Operation Pillar of Defense

This week in Jewish history: Kristallnacht and Israeli campaign in Gaza

An abridged weekly version of Dust & Stars.

 An explosion and smoke are seen after members of Hamas security forces destroyed a missile, which witnesses said was fired by an Israeli plane during an eight-day conflict, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip December 13, 2012.
 IDF soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip, January 2024.

How is Israel's war on Hamas different than others wars in Gaza?

IDF soldiers watch as a helicopter carrying wounded soldiers lands at a hospital in Haifa, on July 26, 2006.

Encrypted broadcast system links IDF brass to intel

Gilad Shalit 521

On this day: Gilad Shalit Released from Hamas captives


IDF seek new ways to describe asymmetrical conflict

“The nature of war has not changed, but the nature of the enemy has," says commander of the IDF Command and Staff College.

Kfir infantry drill 370

I’ve come to fight for peace

This victory will be for all of us who believe that hope can triumph over fear. That the State of Israel can be the kind of country we dream of for our children.

Tzipi Livni at the Western Wall 370

Defense Ministry tests 'upgraded' Iron Dome

Upgrades designed to give the rocket defense system "improved capabilities against an unprecedented range of threats."

Iron Dome battery.

Amid tense calm, IDF appoints southern commander

Maj.-Gen. Sami Turgeman to become new OC Southern Command as Hamas, Islamic Jihad continue efforts to rearm.

Maj.-Gen. Sami Turgeman 370

Sources close to PM shrug off Obama's reported criticism

After US columnist quotes Obama as saying Israel under Netanyahu doesn't know what is in its best interest, sources say prime minister will continue preserving Israel's vital national security interests.

Netanyahu Obama NYC Sept 11

Analysis: A tale of two Tel Aviv bombings

Separated by 7 weeks and 1 city block, 2 bombings in TA met with radically different media coverage.

TA bus bomb 370

Haifa Port welcomes record-setting ship for new year

The Haifa Port started the new year by setting a record in Israeli shipping.

Haifa port 521

Court extends remand of alleged TA bus bomber

Muhammad Abed al-Jaffer Nasser Mafarja is remanded into custody until the end of legal proceedings against him.

Muhammed Abed Al Jaffer Nasser Mafarja in court 370

Top 10 social media moments of #2012

A selection of highlights from Twitter and Facebook concerning Israel, the Jewish World and the region.

Using Facebook on the Internet 370 (R)

IDF preparing hospitals for chemical attacks

Military official says Home Front Command preparing hospitals for range of security threats including large-scale missile attacks.

Satellite images of suspect sites in Syria 370 (R)