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Featured Defense News Stories


Palestinian death after West Bank clash with ultra-Orthodox settlers prompts probe
Palestinian fatalities occurred after ultra-Orthodox West Bank settlers entered a village without IDF approval and clashed with residents; a civilian security coordinator fired first into the air and then at Palestinians, killing an 18-year-old and wounding another teen (Palestinian sources say the wounded teen died later). A home reportedly burned by settlers wounded a Palestinian; the IDF and police opened an investigation, and the settlers had entered without military clearance.

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jpost.com•16 days ago
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The Jerusalem Post•22 days ago
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IDF engineers reveal the plan to dismantle Hezbollah’s Iranian tunnels under Lebanon
The IDF’s S-2 special engineering platoon has shifted from explosives disposal to locating, mapping, and destroying strategic tunnels in Gaza and southern Lebanon, detailing how heavy blast doors are stripped away, how crews navigate past steel debris, and how hundreds of tons of explosives are moved deep into enemy territory to collapse the network. The unit describes Hezbollah’s tunnel system as a multi-use, long-stay asset—housing weapons, drones, command centers, and observation points—that is fragmented rather than continuous. Framed as a “living laboratory” of underground warfare, the operation aims to neutralize Iran-backed underground infrastructure and deliver a significant blow to Hezbollah’s capabilities.

IDF uncovers Hezbollah arsenal and hubs in southern Lebanon village
IDF forces found more than 150 weapons in the Hadatha village in southern Lebanon, destroyed over 90 Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites, and killed over 20 militants. The update follows earlier strikes, including the destruction of a 200-meter underground tunnel in Majdal Zoun, underscoring ongoing Israeli operations in the Security Zone.

IDF Captain Killed in Lebanon Encounter with Hezbollah
Captain David Hazutt, 21, from Ashkelon, a platoon commander in Golani Brigade's 12th Battalion, was killed and another soldier wounded when his unit searching for a terror suspect near Deit Siryan in southern Lebanon encountered a Hezbollah fighter. The attacker was killed, and the IDF launched operations against terror targets; the army later said it located the attacker in a nearby structure and killed him. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Galam offered condolences, noting Hazutt's frontline service and that he leaves behind his mother and sister.

Elbit's Iron Beam: Israel's airborne laser aims to redefine air defense
A Jerusalem Post tour of Elbit’s laser labs explains how the Iron Beam, built by Elbit and integrated with Rafael’s air-defense system, uses fiber lasers and Coherent Beam Combining to shoot down drones from aircraft, outlines airborne laser advantages and challenges (stability, cooling, weather), and discusses potential future deployments on fighters and helicopters with unclear timelines and costs.

Israel Readies for Imminent Iranian Attack, Zamir Says
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir says Israel is prepared for a potential Iranian ballistic missile attack in the coming hours, following Israeli strikes in Beirut; the home front should stay on high alert though no immediate restrictions were announced. If Iran attacks, Israel would respond with airstrikes, and there is an expectation of U.S. involvement to prevent a broader war.

Golani commander: Beirut could be next if orders come
The Jerusalem Post quotes IDF Golani Brigade Battalion 13 Commander M saying his unit is prepared to advance and take over Beirut if ordered, following their recent takeover of the Wadi Saluki area in southern Lebanon from Hezbollah. He described clashes with Hezbollah fighters, casualties on both sides, and the discovery of Hezbollah tunnels and Iranian military materials. He credited air power, tanks, and artillery for enabling progress, acknowledged ongoing FPV drone threats, and emphasized the need for patient, systematic ground action to protect northern Israeli civilians. M also noted the battalion will refit before the next mission and highlighted the personal and long-term nature of the campaign, with three soldiers killed and around 50 Hezbollah fighters killed in the broader area.

Israel fears a Trump green light for Iran strikes may be harder to obtain
Israeli officials warn President Trump may withhold even a symbolic green light for Iran strikes, potentially leaving Israel to face Tehran without American backing after a broader attack was canceled amid diplomatic efforts; Netanyahu emphasized Israel could act alone if needed as tensions with Iran continue.

Netanyahu vows Israel won't bow to Iran-Hezbollah security paradigm
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will not allow Iran or Hezbollah to dictate its security paradigm and asserted Israel’s right to defend itself, signaling ongoing U.S. coordination with Trump to secure the North; amid warnings from Defense Minister Katz and discussions of retaliatory actions in Beirut’s Dahiyeh, Israel has struck the area as a deterrent in the ongoing confrontation.

IDF Northern Commander narrowly escapes Hezbollah drone strike in Lebanon visit
The IDF disclosed that Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, head of the Northern Command, was unharmed when his personal command vehicle was struck by a Hezbollah drone during a visit to sub-commanders in southern Lebanon; the strike occurred in the last few weeks, Milo had just left the vehicle, and the episode highlights Israel’s ongoing challenge with FPV drones and may lead to stricter safety measures for top officials.

Givati commander recalls Beaufort Ridge operation north of the Litani
IDF Givati Brigade Commander Col. Netanel Shamaka recounts the Lebanon operation to seize Beaufort Ridge north of the Litani River, detailing weeks of crossings prep, brush clearance, and passage-building, followed by clearing terrorists and infrastructure amid artillery fire, with reflections on fallen soldiers and reaffirmed brigade training for Lebanon's terrain; Netanyahu framed Beaufort as a dramatic strategic shift in Israel's multi-front security efforts.