🎯 IDF RETURNS FIRE AND AIRSTRIKES AFTER GAZA GUNMEN WOUND RESERVE OFFICER, ELIMINATES STONE-THROWING TERRORIST IN JERICHO AMID SMUGGLING ARRESTS AND DIPLOMATIC MOVES WITH AZERBAIJAN, SOMALILAND, AND KURDISH REPRESENTATIVES
💥 Gaza Ceasefire Violation and IDF Response: An IDF reserve officer was seriously wounded overnight when Gazan terror operatives opened fire during operations on the Israeli side of the Yellow Line in the northern Gaza Strip. He was evacuated to a hospital and his family was notified.
After identifying the fire, IDF armored units and Israeli Air Force aircraft conducted precise strikes in the area. The IDF described the attack as a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire. Gazan media reported at least nine dead in Israeli strikes overnight, including six in northern Gaza, where the IDF said it returned fire against gunmen who attacked troops.
🚫 Gaza Governance Dispute: The Prime Minister’s Office said the logo presented to Israel for the Committee for the Management of Gaza (NCAG) was completely different from the one later published. The PMO said Israel will not accept the use of the Palestinian Authority emblem and that the Palestinian Authority will not be a partner in the management of Gaza.
❌ Jericho Stone-Throwing Attack: During operational activity in Jericho in Judea and Samaria, soldiers identified several terrorists who threw stones at forces. Troops responded with live fire, eliminating one terrorist and hitting additional terrorists.
No Israeli soldiers were injured. The Palestinian Authority health ministry identified the slain individual as Said al-Sheikh, 24, and said three others were wounded by IDF fire in the incident.
⚠️ Smuggling Cell Apprehended Near Western Border: In a joint operation involving the IDF, Israel Border Police, and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), a cell of Israeli smugglers was apprehended near the western border after being identified by IDF observation posts. Three suspects were detained following a pursuit, along with off-road vehicles and drone equipment used by them.
The suspects were transferred to the Israel Police for further processing. The IDF said it will continue operating with the security apparatus to prevent additional smuggling attempts and ensure the stability and safety of the State of Israel.
🤝 Diplomatic and Regional Developments
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to visit Jerusalem, stating: "Send my warmest greetings to President Aliyev. We always say, 'Next year in Jerusalem' — tell him, 'This year in Jerusalem'. Let him come and visit us. He will be very warmly received".
Israel and Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of artificial intelligence. Netanyahu described it as "another step forward in building closer relations between the two countries".
Somaliland said it expects to sign a trade partnership with Israel and may offer access to mineral resources such as lithium in return for Israeli technology and investment. Talks are ongoing and no deal is final yet.
🤝 Kurdish Delegation Meeting in Jerusalem: Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli announced meetings in Jerusalem with representatives of DAANES/Syrian Democratic Forces. Chikli said Israel stands with the Kurdish minority in Rojava and hosted Azad Khalil at the Knesset, bringing him together with MK Afif Abed and MK Amit Halevi.
🪖 IDF Arabic Spokesperson Leadership Change: Maj. Ella Waweya has been selected to replace Col. Avichay Adraee as the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson. Waweya, known as "Captain Ella," has served in the IDF since 2013 and currently serves as Adraee’s deputy. Adraee, who served as the Arabic-language spokesman for the past 20 years, is set to retire. Waweya will be promoted to lieutenant colonel, and a handover ceremony is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
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