Update Regarding the Four Israelis Gunned Down in Drive-By Terror Attack, 1 Sept. 2010

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Israel Defense Forces

Four Israeli civilians were murdered in their vehicle in a terrorist drive-by shooting attack on Route 60 near Qiryat Arba, east of Hebron, earlier this evening, August 31st, 2010. Two men and two women, one of whom was pregnant, from the nearby community of Bet Hagay, were the victims of this deadly attack. Their names are Yizhak and Talia Aimes, Avishai Shindler and Kochba Even-Chaim.

The families have been informed of the incident. The IDF mourns the loss of the families.

Security forces in the area have constructed road blocks and are currently searching the area for the terrorists responsible. It appears that the attack was carried out by a passing vehicle, however the investigation is still underway.

The Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, GOC of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Mizrahi, and the Commander of the Judea and Samaria Regional Brigade, Brig. Gen. Nitzan Alon, arrived on the scene and conducted operational and intelligence situation assessments.

Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi added that, “there is no doubt that this was a very difficult event. Firstly, we all express our condolences to the families and the community of Bet Hagay. We are operating on a number of different levels since the event took place and will continue to act until we get a hold of the terrorists. The IDF, together with the rest of the different security apparatuses, is operating and will continue to do so until we catch the murderers responsible for this event.”

Only two months ago, on June 14th, 2010, an Israeli police officer was murdered by Palestinian gunmen in a similar attack near Al Fawwar, south of Hebron, on the same Route 60.

On February 2nd, 2010, an IDF Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), Sergeant 1st Class Ihab Hattib was killed by a Palestinian terrorist while his vehicle was stopped at a traffic light in the Tapuah junction, south of Nablus.

Posted in Central Command, IDF Updates, Press Releases, Terror Attacks, West Bank | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

IDF Statement on Rt. 60 Terror Attack, 31 August 2010

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Israel Defense Forces

IDF Statement on Rt. 60 Terror Attack, in which Four Israeli Civilians were Killed

Four Israelis were murdered in a terrorist drive-by-shooting attack on route 60 near Qiryat Arba, east of Hebron, tonight, August 31st, 2010. Two men and two women, one of whom was pregnant, from the nearby community of Bet Hagay, were the victims of this deadly attack.

The Commander of the Judea and Samaria Regional Brigade, Brig. Gen. Nitzan Alon said: “We have suffered a difficult terror attack in the Judea region during which civilians from the area were killed. Firstly, I would like to express my sorrow to the families of those murdered. The terror attack, it seems, was carried out by a passing vehicle, and as far as we can tell, the Hamas terror organization is behind the attack. The investigation is still underway. We were on high alert in light of the upcoming holiday period but regretfully, we were unable to prevent the attack. We will continue to be on high alert in the area. The forces are currently searching the area for the terrorists responsible.”

Only two months ago, on June 14th, 2010,  an Israeli police officer was murdered by Palestinian gunmen in a similar attack near Al Fawwar, south of Hebron, on the same route 60.

On February 2nd, 2010, an IDF Non-Commisioned Officer (NCO), Sergeant 1st class Ihab Hattib was killed by a Palestinian terrorist while stopped in his vehicle at a traffic light in the Tapuah junction, south of Nablus.

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Recent Easing of Measures in the West Bank, 30 Aug 2010

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Israel Defense Forces

The following is a comprehensive list of recent measures taken to improve the quality of  life for West Bank residents, as well as for Gaza Strip, Jewish, and Arab residents wishing to enter the West Bank. Along with easing measures during the current Ramadan period (including the increased issuance of permits to enter Israel and the Temple Mount),  measures have been taken that have led to positive changes in the West Bank throughout the past year including:

  • Since the beginning of 2010, 60 roadblocks have been removed. 16 checkpoints remain in the West Bank, all of them regularly open.
  • Road number 443 has opened for Palestinian traffic.
  • 50% increase since 2009 of permits issued to enter Israel.
  • In the first half of 2010, there has been a 15% increase for Palestinian patients receiving medical treatment in Israeli hospitals. 82,058 of these permits were issued; 14,675 of which were issued for children.
  • 11% increase of the number of trade permits issued for entry to Israel. In the first half of 2010, 22,910 trade permits were issued, compared to 20,503 trade permits issued during the same period last year. 500 additional permits were issued to merchants to enter Israel.
  • 78% increase in vehicle imports to the West Bank in the first half of 2010 compared to the first half of 2009.
  • 2.7% increase in the al-Quds stock market index for the first half of 2010, while unemployment decreased by 3% in the first quarter of 2010
  • 3,000 housing units were built for a new city in the Ramallah district.
  • 6 Palestinian Security Forces battalions and 150 civil defense personnel have been coordinated for special training in Jordan.
  • There have been regular joint meetings between heads of the Palestinian Security Forces and the IDF Central Command. In addition, there have been joint Israeli and Palestinian police and firefighters’ meetings.

The full report is viewable below:

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Transfer of Gaza Strip Merchandise and Humanitarian Aid For the Week of August 22nd-26th, 30 Aug 2010

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Israel Defense Forces

During the week of 22nd – 26th August 2010, a total of 1,074 truckloads (24,288 tons) of humanitarian aid and development assistance for the local civilian population and 1,697,598 liters of diesel fuel entered the Gaza Strip.

Between June and August, the capacity of the Kerem Shalom Crossing  was expanded by 210%, facilitating the daily entry of up to 250 truckloads of goods for humanitarian and development projects throughout the Gaza Strip.

During Ramadan, the Kerem Shalom Crossing will operate until 15:00, out of respect for  religious observance, following the Palestinian Authority’s requests.

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Civil Administration Report: Overview and Activities of Water Department, 26 Aug 2010

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Israel Defense Forces

The Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria, responsible  for administering and coordinating civilian and humanitarian needs in the area, is comprised of various staff offices working alongside the Palestinian Authority, the Palestinian population, IDF and Israeli authorities, as well as with international organizations and NGOs to fulfill these needs.

The issue of water is one of the most critical issues for local economic and social development  in the region, and as such, the Civil Administration’s Water Department is devoted to issues of water management and infrastructure development in Areas C of Judea and Samaria. Like most offices in the Civil Administration, the Water Department works closely with its Palestinian counterpart, the Palestinian Water Authority, leaders of local communities in the region, and with international organizations that often fund projects in the water sector.  This cooperation has led to the continued construction of water infrastructure such as wells and pipe lines, and improvements in the health and lives of the local community members.

The  following detailed report is of the structure, procedures, and ongoing activities of the Water Department. In it, the following information and statistics can be found:

  • Potential water projects in Judea and Samaria are approved by a joint committee consisting of Israeli Civil Administration Water Department officers and Palestinian Water Authority representatives.
  • Only projects  in Area C (approximately 60%  of Judea and Samaria) need to be approved by the Civil Administration. Projects in Areas A and B of Judea and Samaria, where the overwhelming majority of Palestinians reside, need no approval from the Civil Administration. The Palestinian Authority is solely responsible for the water needs of these areas. It is also responsible for carrying out and implementing water infrastructure projects in Palestinian communities in Area C, with the approval and support of the Civil Administration.
  • In 1967, 80% of the Palestinian population was not connected to the water network. Today, 90% of the Palestinian population in Judea and Samaria are connected to the national water grid.
  • The recently constructed Rujib well, inaugurated by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, is a joint project between the Civil Administration, the Palestinian Water Authority, and the international community: the well provides water for 11 Palestinian towns in the Nablus district that were previously not connected to the network.
  • The  7% GDP increase in 2009-2010 for Judea and Samaria presents challenges for the Water Department as there are increasing water demands and environmental pressures to contend with due to the booming economy in the region.
  • A recent World Bank report claimed that 82 water projects in Judea and Samaria are supposedly being delayed by the Civil Administration. In actuality, only 3 of the projects were rejected by the Civil Administration. 47 of the projects cited in the report were situated in Areas A and B and therefore under the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority, 28 were in fact permitted by the Civil Administration, 6 projects were never submitted by the Palestinian Water Authority, and 5 are still under review.
  • A  project recently approved by the Civil Administration is a joint effort by Japanese and Israeli NGOs that will create a wetland in Judea and Samaria which will treat waste water and serve as a source for the agricultural  sector.
  • The number of permits granted for the construction of water infrastructure projects in Palestinian towns has increased six-fold since 2007.

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Wanted Tanzim Militant Who Took Part in Several Attacks Against IDF Forces Arrested Today, 25 Aug 2010

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Israel Defense Forces

In a joint IDF-ISA-Israel Police operation earlier today, Steven Anbatawai, a wanted Tanzim militant from Nablus, was arrested. Prior to his arrest, Anbatawai had been released from prison as part of a pardon agreement, but has since violated the terms of the agreement several times.

The arrest was made in the area of Al-Badhan, north-east of Nablus, after Anbatawai had left Nablus, violating the terms of his release. He was taken for questioning by the ISA.

Anbatawai, born in 1987, was involved in a series of attacks against IDF forces during the Second Intifada.

Anbatawai was arrested together with Wazir Isa, born in 1990, a Tanzim activist from Nablus, who was assisting him.

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Transfer of Gaza Strip Merchandise and Humanitarian Aid For the Week of August 13th-19th, 25 Aug 2010

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Israel Defense Forces

During the week of 13th – 19th August 2010, a total of 1,055 truckloads entered the Gaza Strip, carrying 22,849 tons of goods, humanitarian aid, and development assistance for the local civilian population.

Between June and August, the capacity of the Kerem Shalom Crossing  was expanded by 210%, facilitating the daily entry of up to 250 truckloads of goods for humanitarian and development projects throughout the Gaza Strip.

During Ramadan, the Kerem Shalom Crossing will operate until 15:00, out of respect for  religious observance, in coordination with the Palestinian Authority’s requests.

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Statistics: Women’s Service in the IDF for 2010, 25 Aug 2010

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Israel Defense Forces

The IDF is the only army in which women are drafted as part of their country’s  mandatory military service requirement, and as such it has the highest proportion of enlisted female conscripts in its forces.  Women comprise 34% of all IDF soldiers and fulfill various  senior and combat roles within the Ground, Navy and Air Forces. Currently,  88% of all roles in the IDF are open to female candidates.

Major D. is the first woman in the IDF to fly a F-16I jet.

In January 2000, the landmark Israeli Supreme Court decision went into effect, which opened doors for women wishing to serve in IDF combat roles .  An appeal had been filed by Alice Miller, who petitioned to have the IDF Pilot’s Course open to all women. An amendment to this law laid the foundation down for gender equality in the IDF, and ordered that combat and other previously restricted roles be open to women. Clause 16A of the law requires that female combat soldiers serve 3 years of mandatory service, and continue in reserves service up to age 38, even if they become mothers. These are the identical terms of service for male combat soldiers.  Presently, women can be found in 69% of all positions.

Higher and higher  proportions of the officer ranks are occupied by women.   Women constitute 25% of Officers, and 20% of Career Soldiers. Almost half (45%) are 1st Lieutenants, a quarter are Lieutenants, and slightly less than a quarter (23% and 22%) of Captains and Majors, respectively are women.

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In-Depth Analysis: The IDF’s Role and Impact on Israel’s Society, 24 Aug 2010

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Israel Defense Forces

The following analysis takes  a comprehensive look at the historical and contemporary role and influence that the Israel Defense Forces has had in Israeli society, and highlights the benefits of the IDF as a  “people’s army”-one which serves as a melting pot and strives to fit the needs of Israel’s ethnically, culturally, religiously, and socio-economically diverse array of citizens.

As a mandatory requirement for most citizens of Israel, many of whom fulfill their military service between the ages of 18-22, the IDF also seeks to equip its soldiers with the professional and educational tools needed to succeed  following their service.  The leading assumption is that by integration into the IDF, assimilation into Israeli society is easier. The IDF provides vouchers and full financial scholarships to thousands of soldiers needing academic assistance in completing their high school diploma or standardized testing for higher education. The IDF also serves as a training ground for the leaders of the future:  For example, soldiers who participate in “Talpiot” , a rigorous academic research and development program,  go on to become prominent figures in the academia, high-tech, and defense industries.

Israel is a country known as “a nation of immigrants.” Many of its citizens are Jews from all over the world, bringing their unique culture and traditions from their country of origin. The IDF acts to unite members of Israeli society by integrating soldiers from different backgrounds (recent immigrants from Ethiopia, the former U.S.S.R and other parts of the world, ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews, lone soldiers, soldiers from rural areas, soldiers needing financial assistance)  into units, and by providing special programs to these population sectors, their chances of success and improved assimilation in Israeli society dramatically increase upon their release. In order to help with integration, the IDF provides educational programs emphasizing shared Judaism and Zionist values, however, it also seeks to integrate Christian, Bedouin and Druze minorities into its forces, and provides special programs dealing with their needs as well.

The following is a summary of the report’s main statistics:

  • Rise in proportion of combat personnel among immigrants: Although there is a reduction in “new immigrants” (defined as those who immigrated to Israel after the age of 16) due to lower immigration rates to Israel, there is a rise in the proportion of new immigrants enlisting in combat roles.  Since 1995, there has been an 11% increase in the proportion of Ethiopian immigrants enlisting in combat roles; Among other “new” immigrants, there has been a 20% increase. As a result, combat soldiers are provided with NCOs specializing in immigrant issues, who help them with language and other difficulties, and advise their combat commanders on their special needs.
  • Increase in enlistment of Christian soldiers: From 2000-2008, there has been an 86% increase in the enlistment of Christians in the IDF
  • Increase in enlistment of Bedouin soldiers: From 2000-2008, there has been a 71% increase in the enlistment of Bedouins in the IDF. 66% of enlisted Bedouin soldiers are in combat roles. Part of the reason for this increase is due to efforts by the IDF to provide service tracks for Bedouin soldiers.  Soldiers have the option of enrolling with the Desert Petrol combat unit for two years, after which they receive a year of vocational training (Hebrew studies, completion of high school standardized exams), which helps them after they are discharged from the army.
  • Enlistment of volunteers who were exempted due to medical reasons: Despite being exempt from their mandatory military service due to mental or physical difficulties, many still choose to enlist in the IDF as volunteers. The Shiluv Menatzeach program helps over 150 mentally challenged and Down’s syndrome volunteers complete 1-2 years of military service, where they are integrated in roles with the general soldier population.

The entire report can be viewed below:

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Female Paratrooper Instructors Share Their Experiences Serving in the IDF, 23 Aug 2010

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Israel Defense Forces

Female instructors from the IDF share their experiences of teaching paratroopers how to parachute. The women go through basic training for combat soldiers, including a 40km march, to earn the right to train their troops. And they do not take their jobs lightly. Whether it’s showing soldiers how to land properly so as not to break their legs or ensuring that their parachutes are set correctly, these women are responsible for the lives of the troops throughout the training period.

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