Defense/Middle East

US Military Chief: Doesn’t Trust Iran but Israel, US “in Synch”

US Chief of Staffs Mullen returned home from Israel and said although he does not trust Iran, Israel knows an attack would be “destabilizing.”

Barak Claims Leaving Lebanon in 2000 was a Success

Ten years after Barak ordered the hasty withdrawal from Lebanon, he blames IDF retaliation in the Second Lebanon War for Hizbullah’s success.

Saudi King’s Visit to Obama: Price of Peace and Price of Oil

King Abdullah has great expectations from Obama during his visit Tuesday, but the price of oil lurks behind the price of peace.

IDF Kills Gaza Terrorist after Mortar Attack

The IDF swiftly responded to a mortar attack on the Western Negev Monday afternoon and killed one armed Gaza terrorist. Two others were wounded.

Dore Gold, Security Advisor Dayan, Prep US for Netanyahu's Visit

Correction: Dore Gold and Uzi Dayan's visit to the USA to explain Israel's security needs prior to the PM's visit is their own initiative.

Iran ’Punishes’ UN, Bans Nuke Talks for Two Months

Iran says it is “punishing” the UN by refusing to hold talks on its nuclear program in retaliation for a new round of sanctions.

Gaza Terrorists Burn Down Second UN Camp, Handcuff Guards

For a second time this summer, Gaza terrorists attack and burn a UN children's camp. UNRWA director hints Israel is to blame.

Iran is Surrounded by US Troops in 10 Countries

A look at the map shows that Iran is completely surrounded by American troops on land and water, notes an energy investment analyst.

Panetta: Iran has Fuel for Two Nukes; Video: Mullen in Israel

US and Israeli military chiefs had not met for a decade until 2007, when the US ignored Iran. Their 15th meeting Sunday is a sign of the times.

Venezuelan-Syrian Axis Renewed in Caracas

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez welcomed Syrian President Bashar Assad during his “historic” first visit to Caracas on Saturday.

Shin Bet Agent Breaks Cover in US for 'Son of Hamas'

A Shin Bet agent has broken his cover in an attempt to help a former fellow agent - the 'Son of Hamas' - avoid deportation from the United States.

Turkish Rally for Flotilla Raises Flag with Nazi Symbol

Turkish supporters for flotillas aimed at breaking Israel’s maritime embargo on Gaza recently raised the Nazi flag with an expression of gratitude.

Iran to Hide Behind Hizbullah in Lebanon Sail to Gaza

Iran backed down three times from its bravado of challenging Israel on the high seas. Now it says its MPs will sail with Hizbullah-Lebanese ships.

US Approves New Iran Sanctions

America approves tougher sanctions on Iran. Peace Now opposes the move, citing Israel's change in policy on Gaza.

Shalit Supporters Sail 'True Freedom Flotilla' in NYC

Hundreds of activists sailed the “true freedom flotilla” in New York City to raise awareness of the plight of kidnapped Israeli Gilad Shalit.

12 Years for Terrorist in Grenade Attack

A terrorist who threw a grenade at soldiers while screaming “Allah is great” is sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Barak: Only Direct Negotiations will Help

Indirect talks between Israel and the PA are unhelpful, Barak tells Clinton.

Lieberman Invites EU Ministers to Visit Gaza

Foreign Minister Lieberman tells his Italian counterpart that EU ministers may visit Gaza.

Landau: Israel Prepared to Use Force to Protect Gas Find

Landau says Israel “will not hesitate” to use force to protect Haifa gas field if Lebanon lays claim to find.

Egyptian Oil Spill Befouls Red Sea Resorts

An oil spill from an Egyptian rig has polluted several tourist sites along a large stretch of Red Sea coastline.

Reports: IAF Landed at Saudi Base, US Troops near Iran Border

Iranian news claims the IAF unloaded military equipment at a Saudi base amid reports that United States troops are near Iran’s northern border.

Iran’s ‘Nail Polish in Public' Scandal – Woman Fined

The Iranian morality police arrested woman for immoral conduct -- wearing nail polish. The morality court fined her, but lashes were not ordered.

Hamas Fears Israeli Raid If Red Cross Visits Shalit

Hamas has refused Red Cross visits to kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit because of fears that Israel would then try to conduct a raid and free him.

Lebanese Flotilla Activist: ‘Either Martyrdom or Victory’

“Either martyrdom or victory,” says a Lebanese woman activist who is prepared to board another attempt to reach Hamas-controlled Gaza.

Israel Launches New Spy Satellite; Iran ‘Under the Microscope’

Israel successfully launched the ”Ofek 9” military spy satellite late Tuesday from the Palmakhim base in central Israel. All systems are working.

New York Flotilla for Freeing Gilad Shalit

The flotilla fad hits New York, where boats will sail pass the United Nations Thursday in a novel effort to press for the freedom of Gilad Shalit.

Ex-Mossad Director: Pre-Emption, Not Retaliation, Against Iran

Israel should consider a pre-emptive strike against Iran, asserted former Mossad Director Shabtai Shavit at the Bar-Ilan Univ. Ambassadors' Forum

Turkish Military Officials in Israel to Pick Up Drones

A Turkish military delegation arrived Tuesday in Israel to pick up drones, despite rumors just a week ago that Ankara had canceled the deal.

Three Countries Boycott Academic Conference at Bar Ilan Univ.

Following the flotilla incident, Turkish, Irish and South African representatives cancelled their participation in the Bar-Ilan Ambassadors' Forum

Report: Hizbullah Called Off Plot to Kill Israeli Official

Hizbullah called off a plot to kill an Israeli official because it did not want to distract from the flotilla crisis, a Kuwaiti newspaper reports.

Barak: Embargo on Gaza is the Same as on Ramallah and Jenin

Barak points out that Israel's announced relaxation of restrictions on aid shipments to Gaza also apply to the PA in Judea and Samaria.

Britain Marks 300 Dead Soldiers in War in Afghanistan

Britain announced the death of its 300th soldier in Afghanistan on Monday in yet another sign that the NATO-led invasion is crumbling.

Barak: US Backs Security Blockade against Gaza

After talks with US officials, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Monday that Washington "understands and supports" Israel's security needs in Gaza.

Shin Bet: Road 443 Safe for All Israelis - Except PM Netanyahu

Road 443 is said to be safe for all Israelis - except Prime Minister Netanyahu, who told MKs that the Shin Bet has forbidden him from using it.

Ben-Ari: Arab Radio Inciting to Terrorism

MK Ben-Ari cites encouragement of Gaza-bound flotillas in request to shut down A-Shams radio station.

White House Praises Blockade Change

America praises decision to ease blockade on Hamas-run Gaza. Netanyahu is once again invited to White House.

Efrat Children to Learn Arabic, PA Teachers Afraid to Help

Children in the city of Efrat in Judea are to learn Arabic, but local PA Arabs are afraid to help.

Netanyahu Relaxes Blockade, Faces Criticism

Netanyahu relaxes the blockade on Hamas-run Gaza, earns criticism.

German Public TV Exposes ‘Peace’ Flotilla as Mask for Radicals

Germany’s second largest public TV channel exposes the radical and racist elements behind the IHH flotilla.

‘Flotilla Women’ Invoke Hizbullah and Catholic Prayers

A Muslim-led women’s 'peace flotilla,’ is led and financed by supporters of Hizbullah. Catholics helped christen the boat ‘Miriam.”

Terrorist States Iran and Turkey Join Forces to ’Fight Terror’

Iran and Turkey against terror? That is what they claim. Both countries, which openly support Hamas, now are cooperating in “fighting terrorism.”

Opinion: ‘If Israel Goes Down, We All Go Down‘

In an op-ed in the London Times, former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar writes, “Israel is our first line of defense" against

Barak Warns Lebanon over Planned Gaza Flotilla

Barak warns Lebanon that if its citizens attempt to 'bust' Hamas blockade, it will be responsible for the consequences. Israel's envoy warns UN.

New IHH incitement Video: ‘We Will Throw Them into the Sea’

Israel exposes another video from the Mavi Mamara ship, showing IHH leader Yildirim inciting followers "to throw [Israeli commandos] into the sea.”

Iranian Regime Arrests ‘Terrorists” in Crackdown on Opposition

Iran arrested “terrorist” members of an exiled opposition group in a new crackdown on the anniversary of the disputed reelection of Ahmadinejad.

Gaza Flotilla Reflects Turkish Rejection of the West

The Turkish-sponsored Gaza flotilla clash is being seen by pundits as part of a larger rejection of the West by Ankara.

IDF Probe of Cast Lead to Result in Charges Against Soldier

The IDF has borne out a government comment that it is “like no other army” and said it will file charges against a soldier who fought in Cast Lead.

IDF Kills Terrorist at Egyptian Border

Israeli soldiers killed one of three terrorists who were crossing from Egypt early Wednesday morning. The other two fled into Egyptian territory.

Ireland Expels Israeli Diplomat Over Dubai Hit

Ireland announces it will expel an Israeli diplomat over forged passports in the January assassination of a Hamas terrorist in Dubai.

Security Chief: Hamas Still Smuggling, Can Strike Tel Aviv

Hamas terrorists still smuggle weapons, possess 5,000 medium range rockets and several that can bomb Tel Aviv, security chief Diskin says.

NATO Watches Syria Smuggle Weapons to Hizbullah

NATO submarines have been watching the Syrian coastline and searching for ships suspected of smuggling weapons to Hizbullah and other terrorists.

Al Qaeda Training British Muslims for Another 'Mumbai'

British intelligence officials are warning that Al-Qaeda terrorists are training local Muslims to carry out a 'Mumbai' style attack.

Anthropology Professor: Look at US Actions, Not Words

Professor Gil-White explains who and what influences US actions in an interview with Israel National Radio.Things, he says, are not what they seem.

Turkey Suspends Israeli UAV Project

More fallout from the flotilla clash. Turkey suspends a $180 million Israeli UAV contract and uses its own vehicles to gather intelligence.

Poland Turns Down Israel, to Extradite ‘Mossad Agent’ to Germany

Poland, a long-time ally of Israel, has turned down a request to allow alleged Mossad agent to return to Israel and will hand him over to Germany.

First Attacks Reported on 443

Shortly after Highway 443 opens to Palestinian Authority traffic, Jewish drivers report attacks along the road.

Slain Officer was to be Married

Yehoshua Sofer's loved ones anticipated his wedding; instead, they planned a funeral after the “brave, beloved” policeman was slain by terrorists.

Flotilla Committee Assembled, Foreign Observers Added

Israel assembles a committee to investigate flotilla incident, complete with foreign observers. Netanyahu: This will prove what we did was legal.

National Geographic Accused of anti-Israel Bias

A National Geographic exhibit on water that closed Sunday showed anti-Israel bias, Israel advocates say.

IDF Officer Faces Probe for Defending Use of Force

IDF commander to face probe for saying moderate use of force is sometimes necessary when detained terrorist suspects act aggressively.