Palestinian Weapons Production and Smuggling: What's New

April 27, 2005:

The Israeli newspaper Ma'ariv reports that Bedouin from Egypt and Israel's Negev have succeeded in smuggling anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles to West Bank terrorists. As such, officials determined that the Israel-Egyptian border has become a strategic threat, and noted the need to re-deploy Israeli forces accordingly.

(Amir Buhbut, "West Bank Terrorists Have Anti-Aircraft Missiles, Anti-Tank Rockets," as translated by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs DAILY ALERT).

April 27, 2005:

IDF forces thwart a Palestinian attempt to smuggle explosives and an improvised handgun through the Jalame crossing, north of Jenin.

("Explosive Devices Were Uncovered in 2 Palestinians Youths' Handbag," IDF Spokesperson's Office, April 27, 2005).

April 26, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire at an IDF position near El-Arub, north of Hebron. Following the attack, several temporary roadblocks are established. A Palestinian taxi then approaches one of the roadblocks, running over and killing an IDF reserve soldier.

("IDF Soldier, Staff Sergeant Tsiki Eyal, 23, Killed North of Hebron," IDF Spokesperson's Office, April 26, 2005).

April 26, 2005:

The IDF is slated to deploy a large numbers of troops from elite units along the Egyptian border to combat arms smuggling.

In addition, IDF officials have determined that Palestinian terrorists are attempting to increase weapons smuggling to the West Bank, including anti-tank rockets, anti-aircraft missiles, military-grade explosives, as well as materials to manufacture Qassam rockets.

According to Ha'aretz, "The IDF is currently under the impression that the extent of the above-ground smuggling operations along the section of the border south of Rafah exceeds that of the operations being carried out through the tunnels along the Philadelphi route, from Sinai into Rafah. While ammunition is in short supply in Gaza, the main interest in the West Bank focuses on weapons and 'balance-tipping' material."

Smuggling routes to the West Bank run "from deep in Sinai to the area of the border, and from there, to the southern Negev, the Arava and the Jordan Valley. The weapons then go from the Jordan Valley and the area of the Judean Desert into the West Bank cities - Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem and Hebron."

("IDF Troops to Deploy in South to Halt Arms Smuggling," Ha'aretz, April 26, 2005).

April 22, 2005:

Ha'aretz obtains a document that states: "The continuing failure of the [Israeli] security forces' campaign against the tunnels in the Gaza Strip is the result of a series of unnecessary delays and unclear decisions."

The document also indicates "that as early as 1990, the IDF's Weapons Systems and Infrastructure Development Authority (WSIDA) and the Southern Command approached the Geophysical Institute of Israel about finding ways to locate the tunnels. The defense establishment rejected the institute's suggestion at the time to erect a 'seismic fence.'"

However, accroding to the Israeli Defense Ministry, "the tunnel threat is 'the highest' item on the list of priorities, and more than NIS 16 million have been invested in it."

("Watchdog to Probe IDF's Failure to Combat Gaza Tunnels," Ha'aretz, April 22, 2005).

April 21, 2005:

An IDF soldier is moderately wounded when Palestinian terrorists detonate an explosive device near a military vehicle patrolling the security fence surrounding the northern Gaza Strip.

("Significant Increase in Terrorist Activity in Gaza Despite Ceasefire," IDF Spokesperson's Office, April 27, 2005).

April 18, 2005:

Outgoing IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Moshe Yaalon, notes that "immediately after the disengagement, we can expect a burst of terrorism - especially in Judea and Samaria (West Bank)."

("Another Warning: IDF Chief of Staff Sees Terror Wave after Disengagement," IsraelNationalNews, April 19, 2005).

April 18, 2005:

IsraelNationalNews reports a 300% increase in Palestinian attacks in comparison with preceding weeks. Such attacks include 50 assaults against Israelis, via "sniper fire, shelling of IDF and civilian targets, and detonation of explosive devices."

("Terrorists Injure Two in Gaza; IDF Ordered Not to Return Fire," IsraelNationalNews, April 18, 2005).

April 18, 2005:

A Palestinian terrorist sniper in Rafah opens fire, moderately wounding an IDF NCO and lightly wounding a civilian crane operator.

In addition, Palestinian terrorists open fire at a terminal used by Palestinian workers in the Gaza Strip.

("Terrorists Injure Two in Gaza; IDF Ordered Not to Return Fire," IsraelNationalNews, April 18, 2005; "Israeli Civilian and IDF Soldier Wounded in Shooting Attack," IDF Spokesperson's Office, April 18, 2005).

April 17, 2005:

An IDF soldier is lightly wounded by Palestinian terrorist gunfire near the Israeli community of Nvei Dekalim (southern Gaza Strip).

Palestinian terrorists also fire at the Israeli community of Kadim (Samaria/West Bank), and at IDF forces along the Philadelphi route (Gaza Strip).

("Israeli Wounded by Terrorist Gunfire in S. Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, April 17, 2005; "No Injuries in Shooting Attacks Against IDF Positions," IsraelNationalNews, April 17, 2005).

April 15, 2005:

A terrorist from Syria armed with a shotgun and wearing a shirt emblazed with the Palestinian flag infiltrates an IDF outpost along the Israeli-Syrian border. The terrorist fires at gasoline tanks; however, no injuries or damage are reported. The terrorist is then apprehended, and admits under questioning that he is a Fatah operative who planned to abduct an IDF soldier.

("Syrian Terrorist Infiltrates Israel and Attacks an IDF Outpost," IDF Spokesperson's Office, April 15, 2005).

April 14, 2005:

YnetNews reports that the IDF is establishing a "special security zone" along the Egyptian border in the southern Gaza Strip, in an attempt to bolster security in the area ahead of the upcoming pullout. According to Ynet, "The project aims to address weapons smuggling and recurrent firefights in what has become the most violent spot in the Gaza Strip, the Philadelphi Route."

The project includes construction of a 7-9 meter high wall which "will nullify the danger of explosive devices, sniper fire, and the threat of anti-tank missiles." In addition, the IDF will integrate "several sophisticated systems, including various sensors, and systems that can address the tunnels, dig deep, and insert explosive material into the ground."

(Hanan Greenberg, "IDF Setting up 'Security Strip' Near Philadelphi Route on the Gaza-Egypt Border, Ahead of Upcoming Pullout," Ynet, April 14, 2005).

April 13, 2005:

Israeli Defense Minister, Shaul Mofaz, comments on the weapons smuggling taking place along the Israel-Egypt border, noting that: "We will continue our efforts in order to prevent smuggling of drugs, weapons and women...[as the smuggling] has become an epidemic that must be stopped. We will continue to operate in the appropriate directions and see to it that the smuggled weapons do not make their way to terrorist elements."

("DM Mofaz: Smuggling From Egypt an Epidemic," IsraelNationalNews, April 13, 2005).

April 11, 2005:

Egyptian security forces arrest a Palestinian who admitted under questioning that he smuggled Soviet-made surface-to-air missiles into Gaza through the Sinai.

("Amos Harel, Arnon Regular, and Ze'ev Schiff, "Egyptians Arrest Palestinian Smuggling Missiles Into Gaza," Ha'aretz, April 11, 2005).

April 11, 2005:

Yuval Shteinitz (Likud), Chairmain of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, proposes that that the ongoing mortar and rocket bombardment from the Gaza Strip be halted by a massive military operation.

According to Shteinitz, "The terrorist organizations are preparing for the next round...A democratic state cannot sit by idly while its citizens are bombarded by terrorists and make do with conveying serious messages. The time has come for a widespread operation..."

("MK Shteinitz Calls for a Massive Military Operation in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, April 11, 2005).

April 11, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire mortars at the Israeli communities of Ganei Tal, Nevei Dekalim, Rafiah Yam, and Netzarim (Gaza Strip). Palestinian terrorists also fire a Qassam rocket at the Israeli community of Netzarim (Gaza Strip), damaging a number of vehicles.

("Mortar Shell Attack in Gush Katif," IsraelNationalNews, April 11, 2005; "Mortar Shell Lands in N�vei Dekalim," IsraelNationalNews, April 11, 2005; "Vehicles Damaged in Rocket Attack in Netzarim," IsraelNationalNews, April 11, 2005; "Mortar Shell Attacks in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, April 11, 2005).

April 10, 2005:

Israeli security forces arrest two Tanzim terrorists on their way to carry out a shooting attack in Samaria (West Bank).

("Terrorist Shooting Attack Thwarted," IDF Spokesperson's Office, attributed to security sources, as cited on IMRA, April 13, 2005).

April 9-10, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire over 70 Qassam rockets and mortars at Israeli communities in the Gaza Strip after IDF forces kill three arms smugglers.

("Arabs Renew War, Launch 56 Rockets and Mortar Shells," IsraelNationalNews, April 10, 2005; Aaron Lerner, "IDF Calls for Diplomatic Action to Stop Palestinian Attacks," IMRA, April 10, 2005; "Arabs Renew War: Over 70 Rockets and Mortar Shells into Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, April 10, 2005).

April 8, 2005:

The IDF estimates that between July 2004 and February 2005, over 3,000 assault rifles were smuggled into Gaza, as well as 400,000 bullets, 400 pistols, and 600 kilograms of explosives. In addition, over 180 anti-tank rocket launchers and 5 anti-aircraft rockets are held by Palestinian terrorists.

("IDF: Last Night's Kassam in Sderot - Nothing to Worry About," IsraelNationalNews, April 8, 2005).

April 7, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at the Israeli city of Sderot. The rocket impacts in the city cemetery.

(Nir Hasoon & Amos Harel, "Defense Min. Mofaz Says Israel Won't Ignore Qassam Attack," Ha'aretz, April 8, 2005).

April 5, 2005:

Israel Television Channel Two News reports that the country is preparing for rocket attacks that are expected to strike Ashkelon following a withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

The preparations include a radar system for tracking incoming rockets and a loudspeaker system to warn the public to take cover.

In addition, the roofs of schools buildings in the city are being reinforced.

It should also be noted that the IDF is preparing to reinforce roofs in the Negev that are considered to be within rocket range of Gaza. According to the IDF Homefront Command, nurseries, kindergartens and day care centers will be protected.

("Israel Preparing Ashkelon for Post-Disengagement Rocket Attacks," IMRA, April 5, 2005; "Preparing for the Day After: Reinforcing Buildings in the Negev," IsraelNationalNews, March 28, 2005).

April 2, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF forces in Gush Katif (Gaza Strip). In addition, IDF forces apprehend two Palestinians carrying two handguns, cartridges, and ammunition at the Hawarah Checkpoint in Samaria (West Bank).

("Recap of Sabbath Terror Attacks & Activities," IsraelNationalNews, April 2, 2005).

April 1, 2005:

According to Israeli military assessments, the relative lull in terrorist attacks will end following the disengagement from Gaza. The theater of operations will be located in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) - against major roads, military camps, and Israeli communities. In addition, mortars and Qassam rockets will threaten the Trans-Israel Highway, as well as other cities along the coastal plain.

(Alex Fishman, "The Intifada Will Resume in the Fall - Israel's Coastal Plain Cities in the Crosshairs," Yediot Ahronot-Hebrew, April 1, 2005, as found on IMRA, with thanks to the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs Daily Alert).