AVI ASHKENAZI

Avi Ashkenazi is the military correspondent for The Jerusalem Post 's Hebrew-language sister publication, Maariv . He began his journalist career at Maariv in the 1990s, initially working as a reporter on the northern border. For 11 years, Ashkenazi headed Maariv 's crime news desk and was a correspondent for the Associated Press . From 2014 to 2019, he served as senior police and crime reporter for the Walla news site, as well as being a regular commentator on TV and radio. He has an MA in Middle Eastern studies from Tel Aviv University and serves regularly in the IDF reserves.

An Israeli Air Force plane utilized in the October 2024 strike against Iranian military infrastructure.

'Every pilot had a name': What happened behind the scenes of the Israel-US Iran attack

 A war between Israel and Iran (illustrative)

Israel weighs Iran response scenarios as US pressure mounts - analysis

IDF Spokesperson Effie Defrin releases a video message to the public amid tensions with Iran, Febrary 27, 2026

IDF Brig. Gen. says still no change to public guidelines amid Iran tensions


Unprecedented achievement – Elbit Systems makes historic strides in submarine technology

Elbit Systems partners with Germany’s TKMS to produce submarine components in Israel for the first time. New production line opens in Bar Lev industrial zone, Karmiel.

Dolphin submrine.

IDF celebrates new search and rescue unit amid growing tensions with Iran

Nicknamed "The Lion Battalion," this unit was originally formed in response to the October 7th attack.

The "Lion" Brigade in action.

IDF says forces on high alert amid tensions with Iran, no change to public advisories

The IDF has reassured the public of its readiness amid rising tensions with Iran, emphasizing its alert status and preparedness to respond to any changes in the operational situation.

IDF spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin is seen in a switch-over ceremony in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 27, 2025

Israel's home front is prepared for the Iranian threat, IDF colonel stresses

"In terms of fortification, we are prepared. We are trained to respond in the event of an incident," said Col. Neuman.

 Rescue personnel stand next to damaged vehicles as they work at an impact site following missile attack from Iran on Israel, in Rishon Lezion, Israel, June 14, 2025

IDF clashes with police over Bnei Brak incident, says attacked soldiers did not distribute leaflets

“The claim that the commanders who were attacked yesterday in Bnei Brak arrived in order to distribute recruitment flyers in the city is incorrect," IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, central Israel, February 15, 2026.

Israel still unsure of US plan on Iran ahead of Netanyahu-Trump Washington talks - analysis

The regime does not want to capitulate to the United States, but it also seeks to avoid losing power, prompting a bazaar-style negotiation aimed at preserving core assets. 

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump share a warm moment in the Knesset in October 2025.

Israel warns Trump: We may act alone if Iran crosses ballistic missile red line

“We told the Americans we will strike alone if Iran crosses the red line we set on ballistic missiles,” the source said, adding that Israel is not yet at that threshold.

An Israeli Air Force plane utilized in the October 2024 strike against Iranian military infrastructure.

IDF to increase Gaza border security due to smuggling risks

IDF officials identified Hamas’s struggle in Gaza, after more than two years of war have left it without stocks of standard explosives, to obtain weapons as well as additional equipment.

Israeli Authorities Probe Large-Scale Smuggling Network Moving Goods Into Gaza

IDF observers forced to endure harassment, poor conditions - report

Lack of sleep, according to the report, is the biggest problem that the observers, who are predominantly women, currently face.

A soldier from the IDF observers unit; illustrative.

Planes are preparing to leave Ben-Gurion Airport in case of missile strikes, Regev says

Israeli airlines, including El Al and Arkia, are ready to evacuate their fleets globally to avoid missile threats, according to Transportation Minister Miri Regev.

Travellers at Ben-Gurion Airport, October 23, 2025.