Israel News for 10-31-17

Terror Tunnel
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit confirmed yesterday that the Southern Command carried out a controlled detonation of a tunnel located near the border fence with Gaza. The terror tunnel penetrated deep into Israeli territory. IDF Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ronen Manelis stated, “we now have possession of the tunnel, and it no longer constitutes a threat.”

At least 7 terrorists from Islamic Jihad and Hamas were killed and 7 wounded in the tunnel destruction, including senior commanders of both organizations. Some of those killed had rushed in to the tunnel to rescue those who were hit by the initial blast, but they were then killed by secondary explosions caused by ammunition and explosives stored in the tunnel.

The IDF claims that its intention was solely to destroy the tunnel and not to kill the terrorists. [Sometimes things just work out on their own.]

Education Minister Naftali Bennett scolded the IDF for its “apology” regarding killing the terrorists. He tweeted, ”We must not apologize for the successful elimination of terrorists. These were terrorists who were digging a tunnel into Israel that was intended to kill Israeli women and children.” He added, “The IDF’s goal is to defeat the enemy, and this is how we should continue.”

Israel was in contact with Egypt following the incident to assure the Egyptian government and military that the destruction of the tunnel was a purely defensive measure which was carried out entirely within Israeli territory.

An IDF official observed, “This is the first time we’ve seen a tunnel dug by Islamic Jihad, so it is something new.”

PA President Abbas’ Fatah party condemned the tunnel destruction, calling it, “the Israeli crime directed against our people in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of eight civilians and the wounding of 14 others.” Hamas and Islamic Jihad also condemned the attack.

Anyone with half a brain and a hatred of terror praised the destruction of a tunnel whose sole purpose was to allow terrorists to enter Israel and murder innocent people.

Lechaim! (Cheers, To Life)

For further reading click here.

Peace Process
Despite the Israeli decision to not negotiate with the Palestinians, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon met Palestinian PM Rami Hamdallah in his Ramallah offices on Sunday. Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Maj.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai and Finance Ministry Director-General Shai Babad also attended. Head of Palestinian intelligence Majid Faraj and Minister for Civilian Affairs Hussein a-Shikeh attended for the Palestinians.

President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt tweeted a photo from the encounter, writing, “Important progress last night between Israeli & Palestinian sides led by @RamiHamdalla & @KahlonMoshe & Gen Mordechai of @Cogat_Israel. Meaningful steps forward on key economic issues – revenues, customs, and investment – that help support the search for peace.”

Greenblatt recently traveled to Cairo, Amman, Jerusalem, and Ramallah and met with officials, and he will have further meetings in the coming weeks.

For further reading click here.

Rachel’s Tomb
Yesterday (the 11th day of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan) marked the traditional anniversary (Yarzeiht) of the death of our biblical matriarch Rachel, who is buried in Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem. Tens of thousands of Jews visited the tomb yesterday to pray.

Rachel is the only one of the matriarchs and patriarchs to not be buried in the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron. Tradition teaches that she was buried on the road leading to Jerusalem to comfort her children when they would be sent into exile and cary and pray for their triumphant return to their homeland.

The Prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:14) says,
A voice is heard on high,
Wailing, bitterly crying. Rachel weeps for her children. She refuses to be consoled for they are gone.

Then he tells God’s answer:

“Restrain your voice from weeping, hold back your eyes from their tears. For your work has its reward and your children shall return to their border.”

To read more about Rachel’s Tomb click here.

To listen to the words of Jeremiah in a beautiful song, click here.