Invitation From The Consul General Of Israel In Miami To Go On A Mission To Israel With European And North American Mayors - Part VI

While we traveled together as elected officials, this trip was full of unique experiences including a visit and a personal tour with the Deputy Mayor of Ramat Gan to their EOC and one of the areas hit by cluster bombs.

Traveling to Shalva Center, Yad Vashem, and the Old City. Visiting Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Visiting the Tekuma Car Wall and Nova Memorial site just one kilometer away from Gaza. Gathering with mayors from across the State of Israel at the Muni Expo and hearing from Prime Minister Netanyahu. I would say the last meeting we had gave a glimpse into the war, the strategic planning for Operation Roaring Lion, and the successful attack on Iran.

During the visit, we received a security briefing at the Institute for National Security Studies. This is not simply a school of war but also a think tank. We heard from the Managing Director, Brigadier General Tamir Hayman; he was also the former Chief of Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate. To say the least, we had a 2-hour-long briefing on Hamas, Hezbollah, and the war, some of which I cannot share.

Hamas had long planned October 7th. Over 6,500 people invaded from Gaza: terrorist soldiers and everyday civilians. They had relied on Hezbollah joining them in the north; luckily, that did not happen. Israel was at war. One that was unprovoked and against peaceful civilians.

One message was loud and clear from Brigadier General. Israel will continue to operate as a sovereign nation defending its borders and eliminating the threats to their peace. President Trump did not dictate what Israel did or does, nor did Israel dictate what President Trump did or does. It was a strategic partnership that did not start on October 7th but has existed since CENTCOM has been a partner with Israel.

This partnership is vital to both parties given the threat of terrorism. It also brings stability to the Middle East. Due to the Abraham Accords, this partnership has grown stronger and has grown to include other allies in the Middle East. Allies have worked together in the fight against Iran and its aim to have a nuclear weapon.

No matter the successful result of Roaring Lion, Israel will continue on their mission to what they refer to as decapitation: elimination of the leaders and perpetrators of October 7th. War is not Israel's goal. They are targeting threats, terrorists, and military targets.

The start of Israel's retaliation started with a planned deployment developed jointly with the Prime Ministry, Heads of Israel's strategic command, IDF, and Mossad intelligence. Operation Roaring Lion succeeded, hidden behind a series of actions. The first action was the planned bombing of a joint terrorist leadership meeting. The next step was the deployment of Beepers, targeting upper-level commanders as well. Israel's ingenuity and strategic planning never cease to amaze. If these missions were not successful Roaring Lion would not have worked.

The major request Israel made was the USA's commitment of B-52 bombers. President Trump committed them, and they were able to destroy most of Iran's capabilities. All the allies joined to confront this nuclear threat. The threat is real. It took amazing planning and precision execution.

Israel does not go after innocent civilians. Until anyone has visited or experienced the horrific war zone and the results of October 7th, you truly cannot grasp why Israel must continue fighting and protecting their borders from these threats. Any other country, including ours, would and has done the same. America must remain involved to stabilize a region. It is not simply about Israel but about regional and world security.

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: MayorJoyCooperHB. Like! Follow! And share!