Latest news with #YanivAsor
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Israeli military chiefs 'are clashing over civilian killings in Gaza'
Israeli military chiefs fell out in an explosive shouting match over the sheer number of Palestinians killed by IDF airstrikes, according to local media. Major General Yaniv Asor, head of the army's southern command, is said to have complained to the air force that it was consistently overruling bombing requests for targets in Gaza, which has already been decimated since Israel began its siege of the enclave. In response, Major General Tomer Bar, the head of Israel's air force, said that many of requests made by Asor's subordinates were killing civilians and showed a 'lack of professionalism.' Local media reported that the argument only spiralled from there, resulting in the senior military figures screaming at each other in front of top officers. The spat required Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, chief of staff at the IDF to intervene, witnesses said. The argument reflects a deep division within Benjamin Netanyahu 's government over what the future, vis-a-vis Gaza, ought to look like. Earlier this week, Netanyahu told the military to prepare for a full takeover of the Gaza Strip, including areas where hostages are being held. A source in the Prime Minister's Office told The Jerusalem Post on Monday that the message had been passed on to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir saying: 'If this does not suit you, then you should resign.' Israeli soldiers walking next to damaged buildings as smoke billows during a military operation in the north of the Gaza Strip amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas It comes as Netanyahu prepares to meet with top officials to decide on the next steps in Gaza and what to do about the remaining hostages. An Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post: 'The prime minister is considering all available options regarding the next steps.' Hamas, however, has brushed off talks of an Israeli takeover. The group said: 'Israel's threats are repetitive, worthless, and have no influence on our decisions.' But a political analyst with Channel 12 quoted an unnamed official saying: 'Hamas won't release more hostages without total surrender, and we won't surrender. 'If we don't act now, the hostages will starve to death and Gaza will remain under Hamas's control. ' According to reports, the prime minister used the phrase 'occupation of the Strip' in private conversations while describing his intentions for Gaza. If Netanyahu's plans are successful, the Israeli military could extend its reach across the whole region, according to local reports. It currently holds 75 percent of the Strip. He is now set to take the plans to his cabinet to seek their backing for the plan. In a video message, Netanyahu said he was 'committing to free Gaza from the tyranny of these terrorists'. According to The Times of Israel, the IDF is against the proposal and has said it would take a significant amount of time to clear infrastructure belonging to Hamas.
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
IDF: Artillery misfire led to mistaken hit of Gaza church, no punishments for soldiers involved
The incident has led the Catholic Church and many Western allies of Israel to condemn the IDF as having a negligent lack of control over its forces in Gaza. The Holy Family Church in Gaza City was hit by a misfired artillery shell last Thursday, according to an initial probe, the IDF reported Wednesday. Three people were killed and several others were wounded in the incident. Photos showed the church's roof was hit close to the main cross, scorching the stone facade and shattering windows. The incident led the Catholic Church and many of Israel's Western allies to condemn the IDF for being negligent in Gaza. The awry strike was caused by a malfunction in the munition and artillery mechanisms and not by human error, the IDF said. The IDF statement did not say any of the soldiers would be punished, as has been the case in other instances when aid workers were mistakenly killed. The IDF did not elaborate about what had led to the malfunction or whether similar mistakes have occurred in the past without being reported. Lessons had been learned to adjust artillery open-fire rules when attacks are taking place within a certain proximity to sensitive sites, the IDF said. The significance of the IDF's statement remained unclear, however, given that for the past 21 months, Israel has had to act in Gaza in close proximity to sensitive sites. IDF sources say military firing procedures have become more aggressive in recent months In recent months, since Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor assumed command of Southern Command, open-fire procedures have been more aggressive and shown less restraint than during the previous 18 months of the war, some IDF sources have said. Asor denies the charges and says he fully probes all relevant incidents. The IDF said it had allowed special visits to examine the church area to show transparency and facilitate medical care for the victims. The IDF apologized for the mishap. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously apologized to the Catholic Church. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
President Herzog makes inaugural visit to reservists in Gaza
"It is clear that everything you do is aimed at protecting the citizens of Israel, protecting the communities in the Gaza envelope, and protecting the entire country," Herzog said. President Isaac Herzog visited IDF soldiers inside Gaza for the first time on Wednesday. The president was accompanied by Southern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor, along with several additional commanders, briefed the president on the operational situation in the sector. "When I hear and see you firsthand, it is clear that everything you do is aimed at protecting the citizens of Israel, protecting the communities in the Gaza envelope, and protecting the entire country," Herzog told the reserve soldiers of Battalion 969. "You left work, family, and routine, and came without hesitation because you knew there is no substitute for your presence. It is also important for me to reflect on the enormous burden on the reservists. We must understand that at this moment, the people of Israel must be united, and never give up for a moment." The Post visited Battalion 969 in northern Gaza The Jerusalem Post visited Battalion 969, led by Lt.-Col. (res.) T, on Thursday. The Post was visiting a new secret IDF position in northern Gaza, built by the battalion and dubbed 'Israela,' which is designed both to project power and serve as an additional forward defense line to prevent any potential invasion from getting anywhere near residential Israel. The position, along with two other nearby positions, gives a unique strategic high-ground view of Beit Hanun, Beit Lahiya, Jabalya, and Gaza City in the distance. Solve the daily Crossword
