IDF Targets Islamic Jihad Terrorist Amid Fragile Gaza Ceasefire

The **Israel Defense Forces (IDF)** is the national military of Israel, established in May 1948 shortly after the country’s founding. It comprises three main branches: the Israeli Ground Forces, the Israeli Air Force (IAF), and the Israeli Navy, all operating under a unified command led by the Chief of Staff who reports to the Minister of Defense[1][2][3]. The IDF's primary mission is to safeguard the State of Israel and protect its citizens from diverse and persistent security threats[8]. The IDF is known for its **defensive strategic doctrine combined with offensive tactical execution**, reflecting Israel’s geographical vulnerabilities and security environment. It maintains a small but highly trained standing army supported by a large reserve force, with rapid mobilization capabilities[1]. The quality and professionalism of its soldiers are considered the IDF’s greatest asset, supported by advanced domestically developed weapons and technologies tailored to Israel’s specific defense needs[1][3]. Historically, the IDF has played a crucial role in Israel’s survival and regional conflicts, participating in multiple wars and counterterrorism operations. Notable achievements include Operation Entebbe in 1976, a daring hostage rescue by elite special forces such as Sayeret Matkal, and continuous innovations in urban warfare and subterranean combat against tunnel networks used by adversaries like Hamas[4][5]. The IDF’s special forces units are internationally recognized for their rigorous training and operational excellence in intelligence, counterterrorism, and unconventional warfare[4]. Currently, the IDF is undergoing significant technological and structural modernization. This includes upgrading infantry weapons (e.g., replacing M-16 rifles with the IMI Tavor series), armored vehicles (e.g., Namer and Eitan APCs), and future combat systems like next-generation tanks equipped with lasers, electromagnetic pulse weaponry, and hybrid engines. There is also a focus on enhancing joint training across air, land, and sea branches and improving reserve force readiness by streamlining

**Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ): An Overview** The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), also known as Harakat al-Jihad al-Islami fi Filistin, is a Sunni Islamist militant group founded in the late 1970s by Fathi Shikaki and Abd al-Aziz Awda. Initially part of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, they broke away due to the Brotherhood's perceived moderation on Palestinian issues[1][2]. The group's primary goal is to establish an Islamic Palestinian state, which involves the destruction of Israel and the reclamation of historic Palestine[2]. **History and Development** PIJ was forced to move from Egypt to Gaza in the early 1980s due to its radical stance. The group's military wing, the al-Quds Brigades, has been responsible for numerous attacks on Israeli targets, including suicide bombings and rocket launches[1][5]. In 1997, PIJ was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States[1]. Over the years, PIJ has received significant support from Iran, which has helped the group strengthen its capabilities[3]. **Key Achievements and Current Status** PIJ has maintained a strong presence in the Gaza Strip, often launching rockets into Israel in response to Israeli actions. Notable recent incidents include the firing of over 4,000 rockets alongside Hamas in May 2021 and approximately 1,100 rockets in August 2022[5]. Despite being overshadowed by Hamas, PIJ continues to be a key player in Palestinian militant politics, particularly because it is not encumbered by governance responsibilities[3]. The group's influence has grown, especially after Hamas's break with Syria in 2012, which led to increased Iranian funding for PIJ[3]. **Notable Aspects** PIJ's refusal to engage in the political process sets it apart from other Palestinian groups like Hamas and Fatah[2]. The organization's ideology is deeply rooted in

**Hamas** is a Sunni Islamist Palestinian nationalist organization that functions both as a political party and a militant group, primarily operating in the Gaza Strip, which it has governed since 2007. Founded in 1987 by Ahmed Yassin amid the First Intifada, Hamas emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood and initially had covert Israeli support as a counterweight to the secular Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)[3][1]. It combines political governance with an armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, committed to armed resistance against Israel, which it refuses to recognize as a legitimate state[1][3]. Hamas’s political rise culminated in a 2006 electoral victory in the Palestinian Legislative Council, campaigning on anti-corruption and resistance platforms. After violently seizing Gaza from the rival Fatah faction in 2007, Hamas has maintained de facto control there despite international isolation and blockades imposed by Israel and Egypt[3]. Its governance has been marked by repeated conflicts with Israel, including major wars in 2008–09, 2012, 2014, 2021, and the ongoing intense conflict triggered by Hamas’s surprise October 2023 attack killing nearly 1,200 Israelis and taking hostages[1][2][3]. Hamas benefits from regional support, especially from Iran, which supplies funding and weapons, as well as financial and political backing from Turkey and Qatar. These alliances form part of a broader "axis of resistance" against Israel, which includes groups like Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad[2]. Hamas also operates fundraising networks globally, sometimes using charities as fronts to support its military activities[4]. The group is designated a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States, which has increased military aid to Israel following recent escalations[2][6]. Despite modifying its 1988 charter in 2017 to soften some language, Hamas continues to reject Israel’s legitimacy and pursues all forms of resistance[1]. Its enduring political

The **United States** is a federal republic and a global superpower, playing a leading role in economics, military strength, technology, and governance. It is a nation of approximately 348 million people as of 2025, characterized by its diverse population and dynamic economy[8][6]. Founded in 1776 following independence from British rule, the U.S. rapidly evolved into a major world power, especially after World War II, when its technological and economic investments solidified its global dominance[4]. Today, it remains the world’s preeminent military power, with 76% of Americans recognizing this status, while about half view it as the leading economic power globally, though China is seen as a rising competitor[2][3]. The U.S. government operates through a complex system that manages federal finances, taxation, social welfare programs, and trade policies. Recent legislative changes, such as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, have shaped the tax landscape to influence economic growth, labor markets, and federal revenue[1]. Despite challenges like rising federal deficits projected to reach 6.9% of GDP by 2027, consumer spending remains resilient, and business investment is expected to grow steadily in 2025[5]. In governance, the U.S. is rated "Free" with a score of 84/100 by Freedom House, though concerns about democratic erosion and partisan conflicts persist[6]. Public trust and satisfaction with government services fluctuate, reflecting ongoing debates about policy effectiveness and institutional competence[7]. Technologically, the U.S. maintains a critical edge, underpinning its economic and geopolitical power. Experts warn, however, that technological dominance is not guaranteed indefinitely, emphasizing the need for adaptive policies and international cooperation to sustain leadership in innovation and global affairs[4]. Overall, the United States remains a pivotal force in global business, technology, and politics, balancing historic strengths with contemporary challenges in