#ourCOG How Hamas and Islamic Jihad Use Journalism as a Cover for Terrorism
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When Operation Pillar of Defense began on Nov. 14, Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip knew that the IDF was trying to target them. That might explain why on Nov. 19, four senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives took over an office on the second floor of a civilian media building in Gaza — where major international news networks were located — and used it as a meeting place.

The terrorists thought that hiding in a civilian building and using international journalists as human shields would ensure their safety. Once IDF Intelligence learned of their location, the IDF surgically targeted their hiding place. A direct hit was confirmed.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-14007" title="Terrorists Prepare Rockets Aimed at Israel" src="http://ourcog.org/wp-content/uploads/2012 Continue reading How Hamas and Islamic Jihad Use Journalism as a Cover for Terrorism #ourCOG

#ourCOG Recap: Second Day of Fighting
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Over the past 24 hours, the IDF continued with Operation Pillar of Defense, targeting dozens of rocket launching sites, inflicting severe damage to the rocket launching capabilities of terror organizations operating in the Gaza Strip. In addition, IAF aircraft targeted several terrorist squads that were involved in firing rockets toward Israel.

The aim of targeting these sites is to impair the rocket launching capability of terror organizations in the Gaza Strip and hamper their continued build up.

IDF dropped warning leaflets over Gaza

Since the start of the operation the Israeli Air F Continue reading Recap: Second Day of Fighting #ourCOG

#ourCOG Israel Defense Forces: November 2012
https://ourcog.org/israel-defense-forces-november-2012/

November was a historic month, marked by Operation Pillar of Defense, terror attacks against the Israeli home front and other events. Here’s what the IDF faced this past month.

Over the course of November, 1,058 rockets fired from Gaza hit Israel.

November 10: Four Soldiers Injured by Anti-Tank Missile Fired from Gaza. The soldiers were engaged in routine patrol duty when the missile hit their jeep. Only a day before, an explosive tunnel self-detonated while a vehicle was on patrol duty near the Gaza security fence.

November 14: IDF Embarks on Operation Pillar of Defense. The operation was intended to protect the citizens of southern Israel from the constant rocket fire they faced and cripple the terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip, chief among them Hamas and the Islamic Jihad.

Continue reading Israel Defense Forces: November 2012 #ourCOG

#ourCOG Why Is the Number of Israeli Casualties So Low?
https://ourcog.org/why-is-the-number-of-israeli-casualties-so-low/

In response to incessant rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, the IDF has launched a widespread campaign against terror targets in Gaza. The operation, called Pillar of Defense, has two main goals: to protect Israeli civilians and to cripple the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza.

One of the most popular yet misleading arguments made is that Israel is not actually under attack, as proven by the low number of Israeli casualties.

“If Gaza was truly a threat,” goes the reasoning, “there would be more Israeli casualties. Just like there are in Gaza.”

The truth of the matter is that since the start of the operation, more than 650 rockets fired from Gaza hit Israel, with clear intentions of hurting the Israeli populat Continue reading Why Is the Number of Israeli Casualties So Low? #ourCOG

#ourCOG Safer Skies: How the Israel Air Force Learns From Accidents
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In October 2011, an F-15 fighter jet took off from Tel Nof Airbase in central Israel. Seated inside the plane were an experienced pilot and navigator. Shortly after take off, the pilot spotted a flock of pelicans straight ahead. He turned left to avoid them, only to run straight into a bigger flock. Birds struck the plane’s canopy and left engine, causing it to catch fire.

The pilot then saw an indication that both of his engines were on fire. He was in big trouble. But he discovered that despite what his instruments were telling him, he still had enough thrust in the right engine to attempt to return to the airport. His only other option was to eject with his navigator.

By the time the pilot was able to circle back to the airport, he was high above the beginning of the runway. As he descended rapidly, the pilot rais Continue reading Safer Skies: How the Israel Air Force Learns From Accidents #ourCOG

#ourCOG Pillar of Defense: Summary of Overnight Events, Nov 17
https://ourcog.org/pillar-of-defense-summary-of-overnight-events-nov-17/

Overnight, the IDF targeted Hamas government buildings as well as several rocket launching squads that were involved in firing rockets toward Israel. As part of the IDF targeting of government buildings, Ismail Haniya’s headquarters, the Hamas Ministry of Interior, and the Hamas police compound, were targeted. An additional Hamas training facility was targeted in the northern Gaza Strip.

In addition, the IDF has continued targeting dozens of terror sites including tunnels, weapons storage facilities and medium-range rocket launching sites across the Gaza Strip, severely damaging rocket launching capabilities.

Hamas, that controls the Gaza Strip, has turned it into a front line base for Iran, carrying out terror attacks and firing rockets at Israeli citizens forcing them to live in unbearable circumstances.

The I Continue reading Pillar of Defense: Summary of Overnight Events, Nov 17 #ourCOG

#ourCOG IDF New’s Pilots Join the Ranks of the Air Force
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Today the 165th Course of the Israel Air Force Flight Academy graduated and received their hard-won pilot’s wings. After three long years of training, the cadets turned official pilots and participated in a ceremony held at the Hatzerim Air Force Base.

The 165th course of Israel Air Force Flight Academy graduates

The ceremony was held in attendance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Ehud Barak, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, and Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel, Continue reading IDF New’s Pilots Join the Ranks of the Air Force #ourCOG