July 31, 2007:
An explosive device is detonated at Jenaid prison, a Palestinian Authority facility in Nablus where Hamas detainees are held.
(Ali Waked, "Hamas Bombs W. Bank Jail," YnetNews, July 31, 2007).
An explosive device is detonated at Jenaid prison, a Palestinian Authority facility in Nablus where Hamas detainees are held.
(Ali Waked, "Hamas Bombs W. Bank Jail," YnetNews, July 31, 2007).
July 31, 2007:
Russia's deputy foreign minister announces that Moscow will downgrade its ties with Hamas, and that no high-level contacts with the group are planned for the near future.
Russian President Vladimir Putin to Abbas (FATAH): "I want to assure you that Russia will support you as the legitimate leader of the Palestinian people. I am convinced that you will do everything to restore the unity of the Palestinian people..."
WeaponSurvey Analysis:
Diplomatic niceties asides, Russia recognizes Hamas as the dominant military force in the Gaza Strip and will continue to maintain ties with the organization.
("Russia Announces Intentions to Downgrade Ties with Hamas," Associated Press, July 31, 2007).
Russia's deputy foreign minister announces that Moscow will downgrade its ties with Hamas, and that no high-level contacts with the group are planned for the near future.
Russian President Vladimir Putin to Abbas (FATAH): "I want to assure you that Russia will support you as the legitimate leader of the Palestinian people. I am convinced that you will do everything to restore the unity of the Palestinian people..."
WeaponSurvey Analysis:
Diplomatic niceties asides, Russia recognizes Hamas as the dominant military force in the Gaza Strip and will continue to maintain ties with the organization.
("Russia Announces Intentions to Downgrade Ties with Hamas," Associated Press, July 31, 2007).
July 31, 2007:
"Government Spokesman Nasser Judeh on Monday said what Israeli media reports have attributed to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that there was a suggestion to send Jordanian troops to the West Bank is absolutely rejected by Jordan.
'Many Israeli politicians usually resort to sending out such suggestions, which are definitely rejected by Jordan irrespective of their source or who propagates for them...'"
("Judeh: Sending Jordanian Troops to the West Bank is Absolutely Rejected by Jordan," Petra, July 31, 2007).
"Government Spokesman Nasser Judeh on Monday said what Israeli media reports have attributed to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that there was a suggestion to send Jordanian troops to the West Bank is absolutely rejected by Jordan.
'Many Israeli politicians usually resort to sending out such suggestions, which are definitely rejected by Jordan irrespective of their source or who propagates for them...'"
("Judeh: Sending Jordanian Troops to the West Bank is Absolutely Rejected by Jordan," Petra, July 31, 2007).
July 31, 2007:
Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz announces plans to fit all light (Israeli) aircraft with sophisticated anti-theft devices that will prevent them from being stolen for use in terror attacks. The security device would notify a special control room after any attempt to tamper with or break into aircraft.
(Zohar Blumenkrantz, "Gov't Plans to Fortify Light Aircraft to Prevent Use in Terror Attacks," Ha'aretz, July 31, 2007).
Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz announces plans to fit all light (Israeli) aircraft with sophisticated anti-theft devices that will prevent them from being stolen for use in terror attacks. The security device would notify a special control room after any attempt to tamper with or break into aircraft.
(Zohar Blumenkrantz, "Gov't Plans to Fortify Light Aircraft to Prevent Use in Terror Attacks," Ha'aretz, July 31, 2007).
July 31, 2007:
- IDF forces seize a number of ammunition caches in a town north-east of Ramallah.
- Palestinians hurl an IED at IDF forces operating in Kfar Dan, north-west of Jenin.
("IDF Arrests 9 Operatives Near Ramallah," YnetNews, July 31, 2007; "IDF Discovers Weapons Caches in Ramallah," YnetNews, July 31, 2007).
- IDF forces seize a number of ammunition caches in a town north-east of Ramallah.
- Palestinians hurl an IED at IDF forces operating in Kfar Dan, north-west of Jenin.
("IDF Arrests 9 Operatives Near Ramallah," YnetNews, July 31, 2007; "IDF Discovers Weapons Caches in Ramallah," YnetNews, July 31, 2007).
July 31, 2007:
Technological improvements are being applied to the launch platform, enabling higher levels of mobility, autonomy and precision. IMI's new Lynx multiple rocket launcher can be configured to carry a variety of artillery rockets, including GRAD, LAR, and EXTRA rockets as well as Delilah-GL precision attack weapon. The vehicle carries multiple rockets in sealed launch pod containers which automatically identified by the vehicle's fire control, to set firing properties accordingly. The high mobility vehicle can easily mobilize over road or rough terrain.
The vehicle uses an accurate navigation system enabling rapid set-up of firing position and position change, to minimize the risk of counter-battery fire. On-board communications and computing equipment enable the vehicles to operate autonomously, or as an element in a net-centric scheme, either passively or as an integrated element within larger artillery formations.
Additional improvements:
Technological improvements are being applied to the launch platform, enabling higher levels of mobility, autonomy and precision. IMI's new Lynx multiple rocket launcher can be configured to carry a variety of artillery rockets, including GRAD, LAR, and EXTRA rockets as well as Delilah-GL precision attack weapon. The vehicle carries multiple rockets in sealed launch pod containers which automatically identified by the vehicle's fire control, to set firing properties accordingly. The high mobility vehicle can easily mobilize over road or rough terrain.
The vehicle uses an accurate navigation system enabling rapid set-up of firing position and position change, to minimize the risk of counter-battery fire. On-board communications and computing equipment enable the vehicles to operate autonomously, or as an element in a net-centric scheme, either passively or as an integrated element within larger artillery formations.
Additional improvements:
- Full Autonomous Launcher
- Ability To Launch Any Rocket From 122mm To 300mm
- Reload Pods < 10min
- Self-Destruct Submunition Warhead
- Modern C4I System
- Improved Accuracy
- Fire Control Computer
- Advanced I.N.S. System
- Improved Mechanical /Hydraulic System
July 30, 2007:
The IDF completes the first week of the July-August combat draft with the enlistment of new Paratroopers and Nahal Brigade soldiers, as well as Golani, Givati, Kfir, and Field Intelligence units.
(Dor Blech, "Infantry Corps Draft Completed," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 26, 2007).
The IDF completes the first week of the July-August combat draft with the enlistment of new Paratroopers and Nahal Brigade soldiers, as well as Golani, Givati, Kfir, and Field Intelligence units.
(Dor Blech, "Infantry Corps Draft Completed," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 26, 2007).
July 30, 2007:
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad notes that defeat is meaningless for those believing in martyrdom.
"Speaking to officials in charge of holding ceremony commemorating martyrdom of 36,000 army commanders during eight years of sacred defence, he said martyr seeking spirit is the strongest shelter against enemies' guns and machine guns and no one can confront a nation with such a high morale.
'The martyrdom seeking culture will protect us against all social problems,' he said."
("President: Defeat Meaningless For Those Believing in Martyrdom," IRNA, July 30, 2007).
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad notes that defeat is meaningless for those believing in martyrdom.
"Speaking to officials in charge of holding ceremony commemorating martyrdom of 36,000 army commanders during eight years of sacred defence, he said martyr seeking spirit is the strongest shelter against enemies' guns and machine guns and no one can confront a nation with such a high morale.
'The martyrdom seeking culture will protect us against all social problems,' he said."
("President: Defeat Meaningless For Those Believing in Martyrdom," IRNA, July 30, 2007).
July 30, 2007:
The IAF targets a car carrying Palestinian gunmen in Gaza (south of Gaza city), wounding two members of Islamic Jihad and the Gaza commander of the Al Aksa Martyrs' Brigades.
The IDF confirms carrying out a strike, noting that it was part of an operation against "terrorist activity."
("Gaza: IAF Air Strike Wounds 3 Gunmen," Jerusalem Post & Associated Press, July 30, 2007).
The IAF targets a car carrying Palestinian gunmen in Gaza (south of Gaza city), wounding two members of Islamic Jihad and the Gaza commander of the Al Aksa Martyrs' Brigades.
The IDF confirms carrying out a strike, noting that it was part of an operation against "terrorist activity."
("Gaza: IAF Air Strike Wounds 3 Gunmen," Jerusalem Post & Associated Press, July 30, 2007).
July 29, 2007:
Israeli defense officials warn the sale of satellite-guided missiles to Saudi Arabia has the potential to constitute a strategic threat to the state of Israel.
According to a proposed arms deal, Saudi Arabia will receive thousands of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) - a low-cost guidance kit that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs into accurately guided "smart" weapons. The package also proposes a 25 percent increase in US military aid to Israel, from an annual $2.4 billion to $3b. a year.
Although senior defense officials praise the decision to increase military aid, they note that a JDAM sale would be sufficient to destabilize the strategic military balance in the Middle East.
"We do not have a way to defend ourselves against this weapon..."
(Yaakov Katz, "J'lem Wary of US Arms Sale to Saudis," Jerusalem Post, July 30, 2007).
Israeli defense officials warn the sale of satellite-guided missiles to Saudi Arabia has the potential to constitute a strategic threat to the state of Israel.
According to a proposed arms deal, Saudi Arabia will receive thousands of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) - a low-cost guidance kit that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs into accurately guided "smart" weapons. The package also proposes a 25 percent increase in US military aid to Israel, from an annual $2.4 billion to $3b. a year.
Although senior defense officials praise the decision to increase military aid, they note that a JDAM sale would be sufficient to destabilize the strategic military balance in the Middle East.
"We do not have a way to defend ourselves against this weapon..."
(Yaakov Katz, "J'lem Wary of US Arms Sale to Saudis," Jerusalem Post, July 30, 2007).
July 29, 2007:
Islamic Jihad (Al Quds Brigades) and Fatah (Abu Ar Rish Brigades) claim responsibility for launching a number of projectiles at Israeli positions, including four mortars at a military post near the Kerem Shalom crossing.
The brigades also fire a rocket-propelled grenade at an IDF military jeep, east of Juhor ad Dik in the central Gaza Strip.
In addition, the brigades claim responsibility for an attack against the Karni Crossing.
("Brigades Launch Series of Attacks on Israeli Positions from Gaza Strip," Ma'an News, July 29, 2007).
Islamic Jihad (Al Quds Brigades) and Fatah (Abu Ar Rish Brigades) claim responsibility for launching a number of projectiles at Israeli positions, including four mortars at a military post near the Kerem Shalom crossing.
The brigades also fire a rocket-propelled grenade at an IDF military jeep, east of Juhor ad Dik in the central Gaza Strip.
In addition, the brigades claim responsibility for an attack against the Karni Crossing.
("Brigades Launch Series of Attacks on Israeli Positions from Gaza Strip," Ma'an News, July 29, 2007).
July 29, 2007:
The Airport Authority decides to use runway 26/08 at Ben Gurion Airport during the course of renovations (this summer) of the main runway 12/30.
The use of 26/08 requires flying over villages in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) at a low altitude during the landing approach.
Ma'ariv correspondent Avi Ashkenazi: "In practice, the planes are exposed to shoulder fired anti-aircraft missiles...In the past the Shabak and IDF gave instructions to the Ministry of Transportation and the Airport Authority to avoid as much as possible carrying out landings on runway 26/08 in order to reduce to a minimum the possibility that the planes would be hit during landing as they pass over enemy villages."
Avner Ovadiah, Ministry of Transportation Spokesperson: "In the past planes did not fly over the area of Judea and Samaria, and recently the flights were approved in light of the staff work that was done by the security system, in the Security Department and the Ministry of Transportation, and after all the necessary security measures were taken..."
(Dr. Aaron Lerner, "Maariv: Planes Landing at BG Airport Pass Within Missiles Range on West Bank Villages," IMRA, July 29, 2007).
The Airport Authority decides to use runway 26/08 at Ben Gurion Airport during the course of renovations (this summer) of the main runway 12/30.
The use of 26/08 requires flying over villages in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) at a low altitude during the landing approach.
Ma'ariv correspondent Avi Ashkenazi: "In practice, the planes are exposed to shoulder fired anti-aircraft missiles...In the past the Shabak and IDF gave instructions to the Ministry of Transportation and the Airport Authority to avoid as much as possible carrying out landings on runway 26/08 in order to reduce to a minimum the possibility that the planes would be hit during landing as they pass over enemy villages."
Avner Ovadiah, Ministry of Transportation Spokesperson: "In the past planes did not fly over the area of Judea and Samaria, and recently the flights were approved in light of the staff work that was done by the security system, in the Security Department and the Ministry of Transportation, and after all the necessary security measures were taken..."
(Dr. Aaron Lerner, "Maariv: Planes Landing at BG Airport Pass Within Missiles Range on West Bank Villages," IMRA, July 29, 2007).
July 28, 2007:
Senior Islamic Jihad official Mohammad Al Hindi notes that his organization has been coordinating with Hamas since their takeover of the Gaza Strip.
According to Al Hindi, it is important for the two to work together due to the "reality of Israeli agents and the Israeli occupation."
However, Islamic Jihad does not have any administrative or security responsibilities in Gaza, in participation with Hamas, or in the West Bank. "Islamic Jihad refuses to be involved with any government project."
("Islamic Jihad leader Reveals Coordination With Hamas in the Gaza Strip," Ma'an News, July 28, 2007).
Senior Islamic Jihad official Mohammad Al Hindi notes that his organization has been coordinating with Hamas since their takeover of the Gaza Strip.
According to Al Hindi, it is important for the two to work together due to the "reality of Israeli agents and the Israeli occupation."
However, Islamic Jihad does not have any administrative or security responsibilities in Gaza, in participation with Hamas, or in the West Bank. "Islamic Jihad refuses to be involved with any government project."
("Islamic Jihad leader Reveals Coordination With Hamas in the Gaza Strip," Ma'an News, July 28, 2007).
July 28, 2007:
IDF forces kill two Palestinian terrorists attempting to plant an IED along the Gaza-Israel border.
The terrorists apparently belonged to a FATAH offshoot. In a text message sent to reporters, the group said the two were on a "holy mission."
(Mijal Grinberg, "Two Gaza Militants Killed Planting Bomb on Border," Ha'aretz, July 28, 2007).
IDF forces kill two Palestinian terrorists attempting to plant an IED along the Gaza-Israel border.
The terrorists apparently belonged to a FATAH offshoot. In a text message sent to reporters, the group said the two were on a "holy mission."
(Mijal Grinberg, "Two Gaza Militants Killed Planting Bomb on Border," Ha'aretz, July 28, 2007).
July 28, 2007:
- Hamas has transformed its Executive Force into a police force, divided into specialized departments, including a counter-narcotics squad, criminal investigation unit, traffic police and a military police department.
- Hamas has banned the public display and use of firearms.
- Media reports indicate that a (Gaza) ban against vehicles travelling without registration plates is imminent.
- Hamas is slated to create a legal committee as a temporary replacement for Gaza's defunct court system.
July 27, 2007:
3Com Israel Ltd. completes a $2.5 million computerization project for Turkey’s Ministry of Defense, including:
3Com Israel Ltd. completes a $2.5 million computerization project for Turkey’s Ministry of Defense, including:
- Installing a regional network linking the ministry’s 450 offices via routers to provide secure high-speed access.
- Upgrading the wireless network at 680 sites.
- Integrating advanced switches, designed for large enterprises, at the ministry’s headquarters.
July 27, 2007:
"Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi urges Muslims to maintain vigilance to thwart the US and global arrogance conspiracies at regional and international scenes.
'The global arrogance, led by the US, intends to destroy culture of the Islamic nations in line with its ominous goals...They wish to cause a change in typical structures and norms of the Islamic nations through information and communications technology (ICT) and military means. A change in cultural, spiritual and intellectual attitude of the Islamic nations is the target of conspiracies of arrogant powers.'
Safavi also notes that 70 percent of the world's known oil resources and 48 percent of gas reservoirs are located in Islamic states.
'Arrogant powers intend to cause strife between Muslims. They are not interested in turning the Muslim world into an international power...The Islamic countries' move towards establishment of regional and international unions and pacts based on joint political, economic and security interests can be raised as an important point of view to turn the Muslim world into an international power through the next 50 years.'"
("IRGC Commander Urges Muslims to Maintain Vigilance," IRNA, July 27, 2007).
"Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi urges Muslims to maintain vigilance to thwart the US and global arrogance conspiracies at regional and international scenes.
'The global arrogance, led by the US, intends to destroy culture of the Islamic nations in line with its ominous goals...They wish to cause a change in typical structures and norms of the Islamic nations through information and communications technology (ICT) and military means. A change in cultural, spiritual and intellectual attitude of the Islamic nations is the target of conspiracies of arrogant powers.'
Safavi also notes that 70 percent of the world's known oil resources and 48 percent of gas reservoirs are located in Islamic states.
'Arrogant powers intend to cause strife between Muslims. They are not interested in turning the Muslim world into an international power...The Islamic countries' move towards establishment of regional and international unions and pacts based on joint political, economic and security interests can be raised as an important point of view to turn the Muslim world into an international power through the next 50 years.'"
("IRGC Commander Urges Muslims to Maintain Vigilance," IRNA, July 27, 2007).
July 27, 2007:
- Terrorists belonging to the Al Aqsa Brigades (FATAH) and the National Resistance Brigades of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine launch two projectiles at an Israeli military post along the Kisufim Crossing.
- A Qassam rocket hits a kibbutz in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, damaging several buildings.
- Another rocket lands in an open field in Ashkelon's southern industrial zone.
("Allied Brigades Target Israeli Military Post with Homemade Projectiles," Ma'an News, July 27, 2007; "Kassam Hits W. Negev Kibbutz; Buildings Damaged," Jerusalem Post, July 27, 2007; Mijal Grinberg, "Two Qassam Rockets Fired from Gaza, One Lands in Ashkelon," Ha'aretz, July 27, 2007).
- Terrorists belonging to the Al Aqsa Brigades (FATAH) and the National Resistance Brigades of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine launch two projectiles at an Israeli military post along the Kisufim Crossing.
- A Qassam rocket hits a kibbutz in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, damaging several buildings.
- Another rocket lands in an open field in Ashkelon's southern industrial zone.
("Allied Brigades Target Israeli Military Post with Homemade Projectiles," Ma'an News, July 27, 2007; "Kassam Hits W. Negev Kibbutz; Buildings Damaged," Jerusalem Post, July 27, 2007; Mijal Grinberg, "Two Qassam Rockets Fired from Gaza, One Lands in Ashkelon," Ha'aretz, July 27, 2007).
July 26-27, 2007:
Three Jordanian trucks loaded with Kalashnikov rifles arrive at the Muqataa compound in Ramallah. A Palestinian source notes that nine additional trucks are expected to arrive in Jericho over the next few days to deliver bullet proof vests and additional equipment.
On Thursday, approximately 3,000 rifles were delivered to the Palestinian security (FATAH) forces in Jericho.
Israel allowed the entry of four Jordanian trucks carrying Kalashnikov's and other rifles, along with hundreds of thousands of bullets and ammunition.
Dozens of National Security officers transferred the weapons to warehouses across the West Bank.
(Ali Waked, "3,000 Rifles Arrive in Jericho," YnetNews, July 26, 2007; Ali Waked, "Thousands More Rifles Reach Palestinian Authority," YnetNews, July 27, 2007).
Three Jordanian trucks loaded with Kalashnikov rifles arrive at the Muqataa compound in Ramallah. A Palestinian source notes that nine additional trucks are expected to arrive in Jericho over the next few days to deliver bullet proof vests and additional equipment.
On Thursday, approximately 3,000 rifles were delivered to the Palestinian security (FATAH) forces in Jericho.
Israel allowed the entry of four Jordanian trucks carrying Kalashnikov's and other rifles, along with hundreds of thousands of bullets and ammunition.
Dozens of National Security officers transferred the weapons to warehouses across the West Bank.
(Ali Waked, "3,000 Rifles Arrive in Jericho," YnetNews, July 26, 2007; Ali Waked, "Thousands More Rifles Reach Palestinian Authority," YnetNews, July 27, 2007).
July 26, 2007:
- An IAF strike in the southern Gaza Strip kills one Hamas terrorist.
- Three senior Islamic Jihad terrorists (Omar al-Khatib, Khalil Daifi and Ahmed Abd Al-el), including the head of its military wing, are killed in an IAF strike targeting a jeep south of Gaza City.
- Following the attack, Islamic Jihad members attempt to retrieve items from the targeted car, but are stopped by members of the Hamas security forces. A firefight erupts, and four Islamic Jihad members suffer gunshot wounds.
- IDF infantry forces, backed up by aircraft, tanks and bulldozers operate in Gaza, killing a Hamas terrorist and elminating Qassam rocket launchers and cells.
- An IDF soldier kills a Palestinian terrorist who tried to stab another soldier at a checkpoint near the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
("Three Islamic Jihad Members Killed in Latest Gaza Air Strike," Jerusalem Post, July 26, 2007; Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff, "3 Islamic Jihad Men, 2 Hamas Gunmen Killed in Gaza Airstrikes," Ha'aretz, July 26, 2007).
- An IAF strike in the southern Gaza Strip kills one Hamas terrorist.
- Three senior Islamic Jihad terrorists (Omar al-Khatib, Khalil Daifi and Ahmed Abd Al-el), including the head of its military wing, are killed in an IAF strike targeting a jeep south of Gaza City.
- Following the attack, Islamic Jihad members attempt to retrieve items from the targeted car, but are stopped by members of the Hamas security forces. A firefight erupts, and four Islamic Jihad members suffer gunshot wounds.
- IDF infantry forces, backed up by aircraft, tanks and bulldozers operate in Gaza, killing a Hamas terrorist and elminating Qassam rocket launchers and cells.
- An IDF soldier kills a Palestinian terrorist who tried to stab another soldier at a checkpoint near the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
("Three Islamic Jihad Members Killed in Latest Gaza Air Strike," Jerusalem Post, July 26, 2007; Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff, "3 Islamic Jihad Men, 2 Hamas Gunmen Killed in Gaza Airstrikes," Ha'aretz, July 26, 2007).
July 26, 2007:
Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas: "I cannot deny that there are now other contacts, other channels of communication with the UK and these involve people of high rank, although I am not personally involved...The main aim of the contacts is to improve our democracy and governance. This is just part of the many contacts that are going on with other governments around the world."
(Conal Urquhart, "Hamas Leader Claims UK has Widened Links," Guardian, July 26, 2007).
Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas: "I cannot deny that there are now other contacts, other channels of communication with the UK and these involve people of high rank, although I am not personally involved...The main aim of the contacts is to improve our democracy and governance. This is just part of the many contacts that are going on with other governments around the world."
(Conal Urquhart, "Hamas Leader Claims UK has Widened Links," Guardian, July 26, 2007).
July 26, 2007:
Spectronix Ltd. wins a $2.6 million order for the installation of vehicle fire and explosion suppressions systems with the US Marines.
Spectronix: "The US Army has a need for thousands more tools of this kind as well as the budget with which to procure them...the company is taking part in additional projects for the US Army, as well as European and NATO member countries, and progress in these projects is likely to increase the company's projected sales and activity in the defense field."
(Uri Shuster, "Spectronix, Orbit Announce Defense Deals," Globes, July 25, 2007).
Spectronix Ltd. wins a $2.6 million order for the installation of vehicle fire and explosion suppressions systems with the US Marines.
Spectronix: "The US Army has a need for thousands more tools of this kind as well as the budget with which to procure them...the company is taking part in additional projects for the US Army, as well as European and NATO member countries, and progress in these projects is likely to increase the company's projected sales and activity in the defense field."
(Uri Shuster, "Spectronix, Orbit Announce Defense Deals," Globes, July 25, 2007).
July 25, 2007:
Elbit Systems Ltd. announces that it was awarded $55 million contracts in Europe.
Slovenia
Elbit signs a contract to supply overhead remote controlled weapon stations and unmanned turrets as well as other electronic and electro -optical systems and components for the Slovenian Armored Vehicle Program. Elbit Systems’ portion of the Program is valued at approximately $40 million, with deliveries scheduled to take place through 2011.
Elbit Systems’ selection is pursuant to cooperation with Patria AMV, owned by the state of Finland and the European Aeronautic Defense and Space company EADS N.V. Patria, together with the Slovenian company Rotis d.o.o, was selected by the Slovenian Ministry of Defense to be the prime contractor for the supply of the Slovenian Armored Vehicle Program. The Program covers 135 vehicles.
Elbit Systems' portion of the Program includes laser detection systems and the delivery, integration and installation of 30mm Unmanned Turrets and 12.7/40 mm Overhead Remote Controlled Weapon System (ORCWS) onboard Patria AMV 8X8 vehicles.
Romania
Elbit System was awarded a contract to supply unmanned turrets and electro-optic systems valued at approximately $15 million, with deliveries scheduled to be performed over the next three years. The Romanian Government selected Mowag GmbH, of the General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems Group, to be the prime contractor in this project, and it will supply the Piranha III vehicles for the program.
Elbit Systems' portion of the program includes the delivery of 12.7 mm unmanned turrets and various electrooptic and electronic subsystems, including the DTV- Driver Thermal Viewer and other systems. The majority of the work will be performed in Romania by Elbit Systems' subsidiary Elmet International srl., with the collaboration of the Romanian company Pro-Optica S.A.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, Corporate V.P. and General Manager of Elbit Systems’ C4I & Land Systems Division: "The selection of our systems for the projects attests to our ability to provide a completely integrated configuration for fighting/patrol/surveillance vehicles, including Unmanned Turrets equipped with missile fire control and threat detection systems...We are proud to be selected to take part in those important projects. The selection of our unmanned turrets constitutes a breakthrough in an emerging international market emanating from a shift in the modern battlefield."
("Elbit Systems Awarded $55 Million Contracts in Europe," Elbit Press Release, July 25, 2007).
Elbit Systems Ltd. announces that it was awarded $55 million contracts in Europe.
Slovenia
Elbit signs a contract to supply overhead remote controlled weapon stations and unmanned turrets as well as other electronic and electro -optical systems and components for the Slovenian Armored Vehicle Program. Elbit Systems’ portion of the Program is valued at approximately $40 million, with deliveries scheduled to take place through 2011.
Elbit Systems’ selection is pursuant to cooperation with Patria AMV, owned by the state of Finland and the European Aeronautic Defense and Space company EADS N.V. Patria, together with the Slovenian company Rotis d.o.o, was selected by the Slovenian Ministry of Defense to be the prime contractor for the supply of the Slovenian Armored Vehicle Program. The Program covers 135 vehicles.
Elbit Systems' portion of the Program includes laser detection systems and the delivery, integration and installation of 30mm Unmanned Turrets and 12.7/40 mm Overhead Remote Controlled Weapon System (ORCWS) onboard Patria AMV 8X8 vehicles.
Romania
Elbit System was awarded a contract to supply unmanned turrets and electro-optic systems valued at approximately $15 million, with deliveries scheduled to be performed over the next three years. The Romanian Government selected Mowag GmbH, of the General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems Group, to be the prime contractor in this project, and it will supply the Piranha III vehicles for the program.
Elbit Systems' portion of the program includes the delivery of 12.7 mm unmanned turrets and various electrooptic and electronic subsystems, including the DTV- Driver Thermal Viewer and other systems. The majority of the work will be performed in Romania by Elbit Systems' subsidiary Elmet International srl., with the collaboration of the Romanian company Pro-Optica S.A.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, Corporate V.P. and General Manager of Elbit Systems’ C4I & Land Systems Division: "The selection of our systems for the projects attests to our ability to provide a completely integrated configuration for fighting/patrol/surveillance vehicles, including Unmanned Turrets equipped with missile fire control and threat detection systems...We are proud to be selected to take part in those important projects. The selection of our unmanned turrets constitutes a breakthrough in an emerging international market emanating from a shift in the modern battlefield."
("Elbit Systems Awarded $55 Million Contracts in Europe," Elbit Press Release, July 25, 2007).
July 25, 2007:
Acorn Factor Inc. subsidiary dsIT Ltd. wins a NIS 30 million Israel Navy contract to supply a tactical training system for Dolphin submarine crews. The training system will simulate the submarines’ sonar and weapons systems in tactical conditions resembling those found at sea.
In June, dsIT signed a contract to supply its Diver Detection Sonar (DDS) system to Poland’s Naftoport Liquid Fuels Loading Company Ltd., which operates an oil terminal at Gdansk.
(Shmulik Shelah, "dsIT Wins NIS 30m Israel Navy Submarine Training Contract," Globes, July 24, 2007).
Acorn Factor Inc. subsidiary dsIT Ltd. wins a NIS 30 million Israel Navy contract to supply a tactical training system for Dolphin submarine crews. The training system will simulate the submarines’ sonar and weapons systems in tactical conditions resembling those found at sea.
In June, dsIT signed a contract to supply its Diver Detection Sonar (DDS) system to Poland’s Naftoport Liquid Fuels Loading Company Ltd., which operates an oil terminal at Gdansk.
(Shmulik Shelah, "dsIT Wins NIS 30m Israel Navy Submarine Training Contract," Globes, July 24, 2007).
July 25, 2007:
The US moves against an Iran-based foundation, including its US branch, for allegedly providing support to Hizballah.
The Treasury Department's action covers the Martyrs Foundation and Goodwill Charitable Organization of Dearborn, Michigan, which the government identified as a fundraising office for the foundation.
"We will not allow organizations that support terrorism to raise money in the United States," said Stuart Levey, the Treasury Department's under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.
The government also took action against al-Qard al-Hassan, a Beirut firm that the US government believes was used by Hizbullah "as a cover to manage its financial activity."
("US Clamps Down on Hizbullah Funding," Associated Press, July 24, 2007).
The US moves against an Iran-based foundation, including its US branch, for allegedly providing support to Hizballah.
The Treasury Department's action covers the Martyrs Foundation and Goodwill Charitable Organization of Dearborn, Michigan, which the government identified as a fundraising office for the foundation.
"We will not allow organizations that support terrorism to raise money in the United States," said Stuart Levey, the Treasury Department's under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.
The government also took action against al-Qard al-Hassan, a Beirut firm that the US government believes was used by Hizbullah "as a cover to manage its financial activity."
("US Clamps Down on Hizbullah Funding," Associated Press, July 24, 2007).
July 25, 2007:
A Hamas operative is critically injured, and nine others lightly to moderately wounded, by Fatah gunfire near an-Najah University in Nablus. The clashes reportedly began after Hamas-affiliated students posted anti-Fatah fliers criticizing the recent arrests of Hamas members in the city.
(Ali Waked, "Fatah, Hamas clash at Nablus University," YnetNews, July 24, 2007).
A Hamas operative is critically injured, and nine others lightly to moderately wounded, by Fatah gunfire near an-Najah University in Nablus. The clashes reportedly began after Hamas-affiliated students posted anti-Fatah fliers criticizing the recent arrests of Hamas members in the city.
(Ali Waked, "Fatah, Hamas clash at Nablus University," YnetNews, July 24, 2007).
July 24, 2007:
- Islamic Jihad leader, Muhammad Harrazein, notes that Tony Blair's visit to the region is an attempt to heighten tensions in the Palestinian territories and deepen the Hamas-Fatah conflict.
"The Palestinian disasters over decades were originally caused by the British government as a result of the Balfour Treaty, which gave the Israeli gangs the right to occupy Palestine and deport its people..."
- The Al Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, claims responsibility for launching seven projectiles at Israeli targets in the southern Gaza Strip. Three of the homemade projectiles were launched at Karm Abu Salim (Kerem Shalom) border crossing, and four at an Israeli military installation near the crossing.
("Islamic Jihad Leader Says Blair Visit is an Attempt to Deepen Inter-Palestinian Rift," Ma'an News, July 24, 2007; "Siyam: The Conference Aims to Spark National Dialogue," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, July 24, 2007).
- Islamic Jihad leader, Muhammad Harrazein, notes that Tony Blair's visit to the region is an attempt to heighten tensions in the Palestinian territories and deepen the Hamas-Fatah conflict.
"The Palestinian disasters over decades were originally caused by the British government as a result of the Balfour Treaty, which gave the Israeli gangs the right to occupy Palestine and deport its people..."
- The Al Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, claims responsibility for launching seven projectiles at Israeli targets in the southern Gaza Strip. Three of the homemade projectiles were launched at Karm Abu Salim (Kerem Shalom) border crossing, and four at an Israeli military installation near the crossing.
("Islamic Jihad Leader Says Blair Visit is an Attempt to Deepen Inter-Palestinian Rift," Ma'an News, July 24, 2007; "Siyam: The Conference Aims to Spark National Dialogue," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, July 24, 2007).
July 24, 2007:
Israel Aerospace Industries' Tamam Division wins a contract for the supply of advanced observation systems to the Israel Navy as part of a comprehensive upgrade of the Navy’s operational capabilities. The contract awarded to IAI, including options, totals $15 million.
The systems that will be supplied by Tamam are based on the POP (Plug-in Optronic Payload) and MiniPOP payloads, which include advanced day and night cameras (infrared) and laser range finders. The payloads will be integrated with ship weapons and navigation systems, will improve the vessels’ battle capabilities, and allow operations to continue twenty four hours a day in all weather conditions.
IAI's POP and MiniPOP systems are based on unique designs combining a plug-in system within a gyroscopically stabilized unit. The plug-in principle is the basis for system upgrades and improvements using more sophisticated electro-optical sensors. All the electro-optical components can be simply removed and replaced in a matter of minutes, without any need for special calibration or adjustment.
Ehud Oren, Director of Optronic Systems at Tamam: "Winning this tender is an important milestone in the integration of Tamam systems in the Israel Navy and further establishes IAI/Tamam's status as a leading supplier of electro-optical payloads to the Israel Defense Forces...It is a privilege for our products to be chosen by the Israel Navy for use in the coming decade. This is further proof of the quality of IAI's products."
("Israel Aerospace Industries' Tamam Division will Supply Advanced Observation Systems to The Israel Navy Under a $15 Million Contract," IAI Press Release, July 23, 2007).
Israel Aerospace Industries' Tamam Division wins a contract for the supply of advanced observation systems to the Israel Navy as part of a comprehensive upgrade of the Navy’s operational capabilities. The contract awarded to IAI, including options, totals $15 million.
The systems that will be supplied by Tamam are based on the POP (Plug-in Optronic Payload) and MiniPOP payloads, which include advanced day and night cameras (infrared) and laser range finders. The payloads will be integrated with ship weapons and navigation systems, will improve the vessels’ battle capabilities, and allow operations to continue twenty four hours a day in all weather conditions.
IAI's POP and MiniPOP systems are based on unique designs combining a plug-in system within a gyroscopically stabilized unit. The plug-in principle is the basis for system upgrades and improvements using more sophisticated electro-optical sensors. All the electro-optical components can be simply removed and replaced in a matter of minutes, without any need for special calibration or adjustment.
Ehud Oren, Director of Optronic Systems at Tamam: "Winning this tender is an important milestone in the integration of Tamam systems in the Israel Navy and further establishes IAI/Tamam's status as a leading supplier of electro-optical payloads to the Israel Defense Forces...It is a privilege for our products to be chosen by the Israel Navy for use in the coming decade. This is further proof of the quality of IAI's products."
("Israel Aerospace Industries' Tamam Division will Supply Advanced Observation Systems to The Israel Navy Under a $15 Million Contract," IAI Press Release, July 23, 2007).
July 24, 2007:
The Boeing Company is awarded a U.S. Army contract valued at approximately $7 million to begin developing the initial phase for a truck-mounted laser weapon system that destroys rockets, artillery shells and mortar rounds. Under the High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator (HEL TD) Phase I contract, Boeing will develop and complete a preliminary design of a rugged beam control system (BCS) on a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck.
The contract contains options that, if exercised, will call for Boeing to build and test a significant component of the HEL TD system, comprised of the BCS integrated on a vehicle platform, and refine requirements for the entire HEL TD system. The options would increase the total program contract cost to approximately $50 million.
The objective of the HEL TD program is to demonstrate that a mobile, solid-state laser weapon system can effectively counter rocket, artillery and mortar projectiles. The program will support the transition to a full-fledged Army acquisition program.
Pat Shanahan, VP and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems: "We consider this program an important win for Boeing because it supports a cornerstone of the Army's high-energy laser program...We believe this is the next step for developing a weapon system that can change the face of the battlefield."
("Boeing Awarded Contract to Develop Ruggedized Beam Control System for Mobile Laser Weapon System," Boeing Press Release, July 23, 2007).
The Boeing Company is awarded a U.S. Army contract valued at approximately $7 million to begin developing the initial phase for a truck-mounted laser weapon system that destroys rockets, artillery shells and mortar rounds. Under the High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator (HEL TD) Phase I contract, Boeing will develop and complete a preliminary design of a rugged beam control system (BCS) on a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck.
The contract contains options that, if exercised, will call for Boeing to build and test a significant component of the HEL TD system, comprised of the BCS integrated on a vehicle platform, and refine requirements for the entire HEL TD system. The options would increase the total program contract cost to approximately $50 million.
The objective of the HEL TD program is to demonstrate that a mobile, solid-state laser weapon system can effectively counter rocket, artillery and mortar projectiles. The program will support the transition to a full-fledged Army acquisition program.
Pat Shanahan, VP and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems: "We consider this program an important win for Boeing because it supports a cornerstone of the Army's high-energy laser program...We believe this is the next step for developing a weapon system that can change the face of the battlefield."
("Boeing Awarded Contract to Develop Ruggedized Beam Control System for Mobile Laser Weapon System," Boeing Press Release, July 23, 2007).
July 24, 2007:
The Palestinian caretaker government resumes payment of members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), including Hamas members such as Ismail Haniyeh and Mahmoud Zahhar.
According to official sources in the PLC, all members have received a portion of their salaries, which were not disbursed at all during the last period.
Caretaker Information Minister Riyad Najib Al-Maliki saying: "The Government transferred part of the employees' salaries in addition to the PLC members' without any exclusions...No one can seize the salary of any PLC member because of his political views. The salary payment is part of the job of the Palestinian Authority."
("Fayyad Government to Pay Salaries of All PLC Members, Including Deposed Hamas Cabinet," Ma'an News, July 23, 2007).
The Palestinian caretaker government resumes payment of members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), including Hamas members such as Ismail Haniyeh and Mahmoud Zahhar.
According to official sources in the PLC, all members have received a portion of their salaries, which were not disbursed at all during the last period.
Caretaker Information Minister Riyad Najib Al-Maliki saying: "The Government transferred part of the employees' salaries in addition to the PLC members' without any exclusions...No one can seize the salary of any PLC member because of his political views. The salary payment is part of the job of the Palestinian Authority."
("Fayyad Government to Pay Salaries of All PLC Members, Including Deposed Hamas Cabinet," Ma'an News, July 23, 2007).
July 24, 2007:
The Golani Brigade is comprised of a number of units, with each having its own operational character and vocation. The Brigade was established on the 2nd of February, 1948, as the first brigade of the IDF, and was known as The First Brigade. The brigade had four battalions which were responsible for different action arenas, and their names began according to the order of the Hebrew alphabet. "Alon" "Barak" "Gidon" and "Dror."
The battalion number was given to each battalion by the number of the brigade, and its place in the battalions (11, 12, 13, 14-respectively). Throughout the years, many changes have taken place in the structure of the IDF, and as a result of these changes, the brigade changed as well. After these changes came to a conclusion, in 1956 - the days before the Sinai Campaign- the Givati Brigade (the 5th Brigade) became a reservist brigade, and its first battalion (the 51st-"The Breachers") was transferred to the Golani Brigade. Since then, the structure of the brigade has remained the same.
The combat soldiers of the brigade undergo training which takes place over 10 months, where they learn the basics for functioning on a battlefield. Their training has many aspects, and when the soldier completes it, he joins the rest of the combat soldiers in a battalion of seasoned soldiers. There, professionalism, tradition, and war spirit are the guiding light for everyday operations.
Service in the brigade is characterized by a great amount of effort to maintain the upkeep of combat readiness. This can be seen through the periods of operations which are interspersed with training periods, every few months. The deployment of the battalions is not set, and one of their defining characteristics is their ability to acclimatize quickly to different types of living conditions, and various operations, in all action arenas and training areas.
In the past two years, the battalions of the brigade have been an essential force in the combat in the Territories associated with the Second Intifada. They took part in the "Defensive Shield" and "Determined Path" operations, as well as general security operations. In that period, the battalions fought in all of the Western Sector (Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Jenin, and in various villages) with impressive operational achievements. Additionally, the brigade played an essential part in the Second Lebanon War. Today, the battalions are in the action areas of the Gaza Strip, Judea and Samaria, and at the border in the north of the country, and continue their operational actions.
("August Enlistees for the Golani Brigade," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 23, 2007).
The Golani Brigade is comprised of a number of units, with each having its own operational character and vocation. The Brigade was established on the 2nd of February, 1948, as the first brigade of the IDF, and was known as The First Brigade. The brigade had four battalions which were responsible for different action arenas, and their names began according to the order of the Hebrew alphabet. "Alon" "Barak" "Gidon" and "Dror."
The battalion number was given to each battalion by the number of the brigade, and its place in the battalions (11, 12, 13, 14-respectively). Throughout the years, many changes have taken place in the structure of the IDF, and as a result of these changes, the brigade changed as well. After these changes came to a conclusion, in 1956 - the days before the Sinai Campaign- the Givati Brigade (the 5th Brigade) became a reservist brigade, and its first battalion (the 51st-"The Breachers") was transferred to the Golani Brigade. Since then, the structure of the brigade has remained the same.
The combat soldiers of the brigade undergo training which takes place over 10 months, where they learn the basics for functioning on a battlefield. Their training has many aspects, and when the soldier completes it, he joins the rest of the combat soldiers in a battalion of seasoned soldiers. There, professionalism, tradition, and war spirit are the guiding light for everyday operations.
Service in the brigade is characterized by a great amount of effort to maintain the upkeep of combat readiness. This can be seen through the periods of operations which are interspersed with training periods, every few months. The deployment of the battalions is not set, and one of their defining characteristics is their ability to acclimatize quickly to different types of living conditions, and various operations, in all action arenas and training areas.
In the past two years, the battalions of the brigade have been an essential force in the combat in the Territories associated with the Second Intifada. They took part in the "Defensive Shield" and "Determined Path" operations, as well as general security operations. In that period, the battalions fought in all of the Western Sector (Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Jenin, and in various villages) with impressive operational achievements. Additionally, the brigade played an essential part in the Second Lebanon War. Today, the battalions are in the action areas of the Gaza Strip, Judea and Samaria, and at the border in the north of the country, and continue their operational actions.
("August Enlistees for the Golani Brigade," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 23, 2007).
July 23, 2007:
A senior official of the French oil company, Total, has said that the firm was serious in promoting its cooperation with Iran.
Visiting chairman of the company's exploitation and production section said Total firmly intends to continue its cooperation with Iran "despite mounting foreign pressures."
The official attended Iran's Majlis on Sunday and held talks with members of the Majlis Energy Commission, a report by Majlis news and media department said.
Referring to the long history of Total's cooperation with National Iran Oil Company (NIOC) in the fields of gas and oil, the official said the company's activity would further increase through more investment in Iran's energy sector.
("France's Total Ready to Promote Cooperation with Iran," IRNA, July 23, 2007).
A senior official of the French oil company, Total, has said that the firm was serious in promoting its cooperation with Iran.
Visiting chairman of the company's exploitation and production section said Total firmly intends to continue its cooperation with Iran "despite mounting foreign pressures."
The official attended Iran's Majlis on Sunday and held talks with members of the Majlis Energy Commission, a report by Majlis news and media department said.
Referring to the long history of Total's cooperation with National Iran Oil Company (NIOC) in the fields of gas and oil, the official said the company's activity would further increase through more investment in Iran's energy sector.
("France's Total Ready to Promote Cooperation with Iran," IRNA, July 23, 2007).
July 23, 2007:
Abu Mohammad, spokesperson of the Fatah-affiliated Martyr Abu Ammar Brigades, affirms the brigades' loyalty to political leaders and Fatah decisions, but announces that the group refuses to handover its weapons or renounce violence against Israel.
"We did not and will not handover our weapons and cease resistance against the Israeli occupation as long as it is targeting Palestinians and invading the Palestinian territories and as long as it continues to pursue the Palestinian resistance everywhere..."
Abu Mohammad also said that the brigades do no recognize "the Israeli pardon of resistance men," and asserted that "we, the Palestinians, are not murderers, so we should automatically be immune to pursuit, we are resisting and this is our legitimate right."
("Fatah-Affiliated Fighters Refuse to Handover Weapons or Renounce Violence Against Israel," Ma'an News, July 22, 2007).
Abu Mohammad, spokesperson of the Fatah-affiliated Martyr Abu Ammar Brigades, affirms the brigades' loyalty to political leaders and Fatah decisions, but announces that the group refuses to handover its weapons or renounce violence against Israel.
"We did not and will not handover our weapons and cease resistance against the Israeli occupation as long as it is targeting Palestinians and invading the Palestinian territories and as long as it continues to pursue the Palestinian resistance everywhere..."
Abu Mohammad also said that the brigades do no recognize "the Israeli pardon of resistance men," and asserted that "we, the Palestinians, are not murderers, so we should automatically be immune to pursuit, we are resisting and this is our legitimate right."
("Fatah-Affiliated Fighters Refuse to Handover Weapons or Renounce Violence Against Israel," Ma'an News, July 22, 2007).
July 23, 2007:
Approximately 700 Egyptians protest a government plan to evict them from their homes in order to improve security on the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
Egyptian authorities have previously evicted residents living within 50 meters (54 yards) of the border to prevent traffickers and terrorists from digging tunnels to enter Gaza. Protesters on Sunday were demonstrating against a new plan that would evict people from homes within an extra 100 meters (109 yards).
("Hundreds of Egyptians Protest Plan to Evict Them from Gaza Border," Associated Press, July 22, 2007).
Approximately 700 Egyptians protest a government plan to evict them from their homes in order to improve security on the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
Egyptian authorities have previously evicted residents living within 50 meters (54 yards) of the border to prevent traffickers and terrorists from digging tunnels to enter Gaza. Protesters on Sunday were demonstrating against a new plan that would evict people from homes within an extra 100 meters (109 yards).
("Hundreds of Egyptians Protest Plan to Evict Them from Gaza Border," Associated Press, July 22, 2007).
July 23, 2007:
- "Even in the months of July and August 2006 there was not one place in occupied Palestine that we could not reach, every point and every corner...I stress that we can do this today as well."
- Israeli military sources note that Hizballah has moved its short-range Katyusha rockets into built-up areas in southern Lebanon, mostly in Shi'ite villages, to hide them from UNIFIL patrols.
- Israel warns Lebanon that if Hizballah launches rockets from built-up areas, the IDF will not hesitate to bomb - and even totally destroy - urban areas after it gives Lebanese civilians the chance to flee.
(Yoav Stern and Amos Harel, "Hezbollah Chief: Our Reach Spans Every Point in Israel," Ha'aretz, July 22, 2007).
- "Even in the months of July and August 2006 there was not one place in occupied Palestine that we could not reach, every point and every corner...I stress that we can do this today as well."
- Israeli military sources note that Hizballah has moved its short-range Katyusha rockets into built-up areas in southern Lebanon, mostly in Shi'ite villages, to hide them from UNIFIL patrols.
- Israel warns Lebanon that if Hizballah launches rockets from built-up areas, the IDF will not hesitate to bomb - and even totally destroy - urban areas after it gives Lebanese civilians the chance to flee.
(Yoav Stern and Amos Harel, "Hezbollah Chief: Our Reach Spans Every Point in Israel," Ha'aretz, July 22, 2007).
July 23, 2007:
Negotiations with BG Group Plc to secure future gas supplies from a coastal field off the Gaza Strip could take several months.
BG intends to develop the Gaza Marine gas field and build pipelines to sell gas to Israel. Under the initial proposals, BG would transport gas by pipeline to Ashkelon Port, without crossing the Gaza Strip. Should the deal fail, BG has said it would consider selling the gas to Egypt instead.
The deal was further complicated last month when Hamas seized control of Gaza. According to Muhammad al-Madhoun, Hamas wants to renegotiate the PA's 1999 contract with BG so it can generate more money from any gas sold to Israel.
(Jonathan Ferziger, "BG Gaza Gas Deal May Take Months, Israel Says," Jerusalem Post, July 21, 2007).
Negotiations with BG Group Plc to secure future gas supplies from a coastal field off the Gaza Strip could take several months.
BG intends to develop the Gaza Marine gas field and build pipelines to sell gas to Israel. Under the initial proposals, BG would transport gas by pipeline to Ashkelon Port, without crossing the Gaza Strip. Should the deal fail, BG has said it would consider selling the gas to Egypt instead.
The deal was further complicated last month when Hamas seized control of Gaza. According to Muhammad al-Madhoun, Hamas wants to renegotiate the PA's 1999 contract with BG so it can generate more money from any gas sold to Israel.
(Jonathan Ferziger, "BG Gaza Gas Deal May Take Months, Israel Says," Jerusalem Post, July 21, 2007).
July 22, 2007:
PVI’s MRAP vehicle, the Golan, currently protects against numerous EFPs. New types of armor are slated to protect other military vehicles from the threat.
One, developed and proven in the field by Rafael Development Authority, is currently utilized by coalition forces in Operation Iraq and Afghanistan. A new application is PVI's ShieldAll, designed to offer broader protection, in a relatively lightweight and compact application.
The GOLAN can protect against many EFPs, Fragmentation IEDs, heavy machine gun fire, and even RPG threats. PVI is currently building 60 MRAP Initial Low Rate Production units and, according to Michael Sandusky, General Manager, is preparing the production facilities to produce 2,000 more over the next 12 months.
(David Eshel, "PVI Introduces a New Armor Protecting Against EFPs," Defense Update, July 21, 2007).
PVI’s MRAP vehicle, the Golan, currently protects against numerous EFPs. New types of armor are slated to protect other military vehicles from the threat.
One, developed and proven in the field by Rafael Development Authority, is currently utilized by coalition forces in Operation Iraq and Afghanistan. A new application is PVI's ShieldAll, designed to offer broader protection, in a relatively lightweight and compact application.
The GOLAN can protect against many EFPs, Fragmentation IEDs, heavy machine gun fire, and even RPG threats. PVI is currently building 60 MRAP Initial Low Rate Production units and, according to Michael Sandusky, General Manager, is preparing the production facilities to produce 2,000 more over the next 12 months.
(David Eshel, "PVI Introduces a New Armor Protecting Against EFPs," Defense Update, July 21, 2007).
July 22, 2007:
- A female student sustains light wounds to her hand when a rocket fired by Palestinian terrorists hit the entrance to the Sapir College near the western Negev town of Sderot. Several minutes later, another rocket impacts near a school in the town itself, causing damage to property, but no injuries.
- Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for the rocket fire.
- An Israel Air Force strike kills two Jihad members in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun.
(Avi Issacharoff and Barak Ravid, "Woman Lightly Hurt in Qassam Strike on Negev College," Ha'aretz, July 22, 2007).
- A female student sustains light wounds to her hand when a rocket fired by Palestinian terrorists hit the entrance to the Sapir College near the western Negev town of Sderot. Several minutes later, another rocket impacts near a school in the town itself, causing damage to property, but no injuries.
- Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for the rocket fire.
- An Israel Air Force strike kills two Jihad members in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun.
(Avi Issacharoff and Barak Ravid, "Woman Lightly Hurt in Qassam Strike on Negev College," Ha'aretz, July 22, 2007).
July 22, 2007:
"Hamas spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri emphasized that while his movement welcomes the release of any Palestinian prisoner from Israeli jails, it is sad that this deal concentrated on one Palestinian party allowing the enemy to meddle into the internal affairs of the Palestinians and divide them into moderates and extremists.
He further said that the enemy stands to benefit from the prisoner in release in terms of publicity and international image, while in fact, the those released are those with light sentences and nearly completed their jail terms.
'Our people look forward to the release those with long sentences as well as women and child prisoners,' he said pointing to the fact that the Israelis continue their raids of Palestinian towns and arrest of Palestinians and they can make up for the number they released in one week or two at the most."
("The Zionist Entity Released 250 of Fatah Prisoners," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, July 21, 2007).
"Hamas spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri emphasized that while his movement welcomes the release of any Palestinian prisoner from Israeli jails, it is sad that this deal concentrated on one Palestinian party allowing the enemy to meddle into the internal affairs of the Palestinians and divide them into moderates and extremists.
He further said that the enemy stands to benefit from the prisoner in release in terms of publicity and international image, while in fact, the those released are those with light sentences and nearly completed their jail terms.
'Our people look forward to the release those with long sentences as well as women and child prisoners,' he said pointing to the fact that the Israelis continue their raids of Palestinian towns and arrest of Palestinians and they can make up for the number they released in one week or two at the most."
("The Zionist Entity Released 250 of Fatah Prisoners," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, July 21, 2007).
July 22, 2007:
IDF forces shoot and kill two Hamas terrorists attempting to carry out an ambush along the secuity fence in the northern Gaza Strip.
IDF soldiers entered a few meters into the Gaza Strip as they conducted a routine patrol northeast of the Palestinian town of Beit Lahiya against attempts by terrorists to tunnel into Israel and carry out attacks against troops.
("IDF Soldiers Kill Two Hamas Gunmen in Northern Gaza Strip," Ha'aretz, July 22, 2007).
IDF forces shoot and kill two Hamas terrorists attempting to carry out an ambush along the secuity fence in the northern Gaza Strip.
IDF soldiers entered a few meters into the Gaza Strip as they conducted a routine patrol northeast of the Palestinian town of Beit Lahiya against attempts by terrorists to tunnel into Israel and carry out attacks against troops.
("IDF Soldiers Kill Two Hamas Gunmen in Northern Gaza Strip," Ha'aretz, July 22, 2007).
July 21, 2007:
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Syrian President Bashar Assad agree to boost military and political relations between the two countries.
The two leaders sign a comprehensive agreement on strategic cooperation between Tehran and Damascus, according to which Iran will transfer a billion dollars to Syria for the purchase of 400 advanced T-72 Russian tanks, 18 MiG-31 warplanes, eight Sukhoi fighter jets and eight Mikoyan helicopters.
In addition, Iran will help Syria establisb a mid-range missile manufacturing plant and equip the Syrian army with Iranian-made armored vehicles and tanks.
The Syrian navy will also receive C-801 and C-802 missiles, (developed by China and currently produced in Iran), as well as training for its air force and naval officers in Iran. Tehran will also assist Syria in developing a nuclear research program and advancing its biological weapons capabilities.
Iran Rejects Reports:
Iran on Sunday said a claim by a Zionist regime's daily against Tehran was a media game and propaganda.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini made the statement while pointing to a claim made by a Zionism paper that Iran has lured Syria to sell one billion dollars worth of arsenals, if Damascus refuses to establish peace with Israel.
He said the daily's claim has targeted good relations between Iran and Syria.
He pointed to recent visit by the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Syria and said, "During the visit, Iranian and Syrian officials discussed major regional issues including developments in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine.
"They also exchanged views on bilateral ties and stressed the need for bolstering of economic and technical cooperation between Tehran and Damascus."
(Roee Nahmias, "Iran to Fund Syrian Arms Deals - Report," YnetNews, July 21, 2007; "Text: Iran Rejects Report it Buying $1 Billion Arms for Syria," IRNA, July 22, 2007).
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Syrian President Bashar Assad agree to boost military and political relations between the two countries.
The two leaders sign a comprehensive agreement on strategic cooperation between Tehran and Damascus, according to which Iran will transfer a billion dollars to Syria for the purchase of 400 advanced T-72 Russian tanks, 18 MiG-31 warplanes, eight Sukhoi fighter jets and eight Mikoyan helicopters.
In addition, Iran will help Syria establisb a mid-range missile manufacturing plant and equip the Syrian army with Iranian-made armored vehicles and tanks.
The Syrian navy will also receive C-801 and C-802 missiles, (developed by China and currently produced in Iran), as well as training for its air force and naval officers in Iran. Tehran will also assist Syria in developing a nuclear research program and advancing its biological weapons capabilities.
Iran Rejects Reports:
Iran on Sunday said a claim by a Zionist regime's daily against Tehran was a media game and propaganda.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini made the statement while pointing to a claim made by a Zionism paper that Iran has lured Syria to sell one billion dollars worth of arsenals, if Damascus refuses to establish peace with Israel.
He said the daily's claim has targeted good relations between Iran and Syria.
He pointed to recent visit by the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Syria and said, "During the visit, Iranian and Syrian officials discussed major regional issues including developments in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine.
"They also exchanged views on bilateral ties and stressed the need for bolstering of economic and technical cooperation between Tehran and Damascus."
(Roee Nahmias, "Iran to Fund Syrian Arms Deals - Report," YnetNews, July 21, 2007; "Text: Iran Rejects Report it Buying $1 Billion Arms for Syria," IRNA, July 22, 2007).
July 20, 2007:
"For released prisoners, terror is livelihood, a way of life, their honor and self determination. Moreover, those released within the framework of a prisoner deal must prove that they have not changed; they must reaffirm their status, and the only way to do so is by means of perpetrating terror acts against Israel.
Perhaps the Israeli government has still not internalized the disengagement mentality that is required here, because any involvement in Palestinian issues on our part always ends in a big bang. What we think bolsters Mahmud Abbas usually serves to weaken him and vice versa. Moreover, will one immunity deal or another change the face of the huge conflict raging between the nationalist stream and political Islam in the Arab world?"
Full article here.
(Dr. Guy Bechor, "Israel's Immunity Gesture will Restore Terror Infrastructure in West Bank," Defense Update, July 19, 2007).
"For released prisoners, terror is livelihood, a way of life, their honor and self determination. Moreover, those released within the framework of a prisoner deal must prove that they have not changed; they must reaffirm their status, and the only way to do so is by means of perpetrating terror acts against Israel.
Perhaps the Israeli government has still not internalized the disengagement mentality that is required here, because any involvement in Palestinian issues on our part always ends in a big bang. What we think bolsters Mahmud Abbas usually serves to weaken him and vice versa. Moreover, will one immunity deal or another change the face of the huge conflict raging between the nationalist stream and political Islam in the Arab world?"
Full article here.
(Dr. Guy Bechor, "Israel's Immunity Gesture will Restore Terror Infrastructure in West Bank," Defense Update, July 19, 2007).
July 20, 2007:
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad predicts a "hot" summer in the Middle East, following a surprise meeting with Hizballah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah in Damascus.
Nasrallah allegedly entered Syria via an underground tunnel.
"We hope that the hot weather of this summer will coincide with similar victories for the region's peoples, and with consequent defeat for the region's enemies..."
("Ahmadinejad: It Will be a 'Hot' Summer," Jerusalem Post, July 19, 2007).
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad predicts a "hot" summer in the Middle East, following a surprise meeting with Hizballah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah in Damascus.
Nasrallah allegedly entered Syria via an underground tunnel.
"We hope that the hot weather of this summer will coincide with similar victories for the region's peoples, and with consequent defeat for the region's enemies..."
("Ahmadinejad: It Will be a 'Hot' Summer," Jerusalem Post, July 19, 2007).
July 20, 2007:
(Lt. Col. [res.] Jonathan Dahoah-Halevi, "Iran's Renewed Threats to Take Over the Arab Gulf States," JCPA, July 20, 2007).
- Recent Iranian implied threats to "liberate" some of the Gulf states, and an Iranian editorial calling Bahrain a district of Iran, have caused great consternation in the Gulf states. In Bahrain there have been demonstrations at the Iranian embassy, and an official protest was submitted to Tehran. An additional Iranian article by the same author again disparaged the Gulf states and made further territorial threats.
- Iran has territorial ambitions in the Persian Gulf and does not hide them. In its view, every region of the Gulf is essentially Persian and not Arab; moreover, a large Shiite population lives in the Gulf. The tireless Iranian endeavor to build a large, powerful military and develop a civilian and military nuclear capability is a central part of a strategy aimed at transforming Iran from a regional power to a global one that can contend with the United States and the West. The closer Iran gets to nuclearization, the bolder it is likely to be toward the West and its neighbors.
- Iran's prophetic vision is already being translated into practice in the propagation of the Shiite faith in many Muslim countries including Pakistan, India (Kashmir), Turkey, Egypt, Algeria, Lebanon, Jordan, and others. Senior Sunni theorists keep warning of the Shiite "missionary" campaign that is spreading in the Arab world.
- The Sunni world has tended to support Iran in its confrontation with the United States over the issue of nuclear development. Now that the situation is getting critical, there is a basis for strategic cooperation between the United States and the Sunni world aimed at stopping Iran.
- In the eyes of the Arab states, the threat to wipe the Sunni world from the map is graver than the Iranian promise to annihilate Israel. Paradoxically, Israel and the Arab world are in the same boat, with similar interests; moreover, it is in fact Israel that can save the day for the Arabs.
(Lt. Col. [res.] Jonathan Dahoah-Halevi, "Iran's Renewed Threats to Take Over the Arab Gulf States," JCPA, July 20, 2007).
July 19, 2007:
- Ahmadi-Nejad is in Damascus on a special agenda mission at this moment. Made the announcement of this trip on July 10. He met today with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. I believe this meeting was a war council. After Ahmadi-Nejad leaves Damascus - expect war with Israel to commence at any time from Saturday thru September.
- A HUMINT report from the Israeli Golan -- Virtually all Arabs have departed the Jordanian side of the Jordan Valley. This area is Jordan's primary agricultural region; Jordan's bread basket. Virtually none of the farms are planted or growing crops. The farmers have all departed the region.
- Per a HUMINT source in Beirut -- There are no Syrian nationals to be found in Beirut or in Lebanon itself. The Syrians appear to have completely fled the country.
- Per HUMINT source in Israel -- Elite Israeli Special Forces units have been issued a warning order/report for duty date of NLT 22 July - one day prior to 9th of Av (9 Av or "Tisha B'Av" is historically the saddest day in Jewish history).
- Per HUMINT in the U.S. - The USG has urgently mobilized transportation brokers to acquire all empty transport trucks and railroad cars or flatbed conex shiupping containers they can muster from all points in North America. They are to stage the empty containers at two or more large US ammunintion production facilities in the mid and upper midwest ASAP. (Read: U.S. is urgently preparing a massive resupply of ammo, explosives and weapons for Israel).
- Per ITRR TAM-C Alert # 1673-5 dated 18 JUL 07:
* UNIFIL troops in Lebanon are on highest level alert through 24 JUL 07. UNIFIL expects imminent attack to include: roadside VBIEDs, kidnappings of troops and suicide bombings against UNIFIL positions in Southern Lebanon.
* Hezbollah attacks into Israel proper being initiated in the specific vicinity of Shebaa Farms in Northern Israel is anticipated. Initial Hezbollah direct and indirect fires expected to consist of anti-tank rockets, anti-aircraft ordnance and mortars.
July 19, 2007:
- Balance of Power: Military supremacy, static: Gaza - Hamas (High)
- Balance of Power: Military supremacy, static: West Bank - Fatah (High)
- Continuation of static Palestinian LIC, minor fluctuations (Probability: High)
- Gaza: Increased weapons production and smuggling (High)
- Indigenous missiles, IEDs, EFPs: Increased accuracy & yield (High)
- Continued erosion of Israeli deterence (High)
- Terrorist confidence level (High)
- Counterweight: US/Israel - Fatah, training & armaments (High)
- Counterweight: Iran/Syria - Hamas, training & armaments (High)
- European Union: Continued support for Fatah (High)
- European Union: Dialogue with Hamas, other rejectionist groups (High)
- Shiite (Iranian) thrust - continued Saudi (Sunni) unease (High)
- Al Qaeda, global Jihad infiltration (High)
- Hashemite Kingdom: Stability (High)
- Additional Israeli withdrawals, long term (High)
- Gaza: IDF offensive, heavy: [multiple-casualty event] reactionary (Moderate)
- Gaza: IDF offensive, heavy: pre-emptive (Low)
- West Bank: IDF offensive, heavy: pre-emptive (Low)
July 19, 2007:
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday that the Islamic Republic of Iran is duty-bound to fully support the resistance of the Palestinian nation.
He made the remarks in a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement of Palestine Ramadan Abdullah Shalah in Damascus on Thursday.
At the meeting, the Iranian president underlined that the Palestinian groups should forge unity and continue resistance to attain victory. The time is now ripe to put up vigilant defence to safeguard genuine Islam, he said.
"Great victories will be attained after hardships," he said, calling on the Palestinian nation as well as resistance and Jihadi groups to forge unity and solidarity.
The Islamic Republic of Iran will spare no efforts to assist the Palestinian nation and will fulfill its grave responsibility to this end, he said.
The Zionist regime has suffered heavy defeats in recent years, he said, adding that the usurper regime was now trying to reconstruct its shattered image and make good on its defeats. For this reason, regional countries, Palestinians and Lebanese should maintain their vigilance.
Some of recent seditious acts and conspiracies in Palestine were masterminded by the Zionist regime, Ahmadinejad said, adding that no doubt that they try to resolve the issue as quickly as possible in order to mastermind other plots in the region.
Unity, solidarity, patience and resistance are the key to success for the Palestinian resistance movement, he said.
The secretary-general of the Islamic Jihad movement, for his part, briefed the Iranian president on the latest developments in Palestine and called on Iran and other Arab and Islamic countries to help end civil war in Palestine and strengthen the Islamic movement.
("Ahmadinejad: Iran Fully Supports Resistance of Palestinian Nation," IRNA, July 19, 2007).
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday that the Islamic Republic of Iran is duty-bound to fully support the resistance of the Palestinian nation.
He made the remarks in a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement of Palestine Ramadan Abdullah Shalah in Damascus on Thursday.
At the meeting, the Iranian president underlined that the Palestinian groups should forge unity and continue resistance to attain victory. The time is now ripe to put up vigilant defence to safeguard genuine Islam, he said.
"Great victories will be attained after hardships," he said, calling on the Palestinian nation as well as resistance and Jihadi groups to forge unity and solidarity.
The Islamic Republic of Iran will spare no efforts to assist the Palestinian nation and will fulfill its grave responsibility to this end, he said.
The Zionist regime has suffered heavy defeats in recent years, he said, adding that the usurper regime was now trying to reconstruct its shattered image and make good on its defeats. For this reason, regional countries, Palestinians and Lebanese should maintain their vigilance.
Some of recent seditious acts and conspiracies in Palestine were masterminded by the Zionist regime, Ahmadinejad said, adding that no doubt that they try to resolve the issue as quickly as possible in order to mastermind other plots in the region.
Unity, solidarity, patience and resistance are the key to success for the Palestinian resistance movement, he said.
The secretary-general of the Islamic Jihad movement, for his part, briefed the Iranian president on the latest developments in Palestine and called on Iran and other Arab and Islamic countries to help end civil war in Palestine and strengthen the Islamic movement.
("Ahmadinejad: Iran Fully Supports Resistance of Palestinian Nation," IRNA, July 19, 2007).
July 19, 2007:
A senior IDF officer said in a briefing: "Sooner rather than later, there will be Katyusha rockets in Gaza. If they [Hamas] already possess missiles 115 mm in diameter, Katyushas are only a matter of time...Hamas already has four trained divisions... It also has forces specializing in various types of combat. An additional element is the hundreds of operatives traveling to Iran in order to acquire new (military) knowledge to bring back to Gaza...The Gaza Strip, which used to be surrounded by the IDF, has become porous and led by Hamas...hindering Israel from preventing terrorist movement along the Philadelphi Corridor or through the Rafah crossing (into and out of Egypt)."
According to the IDF, twenty tons of explosives, machine guns, anti-tank (Sagger) and anti-aircraft missiles have been smuggled across the Philadelphi Corridor (Egypt-Gaza border) during the past month.
(Hanan Greenberg, "Katyushas From Gaza Only a Matter of Time, Officer Says," YnetNews, July 19, 2007; Amos Harel, "IDF: Hamas is Smuggling High-Tech Arms into Gaza," Ha'aretz, July 19, 2007).
A senior IDF officer said in a briefing: "Sooner rather than later, there will be Katyusha rockets in Gaza. If they [Hamas] already possess missiles 115 mm in diameter, Katyushas are only a matter of time...Hamas already has four trained divisions... It also has forces specializing in various types of combat. An additional element is the hundreds of operatives traveling to Iran in order to acquire new (military) knowledge to bring back to Gaza...The Gaza Strip, which used to be surrounded by the IDF, has become porous and led by Hamas...hindering Israel from preventing terrorist movement along the Philadelphi Corridor or through the Rafah crossing (into and out of Egypt)."
According to the IDF, twenty tons of explosives, machine guns, anti-tank (Sagger) and anti-aircraft missiles have been smuggled across the Philadelphi Corridor (Egypt-Gaza border) during the past month.
(Hanan Greenberg, "Katyushas From Gaza Only a Matter of Time, Officer Says," YnetNews, July 19, 2007; Amos Harel, "IDF: Hamas is Smuggling High-Tech Arms into Gaza," Ha'aretz, July 19, 2007).
July 19, 2007:
"Military experts familiar with the training standards of the Jordanian backed Badr Brigade troops and their leadership claim that their effectiveness in establishing law- and order throughout the Palestinian West Bank, not to mention, the Iranian/ Hezbollah/ al Qaeda backed Hamas in the Gaza strip is at best highly limited. These troops have never seen any action, apart of some training in anti-riot tactics.
To set these against the war seasoned Hamas, or even Fatah affiliated combat groups, opposing Abu Mazen, seems quite senseless, as they will quickly be overwhelmed by years of tactical experience by the insurgents. Moreover, Abu Mazen can hardly claim to control the various townships in the West Bank. Major cities, like Jenin, Nablus, Bethlehem and Hebron are virtually controlled by local warlords, commanding highly effective forces.
Their loyalty to the Ramallah authorities is questionable at best, but mostly highly suspicious to people at the helm. Even the highly venerable Yasir Arafat skipped his most widely anticipated stop in May 2002 to the war devastated Jenin refugee camp, when his helicopter was prevented from landing by hostile elements in the stronghold for Islamic militants."
(David Eshel, "The Jordanian Badr Brigade - Can it Save Abu Mazen's West Bank?" Defense Update, July 18, 2007).
"Military experts familiar with the training standards of the Jordanian backed Badr Brigade troops and their leadership claim that their effectiveness in establishing law- and order throughout the Palestinian West Bank, not to mention, the Iranian/ Hezbollah/ al Qaeda backed Hamas in the Gaza strip is at best highly limited. These troops have never seen any action, apart of some training in anti-riot tactics.
To set these against the war seasoned Hamas, or even Fatah affiliated combat groups, opposing Abu Mazen, seems quite senseless, as they will quickly be overwhelmed by years of tactical experience by the insurgents. Moreover, Abu Mazen can hardly claim to control the various townships in the West Bank. Major cities, like Jenin, Nablus, Bethlehem and Hebron are virtually controlled by local warlords, commanding highly effective forces.
Their loyalty to the Ramallah authorities is questionable at best, but mostly highly suspicious to people at the helm. Even the highly venerable Yasir Arafat skipped his most widely anticipated stop in May 2002 to the war devastated Jenin refugee camp, when his helicopter was prevented from landing by hostile elements in the stronghold for Islamic militants."
(David Eshel, "The Jordanian Badr Brigade - Can it Save Abu Mazen's West Bank?" Defense Update, July 18, 2007).
July 19, 2007:
Elbit Systems Ltd. subsidiary Elop Ltd. is awarded a $37 million contract by a foreign customer to supply electro-optical (EO) payloads for attack and utility helicopters. The multi-year project also includes logistics support, with a future potential value of more than $100 million.
The CoMPASS is a highly stabilized, multi-sensor, electro-optical payload. Optimized for airborne applications, CoMPASS delivers superb day and night intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and tactical reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities, in harsh weather conditions.
Elbit VP and Elop General Manager Haim Rousso: "This order further strengthens our position in the field of electro-optics systems, in general, and notably in the payload market. With our proven ability to provide sensors and payloads which meet the specific requirements of each customer, we look forward to further success in this market."
(Michal Yoshai, "Elbit Systems Unit Wins helicopter Systems Contract," Globes, July 18, 2007; "CoMPASS," Elop Website Brochure).
Elbit Systems Ltd. subsidiary Elop Ltd. is awarded a $37 million contract by a foreign customer to supply electro-optical (EO) payloads for attack and utility helicopters. The multi-year project also includes logistics support, with a future potential value of more than $100 million.
The CoMPASS is a highly stabilized, multi-sensor, electro-optical payload. Optimized for airborne applications, CoMPASS delivers superb day and night intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and tactical reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities, in harsh weather conditions.
Elbit VP and Elop General Manager Haim Rousso: "This order further strengthens our position in the field of electro-optics systems, in general, and notably in the payload market. With our proven ability to provide sensors and payloads which meet the specific requirements of each customer, we look forward to further success in this market."
(Michal Yoshai, "Elbit Systems Unit Wins helicopter Systems Contract," Globes, July 18, 2007; "CoMPASS," Elop Website Brochure).
July 18, 2007:
Media reports indicate that top Al-Qaeda official, Khalid Mustafa, entered the Gaza Strip via a smuggling tunnel along the Egyptian-PA border.
Mustafa, accused of targeting tourist resorts in Egypt, entered Gaza to train Palestinians for bombing operations against Israeli targets.
("Maariv: Al-Qaeda Operative Succeeds in Entering the Gaza Strip Through an Arms-Smuggling Tunnel From Egypt," Ma'an News, July 18, 2007).
Media reports indicate that top Al-Qaeda official, Khalid Mustafa, entered the Gaza Strip via a smuggling tunnel along the Egyptian-PA border.
Mustafa, accused of targeting tourist resorts in Egypt, entered Gaza to train Palestinians for bombing operations against Israeli targets.
("Maariv: Al-Qaeda Operative Succeeds in Entering the Gaza Strip Through an Arms-Smuggling Tunnel From Egypt," Ma'an News, July 18, 2007).
July 18, 2007:
Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd discloses that its WIZARD – Naval Corner Reflector Decoy recently participated in NATO's Naval Forces annual MCG/8 EW trials, which took place in Norway last month.
The WIZARD is a new generation passive RF naval decoy used to distract or seduce radar guided anti-ship missiles with chaff discrimination capabilities. It is available in either single or twin corner deflector configurations. The decoys are launched from a ship, float in the air for a specified amount of time, while deflecting incoming missiles aimed at the vessel. The WIZARD is still effective even when it has come to a rest on the water's surface.
This year the NATO MCG/8 EW trials were carried out in Norway and were run by the Dutch Naval Forces from the HNLMS De Ruyter frigate. Under the auspices of the British company Chemring Countermeasures, Rafael's WIZARD demonstrated its unique capabilities against land based RF performance measurement systems and airborne RF simulators. Both single and twin corner decoys were successfully launched from the frigate. This was the first time that a defense company was invited to participate in the trials.
VADM (ret) Yedidia Yaari CEO and President of RAFAEL: "Rafael develops EW decoys that are capable of providing excellent defense against the most advanced radar guided missiles...The fact that we were invited to these trials proves that NATO recognizes the possible contribution that our mature and superior EW products can make to defense of its ships."
The WIZARD is a mature product that has been tested by the Israeli Navy and is generating much interest among navies around the world.
("WIZARD Naval Decoy Demonstrated at NATO Trials," Rafael Press Release, July 16, 2007).
Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd discloses that its WIZARD – Naval Corner Reflector Decoy recently participated in NATO's Naval Forces annual MCG/8 EW trials, which took place in Norway last month.
The WIZARD is a new generation passive RF naval decoy used to distract or seduce radar guided anti-ship missiles with chaff discrimination capabilities. It is available in either single or twin corner deflector configurations. The decoys are launched from a ship, float in the air for a specified amount of time, while deflecting incoming missiles aimed at the vessel. The WIZARD is still effective even when it has come to a rest on the water's surface.
This year the NATO MCG/8 EW trials were carried out in Norway and were run by the Dutch Naval Forces from the HNLMS De Ruyter frigate. Under the auspices of the British company Chemring Countermeasures, Rafael's WIZARD demonstrated its unique capabilities against land based RF performance measurement systems and airborne RF simulators. Both single and twin corner decoys were successfully launched from the frigate. This was the first time that a defense company was invited to participate in the trials.
VADM (ret) Yedidia Yaari CEO and President of RAFAEL: "Rafael develops EW decoys that are capable of providing excellent defense against the most advanced radar guided missiles...The fact that we were invited to these trials proves that NATO recognizes the possible contribution that our mature and superior EW products can make to defense of its ships."
The WIZARD is a mature product that has been tested by the Israeli Navy and is generating much interest among navies around the world.
("WIZARD Naval Decoy Demonstrated at NATO Trials," Rafael Press Release, July 16, 2007).
July 18, 2007:
"The Europeans on the [Rafah] cross[ing] were part the suffering to the Palestinian people. They pull out many times without reasons. But Hamas leaders used the cross to bring the money to the Palestinian people to broke the sanctions. Abbas asked the Zionist entity to close the cross many times to prevent the money entering. He was participated in the sanctions against the Palestinian people. From its side, Abu Obaida, the spokesman of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades, considered these speeches as treachery for the Palestinian people. Also he considered that Abbas is involved severely in blockade the Palestinians."
("Abbas Asked the Zionist Entity Not to Open Rafah Crossing," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website,, July 18, 2007).
"The Europeans on the [Rafah] cross[ing] were part the suffering to the Palestinian people. They pull out many times without reasons. But Hamas leaders used the cross to bring the money to the Palestinian people to broke the sanctions. Abbas asked the Zionist entity to close the cross many times to prevent the money entering. He was participated in the sanctions against the Palestinian people. From its side, Abu Obaida, the spokesman of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades, considered these speeches as treachery for the Palestinian people. Also he considered that Abbas is involved severely in blockade the Palestinians."
("Abbas Asked the Zionist Entity Not to Open Rafah Crossing," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website,, July 18, 2007).
July 18, 2007:
Musheir al-Masri, Hamas representative in the Palestinian Legislative Council, notes that despite Hamas's ideological differences with Teheran, Iranian support, if offered, would be accepted. According to al-Masri, Iranian support is "a thousand times preferable to putting our trust in the Americans and Zionists..."
("Iran and Hamastan," ICT, July 15, 2007).
Musheir al-Masri, Hamas representative in the Palestinian Legislative Council, notes that despite Hamas's ideological differences with Teheran, Iranian support, if offered, would be accepted. According to al-Masri, Iranian support is "a thousand times preferable to putting our trust in the Americans and Zionists..."
("Iran and Hamastan," ICT, July 15, 2007).
July 18, 2007:
Opgal Optronic Industries Ltd., owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. and Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd. in equal shares, wins a $50 million three-year contract with a European company to supply its EYE R25 IR thermal imaging systems.
Opgal CEO Dadi Lapidoth said: "This is an important milestone for mass production of the EYE R25. We expect to sign more contracts for the system later this year. This imaging system will be used by a large number of different tools, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), gunsights, and security systems."
(Adi Ben-Israel and Batya Feldman, "Elbit Systems Unit Wins Thermal Imaging Order," Globes, July 17, 2007).
Opgal Optronic Industries Ltd., owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. and Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd. in equal shares, wins a $50 million three-year contract with a European company to supply its EYE R25 IR thermal imaging systems.
Opgal CEO Dadi Lapidoth said: "This is an important milestone for mass production of the EYE R25. We expect to sign more contracts for the system later this year. This imaging system will be used by a large number of different tools, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), gunsights, and security systems."
(Adi Ben-Israel and Batya Feldman, "Elbit Systems Unit Wins Thermal Imaging Order," Globes, July 17, 2007).
July 17, 2007:
The Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, Mehdi Safari, calls on Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri to discuss wide-ranging issues.
Safari is visiting Pakistan for the regular consultations with Kasuri.
This visit is a follow-up to the agreement reached during the visit of Foreign Minister Kasuri to Tehran in December 2006 to hold such consultations regularly.
"During the call, the Iranian deputy foreign minister conveyed greetings of Foreign Minister of Iran Manouchehr Mottaki to Kasuri and expressed Iran's desire to further strengthen its relations with Pakistan in various fields..."
Reciprocating Iran's desire, Foreign Minister Kasuri underlined the importance of growth in overall bilateral relations, especially in the commercial, economic and energy sectors, it said.
In this respect, the Foreign Minister emphasized the need for an early agreement on IPI Gas Pipeline Project, which he said would have a strategic benefits on the progress in other areas of cooperation as well, the statement said.
In the regional context, the situation in Afghanistan also came up for discussion, it said and added that both sides reiterated their resolve to assist Afghanistan in its endeavours to restore peace and stability.
("Iran, Pakistan Discuss Gas Pipeline and Afghanistan," IRNA, July 17, 2007).
The Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, Mehdi Safari, calls on Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri to discuss wide-ranging issues.
Safari is visiting Pakistan for the regular consultations with Kasuri.
This visit is a follow-up to the agreement reached during the visit of Foreign Minister Kasuri to Tehran in December 2006 to hold such consultations regularly.
"During the call, the Iranian deputy foreign minister conveyed greetings of Foreign Minister of Iran Manouchehr Mottaki to Kasuri and expressed Iran's desire to further strengthen its relations with Pakistan in various fields..."
Reciprocating Iran's desire, Foreign Minister Kasuri underlined the importance of growth in overall bilateral relations, especially in the commercial, economic and energy sectors, it said.
In this respect, the Foreign Minister emphasized the need for an early agreement on IPI Gas Pipeline Project, which he said would have a strategic benefits on the progress in other areas of cooperation as well, the statement said.
In the regional context, the situation in Afghanistan also came up for discussion, it said and added that both sides reiterated their resolve to assist Afghanistan in its endeavours to restore peace and stability.
("Iran, Pakistan Discuss Gas Pipeline and Afghanistan," IRNA, July 17, 2007).
July 17, 2007:
Arotech Corporation wins a $2.8 million follow-on order for its Stryker 8x8 armored car training simulators Simulators from Science Applications International Corporation, the primary contractor for the US Army's Common Driver Trainer (CDT) program. Arotech’s Simulation and Training Division's FAAC subsidiary will supply the simulators.
FAAC executive VP Kurt Flosky: "We are proud to contribute to the success of CDT and work as part of the CDT Team providing training devices to prepare Stryker operators to face the challenges of tactical combat operations."
("Arotech Wins Stryker Simulator Follow-On Order," Globes, July 17, 2007).
Arotech Corporation wins a $2.8 million follow-on order for its Stryker 8x8 armored car training simulators Simulators from Science Applications International Corporation, the primary contractor for the US Army's Common Driver Trainer (CDT) program. Arotech’s Simulation and Training Division's FAAC subsidiary will supply the simulators.
FAAC executive VP Kurt Flosky: "We are proud to contribute to the success of CDT and work as part of the CDT Team providing training devices to prepare Stryker operators to face the challenges of tactical combat operations."
("Arotech Wins Stryker Simulator Follow-On Order," Globes, July 17, 2007).
July 17, 2007:
Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: CHKP), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet, announces that Pointsec Protector®, as well as a new, optimized cryptographic module utilized in Pointsec PC® and Pointsec Mobile®, have received the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 certification.
Robert Egner, VP of Product Management at Check Point: "Encryption of data on endpoint devices such as laptops, smartphones and thumb drives, where information is the most vulnerable, is essential to any organization’s data security plan...These new FIPS certifications further solidify Check Point as a leading provider of data security solutions. Pointsec Protector, Pointsec PC and Pointsec Mobile continue to lead the industry with the highest number and level of security certifications, including Common Criteria, FIPS 140-2 and BITS."
("Check Point Data Security Products Awarded New FIPS 140-2 Government Certification," CheckPoint Press Release, July 16, 2007).
Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: CHKP), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet, announces that Pointsec Protector®, as well as a new, optimized cryptographic module utilized in Pointsec PC® and Pointsec Mobile®, have received the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 certification.
Robert Egner, VP of Product Management at Check Point: "Encryption of data on endpoint devices such as laptops, smartphones and thumb drives, where information is the most vulnerable, is essential to any organization’s data security plan...These new FIPS certifications further solidify Check Point as a leading provider of data security solutions. Pointsec Protector, Pointsec PC and Pointsec Mobile continue to lead the industry with the highest number and level of security certifications, including Common Criteria, FIPS 140-2 and BITS."
("Check Point Data Security Products Awarded New FIPS 140-2 Government Certification," CheckPoint Press Release, July 16, 2007).
July 17, 2007:
Abu Salem (DFLP), states his belief in "the legality of the resistance weapons and the fighter's right to resist," noting that "this weapon should be used against the occupational forces in their aggression against public possessions and associations." According to Abu Salem, "All we need is to found a united resistance front, under a national dialogue that will aim to solve the Palestinian issue...The resistance is a right, earned in the cities of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip."
("National Resistance Brigades Call for a United Resistance front, Aimed Exclusively at Occupying Israeli military," Ma'an News, July 17, 2007).
Abu Salem (DFLP), states his belief in "the legality of the resistance weapons and the fighter's right to resist," noting that "this weapon should be used against the occupational forces in their aggression against public possessions and associations." According to Abu Salem, "All we need is to found a united resistance front, under a national dialogue that will aim to solve the Palestinian issue...The resistance is a right, earned in the cities of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip."
("National Resistance Brigades Call for a United Resistance front, Aimed Exclusively at Occupying Israeli military," Ma'an News, July 17, 2007).
July 17, 2007:
"Secretary General of the Drugs Campaign Headquarters Brigadier General Esmaeel Ahmadi-Moqaddam here on Monday calls for expansion of Iran-Saudi Arabia cooperation to guarantee further security in the Persian Gulf Region.
Ahmadi-Moqaddam said foreign presence in Persian Gulf has encouraged expansion of terrorism. He said Iran and Saudi Arabia as two influential states in the region can effectively contribute to growing security there. He also called for Iran-Saudi Arabia cooperation to fight human and drugs smuggling.
'Though Iran has made lengthy efforts to prevent drugs transit via its territory, it is still on the road for transit of drugs to Arab states. So more efforts should be made for drugs campaign,' he added.
He added that Iran and Saudi Arabia can share information on guaranteeing security of the Persian Gulf blue lines.
Saudi coast guard commander Major General Talal Bin Mohsen al-Anqavi welcomed Iran-Saudi cooperation to guarantee security of the region and the Persian Gulf blue line."
("Iran, Saudi Arabia to Guarantee Persian Gulf Security," IRNA, July 16, 2007).
"Secretary General of the Drugs Campaign Headquarters Brigadier General Esmaeel Ahmadi-Moqaddam here on Monday calls for expansion of Iran-Saudi Arabia cooperation to guarantee further security in the Persian Gulf Region.
Ahmadi-Moqaddam said foreign presence in Persian Gulf has encouraged expansion of terrorism. He said Iran and Saudi Arabia as two influential states in the region can effectively contribute to growing security there. He also called for Iran-Saudi Arabia cooperation to fight human and drugs smuggling.
'Though Iran has made lengthy efforts to prevent drugs transit via its territory, it is still on the road for transit of drugs to Arab states. So more efforts should be made for drugs campaign,' he added.
He added that Iran and Saudi Arabia can share information on guaranteeing security of the Persian Gulf blue lines.
Saudi coast guard commander Major General Talal Bin Mohsen al-Anqavi welcomed Iran-Saudi cooperation to guarantee security of the region and the Persian Gulf blue line."
("Iran, Saudi Arabia to Guarantee Persian Gulf Security," IRNA, July 16, 2007).
July 16, 2007:
The PFLP refuses to hand over their arms to the Palestinian Authority.
"The Palestinian resistance has been subjected to a series of conspiracies aimed at frustrating it and weakening its fighters' will; yet despite that, the resistance has continued more fiercely as the Palestinian public considers it the only choice to end the occupation."
("PFLP's Armed Wing Refuses to Surrender its Arms to the PA," Ma'an News, July 16, 2007).
The PFLP refuses to hand over their arms to the Palestinian Authority.
"The Palestinian resistance has been subjected to a series of conspiracies aimed at frustrating it and weakening its fighters' will; yet despite that, the resistance has continued more fiercely as the Palestinian public considers it the only choice to end the occupation."
("PFLP's Armed Wing Refuses to Surrender its Arms to the PA," Ma'an News, July 16, 2007).
July 16, 2007:
"Stepped-up international intervention on the ground (by parties other than Israel) could take many forms. Different options address different demands, be they strategic or humanitarian.
"Stepped-up international intervention on the ground (by parties other than Israel) could take many forms. Different options address different demands, be they strategic or humanitarian.
- Border force: In order to prevent a widening of the conflict and to halt the flow of weapons, an international force could be limited to an Egypt-Gaza border force. Such a force—much more robust than the present EU monitoring mission—would not penetrate into Gaza, and would have no mandate to maintain law and order. Israel favors this approach, but has said it expects such a force to be able to confront Hamas. If such a force could succeed, some Israelis have suggested that similar models could be used at the Gaza-Israel crossings, or in northeast Gaza to prevent rocket attacks.
- Other Options: Humanitarian concerns are less likely to lead to intervention in the short term, particularly given Israel's long-standing desire to avoid a serious humanitarian crisis. But should Hamas fail to establish order, or to reach informal understandings with Israel on assistance and access, or should Israel and other outside parties fail to ensure a minimum degree of human security for Gazans, other intervention scenarios—including safe havens, armed aid delivery, and ultimately some form of international trusteeship—could enter into the debate."
July 16, 2007:
IMI introduces the new Urban Fighter, an improved M-113 Armored Personnel Carrier. Although the Urban Fighter offers superior protection to an MRAP, it costs one tenth of the price and can be produced (upgraded) from ready-made kits within a few days.
The enhanced Urban Fighter utilizes IMI's Iron Wall technology to protect against heavy machine guns, shrapnel and most IEDs and EFPs. In addition, the Urban-Fighter features improved slat armor, protecting it from RPG attacks.
(David Eshel, "IMI Introduces the "Urban Fighter" Upgraded M-113," Defense Update, July 16, 2007).
IMI introduces the new Urban Fighter, an improved M-113 Armored Personnel Carrier. Although the Urban Fighter offers superior protection to an MRAP, it costs one tenth of the price and can be produced (upgraded) from ready-made kits within a few days.
The enhanced Urban Fighter utilizes IMI's Iron Wall technology to protect against heavy machine guns, shrapnel and most IEDs and EFPs. In addition, the Urban-Fighter features improved slat armor, protecting it from RPG attacks.
(David Eshel, "IMI Introduces the "Urban Fighter" Upgraded M-113," Defense Update, July 16, 2007).
July 16, 2007:
- The IAF targets two rocket-launching crews in the Gaza Strip.
- Palestinian terrorists fire three rockets at the western Negev, damaging a Sderot home.
("IAF Strikes Kassam Rocket Launchers in Gaza," Jerusalem Post, July 16, 2007; "Kassam Rocket Hits House in Sderot; None Wounded," Jerusalem Post, July 16, 2007).
- The IAF targets two rocket-launching crews in the Gaza Strip.
- Palestinian terrorists fire three rockets at the western Negev, damaging a Sderot home.
("IAF Strikes Kassam Rocket Launchers in Gaza," Jerusalem Post, July 16, 2007; "Kassam Rocket Hits House in Sderot; None Wounded," Jerusalem Post, July 16, 2007).
July 15, 2007:
"On June 9th 2007, during a joint IDF and ISA operation in eastern Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, a Hamas terror operative was arrested. The terrorist, Muhammad Salameh Abed Zufi, was also known to be affiliated with the Public Resistance Committees terror organization, and was taken for questioning by security forces. Muhammad Zufi, a 30 year old resident of Rafah, admitted in his investigation to his involvement in numerous attacks, including the abduction of the IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in June 2006.
Muhammad Zufi assisted the gunmen who abducted Gilad Shalit in the Kerem Shalom outpost on June 25 th 2006. In the attack, an IDF officer and an IDF soldier were killed, and another was injured. In addition, he took part in documenting the abduction. Zufi was also involved in assisting the gunmen who infiltrated the 'Africa' outpost in an attack in January of 2002, in which an IDF officer and three soldiers were killed, and two other soldiers were injured. Furthermore, Zufi was involved in numerous rocket-launchings into Israel and bombing attacks against IDF forces, in which soldiers were injured."
("Terrorist Involved in Gilad Shalit Abduction Arrested," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 15, 2007).
"On June 9th 2007, during a joint IDF and ISA operation in eastern Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, a Hamas terror operative was arrested. The terrorist, Muhammad Salameh Abed Zufi, was also known to be affiliated with the Public Resistance Committees terror organization, and was taken for questioning by security forces. Muhammad Zufi, a 30 year old resident of Rafah, admitted in his investigation to his involvement in numerous attacks, including the abduction of the IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in June 2006.
Muhammad Zufi assisted the gunmen who abducted Gilad Shalit in the Kerem Shalom outpost on June 25 th 2006. In the attack, an IDF officer and an IDF soldier were killed, and another was injured. In addition, he took part in documenting the abduction. Zufi was also involved in assisting the gunmen who infiltrated the 'Africa' outpost in an attack in January of 2002, in which an IDF officer and three soldiers were killed, and two other soldiers were injured. Furthermore, Zufi was involved in numerous rocket-launchings into Israel and bombing attacks against IDF forces, in which soldiers were injured."
("Terrorist Involved in Gilad Shalit Abduction Arrested," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 15, 2007).
July 15, 2007:
Hamas forces in the Gaza Strip arrest members of two Al-Qaeda linked Islamist groups (the Army of Islam and the Righteous Swords of Islam) behind a series of attacks on Internet cafes, hair salons, restaurants and hotels.
The Army of Islam is headed by gang (clan) leader Mumtaz Dughmush, who was behind the kidnapping of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston.
"Most of the men who were arrested are university students and teenagers...We seized many weapons and explosives in their possession."
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "Hamas Men Arrest Islamists Behind Attacks on Cafes," Jerusalem Post, July 15, 2007).
Hamas forces in the Gaza Strip arrest members of two Al-Qaeda linked Islamist groups (the Army of Islam and the Righteous Swords of Islam) behind a series of attacks on Internet cafes, hair salons, restaurants and hotels.
The Army of Islam is headed by gang (clan) leader Mumtaz Dughmush, who was behind the kidnapping of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston.
"Most of the men who were arrested are university students and teenagers...We seized many weapons and explosives in their possession."
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "Hamas Men Arrest Islamists Behind Attacks on Cafes," Jerusalem Post, July 15, 2007).
July 15, 2007:
Palestinian Islamic Jihad rejects participation in an amnesty agreement with Israel involving 178 Fatah operatives.
The PRC also rejects the offer.
Muhamad Abed Al Aal (Abu Abeer, PRC): "The Israeli decision aims to overthrow the Palestinian movements and criminalise their members, who will need permission to live in their own town...Such decisions won't force the Palestinians to stop their resistance against Israel...We will not allow any behavior that might isolate our 'wanted' members from the Al Qassam and Al Aqsa Brigades. Gaza will not be separated from the West Bank, we shall be their second half in resisting and fighting Israel."
("Non-Fatah Militant Wings Reject Amnesty Deal with Israel," Ma'an News, July 15, 2007).
Palestinian Islamic Jihad rejects participation in an amnesty agreement with Israel involving 178 Fatah operatives.
The PRC also rejects the offer.
Muhamad Abed Al Aal (Abu Abeer, PRC): "The Israeli decision aims to overthrow the Palestinian movements and criminalise their members, who will need permission to live in their own town...Such decisions won't force the Palestinians to stop their resistance against Israel...We will not allow any behavior that might isolate our 'wanted' members from the Al Qassam and Al Aqsa Brigades. Gaza will not be separated from the West Bank, we shall be their second half in resisting and fighting Israel."
("Non-Fatah Militant Wings Reject Amnesty Deal with Israel," Ma'an News, July 15, 2007).
July 15, 2007:
"Mahmoud Abbas and his men, backed with Zio-American plans, money and weapons, decided to [take] over Hamas by force. The trend members began to execute Al Qassam members in the streets. Some Al Qassam members were wanted to the Zionist forces for a long time. The Zionist forces didn't succeeded to assassinate them but the traitors in the security forces do that instead of the Zionist occupation forces.
Hamas decided to over the corruptions and the traitors. The traitors in the security forces fall like 'tower of paper.' Hamas announced a general pardon on Fatah men who want to came back to the resistance area.
Since Hamas take over Gaza, the executive force waged assault against drug dealers and the car thieves. The Palestinian humanitarian sources witnessed that the security situations is calm and the average of the crimes is getting down more and more. The Palestinian citizen felt with security.
Sheik Ismail Haniya said that the main enemy to the Palestinian people is the Zionist entity and eyes is directing to the occupied Jerusalem."
("Hamas and the Explosive Challenges," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, July 15, 2007).
"Mahmoud Abbas and his men, backed with Zio-American plans, money and weapons, decided to [take] over Hamas by force. The trend members began to execute Al Qassam members in the streets. Some Al Qassam members were wanted to the Zionist forces for a long time. The Zionist forces didn't succeeded to assassinate them but the traitors in the security forces do that instead of the Zionist occupation forces.
Hamas decided to over the corruptions and the traitors. The traitors in the security forces fall like 'tower of paper.' Hamas announced a general pardon on Fatah men who want to came back to the resistance area.
Since Hamas take over Gaza, the executive force waged assault against drug dealers and the car thieves. The Palestinian humanitarian sources witnessed that the security situations is calm and the average of the crimes is getting down more and more. The Palestinian citizen felt with security.
Sheik Ismail Haniya said that the main enemy to the Palestinian people is the Zionist entity and eyes is directing to the occupied Jerusalem."
("Hamas and the Explosive Challenges," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, July 15, 2007).
July 14, 2007:
Israel reportedly agrees to cease arrest raids against Fatah-affiliated fugitives in the West Bank if they proved that they were ready to stop all terror activity against the Jewish state. Media reports indicate that 178 Palestinian fugitives from the West Bank would no longer be sought by security forces, including Martyrs Brigades Jenin chief, Zakahriya Zubeidi.
Also on the list is Daoud Haji, one of two terrorists who participated in a 2002 attack against IDF forces at the Ein Arik checkpoint. Six soldiers were murdered in the massacre when Haji and another terrorist stormed the checkpoint shooting both soldiers on guard and those sleeping in a near-by caravan. Haji is a member of Tanzim and served in the Palestinian national security forces in Ramallah and Jericho. He is also said to maintain close ties with Hamas.
WeaponSurvey Analysis: As Sean Osborne notes: "Fatah and its allied factions, such as the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, nominally accepted those multiple and ultimately failed accords from the onset merely to serve as a vehicle to achieve their primary agenda objective: the total elimination of the State of Israel and establishment of a 'Palestinian State' in its place. However, HAMAS, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) rejected those accords outright...Both [Hamas and Fatah] have the same ultimate agenda but hold to fundamental differences in timeline methodologies to achieve their objectives."
("'Israel Agrees to Pardon 178 Fatah Men'," Jerusalem Post, July 14, 2007; Sean Osborne, "Unambiguous Common Sense About 'The War'," NEIN, June 15, 2007).
Israel reportedly agrees to cease arrest raids against Fatah-affiliated fugitives in the West Bank if they proved that they were ready to stop all terror activity against the Jewish state. Media reports indicate that 178 Palestinian fugitives from the West Bank would no longer be sought by security forces, including Martyrs Brigades Jenin chief, Zakahriya Zubeidi.
Also on the list is Daoud Haji, one of two terrorists who participated in a 2002 attack against IDF forces at the Ein Arik checkpoint. Six soldiers were murdered in the massacre when Haji and another terrorist stormed the checkpoint shooting both soldiers on guard and those sleeping in a near-by caravan. Haji is a member of Tanzim and served in the Palestinian national security forces in Ramallah and Jericho. He is also said to maintain close ties with Hamas.
WeaponSurvey Analysis: As Sean Osborne notes: "Fatah and its allied factions, such as the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, nominally accepted those multiple and ultimately failed accords from the onset merely to serve as a vehicle to achieve their primary agenda objective: the total elimination of the State of Israel and establishment of a 'Palestinian State' in its place. However, HAMAS, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) rejected those accords outright...Both [Hamas and Fatah] have the same ultimate agenda but hold to fundamental differences in timeline methodologies to achieve their objectives."
("'Israel Agrees to Pardon 178 Fatah Men'," Jerusalem Post, July 14, 2007; Sean Osborne, "Unambiguous Common Sense About 'The War'," NEIN, June 15, 2007).
July 14, 2007:
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will approve allowing Nayef Hawatmeh, the Damascus-based leader of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), to travel to Ramallah to participate in a meeting of the PLO's central assembly.
The DFLP, a Marxist-Leninist group, was founded in 1969. After Jordan expelled the PLO in 1970, the DFLP operated out of Lebanon, then Syria. One of the group's most infamous attacks was the raid on a school in Ma'alot in 1974, when a squad of DFLP terrorists took over a school filled with dozens of children on a field trip from Safed. Twenty-six people, most of them children, were killed in the attack.
("Government Permits Return of DFLP Head Nayef Hawatmeh," Jerusalem Post, July 14, 2007).
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will approve allowing Nayef Hawatmeh, the Damascus-based leader of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), to travel to Ramallah to participate in a meeting of the PLO's central assembly.
The DFLP, a Marxist-Leninist group, was founded in 1969. After Jordan expelled the PLO in 1970, the DFLP operated out of Lebanon, then Syria. One of the group's most infamous attacks was the raid on a school in Ma'alot in 1974, when a squad of DFLP terrorists took over a school filled with dozens of children on a field trip from Safed. Twenty-six people, most of them children, were killed in the attack.
("Government Permits Return of DFLP Head Nayef Hawatmeh," Jerusalem Post, July 14, 2007).
July 14, 2007:
The US State Department issues a warning to American citizens and residents living in Israel based on information that suicide bombings are planned against American institutes, restaurants and businesses in Israel, specifically in Jerusalem.
The warning refers to the "general state of security in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and to the repeated threats against American citizens and sites...The Israeli authorities are concerned by the continued threat of suicide attacks...The US government has received information that American interests might be targeted for terrorist attacks."
(Yitzhak Benhorin, "US: Increase Awareness at Embassy in Tel Aviv," YnetNews, July 14, 2007).
The US State Department issues a warning to American citizens and residents living in Israel based on information that suicide bombings are planned against American institutes, restaurants and businesses in Israel, specifically in Jerusalem.
The warning refers to the "general state of security in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and to the repeated threats against American citizens and sites...The Israeli authorities are concerned by the continued threat of suicide attacks...The US government has received information that American interests might be targeted for terrorist attacks."
(Yitzhak Benhorin, "US: Increase Awareness at Embassy in Tel Aviv," YnetNews, July 14, 2007).
July 13, 2007:
- Givati Brigade soldiers operating in the southern Gaza Strip fire at two armed Palestinians.
- IDF soldiers near the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron arrest a Palestinian carrying a 15-cm.-long knife.
- IDF forces arrest seven Palestinian terror suspects: five in Nablus, one in the Bethlehem area and another near Jenin.
- Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF positions near Nablus and Jenin.
("Palestinians Shoot at Two IDF Outposts," Jerusalem Post, July 13, 2007).
- Givati Brigade soldiers operating in the southern Gaza Strip fire at two armed Palestinians.
- IDF soldiers near the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron arrest a Palestinian carrying a 15-cm.-long knife.
- IDF forces arrest seven Palestinian terror suspects: five in Nablus, one in the Bethlehem area and another near Jenin.
- Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF positions near Nablus and Jenin.
("Palestinians Shoot at Two IDF Outposts," Jerusalem Post, July 13, 2007).
July 13, 2007:
The Israeli Finance Ministry announces the GDP will reach $150 billion, or NIS 642.2 billion, in 2007. The Second Lebanon War marked the first time in Israel's history that economic growth remained unaffected by a war.
The Ministry of Finance forecasts 4.2% growth in 2008, with GDP reaching NIS 669.3 billion in fixed prices.
(Zeev Klein, "GDP to Reach $150 Billion this Year," Globes, July 12, 2007).
The Israeli Finance Ministry announces the GDP will reach $150 billion, or NIS 642.2 billion, in 2007. The Second Lebanon War marked the first time in Israel's history that economic growth remained unaffected by a war.
The Ministry of Finance forecasts 4.2% growth in 2008, with GDP reaching NIS 669.3 billion in fixed prices.
(Zeev Klein, "GDP to Reach $150 Billion this Year," Globes, July 12, 2007).
July 13, 2007:
- The European Court of Justice annulls a decision to freeze funds belonging to a Dutch Islamic foundation that sends humanitarian aid to the West Bank and Gaza. The court rules that the organization's civil and judicial rights were violated in the process of isolating its funding. European and Dutch authorities had included Stichting Al-Aqsa, an "Islamic social welfare institution," to a list of organizations and individuals found to be supporting terrorist activity in June 2003.
- The Palestinian minister of social affairs in the emergency government, Dr Mahmoud Al-Habbash, announces that funds provided by the European Union for the salaries of some 77,000 civil servants will begin flowing into various bank accounts on July 16th.
July 13, 2007:
"If the U.S. really wanted to help, the Palestinians do not need more guns. Everyone has guns, there are too many guns on the streets. The Palestinians don't need more military training. If the U.S. has $86 million and wants to help the Palestinians, then help them build civil institutions, help them build freedom, improve their education system, teach them something positive.
What's the point in taking 200 Presidential Guards to Jericho to train them? Who are they going to fight at the end of the day? In Gaza they were defeated. Palestinians need good governance, better media, freedom and democracy, and to rebuild their civil institutions. They don't need more guns, militias, and Force 17s. This is what I hear in the Palestinian street."
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "What to Do Now About the Palestinian Authority?" JCPA, July 12, 2007).
"If the U.S. really wanted to help, the Palestinians do not need more guns. Everyone has guns, there are too many guns on the streets. The Palestinians don't need more military training. If the U.S. has $86 million and wants to help the Palestinians, then help them build civil institutions, help them build freedom, improve their education system, teach them something positive.
What's the point in taking 200 Presidential Guards to Jericho to train them? Who are they going to fight at the end of the day? In Gaza they were defeated. Palestinians need good governance, better media, freedom and democracy, and to rebuild their civil institutions. They don't need more guns, militias, and Force 17s. This is what I hear in the Palestinian street."
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "What to Do Now About the Palestinian Authority?" JCPA, July 12, 2007).
July 12, 2007:
IDF forces kill an armed Palestinian who had opened fire at troops manning a West Bank checkpoint.
Military sources report that the armed Palestinian fired his AK-47 assault rifle through the window of a car moving toward the checkpoint, east of the West Bank town of Tulkarem. Soldiers manning the checkpoint returned fire, killing him.
IDF Spokesperson's Office:
"An armed Palestinian gunman arrived in a vehicle earlier today at the Anabta checkpoint, east of Tulkarem, and opened fire at the IDF force manning the crossing. The force responded with fire and killed the gunman.
The gunman was identified as Muhammad Omer Mahmud Diab, a wanted terrorist from the Islamic Jihad terror organization that operates in the region of Jenin and Tulkarem. This military infrastructure to which Diab was associated continues to operate nowadays in Jenin and Tulkarem, trying to execute additional attacks against IDF soldiers and the Israeli home front.
Soldiers uncovered on the man's person an AK-47 assault rifle and an army vest with matching ammunition clips that were hidden under his clothes. In a subsequent search of the gunman's vehicle soldiers uncovered three explosive devices with which apparently the gunman planned to execute a terror attack against Israeli civilians or against Israeli soldiers.
The ammunitions were detonated in a controlled environment by Israeli Police sappers."
("IDF Force Intercepted Potential Suicide Terrorist," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 12, 2007).
IDF forces kill an armed Palestinian who had opened fire at troops manning a West Bank checkpoint.
Military sources report that the armed Palestinian fired his AK-47 assault rifle through the window of a car moving toward the checkpoint, east of the West Bank town of Tulkarem. Soldiers manning the checkpoint returned fire, killing him.
IDF Spokesperson's Office:
"An armed Palestinian gunman arrived in a vehicle earlier today at the Anabta checkpoint, east of Tulkarem, and opened fire at the IDF force manning the crossing. The force responded with fire and killed the gunman.
The gunman was identified as Muhammad Omer Mahmud Diab, a wanted terrorist from the Islamic Jihad terror organization that operates in the region of Jenin and Tulkarem. This military infrastructure to which Diab was associated continues to operate nowadays in Jenin and Tulkarem, trying to execute additional attacks against IDF soldiers and the Israeli home front.
Soldiers uncovered on the man's person an AK-47 assault rifle and an army vest with matching ammunition clips that were hidden under his clothes. In a subsequent search of the gunman's vehicle soldiers uncovered three explosive devices with which apparently the gunman planned to execute a terror attack against Israeli civilians or against Israeli soldiers.
The ammunitions were detonated in a controlled environment by Israeli Police sappers."
("IDF Force Intercepted Potential Suicide Terrorist," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 12, 2007).
July 12, 2007:
IDF soldier Arbel Reich (21) is killed and two others lightly wounded during an operation in the Bureij refugee camp (central Gaza Strip). The Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas) notes that its operatives ambushed IDF forces as they entered the camp, detonating IEDs, firing RPGs and machineguns.
An IDF spokeswoman said forces were operating in the area to "foil terrorist actions."
Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for firing a rocket during the operation towards Sderot.
Islamic Jihad: "Four of the resistance men were injured, two when a rocket was launched by an Israeli drone aircraft, and two others were injured in clashes with Israeli forces."
Hamas: "The monitoring group monitored Zionist patrol and installed a perfect ambush in the Gaza Valley east Buriej camp... The Mujahedeen have an explosive devices called 'Raad,' then they open fire and threw grenades, which caused the casualties..."
IDF Spokesperson's Office: "IDF soldier, Staff Sergeant Arbel Raich, 21 years old from Yuvalim, was killed last night in an operation carried out by the Givati Brigade Reconnaissance Battalion, to destroy terror infrastructures in the central Gaza Strip, near the Bureij refugee camp. Two additional soldiers were wounded."
(Amos Harel, "IDF Soldier Killed in Central Gaza Strip During Clash with Militants," Ha'aretz, July 12, 2007; "EQB Killed Zionist Soldier and Injured Others," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, July 12, 2007; "One Israeli Soldier Killed and Two Injured in Clashes in Central Gaza Strip; Four Islamic Jihad Fighters Also Injured," Ma'an News, July 12, 2007; "IDF Soldier Killed and Two Soldiers Wounded during IDF Operation in Gaza," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 12, 2007).
IDF soldier Arbel Reich (21) is killed and two others lightly wounded during an operation in the Bureij refugee camp (central Gaza Strip). The Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas) notes that its operatives ambushed IDF forces as they entered the camp, detonating IEDs, firing RPGs and machineguns.
An IDF spokeswoman said forces were operating in the area to "foil terrorist actions."
Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for firing a rocket during the operation towards Sderot.
Islamic Jihad: "Four of the resistance men were injured, two when a rocket was launched by an Israeli drone aircraft, and two others were injured in clashes with Israeli forces."
Hamas: "The monitoring group monitored Zionist patrol and installed a perfect ambush in the Gaza Valley east Buriej camp... The Mujahedeen have an explosive devices called 'Raad,' then they open fire and threw grenades, which caused the casualties..."
IDF Spokesperson's Office: "IDF soldier, Staff Sergeant Arbel Raich, 21 years old from Yuvalim, was killed last night in an operation carried out by the Givati Brigade Reconnaissance Battalion, to destroy terror infrastructures in the central Gaza Strip, near the Bureij refugee camp. Two additional soldiers were wounded."
(Amos Harel, "IDF Soldier Killed in Central Gaza Strip During Clash with Militants," Ha'aretz, July 12, 2007; "EQB Killed Zionist Soldier and Injured Others," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, July 12, 2007; "One Israeli Soldier Killed and Two Injured in Clashes in Central Gaza Strip; Four Islamic Jihad Fighters Also Injured," Ma'an News, July 12, 2007; "IDF Soldier Killed and Two Soldiers Wounded during IDF Operation in Gaza," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 12, 2007).
July 12, 2007:
Hamas forces raid the media tower in Tal Al-Hawa, south of Gaza City. A car and mobile telephone of the Palestine TV satellite channel manager, Muhammad Dawoudi, are seized.
The Union of Palestinian Journalists: "Such conduct represent a violation of the freedom of opinion [and is] ideological terrorism..."
("Executive Force storms Media Tower in Gaza City," Ma'an News, July 12, 2007).
Hamas forces raid the media tower in Tal Al-Hawa, south of Gaza City. A car and mobile telephone of the Palestine TV satellite channel manager, Muhammad Dawoudi, are seized.
The Union of Palestinian Journalists: "Such conduct represent a violation of the freedom of opinion [and is] ideological terrorism..."
("Executive Force storms Media Tower in Gaza City," Ma'an News, July 12, 2007).
July 12, 2007:
"IAI will develop and manufacture the AMOS 4 satellite and will deliver it to Spacecom after its placement in its orbital slot in space, at the third quarter of 2012, subsequent to the end of testing phase in orbit. The satellite's life cycle is planned to be approximately 12 years. Spacecom will pay IAI a sum of approximately $365 million for the satellite.
The satellite's weight at launch will be approximately 3.4 tons. AMOS 4 will carry a large number of transponders in high power Ka and Ku bands. AMOS 4 will be launched into a Geo-Stationary orbit, to a different location than AMOS 1, 2 and 3 satellites. These satellites are situated at 4 degrees west on the Equator, and allow Spacecom to supply communications services to the Middle-East, central Europe and the United States. AMOS 4 Communication Satellite will be situated in space between 64 degrees east to 76 degrees east, in a manner that will allow for providing service to a wider array of customers, in higher qualities and wider areas of coverage, including in Asia."
Full press release here.
("Itzhak Nissan, Israel Aerospace Industries' President & CEO: 'Signing the AMOS 4 Communications Satellite Contract Strengthens Our Status as a Leading Satellite Manufacturer and as Israel's Prime Space Programs Contractor,'" IAI Press Release, July 11, 2007).
"IAI will develop and manufacture the AMOS 4 satellite and will deliver it to Spacecom after its placement in its orbital slot in space, at the third quarter of 2012, subsequent to the end of testing phase in orbit. The satellite's life cycle is planned to be approximately 12 years. Spacecom will pay IAI a sum of approximately $365 million for the satellite.
The satellite's weight at launch will be approximately 3.4 tons. AMOS 4 will carry a large number of transponders in high power Ka and Ku bands. AMOS 4 will be launched into a Geo-Stationary orbit, to a different location than AMOS 1, 2 and 3 satellites. These satellites are situated at 4 degrees west on the Equator, and allow Spacecom to supply communications services to the Middle-East, central Europe and the United States. AMOS 4 Communication Satellite will be situated in space between 64 degrees east to 76 degrees east, in a manner that will allow for providing service to a wider array of customers, in higher qualities and wider areas of coverage, including in Asia."
Full press release here.
("Itzhak Nissan, Israel Aerospace Industries' President & CEO: 'Signing the AMOS 4 Communications Satellite Contract Strengthens Our Status as a Leading Satellite Manufacturer and as Israel's Prime Space Programs Contractor,'" IAI Press Release, July 11, 2007).
July 12, 2007:
Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and Syrian Deputy Premier for Economic affairs Abdullah Dardari finalize an agreement stipulating that China will build a large oil refinery (with a potential output of 70,000 barrels a day) in Syria.
In addition, media reports indicate that Chinese companies would begin searching for oil off the Syrian coast.
WeaponSurvey Analysis: Beijing is determined to fill the role previously played by the Soviet Union. Although Moscow continues to arm Damascus, the construction of an oil refinery enables China to counter (albeit symbolically) U.S. policy designed to isolate Syria.
("Report: Beijing Backs Syrian Golan Claim," Jerusalem Post, July 11, 2007).
Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and Syrian Deputy Premier for Economic affairs Abdullah Dardari finalize an agreement stipulating that China will build a large oil refinery (with a potential output of 70,000 barrels a day) in Syria.
In addition, media reports indicate that Chinese companies would begin searching for oil off the Syrian coast.
WeaponSurvey Analysis: Beijing is determined to fill the role previously played by the Soviet Union. Although Moscow continues to arm Damascus, the construction of an oil refinery enables China to counter (albeit symbolically) U.S. policy designed to isolate Syria.
("Report: Beijing Backs Syrian Golan Claim," Jerusalem Post, July 11, 2007).
July 12, 2007:
"Due to the stocktaking from the Second Lebanon War, the IDF has decided to put more equipment into the emergency stores of the military. This is to prepare them adequately for any future engagement. As part of the equipping plan called 'Ashad Nehalim' ('waterfalls') which received a budget of two billion NIS, the IDF is renewing all of its specialized military equipment in its emergency stores. The project is to upgrade the equipment so that it will be of the same quality as the equipment at the disposal of the general service units.
Adjustable Equipment
Only the reservist corps of the Infantry units has been equipped with the new products, but by the end of 2008 the emergency stores of the entire reservist field units should be updated. In accordance with the general upgrades, antiquated canteens will be replaced by a new water carrier. It will be able to hold three liters of water and will have a mouthpiece and straw apparatus which should enable the soldiers to drink without needing to stop for a break. Additionally, each reservist soldier will receive a new pair of work uniforms in his size. The protective vests will be replaced by newer, lighter units, together with a combat soldiers' vest. A decision was also made to remove full-length M-16 rifles from use by the reservists in field units, and to provide them with shortened M-16s instead.
'The age of the full-length rifle for the reservist corps has come to an end. Starting now, everyone will get the shortened version,' declared Lieutenant Colonel Asulin."
("Upgrading the Emergency Storage Facilities," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 11, 2007).
"Due to the stocktaking from the Second Lebanon War, the IDF has decided to put more equipment into the emergency stores of the military. This is to prepare them adequately for any future engagement. As part of the equipping plan called 'Ashad Nehalim' ('waterfalls') which received a budget of two billion NIS, the IDF is renewing all of its specialized military equipment in its emergency stores. The project is to upgrade the equipment so that it will be of the same quality as the equipment at the disposal of the general service units.
Adjustable Equipment
Only the reservist corps of the Infantry units has been equipped with the new products, but by the end of 2008 the emergency stores of the entire reservist field units should be updated. In accordance with the general upgrades, antiquated canteens will be replaced by a new water carrier. It will be able to hold three liters of water and will have a mouthpiece and straw apparatus which should enable the soldiers to drink without needing to stop for a break. Additionally, each reservist soldier will receive a new pair of work uniforms in his size. The protective vests will be replaced by newer, lighter units, together with a combat soldiers' vest. A decision was also made to remove full-length M-16 rifles from use by the reservists in field units, and to provide them with shortened M-16s instead.
'The age of the full-length rifle for the reservist corps has come to an end. Starting now, everyone will get the shortened version,' declared Lieutenant Colonel Asulin."
("Upgrading the Emergency Storage Facilities," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 11, 2007).
July 12, 2007:
EFW Inc., an Elbit Systems of America company, is selected by Bell Helicopter to supply the Data Transfer System (DTS) for the U.S. Army’s new Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH). EFW's DTS will interface with the ARH communications, navigation, aircraft survivability equipment and mission equipment subsystems to automate the mission data input process and record a variety of mission and aircraft information during flight. EFW's DTS is a cutting edge data server, capable of synchronized recording of video and audio, using standard solid-state memory cartridges.
Raanan Horowitz, Executive VP and General Manager of EFW said, "EFW is pleased and honored to be part of the ARH team providing yet another netcentric enabling element for the aircraft. This Data Transfer System solution allows the ARH aircrew to execute their mission safely and effectively with decreased workload. It will also assist the post-flight debrief and battle damage assessment process, while facilitating the maintenance tasks using aircraft subsystem data collected and stored by the DTS."
("An Elbit Systems of America company, EFW, Selected by Bell Helicopter to Supply Data Transfer System for U.S. Army’s New Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter," Elbit Press Release, July 11, 2007).
EFW Inc., an Elbit Systems of America company, is selected by Bell Helicopter to supply the Data Transfer System (DTS) for the U.S. Army’s new Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH). EFW's DTS will interface with the ARH communications, navigation, aircraft survivability equipment and mission equipment subsystems to automate the mission data input process and record a variety of mission and aircraft information during flight. EFW's DTS is a cutting edge data server, capable of synchronized recording of video and audio, using standard solid-state memory cartridges.
Raanan Horowitz, Executive VP and General Manager of EFW said, "EFW is pleased and honored to be part of the ARH team providing yet another netcentric enabling element for the aircraft. This Data Transfer System solution allows the ARH aircrew to execute their mission safely and effectively with decreased workload. It will also assist the post-flight debrief and battle damage assessment process, while facilitating the maintenance tasks using aircraft subsystem data collected and stored by the DTS."
("An Elbit Systems of America company, EFW, Selected by Bell Helicopter to Supply Data Transfer System for U.S. Army’s New Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter," Elbit Press Release, July 11, 2007).
July 12, 2007:
NICE Systems Ltd. wins a $5 million order to deploy its IP-based digital video content analytics solutions in a major international city. The system will enable law enforcement officials to deter city-center terrorist and criminal activities, allow easy surveillance of illegal activities, and provide event and incident investigation and management.
The system will enhance security provision at public areas, including public transportation, government buildings and other institutions. The solution will enable the city's command and control centers to simultaneously monitor multiple sites, with analytic capabilities and automatic alarm management.
NICE’s solution, with advanced transmission, recording and content analysis capabilities will deliver real-time alerts on potential threats to security personnel and to the public. The moments leading up to an alert will be automatically replayed allowing staff to intuitively investigate an incident, understand its context and cause and, more importantly, decide what action to take.
NICE Systems Security Group president Israel Livnat: "This project reflects the growing need of cities around the world to protect their residents from potential terror and criminal threats. This win is further evidence that NICE's content significantly increase the speed of threat detection and efficiency of corrective action. It also reflects the success of our strategy for large scale multi-million dollar security projects, providing advanced solutions to city-centers, other public authorities and governments all over the world, which are seeking to enhance their capabilities in protecting the public."
(Adi Ben-Israel, "NICE to Supply Surveillance Analysis Systems to a City Police Force," Globes, July 11, 2007; "NICE Wins Major Security Project with Order at Over $5 Million for its IP-based Video Analytics Solutions, for Implementation at Major International City-Center," NICE Press Release, July 10, 2007).
NICE Systems Ltd. wins a $5 million order to deploy its IP-based digital video content analytics solutions in a major international city. The system will enable law enforcement officials to deter city-center terrorist and criminal activities, allow easy surveillance of illegal activities, and provide event and incident investigation and management.
The system will enhance security provision at public areas, including public transportation, government buildings and other institutions. The solution will enable the city's command and control centers to simultaneously monitor multiple sites, with analytic capabilities and automatic alarm management.
NICE’s solution, with advanced transmission, recording and content analysis capabilities will deliver real-time alerts on potential threats to security personnel and to the public. The moments leading up to an alert will be automatically replayed allowing staff to intuitively investigate an incident, understand its context and cause and, more importantly, decide what action to take.
NICE Systems Security Group president Israel Livnat: "This project reflects the growing need of cities around the world to protect their residents from potential terror and criminal threats. This win is further evidence that NICE's content significantly increase the speed of threat detection and efficiency of corrective action. It also reflects the success of our strategy for large scale multi-million dollar security projects, providing advanced solutions to city-centers, other public authorities and governments all over the world, which are seeking to enhance their capabilities in protecting the public."
(Adi Ben-Israel, "NICE to Supply Surveillance Analysis Systems to a City Police Force," Globes, July 11, 2007; "NICE Wins Major Security Project with Order at Over $5 Million for its IP-based Video Analytics Solutions, for Implementation at Major International City-Center," NICE Press Release, July 10, 2007).
July 11, 2007:
SimiGon Ltd. is slated to provide the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) training program with the company’s NxLearn Learning Management System, based on its learning framework, SIMbox. NxLearn will be an integral part of the JSF training system and is an element of NxSys, a Lockheed Martin Inc. integrated training system infrastructure.
The SIMbox technology in NxLearn provides a variety of training benefits, allowing easy creation and distribution of advanced SCORM 2004 content. By providing solutions for multiple requirements, NxLearn will enable the JSF program to meet critical support lifecycle costs.
SimiGon president and CEO Ami Vizer: "Lockheed Martin's use of our SIMbox technology for its NxLearn program is a significant milestone in SimiGon’s development and provides yet another affirmation of the viability of our training solutions. Using SIMbox’s extends the long-term productive relationship enjoyed between Lockheed Martin and SimiGon. We are proud and excited to be a part of the JSF team, and we look forward to being part of a successful training program."
The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth fighter designed to replace a wide range of existing aircraft, including AV-8B Harriers, A-10s, F-16s, F/A-18 Hornets and United Kingdom Harrier GR.7s and Sea Harriers.
("SimiGon to Provide Training Systems for JSF," Globes, July 10, 2007; "NxLearn Learning Management System Selected by F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Training System," SimiGon Press Rlease, July 9, 2007).
SimiGon Ltd. is slated to provide the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) training program with the company’s NxLearn Learning Management System, based on its learning framework, SIMbox. NxLearn will be an integral part of the JSF training system and is an element of NxSys, a Lockheed Martin Inc. integrated training system infrastructure.
The SIMbox technology in NxLearn provides a variety of training benefits, allowing easy creation and distribution of advanced SCORM 2004 content. By providing solutions for multiple requirements, NxLearn will enable the JSF program to meet critical support lifecycle costs.
SimiGon president and CEO Ami Vizer: "Lockheed Martin's use of our SIMbox technology for its NxLearn program is a significant milestone in SimiGon’s development and provides yet another affirmation of the viability of our training solutions. Using SIMbox’s extends the long-term productive relationship enjoyed between Lockheed Martin and SimiGon. We are proud and excited to be a part of the JSF team, and we look forward to being part of a successful training program."
The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth fighter designed to replace a wide range of existing aircraft, including AV-8B Harriers, A-10s, F-16s, F/A-18 Hornets and United Kingdom Harrier GR.7s and Sea Harriers.
("SimiGon to Provide Training Systems for JSF," Globes, July 10, 2007; "NxLearn Learning Management System Selected by F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Training System," SimiGon Press Rlease, July 9, 2007).
July 11, 2007:
Cairo deploys a significant number of security personnel along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent terrorist infilitrations.
(Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff, "Egypt Deploys Along Gaza Strip Border Fearing Militant Breakout," Ha'aretz, July 11, 2007).
Cairo deploys a significant number of security personnel along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent terrorist infilitrations.
(Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff, "Egypt Deploys Along Gaza Strip Border Fearing Militant Breakout," Ha'aretz, July 11, 2007).
July 11, 2007:
The use of the term "Islamic emirate" in the Egyptian media reflects a clear concern over the Gaza Strip becoming a hotspot of radical Islam, closely associated with Egypt's radical opposition, primarily the Muslim Brotherhood.
It should be noted that "Islamic emirate" is a term used by the Islamist underground movements operating in Egypt. Indeed, there is an historical link between the military wing of the Muslim Brotherhood and Gaza Strip residents, as illustrated by the movement's (active combat) support for Palestinians during Israel's War of Independence (1947-1949).
("The Meaning of the Term 'Islamic Emirate,' Used by Abu Mazen and Official Palestinian and Egyptian Media to Refer to the Political Entity Formed in the Gaza Strip Following the Hamas Takeover," Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center, July 8, 2007).
The use of the term "Islamic emirate" in the Egyptian media reflects a clear concern over the Gaza Strip becoming a hotspot of radical Islam, closely associated with Egypt's radical opposition, primarily the Muslim Brotherhood.
It should be noted that "Islamic emirate" is a term used by the Islamist underground movements operating in Egypt. Indeed, there is an historical link between the military wing of the Muslim Brotherhood and Gaza Strip residents, as illustrated by the movement's (active combat) support for Palestinians during Israel's War of Independence (1947-1949).
("The Meaning of the Term 'Islamic Emirate,' Used by Abu Mazen and Official Palestinian and Egyptian Media to Refer to the Political Entity Formed in the Gaza Strip Following the Hamas Takeover," Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center, July 8, 2007).
July 11, 2007:
"Ports are one of the major security weaknesses in the maritime transport arena. They were constructed to be widely accessible by land and sea in order to facilitate an increasing amount of materials moving through them. Their infrastructures are often interlined with that of the neighboring cities. Their hazardous storage facilities were built according to the cost benefit analysis, not according to security considerations. The extensive size of current mega-ports precludes a closed, secure environment. Moreover, thousands of workers and seamen stream daily into them. It is alleged that a sizable portion of these individuals do not possess authentic identification and/or workers licenses and permits.
Indeed, the U.S., at present, is only able to inspect about five percent of all incoming containers. However, as the incident from March 16, 2002 pointed out, the fact is that the human eye behind the technology can sometimes miss an important detail. Moreover, attacks on ports can be launched against a ship or port facility from either the sea, underwater, from land and from the air. As ports are essential links in the supply chain, the disruption of one port could lead additional economic costs as shippers have to make alternative arrangements."
Full article here.
(Mr. Akiva Lorenz, "Al Qaeda's Maritime Threat," ICT, April 15, 2007).
"Ports are one of the major security weaknesses in the maritime transport arena. They were constructed to be widely accessible by land and sea in order to facilitate an increasing amount of materials moving through them. Their infrastructures are often interlined with that of the neighboring cities. Their hazardous storage facilities were built according to the cost benefit analysis, not according to security considerations. The extensive size of current mega-ports precludes a closed, secure environment. Moreover, thousands of workers and seamen stream daily into them. It is alleged that a sizable portion of these individuals do not possess authentic identification and/or workers licenses and permits.
Indeed, the U.S., at present, is only able to inspect about five percent of all incoming containers. However, as the incident from March 16, 2002 pointed out, the fact is that the human eye behind the technology can sometimes miss an important detail. Moreover, attacks on ports can be launched against a ship or port facility from either the sea, underwater, from land and from the air. As ports are essential links in the supply chain, the disruption of one port could lead additional economic costs as shippers have to make alternative arrangements."
Full article here.
(Mr. Akiva Lorenz, "Al Qaeda's Maritime Threat," ICT, April 15, 2007).
July 11, 2007:
Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman states that Cairo opposes the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in the Gaza Strip, noting that "it is neither technically nor politically easy, and it is impractical."
(Yoav Stern, "Egypt Vehemently Opposes Deployment of Int'l Force in Gaza," Ha'aretz, July 10, 2007).
Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman states that Cairo opposes the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in the Gaza Strip, noting that "it is neither technically nor politically easy, and it is impractical."
(Yoav Stern, "Egypt Vehemently Opposes Deployment of Int'l Force in Gaza," Ha'aretz, July 10, 2007).
July 11, 2007:
IDF sources predict that Iran could have full nuclear capabilities by 2009. However, Iran is more likely to have operational nuclear weapons only in 2010 or 2011. In addition, the sources estimate Iran will attain a technological threshold that will enable Teheran to independently produce nuclear weapons within 6 months.
(Amos Harel and Aluf Benn, "IDF Sources: Iran Could Have Full Nuclear Capabilities by 2009," Ha'aretz, July 10, 2007).
IDF sources predict that Iran could have full nuclear capabilities by 2009. However, Iran is more likely to have operational nuclear weapons only in 2010 or 2011. In addition, the sources estimate Iran will attain a technological threshold that will enable Teheran to independently produce nuclear weapons within 6 months.
(Amos Harel and Aluf Benn, "IDF Sources: Iran Could Have Full Nuclear Capabilities by 2009," Ha'aretz, July 10, 2007).
July 11, 2007:
India and Israel have agreed to expand their joint missile development to include a long-range version of the extended-range Barak ship defense system for the Indian Air Force.
According to India Defence, the effort will take approximately four years and a minimum of $300 million to develop.
The two countries are currently developing an improved version of the vertically launched Barak-8, or BarakNG (New Generation) missile. The land-based version will reportedly have an even longer range than the Barak 8, reaching up to 150 kilometers instead of the current 70.
An Israeli source: "We've agreed to extend our ongoing BarakNG project with a longer-range missile capable of performing additional missions and meeting a larger array of threats..."
(Ron Dagoni, "'India Defence:' Israel and India to Sign New Missile Development Agreement," Globes, July 10, 2007).
India and Israel have agreed to expand their joint missile development to include a long-range version of the extended-range Barak ship defense system for the Indian Air Force.
According to India Defence, the effort will take approximately four years and a minimum of $300 million to develop.
The two countries are currently developing an improved version of the vertically launched Barak-8, or BarakNG (New Generation) missile. The land-based version will reportedly have an even longer range than the Barak 8, reaching up to 150 kilometers instead of the current 70.
An Israeli source: "We've agreed to extend our ongoing BarakNG project with a longer-range missile capable of performing additional missions and meeting a larger array of threats..."
(Ron Dagoni, "'India Defence:' Israel and India to Sign New Missile Development Agreement," Globes, July 10, 2007).
July 10, 2007:
"In a joint IDF and ISA activity this morning in Nablus a special IDF force arrested the head of several cells operating in the city which belong to Tanzim, an offshoot of Fatah. During the activity the forces arrested another wanted Tanzim operative and uncovered two handguns and five matching ammunition clips.
Nidal Tahsin Darwish Fakia was funded by Hezbollah and by operatives in the Gaza Strip. The infrastructure which he commanded was involved in hundreds of bombing attacks, kidnappings, suicide bombings and shooting attacks in the Nablus region, to which dozens of IDF soldiers fell victim. One of its central operatives, Amin Lubadeh, was the leading manufacturer of bombs and explosive belts in the Samaria region and masterminded numerous terror attacks in Israel before he was killed during an attempt to arrest him in April 2007.
Among the attacks carried out by Fakia's infrastructure were a bombing attack on July 17th 2006, in which Staff Sergeant Oshri Damri was killed, and another on June 28th 2007 in which an IDF officer was severely injured.
The infrastructure operating under Fakia manufactured and delivered explosives, bombs and explosive belts to various terror organizations in Nablus.
Cells operating under Fakia were recently involved in planning mega-terror attacks in the Israeli home front and attacks in the Nablus area."
("Background Information: Top Tanzim Operative Arrested in Nablus," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 10, 2007).
"In a joint IDF and ISA activity this morning in Nablus a special IDF force arrested the head of several cells operating in the city which belong to Tanzim, an offshoot of Fatah. During the activity the forces arrested another wanted Tanzim operative and uncovered two handguns and five matching ammunition clips.
Nidal Tahsin Darwish Fakia was funded by Hezbollah and by operatives in the Gaza Strip. The infrastructure which he commanded was involved in hundreds of bombing attacks, kidnappings, suicide bombings and shooting attacks in the Nablus region, to which dozens of IDF soldiers fell victim. One of its central operatives, Amin Lubadeh, was the leading manufacturer of bombs and explosive belts in the Samaria region and masterminded numerous terror attacks in Israel before he was killed during an attempt to arrest him in April 2007.
Among the attacks carried out by Fakia's infrastructure were a bombing attack on July 17th 2006, in which Staff Sergeant Oshri Damri was killed, and another on June 28th 2007 in which an IDF officer was severely injured.
The infrastructure operating under Fakia manufactured and delivered explosives, bombs and explosive belts to various terror organizations in Nablus.
Cells operating under Fakia were recently involved in planning mega-terror attacks in the Israeli home front and attacks in the Nablus area."
("Background Information: Top Tanzim Operative Arrested in Nablus," IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 10, 2007).
July 10, 2007:
"Israel should normally be Iran's best ally in the region, but the Islamic Republic wants to lead the Muslim world, create an Islamic superpower, and save mankind from a Judeo-Christian conspiracy. Since the Arabs and the Sunni Muslims who are the majority are reluctant to accept Shi'ite Iran as a leader, Iran's response is to tell the Arabs to destroy Israel under Iran's leadership.
The destruction of Israel has thus become a device to avoid any theological discussions. In British mosques, for instance, God makes a cameo appearance every now and then, but the discussions have become entirely political.
Since there are many different Islamic sects and many different interpretations, the best way to prevent dissension is to avoid religion and talk about politics - Israel, Chechnya, Kashmir, the liberation of Andalusia - issues about which all Muslims can agree."
Full article here.
(Amir Taheri, "Iran's Regional Ambitions: Implications for Israel, Iraq, and the Gulf States," JCPA, July 10, 2007).
"Israel should normally be Iran's best ally in the region, but the Islamic Republic wants to lead the Muslim world, create an Islamic superpower, and save mankind from a Judeo-Christian conspiracy. Since the Arabs and the Sunni Muslims who are the majority are reluctant to accept Shi'ite Iran as a leader, Iran's response is to tell the Arabs to destroy Israel under Iran's leadership.
The destruction of Israel has thus become a device to avoid any theological discussions. In British mosques, for instance, God makes a cameo appearance every now and then, but the discussions have become entirely political.
Since there are many different Islamic sects and many different interpretations, the best way to prevent dissension is to avoid religion and talk about politics - Israel, Chechnya, Kashmir, the liberation of Andalusia - issues about which all Muslims can agree."
Full article here.
(Amir Taheri, "Iran's Regional Ambitions: Implications for Israel, Iraq, and the Gulf States," JCPA, July 10, 2007).
July 10, 2007:
"Palestinian president [Abbas] says, ‘It is Hamas that is protecting Al-Qaeda (the Islamic army which was holding Johnston), and through its bloody behavior Hamas has become very close to Al-Qaeda.'
For the first time we see president motivate against his people (if he considered them like that). Abbas is giving the Zionist entity the excuse to his the Palestinians.
Abbas added to the Italian TV 'That is why Gaza is (not under his secular authority) needs help.'
He assured that his secular political faction Fatah 'Will never have any dialogue with Hamas.' But in the same time he is always ready to dialogue with the Zionist Olmert, Livni and even with the Zionist security services leaders like Shin Beit.
Hamas criticized Abbas words against the Palestinian people. It considered that Abbas and his group failed to apply the Zio-American plan in Gaza. So he is seeking to be supported from abroad.
Hamas denied that it has any intention to make Islamic district in Gaza and said 'Abbas is dreaming.' Hamas also assured that its political behavior is very different to Al Qaeda behavior. Hamas accused Abbas that he want to destroy the resistance and he is proud that he never fought against the Zionist entity.
Ezzedeen Al Qassam brigades affirmed that it will continue its struggle against the Zionist military forces and speeches like these (Abbas speech) is worthless."
("Abbas is Dreaming," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, July 10, 2007).
"Palestinian president [Abbas] says, ‘It is Hamas that is protecting Al-Qaeda (the Islamic army which was holding Johnston), and through its bloody behavior Hamas has become very close to Al-Qaeda.'
For the first time we see president motivate against his people (if he considered them like that). Abbas is giving the Zionist entity the excuse to his the Palestinians.
Abbas added to the Italian TV 'That is why Gaza is (not under his secular authority) needs help.'
He assured that his secular political faction Fatah 'Will never have any dialogue with Hamas.' But in the same time he is always ready to dialogue with the Zionist Olmert, Livni and even with the Zionist security services leaders like Shin Beit.
Hamas criticized Abbas words against the Palestinian people. It considered that Abbas and his group failed to apply the Zio-American plan in Gaza. So he is seeking to be supported from abroad.
Hamas denied that it has any intention to make Islamic district in Gaza and said 'Abbas is dreaming.' Hamas also assured that its political behavior is very different to Al Qaeda behavior. Hamas accused Abbas that he want to destroy the resistance and he is proud that he never fought against the Zionist entity.
Ezzedeen Al Qassam brigades affirmed that it will continue its struggle against the Zionist military forces and speeches like these (Abbas speech) is worthless."
("Abbas is Dreaming," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, July 10, 2007).
July 10, 2007:
Palestinian terrorists fire 11 mortar shells towards the western Negev.
The shooting began at 11AM, when five mortar shells were launched at the Kerem Shalom crossing, damaging two structures. Three additional mortars were later fired at various western Negev communities.
IDF Spokesperson's Office
"Two mortar shells were fired a short while ago at the Kerem Shalom crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, one of them hit the crossing directly. The Kerem Shalom goods-crossing has been extensively used for the passage of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip in recent weeks, including the daily transfer of thousands of tons of food, medicine and additional humanitarian supplies.
Today, a total of 13 mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel.
Palestinian rocket-fire incited by terrorist organizations severely disrupts the functioning of the crossings and as a result prevents humanitarian assistance from being delivered to the Palestinian population."
(Shmulik Hadad, "11 Mortar Shells Fired at Israel," YnetNews [Translated from Hebrew], July 9, 2007; "Palestinians Fire Mortar Shells at Major Humanitarian Passageway in Gaza, IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 9, 2007).
Palestinian terrorists fire 11 mortar shells towards the western Negev.
The shooting began at 11AM, when five mortar shells were launched at the Kerem Shalom crossing, damaging two structures. Three additional mortars were later fired at various western Negev communities.
IDF Spokesperson's Office
"Two mortar shells were fired a short while ago at the Kerem Shalom crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, one of them hit the crossing directly. The Kerem Shalom goods-crossing has been extensively used for the passage of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip in recent weeks, including the daily transfer of thousands of tons of food, medicine and additional humanitarian supplies.
Today, a total of 13 mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel.
Palestinian rocket-fire incited by terrorist organizations severely disrupts the functioning of the crossings and as a result prevents humanitarian assistance from being delivered to the Palestinian population."
(Shmulik Hadad, "11 Mortar Shells Fired at Israel," YnetNews [Translated from Hebrew], July 9, 2007; "Palestinians Fire Mortar Shells at Major Humanitarian Passageway in Gaza, IDF Spokesperson's Office, July 9, 2007).
July 10, 2007:
An umbrella organization representing 7 Islamic terrorist groups (including Al Qaeda in Iraq) releases an audio tape that threatens war against Iran in two months -- unless Teheran halts support for Shiites in Iraq.
Group leader Abu Omer Al-Baghdadi also "advises and warns all Sunni in Iran or the Arab states (mainly in the Gulf), not to engage in business dealings with the Iranian Shi'a."
In addition, Al-Baghdadi claims responsibility (in the name of his organization) for two May suicide bombings in the Kurdish area of northern Iraq, and labels Kurdish leaders "heretical" for their collaboration with the Shi'a.
(Hadar Farber, "Al Qaeda in Iraq Threatens War Against Iran," NFC [Translated from Hebrew], July 9, 2007).
An umbrella organization representing 7 Islamic terrorist groups (including Al Qaeda in Iraq) releases an audio tape that threatens war against Iran in two months -- unless Teheran halts support for Shiites in Iraq.
Group leader Abu Omer Al-Baghdadi also "advises and warns all Sunni in Iran or the Arab states (mainly in the Gulf), not to engage in business dealings with the Iranian Shi'a."
In addition, Al-Baghdadi claims responsibility (in the name of his organization) for two May suicide bombings in the Kurdish area of northern Iraq, and labels Kurdish leaders "heretical" for their collaboration with the Shi'a.
(Hadar Farber, "Al Qaeda in Iraq Threatens War Against Iran," NFC [Translated from Hebrew], July 9, 2007).
July 10, 2007:
A senior Southern Command (PADAM) intelligence officer tells Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi that the (HAMAS) Palestinian military industry in Gaza has begun stamping serial production numbers on roadside charges and Qassam rockets it manufactures.
"As if this smuggling, which comes from Egypt, is not enough, Hamas has developed a real military industry, which operates inside buildings and private houses. The weapons manufactured there already have serial numbers, which testify to the development of this military industry..."
A report presented to the Italian premier noted that approximately 30 tons of explosives have been smuggled over the past year into the Strip. Thousands of rifles and antitank missiles were also smuggled.
(Ronny Sofer, "'Hamas Army' Established in Gaza, Intelligence Source Says" YnetNews, July 10, 2007).
A senior Southern Command (PADAM) intelligence officer tells Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi that the (HAMAS) Palestinian military industry in Gaza has begun stamping serial production numbers on roadside charges and Qassam rockets it manufactures.
"As if this smuggling, which comes from Egypt, is not enough, Hamas has developed a real military industry, which operates inside buildings and private houses. The weapons manufactured there already have serial numbers, which testify to the development of this military industry..."
A report presented to the Italian premier noted that approximately 30 tons of explosives have been smuggled over the past year into the Strip. Thousands of rifles and antitank missiles were also smuggled.
(Ronny Sofer, "'Hamas Army' Established in Gaza, Intelligence Source Says" YnetNews, July 10, 2007).
July 9, 2007:
"Last week's suicide attack in Yemen, the first of its kind against Western tourists, demonstrated Al-Qaeda ever-present threat in this impoverished nation despite, sofar futile efforts to crush the terrorists.
Yemen could become a flashpoint in the war on terror as militant groups mobilize towards a new inter-religious campaign sponsored by the Tehran Shi'ite clerics. Western intelligence sources warn that Yemen is a potentially convenient refuge for Al Qaeda militants fleeing a crackdown in Saudi Arabia. Large stretches of the Yemen-Saudi border remain undefined and run through desert and mountainous terrain. A future clash between the Zaidi Shiites and the newly mobilized al Qaeda backed Shafi Sunnis cannot be far away, if Iran persists in destabilizing the Horn of Africa -- the strategic Gulf of Aden could be Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's next target for a springboard to Somalia and Afr
"Last week's suicide attack in Yemen, the first of its kind against Western tourists, demonstrated Al-Qaeda ever-present threat in this impoverished nation despite, sofar futile efforts to crush the terrorists.
Yemen could become a flashpoint in the war on terror as militant groups mobilize towards a new inter-religious campaign sponsored by the Tehran Shi'ite clerics. Western intelligence sources warn that Yemen is a potentially convenient refuge for Al Qaeda militants fleeing a crackdown in Saudi Arabia. Large stretches of the Yemen-Saudi border remain undefined and run through desert and mountainous terrain. A future clash between the Zaidi Shiites and the newly mobilized al Qaeda backed Shafi Sunnis cannot be far away, if Iran persists in destabilizing the Horn of Africa -- the strategic Gulf of Aden could be Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's next target for a springboard to Somalia and Afr