The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced the launch of the “Defender of the North” program, which allocates approximately $35 million to establish security facilities and components for the population living in northern Israel. At the same time, the Israeli army announced, on Sunday, the outcome of its operations in Lebanon and Gaza, confirming that it “killed two prominent members of Hezbollah.” God is in southern Lebanon, while a member of the elite unit who participated in the attack on Kibbutz Niroz on October 7 was killed in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli army spokesman Avichai Adraee said, in a statement summarizing the latest updates on Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Gaza, that “the forces of the 91st Division, in cooperation with Air Force aircraft, attacked and eliminated the so-called Farouk Amin Al-Ashi, the commander of Hezbollah’s Khiam area.”
Adraee pointed out that “Al-Ashi was responsible for carrying out the launching of rockets and missiles directed against the towns of Asaba Al-Jalil, especially Metulla.”
The Israeli army confirmed that “the 36th Division continues its operations in southern Lebanon, where members of the Radwan Force and other members of Hezbollah were eliminated through air strikes and direct clashes, and a number of Hezbollah’s combat means were also found.”
In the Gaza Strip, Adraee announced, “During the past week, an Air Force plane, under intelligence guidance from the Southern Brigade, attacked and eliminated Raafat Ibrahim Mahmoud Akdeh, who was a member of the elite unit and participated in the attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, and worked during War, as an assistant to the official of the elite unit in the Khan Yunis Brigade affiliated with the Islamic Jihad Organization.”
The Israeli army added in its statement, “In the past 24 hours, the forces of the 162nd Division eliminated dozens of terrorists in the Jabalia area in the northern Gaza Strip, and the forces of the Kfir Brigade also joined the fighting in the region, eliminating through air strikes a cell of terrorists that was posing a threat to the forces.” field.”
The Israeli army spokesman confirmed that “the forces of the Gaza Division and the 252 Division continue their operations in the central and southern Gaza Strip, where they find combat means and eliminate terrorist cells.” During the last hours, weapons stores were destroyed and cells of saboteurs who posed a threat to the forces were eliminated.”
Israel launches the “Defender of the North” program
The Israeli Ministry of Defense also announced the launch of the “Defender of the North” program, which allocates approximately $35 million to establish security facilities and components for residents living in northern Israel.
The program includes the establishment of 150 public and educational facilities, including kindergartens and 200 public shelters in various areas of the Upper and Western Galilee.
The program also includes allocating millions of dollars to local authorities in the north to establish the necessary security infrastructure. Israel had previously included the return of Israeli residents to their homes in the north among the goals of the ongoing war with “Hamas and Hezbollah.”
Last updated: November 3, 2024 – 12:55
Suggest a correction
Interview between Time.news Editor and Military Expert Dr. Rachel Cohen
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Cohen. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments regarding the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s “Defender of the North” program and the ongoing military operations in Lebanon and Gaza.
Dr. Rachel Cohen: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for security in the region, and I’m glad to share insights.
Time.news Editor: To start, could you explain the significance of the “Defender of the North” program? What does the $35 million investment aim to achieve?
Dr. Rachel Cohen: Absolutely. The “Defender of the North” program represents a significant step towards enhancing the security infrastructure in northern Israel. With the threats posed by Hezbollah and other militant groups, the program aims to establish better protection for civilians, likely through advanced surveillance, fortifications, and preparedness for potential escalations. It’s vital to provide a sense of safety to those living close to the border, especially given the historical tensions in this area.
Time.news Editor: Just recently, the Israeli army reported successful operations that resulted in the elimination of key Hezbollah figures along with militant operatives from Gaza. How does this impact the broader military strategy in the region?
Dr. Rachel Cohen: The elimination of high-profile targets such as Farouk Amin Al-Ashi and Raafat Ibrahim Mahmoud Akdeh serves multiple purposes. First, it disrupts Hezbollah’s leadership and operational capabilities, particularly those responsible for rocket attacks on Israeli towns. Second, it sends a strong message regarding Israel’s commitment to countering threats posed by both Hezbollah and militant organizations in Gaza. This demonstrates a clear intention to deter future attacks by showcasing Israel’s intelligence and precision in military operations.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of deterrence, how might these military operations affect public perception both domestically in Israel and among neighboring countries?
Dr. Rachel Cohen: Domestically, successful operations can bolster public support for the Israeli military and government, especially among those who prioritize security. However, there is also a section that believes in addressing the underlying issues through dialogue rather than military action. Internationally, these operations may be perceived variably; some countries might support Israel’s right to defend itself, while others may criticize the aggressive approach, especially regarding civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns in Gaza. The narrative that emerges is crucial for regional diplomacy and future engagements.
Time.news Editor: There was also mention of the 91st and 162nd Divisions actively engaging in these operations. What role do specialized military units play in these scenarios?
Dr. Rachel Cohen: Specialized units, such as the ones you’ve mentioned, are critical for conducting precise operations. These elite forces undergo rigorous training for urban warfare, intelligence operations, and rapid-response scenarios. Their involvement allows the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to execute missions with a high degree of accuracy, which is particularly important given the dense populations in places like Gaza. The goal is to minimize collateral damage while effectively neutralizing threats. The coordination between air and ground forces is also essential for operational efficiency.
Time.news Editor: As we look ahead, what are the potential implications of these developments for future peace negotiations in the region?
Dr. Rachel Cohen: The military actions may complicate peace negotiations further. While some may argue that military strength can lead to a more favorable position at the negotiating table, ongoing violence typically breeds more hostility and distrust. For progress to be made, especially concerning the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both sides will need opportunities for dialogue, mutual concessions, and efforts to improve the living conditions on the ground. The current cycle of violence makes that more challenging, but not impossible.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for your insights and expertise. It’s a complex situation, and your analysis helps shed light on the implications of these recent military actions and policies.
Dr. Rachel Cohen: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to continue monitoring these developments, as they significantly impact not only Israel but also regional stability and international relations.