Below is your weekly edition of E-News recapping key developments affecting Israel’s security.
Israel Says it Foiled Large Attack on Gaza Border
Israel’s army said it killed four heavily armed militants from Gaza attempting to cross into the country early Saturday, accusing the Palestinian territory’s ruler Hamas of allowing what it called a potential mass-casualty attack. The militants were armed with AK-47 assault rifles, RPG grenade launchers, hand grenades and wire cutters. The quality of their arms pointed to a planned attack and the militants were carrying energy bars and dates in case they needed to hide out. “A large terror attack was thwarted,” Israeli army spokesman Brig. Gen. Ronen Manelis said. It wasn’t clear whether Israeli civilians or soldiers were the target of attack. The militants threw one grenade at Israeli soldiers but didn’t injure anyone.
The contract to purchase two Iron Dome systems for the U.S. Army’s interim cruise missile defense capability has been finalized. Iron Dome was co-developed by American company Raytheon and Israeli defense firm Rafael. With bipartisan support from Congress, Israel developed this life-saving technology to protect its citizens from rockets fired by Iranian-backed terror groups. Now, it will help protect American troops. Iron Dome could feed into an enduring capability, Daryl Youngman said.
Iran General: Hezbollah Strong Enough to Annihilate Israel on its Own
The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said Wednesday that Hezbollah—the Lebanon-based terror group—had sharpened its military capabilities fighting in Syria and was now strong enough to “wipe the Zionist regime off the map” on its own. These comments came in response to efforts by the United States to set up a U.S.-led naval security mission around the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s recent seizures of vessels has raised tensions in the region, and with the West.
U.S. Arranges Talks Between Israel and U.A.E Over Iran
Israel and the United Arab Emirates held secret meetings arranged by the U.S. in recent months to share information and coordinate efforts to counter the increasing threat posed by Iran. The meetings were convened by Brian Hook, the State Department’s top official for Iran. The discussions among U.S., Israeli and Emirati officials are intended to increase diplomatic, military and intelligence cooperation in dealing with Iran.
Israel’s MDA Helps Build First-Responder System in Chile
Senior officials of Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency and blood-services network, are helping the Providencia municipality in the Chilean capital city of Santiago to train municipal security personnel as first responders in medical emergencies. MDA has a long-standing partnership with the regional emergency medical service, SAMU R.M. This latest pilot project is part of a series of activities initiated by the Israeli embassy in Santiago to support emergency medical services in the Chilean capital following a tragedy at the embassy three years ago.
