IDF chief reviews security on Lebanese border
(JNS) — Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the northern border on Sunday to evaluate the evolving security situation.
During his tour, he was joined by Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, commander of the Northern Command, and Brig. Gen. Yuval Gaz of the 91st “Galilee” Division.
Together, they assessed current operational strategies and expressed appreciation to active-duty and reserve personnel for their efforts. Zamir underscored the military’s continued emphasis on preventative defense and reiterated regulations limiting civilian movement near the frontier.
Recent military actions and high-level assessments suggest a shift in Israel’s strategic posture along the northern border. While no official announcement has been made regarding a broad military campaign, the combination of tactical airstrikes, command evaluations and international diplomatic messaging indicates a readiness to intensify operations if security threats persist.
Police detain nine illegal Palestinians after chase of suspected terrorist
(JNS) — The Israel Police stopped a vehicle with nine Palestinians at the Kesem Interchange, near the central city of Rosh Ha’ayin, following a tip that an armed terrorist was making his way to the center of the country.
“The police have just stopped a suspicious vehicle on Route 6 near the Kesem Interchange, carrying nine illegal passengers who have been detained for questioning,” the Israel Police said in a statement.
“A chase was conducted due to a security-related suspicion, following a vehicle traveling from Jerusalem toward central Israel,” it stated. “All of its occupants have been arrested and will be transferred to investigation by the relevant security authorities, based on findings at the scene.”
Police sappers were said to be conducting searches of the suspect vehicle to rule out the presence of possible weapons or explosives.
Israel introduces aid oversight plan to block Hamas interference
(JNS) — The Israel Defense Forces and the Defense Ministry’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) unit have announced the implementation of a revised system for delivering assistance to Gaza.
The initiative is designed to strengthen aid distribution while ensuring that supplies are not stolen by the Hamas terrorist organization.
In a statement released on Monday, the IDF clarified that it “operates in accordance with directives from the political echelon,” and firmly stated that “Israel does not and will not transfer any aid to Hamas.”
According to COGAT, the updated framework is intended to bolster transparency and secure aid pathways to civilians in need. “To prevent Hamas from seizing humanitarian supplies and to assure organizations’ operations stay neutral and impartial, it is essential to implement a structured monitoring and aid entry mechanism.”
IDF forces kill Palestinian American rock-thrower during Samaria counterterror op
(JNS) — One Palestinian was killed and two wounded during Israel Defense Forces counter-terror operations near Turmus Ayya in Samaria on Sunday, according to the Israeli military.
The fatality was identified by the mayor of Turmus Ayya as U.S. citizen Omar Mohammad Rabea, 14. Mayor Adeeb Lafi claimed the teenager was shot dead by an “Israeli settler.”
The vast majority of the southern Samaria village’s residents hold U.S. citizenship.
According to the IDF, troops opened fire on several individuals who were hurling stones at vehicles on Samaria’s Route 60 highway.
“During counter-terror activity in the area of Turmus Ayya, IDF soldiers identified three terrorists who hurled rocks toward the highway, thus endangering civilians driving,” according to an IDF statement.
The soldiers opened fire, killing one of the terrorists and wounding two, the statement continued. The IDF published video footage of the incident.
Butterfly renamed in honor of murdered 4-year-old hostage Ariel Bibas
(JNS) — The Academy of the Hebrew Languages announced on Friday that it has changed the Hebrew name of the spotted orange butterfly in honor of murdered Israeli hostage Ariel Bibas, 4.
The name was changed from Kitmit Yerushalayim (Orange Jerusalem) to Kitmit Ariel (Orange Ariel) in memory of Ariel, who was killed by Palestinian terrorists along with his mother and nine-month old brother shortly after the family was abducted from their homes in southern Israel during the Hamas-led massacre on Oct. 7, 2023.
“May this be some consolation in your grief, and may his memory be a remembrance for all those who perished and fell in this great disaster,” the academy wrote to the child’s father, Yarden, who was released from captivity in February.
