Sunday, August 5, 2012

"Heavy" Fighting On Gaza Border [Updated: Fighting Extends To Egypt]

It seems that recently Gaza has been quiet in terms of the potential for being a tipping point in the Middle East and the expected coming wars - but perhaps that is rapidly changing:



Dozens of mortars rained down on Israel Sunday night and a heavy firefight broke out between Palestinian terrorists and IDF soldiers near the Kerem Shalom Crossing.

The mortar fire began at around 8 PM, likely in retaliation to an Israeli airstrike earlier in the day against a global jihad terror cell which the IDF said was in the final stages of launching an attack against Israel and along the Egyptian border. One terrorist was killed in the strike and another was seriously injured.

The IDF ordered residents of communities in the Eshkol Region to remain inside their homes. Palestinians reported that the IDF was firing tank shells into southern Gaza, likely part of an effort to suppress the mortar fire.

Military sources added that global jihad elements were taking advantage of regional instability, in particular in Egypt and Syria, to create infrastructure that can be used to attack Israel.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued a statement praising the IDF and the Shin Bet for the "precise operation" in Gaza.

Israel is increasingly concerned with the presence of global jihad operatives in the Sinai Peninsula and their ties with Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

Several terror cells are believed to consist of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip as well as global jihad operatives from various Arab countries throughout the Middle East.

Last week, the Counter-Terrorism Bureau urged Israeli tourists in Sinai to return to Israel immediately because terrorists are planning to abduct Israelis from the peninsula.




IDF forces exchanged fire with terrorists who fired mortar shells at Israel Sunday evening near Kerem Shalom, on the border with Gaza.

There may have also been an infiltration into Israel by an enemy vehicle during the exchanges of fire.

The IDF has instructed residents of the region to stay indoors and remain alert. In addition, civilians are asked to stay off of Road 232.






Additionally, we see this interesting article from Debka:




Without going into the thorny question of who should lead the operation to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, the US or Israel, it is understood that one of the US Air Force’s tasks will be to destroy Iran’s Shehab-3 ballistic missile batteries which have Israel and Saudi Arabia within range.

This task is not as formidable as Iranian spokesmen would have the world believe. Tehran’s entire stock of those missiles is no more than 30-40. That quantity is not nearly enough to take on the entire gamut of potential wartime foes, the United States Middle East bases, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Turkey. They would quckly be picked off by American Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Systems and Israeli Arrow guided interceptor rockets, which are synchronized through the advanced US X-Band radar systems installed in the Israeli Negev and southeast Turkey.


He went on to explain that by wiping out the Shehabs, the US high command would leave the Israeli Air Force free to take on the thousands of rockets Syria, the Lebanese Hizballah and the Palestinian Hamas and Jihad Islami have stored ready for shooting in support of an Iranian missile offensive - not just against Israel, but Turkey and Jordan as well.

Saturday, the Iranian Defense Minister, Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, announced that his ministry’s aerospace industries had successfully test-fired the fourth generation of high-precision Fateh-110 missiles with a range of over 300km.
He said that the new missiles can hit and destroy both land and sea targets, enemy concentration points, command centers, missile sites, ammunition dumps, radars and other targets with 100 percent precision.

Fateh-110 is the core weapon Syria and Hizballah have stocked for destroying strategic targets in Israel, Jordan and Turkey.


Israel is upgrading its Arrow II ballistic missile shield, designed to intercept medium range rockets and fill the gaps left by Iron Dome. The announcement in Tehran was taken in Israel as a threat and an indication that the improved Fatah-110 had already been dispatched to its Damascus and Beirut destinations, so exacerbating the perils of Syria’s Scud missiles and chemical weapons which its government has threatened to use against external enemies.





UPDATED:






Armed men attack Egyptian military base in Sinai, stealing 2 armored vehicles and ramming through Kerem Shalom Crossing; one vehicle explodes, the 2nd hit by IAF strike, at least 3 terrorists killed; no Israelis hurt.


Global jihad terrorists infiltrated into Israel on Sunday night after breaking into an Egyptian military base and stealing two armored jeeps.

One of the vehicles exploded as it rammed through the Kerem Shalom Crossing into Israel and another crossed through, after which it was targeted by an Israel Air Force strike. Simultaneously, dozens of mortar shells rained down on nearby communities.

Al Arabiya reported that 15 Egyptian soldiers were killed in the attack on their base and several more were wounded.

The attack began at around 8 PM, likely in retaliation to an Israeli airstrike earlier in the day against a global jihad terror cell which the IDF said was in the final stages of launching an attack against Israel along the Egyptian border. One terrorist was killed in the strike and another was seriously injured.

Palestinians reported that the IDF was firing tank shells into southern Gaza, likely part of an effort to suppress the mortar fire. In addition, the Israel Air Force struck back at targets in southern Gaza.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Sunday night that the incident put renewed emphasis on the need for Egypt to impose security and prevent terror in Sinai. Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy called an urgent meeting of Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to discuss the attack

Military sources added that global jihad elements were taking advantage of regional instability, in particular in Egypt and Syria, to create infrastructure that can be used to attack Israel.

Israel is increasingly concerned with the presence of global jihad operatives in the Sinai Peninsula and their ties with Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip.




21 comments:

ChristineInCleveland said...

...And speaking of terrorists yet another domestic one attacks worshipers today with gunfire at a Sikh temple in WI. It's getting to feel like just going out to any common activity we take for granted (a movie, restaurant, house of worship) is a possible target for the criminally insane. I've always been for citizens right to obtain a conceal/carry permit, but after reading up on all the laws in Ohio, virtually any situation you use a gun (even in your home against a break in) will immediately get you arrested. Then its up to you to prove you were justified using lethal force, & footing huge lawyer fees to prove your innocence. So I decided with being a mom of a 12 yr old at home, to NOT buy a gun for protection, cuz I could never afford legal fees or handle the drama of jail time if I ever felt threatened by a would be attacker. Instead, I invested in a super strength pepperspray device, & if necessary, will follow with a high voltage stun gun to drop them. Mine fits over knuckles, so grip is not easy to take away.
Nowadays, when I go on bike trails, I always carry my red-dye pepper spray that shoots up to 15 feet. At least I stand a chance if someone jumps out at me, from the bushes. A shame we live in such a violent world... But if we hide at home and are afraid to go out & have a life, then the terrorists win, right? Just sayin. :)

Caver said...

It is bad....and I certainly want to stay in a state with "stand your ground" law.

One other item you may wish to invest in, good old legal Raid Wasp & Hornet spray. It shoots a solid stream pretty accurately 20-25 feet....and if you hit the face, they are stopping and going down.

ChristineInCleveland said...

Hmm... I might have a problem fitting a can of Raid in my shorts' pockets, but thanks for the tip! ;-)

Anonymous said...

Stocks are up again tonite,
what else is new.....??

dow futures UP 10 30 seconds ago AFTER a HUGE rally last FRI....

and CONTINUED BULLING will indicate
the "end" is still a WAYS into the
future.

I would NOT be looking for the end
now, NOT as long as bulls are in control, which THEY are...

Stephen >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Waterer said...

Dear Christine in Cleveland,

I think you bring up a really germane discussion for us to think about.
I understand that we live in times that are incredibly volatile. Especially in a world where we are entertained by violence or the most in depth descriptioons of crime.
In one way, the media are to blame . With cable news 24.7 the crime of their choosing, for the moment gets reported over and over again. It makes it seem like it is normal. But it is really horrific and as Paul would say, un mentionable what these people do in secret.
But I would take a different tack with protection. ( There is not any prescribed way that I have read in Scripture.)
I believe our greatest protection is our testimony and the Presence of Christ in Us. If in the face of evil we declare ourselves to be followers of Jesus Christ and share how we came to know Him, and we are killed, well we will have died for Jesus. But what if on the other hand we shoot and kill someone, what kind of testimony would this be?
I heard a great testimony after the Rwanda killings of A Christian principal and all the teachers in Christian school. The terrorists marched them away from the school to a hillside and before being shot the Principal begged them to let him pray first and then be shot first as he led these people. He thanked the Lord for each of them , their families and then he prayed for the shooters. He went so far as to say, Tonight when they go into a town to drink and forget with our blood on their hands, don't let them forget. And in their heavy guilt , if they feel regret please remind them of your love and forgiveness. They were all shot. This testimony came from one of the shooters.. who later did drink to forget and remembered this testimony and was saved.
The unthinkable fears are for those we want to protect. But with shooting
comes the word, if you live by the sword you will die by the sword.
War is different, cowardice is terrible and costs others their lives. But arsenals and guns seem so puny in light of todays drones and automatic weapons.
We live for Christ and whether we live or die they are both unto Him.
I think kids should be taught this too. I'm not looking for a fight here, again, I don't see any prescription for what to do.( Except, of course, pray as Jesus taught us, Deliver us from evil)
Pepper sounds to me like a good idea for time to get to safety,
Blessings in Jesus,
KR

ChristineInCleveland said...

Waterer...
I think when you trust the police to be the only ones with guns you have a police state... And criminals still have THEIR guns... I know what you're saying tho, & I agree with whether living or dying, is for Christ. But when we may one day soon lose our citizens 2nd Amendment right to bear arms its just one more nail in the U.S.A.'s coffin, IMO.

Seek But Don't Hide said...

I agree ChristineinCleveland. When normal, everyday, Americans are not able to defend themselves any more then we know we're in trouble. I think that as things in the world get worse (and they will) our rights will shrink miserably.

WVBORN56 said...

Good discussion. I am a strong proponent of the the second ammendment. Our forefathers knew that is the one protection we have against tyrany. It makes me mad that even the defenders in the republican party talk about the right to bear arms but they always bring up hunting as the reason?

I live and grew up in in WV, a very rural state and I personally have several guns.

I am reminded of the five Christain and Missionary Alliance missionaries in the 1950's (Nate Saint and Jim Elliot) who were killed by the Auca Indians. They had guns but never used them to defend themselves. Many of those tribal Indians deep in the heart of the jungle came to Christ. My son actually met one of the waring party members when he went with my first cousin back in 1997. He was 16 at the time.

What I might personally do and what the constitution provides for our corporate protection are two different things to me.

Waterer said...

I agree with both of you that the loss of freedom is devastating. And I also know that there are times to fight. It is complex. I personaly am trying to keep focused on our heavenly citizenship which is steadfast and sure. Before all the flesh and blood we need not fear, we also have the assurance that our battles in the spiritual realm are fought by the Lord with us on watch and praying.Our weapons are armor and the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.
That may be another part of this discussion too. Our spirits are willing to suffer but our flesh is weak.We need to BOTh watch and PRAY.

Also, Peter and Paul also lived in a police state world but never gave warnings for weapons. Even after being beaten and left for dead, Paul still goes to Jerusalem and ultimately appears before Governors and kings, Perhaps even the Emperor though that part isn't written.But Paul also used his Roman citizenship where it would mean the most. His emphasis in using it though was to share the Gospel. Both to the Jailer and his family and later to the powers to be.
To be wise as serpents and gentle as doves is our call. It may be different for each of us at different times too.

Hopefully Jesus will come and get us SOON.Maranatha!

Anonymous said...

And yet stocks are STILL UP tonite.
It would appear that BULLS will be
in control for quite a while, sad
to say.

it seems that bulls are NEVER up for
judgment, buying stocks over and over
without consequences.

Why is it that the principal in
Rwanda was killed with all his teachers and YET Wall Street greedy
bulls go on like nothing changes.

That is NOT justice to me.

it is not fair.

Stephen >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

GG said...

Hi Everyone~

Shewww...This is a very tough topic but one I can see both sides. I decided to do a little research this morning to see how Christians should act in any situation that is considered to be noted as being in "Imminent Danger".

As a Mom and Wife, I have to say this makes me do a self check and reflection of my heart and to whom I honor most above all things? Being human, I will be honest, being in Imminent Danger, one would most likely hear me praying while protecting :). I do not wish to make light of the situation, but I am being honest. It will kill me to see my beautiful daughter or husband hauled out in front of me without me trying to do something other than standing there to pray.

I believe in my readings this morning, I am being shown the beginning, middle and end of these extremes, all the while being reminded that Jesus is our counselor, and that God is all three of these things, the Beginning, The Middle, and The End. So, I guess we all have to search our hearts and pray and speak to the Lord as to what we would do as individuals. It would not be wise for me as a Christian to justify my actions, but to seek first that in which that is God approved before I act.

Here are some links I found, just thought to share. I Thank both sides for talking kindly about this topic this morning and I pray none of us are put into this situation.

God Bless!!
GG


Before danger, the simple rules of life are noted:
http://www.christianbiblereference.org/faq_ChristianValues.htm

We must be Respecters of Persons:

“For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?”’ James 2:2-4 NASB

as well as:

James 2:1-13
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2%3A1-13&version=NKJV


Now in" Imminent Danger":

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_the_Bible_say_about_killing_in_self-defence
First lets open with Exodus 21 (NKJV)

Mrs.C said...

Id like to preface by saying, Im the type of person who gets very upset when even an animal is hurt, let alone an innocent human being. Having said that, “loving your enemies” or “turn the other cheek” applies to personal relationships, not to the dire threat of bodily harm. We do Pray for our enemies, individually instead of an “eye for an eye”, and can witness the power of God come upon them to turn them to Christ. But those instructions from God, do not mean we don’t use self defense for protection.
Jesus Himself told His Disciples to sell their cloak and buy a sword.
Luke 22 :36-38
36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
Note Jesus said in plural, to buy a sword, and confirmed that “two” were enough. Jesus only told Peter to “put your sword away” so that His Sacrifice would go forward, and the Scriptures would be fulfilled. Jesus didn’t tell the others to throw their swords away.The fact that Jesus told Peter and others to buy a sword, demonstrates that the weapons use for self-protection is appropriate.
“Love your enemies” can not mean that all use of force is forbidden. It is contradictory and absurd to say “love your enemies” means “allow them to kill your family”. That would not be loving your family to allow that to happen. Especially if you have children.
Jesus said that it would be better for that person to hang a millstone around his neck and throw it into the deepest sea, than to face God's Judgment if he hurts or offends one of these little ones!
The Jewish People in Germany, had their weapons taken from them, and we know what happened to them. In fact, throughout history in other nations, weapons taken from the citizenry leads to dire circumstances. To add to their immense pain, when the Jewish People were restored to their land, the British then took away their weapons! But they fought back, secretly made their own weapons, ammunition underground, right under the British above them, and the rest is history.
We are clearly to protect the innocent from wicked evil people, without question, and that includes our families and neighbors too. If we don’t, then we have no neighbors for example, to love, if we don’t act to help them in a dire situation.

Mrs.C said...

Continued...
Personally, I have never been a fan of weapons. Many years ago, at 3:00 am I woke up to what sounded like a scratching sound. I got up only to discover hands trying to pull the screen off of my kitchen window, which was open. It was never a concern, as it was 7 feet off the ground. It was a very small beach cottage in a very affluent (celebrities and the like) area in Southern California. Not a lot of crime at all. My adrenalin went crazy! I hit the floor with my landline phone, whispering to a 911 operator, who would not leave me. I had my 6 year old precious girl asleep in the other room, and there was no way of escaping. Needless to say my thoughts were racing waiting for the police. There was nothing I could do. At that moment, I certainly wanted to have a gun. I went into full mama bear mode, and decided that I would lay down my life in any way to protect my little girl. As it turned out, the police were there very quickly (not a lot for them to do in that area), and the intruders fled. If I had lived just 7 miles north, the wait for the police would have been 45 minutes to an hour! As it turned out, the police did not catch them. I say them, as the police said there were at least five they counted that scattered in all directions. These evil men had rolled discarded materials from a local trash container, and built steps up to my window. The Officer in charge also quite bluntly told me they were not there to rob me, but to rape me! The Police also told me that they were Mexican illegals that lived in a rundown apartment building that had yet to be taken down for a new condo building, and that it was close buy. They said they had raided the place several times, and the men while there faces were not seen, appeared to be from there.
No amount of witnessing, or quoting Scripture would have stopped these five men from their intensions, only the Grace of God saved myself and my little girl that night. Still I could not bring myself to purchase a weapon.

Mrs.C said...

Continued...
I also lived through the LA riots. The Police were overwhelmed and unable to cope. The reality that the police were unable to assist, was a rude awakening. I know what its like when the National Guard is coming down the street evacuating business while the one across the street is suddenly in flames. I know what its like to then try to find a safe way to drive home, as people were being pulled out of there cars randomly at stop lights. I know what its like to then very scarily hear that a sun down curfew was in effect, while watching scenes of a city out of control and burning. Finally, I know what its like to try to make it to the store before curfew, that same day, only to discover that the store a few blocks a way, was overwhelmed with people, and the store shelves were EMPTY! That is within less that three hours after the announced curfew. I had no protection then what so ever, but good friends that did, and they assured me they would protect my daughter and myself if need be. The result of that experience, still no weapon, but now a BIG dog much to my girls delight.
These events, not including all the years of earthquakes, were decades ago. Now… now this world is at a level of evil we couldn’t have even imagined then. The Lord God warned us that these days were coming, and we are now in them without question. Should the Lord tarry, and we have to go through a short tough period, please be prepared to defend your home, your family, your supplies. Because evil will run rampant, and others that could care less whether you’re a Christian or not, will try to take from you, what you have for your family, and even worse. It is reality, the real awful world in which we now live. I have now conceded to protection. It is necessary to protect family, and yes neighbors and others too if need be. We still, so far, live in a Blessed nation, where we still can arm ourselves for protection, of ourselves and innocents. In a fallen world like this, sometimes the use of force is needed to protect those that are innocent…this is the reality of which we now live…

God Bless!

Ally said...

This reminds me of Corey Tenbloom (sp?) The SS came and raided their place. Corey's sister ALWAYS told the trurh. While Corey did not usually lie, she felt lying to the SS to save someone life was a sin Jesus would easily forgive! The SS tore rhe house apart. Finally the officer at gunpoint directly asked Corey's sister where they were hidung the jews. Corey's heart fell for she knew her sister would not lie! And Corey's sister pointed to the table and said "Why they are under the table there!"
And it was true if course. They were in a hiding place under rhe rug under the table. But the nazi's did not move the table nor find them. Of course much later, they were found and taken to the camps :( but for that day, they escaped.
So some of this might be about where we are persinally in our walk, our where we physically reside

Waterer said...

Dear Sisters and Bros.,

Great comments. Mrs. C , my eyes were racing across the page to see what happened and how you handled things. The Scriptures from Jesus about the swords went through my mind last night too. It has never made alot of sense to me. but for the self defense argument, perhaps..
I agree that self defense / family defense of innocent people,with force makes total sense.But guns KILL. That's where I hesitate right now. I don't know what I would do in other circumstances. I am So grateful that my stories have not included guns yet. So many accidents happen with them in moments of panic and anger.( The Trayvon Martin case was tragic!!) We have 5 kids. ( 4 sons) and never had guns because we didn't hunt and didn't want any accidents.
I still believe that the Lord and our testimonies are the MOST powerful weapons we have both offensively and defensively. When I said I think children should be taught about WHo we live our lives for, I didn't mean that they should not be defended.
I just think we have to trust in every situation for what is needed.
I had a terrible incident a year ago , protecting small grandkids left in my care. I used physical force to get the children out of the arms of the person, a choke hold and a pin in the door, it was frightful. The police came and took us all in separate rooms to tell the story of what had happened. Thankfully charges were not filed aaginst me, though threatened. We had a very PRAYER filled 24 hrs to see if the threats to have me arrested would be filed. WHen we went to court, ( a custody situation) the Judge hearing what happened, sided with me. ( She was a Grandmother too)I told her I was sorry for having to use force but that any children left in my care and being taken from me without permission from their Mother, would be resisted with all my heart. Even if they were NOT my grandchildren. She agreed.
The gun thing is too far out for me. But I agree that we live in lawless times and I praise God for the protections still place.
The story of the grocery shelves made me mindful of better prep though.

Blessings for the Scripture too GG!

GG said...

Hi KR-

Your welcome. I have to say the topic made me just check myself, not anything I thought anyone said was wrong.

I am very grateful to you and Mrs. C for sharing those personal experiences. That is the instinct I would have had too. That is my motherly, momma bear to protect the young instinct in danger. :)

I never thought of this from so many POV's. Thanks again, I am sure the Lord knows our hearts and I do believe he always provides a way out, we just may not have it so neatly all the times.

God Bless!!
GG

Mrs.C said...

Yes indeed Sister KR, sometimes physical force in needed, as you experienced. Guns do indeed kill, and having a child, I didn’t want one in my home. I have never liked hunting, but if it meant survival, I would probably be crying while I pulled the trigger. The same for another human being. If it meant protecting myself, my family, or an innocent, I would feel the same. The difference now for me, is the excessive evil on this fallen Earth that we live in. The LA riots taught me that a police department of approx 4000 (at the time-its now 9000) cannot handle a population of 2 to 3 million on any given work day, should a major event occur, whether it is riots or natural disaster. Katrina taught all of us the same lesson. In that case, some Police abandoned their duties. In both cases, and as a fact in any disaster, roaming bands of people take whatever they want, and do whatever they want without concern for the Law.
Things that have happened in Norway, were not stopped by gun control, and on the other hand, if someone in the theaters in Colorado had a gun, you can be assured it would have been used against the crazed murderer. The Farmer in Texas, didn’t use a gun, he killed the deviant man with his bare hands, that he caught having sex with his six year old little girl, and was extremely grieved by the results of the event- he had no intentions of killing the man.
The evil in this world has accelerated, just as God said it would. We often quote here, “just as it was in the days of Noah”. What did God say the days of Noah were like? It was FULL of violence.
Genesis 6
5And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
11The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
12And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
13And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

We are in those Last days, and we have to be prepared as He warned us and told us in His Word, the way it would be before our Glorious Bride Groom comes for us. Knowing what He said, and what we are witnessing in this fallen world, we can choose to be prepared, or not. We can be a Blessing to others should the needs arise, and we can all see whats coming. However, part of that preparation is to be prepared to protect what you have for yourselves and others, and may rise to the awful situation of protecting loved ones and others with force. Whether a weapon of some kind, or for that matter, some folks with martial arts training are considered a weapon, we may find ourselves in those situations.

Mrs.C said...

Hi Sister GG, :)
You are the best Sis, yes indeed God knows our hearts, and He does make a way where there is no way.
But as you say, it may not always be in some neat, simple way...

God Bless You Dear Sis!

Caver said...

Understand the emotions about guns...never really had one after Viet Nam until lately. My life is one thing, my family, loved ones, and innocents are another entirely.

Now, a few facts are relevant, facts we are NOT told about. The states that have the most guns have the least crime. The higher the percentage of the population that is armed, the less certain that a criminal is that he is free to do his dastardly deed.

Food for thought.

Scott said...

Yep - Caver is correct - the data are overwhelming. In locations where citizens have more guns there is less crime. Period.