Eng Newsletter - August 2011

8/4/2019 Eng Newsletter - August 2011

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300teensfromallaroundtheworldcametoIsraeltojointhe

IDFandmaketheirdreamareality-Aninterviewwithanew

immigrantfromHong -Gong,preparingherself forCallUp

tomilitary service withinthe GarinTzabar project.READ

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Operations Room

Pictures of the Month

One on One

Challenges of the Moment

IDF Events

After years of successes the artillery reveals the secret

Tamuz missile - Some of the secrecy around the Kela

David(Davids Slingshot) unit of the artillery is removed. Introducingthe Tamuz- precise, autonomous and particularly deadly.READ

MORE

AfirstinsightintotheRimonPatrolTheSouthernFront

Commando force - As a conclusion of Cast Lead, the Givati

Brigade was assigned to resuscitate the Rimon Patrol trained

to combat terror in the vast terrain of Southern Command.READ

MORE

An unprecedented coordinated terrorist attack took placeduring mid August on Israels frontier with Egypt, leaving8Israeliskilledandover20injured. Among the dead, Golanicombatant Staff Sergeant Moshe Naftali and Special PoliceForces combatant Moshe Pascal. The IDFs response washarsh, widespread yet surgical including the downing of a seniorperson in the World Islamic Jihad Movement, the destruction of

infrastructures as well as the destruction of Terror Tunnels.READMORE

Anextensivearsenaldiscoveredonthebodiesoftheterroristsincluded large quantities of ammunition, weapons and magazines

including plastic cuffs indicating the intention to kidnap hostages.READMORE

Over 150 projectiles were launched towerds Israel duringAugust, including a mix of Grad Rockets, Kassam missles andMortar Shells. Dozens of these were successfully intercepted byforces manning the Iron Dome batteries deployed around BeerSheba and Ashkelon. READMORE

General preparedness for September: Riot control fromNorthtoSouth - Both Northern and Southern Commands haveestablished sections to handle violent unrest as a conclusion the

drawn from Nakba and Naksa events. Special Forces have beentraining and drilling since the beginning of this summer. READMORE

AttacksRenewedinIsrael'sSouth-Theroundofescalation

between Israel and the terrorist organizations operating in

theGazaStripwhichbeganwiththeterroristattacknorthof

EilatonAugust 18wasrekindledafteratemporarylullinthefightingonAugust23.READMORE

TheMonthofRamadan: 110,000Palestinianentriesto Israel

onanaverageweekend. READMORE

OneyearsincethetragiccrashTheIAFoncemoretrainsin

Rumania-For the rst time since the Sikorsky crash during last

summer, the IAF has returned for drills over Rumania. Karnaf

(C130) squadrons have own there for particular, challenging and

perhaps even moving drills.READMORE

Thecooperationcontinues:USMarinestrainingwith the IDF

in the waragainst terror - US Marine troops have been doingjoint drills with the IDF, training in Built Up Warfare, using the most

advanced simulators at their disposal.READMORE

TheChineseChiefofStaffonaStateVisittotheIDF .READ

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FournewMajorGeneralsappointedbytheChiefofStaff READ

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IDFSpokesperson'sUnitPublicAffairsBranch

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August 2011
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Inresponsetoterrorattacksinsouth,IDFtargetssitesinGaza

In response the terrorist attacks that took place

in southern Israel on Thursday (August 18) and

later rocket fire at Israel, IAF aircraft targeted

seven sites in the Gaza Strip.

In northern Gaza, two terror activity sites

and a weapons storage facility were struck.

In southern Gaza, two smuggling tunnels, a

terrorist tunnel and a terror activity site were

struck.

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yoav (Poly)

Mordechai said on Friday that IDF forces are

continuing to search the area of Thursday's

terrorist attacks for weaponry left behind by

terrorists.

"The IDF will continue to prevent terrorism and will respond decisively and with force in the Gaza

Strip," Brig. Gen. Mordechai said. "At the same time, we are setting up investigations to learn thelessons of Thursday's events."

More than 12 rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza overnight. Some were intercepted by the Iron

Dome anti-rocket system and some fell in open areas.

Brig. Gen. Mordechai noted, however, that it is too early to say that the situation in the region will

escalate.

"Throughout today (Friday), we will see how things develop," Brig. Gen. Mordechai said.

Brig. Gen. Mordechai called on residents of southern Israel to follow the instructions given by the

Homefront Command.

The IDF will not tolerate attacks on Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. The IDF will act decisively against

any element that uses terrorism against Israel. The IDF holds the Hamas terrorist organization for

all terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.

August 2011


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Explosive belts, Kalashnikov ries found on bodies of deadterrorists

On Tuesday (August 23), the IDF displayed the

weaponry found on the bodies of the terrorists

who conducted the attacks near Eilat this month

in which eight Israelis were killed.

The weaponry included explosive vests and

other explosive devices, a commando knife,self-made fragmentation grenades, Kalashnikov

rifles, catridges and handcuffs (indicating that

the terrorists intended to try to abduct an IDF

soldier during the attacks).

"This large quantity of weaponry on the bodies

of the terrorists makes clear one thing: their goal

was to kill or kidnap Israeli citizens," said Lt. Col.

Avital Leibovich, head of the IDF's foreign press branch.

In reference to the many Kalashnikov bullets found on the terrorists, Lt. Col. Leibovich said thatthis was "a reminder of the Victoria ship, which several months ago attempted to smuggle 76,000

bullets such as these through the tunnels to Gaza."

PictureGallery

August 2011
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56196724@N03/sets/72157627501836244/http://www.flickr.com/photos/56196724@N03/sets/72157627501836244/


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Despite return of calm to south, Iron Dome batteriesmaintainalertness

Five rockets landed in the Ashkelon region

on Monday night (August 22), despite the

ceasefire declared by Palestinian terrorist

groups in the Gaza Strip. But overall, a

relative calm has settled over southern Israel,

following a weekend of rocket attacks.

Despite the calm, the Iron Dome batteries in

the Be'er Sheva and Ashkelon regions are

not taking any chances and are maintaining

alertness.

"Our motivation is sky high," said the deputy

commander of the Be'er Sheva battery. "If

there is another event, we will do all we can to

fulfill our mission as best as possible, either

now or in the next round."While dozens of rockets were fired daily at

Israel over the weekend, the targets on the

Iron Dome screens have now dwindled.

"I certainly feel more relaxed, but we must

maintain constant readiness," the deputy

battery commander said. "We continue to

fully staff [the Iron Dome system] and we are

preparing for the arrival of a third battery.

Our alertness is like it was during the busyweekend and we will be ready if the situation

escalates again."

August 2011


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IDFincreasesriot-controltraining

The IDF's Northern and Southern Commands

recently established departments to train forces

on how to contain mass riots.

The departments were developed to be

similar to the Central Command's existing riot

department. Forces began training under the

new departments this summer.

The training covers various topics, including:

riot dispersal means, use of nonlethal weapons

and behavior in front of both the media and the

Palestinian population.

The creation of these training departments stemmed from the lessons learned from the "Nakba"

and "Naksa" day events earlier this year with the goal of improving the IDF's effectiveness in

managing riots.

August 2011


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HongKongteenjoinstheIDF

Approximately 300 teens from all around the

world arrived in Israel this month for the sole

purpose of enlisting to the IDF. In preparation

for their enlistment, the teens joined the Garin

Tzabar program.

In cooperation with the Israeli Scouts

(Tzofim) and the Education and Youth Corps,

Garin Tzabar accepts teens interested inimmigrating to Israel and serving in the IDF

from all around the world. With the Garin,

they learn about the army and Israel, tour the

country, and are prepared for their military

service. The program gives them a home and

supports the teens throughout their service.

Hadar Shabat (18) arrived in Israel two months ago from Hong- Kong and is anxious to embark on

her new life. "I'm extremely excited to finally become a soldier," she told IDF Website. "I always

knew I would immigrate to Israel."

Soon, she will be moving to her Kibbuz in northern Israel with her fellow Garin Tzabar members.

"Life in Hong-Kong is very different than in Israel," explained Shabat. "It's a very business-oriented,

fast-paced city, with lots of opportunities."

Hadar explained that the Israeli and Jewish community in Hong-Kong is on the rise. "When I was

born here it wasn't like this. There weren't many Jews, and even fewer Israelis, which is why I

studied at an international high school. Today, it's wonderful to see that my younger siblings go to

Jewish schools and are surrounded by kids just like them."

There are many cultural differences between Israel and Hong-Kong, and Hadar was the only Israeliof the 1,000 students at high school. "There were several other Jewish students," she said, "but

we were definitely a minority."

Studying at an international school with students from all around the world was an incredible

experience for Hadar and one of the reasons she did not move to Israel at a younger age. "There's

something very special about going to a school like mine, you meet people from all around the

world, with different cultures and opinions."

She spoke fluent Hebrew at home and used English at her international high school. "I don't actually

know Chinese," she confessed. "English is almost the first language in Hong-Kong, everybody

speaks it and you don't even need to know Chinese to get by."

Throughout the years, Hadar's love for Israel remained strong, and when an Israeli Tzofim branch

opened in Hong-Kong the decision was obvious. "I felt that this was my opportunity to make a

dream come true- move to Israel and join the IDF. My parents supported me completely and with

time my dream became a reality."

Although she moved to Israel on her own, Shabat will not be enlisting alone. "It's scary to live

without your family," she said, "but there are five friends from Hong-Kong in my Garin that I've

known for years. That's a great relief."

Hadar believes that joining the IDF should be a privilege, not a requirement. "It's an incredibleexperience and opportunity to grow and learn so many new things. More than anything, it's an

opportunity to give back to the country," she said.

August 2011


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Introducingthesecret'Tamuz'missile

The Artillery Brigade reveals the most precise electro

optic missile, 'Tamuz' and the APC 'Hafiz' which carries

its launch tower and deadly missiles. The Tamuz

missile, developed by the Armament Development

Authority, was declared operational in the 1980's

though remained a mystery till this Monday (Aug. 1).

The missile has a powerful, hollow explosive capable

of hitting highly concealed targets and is directed byits operator till the very instant it hits. Thus acquiring

the ability to select a target, home in on it and achieve

an exact hit almost every single time, during both day

and night time.

With a range of 20km and speed of 220 meter per second, along with the absolute silence as it

travels through the air, the missile creates a powerful surprise factor. It can home in on moving

objects and is used against anti-tank targets as well as against terrorist groups and build ings used

for terrorist activities. The Tamuz missile was first used in the Second Lebanon War.

The uniqueness of the Tamuz missile is its ability toindependently track a target both stationary and in

motion. A special camera is installed on the Tamuz

tracking the target along with the missile. Most use

of the missile is done via simulations due to its high

cost.

The operators go through intensive training mostly

using simulators. "It's essential to learn how to

properly direct the launcher to the target," explains

Col. Sharon, Kelah David Division Support UnitCommander, "the missile has a unique flight pattern,

and once fired it cannot be undone."

"It's crucial to teach the operators how to choose the appropriate targets and not any random

target on the field," adds Col. Sharon, "if an actual tank in motion is recognized, we can home in

on it and hit. Almost every single missile fired hits its target. Once fired, the missile spends 30 - 40

seconds in the air."

"This is the most accurate ground system," adds Artillery Corps Commander Brig. Gen. David

Swisa, "it's exact and can even hit inside the window of a house. He can hit the desired target even

based on an inaccurate waypoint, and is extremely useful against launchers. This could be criticalon the battlefield."

Watchthevideo

PictureGallery

August 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkPluitcqNc&feature=player_embeddedhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/56196724@N03/sets/72157627207186219/http://www.flickr.com/photos/56196724@N03/sets/72157627207186219/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkPluitcqNc&feature=player_embedded


8/14

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AglimpseatthenewcommandounitthatdefendssouthernIsrael

Around a year ago, the IDF's Southern Command

created a new commando reconnaissance

unit, called Rimon.

The vast southern region of Israel is prone

to terror activities, necessitating a commando

force trained to engage in combat against

terrorist cells operating in the area.Last Thursday (August 18), terroris t attacks in

the Eilat region took the lives of eight Israelis.

Still in its preliminary stages, the unit is

being trained to face any challenge posed by

enemies in the south, in both urban Gaza

settings and in the open desert. The unit's

primary mission is to thwart all terrorist

activities in the region.

"The soldiers in the unit are extremely diverse:

Ethiopians, Russians, Druze, Orthodox Jews,

lone soldiers, etc." Lt. Y told IDF Website.

"This diversity keeps them united."

"It's been years since the Rimon unit last

existed in the IDF," said Lt. Y. "It offers many

unique things, and there is truly a special

feeling."

Lt. Y said that the new unit is in the processof forming its identity.

"Anything you do both good or bad, defines

the unit," he said. "Every tradition we start will

last for generations."

PictureGallery

Watchthevideo

August 2011
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56196724@N03/sets/72157627499445070/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td1pS924mE4&feature=player_embeddedhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/56196724@N03/sets/72157627499445070/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td1pS924mE4&feature=player_embedded


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TheMeirAmitIntelligenceand

TerrorismInformationCenter

AttacksRenewedinIsrael'sSouth

The Situation on the GroundThe round of escalation between Israel and the terrorist

organizations operating in the Gaza Strip which began

with the terrorist attack north of Eilat on August 18 was

rekindled after a temporary lull in the fighting on August

23. Israeli aircraft attacked and killed a Palestinian

Islamic Jihad terrorist operative who promoted terrorist

activity in the Sinai Peninsula. In retaliation, the terrorist

organizations, led by the PIJ, attacked population centersin Israel's south with rockets and mortar shells. (From

the morning of August 24 approximately 20 rockets and

a number of mortar shells fell in Israeli territory.) The IDF responded by attacking terrorist targets in

the Gaza Strip.

Rocket Attack Targets Israel

Following the killing of Ismail al-Asmar, the terrorist organizations fired approximately 20 rockets at

populated areas in Israel, about half of them long-range rockets which reached cities and villages

40 kilometers (25 miles) away. Some fell in and around Ashqelon. Most of them fell on the night of

August 24. Two mortar shell hits were identified on the morning of August 24.

A number of terrorist organizations operating in the Gaza Strip claimed responsibility for the rocket

fire, especially the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. According to the organization's website, the PIJ was

responsible for Grad rocket fire targeting Beersheba, Ashqelon, Ofakim and other western Negev

population centers on the night of August 24. According to the Egyptian media, one of the rockets

fired from the Gaza Strip fell in Nafura Square in Egyptian Rafah, wounding a woman.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad Claims ResponsibilityClaiming responsibility for the Grad rocket red on at 23:15 hours Claiming responsibility for the Grad rockets red at Beer Sheba, Ofakim, Ashqelon

on August 24 (Jerusalem Brigades website, August 25.08.11). and the population centers near the Gaza Strip on the night of August 24

(Jerusalem Brigades website, August 25.08.11).

August 2011


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JerusalemcrossingsopenforRamadan

Approximately 110,000 Palestinians entered

Jerusalem on Friday (August 12) via the

Qalandiya, Rachel, and Hazeitim crossings

for the Ramadan tradition of praying at the

Temple Mount.

Every year, the crossings into Jerusalem open

during the month of Ramadan to accommodate

this weekly tradition. The IDF Military Police's'Erez' Battalion is in charge of security,

enabling thousands of Palestinians to enter

every Friday morning, starting as early as 4

am.

"This month is a climax for our soldiers," explained Maj. Gili Becker Company Commander at the

Erez Battalion, stationed at the Qalandiya crossing. "We start preparing at 2 am, and by 4 we're

ready for the first big wave of worshipers. Every Friday is exhausting and complicated: we must

make sure the passage is quick and efficient without jeopardizing securi ty, while still maintaining

mutual respect," said Maj. Becker.

She added that "last Friday, 25,000 Palestinians passed through just my crossing, and the numbers

continue to grow every week."

Lt. Col. Yuval Shenkin, the Erez Battalion Commander, clarified that the weekly passage of such

large numbers is made possible only with the battalion's excellent preparation.

"This is an extremely complex process that requires special preparation," he explained. "Our

soldiers start operating very early in the morning, doing an outstanding job both in terms of security

and on a personal level." He also explained that in consideration of the fasting Palestinians, the

IDF soldiers do not eat or drink in front of them and are extremely careful in maintaining modestyand understanding.

"This situation isn't easy for either side, though we accommodate it as much as possible. We've

set up shade nets against the extreme heat," he added. "The population is also relatively old,

and we respect their difficulties."

During the second week of Ramadan last year, 73,000 people crossed into Jerusalem, in comparison

with this year's 110,000. According to Lt. Col. Shenkin the reason for this increase is the more

efficient methods and the preparation of the Erez Battalion.

"The goal is to achieve a high level and quick securi ty check. There is no doubt that this depends

on the determination of the soldiers and the seriousness with which they take their job," Lt. Col.

Shenkin concluded.

The majority of the population entering includes women over the age of 45 and men over 50.

Younger worshipers receive a special permit. Lt. Col. Shenkin explained that "every week more

people receive the appropriate permits thus further increasing the numbers."

August 2011


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IAFreturnstoRomaniaforjointtrainingexercise

For the first time since an Israel Air Force

Sikorsky CH-53 crashed in Romania during

a training mission last year, the IAF recently

returned to Romania for joint exercises.

Six IAF airmen and a Romanian soldier were

killed in the July 2010 accident.

"In the past year, the friendship between ushas become a brotherhood," said Romanian

General Alexander Glushka, the head of the

Romanian Air Force's training squadron. "This

cooperation is very important to us."

Earlier this month, IAF C-130 Hercules "Karnaf" aircra ft departed Israel for two weeks of intensive

training in the skies over Romania and the Carpathian Mountains.

The IAF Karnaf crews had to cope with Romania's complex topography and volatile weather.

They practiced navigating through mountainous terrain and ravines.

"The Karnaf is unusual in this regard," said an IAF airman that participated in the exercise. "When

you talk about a transport plane, everyone thinks of an El Al Boeing that transports passengers.

Those flights are very comfortable and at high altitude, with newspapers and coffee. But the

Karnaf was built from the start to be a tactical transport aircraft - a plane that navigates and flies

through unfriendly territory carrying fighters."

Watchthevideo

August 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3L9XR2xxEQ&feature=player_embeddedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3L9XR2xxEQ&feature=player_embedded


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U.S.MarinestrainatIDFUrbanWarfareTrainingCenter

The narrow streets and tall cement

buildings of theworld-renowned IDF

Urban Warfare Training Center echoed

with shouts in flawless English asUS

Marines delve into another close-

quarters-battle drill.

As part of the ongoing cooperation

between the Israeli Defense Forcesand the US Armed Forces stationed

in Europe, a company of US Marines

came to Israel for a month of intensive

training at IDF facilities and alongside

IDF soldiers. Dividing their time between

the Adam Base in central Israel and the

Tze'elim Base in the south, the soldiers

trained in urban and cautious warfare,

reconnaissance, and at various shooting

ranges.

As they embark on a training exercise at the UWTC, Platoon Sgt. Robert Hattenbach explains,

"We've never been to a mock town like that of the IDF." He mentions the facility's size and unique

structure and continues "it's important for our soldiers to train in different sites, preparing them

for anything."The soldiers were thrilled to train at the city as well, raving about its realistic feel.

A smoke grenade hits the floor, rapidly secreting thick smoke of a vibrant color used for camouflage

against the lurking enemy. Yelling out commands, M4s ready, they sneak from building to build ing,

clearing out every room and securing their objective.

The success of the operation is determined by the Captain, and the "enemy" is a squad of theMarines platoon, hiding inside each multiple story building waiting for the other squads to find

them.

"By training here," Hospital Corpsman HM1 Raymond Price elaborates, "we can better combat

terrorism at any area and field." He continues, "coming to Israel has been an inspirational trip,

it's beautiful to see how Israel has managed to preserve so many years of history, culture and

tradition."

"This trip was a serious wake up call," says Sgt. Hattenbach. "The instructors at the Adam Base

took the time to explain to us what's been going on in Israel and we realized that Israeli people

are just like us. We now better understand what Israel really is and when we go back to the USwe can tell people that."

During earlier exercises that involved IDF forces, the US Marines were impressed by their work

"the tactics used by the snipers and Special Forces are much more efficient," explains Cpl.

Lombard, "they also focus more on the safety of each individual soldier rather than the mission."

The company is one of the only young Marines units; all at around 19 years old, they are close

in age to the Israeli soldiers and were able to from close bonds. Howeverunlike IDF soldiers, the

Marines volunteer to draft. "We have a responsibility for our country," they agree, "you can't just

sit at home hearing of everything going on in the world and remain idle."

This particular company, the Marine Corps Fast Team Security Forces, enlisted for five years,

three of which they spend deployed to Europe or Africa and after further infantry training are sent

to the battle fronts at either Iraq or Afghanistan.

Concluding their training in Israel, the company went for a well-deserved rest at the Dead Sea.

PictureGallery

August 2011
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56196724@N03/sets/72157627430710442/http://www.flickr.com/photos/56196724@N03/sets/72157627430710442/


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ChinesechiefofstaffarrivesinIsraeltovisitIDF

The Chinese Chief of the General Staff

General Chen Bingde arrived in Israel

on Sunday (August 14).

Gen. Bingde is the guest of the IDF

Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant

General Benny Gantz, who will host a

festive dinner in honor of Gen. Bingde

on Sunday evening. The dinner will beattended by senior IDF officers.

During his visit, Gen. Bingde will meet

senior defense officials, attend strategic

and security briefings, visit the IDF

Urban Warfare Training Center, and

observe IDF ground forces training.

Gen. Bingde will also tour the Western

Wall and the Yad Vashem Holocaust

Memorial and Museum in Jerusalem.

The IDF places significant emphasis on the development and upkeep of international cooperation

as a means of facing mutual challenges. This visit is part of a series of cooperative exchanges

between the IDF and foreign partners. Previous visitors have included the heads of the Italian,

German, U.S. and Bulgarian militaries, among others.

Watchthevideo

August 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VbVQpYY27U&feature=player_embeddedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VbVQpYY27U&feature=player_embedded


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NewappointmentstoGeneralStaffForumapproved

On Thursday (August 4), Defense Minister Ehud

Barak approved four new appointments to the General

Staff Forum. The new General Staff members were

nominated by Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen.

Benny Gantz.

The next commander of the Israel Navy will be Brig.

Gen. Ram Rothberg (in the picture).

Rothberg will replace Maj. Gen. Eliezer Marom, who

is retiring after serving in the IDF for 37 years.

The other approved appointments were: Brig. Gen.

Kobi Barak as head of the Technology and Logistics

Branch; Brig. Gen. Yossi Baidatz as head of the

military colleges; and Brig. Gen. Uzi Moscovich as

head of the Teleprocessing Branch.

All of the new appointments will be promoted in rank

to Major General.

August 2011

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Eng Newsletter - August 2011

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