Famously, the slogan “All the News That’s Fit to Print” graces the front page of every New York Times edition. The slogan was coined at the end of the 19th century by the paper’s publisher, Adolph Ochs. Of course, in today’s hyper-globalized world, the slogan is wishful thinking. No paper could realistically cover all the important news stories of the day.
Still, it would be hard to argue that outlets like the New York Times, the Washington Post, CNN, and others adequately cover even those stories they do print. They often devote precious space to emotive or opinionated claims, while omitting highly material and relevant information that sheds important new light.
Provided below are three important, but underreported, stories from the week bearing on Israel and the Middle East that media consumers should know.
As Israelis Prepare for Elections, the IDF is on High Alert
Israel’s elections will be held next Tuesday, Oct. 27, exactly a week before the midterms in the United States. The elections in both countries approach as tensions between the United States and Israel on the one hand and Iran and its proxies on the other are escalating. Reports indicate that all actors involved are preparing for renewed conflict. Recently, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that two tankers crossing the Strait of Hormuz were hit by mines and “set ablaze.” And Iran’s Houthi proxies have renewed fighting with Saudi Arabia in a conflict that could draw in more countries, including the United Kingdom.
Given the risk of escalation around the elections, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared its highest alert. On Oct. 19, the IDF chief, Eyal Zamir, ordered all IDF units to freeze any leaves starting Oct. 22. Zamir’s announcement followed a “multi-front [security] assessment” which included top IDF commanders. According to the Israeli news website Ynet:
At the beginning of the assessment, Zamir emphasized that the IDF’s mission was to ensure that Israel’s democratic elections are held “on schedule and safely.” He also stressed that the military remains on the highest level of alert and will continue to maintain heightened vigilance and readiness across all fronts.
Additionally, Zamir instructed the IDF to boost the presence of senior officers in command centers to “ensure operational readiness and capability.” He also deployed more forces to the West Bank.
It is not clear when Zamir expects to ease the alert. The top commander said that “the military is ‘on the highest state of alert and will continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and readiness across all fronts’ in the coming period.”
IDF soldiers have already started voting. The military deployed about 850 polling stations “at military bases and outposts across the country and beyond Israel’s borders.” Unlike the general public, soldiers can vote early, and the stations will remain open through Oct. 27. Colonel Vered Ben Yehuda, the IDF’s Chief Elections Officer, said the military is committed to ensure every service member will be able to cast a secret ballot, even if they are engaged in combat.
Israel’s Defense Capabilities Develop—in Space and Underwater
Israeli defense capacities received a boost in the past week, in space, on the ground, and underwater. On Monday, Oct. 19, the IDF announced the appointment of the first commander of its new Space Division. The commander, identified only as “Shin,” the first letter of his name, will “lead the military’s space warfare efforts.” The division will be a part of the Israeli air force.
The new division’s mission remains somewhat obscure. Until now, the air force was responsible for space-related activities such as satellite launches. The military said that the space division:
Defense Minister Katz boasted that developing space offensive and defense capabilities will not only boost Israel’s security, but also its industry and economy.
The military made other new appointments meant to augment defense capabilities. They include a commander for a new robotics unit to be a part of the “Depth Core.” Times of Israel described it as “a mostly dormant, shadowy multidisciplinary unit responsible for military operations beyond Israel’s borders.”
Beyond the IDF, defense tech company Elbit Systems acquired the Canadian company International Submarine Engineering (ISE). The Canadian company specializes in “advanced autonomous underwater and remotely operated systems for the maritime domain.” Elbit described ISE as:
A high-technology company engaged in the development and manufacture of undersea vehicles, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), as well as computer control systems and robotics.
The acquisition will help Elbit develop its capabilities in underwater intelligence, anti-marine warfare, and counter-mine measures.
Three Years After Hamas’ October 7 Massacre, Kibbutz Be’eri Opens Cycling Park
Kibbutz Be’eri in the Gaza Envelope was one of localities which Hamas hit the hardest on Oct. 7, 2023. Three years after the attack, a new cycling park is opening near the entrance to the kibbutz, signaling rebuilding and rejuvenation.
On the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, hundreds of Hamas terrorists swarmed Be’eri, leading to “what would become one of the deadliest killing grounds amid the Hamas-led terror onslaught, and the worst attack on a single community.” With the IDF in total disarray and shock, residents fended for themselves for hours, with terrorists going through their homes, “kidnapping, brutalizing and massacring civilians well into the afternoon.” In total, the assailants killed 101 civilians and 31 security personnel in Be’eri and kidnapped 32 people and took them to Gaza. The attackers “damaged and destroyed” at least 125 homes.
Today, construction in Be’eri is underway, but many members have not returned to the kibbutz, instead living in Kibbuz Hatzerim (27 miles southeast). Some members commute daily to work in the kibbutz. The community aims to fully return to the kibbutz in July 2027.
The opening of the Sylvan Adams Cycling Park is part of the drive to rejuvenate and bring new life to the kibbutz. The park is named after the businessman, philanthropist and bike enthusiast who spearheaded the project and includes a brand-new pump track. Kibbutz members and children participated in the inaugural ride. The 190 meters (623 feet) track is the largest in Israel.
Adams said:
This wonderful facility shows that we are strong, that we cannot be broken and that we are here to stay. The park belongs to Be’eri, to the children of neighboring communities and to the entire western Negev.
Be’eri was a well-known center for cyclists, and the terrorist murdered some of them on Oct. 7, 2023. The bicycle shop La Medavesh (For the Pedaler) is located at the entrance to the kibbutz.
Sharon Shabo, who is a part of Be’eri’s cycling community and heads the kibbutz’s rehabilitation administration, said:
Kibbutz member Aya Meidan, who riding her bike when the terrorists ambushed her, hosted the opening event at the park.