Tag: ISRAEL

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Israel raids West Bank camp

The Israeli military said that the raid was to arrest two suspects but Israeli soldiers came under fire which resulted in a ‘massive exchange of fire’….reports Asian Lite News

The Israeli forces raided the Jenin refugee camp on Monday morning and killed four Palestinians and injured at least 45 people, media reported.

Following the raid, the Israeli soldiers stormed the camp, and fired live ammunition, stun grenades and toxic gas, Al Jazeera reported citing Wafa News Agency. The Israeli military said that the raid was to arrest two suspects but Israeli soldiers came under fire which resulted in a ‘massive exchange of fire’. Adding to that, one of the suspects they were looking for was ‘the son of an imprisoned Hamas leader’, Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan said from West Jerusalam.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health has identified the victims of the Israeli raid. One of the Palestinians killed is 15-year-old Ahmed Saqr. The other victims are Qais Jabarin, 21, Khaled Azzam, 21, and Qassam Abu Sariya, 29.

As the Israeli military vehicles exited the camp, the army’s statement said, “a military vehicle was hit by an explosive device, damaging the vehicle”, after which military helicopters shot towards the gunmen to help the forces exit.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly called for ‘a large-scale operation across the occupied West Bank’. “The time had come”, he added as per Al Jazeera.

Palestinian killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers in northern West Bank

UAE condemns

The UAE strongly condemned Israeli attacks on the Palestinian city of Jenin and its camp through air strikes and shootings, which resulted in deaths and injuries.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) called on Israeli authorities to reduce escalation, and avoid steps that exacerbate tension and violence in the Palestinian territories.

The Ministry stressed the need to support all regional and international efforts to stop the escalation of tension and advance the revival of the Middle East Peace Process, end illegal practices that threaten the two-state solution, and establish an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the Israeli government’s decision to expedite construction and expansion of settlements by granting a “hardline minister control over settlement planning”.

Describing the settlement expansion and displacement of residents as a blatant violation and a grave breach of the international law, Sinan Majali, the ministry spokesman, called for immediate action by the international community to halt Israeli unilateral measures, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a ministry statement.

The Israeli practices also undermine the foundations of peace and the prospects for a two-state solution, Majali said.

Israel has fast-tracked the government procedure needed for building new settlement homes in the occupied West Bank.

The resolution by Israel’s nationalist-religious coalition government revised the approval process that has remained unchanged for the past 25 years, Xinhua news agency quoted the state-run Kan TV channel as saying.

Previously, new construction in the settlements required a series of separate approvals from the Prime Minister, Defence Minister and the Supreme Planning Council of the Civil Administration, a process that could take years.

Under the new resolution, Bezalel Smotrich, who serves as Finance Minister and a minister in the Defence Ministry who oversees settlers’ affairs, will be responsible for granting the initial approval for new construction.

Most of the other steps will be waived, except for getting approval from the planning council, according to the new procedure.

Also on Sunday, Smotrich announced that the government was set to approve the construction of 4,560 housing units throughout the West Bank.

“We will continue to develop the settlement and strengthen the Israeli hold on the territory,” Smotrich wrote on Twitter.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry denounced the move, describing it as “another step” towards an Israeli annexation of the West Bank.

The settlements are located in the West Bank, a territory seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war.

Most of the international community considers them a violation of international law and a hurdle to peace with the Palestinians.

ALSO READ: IMF warns against Israel’s judicial reform

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IMF warns against Israel’s judicial reform

Photo taken on April 19, 2022 shows the IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua/IANS)

IMF report noted that the investment could be affected by the relocation of hi-tech firms which conduct cross-border activities…reports Asian Lite News

A report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cautioned that the uncertainty caused by the Israeli government-proposed judicial reform could prompt Israeli hi-tech companies to relocate abroad.

The report issued on Thursday said that if a large enough number of hi-tech firms relocate, Israel’s strong economic growth potential could be jeopardized, as the capital stock and labor market productivity could be permanently damaged.

It added that without a durable and politically sustainable solution, the high levels of uncertainty could significantly increase the price of risk in the economy. Consequently, financial conditions would be tightened and consumption and investment ultimately slowed, Xinhua news agency reported.

It also noted that the investment could be affected by the relocation of hi-tech firms which conduct cross-border activities, rely on international financing, and employ skilled and internationally mobile workers.

The report expected Israel’s economic growth to slow to about 2.5 per cent this year as households purchasing power moderates and firms rein in investment.

ALSO READ: Palestine slams Israeli plan to divide worshipping zone in Jerusalem

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Palestine slams Israeli plan to divide worshipping zone in Jerusalem

Ishtaye warned against the plan, saying it would “cause overwhelming anger with unpredictable results…reports Asian Lite News

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye has rejected an Israeli plan to divide the Muslim worshipping zone in East Jerusalem between Jews and Muslims.

Ishtaye made the remarks on Monday during the weekly meeting of the Palestinian Authority cabinet held in the West Bank city of Ramallah, according to a statement from his office.

Israel Radio reported that Israeli parliament member Amit Halevy from the Likud Party proposed dividing the worshipping zone between Jews and Muslims at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which is known by the Jews as the Temple Mount.

The report added that Halevi’s plan would give Muslims control of the southern end of the compound, which contains the Al-Aqsa Mosque, while Jews would receive the central and northern areas, Xinhua news agency reported.

Ishtaye warned against the plan, saying it would “cause overwhelming anger with unpredictable results because of the sanctity and religious value Al-Aqsa Mosque constitutes for the Palestinian people and Arabs and Muslims”.

He called for an Arab, Islamic and international action “that goes beyond denunciation and condemnation to imposing sanctions that would prevent any change in Al-Aqsa Mosque and stop any violation in Jerusalem”.

The Palestinians want the eastern part of Jerusalem, which was occupied by Israel in 1967, to be the capital of their independent state, while Israelis insist that the entire city is their capital.

Ishtaye also called for real international pressure “to stop Israel’s implementation of the settlement plan known as E1, which aims to undermine the chances of establishing a contiguous Palestinian state”.

“According to this plan, a new settlement will be built linking the Jerusalem settlements with the Ma’ale Adumim settlement, which means dividing the West Bank into two separate areas,” the Palestinian Prime Minister said.

Israeli settlement in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is one of the thorny issues between the two sides, which led to the halting of their direct peace negotiations.

Israeli security members deal with wrecks of a rocket launched from Lebanon into Israel near northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona on Aug. 4, 2021. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua/IANS)

Israel-Lebanon clash

Israeli forces clashed with Lebanese demonstrators along the Lebanese southern border, media reported.

The demonstrators were protesting against the Israeli military’s construction of a barrier on the outskirts of the Lebanese town of Kfar Shuba near the Lebanese-Israeli border, the Lebanese state-run National News Agency said on Sunday.

Claiming the barrier is being built on Lebanese territory, the protesters threw stones at Israeli forces, who responded by firing tear gas grenades, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that Lebanese civilians rushed the border and tried to dismantle the barrier while throwing stones at the troops, which responded with “crowd dispersal means”.

“The IDF will not allow any attempt to violate the sovereignty of the State of Israel,” the military said.

So far, there are no reports of injuries from either side.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Lebanon and Israel. On Friday, the IDF also fired tear gas at protesters in Kafr Shuba who had attempted to tear down the barrier along the border.

In April, Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia militant group, exchanged fire after Israeli forces raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.

ALSO READ: Sudan, Syria, Palestine top Arab League talks in Jeddah

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Israel targets military sites in Syria

Syrian air defence responds new Israeli missile strike in Damascus

The strike was made from over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which triggered the Syrian air defences…reports Asian Lite News

Israeli warplanes launched an overnight attack on military sites in Damascus, causing damages, the Syrian military said in a statement on Monday.

The strike was made from over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which triggered the Syrian air defences, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

It added that some of the missiles had been intercepted.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said Israel launched two waves of missile attacks on military sites in the vicinity of Damascus.

The Britain-based watchdog group said the attack targeted an air defence base, and military sites in the Hameh area in the countryside of Damascus as well as the vicinity of the Damascus International Airport.

With the latest attack, Israel has attacked Syria 17 times since the beginning of 2023, killing 48 military personnel and wounding 28 others.

For years, Israel has carried out attacks against what it has described as targets for Iran-backed Shia fighters in Syria, hitting airports and military bases that are alleged to house weapon shipments.

ALSO READ: Israel-Saudi direct flights likely next month

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Israel-Saudi direct flights likely next month

Israel’s top diplomat said this weekend that normalisation with Saudi Arabia could happen within six months….reports Asian Lite News

Israel is working with Saudi Arabia to allow direct flights for its Muslim citizens who will undertake the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca next month, the Foreign Ministry in Tel Aviv said Monday.

A ministry spokesman told the Tazpit Press Service that Israel was working to reach an agreement over the flights. Saudi approval for them would be another step forward in normalization between the nations. Israel has issued a formal request for the flights and is awaiting the Saudi response, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said earlier this month.

Israel’s top diplomat said this weekend that normalisation with Saudi Arabia could happen within six months.

Currently, Israelis who undertake the annual pilgrimage have to travel through third countries such as Jordan, incurring increased expenses on both the outbound and return journeys. About 18 per cent of Israeli citizens are Muslim. Around 6,000 Israelis make the Hajj each year.

Biden administration officials predicted last year that such flights would be arranged.

Saudi Arabia has allowed Israeli commercial planes to overfly its territory since the summer of 2022.

Israeli officials have noted that the confirmation could come next month at the eleventh hour, just before the pilgrimage begins.

The Hajj, which is set to take place this year between June 26 and July 1, is a once-in-a-lifetime obligatory pilgrimage for all Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking it.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly voiced the hope of reaching a peace accord with Saudi Arabia, saying it would be a “quantum leap” for regional peace that would effectively end the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Israel wants young immigrants

According to a plan written in collaboration with the Jerusalem Municipality and with the assistance of the Jewish Agency, the State of Israel will act with the aim of encouraging young immigrants aged 18-35, single and married, to settle in Jerusalem, establish their home there, strengthen the city and be a significant component in the development of the city both in terms of the number of residents and in all areas of life.

According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, since 2018 over 18,000 new immigrants immigrated to Israel and settled first in Jerusalem, about half of them young people aged 18-35. However, alongside the large percentage of young people who come to the city, about 30% of them have left Jerusalem in the last 5 years. The profile of the young immigrants who arrive in the city constitute a substantial human and economic resource for the city, and as part of the commitment of the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption and the Minister Sofer to strengthen the status of Jerusalem, the program was formulated with the aim of promoting the optimal integration of the immigrants in the city in all areas of life, strengthening their sense of belonging to the place and finding their home in it, and thereby contributing to strengthen the city.

The program will operate on several levels, including encouraging immigration to Jerusalem, which includes holding unique annual fairs abroad to encourage immigrants to settle in Jerusalem, the establishment of young immigrant centers in Jerusalem in cooperation with the Jewish Agency that will work to absorb the immigrants. (ANI/TPS)

ALSO READ: UAE condemns Al-Aqsa storming by Israeli Minister

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Sherman reaffirms ‘ironclad support’ for Israel

Sherman emphasized the importance of Israel and the Palestinian Authority taking additional steps to stabilize the situation in the West Bank…reports Asian Lite News

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman met with Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Ronen Levi in Washington, D.C. Sherman reaffirmed the United States’ “ironclad support” for Israel’s security and commitment to continued cooperation.

The Deputy Secretary and the Director General discussed a range of global issues, including opportunities to advance regional integration through the Negev Forum, recent developments in Sudan, and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

She emphasized the importance of Israel and the Palestinian Authority taking additional steps to stabilize the situation in the West Bank.

The Deputy Secretary further stressed that the United States will remain engaged with Israel, the Palestinians, and regional partners to promote calm in the months ahead, building upon the recent ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. (ANI/TPS)

ALSO READ: Israeli mission celebrates National Day in Dubai

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Israeli mission celebrates National Day in Dubai

LR Mr. Ohad Horsandi-Deputy Chief of Mission at Israel Embassy Abu Dhabi- Mr. and H.E Liron Zaslansky-Consul General of Israel in Dubai

One of the highlights of the evening was the performance by renowned Israeli musician Rami Kleinstein….reports Asian Lite News

The Consulate General of Israel in Dubai celebrated the 75th Israeli National Day reception at the luxurious Madinat Jumeirah resort. This landmark event marked the first time an Israeli National Day reception has been held in Dubai since the signing of the Abraham Accords, a historic agreement that normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

The event was attended by a distinguished list of guests, including H.E Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti Al Maktoum, high-level local authorities, foreign mission representatives, business leaders, and investors. The gathering provided an opportunity for the Israeli and Emirati communities to come together and celebrate the shared values of peace, cooperation, and prosperity.

The Consul General of Israel in Dubai, H.E. Liron Zaslansky, delivered a stirring address highlighting the historic significance of the occasion, and the promising future of the growing relationship between Israel and Dubai. She stated:

H.E Liron Zaslansky, Consul General of Israel to Dubai

“This is a historic moment for Israel and the UAE. The first Israeli National Day reception in Dubai since the signing of the Abraham Accords is a testament to the strong and growing relationship between our two countries. Today, we celebrate the shared values of peace, cooperation, and prosperity, and look forward to a bright future of increased collaboration and mutual respect.”

The event also featured traditional Israeli food, and music. One of the highlights of the evening was the performance by renowned Israeli musician Rami Kleinstein. When asked about his experience performing at the event, Rami Kleinstein stated:

LR H.E Liron Zaslansky-Consul General of Israel to Dubai-H.E Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum-Director of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperations Dubai Office-Mr

“Excited to be part of this historic event – the first of its kind in Dubai, and to perform in front of people who are part of the history of the Jewish people. It’s a great honor to take part in Israel’s 75th Independence Day, Something which marks an Important milestone in Israel’s diplomatic activity, especially during these challenging times for the country.”

The 75th Israeli National Day reception at Madinat Jumeirah was a landmark event that reflected the spirit of innovation and creativity of Israel. The event was a remarkable success, and it was enjoyed by all in attendance. The evening was filled with merriment, reflecting the joyous spirit of the occasion.

ALSO READ: Arab League condemns Israeli strikes

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Arab League condemns Israeli strikes

The Arab League accused the Israeli government of resorting to a policy that would “eliminate any opportunity to achieve peace and ignite chaos and violence in the region.”…reports Asian Lite News

The Arab League (AL) on Tuesday condemned Israel for committing a “heinous crime” as its airstrikes killed at least 15 in Gaza.

“The dangerous escalation comes within the open war waged by the Israeli right-wing government against the Palestinian people, their properties and sanctities,” MENA quoted Saeed Abu Ali, AL assistant secretary-general for Palestine and occupied Arab territories affairs, as saying.

The AL official accused the Israeli government of resorting to a policy that would “eliminate any opportunity to achieve peace and ignite chaos and violence in the region,” vowing to hold it fully responsible for an escalation of violence.

Earlier Tuesday, Israeli fighter jets and unmanned drones carried out simultaneous and surprise attacks at buildings housing senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) military leaders in Gaza.

The Gaza-based health ministry said 15 Palestinians were killed and more than 20 were injured in the airstrikes, including ten civilian women and children.

The ministry said in a press statement that among those killed included four children and five women, while seven of the 22 injured were in serious condition.

The PIJ confirmed in a statement that three of its commanders, namely Jihad Ghannam, Khalil Al-Bahtini and Tareq Izzeldeen, were killed in the strikes. The faction vowed a response.

In a fresh airstrike in the afternoon, the Israeli military said they killed two PIJ militants preparing a rocket attack against Israel.

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Israel braces for retaliation

Israel was on high alert on Tuesday as it prepared for retaliatory rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip after a series of Israeli airstrikes killed militants and civilians in the coastal Palestinian enclave.

Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news reported that over 2,000 Israelis have been evacuated from communities near the enclave, as a precaution against possible rocket attacks launched by Gazan militants at nightfall.

Residents in southern Israel were being relocated to hotels in central regions of the country. In the city of Sderot, preparations have been made by the municipality to temporarily relocate approximately 4,500 elderly or sick residents.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told local council heads near Gaza that they “must be prepared for every scenario.” He added that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and security forces “are prepared to defend every front,” according to a statement released on his behalf.

Arab nations condemn Israel

Jordan condemned Israel’s escalation of tension in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a statement, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Sinan Al-Majali underlined the need for the international community to act immediately and effectively to stop the Israeli attacks and protect the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and all other occupied Palestinian territories.

Al-Majali said that Israeli raids on the holy sites in Jerusalem and occupied Palestinian cities could lead to further violence that will affect all.

Jordan will continues its communication with relevant parties to immediately stop this dangerous escalation, so as to restore calm and prevent violence, he added.

The UAE condemned the Israeli operation that targeted areas in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the death and injury of numerous people.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) called on Israeli authorities to halt escalation and avoid exacerbating tension and instability in the region.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman on Tuesday strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes.

In a statement posted on the ministry’s website, Nasser Kanaani highlighted the necessity of an “immediate, effective, deterrent and coordinated” action by Muslim states to stop Israel’s “crimes,” after the Israeli attacks on Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants in the Gaza Strip that killed at least 13 people, including women, children and three senior PIJ military leaders, and injured at least 20 others.

Kanaani said the Israeli offensive was aimed at diverting the public opinion away from Israel’s “very shaky and critical” domestic situation.

The spokesman added that the silence and inaction of Western countries and relevant international organizations in the face of Israel’s recent escalation of tensions with the Palestinian people had greatly emboldened Israelis to continue their “crimes.”

ALSO READ: UAE sends 3 aid planes to assist Sudanese people

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‘India, Israel to boost ties in innovation, start-ups’

The Minister said he is optimistic that this agreement will open a new phase in the India-Israel partnership in areas like Innovation, Technology and startups…reports Asian Lite News

India and Israel will enhance their partnership in areas like innovation and startups and usher in a new phase of deeper bilateral collaboration, said Union Minister of State, Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday.

The union minister made the above remarks when a high-level Israel delegation led by Dr Daniel Gold, Head of DDR&D, Israeli Ministry of Defence, called on him here, according to Ministry of Science and Technology.

On the occasion, India and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial Research and Development Cooperation with focus on several key technology areas, like Aerospace, Electronics Instrumentation, Civil, Infrastructure and Engineering, Ecology, Environment, Earth and Ocean Sciences and Water, Mining, Minerals, Metals & Materials, Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Energy (Conventional & Non-Conventional) and Energy Devices, Agri, Nutrition & Biotech and Healthcare, as per an official release of Ministry of Science and Technology.

The Multi-Sectoral Agreement was signed between CSIR and the Directorate of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D), Ministry of Defence of the State of Israel, in the August Presence of Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh at the CSIR-Science Centre, New Delhi.

Welcoming the signing of the agreement, Dr Jitendra Singh said that 2023 is a very important year for the country as India is holding the G20 presidency under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is also the year when India and Israel are celebrating 30 years of successful diplomatic relations.

The Minister said he is optimistic that this agreement will open a new phase in the India-Israel partnership in areas like Innovation, Technology and startups.

The Minister said that India-Israel is not only a bilateral partner, but plays a more prominent role to address some of the greatest challenges confronting our world, through joint investments and new initiatives in Water, Energy, Transportation, space, health and food security sectors, through the grouping of India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America – “I2U2” Group, an official release from Ministry of Science and Technology read.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been promoting S&T developments and handholding start-up innovations in our country by providing necessary policy and budgetary support enabling action at the ground level. Science and Technology have always been an integral part of Indian culture. Indian Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy, he said.

The Minister said that space, health, food, agriculture, energy, aerospace, smart cities, environment, infrastructure, materials and sustainable growth are key pillars and focused areas of our present government.

Brig Gen (Ret) Dr Daniel Gold, Head of DDR&D, Israeli Ministry of Defence said that it is heartening to see that, in 2022-23, India and Israel celebrated 30 years of successful diplomatic relations. India and Israel are very good friends and have lots of potentials to collaborate in high technology areas, he said.

The Minister was happy to note that India and Israel have bilateral consultation mechanisms in all cooperation fields, including water, agriculture, counter-terrorism, and defence. He said that Defence has particularly been the cooperation priority with Israel and in November 2021, Defence R&D Organization (DRDO) and DDR&D inked a Bilateral Innovation Agreement (BIA) to promote innovation and accelerated R&D in startups and MSMEs of both countries for the development of dual-use technologies, as per the official release.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that it is essential to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly for technology development and implementation. CSIR with its strong focus on Industrial research and development, could work with its Israeli peers for improving each other’s domestic industrial sector and also taking their joint developments to other countries.

The Minister expressed happiness in knowing that the joint activities have already begun in Healthcare, and a way ahead has been made for other important areas like aerospace, quantum technologies, lasers, green hydrogen, instrumentation and water.

Dr Jitendra Singh concluded by congratulating DG, CSIR and Head DDR&D for their efforts to strengthen the relationship, as per the official release. (ANI)

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Centcom chief visits Israel’s Naval Commandos

Halevi and Kurilla discussed the continued expansion of the cooperation and sharing of operational capabilities between the two militaries…reports Asian Lite News

General Michael E Kurilla, Commander of the US Military’s Central Command – CENTCOM – visited the Israeli Navy’s naval commando unit, Flotilla 13, as a guest of IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi. CENTCOM is responsible for the Middle East.

Halevi and Kurilla discussed the continued expansion of the cooperation and sharing of operational capabilities between the two militaries. Chief of Staff Halevi, “We are actively following the changes in the region, with an emphasis on the increase in Iranian hostility and terror activity. Precisely in this sensitive time period, there is great importance in the close relationship between the IDF and the US Armed Forces, we will continue the cooperation and the common commitment to the security in the Middle East.”

General Kurilla said, “As with every visit to the IDF, I was thoroughly impressed by the combat readiness I saw here. Our military-to-military relationship with Israel remains ironclad.”

“The US and the State of Israel maintain a strong military-to-military relationship as key partners committed to one another and to maintaining peace and security in the Middle East.” (ANI/TPS)

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