A new Israeli assault rifle features a twin barrel – the first such gun to be made in Israel, writes Israel Defense.
Silver Shadow, the firm that manufactures the Gilboa assault rifle, will soon unveil a new member of the Gilboa family with a double barrel, meaningfully increasing fire power and enhancing the effect of a hit on target.
Yeah, I’d say so. Can’t wait for the next Hamass terrorist to pop his head out of a tunnel so I can see this bad boy in action.
First, you can’t do this:
IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz has decided to boot Lt. Col. Shalom Eisner from his position following the media storm over an edited video showing him using force to restrain a protester.
Eisner has spoken only briefly with reporters since the incident, but said Monday that he thought Ayas was the same activist who, Eisner said, had hit him with a stick and broke two of his fingers.
“That is a direct lie. It has nothing to do with reality,” Ayas said in response. “If these claims had anything to do with reality, we would have seen documentation by now.”
Two anarchists whose sponsors condemned Israel as racist scrawled a swastika on the wall of a detention room at Ben Gurion Airport.
French organizers of the anti-Israeli fly-in protest Sunday called Israel and airlines that canceled activists’ tickets “racists” and said one passenger was denied boarding privileges in France because she was not Jewish or Israeli.
However, Immigration and Border authorities found a swastika in one of the detention rooms where two foreign activists were kept until being deported, at the airlines’ expense.
“This was the gift the ‘peace activists’ left Israel,” a source at the Immigration Authority was quoted as saying on the Israellycool website.
This, too, is frowned upon (or ought to be):
One of the more than 1,000 terrorists and security prisoners freed for kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit sent a memory card to relatives with detailed instructions on how to kidnap more soldiers.
The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) revealed Tuesday that Omar Abu-Sneina, a terrorist from Hevron who was sent to Gaza after the release, stated on the memory card that a live kidnap victim should not be hidden in an isolated area.
Abu-Sneina joins the list of a growing number of terrorists who quickly returned to terror after their release for Shalit.
The lesson is that if an Israeli soldier behaves inappropriately, he will be punished. Others… not so much.
Oh yeah, PS:
In yet another attack against Israeli civilians, Arabs threw rocks at two Jewish girls who were walking towards their home in Hevron on Tuesday evening.
One of the girls was slightly injured. After the attack, clashes broke out between local Jews and Arabs. IDF forces stationed in the area broke up the parties.
Maybe not a miracle, but pretty [bleeping] cool [hat tip Yerushalimey]:
Military troops around the world, no matter where they are instated, know that even with the best training, personnel and arms, they cannot survive battle if they are lacking one vital thing: water.
Among the concerns of military heads is to ensure water sources are always available, even in the most arid of places.
One Israeli company took up the challenge to ensure water can be readily available, anywhere and at any time, by extracting it from the most common of things: air.
Water-Gen, based in Rishon LeZion, Israel, specializes in water generation and water treatment technologies integrated with tactical military vehicles and ground units. Their technology extracts water from the ambient air humidity, and turns it into drinking water.
Initially, the system filters the air so that water can be extracted and accommodated in containers. Then, it is cooled and purified into drinking water. This water can be served from a tap within the system or inside the cabin.
According to the Water-Gen, the device, which can be fitted onto vehicles, produces 10-20 gallons (40-80 liters) of pure drinking water a day, even in harsh weather and field conditions. The system, which is operated by solar or electric energy, is designed to meet military needs and standards, the company adds.
The company has wide-scale pending patents for the systems and technology. In 2011, it completed a three-week experiment with US Army ground units (Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment), in which its systems provided the soldiers drinking water throughout the drills.
Ha! Suck on that!
I love the name of the website, nocamels.com. It’s all about Israeli technology and innovation.
During WWII, we were attacked by Japan, and ended up fighting in Europe. Is that when we developed the 2 War Strategy, the requirement that the United States is capable of fighting two wars at once?
Obama has decided that we no longer need it. We don’t need to fight in both Afghanistan and Iraq, say, or Germany and Japan. Why would that ever be necessary?
The United States should give up the capability to fight two major ground wars simultaneously, according to a Pentagon review that will be presented this week, a U.S. official said Wednesday.
The review will be publicly outlined by President Barack Obama, the White House announced. The president will join Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen Martin Dempsey on Thursday at the Pentagon to discuss the military posture vision.
The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said the strategic review presents priorities to guide the military into the future, but “they are proposals, not all of them set in stone.”
The review sets forth potentially big changes in U.S. strategy, including, the official said, removing up to 4,000 troops from Europe and downsizing the overall ground forces even further. The 2012 budget request already called for cuts of 27,000 soldiers and 20,000 Marines in the next four years, and those numbers could increase.
The military would not maintain its ability to wage two large conflicts at the same time, such as it did in Iraq and Afghanistan, the official said.
I’m sure they know what they’re doing. And most of us see no reason to defend Europe. They can handle Russia on their own, right? Oil, no oil, whatever. But allow me to make a prediction: They won’t do this until after Obama is re-elected. Why? Because the policy will create a lot of unemployed troops returning home where they won’t find jobs. I think that Obama would like us to be Canada, or better yet, Switzerland. Let the hard decisions be handled by China.
- Aggie
If necessity is mother of invention, the Israelis are the mother of all inventors… or something:
While there is no guarantee that Gilad Shalit will be the last IDF soldier to be kidnapped and imprisoned in Gaza, the army has an advantage today that it didn’t have five years ago, when Shalit was nabbed: A fully mechanized and computerized patrol system that can provide full 24/7 coverage of events at the border, allowing soldiers to quickly and efficiently – and safely – respond to problems. The technology for this sophisticated robotic system was developed at he Research and Development Institute for Intelligent Robotic Systems, of the Computer Science Department of the College of Management Academic Studies (COMAS) of Rishon Lezion (Hamichlala leMinhal), and last week some of the top robotics geniuses from the U.S. visited the College in order to get a first-hand look at the new technologies the Institute is creating.
The Robotics Institute, among other things, develops artificial intelligence algorithms for robots to be used by Israel’s military and security forces, to help guard Israel’s borders and prevent kidnapping of soldiers by infiltrators. Already in production for several years, the Institute was the brains behind the development of the Genius Robotic Patrol system, which is in use on the Gaza border, and is produced jointly by Elbit and Israel Aircraft Industries. The system basically replaces infantry and jeep patrols along the border fence. An unmanned smart vehicle – controlled from a base station by a live soldier – follows the border fence road, avoiding obstacles automatically.
If it detects a problem – a breach in the fence, or the presence of an individual or object that shouldn’t be there – it immediately transmits pictures and data to the control center. At that point the soldiers in charge can decide how to handle the situation; for example, they can instruct one of the fighter pilots in the sky patrolling the fence area to zero in on the target, eliminating it. The robots actually travel in a fleet, says Dr. Yehuda Elmaliach, founder and director of the Institute. “This way, the area is fully covered even when one of the robots is engaged in a specific mission. Another robot that is part of the patrol can take over its duties, thus preventing the use of diversions by terrorists to get over the border or launch an attack,” he says. This is the first land-based unmanned rover used for defense purposes (all other systems are either seagoing or airborne).
I hope the robot goes all Hal from 2001 on any Arab infiltrators.
This mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardize it, Ahmed. This conversation can serve no purpose anymore. Goodbye.
Rat-a-tat-a-tat-a-tat!!!
The Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party has warned the military council of remaining in power until a new constitution is approved.
In a press statement on Tuesday, the party said the council had claimed that the new constitution would be written after it handed over power to a civilian authority, but then said it would stay in power until the constitution is completed, which gives the council a say in the political process.
The statement called on the council to remain an “administrator” of the country’s affairs and stay away from politics so as not to adversely affect the military establishment.
In related news, young members of the party called on their president, Mohamed Morsy, to withdraw his signature of approval from the military council’s statement issued after the latter’s meeting with various political forces. Thirteen parties have signed the statement so far.
They considered the signature a circumvention of the revolution’s demands.
They also demanded that another president be elected for the party.
The Brotherhood and the Military in a steel-cage death match. That’d be a pay-per-view bonanza!
With the approach of the High Holy Days, Jews around the world prepare to celebrate, atone, and enter a period of self-reflection.
Unfortunately, so do Arabs and other Muslims:
Israeli soldiers go through courses and special training with these means. Firearms are used only in extreme circumstances, when rioters pose a serious threat to the lives of civilians and security personal.
Stun Grenade… Tear Gas… Rubber Bullets
…
“Skunk” – Designed and manufactured by the Israel Police, the machine sprays high-pressured, non-lethal liquid into the air, covering long distances. The intolerable smell disperses rioters, without inflicting long-term harm.
The IDF, in order to disperse several dozen Palestinians who were burning tires and throwing stones at security forces, used “The Scream,” a non-lethal sonic weapon that emits a deafening sound people cannot stand.
The injured Palestinian man was treated on the scene.
While mass demonstrations have been taking place throughout the West Bank this week, violent incidents like that which took place at Kalandiya were expected to be minimal and isolated.
Pretty cool, huh? Here’s more:
The knees buckle, the brain aches, the stomach turns. And suddenly, nobody feels like protesting anymore.
Such is the impact of the Scream, the latest weapon in the Israeli army’s high-technology toolkit.
…
Witnesses describe a minute-long blast of sound emanating from a white Israeli military vehicle. Within seconds, protestors began falling to their knees, unable to maintain their balance.
…
“The intention is to disperse crowds with sound pulses that create nausea and dizziness,” the Israel Defence Force spokesperson told the Toronto Star.
“It is probably the cleanest device we have ever had, when you compare it to rubber bullets or tear gas. It is completely non-lethal. It has no adverse effects, unless someone is exposed to the sound for hours and hours.”
IDF officials said the technology was researched and developed over a span of five years as a result of “lessons learned” during the Israeli army’s withdrawal from Lebanon.
“We had a situation during the Lebanon withdrawal where we had hundreds of people storming IDF positions,” a military source said. “As a direct result, it was decided we needed the means for a more benign way to control crowds.”
You’re in enemy territory, your people besieged by hostile forces baying for blood—and you’re looking for a benign way to control crowds? Whatever.
Oh, btw, the IDF would consider using The Scream on its own people in Judea and Samaria if called upon.
Here’s the IDF’s site on the perils of September 2011. Bloodthirstan wishes Israel a very peaceful next few weeks.
PS: Good luck.
Again, is he stupid, thoughtless, dumb or malevolent?
If George W. Bush or Ronald Reagan had made the kind of mistake President Barack Obama made 10 days ago, the full weight of the condescending liberal class, led by the so-called “mainstream media,” would have mercilessly rained criticism upon their heads.
“Senile,” they would have cried. “Stupid,” the talking heads would shout.
But because it was Obama, the liberal mob hardly managed a peep.
In case you missed it (which you more than likely did), here’s what happened:
Our commander in chief, in full campaign mode, stopped by Fort Drum in upstate New York to address the troops from the 10th Mountain Division, which had recently completed deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Obama said: “First time I saw 10th Mountain Division, you guys were in southern Iraq. When I went back to visit Afghanistan, you guys were the first ones there. I had the great honor of seeing some of you because a comrade of yours, Jared Monti, was the first person who I was able to award the Medal of Honor to who actually came back and wasn’t receiving it posthumously.”
The soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division listened in stunned obedience.
It was actually Staff Sgt. Sal Giunta of the 173rd Airborne who last year became the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor to have fought in Afghanistan, and the first living recipient since the Vietnam War. Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti of the 10th Mountain Division was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2006 and awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2009 by President Obama.
A reader of the military blog “Blackfive” put a finger on the magnitude of the mistake:
“How does the commander in chief mix these heroes up? He put that medal around Giunta’s neck and he stood with Monti’s parents as they grieved. These fallen heroes leave such a great legacy, and we should know all their names.”
There’s no particular value in speculating as to why America didn’t hear more about this mistake. Some might say it had something to do with the degree of care the general media has for the military — one dead soldier’s story looks like another dead soldier’s story. Others might point out the “plantation mentality” the liberal elite demonstrate for minorities (“There, there, there, Mr. President, how can anyone expect a disadvantaged American such as yourself to keep these names straight?”)
Let yourself think about that for a minute. This is one more consequence of the decision to elect Barack Obama.
- Aggie
Hey Aggie!
Looks like not everyone’s boycotting Israel:
Israeli industries noted a record on Wednesday in defense exports, reaching an unprecedented $7.2 billion in comparison to $6.9b. in 2009, the Defense Ministry announced ahead of the Paris Air Show, which opens next week.
Israel is believed to be one of the world’s top four exporters of arms with specializations in the development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles, mini satellites, command-and-control systems, armored vehicles and the refurbishment of various types of commercial and military aircraft.
…
In total, Israeli defense companies sold $9.6b. worth of military hardware in 2010, out of which $2.4b. went to the IDF. In recent years, defense industries have invested in establishing joint ventures and partnerships in South America, Asia and South Korea.
Fifteen Israeli companies will set up exhibits at the air show, including a number of small and medium-sized companies that will be in Paris for the first time. SIBAT recently established a new “small business” division aimed at assisting smaller Israeli companies to break into the international defense market.
The Iron Dome counter-rocket defense system will be one of the main attractions in the Israeli pavilion. The Iron Dome succeeded in intercepting nine Kassam and Katyusha rockets fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel in April.
Didn’t see any European companies mentioned as customers. Their loss.
What’s Scotland going to use for self defense? You going to pipe ‘em to death, Picts?
May I confess something?
I’m not interested in hearing the empty rhetoric of someone with a greater opinion of himself than I have of foot fungus while he listens to the sound of his voice (s-s-s-sound of his voic-c-c-ce) as he reads someone else’s poll-tested words off a machine.
Nobody in particular, I’m just sayin’.
No, if I have to listen to a speech, make it one like this:
Before dawn on June 6, 1967, on the second day of the Six Day War, one of the toughest battles ever fought by the IDF was raging at this very place. It lasted about 10 hours. When it ended, a little before noon, the trenches and bunkers were all eerily quiet. The enemy had been beaten, the hill captured, but the price we paid was heavy. 21 of our best soldiers from the Paratroopers Brigade fell in that bloody fight here on Ammunition Hill, Giv’at HaTachmoshet. These fallen soldiers are part of a long list of young men and women who fell fulfilling their duty to protect the people and the land of Israel, here at home in Israel and on missions abroad.
As a son of a bereaved family, I am too familiar with the pain, the sense of loss and the hopelessness, as well as the sorrow at all the missed opportunities. We will never know what would have happened had our loved ones survived, had they raised families, had they fulfilled and realized dreams. Our grief is overwhelming, our hearts ache, where will we find comfort? The prophet said: “Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded.”
If the fallen soldiers were with us today, they would have witnessed countless miracles throughout the years. The soldiers from the War of Independence would have witnessed the rebirth of the State of Israel; those who fought in the Sinai Campaign would have seen the ingathering of the exiles; those who fell in the Six Day War would have watched us as we return to Mount Moriah and the Western Wall; those who perished in the Yom Kippur War would have witnessed the historic peace treaties signed with Egypt and Jordan; and those who died in the Lebanon War would see the beauty of the Galilee in full bloom with the Lebanon as a backdrop.
I shouldn’t cut it—I’m not cutting much—but Benjamin Netanyahu concludes:
Glancing at the last 63 years, one could say that Israel has had three major accomplishments: regaining the Jewish people’s ability to defend itself, building a magnificent state, and cultivating democracy as a beacon of light over the Middle Eastern skies. We hope that freedom and democracy will light the skies of other countries; we hope they will live with us in peace. But until that day comes, and even after it does, we know that there is only one guarantee of our existence and future – the Israel Defense Force – the protector of the Hebrew people, backed by the spirit of the people.
For generations we dreamed of returning to Zion, and thanks to our sons and daughters, “Our feet are standing within thy gates, O Jerusalem.” Today we must also say “Zion, thou art anxious for thy captives.” Not a day goes by without our acting on behalf of our captives, our kidnapped, our prisoners and those missing, acting for their return home. This includes Gilad Shalit, who is being held by a cruel enemy. We work every day for their return in ways that are not necessarily publically known. We will not stop until they are at home.
My brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of bereaved families, we cannot bring home our loved ones, we cannot erase the grief. We shall find solace in building the land and the people, in striving for days of peace and in our knowledge that their work shall be rewarded and their heroism shall be remunerated.
May the memory of the IDF fallen soldiers be blessed and cherished for evermore.
You know what the first item is on his official bio?
1967-1972 Soldier and officer in “Sayeret Matkal”, an IDF special forces unit
I’m just sayin’.
PS: His brother, Yonaton, as everyone knows (or should), was killed in the famous Raid on Entebbe, which rescued Jewish hostages from Palestinian hijackers in Uganda. Hence the fourth item on his CV:
1978-1980 Head of the Jonathan Institute, an NGO devoted to the study of terror
Other leaders and their brothers don’t enjoy such a bond, even in life. Just sayin’.