacity for extremely restricted rocket production, “Compared to what they had in October, and even after Oct. 7, we’re talking about completely minimal capabilities,” he said.

IDF operations in northern Gaza since the ground operation there began on Oct. 27 have focused on clearing key areas such as Beit Hanoun and Jabalia of remaining Hamas elements. On Jan. 5, Israel’s Army Radio reported that rockets fired at the Erez Crossing had originated in Beit Hanoun, where the IDF’s Nahal Brigade had been operating.

A joint statement by the IDF and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) on Jan. 5 detailed recent strikes on over 100 Hamas targets, resulting in the elimination of dozens of operatives and the destruction of rocket launch sites. These types of operations, combined with precision strikes and intelligence efforts, have diminished Hamas’s ability to operate freely in the northern Gaza Strip.

While the IDF has made substantial progress in northern Gaza, new challenges are emerging in Gaza City, south of that area, Michael said. “They will try to regroup and rebuild capabilities in areas where we are less present, and we must be vigilant,” he told JNS.

The IDF’s responses would include continuous intelligence monitoring and targeted operations, he added.

Despite their diminished arsenals, sporadic rocket fire continues, and remains a threat that must be taken seriously, he told JNS. “Even a single rocket that is not intercepted can cause damage and casualties, as we saw in Sderot,” he said.

“We need to be prepared for occasional rocket fire even after the war concludes,” he cautioned. He emphasized that intelligence and operational freedom would allow Israel to maintain pressure and respond swiftly to any renewed threats.

During a Jan. 2 call organized by the Washington D.C-based Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amikam Norkin, former commander of the Israeli Air Force, emphasized the ongoing need for military operations in Gaza, stating, “The IDF will be launching military operations against terrorists in Gaza every few weeks.”

Maj. Gen. (ret.) Yaakov Amidror, former national security adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated on the same call, “I think that we succeeded in neutralizing Hamas as a military terrorist organization, but still Hamas is strong inside Gaza.” Amidror suggested that neutralizing Hamas entirely would take at least a year of sustained efforts, including targeting its leadership and infrastructure.

Amidror also raised the issue of governance post-conflict, asserting, “When it will not be relevant inside Gaza, we can call a third party to come into Gaza and take control of the civilian side. Until then, no one [externally] will be ready to take responsibility.”

On Jan. 4, IDF engineering units uncovered and destroyed a Hamas tunnel in central Gaza containing manufacturing facilities for munitions and explosives. The operation underscored ongoing efforts to dismantle the group’s remaining rocket production infrastructure.


Zawartość publikowanych artykułów i materiałów nie reprezentuje poglądów ani opinii Reunion’68,
ani też webmastera Blogu Reunion’68, chyba ze jest to wyraźnie zaznaczone.
Twoje uwagi, linki, własne artykuły lub wiadomości prześlij na adres:
webmaster@reunion68.com


Netanyahu: Hamas has reneged on parts of ceasefire agreement

Netanyahu: Hamas has reneged on parts of ceasefire agreement

JNS Staff


“The Israeli Cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement,” said the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.

.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset in Jerusalem, on Dec. 31, 2024. Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90.

Hamas has reneged on parts of the ceasefire agreement announced on Wednesday in an effort to extort last-minute concessions, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said on Thursday.

“The Israeli Cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement,” according to the PMO.

Hamas Political Bureau member Ezzat al-Rishq was quoted by Channel 12 News, responding to the statement from the PMO: “Hamas is committed to the ceasefire agreement announced by the mediators.”

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism Party signaled on Thursday it would likely exit Netanyahu’s coalition over the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

A party official called the crisis “serious and real,” according to Channel 12.

Thirty-three hostages out of the 98 held by Hamas in Gaza are set to be released during the first phase of the deal. The agreement specifies that nine sick and injured captives are to be exchanged for 110 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons.

Israeli forces are to gradually withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border. The withdrawal will begin on the 42nd day of the first phase, after the release of the final hostage for the phase, and is to be completed by the 50th day.

However, Channel 12 News reported on Thursday that according to a “senior government source,” Israel will not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor in the first stage, and the second stage will not proceed unless Hamas agrees to relinquish control of Gaza.

The Rafah Crossing to Egypt will be prepared for civilian and medical evacuations immediately after the agreement is signed.

Netanyahu spoke on Wednesday night with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and thanked him for his help forging the ceasefire agreement.

“The prime minister made it clear that he is committed to returning all of the hostages however he can and commended the U.S. president-elect for his remarks that the U.S. would work with Israel to ensure that Gaza will never be a haven for terrorism,” according to a statement from Jerusalem.

Netanyahu shortly thereafter spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden and “thanked him for his assistance in advancing the hostage deal.”


Zawartość publikowanych artykułów i materiałów nie reprezentuje poglądów ani opinii Reunion’68,
ani też webmastera Blogu Reunion’68, chyba ze jest to wyraźnie zaznaczone.
Twoje uwagi, linki, własne artykuły lub wiadomości prześlij na adres:
webmaster@reunion68.com


18,000 terrorist attacks in Israel in 2024

18,000 terrorist attacks in Israel in 2024

update desk | Palestinian Terrorism


Israeli civilians were attacked on seven fronts last year—Iran, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip, Iraq, Yemen and from within Israeli territory.

.

Security personnel at the scene of a drone attack in Tel Aviv, July 19, 2024. Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90.

Terrorists attacked the Jewish state no fewer than 18,000 times in 2024, killing 134 innocent people and wounding another 1,277, according to data the National Public Diplomacy Directorate in the Prime Minister’s Office released on Thursday.

Israeli civilians were attacked from seven fronts—Iran, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip, Iraq, Yemen and from within Israeli territory—18,365 times last year, revealed the report, which combined data from all security agencies and the country’s emergency response groups.

Some 16,400 rockets and missiles were fired into Israel, of which approximately 15,400 were launched by Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon and 700 from the Gaza Strip. October saw the most launches, with more than 6,900 attacks reported.

At the same time, terrorists sent at least 399 drones toward Israeli territory, the vast majority of which came from Lebanon.

Seventy-one people, including 14 children, were murdered in aerial assaults, and 892 more people sustained wounds. In addition, the rocket, missile and drone attacks sparked more than 600 wildfires, burning 92,417 acres managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and more than 42,749 acres of grazing land.

An additional 1,900 terrorist incidents were reported in 2024, including stone-throwing, Molotov cocktails, car rammings, shootings, stabbings and bombings. November was the quietest month, with 109 terrorist incidents reported, while July saw the most violence in Israel—37 people were murdered and another 394 were wounded that month.

The most common type of terrorist attack recorded in 2024 was stone-throwing, with 1,248 incidents reported, followed by “throwing objects, arson and tire burning” (162), attacks with Molotov cocktails (14), shootings (132) and the use of explosive devices (89).

According to the annual report published by the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) on Dec. 31, Jerusalem thwarted more than 1,000 significant terrorist attacks in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem in 2024.

Most of the attacks involved firearms (689) and explosive devices (326), with others being stabbings, rammings, bombings and abductions.


Zawartość publikowanych artykułów i materiałów nie reprezentuje poglądów ani opinii Reunion’68,
ani też webmastera Blogu Reunion’68, chyba ze jest to wyraźnie zaznaczone.
Twoje uwagi, linki, własne artykuły lub wiadomości prześlij na adres:
webmaster@reunion68.com


The Christian Population in Palestinian Areas Is Declining

The Christian Population in Palestinian Areas Is Declining

Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs



In this special Christmas episode of East to West, hosted by Sarah Martinez Amir, we explore the alarming situation facing Christians living in Palestinian Authority and Hamas-controlled areas.

Elias Zarina, Co-Founder & Community Manager of the Jerusalemite Initiative, joins the discussion to unpack the findings of a new report by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs.

The study reveals a devastating 90% decline in the Christian population in the West Bank and Gaza, largely due to violence, harassment, and forced conversions. Bethlehem is seeing an exodus of Christians, risking the erasure of Christianity from its birthplace. This episode highlights the forgotten victims of religious persecution and the silence surrounding their plight.


Zawartość publikowanych artykułów i materiałów nie reprezentuje poglądów ani opinii Reunion’68,
ani też webmastera Blogu Reunion’68, chyba ze jest to wyraźnie zaznaczone.
Twoje uwagi, linki, własne artykuły lub wiadomości prześlij na adres:
webmaster@reunion68.com