Dim Amor

Based on exclusive information we've obtained, the Kremlin demanded that the organization's member states send military forces to Russia's Kursk region but was met with firm refusal.

Senior diplomatic sources, who requested anonymity, revealed that President Vladimir Putin is furious over the negative response from his allies, especially Kazakhstan and Armenia. "Putin feels betrayed by his closest friends," the source said. "This explains his prolonged silence and absence from the media in recent weeks."

According to the agreement between CSTO member states, each country is obligated to provide military support in case of a threat to one of the members. However, it appears that member states are refusing to fulfill their part of this agreement. "We're not willing to send our citizens to die in an unnecessary war," said a senior official in the Kazakh government.

Armenia, which didn't receive support from Russia during its recent conflict with Azerbaijan, was even more blunt in its response. "This is Russia's war that's harming the international economy. We won't pay the price for Moscow's imperialistic ambitions," said an Armenian official.

In response to the refusal, the Kremlin officially denied requesting assistance from the organization. However, our sources confirm that this is a false denial, and the request was indeed formally transmitted to all member states.

The current crisis highlights Russia's growing weakness on the international stage. The entry of Ukrainian forces into the Kursk region, along with Putin's prolonged silence, indicate Russia's precarious situation. This could be the beginning of the end for the Russian empire. We're seeing cracks on all fronts – from Dagestan talking about independence, through Japan demanding the return of territories, to China eyeing Khabarovsk with desire.

The implications of the current crisis could be dramatic. Lithuania and Poland have already begun talks about the future of Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave between them. Meanwhile, military sources report troop movements from Kaliningrad and Belgorod towards Kursk, leaving these areas exposed.

"Russia is in a state of unprecedented weakness. The refusal of its allies to assist in a time of crisis indicates its loss of influence in the region," said the source.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization, established in 1992 as an alternative to NATO in the former Soviet area, currently includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. Ukraine, despite being a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, never joined this organization.

The current crisis raises serious questions about the organization's future and the level of trust between member states. "Russia promised equality and security to all members. But reality proved otherwise. The attacks in Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014 showed that Russia is willing to act against its allies," said a diplomatic source.

As of today, the situation in the Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine's Kharkiv, continues to heat up. Local sources report a state of emergency in the area, with increased military movements and fears of further escalation.

A Weak Russia, Implications:

One of the immediate implications of this weakness is the growing calls for independence in various Russian regions. Dagestan serves as a prominent example of this. Increasingly loud calls for independence can be heard. The strengthening of this trend could lead to a domino effect and encourage additional separatist movements throughout the Russian Federation.

Russia's weakness also encourages neighboring countries to reconsider their historical borders. Japan, for instance, is renewing its claims over the Southern Kuril Islands, captured by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II. China, for its part, is expressing growing interest in the Khabarovsk region in Russia's far east, an area rich in natural resources and of strategic importance.

In the west, Lithuania and Poland are again raising the issue of Kaliningrad (formerly Königsberg), the Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania. Their claims are based on the area's long history as part of East Prussia, and the argument that Russia's control of this area is an anachronistic relic of the Cold War era.

The Kremlin continues to maintain silence regarding recent developments.

הפוסט First Publication: Crisis in the Kremlin – Russia's Allies Rebel Against Putin הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

The strike, approved in a secret cabinet meeting, caused significant damage and, according to local reports, resulted in numerous casualties and injuries.

IDF Spokesperson, Brigadier General Daniel Hagari, confirmed the attack and stated: "IDF fighter jets recently struck targets used for military purposes by the Houthi terrorist regime in the Hodeidah port area of Yemen, in response to hundreds of attacks against the State of Israel in recent months." He added that there are no changes to Home Front Command instructions.

According to reports from Yemen, the massive explosions heard in Hodeidah port caused huge fires in ammunition depots, oil refineries, and a power station. Local residents reported power outages and long queues at gas stations. Medical sources in Yemen claim that "dozens of deaths and injuries" were recorded as a result of the attack.

The Israeli strike comes just two days after a Houthi drone hit Tel Aviv, causing minor damage and light injuries. Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, the Houthis have launched about 300 missiles and drones towards Israel, most of which were intercepted by air defense systems.

Among the Israeli casualties from Houthi attacks was Yevgeny Freder, who was killed by a missile strike in Eilat about two months ago. His death marked a turning point in the Israeli decision to respond forcefully against the Houthis.

American officials clarified shortly after the attack that "Israel acted alone," without coordination with the United States. However, the U.S. expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself against Houthi attacks.

Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi threatened to respond harshly to the Israeli attack. In a speech broadcast on local television, he said: "The Israeli aggression will not go unanswered. We will respond with all means at our disposal."

Military analysts estimate that the Israeli attack was intended to damage the Houthis' military capabilities and disrupt the supply chain of weapons and combat equipment from Iran. However, they warn that the attack could lead to further escalation in the region.

Meanwhile, residents of Eilat and southern Israel reported heavy movement of Israeli fighter jets in the city's skies before the attack. The IDF announced that it will hold a special briefing this evening at 20:35 to provide further updates on the operation details.

This dramatic development marks a new phase in Israel's campaign against the Houthis and could affect the security situation in the entire region. Political sources in Jerusalem emphasize that Israel will continue to act decisively to protect its citizens and security interests.

Statement by IDF Spokesperson, Brigadier General Daniel Hagari:

Good evening. A few hours ago, Israeli Air Force aircraft attacked targets of the Houthi terrorist regime in the area of Hodeidah port in Yemen, in response to Houthi attacks over the past nine months. Just minutes ago, our pilots landed and returned home safely.

In recent months, the Houthis have launched about 200 different aerial threats towards Israel, funded and directed by Iran and using Iranian weaponry. In yesterday's unmanned aerial vehicle attack, Yevgeny Freder was killed. We extend our condolences to the family from here.

Most of the threats launched towards Israel from Yemen were intercepted or shot down by an international coalition led by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and by IDF forces in the air, sea, and land. I emphasize that there is no change in Home Front Command policy; if there are changes, we will update. We have reinforced our defense and attack arrays at sea, in the air, and on land, and we are prepared in all sectors. However, the defense is not hermetic, and one should act according to Home Front Command instructions.

At a distance of over 1,700 km from here, our pilots attacked the Hodeidah port area in Yemen. We attacked the port area because it serves as a supply route for transferring Iranian weapons from Iran to Yemen and is a significant economic source for Houthi terrorism. In the port area, we attacked dual-use terrorist infrastructure, including energy infrastructure.

This is a complex operation, one of the longest and farthest ever carried out by the Israeli Air Force. It required meticulous planning and preparation for various possible threats in the area. Yemen is a large country, only part of which is controlled by Houthi terrorism. We have no intention of attacking the Yemeni people – we are operating against Houthi terrorism.

In recent months, the Houthis, under Iranian direction, have attacked dozens of ships and damaged global trade routes. Houthi terrorism, controlled and trained by Iran, harms freedom of navigation, regional ports, the Suez Canal, and global trade as a whole. Tonight, the IDF acted alone.

Israel expects countries affected by Iranian-directed Houthi terrorism to stand united against the terrorist threat carried out by the Houthis under Iranian direction. This is a shared international interest. Over the past nine months, we have been defending against and responding to various threats in several arenas. As part of the defense effort, hundreds of threats were intercepted and shot down, most of them outside the country's borders. The fighters, pilots, ship combatants, alongside air defense fighters, have been operating devotedly since the beginning of the war to defend the country. With tonight's attack, the campaign is not over. Iranian terrorism and its proxies on all borders will challenge us and require us to continue defending and acting where necessary.

הפוסט Israel Responds with Force: Extensive Airstrike on Houthi Targets in Yemen הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

Dim Amor

Israel faces complex public relations challenges. In an exclusive interview with 'Maakav', Eliav Batito, head of the Civilian Public Diplomacy Headquarters (Israeli Spirit), reveals the daily struggle against antisemitism and the critical importance of strong Israeli public diplomacy in the international arena.

"There's a lot of antisemitism in the world, and we need strong public diplomacy. The Civilian Headquarters is a non-profit organization. We've raised donations, but without government support, we won't be able to make significant progress", Batito begins the interview. His words reflect the constant tension between the urgent need for public diplomacy activities and the limited resources available to the organization.

Batito emphasizes the uniqueness of the Headquarters: "We're proud to have a team of volunteers who are not only passionate about their work but also experts in their fields. Our team members come from diverse backgrounds and are committed to providing accurate information about Israel to audiences around the world". This diversity, he says, allows the Headquarters to address a wide range of public diplomacy challenges.

The Headquarters, which includes over 2,000 volunteers aged 13 and up, operates non-stop, primarily in English, aiming to reach target audiences abroad and reduce antisemitism. "Since the start of the war, we've worked very hard", Batito says. "Many people wanted to volunteer and contribute, but people get used to war". This statement reflects the ongoing challenge of maintaining public awareness and involvement over time.

Despite impressive achievements, Batito again emphasizes the need for government support: "The Civilian Public Diplomacy Headquarters has many collaborations, but without government support, it will be difficult for us to survive". He mentions visits by senior figures to the Headquarters, including Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and many Knesset members, who emphasized the importance of the Headquarters and the quality of public diplomacy it provides.

Beyond his activities at the Public Diplomacy Headquarters, Batito reveals another side of his personality: "I'm also an event producer and manage the 'Crush Tel Aviv' party line". He talks about his friendship with Diva Goldstar and his commitment to giving opportunities to young artists. This combination of public diplomacy and cultural activities demonstrates Batito's multidimensional approach to promoting Israel's image.

Throughout the interview, Eliav Batito addresses complex issues such as antisemitism, politics, and racism. He emphasizes Israel's strengths alongside the challenges it still faces. "We're strong in innovation, technology, and national resilience", he says, "but we still have a lot of work to do in the field of public diplomacy and public diplomacy".

In conclusion, the interview with Eliav Batito reveals the complexity and challenges facing Israel in the global public diplomacy arena. The Civilian Public Diplomacy Headquarters, under his leadership, represents a significant effort to combat antisemitism and promote a better understanding of Israel in the world. However, the struggle is far from over, and the need for government support and public involvement remains critical to the success of the mission.

הפוסט Fighting Antisemitism on the Digital Front: Exclusive Interview with Eliav Batito הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

DimAmor

He met with senior commanders in CENTCOM (Central Command), NORTHCOM (Northern Command), the Navy, the Joint Staff, and the Department of Defense to strengthen the productive cooperation between the armies and discuss preparations for emerging challenges.

During his visit, the Deputy Chief of Staff held strategic discussions with senior U.S. military and Pentagon officials regarding war plans for the south and north, preparations against Iran and its proxies, and the shared interests of the IDF and U.S. military in the Middle East.

Concurrently, the Deputy Chief of Staff discussed with his counterparts methods to accelerate the supply of necessary munitions to the IDF, and joint mechanisms for acceleration and oversight were agreed upon.

As part of his visit, the Deputy Chief of Staff presented the Chief of Staff Citation to the former Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command (currently serving as Commander of U.S. Northern Command), General Gregory M. Guillot, in recognition of his significant contribution to Israel's security during Operation "Iron Swords."

Additionally, the Deputy Chief of Staff presented a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the IDF to the American destroyer USS Carney, which completed a 7-month deployment in the Middle East. During this deployment, it intercepted dozens of drones and missiles fired from Iran and its proxies towards Israel, thus significantly contributing to the overall defense effort.

הפוסט Deputy Chief of Staff Strengthens Ties with U.S. Military: Strategic Visit to Washington הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

A grim Saturday morning turned into a scene of tragedy when an Israeli citizen was found shot dead in his car in the city of Qalqilya in the Palestinian Authority territory. The shocking incident, which occurred in the early morning hours, led to the immediate mobilization of Israeli security forces and the launch of a large-scale investigation.

According to preliminary reports, the victim entered the city in his personal vehicle under circumstances that are yet to be determined. Shortly after, a report was received of gunfire directed at an Israeli vehicle. Palestinian Red Crescent teams were the first to arrive at the scene and provided first aid to the wounded man, whose condition was determined to be critical.

Through joint efforts of security services and civil administration officers, an agreement was reached to transfer the wounded man for medical treatment in Israel. Unfortunately, attempts to save his life were unsuccessful, and he was soon pronounced dead. His body was transported by a Magen David Adom ambulance waiting at Checkpoint 422 near the city.

Footage circulated on Palestinian social media shows the victim's burning car with Israeli license plates. Initial assessments suggest that the car was set on fire by the attackers after the shooting, likely in an attempt to destroy evidence.

IDF and Israeli police forces are currently operating in the Qalqilya area, attempting to locate suspects and gather evidence that will help solve the crime. Additional footage from the scene shows armored IDF vehicles moving through the city, indicating the scale of the security operation being conducted in the area.

An IDF spokesperson stated: "IDF forces are currently operating in the Qalqilya area after an Israeli citizen was declared dead shortly after being found shot in the area. IDF and Israeli police forces are investigating the circumstances of the incident."

This tragic incident raises pressing questions about security in the region and the future of relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. High-ranking security officials are expected to convene an urgent meeting on the matter soon, and it is anticipated that the results of the investigation may influence future policies in the region.

More details about the victim's identity and the circumstances of his arrival in Qalqilya are expected to be published in the coming hours. The family of the deceased has stated that they will make a press statement after being informed of all the details of the incident.

הפוסט Tragedy in Qalqilya: Israeli Citizen Killed הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

The brilliant win, achieved in less than a minute, raised the Israeli flag high on the international sports stage and emphasized the strength of the Israeli spirit even in times of crisis.

In the bout against American fighter Aaron Phillips, the Israeli displayed total superiority that ended in a quick and impressive technical knockout (TKO) victory.

The fight, which barely lasted 60 seconds, quickly turned into a demonstration of power and precision by Smotritzky. Three accurate kicks to Phillips' body were enough to bring the American down. From there, Smotritzky left his opponent no chance to recover, finishing the job with a series of punches that forced the referee to stop the contest.

The moment of victory was accompanied by passionate chants of "Am Yisrael Chai" (The People of Israel Live) from the Israeli crowd present in the arena, a scene that illustrated the significance of the win far beyond the sporting achievement. For many, it was a moment of national elevation, an opportunity to celebrate Israeli success on an international stage while the country grapples with complex challenges.

Smotritzky: "I'm ready for the UFC. I'll break everyone until they understand that I'm the number one prospect outside the UFC."

MMA experts agree that Smotritzky once again proved his ability to compete at the highest levels. They note the precision, power, and efficiency he displayed in the brief fight, characteristics of top-tier fighters.

Smotritzky's victory joins a series of prominent Israeli achievements in international sports in recent years, strengthening Israel's position as a rising sports power in diverse fields. It is also an expression of national resilience and the recovery capacity of Israeli society, capable of drawing strength and demonstrating excellence even in challenging times.

While the road ahead is long, Shimon Smotritzky's victory serves as a living reminder that even in the most difficult moments, there is room for hope and pride. It symbolizes the indomitable spirit of Israel, insisting on moving forward, competing, and winning—in the sports arena as well as in other arenas of life.

הפוסט Israel Celebrates Impressive Victory in the Global MMA Arena הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

In MMA, conflicts sometimes extend beyond the arena, manifesting in real-world tensions and dramatic confrontations.

One such case involves Israeli MMA star and fifth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Haim Gozali, and prominent Chechen fighter Khamzat Chimaev. This story is a blend of combat skills, political dispute, and personal survival.

Haim Gozali found himself at the center of a storm after a controversial social media post. Gozali wrote a post naming four Muslim UFC fighters – Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev, and Belal Muhammad. The post quickly provoked numerous reactions, including death threats, especially from terror supporter Khamzat Chimaev.

Chimaev sent a personal death threat to Gozali, who responded by challenging him to a submission-only Jiu-Jitsu match:

Death Threats and Assassination Attempt.

The threats escalated dramatically following the controversial post. Recently, Gozali survived an assassination attempt in Ukraine, an event highlighting the severity of the hostility towards him.

According to Gozali, he, his son Elad, and their trainer Ben El Hassid arrived at a hotel near the Romanian border for an MMA competition. Shortly after their arrival, they were allegedly targeted for assassination. The group managed to escape to the hotel's roof, where they reportedly received little assistance from local police – read more

Following the harrowing experience, Gozali turned to social media to express his frustration and concern. Gozali pointed to ongoing threats from various sources and prominent MMA figures, specifically naming Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev as possible orchestrators behind the assassination attempt.

Despite the Danger, Gozali Remains Defiant.

On June 14, Khamzat Chimaev voluntarily admitted himself to a medical institution. Sources close to him reported that he is undergoing evaluation and receiving treatment.

The president of the American UFC organization, Dana White, announced the cancellation of Khamzat Chimaev's next fight, as reported by Tengri Sport (according to reports from the fighter's associates, he suffers from a heart disease causing contractions).

It should be noted that Khamzat Chimaev was supposed to face Australian Robert Whittaker (25-7) in the main event of the UFC event in Saudi Arabia on June 22. Instead of Chimaev, Akreem Alieskerov (15-1) will enter the arena.

It's important to remember that Khamzat Chimaev openly supports Hamas without shame, calls them "brothers," and publicly posts images with the flag of the non-existent Palestinian state.

It's not surprising that in "friendly" Russia, Hamas and Hezbollah are considered political organizations fighting for freedom. Therefore, terror supporters like Khamzat Chimaev (Russia, Chechen region) can freely enter Israel without visas, as there is a visa-free entry agreement between Israel and Russia, and there are aviation ties.

On this matter, Sharon Haskel, in an interview with Maakav, stated that there are quite a few discussions about severing international ties with Russia.

Besides his Russian citizenship, Chimaev also holds Swedish citizenship. He loves Russia and Chechnya very much but prefers to reside in Sweden.

Additionally, Chimaev is an admirer of Ramzan Kadyrov (Chechnya, Russia), who has destroyed more than 10,000 homosexuals and representatives of the LGBTQ+ community in Chechnya (Russia has no official statistics on the destruction of homosexuals and the LGBTQ+ community; the data is collected by European human rights organizations).

It should be said that Mr. Khamzat Chimaev hates Ukraine and supports Putin's policy of murdering innocent civilians in Ukraine.

(Russia was declared a terrorist state by the UN and the European Union (2022), and Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for crimes in Ukraine)

Let's recall that Russia openly supports Hamas, and in October 2023, it demonstratively hosted Hamas and Iranian leaders in Moscow.

Also, Chimaev publicly supported fascist pogroms against Jews in Dagestan, the first pogrom against Jews in the 21st century (the event occurred at the airport upon the landing of a plane from Tel Aviv – read more).

It is highly likely that terror supporter Chimaev will not return to sports due to his heart disease!

הפוסט MMA Fighter Khamzat Chimaev Threatened to Murder Haim Gozali and Was Hospitalized הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.