News Digest — 3/13/25
MG Yaniv Asor Assumes Southern Command And Sets First Objective: ‘Destroy Hamas’
MG Yaniv Asor has assumed command of the Southern Command, replacing MG Yaron Finkelman who served in this position for the past year and eight months.
The change of command ceremony was held Wednesday (12th) in an operational setting in the Gaza Strip led by the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, with the participation of senior commanders.
Zamir stated at the ceremony: “The war is still ongoing. It is complex and difficult. We have paid a heavy price. Hostages have yet to be returned, and not all evacuated civilians have been able to return home. We will continue to use all means at our disposal to bring our brothers and sisters back from captivity in tunnels, and to create the conditions for ongoing security for civilians living in communities near the border so they can thrive once again. Each release of a hostage is vital–it is the beat of our hearts. We will embrace the bereaved families and wish a full recovery to all the wounded.”
The Chief of Staff added: “The objectives we set for ourselves remain unchanged: we must continue the campaign, ensure our victory, and achieve a new security reality–and that guarantees long-term security for the citizens of Israel. Yaron, in the wake of a great disaster, you took upon yourself both personal and command responsibility. You quickly regained composure and led the determined combat in the southern arena with a firm hand. Yaniv, today, you assume command of the southern arena during a time in which the fighting continues. The work ahead is vast, and many challenges lie before you. No one is more worthy than you to face these challenges with success. We are fighting a war for our very existence–a war for our home, for our right to be here. We face a ruthless enemy, if it is not defeated, it will attempt the same attack again. And our enemy will be defeated–no matter how long it takes. We will act together until we achieve all our objectives and secure victory in this campaign.”
Outgoing Commander Yaron Finkelman stated: “On October 7th, the murderous Hamas took us by surprise. The Southern Command did not fulfill its mission–we failed. We failed to defend the western Negev and its beloved, heroic residents. That day will remain with us forever. That failure is etched into me as a commander and as a person for the rest of my life. That day I witnessed the depths of depravity–the sheer evil of Hamas with unmatched brutality. And on the other hand, I saw in our people the pinnacle of humanity–heroism, unity, and sacrifice. Civilians rushing to battle, the fierce fighting of the rapid response teams defending their communities, reservists arriving without being called, commanders and soldiers seeking direct engagement in the inferno. Since then, war, as we launched an offensive. Behold our people rose like a lioness, and lifted itself like a lion.”
“We fought with professionalism and strength, guided by the IDF’s values–foremost among them, dedication to the mission and pursuit of victory. We fought in the alleyways, in the tunnels, dealing an unprecedented blow to the despicable enemy. We eliminated terrorist leaders, tens of thousands of their operatives, and destroyed their infrastructure. It is not over–until the last of our brothers and sisters are returned from captivity–this is our ultimate duty and urgent mission. It is not over until the enemy is destroyed! It is not over until all communities are restored to security and prosperity. To all units of the Southern Command– your commander is speaking: ‘I will always be a soldier of the State of Israel. It was my honor. I salute you. Until victory! Over and out.’”
MG Asor stated: “I accept the sacred mission to command the Southern Command with great reverence, and I wish to outline two key missions–both equally vital, guiding us toward victory. The first mission–complete eradication of Hamas terrorists. Those who have inscribed their mission to pursue our destruction on their banner, who sought to annihilate, kill, and destroy every Jew, from the young to the old, infants and women, in a single day. Those who aspire to establish a jihadist state in place of Israel, from the river to the sea–who, even at a ceremony returning hostages, stand on a stage bearing the words ‘Zionism will not prevail,’ They will face the crushing force and immense spirit of IDF soldiers.”
“The second mission–returning our brothers and sisters in distress from captivity, the living and the fallen. We remember the hostages at every moment. We hold our breath with them. We look into the eyes of their families with humility. Every IDF soldier carries in his heart the oath: ‘All for one.’ Their return home is fundamental to our identity–who we are- as an army and as a society.”
He concluded: “My brothers, residents of the western Negev–you are the landscape of my homeland. I was born here: This is where I belong. We must provide you with renewed protection. We will guard–you will rebuild. We will defend–you will rebuild. We will firmly grasp our sword–our weapon–to secure the southern region. And we will not cease until victory, for ‘The glory of Israel does not lie.’”
Report: IDF Deploying ‘Worm-Sized’ Spy Devices In Gaza To Track Hostages, Future Targets
Israel has recently intensified its intelligence operations, using drones to deploy espionage devices in various areas of the Gaza Strip and collect information on future targets, the London-based Arabic newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported, citing sources from Palestinian terror factions in Gaza.
The report also said that some of these drones are being used to gather intelligence on hostages still held in Gaza.
Other sources from Gaza-based terrorist organizations claimed the newly-deployed surveillance tools released by drones include cameras and other wiretapping devices as small as worms. These devices, they alleged, are hidden in bags placed in remote areas, cemeteries, and sometimes even in densely populated neighborhoods.
Additionally, the sources claimed that Israel is gathering as much intelligence as possible to update its target database in Gaza. Sources said they identified several locations where drones have been observed deploying these espionage devices in neighborhoods throughout the Strip.
Terrorist organizations in the Strip are reportedly on high alert, fearing a sudden IDF operation by air or ground.
In light of the reports, Hamas has issued new security regulations warning of the alleged Israeli intelligence efforts to monitor activities in Gaza, particularly in areas where hostage handovers occur.
Hamas has further instructed Gazans to avoid sharing information about Hamas members, limit media exposure, and refrain from posting details on social media.
Hamas Sends 4-Year-Old Boy To IDF Base For Terrorist Activity
On Tuesday (11th), IDF soldiers stationed in the Gaza Strip encountered a 4-year-old Gazan child acting on orders from Hamas terrorists, an IDF spokesperson said Wednesday (12th).
The incident occurred at an Israeli army position in a Gaza security zone Tuesday night (11th), when a young boy was spotted approaching a group of IDF soldiers.
The soldiers asked the boy why he had walked towards their position, to which he responded that he had been sent there by Hamas terrorists.
“Yesterday, IDF soldiers identified a 4-year-old child moving towards a post in the security zone,” the army said.
The boy was returned to Gaza by IDF forces and in coordination with international organizations. In a conversation with the soldiers, the child said that he was sent to the post by the Hamas terrorist organization.”
The Israeli Defense Ministry’s Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) oversaw the child’s return to the interior of the Gaza Strip.
The IDF condemned Hamas for its cynical ‘exploitation’ of Gaza civilians.
“Hamas does not hesitate to use any means to cynically exploit civilians and children to advance its terrorism”
“This is a severe violation of all moral and international norms, and the international community must wake up and act decisively against the use of children as tools of warfare.”
Hamas has been observed in the past using children in various support roles for terrorist activities, including service as couriers to transport bombs, espionage activity, and to test IDF responses at border crossings and other positions.
Terror Shooting Near Ariel In West Bank, One Wounded
The IDF received a report about a shooting near Ariel, the military announced on Wednesday (12th), when an 18-year-old shooting victim arrived at the industrial zone of Ariel with a gunshot wound and was treated by MDA medics.
“We treated an 18-year-old young man, fully conscious, who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm,” MDA paramedic Gennandi Dubinsky said in a statement. “We were told that he was injured while driving his vehicle near a farm. We provided him with medical treatment and evacuated him to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, where he is in moderate and stable condition while receiving treatment.
“This is the third attack in the same area, yet we are not receiving clear and sufficient answers from the IDF and security establishment,” Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan said in regards to the attack.
“A full routine investigation is taking place in the city of Ariel – the enemy will not be allowed to destroy the holiday atmosphere, and Purim celebrations will take place as usual in the city, “ said the Mayor of Ariel, Yair Chethoun. “We will not allow vile terrorists to harm the routine of life. We will continue to stand by the IDF and security forces, ensure security, and maintain the routine of life in the city and its surroundings.”
According to Dagan, the ongoing wave of attacks indicates a broader, more coordinated effort against Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, requiring a shift in Israel’s strategic response. “This latest attack is yet another painful reminder of what we have been saying all along–Judea and Samaria must be treated as a full-fledged front, like Gaza and Lebanon. The terrorism here is not a collection of isolated incidents but an organized and ongoing assault against the settlements and the Jewish people as a whole,” he said.
He issued a direct call to Israel’s leadership. “I call on the government and the security establishment to act immediately and decisively to restore deterrence, strengthen our hold on the land, and ensure real security for the residents of Judea and Samaria–and, by extension, all citizens of Israel.”
Lebanon Denies Negotiations With Israel Will Lead To Normalization: Report
Lebanon responded Wednesday (12th) to statements made by an Israeli political source who expressed interest in advancing normalization between the countries. Officials in Beirut categorically denied that the indirect dialogue with Jerusalem would lead to normalization.
Sources in the Lebanese presidential office told the Al-Mayadeen channel that assertions about dialogue committees between Israel and Lebanon serving as a prelude to normalization are unfounded. According to these, the three committees established to resolve existing issues with Israel represent a continuation of implementing UN Resolution 1701. The sources emphasized that these committees will not involve direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
“The committees will address longstanding issues – specifically border disputes and points that have remained contentious since 2006,” the officials stated. They also confirmed that the five points in southern Lebanon where the IDF continues to maintain control will be among the topics for dialogue. Earlier, a political source indicated that the talks are being conducted with the objective of transitioning to a diplomatic-political track.
New Evidence Sparks Debate: Could This Be Noah’s Ark?
The Durupinar formation, a 538-foot geological structure composed of limonite iron ore located about 18 miles south of Mount Ararat, has attracted attention for decades due to its boat-like shape and dimensions that closely match biblical descriptions of Noah’s Ark.
Researchers from Istanbul Technical University, Agri Ibrahim Cecen University, and Andrews University analyzed 30 soil samples from around the formation, finding traces of clay-like materials, marine deposits, and remnants of marine life, including mollusks, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“Our studies show that this region harbored life in that period and that at some point, it was covered by water, which reinforces the possibility that a catastrophic event of great magnitude occurred,” the researchers stated. Dating of these samples showed they were between 3,500 and 5,000 years old, a timeframe that aligns with the biblical flood narrative. According to a literal interpretation of the Bible, a worldwide flood occurred during the Chalcolithic period (5500 to 3000 BC).
Professor Faruk Kaya, lead researcher on the project, noted: “According to the initial results, it’s believed there were human activities in this region since the Chalcolithic period.” However, he also acknowledged limitations of the findings, admitting: “with the dating, it is not possible to say that the ship is here.”
The formation’s dimensions provide one of the strongest arguments for the Noah’s Ark theory. The Bible describes the ark as being “three hundred cubits in length, fifty cubits in width, and thirty cubits in height.” Using the standard Egyptian cubit of 52.4 cm, this would translate to approximately 157 meters in length, close to the Durupinar formation’s 164 meters.
However, the theory faces significant scientific challenges. Professor Lorence Collins of California State University Northridge published research in 2016 showing that the boat-like structure resulted from natural erosion processes. His studies also indicated that the formation is much older than the surrounding flood deposits. Additionally, scientists note that the fossilization of wood into stone requires more years than the mere 5,000 since the purported flood.
Despite these scientific objections, the Mount Ararat and Noah’s Ark Research Team continues to investigate the site and is fundraising for a visitor center, according to the Daily Mail.
The formation was first discovered in 1948 by a Kurdish farmer and has been the subject of ongoing research and debate ever since, with both religious and scientific communities closely following new developments in this archaeological mystery.
