Arutz Sheva Daily Israel Report
http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com
------------------------------------------------
Delivered Daily via Email, Sunday thru Friday
Subscribe to this Daily Israel Report:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Subscribe/
Friday, Mar. 18 '16, Adar Bet 8, 5776
HEADLINES:
1. SHOCK: VIDEO SHOWS BREAKING THE SILENCE APPARENTLY SPYING ON IDF
2. STABBING ATTACKS THWARTED IN BINYAMIN, GUSH ETZION REGIONS
3. BREAKING THE SILENCE LASHES OUT AT NETANYAHU
4. YA'ALON ORDERS TO INVESTIGATE BREAKING THE SILENCE'S 'SPYING'
5. IDF SNUBS THE CHIEF RABBINATE
6. THROUGH THE ENEMY'S LENS: WW1 GERMAN OFFICER'S WAR PHOTOS
7. AMERICA'S EUROPEAN SHIELD
8. MOVING: TERROR VICTIMS LIVE ON IN A SOUL CONNECTION
1. SHOCK: VIDEO SHOWS BREAKING THE SILENCE APPARENTLY SPYING ON IDF
by Gil Ronen
Channel 2 news broadcast highly incriminating video evidence Thursday evening filmed with hidden cameras by nationalist group Ad Kan, which shows ultra-leftist group Breaking the Silence engaged in what appears like espionage activity against the IDF.
'Breaking the Silence has crossed another red line," Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said after the report was aired. "The investigative security forces are looking into the matter."
The videos were gathered by Ad Kan's undercover agents who infiltrated Breaking the Silence over a three-year period.
They show Breaking the Silence activists questioning ex-IDF soldiers – who are, in fact, Ad Kan agents – about details of the IDF's security operations and equipment along the border with Gaza. The questions relate to how Hamas tunnels were discovered, what special forces were deployed and when, what kind of gun is deployed atop an IDF robot vehicle and more.
None of these questions have anything to do with allegedly immoral activities by the military in Judea and Samaria, which Breaking the Silence claims to be interested in exposing. Instead, they appear to be aimed at gathering intelligence about sensitive IDF operations along the border with Hamas.
In addition, a female Breaking the Silence activist revealed to an agent that she enlisted into the IDF's Civil Administration in Judea and Samaria with the express purpose of gathering information about it, since she had been in touch with Breaking the Silence before she enlisted.
Channel 2 showed the videos to former high ranking security officials including MK Avi Dichter, a former head of the ISA (Shabak). Dichter appeared to be shocked by the materials and said that they look and sound like espionage.
According to NGO Monitor, between the years 2008 and 2014, the New Israel Fund approved $699,310 in grants to Breaking the Silence. This raises the question, are donors to the NIF unwittingly funding espionage against the IDF?
It remains to be determined whether Breaking the Silence passed on the information it gathered to enemy forces, or to European governments, from whom it also receives some of its funding. In any case, the act of obtaining and holding on to classified military information by unauthorized individuals is also a crime.
2. STABBING ATTACKS THWARTED IN BINYAMIN, GUSH ETZION REGIONS
by Uzi Baruch
An IDF force and a police special forces officer on Friday afternoon thwarted a terror attack at the entrance to the Sha'ar Binyamin industrial region in Samaria, to the north of Jerusalem.
The security forces spotted two Arab youths who got out of a car with Palestinian Authority (PA) plates at the entrance to the industrial region.
The behavior of the Arabs as they walked toward the entrance aroused the suspicions of the forces, who decided to check them.
In a body search knives were found on them and the two were arrested and brought in for investigation at the Binyamin police station.
Police and IDF forces are scouring the area for the car that dropped off the two.
Later on Friday, a female terrorist tried to stab passersby at the Gush Etzion Junction. She was neutralized by security forces and there were no injuries.
The incident comes after IDF soldier Tuvia Yanai Weissman was murdered while shopping with his wife and infant child last month at the Rami Levy supermarket in the Sha'ar Binyamin industrial region.
In the attack two 14-year-old Arab terrorists succeeded in entering the store and walking for around 20 minutes before launching their attack. Weissman, who was unarmed, tried to stop them from attacking other shoppers and was tragically murdered in the process.
3. BREAKING THE SILENCE LASHES OUT AT NETANYAHU
by Ari Yashar
The radical leftist organization Breaking the Silence responded to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's announcement Thursday night, according to which they will be investigated after having "crossed another red line."
Netanyahu's announcement was sparked by a Channel 2 investigative report, which revealed that members of the organization apparently tried to gather classified intelligence about sensitive IDF operations along the Gaza border with Hamas.
In response the radical group said in a statement that "the Prime Minister who turns the security services of Israel into a political tool - that's the true and dangerous crossing of a red line, and that needs to be investigated."
"The attempt by Prime Minister Netanyahu to close the organization and harm soldiers and warriors who oppose the occupation needs to worry all those who are concerned about the future of the state of Israel," continued the group, saying it has nothing to hide from an investigation.
A large number of MKs from all sides of the political spectrum condemned Breaking the Silence on Thursday following the investigative report, with some noting that the attempt to collect classified intelligence is tantamount to spying.
Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked (Jewish Home) echoed that criticism on Friday morning, saying, "it is clear to everyone that those who gather information of this type try to harm their state through illegal means, in a way that is reminiscent of spying."
"The claim that that is for human rights is a lie," she added.
4. YA'ALON ORDERS TO INVESTIGATE BREAKING THE SILENCE'S 'SPYING'
by Ari Yashar
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon (Likud) has ordered the Military Advocate General to launch an investigation following the investigative report published by Channel 2 on Thursday regarding the radical leftist organization Breaking the Silence.
The report by the nationalist Ad Kan group revealed how Breaking the Silence, which claims to be a "human rights organization," tried to gather classified intelligence about sensitive IDF operations along the Gaza border with Hamas.
Already on Thursday night Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced that Breaking the Silence would be investigated, warning that it had "crossed another red line."
A large number of MKs from all sides of the political spectrum condemned the group, with some noting that the attempt to collect classified intelligence is tantamount to spying. The radical organization for its part chose to lash out at Netanyahu, saying that he should be investigated for wanting to investigate them.
In parallel to the investigation launched by Ya'alon, MK Moti Yogev (Jewish Home) on Friday morning submitted a question to Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan (Likud), noting how the report revealed Breaking the Silence activists "establishing a methodical system to gather information about IDF forces on the borders of the country."
Likewise he pointed out that the activists were shown to have planted a female soldier in a particular unit so as to gather military information about the unit from her.
"I was informed that a request was made to the security services and the police regarding this matter several months ago. I want to ask: was a search/investigation conducted by the police? What happened to the classified materials in the hands of the organization? Were criminal steps taken against Breaking the Silence members?," asked Yogev.
5. IDF SNUBS THE CHIEF RABBINATE
by Arutz Sheva Staff
For the first time the IDF has refused to approve having the Chief Rabbis take part in an event, in this case a welcoming ceremony for a new Torah scroll at the IDF commando unit base next Monday.
Channel 2 reports that every invitation of the Chief Rabbis is issued by the military rabbinate to the upper command echelon of the IDF and the IDF Chief of Staff's office.
Because the military rabbinate consists of senior staff their invitations generally receive a nearly automatic approval.
The donator of the Torah scroll requested that the Chief Rabbis be present and they were invited by IDF sources who had gone as far as contacting the rabbis' offices. In the appointment calendar of at least one of the rabbis the event was already listed as an event the rabbi planned to attend.
But despite the invitation, the upper command echelon and the Chief of Staff's office made a surprising refusal of the request, in a rare and nearly unprecedented move.
The refusal showing contempt for the Chief Rabbinate follows on the heels of other moves in recent months indicating a troubling trend of trying to distance Jewish identity from the IDF.
That trend was seen in a decision to remove the Jewish Identity Branch from the military rabbinate and transfer it to the responsibility of the education corps, as well as a move to tighten the restrictions on religious soldiers growing beards.
6. THROUGH THE ENEMY'S LENS: WW1 GERMAN OFFICER'S WAR PHOTOS
by Arutz Sheva
Historical photos treasures like these are still waiting to be uncovered around the world.
A German officer photographed Be'er Sheva before its capture by Australian Light Horsemen in October 2017 (Mitchell Library, New South Wales State Library)
Presented here are photographs of World War I in Palestine that we found in the Australian New South Wales State Library. The photographs were taken by a German officer who was captured by Australian troops. Details about the officer are not available, but his camera contained pictures from Nazareth in the north to Jerusalem, Hevron, Gaza, and Be'er Sheva in the south. The officer also took several gruesome pictures of a military hanging across the Jordan River in Salt.
Be'er Sheva before its capture (1917, Library of Congress)
The German and Austrian armies were allied with the Ottoman army in their attempt to force the British army from the Middle East. German officers commanded the joint forces. On the other side, the British army included forces from Australia, New Zealand, India, Hong Kong, and Jewish soldiers from Palestine -- all under a British commander.
In the north, the German officer took the picture below of the Turkish and German soldiers' muster at their Tiberias headquarters.
Turkish and German soldiers at muster in Turkish Tiberias headquarters. (Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales)
He also took several pictures of the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee which can be viewed here.
In the Spring of 1917, the British army, traveling north from the Sinai Peninsula, attempted two frontal assaults on Turkish lines holding Gaza. The results were disastrous for the Brits, and Gaza was left in ruins. Compare the picture by the German officer before the battle and the colored one below it, taken by an Australian soldier. Both show the central mosque in Gaza.
Gaza before the British attacks, a photo from the German's camera (Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales)
Australian Light Horsemen after the capture of Gaza, note the remains of the mosque.(Hurley Collection, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales)
Turkish infantrymen holding the line in Gaza, photo by German officer (Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales)
The following pictures may be difficult for some viewers.
Photos by German officer of German soldiers "hanging spies" in Salt, east of the Jordan River (Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales)
Photos by German officer of German soldiers "hanging spies" in Salt, east of the Jordan River (Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales)
Caption: "Hangings outside Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem. Arabs, Armenians, Bedouins, Jews - official Turkish photo"
7. AMERICA'S EUROPEAN SHIELD
by Yissachar Ruas
[youtube:2013592]
The US has a known affection for what is known as "March Madness" - Britain on the other hand does not hold basketball in high regard when it comes to sports.
This March, USAFE (US Air Force – Europe) imported its own version of "March Madness." The 100th ARW based at RAF Mildenhall stood and continuously stands up to the challenge of high tempo ops. Following a very busy 2015, 2016 is looking just as demanding for UK based US Military personnel.
This month its units are participating in exercise "Cold Response," the exercise's purpose is to enhance USAFE's capabilities across Europe while strengthening military ties and interoperability among NATO Allies.
As part of this exercise USAFE'S "Triple Nickel" F-16s from the 31st Fighter Wing based out of Aviano AFB Italy are also participating, flying almost daily long range missions across Europe. These missions provide not only a valuable training exercise for crews partaking in the mission, but also for US command on the various levels to learn what complications may arise when deploying large forces across the Globe.
This is not the first time I have had the experience of the 100ARW's high tempo of ops and constant changing of mission profiles - this month's "Cold Response" exercise support only enhances it.
It is safe to assume that Lt. Col. Michael Parks, 351st Air Refueling Squadron commander (part of the 100th) has an extremely busy unit to oversee. The 100th is probably the busiest aerial refueling unit in the USAF inventory. They maintain alert status at a higher rate than most if not all other USAF Refueling Squadrons.
Missions with the 100th vary in length, but the nature of them are usually pretty straightforward – support US Airmen based in Europe, Africa, and wherever they are needed. Stand up time for the mission profile I am set to fly with the 100th is 2 a.m., not unusual for the 100th Airmen on a "regular" day.
[album:open
My crew for the mission consists of three: Instructor Pilot Capt. Aron Noble, Lt. Adam Lubin and Boom Operator Sgt. Donovan Kennedy. Additionally I was escorted by Sgt. Richard Ware from Mildenhall's Public Affairs Office. As I mentioned, it is the middle of the night, but for these Airmen, working weird hours is all part of the job. We brief on the units designated to join us, as well as weather and safety aspects of the flight.
Our mission today is to support the "Cold Response" exercise, we will be flying to the northern tip of Norway and refueling a variety of aircraft directed our way. This year, the following nations participate in "Cold Response": Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the USA, the United Kingdom and Norway. In addition, there are several participating units from NATO.
The exercise is meant to provide credible training in extreme weather conditions. The 100th ARW feels the brunt of the current ramp up of activity in Northern Europe such as this exercise - from Lapland in the north to the Turkish border in the south of the continent, Europe is showing signs of uneasiness and military build up. The 100th has supported most USAFE deployments, from F-15s in Turkey, A-10s in Bulgaria, B-52s to Norway and Portugal, and additionally the 100th has been supporting French operations against terrorists in Mali.
We make it to the flight line. Outside the temperatures are sub zero and there is quite a bit of ice on the aircraft. My main concern is clear windows, but Captain Noble assures me that the windows will be de-iced to my satisfaction, and sure enough the ground crews are busy shortly after in bringing the aircraft to tip top shape in freezing weather.
These KC-135s are the backbone of the US Air Forces mobility might; built in the late 50s, their capabilities lie in their trustworthy dependable design and upgrades along the years.
We roll out into the darkness of the English countryside, and moments later we are racing down Mildenhall's runway into the black skies. Our call sign for this mission is "Quid 75" and we are heading towards an area known by ardent travelers as Lapland, a place that is virtually untouched by humans at the northern edge of Norway.
We are set to rendezvous with various aircraft participating in the exercise. As we approach our track the sun begins to rise, and the view is absolutely breathtaking.
Shortly thereafter we are getting hailed on the comms by "Nickel 12" looking to refuel. I tag along with Sgt Donovan Kennedy our Boomer, and lie down next to him in the back of the aircraft awaiting our receivers. Soon enough Sgt Kennedy is engaging an F-16 from the 31FW "Triple Nickel". Their four ship approaches in turn and Kennedy deftly refuels all four. Next it is Norwegian Air Force F-16s including one with a special "Tiger Tail." We refuel another four ship of the Norwegians before the group of Triple Nickels return.
Before they part, I ask if they can line up behind the boom in a show of force; the leader of the force obliges and for two whole minutes I am just snapping away. I hear Kennedy tell me "ten more seconds" and sure enough right at the mark they break away.
Just like that its another day in the office for "Quid 75's" crew. We proceed over the coast of Norway with an extraordinary view, something of the likes I have never seen before.
We have a two hour flight back to Mildenhall. Along the way while speaking with the crew I find out that Lt. Lubin is a third generation pilot in the USAF; his grandfather fought in WW2 as part of the same Squadron back when they were bombers, and his father flew KC-135s, just like him. One cannot help but sense a certain family tradition when the subject comes up.
Soon enough we land in Mildenhall. For me, these visits and stories are very few and infrequent - for my crew, however, this was just another, regular day at the office.
Yissachar Ruas would like to thank the 100th ARW PAO's Office, SrA Victoria Taylor, Sgt. Rich Ware on supporting the story, as well as LtC. Michael Parks on his and the unit's hospitality during the time spent with the unit as well as the men and women of the 100th not mentioned who work day and night away from home.
8. MOVING: TERROR VICTIMS LIVE ON IN A SOUL CONNECTION
by Arutz Sheva Staff
[youtube:2013601]
The Rosen family from Florida last November had to choose a name for their newborn baby boy - learn the amazing story about how they unintentionally brought Rabbi Ya'akov Litman and his Netanel Litman back to life in name, just after they were murdered in a terror attack near Hevron.
------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to this Daily Israel Report:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Subscribe/
