• "PalestinianAuthoritymightstopconsideringHamasasanenemy"- Brig.GeneralNitzanAlon,outgoingRegionalDivisionCommanderforJudeaandSamaria,inapersonalinterview.

• On the Shalit deal - "We shall be able to contain the terrorists who have been released".

• September Events - "These events were within the scope we had expected".

• On "PriceTag" - "This is Jewish Terror that stains the settlement movement”. READMORE

Operations Room

Pictures of the Month

One on One

Challenges of the Moment

IDF Events

• IAF: Green projects and environmental awareness -A system producing electricity from solar energy to be implemented at the Air Defense Training School. The IAF is planning additional green projects to use solar energy and protect the environment. READMORE

• InfiltrationattemptthwartedonIsrael-Egyptborder - Two Egyptian policemen killed by smugglers’ gunfire at Israel- Egypt border.READMORE

• Chief of Staff calls for a surprise training exercise - Lt. Gen. Gantz calls the Valley Brigade for a training exercise simulating an abduction of a soldier at the Beka'ot crossing. READMORE

• Inresponsetorocketfire,IAFtargetsterroractivitysites - Rockets were fired from Gaza at Israeli communities, IAF targets terror site and tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip in response. READMORE

• IDFandISAthwartterroristcellactivitysouthofJerusalem- Released for publication: a terrorist cell suspected for shooting attacks and use of explosives was arrested. READMORE

• AgriculturaleducationprogramheldaheadofGazaexportseason - With the agricultural export season due to start at the end of November, and after the finalization of the trade process from Gaza to various European markets, a continuing education program for Palestinian farmers was held on November 9 by the Coordination and Liaison Administration for Gaza. READMORE

• November2011draft: Increase inmotivation toserve incombatunits-76.2 percent of all qualified enlistees requested to serve in field units, up two percent from last November. READMORE

• American IDF lone soldiers celebrate Thanksgiving inJerusalem-American Jewish Committee hosts its 10th annual Thanksgiving dinner for IDF lone soldiers. READMORE

• GeneralStaffForumholdsconferenceinmemoryofYitzhakRabin -Chief of Staff: IDF must continue to strengthen and prepare for all threats. READMORE

• IDFparticipatesintraumacarecourseforforeigndoctors-Purpose of program is to train doctors to build similar courses in their own countries. READMORE

• 27 years ago: IDF helps thousands Ethiopian Jewsimmigrate to Israel - Ethiopians assume commanding positions in the IDF embracing their motivation to contribute, 27 years after Operation Moses. READMORE

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November 2011

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InfiltrationattemptthwartedonIsrael-EgyptborderWhile patrolling at the Israeli-Egyptian border on November 23rd, IDF soldiers identified a group of armed suspects that infiltrated into Israeli territroy during a smuggling attempt. IDF soldiers attempted to apprehend the suspects according to the internationally accepted rules of engagement. Following the smugglers’ refusal to stop and adhere to the soldier's calls, the soldiers fired at their lower body mass, confirming a hit. The suspects returned fire.

In a search conducted in the area following the incident, an AK-47, a pistol and a sharp object used for cutting were found. No IDF soldiers were harmed and no damage was caused in this incident.

Additionally at the border two Egyptian policemen were killed from gunfire by smugglers that came from Egypt.

Initial IDF reports clearly indicate that the Egyptian policemen were not killed by IDF fire.

In response, the Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz instructed to back up IDF forces at the Israel- Egypt border and heighten security of nearby communities. IDF forces will continue to search the area throughout the night and early in the morning, as instructed by Lt. Gen. Gantz and a thorough search will be conducted in the area.

November 2011

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ChiefofStaffcallsforasurprisetrainingexerciseThe Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz called the Valley Brigade for a broad training exercise in cooperation with the Operations Brigade. Among other things, the forces practiced an abduction scenario from the Beka'ot Crossing to the Nablus area.

The forces also trained for an infiltration scenario into a community in the Judea and Samaria area. Security forces were called to the scene, similar to the terrorist attack in which five members of the Fogel family members were murdered in the Itamar community over six months ago.

Head of the IDF Inspection Department, Col. Slomi Fayer noted that "this is the first training exercise on the General Staff level in the past few years and it is held in response to various warnings and threats." He mentioned that the exercise tested the cooperation between the different divisions and forces.

Approximately three months ago, Lt. Gen. Gantz called for a similar exercise in the Binyamin Brigade. During a conversation he held with the soldiers and without previous knowledge of the commanders, the Chief of Staff called for all forces in the Binyamin Division and trained for incidents of violent riots in the area.

November 2011

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Inresponsetorocketfire,IAFtargetsterroractivitysitesIn response to rocket fire, IAF aircraft targeted a terror tunnel and a terror activity site in the northern Gaza Strip overnight. Direct hits were confirmed.

Tunnels such as this one are intended for infiltrating into Israel and executing terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.

The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli citizens 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.

November 2011

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IDFandISAthwartterroristcellactivitysouthofJerusalemIn a combined IDF and Israel Security Agency (ISA) operation, a terrorist cell was recently arrested. The terrorists (ages 18-22), from a village near Bethlehem, are suspected for a shooting attack as well as placement and launching of explosives- released for publication on Wednesday (November 16).

Details published by the ISA indicate that the terrorists are responsible for shooting at a Border Police vehicle near the security fence north of Beit Sahour in August.

Several days after the terror attack the ISA and the Israel Police interrogated several residents from the Beit Sahour village suspected to be involved in the attack. During the investigation, extensive terrorist activity by a local terrorist cell was revealed. The terrorists were trained, used improvised weapons, performed several shooting attacks, placed explosives in the area and threw numerous Molotov Cocktails.

The ISA added that the terrorists planned violent riots to 'lure' security forces to the area. Once the security forces arrived at the scene, the terrorist cell fired at them using improvised guns. No injuries or damage were reported in any of the attacks.

Indictments against the suspects were presented to the Judea and Samaria military court, including attempted murder, production of weapons, weapon trade, military training, throwing of lit items and more. The trial will commence in the coming days.

November 2011

BacktoPage1"PalestinianAuthoritymightstopconsideringHamasasanenemy"The following is a condensed and translated version of an exclusive interview Brigadier General Nitzan Alon gave to IDF Website.

After two years on the job, Brigadier General Nitzan Alon recently finished his time as commander of the IDF's Judea and Samaria Division.

"We knew both stinging failures and proper successes," Brig. Gen. Alon said at the change of command ceremony.

Before having one of the IDF's most challenging command posts placed in his hands, Brig. Gen. Alon served in a long list of significant roles. And leading the Judea and Samaria division was a non-stop endeavor for him. So it's not surprising that one of the first things he did after leaving the post was to take a family vacation to Eilat.

But the important questions that faced Brig. Gen. Alon in recent years still weigh on his mind.

'Reality is not static, it changes all the time," he said in an exclusive interview with IDF Website. 'It certainly does not depend on the identity of a division commander."

Brig. Gen. Alon cautiously weighs his words and analyzes all aspects of each detail, befitting one who possesses a double degree in physics and material engineering.

The strategic reality of the region is changing, he said.

"You cannot judge the situation one-dimensionally and the challenge is to conduct operations relevant to the changing reality," he continued. "Mainly, I wanted to look ahead. The basic mission in Judea and Samaria has the passive connotation of preserving the reality, preventing terrorist attacks and of maintaining the status quo. The challenge is to truly find ways to initiate and be proactive."

And recent months in Judea and Samaria saw much action. The threat of unilateral Palestinian steps at the UN along with the violent Nakba and Naksa Day riots got the attention of IDF commanders. Millions of shekels were invested in crowd control training, riot dispersal means and the strengthening of engineering and logistical infrastructure. In the end, "September" amounted to a number of violent disturbances as well as demonstrations and rallies in Palestinian cities.

"First of all, the current slogan is that 'this is not a date, but rather a process' and overall our estimate of 'September' materialized quite accurately," Brig. Gen. Alon said, stating that he thinks the IDF prepared appropriately.

"This threat is relevant and certainly needs to be part of the basic training of the division," he said. "I don’t regret any shekel spent or exercise conducted. This investment is relevant."

At the same time, it has become apparent that the "Arab Spring", which some alternatively call the "Radical Islamic Winter", resonates even among Palestinians in Judea and Samaria.

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November 2011

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"This adds to the uncertainty - there is here potentially explosive material," Brig. Gen. Alon said. "It could be an uprising against us, or one against the Palestinian Authority."

Brig. Gen. Alon takes seriously the possibility of a scenario in which the Palestinian Authority no longer sees Hamas as a common enemy. "But, if I look at my time over the past two years," he said, "and even a year before, the PA has been a stabilizing force that truly views Hamas as its main enemy. It's not just words, but mainly deeds. PA security forces thwart attacks, operate to suppress Hamas, and they're not doing it for our good looks or a love of Israel. They do it because they perceive it as part of their ability to govern and their ability to survive physically. The trauma of the events of Hamas' rise to power in Gaza is seared in their minds."

There is, however, another side. "Within its people, the PA needs public support," Brig. Gen. Alon noted, saying this is why the PA pursues unilateral measures against Israel and a reconciliation agreement with Hamas.

"There certainly could be a situation in which the PA does not see Hamas as its chief enemy, but the PA will always fear the rise of Hamas," he said.

Despite the relative security calm in Judea and Samaria, there have been some unusual events in the past year, including the raising of Hamas flags, the detonation of an explosive device next to an IDF force and a night during which IDF soldiers conducted dozens of arrests.

"I think the daily reality sometimes doesn’t make headlines because there aren’t attacks, but the main business is the continuation of the fight against terrorism," Brig. Gen. Alon said. He added that the IDF's anti-terror mechanisms work "all the time and continuously."

Brig. Gen. Alon said that terrorist attacks are thwarted constantly, sometimes at the last minute.

He said that the IDF has been operating intensively against Hamas terrorist infrastructure in the city of Hebron, noting that hundreds of Hamas members have been detained in that area.

Brig. Gen. Alon also said that there has been a revival of the Islamic Jihad group in northern Samaria and that there has been an increase in Hamas and PFLP activity in the Binyamin-Ramallah area.

"We do not discriminate and we fight any person or group that engages in terrorism," he said.

November 2011

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IAF:GreenprojectsandenvironmentalawarenessFor the first time on November 16 a system using photovoltaic solar cells to produce 'green' energy is implemented at an operational IAF base, the Air Defense Training School.

The photovoltaic project bares great importance in the IAF, implementing systems in several IAF bases and presenting the cells at the IAF museum. The Air Defense Training School is pleased to turn its base to nature friendly and start using sunlight to create energy while preserving the environment, saving hundreds of thousands of NIS and improving electricity systems.

"Implementing the system doesn't only save money, but also expresses values we believe in," said Commander of the Air Defense Training School, Col. Yoni Seida-Marom. "Using the system, we are creating a better environment for the commanders, without the noise and pollution of electrical generators. We're teaching our soldiers a green state of mind and high environmental awareness they will follow for the rest of their lives," added Col. Seida-Marom.

The photovoltaic plates are produced by the Enlight Company, "the cooperation with the IAF will continue and will build additional devices in other IAF bases," said the Enlight advertising vice-president, Yoel Tzafriri. "In December the system will be implemented at the Hatzor Airbase, then at Ein Shemer, Palmachim and the other bases."

Implementing the photovoltaic panels is part of the "Blue Builds Green" project the IAF took on to preserve the environment. "In the IAF we teach our soldiers to defend the environment," said Col. Michael Zisman.

The IAF is planning additional green projects to use solar energy and protect the environment. "There are additional plans including a therma-solar device at the Nevatim Airbase," said the "Blue Builds Green" project officer, Maj. Eitan Basson. "The IAF does not pollute."

November 2011

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AgriculturaleducationprogramheldaheadofGazaexportseasonWith the agricultural export season due to start at the end of November, and after the finalization of the trade process from Gaza to various European markets, a continuing education program for Palestinian farmers was held on Wednesday (November 9) by the Coordination and Liaison Administration for Gaza.

As part of the conference, a detailed explanation of the export process was given. This process begins from the moment the product is picked and packed in Gaza, after which it is sent out of Gaza via the Kerem Shalom land crossing and sold in the European market, all while maintaining the freshness and high quality of the products. Furthermore, representatives of the Coordinator of the Government Activates in the Territories (COGAT) have announced that starting next month, an initial pilot program of furniture export from Gaza to Europe will commence.

The conference was part of the ongoing daily cooperation between the Coordination and Liaison Administration for Gaza and the Palestinians in the agricultural sector. The conference was attended by representatives of both the Agricultural Ministry of Israel and Gaza, observers on behalf of the Quartet, representatives of Israeli exporters, representative of the European States in the PA and a representative of the Kerem Shalom land crossing. All the attendees mentioned the great importance of the cooperation in this field and expressed their hope it would expand to other fields as well.

Mr. Tim Williams, the Quartet Advisor said: “It is important that we will see exports from Gaza and not just from the network of the Dutch project. We know that the Quartet is working and supporting the advancement of this field and that Israel already okayed the export of furniture and textiles, and I expect that from now on we will begin to see exports of furniture already in the coming weeks as was promised.”

This conference is one of many held as part of the initiative to mutually learn, improve and advance the agricultural sector in Gaza, including a host of issues ranging from technological innovation to the control of harmful pests and diseases.

One example of the regular services done by the CLA is teaching Gazan farmers how to treat the severe infestation of the red palm weevil in the past year. This dangerous pest, though tiny in size, is extremely harmful for crops. This pest made its way to Gaza via the illegal tunnel network often used by Hamas terrorist between the Strip and Egypt. Though the existence of these illegal tunnels served as the catalyst for the infestation, the CLA assisted the farmers in Gaza whose crops had been damaged.

During the past year, Palestinians from the Gaza Strip have exported more than 399 tons of strawberries, ten million carnations, 6.5 tons of cherry tomatoes and six million tons of red, green and yellow bell peppers to European markets. In the coming year, Palestinians are expected to export 1,000 tons of strawberries, 20 million carnations and 150 tons of red, green and yellow bell peppers. The exports are carried out thanks to the cooperation between COGAT and the Palestinian agricultural coordinator who work together in order to improve the lives of Gaza's civilian residents.

November 2011

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November2011draft: Increase inmotivation toserve incombatunitsThe November 2011 draft cycle got underway on Sunday (November 20). Data shows a continuing increase in the motivation of new IDF enlistees to serve in combat units.

In the November 2011 draft cycle, 76.2 percent of all qualified enlistees requested to serve in field units, up from 74.2 percent in the November 2010 draft cycle.

There is also a two percent increase in the demand to serve in infantry brigades.

New enlistees entering the IDF will serve in combat, combat support and administrative units.

"The high level of motivation of youth to serve in combat roles, which is evident in this draft cycle, is a source of pride and encouragement," said Maj. Gen. Orna Barbivai, head of the IDF's Human Resources Directorate.

November 2011

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AmericanIDFlonesoldierscelebrateThanksgivinginJerusalemFor lone IDF soldiers, holidays can be tough. Far away from their families, it's common for lone soldiers to long for home during these times.

On November 24rd, however, 30 American IDF lone soldiers did their best to create a proper Thanksgiving atmosphere in Israel. The lone soldiers gathered at the American Jewish Committee building in Jerusalem for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, highlighted by two plump and delicious turkeys.

All parts of the IDF were represented at the dinner, from elite combat fighters to everyday jobniks.

"These are young people who left behind college educations, careers that they were starting, they made a choice to come to Israel, make aliyah, and to put themselves on the line defending their new country," said Edward Rettig, the director of the American Jewish Committee in Israel. "We very much honor that decision they made."

"These are people whose parents and friends are 8,000 kilometers away, so especially on a holiday like Thanksgiving we want to be there for them, give them a really good meal and provide them with a little taste of America," Rettig continued.

This marked the 10th straight year that the AJC has hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for American lone soldiers.

In recent years, an empty chair had been placed at the Thanksgiving dinner table for captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. With Shalit's homecoming last month, no such chair was needed this year, Rettig noted happily.

After the meal, with their stomachs packed with turkey and their minds full of holiday cheer, the soldiers dispersed into the cool Jerusalem night to return to their bases and continue defending their people's homeland.

November 2011

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GeneralStaffForumholdsconferenceinmemoryofYitzhakRabinOn Monday (November 7), the General Staff Forum held a special conference to mark the memorial day for the late Yitzhak Rabin, the former prime minister, defense minister and chief of staff who was assassinated 16 years ago.

The conference was held at the Rabin Center in Tel Aviv.

The event began with a memorial service for Rabin. Participants included Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz, Yitzhak Rabin's daughter Dalia, members of the General Staff Forum and the chairman of the Rabin Center.

After the ceremony, the members of the General Staff Forum heard a lecture from Brig. Gen. (res.) Mordechai Bar On on the matter of "decisions that shape the establishment of the nation". The members of the General Staff Forum also held a long discussion on "Our Challenges", during which they discussed the challenges of the status quo and the socio-economic challenges at the center of discourse in today's Israeli society.

Lt. Gen. Gantz said that Rabin had told Israeli youth not to accept existing conventions and called for changes when necessary. He said that, as prime minister, Rabin acted to change national priorities and dealt with complex challenges.

Lt. Gen. Gantz quoted Rabin as saying that there are risks of consequences when cutting the defense budget.

Lt. Gen. Gantz continued: "In this spirit, the IDF must continue to strengthen and prepare for any threat, as a determined defensive force, deterring and decisive, and be an example of contribution to state security and the strength of society. Only this way, can we meet security and social challenges, as a people fortified as a strong wall, as a powerful armed nation."

November 2011

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IDFparticipatesintraumacarecourseforforeigndoctorsA delegation of around 30 doctors, nurses and paramedics from developing countries participated in an activity day this month arranged by the IDF's military medical school, as part of Rambam Hospital's international course on organizing and managing a trauma system.

Within the framework of the seminar, delegation members experienced advanced simulations that were opened for the first time for foreign entities and trained in providing medical care in field conditions.

This marked the eighth time that the course was conducted by the hospital, and the first that included the simulations that were conducted in cooperation with the military medical school at Bahad 10.

"The point of the course is to teach foreign medical officials how to organize a trauma care system and how to plan for a mass casualty event," said Dr. Moshe Michaelson, the course medical director. "The visit to Bahad 10 was meant to allow delegation members, some of whom are military doctors, to train in providing urgent medical care, using advanced equipment in the trauma department, and to learn from Israel's comprehensive experience in operating in these types of events."

During the day, the delegation toured the base and participated in an exercise simulating providing medical care under fire. The delegation learned about emergency situations and various medical issues and trained with sophisticated mannequins that simulated human beings.

"These are very advanced technologies," said Sgt. Lee Marom, a trauma counselor who participated in the simulation. Sgt. Marom said that new mannequins talk, cough and sweat, in addition to simulating blood flow, tongue edemas and locking jaws.

Delegation members trained in teams to open airways in field conditions and in emergency situations in operating rooms.

"This is training usually used by doctors in elite units," said Corporal Omri Avidan, one of the instructors. "These are the exact same scenarios, only this time we are doing them in English."

Instructors said that a pleasant atmosphere existed with the foreign doctors, who asked many professional and personal questions, leading to fruitful cooperation.

"The course expanded our comprehension of emergency medical care," said Dr. Andreas Markides from Chile. "I hope we can bring the knowledge we acquired to the citizens of our countries."

"Ultimately, our goal is that the course will produce people with the ability to build similar courses in their own countries, to train real trauma systems in various contries," said Dr. Eran Tal-Or, head of Poria Hospital's emergency medical care department. "A doctor who we trained has already opened a course in Costa Rica and we hope that more courses will be opened."

November 2011

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27yearsago:IDFhelpsthousandsEthiopianJewsimmigratetoIsrael27 years ago, in a furtive and daring operation the Mossad (Israeli Intelligence Agency) aided approximately 8,000 Ethiopian Jews immigrate to Israel and to safety. 'Operation Moses' lasted from November 12th, 1984 to January 5th, 1985 and required flawless cooperation between the IDF, the CIA, the US embassy and more.

Nowadays, the majority of Israeli Ethiopians consider their service in the IDF crucial and valuable to their development as Israelis and as people in general.

Ethiopian teens are known for their motivation to serve in combat units and contribute as much as possible.

The first Ethiopian battalion commander in the IDF, Lt. Col. Tzion Shankor of the Kfir Brigade, immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia in the 1980's.

"At first I was confronted with drastic differences in language and culture, but eventually I overcame the challenge of learning with everything," said Lt. Col. Shankor. He explained that he always hoped to serve in the Paratroopers Brigade, and in spite of his several medical conditions was able to make his dream a reality.

"After completing a year and two months of training, I understood that beyond being a combat soldier I also want to be a commander and completed commanders' course with honors," Lt. Col. Shankor continued. "I then went to officer's school and became a commander at the IDF Officers' Academy, later on taking on a commanding position in the Kfir Brigade."

Lt. Col. Shankor explained how important it was to him to contribute and prove his capability as an Ethiopian. He always tells his soldiers, "aim as high as possible and believe in yourselves. From a kid who didn't finish high-school, I am now an officer with a Bachelor's Degree. If I can, anybody can."

Similarly to Lt. Col. Shankor, Emanuel Pasana, an officer in the Nahal Brigade, immigrated to Israel at the age of 10 along with his parents and twelve brothers and sisters. Pasana knew he wanted to spend three years contributing to his country and society as much as possible.

After contributing yet another year of his life and working with special needs children, Pasana joined the Nahal Brigade's 50th Battalion. He was quickly distinguished as an excellent soldier and was sent to commander's course and later on officers' school. He said that his friends and family are proud of him and his achievements in the IDF.

Since 2010 there have been more than 110,000 Israeli-Ethiopians residents in Israel, thousands of them joining the army every year. Many Israeli Ethiopians serve in combat positions in every division of the IDF, and many of them are selected to become officers and return to their units as commanders.

November 2011