✈️ SECOND “GIDEON” KC-46 JOINS THE IAF: The Israeli Air Force received its second Boeing KC-46 “Gideon” aerial refueling aircraft, the second of six purchased through the Defense Ministry’s procurement mission in the United States. The tanker landed at Nevatim Airbase and was inducted into the new “Gideon” Refueling Squadron (46).
The KC-46 fleet is intended to replace the IAF’s aging Boeing 707 tankers, which played an important role in Israel’s recent wars against Iran. The IDF says the aircraft extend fighter-jet operational range and loiter time while providing advanced multi-mission transport capabilities. The military described the acquisition as a significant enhancement for operations in distant theaters and part of a broader Defense Ministry force-building effort.
🎯 HAMAS COMMANDER INVOLVED IN HOLDING HOSTAGES ELIMINATED: The IDF struck in Nuseirat on Wednesday and eliminated Sabahi Sami Mahmoud Shahata, a platoon commander in Hamas’s military wing. According to the military, Shahata infiltrated Israel during the October 7 Massacre and “took part in holding numerous hostages in Hamas captivity during the war.”
Shahata also participated in the November 2023 handover of released hostages to the Red Cross. The IDF said he had recently attempted to advance attacks against Israeli civilians and troops, and cited the continuing threat he posed in explaining the strike during the ceasefire.
❌ STABBING ATTEMPT DURING JENIN RAID ENDS WITH ATTACKER ELIMINATED: During an IDF arrest operation in Jenin, a terrorist armed with a knife attempted to stab a Paratroopers Brigade soldier. Troops opened fire and eliminated him; no IDF injuries were reported.
Palestinian media identified the attacker as Fathi Hazem, father of Ra’ad Hazem, who murdered Tomer Morad, Eytam Magini and Barak Lufan in the April 7, 2022 Tel Aviv bar shooting. Ra’ad Hazem was later killed near a mosque in Jaffa after opening fire on officers following an hours-long manhunt. Fathi Hazem subsequently praised his son and refused Israeli summons for questioning.
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