An Israeli sense of humour at United Nations set the record straight.

An ingenious example of speech and politics occurred recently in the United Nations Assembly and made the world community smile.

A representative from Israel began: ‘Before beginning my talk I want to tell you something about Moses: When he struck the rock and it brought forth water, he thought, “What a good opportunity to have a bath!”

Moses removed his clothes, put them aside on the rock and entered the water. When he got out and wanted to dress, his clothes had vanished. A Palestinian had stolen them!

The Palestinian representative at the UN jumped up furiously and shouted, “What are you talking about? The Palestinians weren’t there then.”

The Israeli representative smiled and said, “And now that we have made that clear, I will begin my speech.” ……………..

Pentagon officials confirmed on Tuesday that a ballistic missile attack on Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq resulted in several U.S. service members sustaining injuries. The assault, carried out by Iranian-backed militias on Monday night, involved a close-range ballistic missile and caused minor infrastructure damage, according to Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson.

In response, the U.S. military executed an unplanned retaliatory strike, leading to the death of several Iranian-backed militia personnel. Brig. Gen. Ryder explained that a U.S. military AC-130 aircraft conducted a self-defence strike against an Iranian-backed militia vehicle and individuals involved in the attack immediately after it occurred.

The U.S. Central Command, via a tweet, reported that the AC-130 maintained visual confirmation of the individuals from the launch to the engagement. Furthermore, the U.S. conducted “precision strikes” against two facilities in Iraq early Wednesday morning, responding directly to the attacks on U.S. and coalition forces by Iran and its backed groups.

A U.S. official disclosed that the targets were an operations centre and a communications node affiliated with Kataib Hezbollah, a major Iran-backed militia in Iraq. The sites were manned at the time of the strikes, resulting in expected casualties. As of Wednesday morning, there had been no retaliatory action from Kataib Hezbollah.

Pentagon officials are still evaluating the U.S. service members injured in the attack. Notably, this incident marks the 66th attack on American-affiliated military bases in Iraq and Syria since October 17. The recent surge in attacks raises concerns globally, particularly amidst fears that the conflict between Israel and Hamas could escalate into a broader Middle East conflict.

While Iranian-backed groups have previously targeted U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria using drones and rockets, this missile attack on Al-Asad Airbase represents the first use of short-range missiles against American troops since October 17. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh emphasized this during a Tuesday afternoon news conference.

Of the 66 attacks in the past month, 32 occurred in Iraq, and 34 in Syria, resulting in approximately 62 U.S. personnel injuries. These figures exclude the casualties from Monday’s attack. Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, questioned about Iran’s support for militant groups, stated that these groups in Iraq and Syria make their own decisions.

When addressing potential future actions, Singh stated that the U.S. has not ruled anything out, emphasizing the right to respond at the chosen time and place. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, last month, asserted that the United States does not seek conflict but deems the Iranian-backed attacks against U.S. forces unacceptable and in need of cessation.

In early 1970, 8 RAR (Royal Australian Regiment) embarked on Operation Hammersley, a critical reconnaissance mission in the Long Hải area of Vietnam. Commencing on February 10th and lasting until March 9th, the operation proved to be a significant chapter in the battalion’s history.

The primary objective of Operation Hammersley was the capture of a substantial bunker complex held by the Vietcong (VC). On February 18th, after the VC defenders withdrew following air raids, 8 RAR successfully seized the complex. For their achievements, the battalion was honoured with the South Vietnamese Government’s Meritorious Unit Commendation, including the Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

During the operation, 8 RAR engaged in patrols and ambushes, effectively disrupting VC troop movements. The success of these operations contributed to the accolades awarded to the battalion. However, the tour was not without sacrifices, as by October 1970, 8 RAR had lost 18 men and had 108 wounded.

Operation Hammersley commenced as a routine security operation, with C Company, 8 RAR, supported by a troop of M113A1 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), Centurion tanks, and a mortar section from 8 RAR’s Support Company. The operation aimed to protect 17 Construction Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers, at a quarry in the western foothills of the Long Hai hills.

Second Lieutenant Peter Lauder’s courageous leadership during an ambush on February 15th led to the successful capture of a company-sized Viet Cong group, earning him the Military Cross. Despite subsequent attempts to engage the D445 Battalion, the Australians faced challenges, including delayed B-52 bombings and frustration over missed opportunities.

C Company, 8 RAR, mounted in M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers, led an advance on the bunker system on February 18th. However, they encountered fierce resistance, resulting in casualties and the loss of an APC. The wait for B-52s allowed the D445 Battalion to escape, leaving the Australians frustrated at the missed opportunity.

Despite three unsuccessful attacks, the Australians continued the operation, calling in airstrikes and B-52 bombings. However, the D445 Battalion managed to escape, leaving the Australians with regret. The frustration persisted as mine incidents occurred, causing casualties among the Australians.

On February 28th, tragedy struck when Sergeant Bill Hoban’s platoon encountered a mine. Seven men, including Hoban, were killed, and 13 others were wounded. A subsequent incident involving a RAAF Iroquois helicopter triggered another mine, resulting in additional casualties.

The operation continued with further incidents, including a booby trap that wounded seven Australians on March 6th. Operation Hammersley concluded on March 9th, marking a costly but impactful campaign for the 1st Australian Task Force. Despite suffering losses, the task force inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, with significant captures of weapons, ammunition, and materiel.

Operation Hammersley stands as a testament to the challenges faced by 8 RAR in their efforts to pacify Phuoc Tuy and engage the enemy in the Long Hải region during the Vietnam War.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) published the Serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who have served since 1985 suicide monitoring: 1997 to 2021 report.

Commissioned by DVA, the AIHW has delivered this report on the incidence of suicide among current and ex-serving ADF personnel to improve our understanding of this complex issue. This is the sixth yearly update to this study.

The death by suicide of any veteran or Defence member is a tragedy deeply felt by the veteran community and all Australians.

Sadly, between 1997 and 2021, there were 1,677 certified deaths by suicide among members with ADF service since 1 January 1985.  Suicide rates among different cohorts are broadly consistent with previous years’ reporting.

We acknowledge that these statistics represent human lives – current and ex-serving ADF personnel who have died by suicide and families, friends and loved ones who are impacted by these deaths.

We will continue to focus on providing critical services to all veterans who need support.

The important ongoing work of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide remains critical to deeper understanding and addressing the unacceptable rates of deaths by suicide in our Defence and veteran community.

Help is available.  There are a range of services and supports available to those who need it. All current and former serving members of the ADF who have completed one day of full-time service (and some reservists) are eligible for fully-funded mental health treatment through the Non-Liability Health Care program. Proof that your condition is related to military service isn’t required to access treatment.

Veterans can access health treatment for 20 of the most commonly claimed physical conditions while their health claim is being considered, and immediate financial assistance is available to eligible veterans submitting a mental health claim through The Veteran Payment.

If you’re a veteran or their immediate family member or know someone in the veteran community struggling with their mental health, please encourage them to reach out for support.

• Defence personnel can contact their local health centre, the All Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling Service provides free and confidential mental health support available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for veterans and their immediate families on 1800 011 046.

The report can be accessed by visiting the AIHW website.

The gravity of the military veteran crisis has been underscored by the chair of the royal commission into veteran suicides, Commissioner Nick Kaldas, who has urgently called for immediate action. Recent figures, unveiled by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on Tuesday, have revealed a staggering 1677 suicides among serving personnel, veterans, and reservists between 1997 and 2021. Disturbingly, this data only captures suicides from July 1985 onward, highlighting the severity of the issue.

The report brings to light alarming statistics, revealing that veteran women are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to the general female Australian population, irrespective of whether they served permanently or in the reserves. Men who enlisted in the permanent forces face a 42% higher likelihood of suicide than the national average. However, those who exclusively served in the reserves do not exhibit an increased likelihood of suicide.

Of the recorded 1677 suicide deaths, 1542 were men and 135 were women, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced by both genders within the veteran community. Commissioner Nick Kaldas responded to these harrowing figures by emphasizing the need for urgent action. He declared, “This report reinforces that we are dealing with a national crisis. I urge the government and its agencies to work with us to achieve better outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF members, and their families.”

In response to the crisis, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh announced a substantial funding injection of almost $17 million for veteran and family services. Minister Keogh emphasized the imperative outlined by the royal commission into defence and veteran suicide, stating, “There is no time to waste in improving services and supports to the veteran community.” The allocated funds are intended to support larger projects that can be swiftly implemented to provide essential services to veterans and their families where they are most needed.

As the royal commission progresses, a final public hearing is scheduled to take place in Sydney in March. During this hearing, senior defence leaders are expected to present evidence, shedding light on potential systemic issues and contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the factors leading to veteran suicides. The outcomes of this royal commission have far-reaching implications, not only for the immediate implementation of effective support services but also for fostering a broader societal awareness of the challenges faced by military veterans and the imperative to address them urgently.