In Ramadan message, IDF snipes at Hezbollah
Spokesman sends holiday wishes to world’s Muslims, but says Lebanese terror organization is up to no good
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Stuart Winer is a breaking news editor at The Times of Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces sent a message of coexistence and optimism to the Muslim world at the start of Ramadan — but also warned the Lebanese that Hezbollah is damaging their country.
In a video posted on the IDF’s YouTube account on Tuesday, IDF Spokesman Brigadier-General Yoav Mordechai, speaking in fluent Arabic, highlighted the meaning that Ramadan has for the region.
“I want to bless all of Israel’s Muslims, and Muslims all over the world with a Ramadan kareem (a generous Ramadan),” he said. “The month of Ramadan comes and reminds us all of the values of coexistence, patience, love and peace.”
The month-long Ramadan festival, during which devout Muslims fast all day and then feast each night during the Iftah meal, began on Tuesday.
The IDF spokesman noted that the seventh anniversary of the Second Lebanon War will fall during the Ramadan month. The 34-day long conflict was sparked on July 12, 2006, when Hezbollah terrorists launched a cross-border raid during which they killed three IDF soldiers and took another two mortally wounded soldiers captive. The two soldiers’ bodies were eventually returned to Israel in July 2008 in exchange for the release of five prisoners Israel was holding and the bodies of 200 Lebanese and Palestinian fighters.
“This year it has become clear to everyone that Hezbollah is not protecting Lebanon, but destroying it,” Mordechai said. “In light of the threats and the developments, the IDF will continue, with all of its soldiers from all faiths, to prepare for and to spurn every threat.”
Since the beginning of the year the IDF has reportedly struck at least three times at arms shipments in Syria that were intended for Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Mordachai said he hoped that the coming month would bring good news and optimism to the people of the area — “that during this month the bloodshed on our northern border will stop, and that in Syria they will celebrate elections and happiness.”
“Finally, I want to send my blessing to all of you, and in particular to the soldiers of the IDF who are celebrating Ramadan, that your fast be accepted and that the Iftah feast will be tasty,” he concluded. “And that every year Ramadan will be marked with joy and health.”
The Times of Israel Community.