| WeaponSurvey.Com News Blog |
|
December 31, 2006:
Israel Army Radio reports that Prime Minister Olmert has decided to equip six El Al planes with defense systems against shoulder launched missiles. ("El Al To Get NIS 20 Million For Missile Defense," Globes, December 28, 2006). December 30, 2006:
Ayman a-Zawahri, the deputy leader of al-Qaeda, accuses Arab leaders of being traitors for cooperating with the U.S. "Those who had sold Palestine, the secular traitors, can not be your brothers. Do not recognize their legitimacy...and don't sit with them...and do not sign with them the documents that will make you lose Palestine." A-Zawahri also extends his Eid greeting to Iraq, praising the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, and urging Muslims in Somalia, Chechnya, Indonesia, the Philippines and Algeria to keep on fighting the "infidels and crusaders." ("A-Zawahri: Abbas sold out Palestine," Associated Press, December 31, 2006). December 29, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire at a vehicular convoy of German diplomats north-east of Ramallah. ("Palestinian Militants Fire at Convoy of German Diplomats," DPA, December 29, 2006). December 29, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire a barrage of ten Qassam rockets from northern Gaza towards Israel. One missile lands near Sderot, while another five impact in the western Negev. A house on a kibbutz in the western Negev sustains a direct hit. ("Barrage of Eight Kassams Fired at Israel on Friday," Jerusalem Post, December 29, 2006; Shmulik Hadad, "10 Qassams Fired at Israel," YnetNews, December 29, 2006; Mijal Grinberg, "Qassam Lands in Negev Kibbutz, Damaging House; No One Injured," Ha'aretz, December 30, 2006). December 28, 2006:
The Israeli army prepares for the possibility that Palestinian terrorists will improve the range of various projectiles fired from the Gaza Strip. The IDF Home Front Command has begun drafting plans to expand the "protective" zone around the tiny coastal territory to 20 kilometers. The plan includes the fortification of schools and strategic sites in cities at a cost of NIS 1.4 billion (USD 331.8 million). Approximately 50,000 residents live within a 7-kilometer "danger zone." Expanding the zone to 20 kilometers will raise the number to 162,000. Ashkelon, Netivot and Ofakim are among the cities to be included in the danger zone. The IDF is slated to complete the protection of all schools within the current (7km) zone by March 2007. The army notes that 81 out of 151 kindergartens in the area have been fully protected and fortification work on another 58 will be completed by February. 21 out of 46 communities in the area have been fitted with electronic fences and emergency rooms. Over the last two years, a total of NIS 285 million has been invested in communities within Qassam range. However, approximately 4,000 households in the current protective zone lack secure rooms. (Alex Fishman, "Danger Zone Around Gaza to Triple," YnetNews, December 28, 2006). December 28, 2006:
- Sayid Abu Musamih, (HAMAS) member of Palestinian Parliament: "We do not recognize the state of Israel as we view this demand an Israeli excuse to avoid reaching a settlement...Our resistance will continue until Israel presents solutions, recognizes the rights of the Palestinians and takes measures to implement these rights. The resistance is the extension of diplomatic and political decisions, it is legitimate and in accordance with human rights and the Geneva Convention. The suicide bombings were always a Hamas response to Israeli measures. The Hamas movement did not carry out suicide bombings until after Israeli operations against the Palestinians, such as the Hebron massacre. We only retaliate. Israel is the one violating international law." - Zacharia Zbeydi, head of the (FATAH) al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades: "There are no differences between the Palestinian organizations regarding the basic tenets for solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The dispute is over the way to realize the goals. Unlike Fatah, Hamas rejects the international Quartet’s conditions, opposes the Arab initiative, and does not accept the accords signed with Israel. Hamas does not recognize the PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. There cannot be a solution of two states without the return of the refuges. The Palestinians have the right of return and all refugees must return to their homes. The Palestinian resistance will cease if the Israeli side is willing to hold true negotiations and grant the Palestinian people their full rights. In such a case there will no longer be any need for resistance." - Abu Ahmad, Spokesman for Islamic Jihad's al-Quds Brigades: "The rocket-firing cells are aiming at targets and strategic facilities on which, or next to which, the rockets land. Even if it doesn't hit it directly, we continue to improve, and recently, the enemy has also admitted this. In recent days, one of our rockets landed in an extremely sensitive strategic facility...We are working with well-detailed maps, which we mark and aim at regions and facilities in the south. The unit for manufacturing and development in the al-Quds Brigades developed Grad missiles, an upgraded Katyusha called Quds 4, which recently landed for the first time 14 km (about 8.5 miles) from the Gaza Strip...The rocket is aimed at the established target. Even when it doesn't hit, we continue to make improvements. The Zionists themselves admitted that the rockets hit a strategic facility...We are in advanced stages of working on a rocket with a range of 22 km (approximately 13.5 miles)." (Jonathan Dahoah Halevi, "Fatah: Resistance will Continue until All Refugees Returned," Shalom Toronto, December 21, 2006; Jonathan Dahoah Halevi, "Hamas Peace Initiative," Shalom Toronto, December 21, 2006; Ali Waked, "Islamic Jihad: We Are Firing More Accurate Rockets," YnetNews, December 28, 2006). December 28, 2006:
Egypt transfers a large quantity of arms and ammunition to PA security organizations in the Gaza via the Keren Shalom crossing - with Israeli approval. The shipment includes 2,000 AK-47 rifles, 20,000 magazines and two million rounds of ammunition. (Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff, "Egypt Transfers Arms, Ammunition to Fatah," Ha'aretz, December 28, 2006). December 28, 2006:
Elbit Systems proposes a three-tier rocket and missile defense system to the Israeli Defense Ministry. The system is designed to intercept incoming Qassam rockets from the Gaza Strip and Katyusha rockets from Lebanon. The proposal joins Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), Israel Military Industries (IMI) and Rafael, Israel Armament Development Authority. Two U.S. companies have also submitted proposals. Elbit's system would offer the IDF modified (existing) equipment to intercept short-range enemy projectiles. A multiple rocket launcher would be linked to an artillery detection radar. ("Israel Mulls Indigenous Rocket Defense," Middle East Newsline, December 27, 2006). December 27, 2006:
- Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket from northern Gaza into southern Israel. The rocket impacts in an orchard in the Sderot area. No injuries were reported. - Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Israeli targets. ("Third Kassam Rocket Hits Sderot Area," IsraelNationalNews, December 27, 2006). December 27, 2006:
Head of the Islamic Jihad terror organization in Jenin arrested In a joint IDF and ISA operation in the city of Jenin over night, December 26th 2006, IDF forces arrested Mahmud Said Saliman Saadi, 26, resident of the Jenin refugee camp, head of the Islamic Jihad terror organization in the area of Jenin. As part of his position, Saadi was in contact with the Islamic Jihad command in Syria and transferred funds to the Islamic Jihad infrastructure in the West Bank. These funds were directly used to carry out terror attacks Saadi was arrested for his activity in the Islamic Jihad terror organization in 2002 and was jailed in Israel until May 2005. After his release, Saadi returned to operate in the organization and was later appointed to head the Islamic Jihad in the Jenin area. A hand gun and two matching magazines were uncovered in the arrest. ("Background Information: Head of Islamic Jihad Terror Organization in Jenin Arrested," IDF Spokesperson's Office, December 26, 2006). December 26, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire mortar shells at an IDF position along the Gaza Strip security fence. ("Mortar Shell Attacks on IDF, No Injuries," IsraelNationalNews, December 26, 2006). December 26, 2006:
Two Israeli children sustain moderate-to-critical wounds when a Qassam rocket fired by Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip lands in the western Negev town of Sderot. Palestinian terrorists fired at least seven rockets at Israel on Monday. (Amos Harel and Mijal Grinberg, "Two Children Wounded When Qassam Hits Sderot," Ha'aretz, December 26, 2006). December 26, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire five Qassam rockets at Israel. One impacts in the western Negev city of Sderot, damaging a building. Another lands near a strategic site in the southern port town of Ashkelon. (Amos Harel, "Four Qassam Rockets Land in Israel; No Injuries Reported," Ha'aretz, December 26, 2006; Amos Harel, "Fifth Qassam of Day Lands Near Strategic Site in Ashkelon," Ha'aretz, December 26, 2006). December 26, 2006:
IDF Brigadier General Sami Turjeman notes that Israel will soon have to face improved Palestinian weapons capabilities in the Gaza Strip. "In another few months, in the Gaza Strip we will have to deal with military capabilities of the terror organizations that we haven't been familiar with until now, especially in the realm of anti-tank missiles..." (Gideon Alon, "IDF: Hamas Using Gaza Cease-Fire to Beef up Military Forces," Ha'aretz, December 26, 2006). December 26, 2006:
Iran steps up its military training of Hamas. According to Israeli officials, up to several hundred Hamas operatives have recently left the Gaza Strip for Iran to undergo several weeks of military training by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "The Hamas terrorists enter [Egypt's] Sinai Peninsula and then make their way to Syria and then Iran..."We have been detecting an increase in the flow of Hamas operatives leaving for Iran over the last two months." ("Iran Steps Up Training Of Hamas," Middle East Newsline, December 25, 2006). December 25, 2006:
IDF forces arrest Yasser Nazzal, a top commander of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) in Qabatiya (Jenin sector). PRC spokesman in Gaza, Abu Mujahed: "The leader [Nazzal] will be replaced by a thousand leaders and resistance will continue...We tell the Zionist enemy that your message has been received and now you should await the response." (Mijal Greenberg and Amos Harel, "IDF Arrests Top Militant in West Bank; Qassam Hits Ashkelon," Ha'aretz, December 25, 2006). December 25, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Israel from northern Gaza. The rocket impacts in the Ashkelon industrial zone, damaging a strategic facility. (Anat Bereshkovsky, "Qassam Hits Strategic Facility in Ashkelon," YnetNews, December 25, 2006). December 25, 2006:
An Israeli motorist is injured in the knee after being shot at between the communities of Neve Tzuf (Chalamish) and Oferim, northwest of Ramallah. ("Israeli Injured in Shooting," IsraelNationalNews, December 25, 2006). December 24, 2006:
Israeli Foreign Ministry: "In effect, it cannot be said that a cease-fire truly exists...Even though most of these rockets have fortunately not caused serious harm to the civilians they were aimed at, no country in the world would tolerate any such attacks on its civilian population. Israel continues to follow a policy of restraint out of a desire to give a chance for peace to develop...but this cannot go on forever." ("Gov´t Admits PA Ceasefire Does Not Exist," IsraelNationalNews, December 24, 2006). December 23, 2006:
Palestinian assailants fire at the car of Hassan Jarbouh, the deputy director of the Rafah branch of the Preventive Security Service (Gaza Strip). Jarbouh is critically wounded. (Avi Issacharoff, "Senior Fatah Security Official Critically Hurt in Gaza Shooting," Ha'aretz, December 23, 2006). December 22, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire three Qassam rockets into the western Negev. The first rocket lands in a kibbutz residential area, shattering several windows. The second impact damages a bank building in the center of Sderot. (Aluf Benn, Avi Issacharoff and Yoav Stern, "Palestinians Fire Three Qassam Rockets at Western Negev," Ha'aretz, December 22, 2006). December 21-22, 2006:
- Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Israel. One impacts in Sderot, damaging a bus and injuring three people. - Mahmoud Al-Lali (Hamas) is kidnapped by armed men who fire assault rifles in the streets and seriously wound a bystander (Gaza). - A series of heavy gunbattles between Hamas and Fatah operatives erupts in Gaza City. The firefights occur near the Hamas-controlled Foreign Ministry and the Gaza residence of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Fatah). ("Second Kassam on Sderot, Pressure for Retaliation," IsraelNationalNews, December 21, 2006; Avi Issacharoff, "Hamas, Fatah Fighting Resumes in Gaza After Two-Day Truce," Ha'aretz, December 22, 2006). December 21, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire four Qassam rockets at Israel. Two of the rockets impact near Sderot. The other two land on a home in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun, moderately wounding three Palestinian children. (Yaakov Katz, "Peretz to Olmert: Reevaluate Restraint Against Rockets," Jerusalem Post, December 21, 2006). December 21, 2006:
Al Qaeda terrorist Ayman a-Zawahri proclaims Palestinian Authority (PA) legislative elections will "choke Jihad." - "Those who are trying to free Islamic land through elections that are based on secular constitutions...will not free a grain of Palestinian sand." - "As Muslims, we cannot give up one inch of Palestine to Israel -- there's no difference between 1948-Palestine and 1967-Palestine as far as we are concerned. All of it is Palestine and it all belongs to Muslims..." - "Accepting the legitimacy of Mahmud Abbas, the head of the national authority, America's man in Palestine, and mandating the PLO which recognizes Israel to negotiate with Israel is an abyss which will ultimately lead to eliminating the jihad and recognizing Israel..." ("Al Qaeda Slams PA Election Plan," IsraelNationalNews, December 20, 2006; Lydia Georgi, "Zawahiri Vows Attacks on US, Slams Hamas," AFP, December 20, 2006). December 20, 2006:
Hamas terror cell planning abduction arrested It has now been released for publication that in a joint IDF, ISA and Israeli Police operation in October 2006, security forces arrested the members of a Hamas terror cell which was in the advanced stages of planning the abduction of an Israeli in the Jerusalem area. The cell, which was being directed by senior Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip, was planning to use the abduction in order to negotiate the release of Hamas prisoners. The members of the cell had already acquired weapons using money from the Gaza Strip, and were planning to recruit more members, including a driver from Jerusalem. The men arrested are: * The head of the cell, Fahres Awad Abed Al Fatah Quwassma, is a 30 year-old resident of Hebron. Quwassma told investigators that he had established contact with a Hamas terrorist from the Gaza Strip during his previous period of imprisonment and had begun planning the abduction with him. Following his release from prison in May 2006, he was contacted by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip and was instructed to recruit a cell to carry out the abduction. * Hamza Ibrahim Moussah Zahran, is a 26 year-old Hamas terrorist from the Ramallah area. Zahran was recruited by Quwassma and was tasked with acquiring weapons and recruiting additional members to the cell. * Iyad Feisel Diab Mansour, is a 26 year-old Hamas terrorist from the Ramallah area. ("Background Information: "Hamas Terror Cell Planning Abduction Arrested," IDF Spokesperson's Office, December 20, 2006). December 20, 2006:
Two top Islamic Jihad terrorists killed in an arrest operation near Jenin. The two were receiving instructions and funds from the Islamic Jihad Command in Syria in order to carry out a suicide bombing In a joint IDF, ISA and Israeli Police arrest operation today in Silat A Hartiya, northwest of Jenin, two wanted Islamic Jihad terrorists, Salah Hafed Mahmud Suafta and Husam Mahmud Ibrahim Isah, were killed. During the attempt to arrest them, the two opened fire at security forces, sparking heavy exchanges of fire in which they were killed. Two rifles, protective vests and large amounts of ammunition were found by their bodies. Only last month a suicide bombing spearheaded by the two was prevented thanks to the arrest of Sahmer Suafta, Salah's brother. By this time Salah Suafta had already recruited a bomber, filmed his statement and instructed him on the use of the explosive belt. Sahmer was due to lead the suicide bomber to Israel, and following his arrest he supplied security forces with the location of the bomb. * Salah Hafed Mahmud Suafta was a 23 year-old resident of the village of Tubas, northeast of Nablus. Suafta had in the past operated an explosives laboratory in his village together with another brother, Nur Adin Suafta, in order to produce explosives for terror attacks. Suafta was jailed in Jericho prison for a number of months at the beginning of this year. Following his release, Suafta returned to Samaria and resumed his activities in the Islamic Jihad terror organization. * Husam Mahmud Ibrahim Isah was a 23 year-old resident of Sanur, north of Nablus. Isah began his activity in the Islamic Jihad as an assistant in an attempt to carry out a terror attack. He was imprisoned in Israel in July of 2003. After his release in July 2005, Isah returned to his activities in the Islamic Jihad but was then arrested by the Palestinian Authority. When he was released from Jericho prison, Isah came into contact with senior members of the Islamic Jihad in Jenin, and has since been involved in several attempts to carry out suicide bombings against Israelis. Isah was in charge of the bombing plans thwarted last month along with Salah Suafta. ("Background Information: "Islamic Jihad Terrorists Killed in an Arrest Operation Near Jenin," IDF Spokesperson's Office, December 20, 2006). December 20, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire 7 Qassam rockets at Israel. (Shmulik Hadad, "Qassam Lands Near Kibbutz in Western Negev, No Injuries," Ha'aretz, December 20, 2006). December 20, 2006:
Two Palestinians are killed and six others wounded in battles between Hamas and Fatah in Gaza City. (Avi Issacharoff, "Calls for Revenge Threaten to Shatter Relative Calm on Gaza Streets," Ha'aretz, December 20, 2006). December 19, 2006:
Wanted Tanzim terrorist killed during arrest operation north of Tulkarm In a joint IDF, ISA and Border Police arrest operation in Seida, northeast of Tulkarm, senior Tanzim terrorist Muhammad Ahmad Muhammad Mahmud was killed. During the operation, special Border Police forces arrived at the house in which Mahmud was located. Mahmud, identifying the force, drew out a handgun and prepared to fire at the Border Policemen. The forces fired at Mahmud, killing him. Two explosive devices were later found in his vehicle. In the past few years Mahmud served as the head of the Tanzim terror infrastructure in the villages north of Tulkarm. Mahmud was considered an expert in bomb and car bomb construction. He was involved in two car bomb attacks against IDF forces in 2004 and was involved in numerous shooting and bomb attacks in the Tulkarm area. In the past few months Mahmud directed a number of cells which carried out bomb attacks in the Tulkarm area, continued recruiting terrorists, constructing bombs and planning terror attacks against Israeli civilians. ("Background Information: "Wanted Tanzim Terrorist Killed Near Tulkarm," IDF Spokesperson's Office, December 19, 2006). December 19, 2006:
Two Tanzim Operatives Arrested, One Killed in Nablus The three were being directed by Hezbollah to carry out suicide bombings. In a joint IDF, ISA and Police forces arrest operation in Nablus earlier this morning, wanted Tanzim operative Rami Rashid Anab Abu Kishak was killed and two Tanzim operatives, Tallal Mustafa Abu Lil, and Imad Abu Maslem, were arrested. The men were arrested outside the "Athad" hospital in the city, which was used by them as a hide out and a shelter. This is a common tactic among terrorists in Samaria who exploit the fact that the IDF avoids operating in hospitals, thereby using them as hiding places to plan terrorist activities. During the arrest security forces identified a vehicle which the three wanted men were traveling in, and approached it. The wanted men attempted to flee, leading the forces to fire at them. As a result Kishak was killed, and Maslem and Abu Lil were injured. The three belonged to a terrorist infrastructure which is being supported and controlled by Hezbollah, and whose function is to carry out suicide bombings in Israel's home front. Furthermore, during the current ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the three continued their efforts to execute suicide bombings. - Rami Abu Kishak, 27, was involved in attempts to carry out suicide bombings along with two other terrorists, who were killed in recent months during attempts to arrest them. In the past two days Abu Kishak was involved in intensive preparations for a suicide bombing which was prevented by his death. - Tallal Abu Lil, 33 and a resident of Nablus, had recently recruited several suicide bombers, both male and female, in order to carry out attacks. Some of these were recently arrested, and their planned attacks prevented. Despite these arrests, Abu Lil continued in his attempts to dispatch attacks and to recruit bombers. - Imad Abu Maslem was involved in attempts to carry out suicide bombings as a member of the Tanzim infrastructure in Balata. Abu Maslem was involved in the recruiting of bombers and in shooting attacks and bomb attacks against IDF forces in Nablus. ("Background Information: "Two Tanzim Operatives Arrested, One Killed in Nablus," IDF Spokesperson's Office, December 19, 2006). December 19, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire three Qassam rockets towards Israel. (Shmulik Hadad, "3rd Qassam Falls in Western Negev; No Injuries," YnetNews, December 19, 2006). December 19, 2006:
- Five men, including two members of Fatah's Palestinian security forces, are killed in clashes with Hamas gunmen. One of the victims sustains a fatal shot as he is sitting in a security vehicle in Gaza City. - Rival gunman take up positions on rooftops, some firing rocket-propelled grenades at each other. The sound of automatic gunfire is heard throughout Gaza City, and a Fatah installation is attacked with mortar fire. ("5 Dead in Fatah-Hamas Clashes Tuesday," Jerusalem Post, December 19, 2006). December 19, 2006:
Fierce gunfire erupts within the compound of Shifa hospital in Gaza City between the security personnel of Hamas and Fatah, killing one member of the Hamas executive force and wounding six. ("One Dead in Hamas-Fatah Gun Battle in Gaza Hospital," Ha'aretz, December 19, 2006). December 18, 2006:
- Fatah and Hamas gunmen exchange fire in Gaza City. - Hamas claims it has freed a senior Fatah official (Sufyan Abu Zaida) abducted in the Gaza Strip. - Fatah kidnaps 11 Hamas operatives in the Gaza Strip. - Hamas operatives kill a Fatah member in the Jabalya refugee camp (northern Gaza Strip). (Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff and Akiva Eldar, "Fatah and Hamas Trade Fire in Gaza, Despite Truce," Ha'aretz, December 18, 2006). December 18, 2006:
- Palestinian gunmen wage a street battle outside the Gaza Strip residence of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. - Fatah and Hamas operatives engage in an intense firefight outside Mohammed Dahlan's (Fatah) house in Gaza. - PA officials note the Hamas-Fatah war in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip may spread to Palestinian refugee camps in neighboring Arab countries. (Khaled Abu Toameh, "Fatah, Hamas Representatives Announce Cease-Fire Deal," Jerusalem Post, December 17, 2006; Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff and Akiva Eldar, "Fire Traded Near Abbas' Home, Hours After Truce," Ha'aretz, December 18, 2006). December 17, 2006:
- Hamas operatives kidnap and murder key Fatah intelligence officer Col. Adnan Rahmani. Rahmani's body is dumped outside a hospital in northern Gaza. Rahmani was a member of the PA Preventive Security agency commanded by Rashid Abu Shbak and Samir Mashrawi, two of Mahmoud Abbas’ and Mohammed Dahlan’s Fatah allies in Gaza. - DebkaFile reports large-scale defections of Fatah members to Hamas - including groups of al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terrorists, the Abu Rish Brigades of Khan Younes and all three armed factions organized in the umbrella Popular Resistance Committees (PRC). They were lured by a cash infusion from high PLO official Farouk Kadoumi who is now working with Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal (Damascus) to depose Abbas. - Two Palestinians are killed and at least six injured in violent incidents which included Hamas mortar attacks on Mahmoud Abbas’ Gaza residence, a shooting attack on Hamas foreign minister Mahmoud a-Zahar’s convoy and an RPG, mortar and grenade assault on the presidential guard Force 17 camp at the former Israeli community of Netzarim (southern Gaza). ("Hamas Gunmen Snatch and Murder Key Fatah Intelligence Officer Col. Adnan Rahmani," DebkaFile, December 17, 2006). December 17, 2006:
Reuters Breakdown of PA Militias PA Presidential Guard Backed by the U.S., Abbas's elite presidential guard has grown to at least 4,000 men, up from 2,500 members when Hamas took power in March. U.S. plans call for expanding the presidential guard to at least 4,700 in the near term. Palestinian officials say the force would eventually increase to at least 10,000. The U.S. and Israel have also supported a proposal by Abbas to allow 1,000 members of the Badr Brigade (a Fatah-dominated force based in Jordan), to enter PA areas and reinforce Abbas's guard. European states have committed non-lethal equipment, including vehicles, to the presidential guard. Washington has organized shipments of guns and ammunition to the guard from Egypt and Jordan. - Abbas's General Intelligence and National Security Forces: 5,000. - Abbas's Military Intelligence and the Naval Police: 30,000. Hamas's Executive Forces First deployed by the Hamas-led government on the streets of Gaza in May, Hamas claims its "Executive Force" has increased from 3,000 to nearly 6,000. The force is aided by Iran and includes operatives from other factions, including the PRC. PA Police and Preventitive Security Police and PS ranks are dominated by Fatah loyalists. Their total strength is estimated at approximately 30,000. ("FACTBOX-How Rival Palestinian Forces Stack Up," Reuters, December 17, 2006). December 17, 2006:
- Hamas gunmen fire at a Fatah political rally. - Two mortar shells are fired at a Force 17 postition near Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' residence in Gaza, wounding four members of the elite presidential guard. - Force 17, backed by members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, take over the Hamas-run agriculture and transport ministries as they move to secure a large swathe of central Gaza City around where Abbas has a home. - Forces loyal to Hamas exchange fire with presidential guards positioned on the rooftops. - A 19-year-old Palestinian woman is fatally shot in the chest during a gunbattle between Fatah and Hamas in Gaza City. - Hamas gunmen storm a training camp in the Gaza Strip used by Force 17, sparking gunbattles that leave one officer dead and several others wounded. - Didier Francois, a reporter for the French daily Liberation, sustains a gunshot wound to the leg. (Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff and Akiva Eldar, "Woman, Abbas Guard Killed in Escalating Fatah-Hamas Clashes," Ha'aretz, December 17, 2006). December 16, 2006:
PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh proclaims that he and his followers choose to be shahids (martyrs) and sacrifice their lives for Allah (in place of being ministers). (Ali Waked, "Haniyeh: We're Shahids, Not Ministers," YnetNews, December 15, 2006). December 15, 2006:
- A senior Hamas leader accuses PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas of initiating a war. - At least 31 Hamas supporters are wounded, some critically, when Fatah gunmen open fire on a Ramallah rally. - "What a war Mahmoud Abbas you are launching, first against God, and then against Hamas," senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya tells a Gaza City rally of 100,000 Hamas supporters, who chant "God is Greatest" and fire guns into the air. - (Hamas) Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh calls on both factions to "preserve Palestinian blood." - Fatah and Hamas gunmen exchange fire in Gaza City. - Hamas deploys operatives (in Gaza) armed with automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. (Amos Harel and Akiva Eldar, "Hamas Accuses PA Chair Abbas of Launching War," Ha'aretz, December 15, 2006). December 15, 2006:
A bodyguard of Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh is shot dead when Haniyeh's convoy comes under fire as he returns to Gaza from Egypt. (Amos Harel and Akiva Eldar, "Haniyeh Bodyguard Killed as Convoy Comes Under Fire Entering Gaza," Ha'aretz, December 15, 2006). December 14, 2006:
- Israel allows Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh to cross from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, but without the $35 million in cash he had brought from a tour of Muslim states. - Gunbattles rage along Israel-Egypt border, as Hamas gunmen seize control of the terminal and exchange fire with Fatah guards and Egyptian forces. 18 people are wounded. (Amos Harel and Akiva Eldar, "Israel: Haniyeh can Enter Gaza, but Without Millions in Cash," Ha'aretz, December 14, 2006). December 14, 2006:
- Undercover Israeli police officers kill a Fatah terrorist in the West Bank city of Nablus. - IDF troops stationed at a checkpoint east of Nablus seize eight kilograms of explosives. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at the western Negev. (Mijal Grinberg and Amos Harel, "Israeli Forces Kill 2 Palestinians in Separate West Bank Incidents," Ha'aretz, December 14, 2006). December 14, 2006:
The Israeli defense establishment expresses concern over the close ties developing between Iran and Hamas - fearing that Iran is seeking to form a strategic alliance with Hamas. The Iranians would like to develop a relationship with Hamas similar to that with Hezbollah in Lebanon, in which the "final word" - on matters regarding Israel, too - is Tehran's. (Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff, "Israel Worried Hamas and Iran Developing Strategic Relations," Ha'aretz, December 14, 2006). December 13, 2006:
- IDF forces fire at a Palestinian terrorist (affiliated with Fatah) approaching the Gaza Strip security fence (Nahal Oz sector). IDF: "He approached the fence, armed with a rifle and grenades, so our troops opened fire." - An Israeli security guard is seriously wounded when a Palestinian terrorist stabs him in the neck and chest at the Qalandiyah checkpoint (north of Jerusalem). (Amos Harel, "IDF Troops Kill Palestinian Gunman in the Gaza Strip," Ha'aretz, December 13, 2006). December 13, 2006:
Bassam al-Fara, a prominent Islamic judge (linked to Hamas) is shot dead by Palestinian gunmen as he arrives at court in Khan Yhouis (southern Gaza Strip). Fauzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman: "This is an ugly crime committed against one of the field commanders of the Hamas military wing and one of the prominent figures in Hamas...Hamas is not going to forget the blood of its members. It is going to pursue and bring to justice those who were involved in today's crime." ("Gunmen Kill Hamas-Linked Judge," The Guardian, December 13, 2006). December 13, 2006:
IDF forces arrest 8 wanted Palestinians in Nablus (West Bank), including Ramzi Abu Shalal, a Fatah terrorist suspected of preparing the explosive belt used in an August 2003 suicide bombing (Rosh Hayin). (Nir Yahab, "Five Qassam Rockets Launched at the Negev," NFC [Translated from Hebrew], December 12, 2006). December 12, 2006:
- Palestinian terrorists fire five Qassam rockets at the western Negev. - The GSS announces the recent arrest of approximately 50 Islamic Jihad operatives in the South Hebron Hills (over the course of several months). (Mijal Grinberg and Amos Harel, "Five Qassams Fired at Western Negev Despite Gaza Cease-Fire," Ha'aretz, December 12, 2006). December 12, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists in Nablus detonate an explosive device in close proximity to IDF forces. The device damages a military vehicle. ("PA Arabs Attempt to Blow Up IDF Soldiers, No Injuries," IsraelNationalNews, December 12, 2006). December 12, 2006:
- Hamas security forces fire at stone-throwing Fatah demonstrators in Khan Yunis (southern Gaza Strip), wounding four people. - Heavily-armed members of Abbas's security forces take up positions around key installations and road junctions in Gaza City. "Palestinian security forces deployed in all streets of Gaza City to prevent crime. This was upon orders from President Abbas..." (Avi Issacharoff, "Hamas Men Shoot 4 Fatah Demonstrators in Gaza," Ha'aretz, December 12, 2006). December 12, 2006:
The U.S. Congress grants approval to double the amount of American emergency equipment stockpiled in Israel. As part of the agreement, Israel is permitted to use the equipment during an emergency (as occured during the second Lebanon War). ("U.S. Doubling America’s Emergency Stockpile in Israel," IsraelNationalNews, December 12, 2006). December 11, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire at a car carrying the children of intelligence officer Baha Balousheh, a Fatah loyalist. Three of Balousheh's children, ranging in age from 6 to 10, are killed. Four additional individuals are wounded in the attack on Palestine Street, which is lined with nine schools. Palestinian security officials believe Balousheh was the target of an assassination attempt, noting that the car's windows had been covered by black shades, blocking the view of the passengers. "Palestinian security has opened an investigation into the incident, which we consider the ugliest." Fatah activists burn tires in protest of the attack. Dozens of Fatah supporters attempt to close the school street, shouting: "God help us take revenge against the killers." ("Fatah Urges Abbas to Dismiss Gov't," Associated Press, December 11, 2006). December 11, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire at an Israeli military convoy in the West Bank town of Qabatiyeh (south of Jenin), moderately wounding an IDF soldier. The convoy was en route to the scene of a jeep accident. (Amos Harel, "IDF Soldier Moderately Hurt in W. Bank Shooting," Ha'aretz, December 11, 2006). December 10, 2006:
Unidentified Palestinian gunmen fire on the motorcade of Palestinian Interior Minister Said Siyam (Hamas) in an apparent assassination attempt. (Avi Issacharoff, "Hamas Minister Target of Attempted Assassination in Gaza," Ha'aretz, December 10, 2006). December 9, 2006:
Two Palestinian guards are wounded when demonstrators and parliamentary forces exchange fire at the Palestinian parliament building in Gaza City. Some 1,400 uniformed police and other security officers demonstrating over the non-payment of their salaries storm into the parliament compound while others fire into the air. ("2 Palestinian Guards Hurt in Gaza Parliament Clashes," Associated Press, December 9, 2006). December 9, 2006:
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad urges visiting Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh to keep fighting against Israel. Haniyeh, on a four-day visit to one of the strongest backers of his Hamas government, thanked Iran for its support and vowed not to cede to Western demands that it renounce violence, recognize existing interim peace accords and recognize the Jewish state. "The Iranian nation will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Palestinian people until Jerusalem is liberated... and will never fall short in any kind of support," Ahmadinejad told Haniyeh in Tehran. ("Ahmadinejad to Haniyeh: Do Not Recognize Israel, Continue Fighting It," Reuters, December 9, 2006). December 8, 2006:
What Motivates Ahmadinijad? Iranian President Ahmadinijad does not conceal his motives and intentions – to set the stage for the arrival of the Mahdi, the Shiite messiah. The elimination of the Jewish state is deemed a necessary prerequisite. Shiite Iran is striving to attain the status of a regional superpower en route to becoming a significant nuclear power on the international stage. Iran openly challenges the U.S. and the West in its attempt to expel American forces from Iraq and attain hegemony in the Persian Gulf region. The Iranian leadership talks of a "new Middle East" in response to the American plan - an Islamic Middle East based on the Iranian inspired Islamic revolution. Iran's political aspirations are motivated by religious zeal. President Mahmoud Ahmadinijad repeatedly pledges "the imminent and evident liquidation of Israel," as a coded phrase for the messianic fervor he shares with his spiritual mentor, radical Ayatollah Yazdi, who subscribes to diplomatic and military activism to advance the global Islamic revolution spearheaded by Iran. Addressing senior religious scholars in mid November 2005, Ahmadinijad did not attempt to conceal his true motives and intentions. "Our basic goal," he asserted ("Al Hayat", 11.19.06), "is to set the stage for the Mahdi," the Shiite messiah and vanished Imam. He went on to state that in order to bring this about, Iran must set an Islamic example, develop a strong society and forge government policy in various fields. The end of time vision, when the Mahdi will appear, can then be realized. A book recently published in Lebanon focuses on Ahmadinijad's Shiite vision of the Mahdi. Entitled "Ahmadinijad and the Next Global Revolution," the author, Shadi Fakiya, establishes a direct link between Ahmadinijad and the Mahdi, and claims that the current Iranian president fits the description of the commander of the Mahdi forces which liberated Jerusalem (according to the Shiite belief). Ahmadinijad is described as determined and guided directly by Allah - believing that the "army of the liberation of Jerusalem" will pass through Iraq. This statement is analogous to the one made by Ayatollah Khomeini, who claimed that "the road to Jerusalem passes through Carbala" (a holy Shiite town in Iraq). Ahmadinijad's determination to acquire nuclear weapons is also perceived as part of the messianic redemption. The president and his supporters view the confrontation with the West over the acquisition of nuclear technology as preparation for the appearance of the Mahdi. The present era, according to the author, is the time of "revelation." Various signs foretell the appearance of the Mahdi, including:
December 8, 2006:
During a visit to Iran, PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh vows that his Hamas-led government will never recognize Israel and would continue to fight for the liberation of Jerusalem. "The world's arrogance (US) and Zionists...want us to recognize the usurpation of the Palestinian lands and stop jihad and resistance and accept the agreements reached with the Zionist enemies in the past...I'm insisting from this podium that these issues won't materialize. We will never recognize the usurper Zionist government and will continue our jihad-like movement until the liberation of Jerusalem...They (Israelis) assume the Palestinian nation is alone. This is an illusion.... We have a strategic depth in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This country (Iran) is our powerful, dynamic and stable depth." Iran has provided the Hamas-led Palestinian government with US $120 million (€90.25 million) this year despite a US-led international financial boycott of the Palestinian government. ("Haniyeh Vows to Never Recognize Israel," Jerusalem Post, December 8, 2006). December 7, 2006:
The Fatah al-Aqsa Brigades announces the resumption of Qassam rocket attacks against Israel. ("Al-Aqsa: Hiatus is Over," IsraelNationalNews, December 7, 2006). December 6, 2006:
- Hamas officials have managed to smuggle more than $66 million in cash via the Rafah border crossing in the past eight months. - Sources close to the Hamas-led government claim that Hamas representatives recently held talks with officials from the US Democratic Party at a secret location. - Hamas representatives have also been holding secret talks with European governments, including Britain and France. (Khaled Abu Toameh, "Hamas Smuggled $66 Million in 8 Months," Jerusalem Post, December 6, 2006). December 6, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket into southern Israel. ("Two Palestinians Wounded by IDF in Separate Gaza Incidents," Ha'aretz, December 6, 2006). December 6, 2006:
Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal notes that the current "cease-fire" is merely a tactic in the war against Israel. According to Mashaal, the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza, Judea and Samaria will not lead to a recognition of Israel by Hamas, as an Israeli presence within the 1949 cease-fire lines still constitutes an occupation. Mashaal also threatens that Hamas will resume terrorist attacks if the international community does not force Israel to accept the Palestinian "right of return" and a retreat to 1949 cease-fire lines. ("Khaled Mashaal: Cease-Fire a Tactic in War Against Israel," IsraelNationalNews, December 5, 2006). December 5, 2006:
The IDF will begin equipping tanks with an advanced, active protection system capable of countering advanced anti-tank missiles, including the French Matis and Russian Kornet. The locally developed system, known by its export name as Trophy, will be installed on Merkava Mark IV tanks. The system creates a "canopy" that surrounds the tank, identifies the threat of the incoming anti-tank missile, and destroys the missile's warhead before impact. The Rafael Armament Development Authority offered the Trophy system to the IDF several years ago - and was turned down due to budgetary constraints. It should be noted that the US is considering the use of the Trophy on its Stryker fighting vehicles. Major General Benny Gantz, commander of the ground forces, confirmed the acquisition, but the order still requires the approval of the General Staff. (Amos Harel, "IDF Tanks to be Fitted with Trophy Anti-Missile Systems," Ha'aretz, December 4, 2006). December 5, 2006:
Egyptian police arrest an American, 11 Europeans and several others from Arab countries for allegedly plotting terrorist attacks in Middle Eastern countries - including Iraq. The group was part of an Islamic terror cell that had adopted extremist ideas and were living in Egypt, ostensibly to study Arabic and Islam. Along with the American, police arrested two Belgians, nine French and several others from Egypt and other Arab countries including Tunisia and Syria. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry did not provide names or say how many Egyptians and Arabs were arrested. "Investigations have confirmed that those elements are related to some terrorist organizations abroad...They were seeking to recruit others, teach them destructive beliefs, urging them for jihad, traveling to Iraq to carry out operations via other countries in the region." ("Egypt Arrests Foreign Terror Suspects," Associated Press, December 4, 2006). December 4, 2006:
- Israeli sappers detonate an explosive device found in Hebron. - IDF forces arrest Mahmud Ibrahim Hamdan, head of the PFLP terrorist organization in the Bethlehem area. Mahmud Fanun, 59, was deported to Jordan in 1986 for his involvement in terror activity and returned to Judea and Sameria in 1996. Fanun has been wanted by security forces since 2001. In the past few years Mahmud Fanun was head of the PFLP terror organization in the Bethlehem area and was involved in terror activity such as providing weaponry to the organizations infrastructure and assisting wanted terrorist to hide from Israeli security forces. As part of his activity in the organization, Fanun held a number of senior positions in the organization, amongst them: member of the organization's head committee in Judea and Sameria and a candidate on behalf of the organization in the parliamentary elections in the Palestinian authority. ("Bomb Found in Hevron District," IsraelNationalNews, December 4, 2006; "IHead of PFLP in the Bethlehem Area Arrested," IDF Spokesperson's Office, December 4, 2006). December 4, 2006:
- Senior IDF sources express dissatisfaction with the security cabinet's instructions for the army to exercise restraint in the Gaza Strip. The sources tell Haaretz that the cabinet's decision, (based on guidelines presented by the chief of staff's operations unit), prohibits extensive operations in Gaza. Permission to fire on Qassam rocket cells has also been rescinded. - The IDF is no longer permitted to arrest Palestinian terrorists in the West Bank without explicit approval from either the GOC Central Command or the commander of IDF forces in the territories. The IDF opposes expanding the cease-fire to the West Bank, noting that terrorist organizations have no intention of halting attacks. IDF sources also emphasize that suicide bombings may resume if the army does not actively thwart such attempts. (Akiva Eldar, Gideon Alon, and Mijal Grinberg, "IDF Upper Echelon: Restraint May Lead to Terror Attacks," Ha'aretz, December 3, 2006; Amos Harel, Akiva Eldar and Avi Issacharoff, "Security Cabinet Seeks to Promote West Bank Truce," Ha'aretz, December 4, 2006). December 3, 2006:
The Islamic Jihad terrorist group threatens an imminent attack against Israel. Spokesman Abu Ahmed: "Calm is on the edge of collapse due to the continued Zionist violations and the attacks against our Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza." ("Islamic Jihad Threatens Imminent Attack," IsraelNationalNews, December 3, 2006). December 3, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket from the northern Gaza Strip into Israel. (Efrat Weiss, "Qassam Rocket Lands in Open Field in Western Negev; No Injuries," YnetNews, December 3, 2006). December 3, 2006:
An Israeli company (Acro) develops a peroxide-based explosive tester (ACRO-PET) that detects (TATP) explosive devices. According Ehud Keinan, inventor and scientific adviser to Acro, "Acro's goal is to ensure that its product meets all the standards and function as intended thus allowing us to finally be able to provide a viable method of combating the terrible threat of terror with improvised explosives." ("Israel Produces Explosive Tester," Middle East Newsline, December 1, 2006). December 2, 2006:
Egyptian security forces raid dozens of seaside villas and apartments in the Sinai peninsula - searching for Palestinian terrorists suspected of planning attacks on Israeli tourists. "The Egyptian security apparatus received confirmed information about four Palestinians who belong to one of the extremist Palestinian factions sneaking into Egyptian territory across the international border between Egypt and Gaza..." ("Egypt Searches Sinai for Palestinians Suspected of Planning Attack," Reuters, December 2, 2006). December 1-2, 2006:
- Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF forces in Kabatia (south of Jenin) and Kalandia (south of Ramallah). - A gun battle is reported in Gaza - less than half a kilometer from PA (Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’ (Abu Mazen) official residence. According to reports, PA police came under fire when they came to arrest a suspect. ("Roundup of Sabbath Attacks Without Injuries," IsraelNationalNews, December 2, 2006; "Gun Battle Near Abu Mazen’s Residence in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, December 2, 2006). December 1, 2006:
Army Radio reports that Palestinian weapons smuggling continues along the Israel-Egypt border. ("IDF: Arms Smuggling Continues in Gaza," Jerusalem Post, December 1, 2006). December 1, 2006:
- Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at the Negev. - An Israeli Border Policeman is lightly hurt by a firebomb hurled at him near the entrance to the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron. IDF forces return fire. (Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff, "Qassam Fired Despite Truce; Militant Killed in Hebron Clash," Ha'aretz, December 1, 2006; "IDF: Arms Smuggling Continues in Gaza," Jerusalem Post, December 1, 2006). [Archive]
|