image Photo: IDF

IDF Chief hails army for thwarting terror attack

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen.Aviv Kochavi toured the Southern Command responsible for intercepting three armed Palestinian-Islamists yesterday. The Israeli military neutralized the cell members after they breached the security barrier with the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip apparently intending to perpetrate a terror attack(s).

Kochavi expressed appreciation of the troops and commanders along the Gaza Strip for their relentless round-the-clock work to guarantee the protection of the residents of Israel. “The wisdom of the IDF, in general and routine security – operational activity on the borders in particular – can only succeed with intelligence combined with striking power – on the ground, in the air and sometimes on the seas; so that in a specific moment when there is an indication, you can deploy those means – and you did just that.” The head of the Israeli army then his forces that their responsibility is never-ending, saying “I appreciate the way you did that – but keep in mind it can happen tonight or the following day.”

During his visit, General Kochavi also held an extensive situation assessment with the Commanding Officers of the military’s southern division.

The Islamist Hamas organization condemned Israel for killing the three-armed Palestinians that infiltrated from the Gaza Strip. Hamas labeled Israel’s defensive action as an “ugly crime.” Their statement read (in Arabic) “While the Israeli leadership is busy welcoming leaders from all around the world, Israeli tanks killed three Palestinians in cold blood.” The announcement, however, stopped short from referring to the fact that the three Islamists were armed with grenades and explosive devices.

Meanwhile IDF forces defused an explosive charge located near an Israeli border community, within the Sha’ar Hanegev regional council. The explosive device was apparently concealed within a soccer-ball that was tied to a bundle of balloons. According to the military it was likely flown into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Thankfully, no injuries or damage were reported.