Security

Master Sergeant (res.) Tamir Vaknin and Major (res.) Harel Birenstock fell yesterday due to an explosive device in Lebanon. "He knew it was important to serve the country and do reserve duty," said Yoav, Tamir's brother. "He was in Gaza for seven months, served in Syria and Lebanon." Regarding their last conversation, he said: "We laughed as always, he made sure I would be calm."

According to the British "Guardian", the Council published a contract for the construction of a military post in Gaza that will house 150 people, where soldiers from Morocco will stay. The Moroccan unit will rotate from a base in Israel to the post, which will be built about 1.6 km from the border and will include a "rapid extraction route" for emergencies.

In recent days, a video has been circulating on Arab social media showing a woman dismantling an air conditioner, presented as evidence of Israeli behavior abroad. One of the accounts that distributed the video is Quds News Network, which has more than 600,000 followers.

Security sources in Baghdad told the Qatari newspaper 'Al-Araby Al-Jadeed' today that pro-Iranian militias have redeployed, evacuated headquarters, and moved to less visible sites. A number of senior officials were moved to alternative locations. The preparations come following US and Saudi strikes, and fears of their recurrence.

Ahead of a busy August, the US Air Force has begun evacuating refueling aircraft from parking areas at Ben Gurion Airport to optimize infrastructure for tens of thousands of passengers.

Is Tehran signaling a change in approach? Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that his country will support any decision made by Palestinians in Gaza negotiations, even if the Hamas leadership decides to act independently.

The US administration's plan to build the largest warships since World War II carries a $275 billion price tag. A new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report released Thursday suggests that US shipyards may lack the capacity to execute the project.

A large drone was intercepted while crossing the Israel-Egypt border. Security forces discovered a large cache of weapons on board, likely intended for the Hamas terrorist organization. Meanwhile, a resident of Ar'ara was arrested on suspicion of illegal weapons possession.

Major Harel Birnstock was killed by the explosion of a booby-trapped building in the village of Majdal Zoun in southern Lebanon, while a reserve force from the 55th Brigade was securing engineering works. His wife Elia: "I promise you that the children will grow up in a happy home, one of dancing and fun."

A senior Hamas security official has called on members of militias assisting Israel to eliminate their superiors. The terrorist organization is offering a "lifeline" and a path to repentance in exchange for the assassination of their leaders.

According to the newspaper "Nidaa al-Watan", Washington acted to reduce the scope of strikes in southern Lebanon. A Lebanese source said that the government in Beirut conducted contacts to curb the escalation, but Hezbollah did not cooperate.

Major General (res.) Eitan Ben-Eliahu was interviewed on 103fm radio and addressed the controversy surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump's repeated threats, and the concerning shortage of American interceptors: "His military leverage is almost lost."

The IDF states that activist infiltrations into Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza are diverting forces from operational missions. Reservists called up from leave to search for infiltrators are frustrated by the lack of government and judicial response.

According to reports in the UK, a new proposal being examined as part of the contacts between the US and Iran includes the establishment of an international fund to finance passage through the Strait of Hormuz, in which Europe may participate in funding. At the same time, Tehran is examining the option of allowing European forces to assist in clearing naval mines.

The Northern Command is investigating the deaths of two IDF soldiers who were killed after entering a booby-trapped building in southern Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered stricter adherence to protocols, emphasizing that his policy prioritizes the destruction of terrorist structures over ground entry.

Vladimir Tkachev, head of the factory producing 'Upyr' FPV drones, was seriously wounded in a car bombing in the Sverdlovsk region. His driver was killed. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting senior figures in the Russian defense industry.

Relatives of company commander Harel Birnstock and combat medic Tamir Vaknin, who were killed by an explosive device in Lebanon, say that despite the personal cost, they never considered stopping their reserve service. "Harel put his whole life on hold," says his friend Michael, while Tamir's brother, Yoav, adds that he was planning a career move to the USA.

Hanoch Daum shared the names of the four soldiers who were seriously wounded in an explosive device blast in southern Lebanon, in which Major (res.) Harel Birenstock and Sergeant Major (res.) Tamir Vaknin were killed, and asked the public to pray for their recovery: "I was asked to publish" | All the details

Authorities intercepted a booby-trapped bus containing 420 kg of explosives, suspected to be intended for an attack on security forces in Cali during the inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. The plot is reportedly led by a commander of a breakaway FARC faction.

Palestinian residents in the West Bank have been facing severe fuel shortages for three weeks. While the PA blames delays in tax revenue transfers, gas station owners argue that funds were diverted to other purposes.

Udi Oster, CEO of Aitan, recalls how he realized the critical lack of drones in IDF units after October 7, 2023. This realization led him to establish a war room for equipment supply and develop a unique drone operating system.

One of the oldest and most central alliances in the world is facing a historic turning point. Faced with heavy political pressure from both sides of the political map in the US and the approaching expiration date of funding agreements, the Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are promoting a dramatic outline: ending the transfer of annual grants of billions of...

Argentina is integrating Israeli loitering munitions, advancing it to a leading technological status in South America. Singapore has integrated Israeli-made Blue Spear missiles into a new, advanced warship. Taiwan is developing AI-based unmanned vessels using technology from an American company. This week in the defense industries.

The "Ma'aganat HaBayit" center, to be established at the Shavit Marina in the Kishon, will offer combat veterans and their families therapeutic sailing, support groups, and art therapy as part of a holistic rehabilitation model of the "Choosing Life" program, recognized by the Ministry of Defense.

Birenstock, a company commander in the 55th Paratroopers Brigade, and combat medic Vaknin were killed by an explosive device while scanning a booby-trapped building in Majdal Zoun, which is under IDF control. 4 other reservists were seriously wounded. It is not yet clear if the device was planted before or after the ceasefire. The IDF accused Hezbollah of a "flagrant violation" of the ceasefire...

According to the Washington Post, the president was furious after discovering that US ammunition stockpiles had significantly depleted, affecting the continuation of the campaign against Iran. The White House and the Pentagon deny the report.

In Khirbet Tuba in the Masafer Yatta area, reports were received of structures being set on fire, and in the Khallet al-Humus area, it was claimed that settlers clashed with families. The Red Crescent reported that 5 wounded were evacuated from the scene.

In Iran, there were no reports of a new statement by IRGC commander Vahidi, but the Prime Minister claimed in a speech at a state ceremony that he "explicitly" threatened to develop a nuclear weapon. Is there a connection to posts on social media?

This time, no one was surprised when Donald Trump announced the postponement of the strike "because the Iranians asked" or some other lie. As usual, the Iranians denied any agreement and, as proof, attacked another ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources in the Gulf say that the US has made a significant concession regarding Iran's demands for control over Hormuz, and that the draft agreement is ready - and awaiting the Supreme Leader's approval: "It is a temporary solution that will pave the way for the resumption of nuclear negotiations". Reuters: Tehran threatened to attack "critical infrastructure throughout the Gulf" in response to...

In the shadow of the security escalation, contacts in Rome are encountering significant disputes, and Hezbollah is attempting to thwart the memorandum of understanding. The group is orchestrating a campaign against the Lebanese government and using explosive devices to target the local army.

The State of Israel is working towards a significant reduction and the severance of dependence on the employment of Palestinian workers from Judea, Samaria, and the Gaza Strip. As recalled, already at the beginning of the war, the Security Cabinet made a decision to cancel the entry permits of over 100,000 Palestinian workers.

The grieving father shared on social media a raw and devastating letter alongside a picture of his son, in which he shatters the cliché about the passage of time and admits he would give up everything for one more small moment.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has renewed his harsh criticism of the government's push for a law preventing the arrest of ultra-Orthodox deserters. Zamir stated that the political echelon ignored repeated warnings from the IDF and instructed his staff to monitor developments, a move interpreted as a directive for police to assist the Military Police in making arrests.

About 2,000 children and teenagers affected by terror and war are participating in the Jewish Agency's summer programs, designed to provide respite, resilience, and rehabilitation; the opening event at Superland hosted about 1,300 participants.

An agreement between Tehran and Oman may restore shipping in the strait – but at the cost of Iranian oversight and the possibility of transit fees. In Washington, they warn that recognizing state control over an international shipping lane is a worrying development.

When entering the new wing for illegal aliens at Saharonim Prison, it is hard to ignore the similarity to the wings where security prisoners are held. This is part of a new policy by the Israel Prison Service, designed to send a clear message: anyone who infiltrates Israel illegally, or assists in doing so, will no longer enjoy the conditions that were practiced in the past.

Another confrontation occurred today, Wednesday, between Israel's political echelon and the Peace Council regarding the issue of immunity and amnesty for Hamas terrorists as part of a disarmament plan.

The IDF reported a "flagrant violation" of the ceasefire by Hezbollah and evacuated an entire village, but only announced that the strikes were "targeted." It has been learned that the army demanded more powerful strikes, but the political echelon blocked them, at least for now. In the background, talks are being held with the Lebanese government in Rome.

The Ministry of Defense, the IDF, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and the American MDA have successfully completed a planned test of the Arrow system. The test evaluated capabilities against future threats, integrating combat lessons, artificial intelligence, and new technologies.