A7News: Terror tunnel discovered on Israel-Lebanon border

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Tuesday, Dec. 04 '18, כ"ו בכסלו תשע"ט



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HEADLINES:
1. TERROR TUNNEL DISCOVERED ON ISRAEL-LEBANON BORDER
2. NETANYAHU: ANYONE WHO TRIES TO HARM ISRAEL WILL PAY HEAVY PRICE
3. 'QUIET IN THE SOUTH MADE CURRENT OPERATION POSSIBLE'
4. 'AIRBNB DECISION IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT THE LAW TO THE TEST'
5. IDF LAUNCHES OPERATION TO DESTROY HEZBOLLAH TERROR TUNNELS
6. 'DON'T APPROACH THE TERROR TUNNELS, YOUR LIFE IS IN DANGER'
7. ZILBER SHOWS UP, BENNETT LEAVES
8. 'THE PA REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UN IS HAMAS' BIGGEST DEFENDER'


1. TERROR TUNNEL DISCOVERED ON ISRAEL-LEBANON BORDER
by David Rosenberg

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/255675

Israeli security forces have discovered a terrorist tunnel leading into Israeli territory from southern Lebanon.

According to an army spokesperson, the tunnel was discovered Tuesday morning by IDF forces operating along the Israeli-Lebanese border.

The tunnel, apparently built by Hezbollah terrorists, originates in the southern portion of the Lebanese town of Kafr Kela. The tunnel crosses over into Israeli territory, however, and is believed to have been dug for use in an upcoming terror attack on Israeli targets.

Entrance to tunnel IDF spokesperson

"A short while ago, IDF troops located a cross-border attack tunnel in the southern area of Kafr Kela. At this time, the IDF is carrying out an operational and engineering process to neutralize the tunnel," an army spokesperson said Tuesday.

"The tunnel was located as a part of Operation 'Northern Shield' to expose and neutralize cross-border attack tunnels dug by Hezbollah from Lebanon into Israel."

Despite the tunnel's discovery, the IDF said there was no immediate threat to any towns in northern Israel.

"The tunnel infiltrated into Israeli territory and was intended to harm Israeli civilians. The tunnel did not pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in the surrounding area."

Earlier on Tuesday, the IDF announced that it had launched an operation along the northern border to locate and neutralize cross-border 'terror tunnels' from southern Lebanon built by the Hezbollah terror organization.

"The Hezbollah terror organization, which is responsible for digging the cross-border attack tunnels, continues its activity that is supported and funded by Iran, to establish its terror infrastructure against Israeli civilians," an IDF spokesperson said.

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/255675


2. NETANYAHU: ANYONE WHO TRIES TO HARM ISRAEL WILL PAY HEAVY PRICE
by David Rosenberg

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke out Tuesday afternoon on the ongoing IDF operation along the Israel-Lebanon frontier, following the discovery of a cross-border terror tunnel originating in a south Lebanese village and leading into Israeli territory.

"This morning, the IDF launched Operation Northern Shield, with the goal of uncovering and neutralizing terror tunnels from Lebanon," tweeted Netanyahu.

"We are proud of the officers and soldiers of the IDF for their complex operations and operational successes already in the initial stages of the operation. Anyone who tries to harm the State of Israel will pay a heavy price."

"We are acting with determination and responsibility in all sectors simultaneously. We will continue with other actions, overt and covert, in order to ensure Israel's security."

Earlier on Tuesday, the IDF announced that it had launched an operation along the northern border to locate and neutralize cross-border 'terror tunnels' from southern Lebanon built by the Hezbollah terror organization.

"The Hezbollah terror organization, which is responsible for digging the cross-border attack tunnels, continues its activity that is supported and funded by Iran, to establish its terror infrastructure against Israeli civilians," an IDF spokesperson said.

As part of Operation Northern Shield, IDF forces discovered a terror tunnel leading from a village in southern Lebanon, across the Israel-Lebanon frontier, and into Israeli territory.

"A short while ago, IDF troops located a cross-border attack tunnel in the southern area of Kafr Kela. At this time, the IDF is carrying out an operational and engineering process to neutralize the tunnel," an army spokesperson said Tuesday.

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/255679
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/255679


3. 'QUIET IN THE SOUTH MADE CURRENT OPERATION POSSIBLE'
by Hezki Baruch

MK Yoav Kish (Likud), chairman of the Knesset's Internal Affairs Committee, drew in retrospect a connection between Netanyahu's decision not to take forceful action against Hamas in Gaza and Operation Northern Shield launched today against terror tunnels along the northern border.

"Years of preparations culminate in one morning," Kish said of Northern Shield, calling the operation "An important and strategic move by the IDF that can be carried out in the light of the quiet in the southern sector. I appreciate the prime minister and the Israeli cabinet for political and security responsibility and intelligence. The legitimate frustration caused by Israel's restraint in the face of Hamas fire is taking a turn."

Kish also added, "This is a significant process by the IDF in the northern region that not only includes all the engineering complexity, but operational preparation for a possible escalation with Hezbollah. The IDF is not looking for an escalation, but we must prepare for such a scenario," he said.

"About two weeks ago, the cabinet, which knew in advance about preparations for the operation to thwart the tunnels in the north, faced a difficult decision - whether or not to respond with a strong military strike against the Hamas aggression. It is clear to everyone that a tough military move against Hamas could have led to regional deterioration and confrontation in the north as well, and this when the tunnel threat was not thwarted. "

"The considerations ultimately lead to a decision of restraint to allow the operation to thwart the tunnels in the north. I very much appreciate the leadership of the prime minister and the cabinet for the balanced decision they made despite the harsh public criticism, even though the prime minister's decision at the time seemed hesitant and weak."

MK Kish, a combat pilot in the reserves, criticized Avigdor Liberman's decision to resign as defense minister, which he asserted "could have dragged Israel into elections and, consequently, postponed the timetable for the operation in the north. To me, Liberman failed in the required responsibility from a defense minister. In light of this situation, it's clear to me that Naftali Bennett must not have resigned, and it's good that he did not do so."

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/255677


4. 'AIRBNB DECISION IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT THE LAW TO THE TEST'
by Yoni Kempinski

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/255674

Arutz Sheva sat down for a talk at the conference of the Israeli American Council with Bal Harbour, Florida Mayor Gabriel Groisman, a leading activist against the BDS movement.

Groisman discussed Airbnb's recent decision to boycott Jewish-owned homes in Judea and Samaria, noting that the move shows how far the BDS movement has come in its ability to influence major companies like Airbnb. At the same time, he noted, the move created an "opportunity" to take action, due to its "plain discrimination" in violation not only of "BDS laws," but also of "plain civil rights laws around the United States."

Groisman emphasized that both statements made by political leaders and legal action help make a difference in fighting the Airbnb decision. On the one hand, "statements coming out of governors' and attorney generals' offices" questioning whether their states would invest their pension funds in Airbnb are effective in pressing the company to question whether its actions were worthwhile. On the other hand, he said that "lawsuits are very important, as well."

"These laws are on the books for a reason. It's not often that you see corporate anti-Semitism like this, and this is an opportunity to put the laws to the test and to create precedent so that other companies know not to get swayed by these BDS activists."


5. IDF LAUNCHES OPERATION TO DESTROY HEZBOLLAH TERROR TUNNELS
by Kobi Finkler

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/255664

The IDF launched Operation "Northern Shield" overnight Monday to thwart and neutralize cross-border attack tunnels dug by the Hezbollah terror organization from Lebanon into Israel, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced.

Since 2014, a special joint Taskforce of the Intelligence Directorate and the Northern Command has been leading the operational, technological and intelligence efforts on the tunnel issue in the North. The team developed vast abilities and knowledge on Hezbollah's attack tunnel project.

This IDF operation is led by the Northern Command, in cooperation with the Intelligence Branch, the Combat Engineering Corps and the Administration for the Development of Weapons and Infrastructure. The purpose of this operation is to thwart and neutralize the cross-border attack tunnels within Israeli territory.

Over the last few years and as a part of the effort against this threat, the IDF has been implementing a unique defensive plan along the northern border, including the construction of a defensive wall, the "Defensive Obstacle Project", creating cliffs and clearing vegetation. The aim of this defensive plan is to prevent the enemy from fulfilling his offensive plan and abilities.

For a number of years, the IDF General Staff has been leading this effort, which recently reached the necessary operational conditions. The Commander of the Northern Command, Major General Yoel Strick, is the commander of this operation, in which significant forces are participating.

"The digging of the cross-border attack tunnels that the IDF has discovered, before the attack tunnels became operational and posed an imminent threat to the safety of Israeli civilians, constitutes a flagrant and severe violation of Israeli sovereignty. In addition, they serve as additional proof of the terror organization Hezbollah's disregard of UN resolutions – first and foremost UNSCR 1701. These Hezbollah activities are conducted from the villages of southern Lebanon while harming Lebanon and jeopardizing its civilians in order to establish its terror infrastructure," said the IDF Spokesperson's Unit.

"The Hezbollah terror organization, which is responsible for digging the cross-border attack tunnels, continues its activity that is supported and funded by Iran, to establish its terror infrastructure against Israeli civilians."

The statement noted that the IDF has enhanced its presence and readiness in the Northern Command and is prepared for various scenarios. A number of areas adjacent to the security fence in the north of Israel have been declared a closed military zone. There are no special instructions for residents of the north. Heads of local authorities have been updated, and the IDF will continue to maintain contact with them.

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/255664


6. 'DON'T APPROACH THE TERROR TUNNELS, YOUR LIFE IS IN DANGER'
by Arutz Sheva Staff

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/255670

The IDF issued a clear message Tuesday to Hezbollah and Lebanese soldiers, according to which anyone who approaches the terror tunnels that were dug is endangering his life.

IDF Spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned on Twitter against approaching the tunnel route that had been dug into Israel: "Your life is in danger, you have been warned."

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/255670

IDF Spokesperson Ronen Manelis told Hadashot news agency that "What we are seeing is an operation we have been preparing for a long time with a very long battle procedure being conducted by Northern Command. The idea is to expose the tunnels and neutralize them before they are an immediate threat to the residents of the north" .

"We are currently at one focal point at Metula, but it will expand in the coming days and hours along the fence. In the coming hours and days we will reveal things that were found during the operation."

The IDF spokesman clarified: "The operation will be along the entire fence, from Metula to the sea - at all points where our technology and operational capabilities point to the Hezbollah tunnel project."

Colonel Manelis responded to the claims made by residents of the north that tunnels have been dug in recent years. "I can say that every complaint that came up in the north was checked and ruled out. Even when the tunnel picture was revealed, I do not think there was necessarily a correlation between the places where noises were heard and the tunnels. We relate seriously to every complaint from residents."

The IDF spokesman explained why the engineering operation has been kept secret until now. "In the past year, what guided us was to launch the operation by surprise. The surprise with which we catch the Hezbollah terror organization and the Lebanese government was the required achievement, and therefore we did not talk about the threat."

"We are calling for full routine. We have been in contact with the heads of local authorities since last night. The IDF is here with reinforced forces and we know how to deal with every event as it develops," Manelis said.


7. ZILBER SHOWS UP, BENNETT LEAVES
by Ido Ben Porat

Minister of Education and Chairman of the Jewish Home Naftali Bennett left the cabinet meeting this morning, Sunday, to protest the presence of Deputy Attorney General Dina Zilber.

The ministers of the Jewish Home promised that they would not take part in the meetings in which Zilber participated in the wake of her political statements against the Law of Legal Advisers promoted by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and Culture Minister Miri Regev's Law of Loyalty in Culture.

"I declare that if Zilber isn't fired, as long as she arrives at government meetings we will leave and not participate in the meeting while she is there," Bennett said in an interview last month with Reshet Bet.

"Her role is to provide legal advice, not to educate us. She suffers from megalomania and it's clear that her words are political. Let her resign and run for politics if she wants to. She's done advising us," the Jewish Home Chairman said.

Bennett's decision to boycott meetings in which Zilber is present was made after Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit chose to protect Zilber and not prevent her from participating in the discussions as requested by the justice minister.

The outcry over Zilber was triggered when she chose to deviate from the legal and constitutional issues during a discussion by the Education Committee on the Law of Loyalty in Culture, and made a political speech that aroused the wrath of Justice Minister Shaked and other political officials.

Among other things, Zilber said, "The face of the country has changed. These days are not simple, and they bring with them not only new laws, but also new words: governance, loyalty, overriding. A confrontational discourse that wounds the common social fabric, labels and tags - who is for us and who is against us."

"And if there is someone who is loyal, then is there someone else who is a traitor? A fifth column? Bring us obedient legal advisers, castrated artists, a restrained media, a disciplined, educated nation whose thought is uniform," she added.


8. 'THE PA REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UN IS HAMAS' BIGGEST DEFENDER'
by Yoni Kempinski, Miami

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/255655

Arutz Sheva spoke with Israel's UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, at the Israeli-American Council (IAC) conference in Miami.

The conversation came ahead of the vote in the UN on the US resolution condemning Hamas for its rocket attacks on Israel. Danon, who spoke at the IAC conference on Saturday night, said that the vote is "a historic opportunity" for the world to come together and condemn Hamas' terrorism.

"In the last few years, Ambassador [Nikki] Haley and myself believe that we should be on the offense. We shouldn't be defending ourselves all the time," Danon told Arutz Sheva. "The fact that we put a resolution into the General Assembly condemning Hamas as a terrorist organization is something remarkable, it's something new, and I hope we get the votes."

"The Palestinians, the very same people who fight with Hamas, now come to the UN to defend Hamas. This is absurd. The Palestinian Authority's representative in the UN is the biggest defender of Hamas, a terrorist organization who threw Fatah activists from the rooftops in Gaza a few years ago. It's insane, but I believe we will get the majority. We will have more and more countries condemning Hamas. It will be history if we make it happen."

Asked how anyone can justify voting against a proposal to condemn a terrorist organization such as Hamas, Danon replied, "In the UN anything can happen. For many years, they got used to passing resolutions only against Israel. I hope that this time they will be joining a moral decision. It's a terrorist organization. Hamas is holding the bodies of [IDF soldiers] Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin. We expect those countries to do the right thing."

He praised Ambassador Haley, who will be stepping down from her position soon. "She is a terrific ally, she is a friend of Israel, I'm sure we'll be seeing her coming back and supporting Israel also in the future, and I know that we will continue to work with the new ambassador. The relationship between the US and Israel is very strong, so I'm confident about the support that we will continue to get in the halls of the UN."

The IAC conference "is a very important initiative. In Israel we need friends, so to see so many people coming together to speak about Israel, to stand with Israel – we are grateful for that. I want to take this opportunity to wish all Israelis, all the Jews around the world Chag Hanukkah Sameach," he concluded.




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