Delegates from the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations toured the Israel-Gaza border and the Israeli Air Force’s F-35 fighter squadron on Thursday during the group’s 45th annual leadership mission to the Jewish State.
The participants were the first foreign group to witness the barrier that Israel has been constructing along the Gaza border.
They also received an in depth briefing about the threat of infiltration into Israel by Hamas attack tunnels, in addition to the unrest at the Israel-Gaza border.
The delegates were told that more than half of the rioters killed since the turmoil began on March 30 have been Hamas members.
“This a war. This is not a riot. This not the ‘yellow vests,’” said the deputy commander of the Israel Defense Forces’ Gaza division, alluding to the protests in France by demonstrators wearing yellow vests.
Finally, the delegates became the first foreign group to tour the Israel Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet squadron. The group received a briefing from Maj. M., the squadron’s commanding officer, in addition to experiencing an up-close look at the jet, along with witnessing a roaring take-off.
JNS contributed content to this report.
