Topic: Israeli Defense Forces
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Hezbollah 101: Who is the militant group, and what does it want?
The Shiite militant group and political party is a player not just in Lebanon, where it is based, but across the broader Middle East. It remains a staunch opponent of Israel, which it fought to a standstill in 2006, and a close ally of Iran and Syria – despite both regimes' crackdowns on citizens Hezbollah purports to champion.
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In Pictures: Gilad Shalit released
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Gilad Shalit: Why does he matter so much?
Gilad Shalit was kidnapped by Hamas fighters more than five years ago, sparking outrage across Israel. Now he's set to be freed in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
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'Nakba Day' protests: What regional leaders said
Protests erupted on Israel’s borders and throughout East Jerusalem and the West Bank on Sunday as Palestinians marked the 63rd anniversary of Israel’s independence, which they refer to as the “nakba,” or catastrophe. Here is a roundup of notable statements:
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Goldstone Report: Reexamining 5 key findings
The controversial Goldstone Report, the result of a UN fact finding mission following allegations of human rights violations during the 2008 to 2009 Israel-Gaza conflict, is under scrutiny again. What findings makes this nonbinding UN report such a flashpoint?
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West Bank welcomes Hamas back with excitement - and apprehension
Still riding a wave of popularity after the Gaza war, Hamas held celebratory rallies throughout the West Bank. But worries about a return to the chaos and violence of the intifada are bubbling up.
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Merkel meets Netanyahu as Israel and Germany hit rocky patch
Germany's abstention from the UN vote on the status of the Palestinian Authority angered Israel and raised questions about whether Germany's once almost unconditional support is changing.
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Opinion: US support for Mahmoud Abbas's UN bid for Palestine could save two-state solution (+video)
Mahmoud Abbas hopes to save his legacy with a bid to have the UN effectively recognize a state of Palestine. Opposition from the US and Israel is self-defeating, as the collapse of Abbas's leadership would also spell the end of a two-state solution, as well as its greatest champion.
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As Gaza offensive intensifies, Israel enjoys unusual international support
European governments as well as the US are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel over the conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip – drawing the ire of the Muslim world.
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Opinion: How to make a Hamas, Israel ceasefire in Gaza stick
Contrary to Hamas reports, Israel claims there is no ceasefire deal for the Gaza conflict. But US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is en route to Jerusalem, and an agreement appears to be in the making. Making it stick will require regional commitment.
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Israelis ponder alternatives to 'mowing the lawn' in Gaza (+video)
Israel has yet to articulate a long-term strategy for Gaza, but there is a growing consensus that a military operation every few years is not the answer.
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Israel's Bedouin Arabs caught in middle as rockets fly in both directions
Residents of the Bedouin Arab town of Rahat are divided between worry for themselves as rockets from Gaza land nearby and worries for their relatives in Gaza facing an Israeli barrage.
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Terrorism & Security
Gaza cease-fire negotiations under way, but fighting rages on (+video)An Israeli envoy was dispatched to Cairo to take part in Gaza cease-fire negotiations sponsored by Egypt. Turkey and Qatar will also take part.
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Israel's Iron Dome provides cover, but not normalcy (+video)
Israeli sources claim the Iron Dome missile defense system has successfully shot down most of the rockets that it has tried to intercept from Gaza.
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Backchannels
For both Hamas and Israel, there are reasons to escalate (+video)For Hamas, a fear that capitulation will hurt their standing more than defiance. For Israel, it's a question of making good on public threats.
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Terrorism & Security
Gaza: Brief cease-fire shattered, Israeli troops mass outside Strip (+video)Despite hopes for a brief cease-fire while Egyptian Prime Minister Kandil visited the Gaza Strip, Israeli and Palestinian forces launched rockets and airstrikes Friday.
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Gaza: Egypt shows support of Hamas (+video)
Israel and Hamas are trading fire. Egypt's president, Mohamed Mursi, denounced Israel's role in the fighting. In support of Hamas, Egyptian officials plan to visit Gaza on Friday.
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Key test for Egypt's Morsi as Gaza conflict intensifies (+video)
Since taking office in June, Egypt's Islamist President Morsi has upheld Egypt's peace treaty with Israel and strictly controlled border crossings. Could the Gaza conflict change his calculus?
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Palestinian Authority unable to pay salaries, even as it pursues statehood
The Palestinian drive for non-member state status at the UN could trigger Israeli economic retaliation that would end the viability of the Palestinian Authority.
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Israeli tanks hit inside Syria, but Israel not eager to enter conflict
Israel is likely to stick with its policy of just rooting for the downfall of President Bashar Assad while refraining from throwing its lot in with any of the opposition groups.
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Briefing
Sudan's Bashir threatens Israel over alleged airstrikeSudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir vowed today to retaliate against Israel for a recent alleged airstrike. The Monitor explains the background of the dispute.
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Cybersecurity chief: Attacks on US banks tough to pin down
Cybersecurity getting increased attention from US government after a wave of Internet attacks on US banks. Pentagon blames Iran, but cybersecurity expert Gil Shwed says they could come from any developed country.
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Salafis' rise in Gaza robs Hamas of resistance banner
Salafi militants have been firing rockets into Israel, prompting Israeli retaliation as Hamas seeks calm so that it can focus on the economy.
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Opinion: Obama must stand up to Netanyahu on Israeli settler violence
The US State Department recent called Israeli settler violence against Palestinians 'terrorist incidents.' Though a step in the right direction, the label fails to highlight the Israeli government's responsibility for these human rights violations. Washington must take a bold stand.
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Energy Voices
Israel eyes gas reserves in contested watersA reserve of at least 50,000 billion cubic feet of natural gas may lay untapped off the coast of Israel, according to OilPrice.com. The question is, who will claim it?
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Israelis shrug at Netanyahu's urgent warnings on Iran (+video)
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has relentlessly warned that Iran poses an imminent nuclear threat, but most Israelis are sanguine, believing it won't happen or that Israel can handle it.
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Global News Blog
Attempted attack on Israeli border highlights militant presence in SinaiOne soldier from the Israel Defense Forces was killed and another wounded in an attack on the Sinai border today, while three militants were killed.
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Is Israel's Barak breaking with Netanyahu over Iran?
Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who until now was a steadfast ally of Netanyahu's push for military confrontation with Iran over its nuclear program, appears to be carving out a new position, though he is denying it.
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Military analysts say Syrian Army is far from point of collapse
The State Department has said repeatedly that the Syrian Army is growing weak, but independent military analysts say it is still capable of handling the rebel forces.
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Palestinians face losing their home on the (firing) range
About 1,500 Palestinians living in the South Hebron Hills will likely be uprooted to make way for an Israeli military firing range.
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