June 30, 2007:
- Seven Palestinians are killed and four wounded in three separate IAF strikes against various targets in the Strip, including a weapons factory.
- Abu Thaer, a Fatah spokesman, notes that one of the men killed in the second strike was 50-year-old Salah Quffa, head of the group's central Gaza command.
- Three Islamic Jihad terrorists are killed in an IAF strike in the southern Gaza strip. The IDF confirms the IAF fired at a vehicle in Khan Yunis and notes that the terrorists had been planning a suicide bombing against Israel and had been involved in suicide and other attacks in the past, including the 2004 infiltration of a military post in Gaza in which six IDF soldiers died. Islamic Jihad confirms the three men belonged to its armed wing. The terrorists killed in the attack were named as Ziad Ghanam, Riad Ghanam and Mohammad al-Ra'i. Military sources note that al-Ra'i had launched an RPG rocket along the Philadelphi Route in May 2004, killing five IDF soldiers.
- Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Sderot. One of the rockets impacts near a Magen David Adom emergency medical services station in the city. The second damages a Sderot fire fighting station.
(Avi Issacharoff and Yuval Azoulay, "Seven Palestinians Killed in Two IAF Strikes in Gaza Strip," Ha'aretz, July 1, 2007).
- Seven Palestinians are killed and four wounded in three separate IAF strikes against various targets in the Strip, including a weapons factory.
- Abu Thaer, a Fatah spokesman, notes that one of the men killed in the second strike was 50-year-old Salah Quffa, head of the group's central Gaza command.
- Three Islamic Jihad terrorists are killed in an IAF strike in the southern Gaza strip. The IDF confirms the IAF fired at a vehicle in Khan Yunis and notes that the terrorists had been planning a suicide bombing against Israel and had been involved in suicide and other attacks in the past, including the 2004 infiltration of a military post in Gaza in which six IDF soldiers died. Islamic Jihad confirms the three men belonged to its armed wing. The terrorists killed in the attack were named as Ziad Ghanam, Riad Ghanam and Mohammad al-Ra'i. Military sources note that al-Ra'i had launched an RPG rocket along the Philadelphi Route in May 2004, killing five IDF soldiers.
- Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Sderot. One of the rockets impacts near a Magen David Adom emergency medical services station in the city. The second damages a Sderot fire fighting station.
(Avi Issacharoff and Yuval Azoulay, "Seven Palestinians Killed in Two IAF Strikes in Gaza Strip," Ha'aretz, July 1, 2007).
June 29, 2007:
Hamas: "We will not allow any foreign forces to step a foot into the Gaza Strip and we will deal with them as occupation forces...We will only receive these forces with shells and rockets."
("Hamas: Int'l Force in Gaza Will be Met with Rockets," Ha'aretz, June 30, 2007).
Hamas: "We will not allow any foreign forces to step a foot into the Gaza Strip and we will deal with them as occupation forces...We will only receive these forces with shells and rockets."
("Hamas: Int'l Force in Gaza Will be Met with Rockets," Ha'aretz, June 30, 2007).
June 29, 2007:
- IDF forces discover an explosives lab and three hidden arms caches containing 10 bombs, bomb-making material, rifles and grenades.
- IDF troops arrest two wanted Palestinians.
- Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF forces and detonate an explosive device near the troops.
- IDF forces kill an armed Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades terrorist (FATAH) in the Balata refugee camp.
(Avi Issacharoff, "IDF Kills Fatah Man, Uncovers Arms Caches in Nablus Operation," Ha'aretz, June 29, 2007).
- IDF forces discover an explosives lab and three hidden arms caches containing 10 bombs, bomb-making material, rifles and grenades.
- IDF troops arrest two wanted Palestinians.
- Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF forces and detonate an explosive device near the troops.
- IDF forces kill an armed Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades terrorist (FATAH) in the Balata refugee camp.
(Avi Issacharoff, "IDF Kills Fatah Man, Uncovers Arms Caches in Nablus Operation," Ha'aretz, June 29, 2007).
June 29, 2007:
"Although the PLO was founded in 1964, and came to be accepted as the 'sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people,' its leaders limited their activities to the political and military struggle against Israel. Yassir Arafat showed no interest in building civil society or ending the dependence and victimization. On the contrary, for decades, he was a major contributor to this syndrome.
"The international community, and particularly European governments, perpetuated and widened this process, handing over additional funds, often in bags of cash handed directly to Arafat and his cronies. Officials in London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Oslo, Bern, Stockholm, Rome and elsewhere, ignored the obvious evidence of massive corruption and the lack of interest in building institutions or providing services (the report written much later by the EU's watchdog agency OLAF remains a tightly guarded secret, making a mockery of European calls for transparency).
"The core reason for allowing huge amounts of European tax revenues to disappear among Palestinian officials was paternalism. European leaders did not expect anything better from Arafat and Fatah, and did not try or condition aid to fundamental changes. After the 1993 Oslo peace framework established the Palestinian Authority and the refugee camps in this territory ceased to exist, the image of victims and helpless refugees continued, and the corruption increased, abetted by the donors."
(Gerald M. Steinberg, "Advice for Mr. Blair: Stop Patronizing the Palestinians," JCPA Jerusalem Issue Brief, June 28, 2007).
"Although the PLO was founded in 1964, and came to be accepted as the 'sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people,' its leaders limited their activities to the political and military struggle against Israel. Yassir Arafat showed no interest in building civil society or ending the dependence and victimization. On the contrary, for decades, he was a major contributor to this syndrome.
"The international community, and particularly European governments, perpetuated and widened this process, handing over additional funds, often in bags of cash handed directly to Arafat and his cronies. Officials in London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Oslo, Bern, Stockholm, Rome and elsewhere, ignored the obvious evidence of massive corruption and the lack of interest in building institutions or providing services (the report written much later by the EU's watchdog agency OLAF remains a tightly guarded secret, making a mockery of European calls for transparency).
"The core reason for allowing huge amounts of European tax revenues to disappear among Palestinian officials was paternalism. European leaders did not expect anything better from Arafat and Fatah, and did not try or condition aid to fundamental changes. After the 1993 Oslo peace framework established the Palestinian Authority and the refugee camps in this territory ceased to exist, the image of victims and helpless refugees continued, and the corruption increased, abetted by the donors."
(Gerald M. Steinberg, "Advice for Mr. Blair: Stop Patronizing the Palestinians," JCPA Jerusalem Issue Brief, June 28, 2007).
June 29, 2007:
Russia intends to maintain contacts with Hamas.
Oleg Ozerov, a senior Foreign Ministry official: "The 'divide and conquer policy' is not helping to solve the conflict...If there is any solution to the conflict at all, it is in a dialogue between the two leading Palestinian forces...We recognise President Abbas and the government he has formed...But we cannot ignore the fact that more than half of the seats in the legitimately elected parliament belong to Hamas...There should be no Fatah-land and Hamas-stan. After all, talks with Israel require a consolidated Palestinian partner...Factional conflicts have happened (before) between the Palestinian groups...And every time they managed to make a deal...We believe that such a prospect is still there."
("Senior Russian Diplomat Says Russia to Keep Hamas Contacts," Reuters, June 28, 2007).
Russia intends to maintain contacts with Hamas.
Oleg Ozerov, a senior Foreign Ministry official: "The 'divide and conquer policy' is not helping to solve the conflict...If there is any solution to the conflict at all, it is in a dialogue between the two leading Palestinian forces...We recognise President Abbas and the government he has formed...But we cannot ignore the fact that more than half of the seats in the legitimately elected parliament belong to Hamas...There should be no Fatah-land and Hamas-stan. After all, talks with Israel require a consolidated Palestinian partner...Factional conflicts have happened (before) between the Palestinian groups...And every time they managed to make a deal...We believe that such a prospect is still there."
("Senior Russian Diplomat Says Russia to Keep Hamas Contacts," Reuters, June 28, 2007).
June 28, 2007:
"An IDF officer and soldier were severely wounded and two soldiers were lightly wounded this morning when Palestinians activated an explosive device at an IDF force operating in Nablus. Another IDF officer was moderately wounded when Palestinians activated an explosive device in a separate incident overnight.
Throughout the operation Palestinians activated a total of 6 explosive devices and opened fire in two different incidents at IDF forces in Nablus. In searches conducted in the area, the forces uncovered a pipe-bomb, a hunting rifle, a stun-grenade and several AK-47-ammunition clips. Additionally, IDF forces arrested two wanted Fatah operatives.
As part of the ongoing IDF activity against terror in the Judea and Samaria region, for the safety and security of the citizens of Israel, IDF forces have been operating in the city of Nablus and in its outskirts, in order to disrupt the extensive terrorist activities in the city and prevent the dispatch of terrorist attacks and bombings into the Israeli Home Front and Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria.
Since the beginning of 2007 IDF forces have uncovered in Nablus, a major terrorist hub, several explosives-labs and a large amount of weaponry, including approximately 10 explosive devices, numerous rifles and other weapons, hand-grenades and additional ammunition.
During 2006, of the 187 potential suicide-bombers arrested in Judea and Samaria, 117 came from the city of Nablus. Since September 2006, 9 of at least 11 explosive belts uncovered in Judea and Samaria were found in Nablus.
In addition, in 2007 Palestinians hurled approximately 19 explosive devices and 23 hand grenades and improvised grenades at Israeli security forces operating in Nablus. Palestinians opened fire in dozens of additional incidents at forces in the city.
In January 2007, IDF forces uncovered an explosives-lab and two 5-kg explosive devices. Additionally, two terrorists in possession of explosive belts meant for use in terrorist attacks in Israel were arrested in Nablus."
("IDF Officer and Soldier Severely Injured in Nablus Overnight," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 28, 2007).
"An IDF officer and soldier were severely wounded and two soldiers were lightly wounded this morning when Palestinians activated an explosive device at an IDF force operating in Nablus. Another IDF officer was moderately wounded when Palestinians activated an explosive device in a separate incident overnight.
Throughout the operation Palestinians activated a total of 6 explosive devices and opened fire in two different incidents at IDF forces in Nablus. In searches conducted in the area, the forces uncovered a pipe-bomb, a hunting rifle, a stun-grenade and several AK-47-ammunition clips. Additionally, IDF forces arrested two wanted Fatah operatives.
As part of the ongoing IDF activity against terror in the Judea and Samaria region, for the safety and security of the citizens of Israel, IDF forces have been operating in the city of Nablus and in its outskirts, in order to disrupt the extensive terrorist activities in the city and prevent the dispatch of terrorist attacks and bombings into the Israeli Home Front and Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria.
Since the beginning of 2007 IDF forces have uncovered in Nablus, a major terrorist hub, several explosives-labs and a large amount of weaponry, including approximately 10 explosive devices, numerous rifles and other weapons, hand-grenades and additional ammunition.
During 2006, of the 187 potential suicide-bombers arrested in Judea and Samaria, 117 came from the city of Nablus. Since September 2006, 9 of at least 11 explosive belts uncovered in Judea and Samaria were found in Nablus.
In addition, in 2007 Palestinians hurled approximately 19 explosive devices and 23 hand grenades and improvised grenades at Israeli security forces operating in Nablus. Palestinians opened fire in dozens of additional incidents at forces in the city.
In January 2007, IDF forces uncovered an explosives-lab and two 5-kg explosive devices. Additionally, two terrorists in possession of explosive belts meant for use in terrorist attacks in Israel were arrested in Nablus."
("IDF Officer and Soldier Severely Injured in Nablus Overnight," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 28, 2007).
June 28, 2007:
Australia agrees to provide US $4 million to support the emergency government and an additional $3 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer: "I have an enormous problem with extremists...The actions of violent extremists [threatens to] derail the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people...We will continue to engage with the emergency Palestinian government to promote the cause of peace and provide humanitarian assistance."
("Australia Shows its Support For Abbas’ Emergency Government With a $4 Million Aid Package," Ma'an News, June 27, 2007).
Australia agrees to provide US $4 million to support the emergency government and an additional $3 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer: "I have an enormous problem with extremists...The actions of violent extremists [threatens to] derail the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people...We will continue to engage with the emergency Palestinian government to promote the cause of peace and provide humanitarian assistance."
("Australia Shows its Support For Abbas’ Emergency Government With a $4 Million Aid Package," Ma'an News, June 27, 2007).
June 28, 2007:
Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora announces that Syria is sending weapons to Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.
"In recent weeks, ammunition, weapons and fighters have been brought to the camps."
("'Syria Arming Palestinian Camps'," Associated Press, June 27, 2007).
Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora announces that Syria is sending weapons to Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.
"In recent weeks, ammunition, weapons and fighters have been brought to the camps."
("'Syria Arming Palestinian Camps'," Associated Press, June 27, 2007).
June 28, 2007:
Former Fatah security chief Muhammed Dahlan (FATAH): "I was not surprised by the coup in the Gaza Strip..I knew about Hamas's plans and I told different parties about this so we could try to thwart them...Since the beginning of the [second] intifada in 2000 our security forces faced systematic destruction by Israel. The Israelis destroyed 280 security installations in the past seven years and Hamas continued to destroy security installations before they launched their coup.
"They [Hamas] claim that they have just now liberated the Gaza Strip for the second time [after Israel's 2005 disengagement]...The Hamas men have Fatah blood on their hands. They forgot that Fatah protected them when they were being chased by Israel...For decades, Iran never paid the Palestinians one dollar...But they gave Hamas $400m. that went to Hamas's bank accounts, and not to the Palestinian people...Qatar also gave Hamas another $400m. that was used to slaughter Palestinians."
Dahlan also notes that Hamas was founded with the support of Israel, to counter the PLO and Fatah. "Everyone knows that Israel established Hamas back then so that it could fight the PLO...When Hamas members were arrested back then for possession of weapons, they used to tell the Israelis that the guns were supposed to be used only against Communists and secular Palestinians."
(Khlaed Abu Toameh, "Dahlan: Iran, Qatar Supported Hamas During Gaza 'Coup'," Jerusalem Post, June 27, 2007).
Former Fatah security chief Muhammed Dahlan (FATAH): "I was not surprised by the coup in the Gaza Strip..I knew about Hamas's plans and I told different parties about this so we could try to thwart them...Since the beginning of the [second] intifada in 2000 our security forces faced systematic destruction by Israel. The Israelis destroyed 280 security installations in the past seven years and Hamas continued to destroy security installations before they launched their coup.
"They [Hamas] claim that they have just now liberated the Gaza Strip for the second time [after Israel's 2005 disengagement]...The Hamas men have Fatah blood on their hands. They forgot that Fatah protected them when they were being chased by Israel...For decades, Iran never paid the Palestinians one dollar...But they gave Hamas $400m. that went to Hamas's bank accounts, and not to the Palestinian people...Qatar also gave Hamas another $400m. that was used to slaughter Palestinians."
Dahlan also notes that Hamas was founded with the support of Israel, to counter the PLO and Fatah. "Everyone knows that Israel established Hamas back then so that it could fight the PLO...When Hamas members were arrested back then for possession of weapons, they used to tell the Israelis that the guns were supposed to be used only against Communists and secular Palestinians."
(Khlaed Abu Toameh, "Dahlan: Iran, Qatar Supported Hamas During Gaza 'Coup'," Jerusalem Post, June 27, 2007).
June 28, 2007:
Elbit Systems Ltd. subsidiary Kollsman Inc. wins an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract for testing, repairing and modifying systems used in AH-1 W US Marine Corps Cobra helicopters. The five-year contract is potentially worth up to $97 million.
Kollsman will test, tear down, analyze, repair and modify night targeting systems, weapon repairable assemblies, and system repairable assemblies.
Kollsman EVP and general manager, Randy Moore: "We are very pleased to be selected by the NAVICP/NAVSUP. This contract continues Kollsman's important work supporting the Marine Corps helicopter mission readiness and demonstrates excellent relations with this depot legacy program."
("Elbit Systems Unit Wins $97m Marines Order," Globes, June 27, 2007).
Elbit Systems Ltd. subsidiary Kollsman Inc. wins an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract for testing, repairing and modifying systems used in AH-1 W US Marine Corps Cobra helicopters. The five-year contract is potentially worth up to $97 million.
Kollsman will test, tear down, analyze, repair and modify night targeting systems, weapon repairable assemblies, and system repairable assemblies.
Kollsman EVP and general manager, Randy Moore: "We are very pleased to be selected by the NAVICP/NAVSUP. This contract continues Kollsman's important work supporting the Marine Corps helicopter mission readiness and demonstrates excellent relations with this depot legacy program."
("Elbit Systems Unit Wins $97m Marines Order," Globes, June 27, 2007).
June 27, 2007:
- At least 12 Palestinians are killed and two Israel Defense Forces soldiers lightly wounded during two separate IDF operations in the Gaza Strip. Approximately 40 Palestinians are wounded in the fighting. The IDF confirms both operations, noting they were aimed at "negating threats." According to the IDF, troops operated between one and two kilometers into the Strip, conducting searches for terrorists, explosive devices, and tunnel shafts.
- At least nine Palestinians are killed east of Gaza City, including senior Islamic Jihad terrorist Raed Fanuna. Two IDF soldiers are lightly wounded when their tank is hit by an anti-tank rocket. Additional terrorists killed in the raid are identified as Sami Manasra and Yussuf Manasra (Islamic Jihad), Nafez Hilas and Ahmed Hilas (Fatah), and Anan Al-Ararir and Yussuf Jakha (Hamas).
- IDF forces operating near the southern Gaza town of Khan Yunis kill Diya Abu Daka (Islamic Jihad), and Hussam Abu Ataima (Hamas).
- The IAF targets Palestinian terrorists near the Karni Crossing.
- A rocket hits a western Negev town. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility.
- Two additions rockets strike the western Negev, and Palestinians fire three mortar shells at the Erez crossing.
IDF Spokesperson's Office:
"During the night IDF forces began to operate against the terror infrastructure in the northern and southern part of the Gaza strip. During the day Palestinians fired anti-tank missiles and opened fire on numerous occasions at IDF soldiers. The IDF carried out an aerial attack against a group of Palestinian gunmen who were identified approaching the forces. In the exchanges of fire, at least 15 armed gunmen were identified as being hit. In one of the incidents 2 IDF soldiers were lightly injured and were taken to a hospital for medical treatment. In addition, dozens of Palestinian suspects were taken for questioning by the security forces.
"In a joint IDF and ISA activity in northern Gaza forces uncovered various weapons including: AK47 assault rifles, a hunting rifle, handguns, ammunition clips, fragmentation grenades, bulletproof vests, surveillance and targeting equipment and wireless communications equipment. During the afternoon, IDF forces completed the operation in the northern part of the Gaza strip.
"Since this morning, Palestinians fired 4 Qassam rockets, one of which landed in Sderot. In addition, several mortar shells were fired and landed in the northern part of the western Negev. No injuries were reported."
(Avi Issacharoff and Yuval Azoulay, "At least 12 Palestinians Killed, Two Soldiers Wounded in IDF Gaza Raids," Ha'aretz, June 27, 2007; "IDF Summary of Events in Gaza," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 27, 2007).
- At least 12 Palestinians are killed and two Israel Defense Forces soldiers lightly wounded during two separate IDF operations in the Gaza Strip. Approximately 40 Palestinians are wounded in the fighting. The IDF confirms both operations, noting they were aimed at "negating threats." According to the IDF, troops operated between one and two kilometers into the Strip, conducting searches for terrorists, explosive devices, and tunnel shafts.
- At least nine Palestinians are killed east of Gaza City, including senior Islamic Jihad terrorist Raed Fanuna. Two IDF soldiers are lightly wounded when their tank is hit by an anti-tank rocket. Additional terrorists killed in the raid are identified as Sami Manasra and Yussuf Manasra (Islamic Jihad), Nafez Hilas and Ahmed Hilas (Fatah), and Anan Al-Ararir and Yussuf Jakha (Hamas).
- IDF forces operating near the southern Gaza town of Khan Yunis kill Diya Abu Daka (Islamic Jihad), and Hussam Abu Ataima (Hamas).
- The IAF targets Palestinian terrorists near the Karni Crossing.
- A rocket hits a western Negev town. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility.
- Two additions rockets strike the western Negev, and Palestinians fire three mortar shells at the Erez crossing.
IDF Spokesperson's Office:
"During the night IDF forces began to operate against the terror infrastructure in the northern and southern part of the Gaza strip. During the day Palestinians fired anti-tank missiles and opened fire on numerous occasions at IDF soldiers. The IDF carried out an aerial attack against a group of Palestinian gunmen who were identified approaching the forces. In the exchanges of fire, at least 15 armed gunmen were identified as being hit. In one of the incidents 2 IDF soldiers were lightly injured and were taken to a hospital for medical treatment. In addition, dozens of Palestinian suspects were taken for questioning by the security forces.
"In a joint IDF and ISA activity in northern Gaza forces uncovered various weapons including: AK47 assault rifles, a hunting rifle, handguns, ammunition clips, fragmentation grenades, bulletproof vests, surveillance and targeting equipment and wireless communications equipment. During the afternoon, IDF forces completed the operation in the northern part of the Gaza strip.
"Since this morning, Palestinians fired 4 Qassam rockets, one of which landed in Sderot. In addition, several mortar shells were fired and landed in the northern part of the western Negev. No injuries were reported."
(Avi Issacharoff and Yuval Azoulay, "At least 12 Palestinians Killed, Two Soldiers Wounded in IDF Gaza Raids," Ha'aretz, June 27, 2007; "IDF Summary of Events in Gaza," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 27, 2007).
June 27, 2007:
The Israeli government decides to invest some NIS 1 billion in a new plan to protect residents and institutions near the Gaza Strip. Among the alternatives being considered is the addition of a secure room, nine meters square, to each housing unit. Other possible solutions include installing fortified roofs and walls or turning one room in each house into a secure room. For multi-story homes, the option of converting upper stories into fortified buffers is also being considered.
Alon Shuster, head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council: "Until now, there was no plan at all...I estimate that the project will stretch out for two years. In addition to the city of Sderot, there are 46-47 towns in the western Negev. We know this plan doesn't meet our needs 100 percent. This is a project that was done in the North on a much broader scale - billions of shekels. We want [that], too."
("Gov't to Invest NIS 1b. to Secure South," Jerusalem Post, June 27, 2007).
The Israeli government decides to invest some NIS 1 billion in a new plan to protect residents and institutions near the Gaza Strip. Among the alternatives being considered is the addition of a secure room, nine meters square, to each housing unit. Other possible solutions include installing fortified roofs and walls or turning one room in each house into a secure room. For multi-story homes, the option of converting upper stories into fortified buffers is also being considered.
Alon Shuster, head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council: "Until now, there was no plan at all...I estimate that the project will stretch out for two years. In addition to the city of Sderot, there are 46-47 towns in the western Negev. We know this plan doesn't meet our needs 100 percent. This is a project that was done in the North on a much broader scale - billions of shekels. We want [that], too."
("Gov't to Invest NIS 1b. to Secure South," Jerusalem Post, June 27, 2007).
June 27, 2007:
The IDF Homefront Command (PAKMAZ) tells Israeli television stations to be prepared for emergency situations. According to Ma'ariv, the IDF asked Israeli TV Channel 2 for assistance in transmitting special programs and announcements during the period of emergency.
("Israeli Internal Front Command Advises Israeli TV to be Prepared for Emergency Situations," Ma'an News, June 27, 2007).
The IDF Homefront Command (PAKMAZ) tells Israeli television stations to be prepared for emergency situations. According to Ma'ariv, the IDF asked Israeli TV Channel 2 for assistance in transmitting special programs and announcements during the period of emergency.
("Israeli Internal Front Command Advises Israeli TV to be Prepared for Emergency Situations," Ma'an News, June 27, 2007).
June 27, 2007:
- Israeli security sources warn that Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip are digging a tunnel towards the Erez crossing in order to carry out an attack.
The Erez crossing serves as the entry point for the personnel of the various aid and international organizations operating in the Gaza Strip. In addition, it is used to transfer medical supplies to the Strip.
- The Kerem Shalom crossing that had been opened in the Gaza Strip in order to allow humanitarian assistance to flow into the Strip is closed for two days, due to warnings over shooting and mortar attacks. Indeed, a large explosive device is uncovered close to Kerem Shalom.
(Avi Issacharoff, "Security sources: Tunnel Being Dug for Attack on Erez Crossing," Ha'aretz, June 27, 2007; Avi Issacharoff, "Crossings Used to Bring Aid into Gaza Closed Due to Terror Alerts," Ha'aretz, June 27, 2007).
- Israeli security sources warn that Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip are digging a tunnel towards the Erez crossing in order to carry out an attack.
The Erez crossing serves as the entry point for the personnel of the various aid and international organizations operating in the Gaza Strip. In addition, it is used to transfer medical supplies to the Strip.
- The Kerem Shalom crossing that had been opened in the Gaza Strip in order to allow humanitarian assistance to flow into the Strip is closed for two days, due to warnings over shooting and mortar attacks. Indeed, a large explosive device is uncovered close to Kerem Shalom.
(Avi Issacharoff, "Security sources: Tunnel Being Dug for Attack on Erez Crossing," Ha'aretz, June 27, 2007; Avi Issacharoff, "Crossings Used to Bring Aid into Gaza Closed Due to Terror Alerts," Ha'aretz, June 27, 2007).
June 27, 2007:
- IDF forces wound three Islamic Jihad terrorists in the West Bank village of Wadi Burkin west of Jenin.
- Palestinians in the village hurled an explosive device at the soldiers, but caused no casualties, Israel Radio reported.
("IDF Troops Wound Three Islamic Jihad Militants in Raid Near Jenin," Ha'aretz, June 27, 2007).
- IDF forces wound three Islamic Jihad terrorists in the West Bank village of Wadi Burkin west of Jenin.
- Palestinians in the village hurled an explosive device at the soldiers, but caused no casualties, Israel Radio reported.
("IDF Troops Wound Three Islamic Jihad Militants in Raid Near Jenin," Ha'aretz, June 27, 2007).
June 27, 2007:
Mahmoud Abbas (FATAH) asked Israel for permission to deploy Palestinian forces based in Jordan to the West Bank.
A senior Israel government official: "The Palestinians put in a request yesterday to transfer the Badr Brigade from Jordan to the West Bank...It is being evaluated and a decision will be made soon."
("Abbas Wants Jordanian Troops in West Bank," Reuters, June 26, 2007).
Mahmoud Abbas (FATAH) asked Israel for permission to deploy Palestinian forces based in Jordan to the West Bank.
A senior Israel government official: "The Palestinians put in a request yesterday to transfer the Badr Brigade from Jordan to the West Bank...It is being evaluated and a decision will be made soon."
("Abbas Wants Jordanian Troops in West Bank," Reuters, June 26, 2007).
June 26, 2007:
The Al Buraq Army (FATAH) announces the firing of a rocket-propelled grenade at an IDF position along the Karni Crossing, between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
"We are retaliating for Israeli aggression and assassinations and will stick to the choice of resistance..."
("Fatah Combatants Launch an RPG at an Israeli Military Base on Gaza's Border," Ma'an News, June 26, 2007).
The Al Buraq Army (FATAH) announces the firing of a rocket-propelled grenade at an IDF position along the Karni Crossing, between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
"We are retaliating for Israeli aggression and assassinations and will stick to the choice of resistance..."
("Fatah Combatants Launch an RPG at an Israeli Military Base on Gaza's Border," Ma'an News, June 26, 2007).
June 26, 2007:
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire two rockets at Israel. One rocket hits a building in Sderot, causing extensive damage to the structure, which belongs to a local yeshiva (religious school).
(Mijal Greenberg, "Sderot Building Damaged as two Qassams Strike Western Negev," Ha'aretz, June 26, 2007).
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire two rockets at Israel. One rocket hits a building in Sderot, causing extensive damage to the structure, which belongs to a local yeshiva (religious school).
(Mijal Greenberg, "Sderot Building Damaged as two Qassams Strike Western Negev," Ha'aretz, June 26, 2007).
June 26, 2007:
Hamas announces that it rejects comments by Osama bin Laden's top deputy Ayman al-Zawahri, who expressed Al-Qaeda's support for Hamas and its control of the Gaza Strip.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri: "Our movement has its own platform. We make our own decisions based on the ways of our official institutions and certainly not on remarks sent to us by leaders of such groups and others far away from here."
("Hamas Shuns Al-Qaida's Support," Jerusalem Post, June 26, 2007).
Hamas announces that it rejects comments by Osama bin Laden's top deputy Ayman al-Zawahri, who expressed Al-Qaeda's support for Hamas and its control of the Gaza Strip.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri: "Our movement has its own platform. We make our own decisions based on the ways of our official institutions and certainly not on remarks sent to us by leaders of such groups and others far away from here."
("Hamas Shuns Al-Qaida's Support," Jerusalem Post, June 26, 2007).
June 26, 2007:
Robin Hughes, Jane's Defence Weekly: "Israel Military Industries (IMI) has integrated a soft-kill capability into its Iron Fist modular active protection system (APS). This will provide what IMI describes as a complete defensive aids suite (DAS) capability for heavy- and medium-weight land platforms. Partially funded by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Iron Fist was originally unveiled as a hard-kill APS in mid-2006. The hard-kill element is an interceptor-based system designed to neutralize the threat without the production of hazardous fragments and without initiating the warhead.
"Rami Sokolower, Director of Marketing and Business Development at IMI Slavin Land Systems Division: 'Iron Fist will now also be able to deploy a directional jamming capability up to a significant short distance from the threatened platform in the knowledge that our hard-kill system can address the threat as a secondary failsafe capacity.'"
Full article here.
Operational Characteristics
Robin Hughes, Jane's Defence Weekly: "Israel Military Industries (IMI) has integrated a soft-kill capability into its Iron Fist modular active protection system (APS). This will provide what IMI describes as a complete defensive aids suite (DAS) capability for heavy- and medium-weight land platforms. Partially funded by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Iron Fist was originally unveiled as a hard-kill APS in mid-2006. The hard-kill element is an interceptor-based system designed to neutralize the threat without the production of hazardous fragments and without initiating the warhead.
"Rami Sokolower, Director of Marketing and Business Development at IMI Slavin Land Systems Division: 'Iron Fist will now also be able to deploy a directional jamming capability up to a significant short distance from the threatened platform in the knowledge that our hard-kill system can address the threat as a secondary failsafe capacity.'"
Full article here.
Operational Characteristics
- Modular design adaptable to various platforms from light vehicles to heavy AFVs.
- Protection against variety of anti tank threats- ATRs, ATGMs, HEAT & KE tank rounds.
- Wide angle protection coverage with minimum weight and integration requirements.
- Close range ATRs interception capability.
- Efficient for every warfare scenarios including LIC and Urban environment.
- Combustible Interceptor blast initiation at a safe distance of platform assuring minimal collateral damages.
June 26, 2007:
Colonel Nir Press, the commander of the IDF Coordination and Liaison unit in Gaza, meets with Mr. John Ging, head of UNWRA in the Gaza Strip.
"This meeting is very important, as it is part of the coordination procedures with the international organizations that bring in goods and basic foodstuffs into the Gaza Strip," said Colonel Press, during the meeting. "We must come up with solutions, together, for improving the provision of these goods. At this point in time there is enough foodstuffs brought into the Gaza Strip, however, we must design plans to ensure there will not be a lack in the future."
"We came to meet Colonel Press and his team in order to discuss the access issue for our humanitarian assistance which of course has been made more difficult due to recent events in Gaza," added Mr. Ging. "I am very pleased with the discussions that we had here today. We enjoy an excellent relationship with Colonel Press and his staff and we are finding solutions to make sure that the humanitarian aid can come into Gaza. Today's meeting was a constructive meeting and we have found practical solutions to make sure that the humanitarian assistance that is needed for the civilian population in Gaza can get through and I am very grateful for that."
("IDF Working to Provide Constant Stream of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Strip," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 25, 2007).
Colonel Nir Press, the commander of the IDF Coordination and Liaison unit in Gaza, meets with Mr. John Ging, head of UNWRA in the Gaza Strip.
"This meeting is very important, as it is part of the coordination procedures with the international organizations that bring in goods and basic foodstuffs into the Gaza Strip," said Colonel Press, during the meeting. "We must come up with solutions, together, for improving the provision of these goods. At this point in time there is enough foodstuffs brought into the Gaza Strip, however, we must design plans to ensure there will not be a lack in the future."
"We came to meet Colonel Press and his team in order to discuss the access issue for our humanitarian assistance which of course has been made more difficult due to recent events in Gaza," added Mr. Ging. "I am very pleased with the discussions that we had here today. We enjoy an excellent relationship with Colonel Press and his staff and we are finding solutions to make sure that the humanitarian aid can come into Gaza. Today's meeting was a constructive meeting and we have found practical solutions to make sure that the humanitarian assistance that is needed for the civilian population in Gaza can get through and I am very grateful for that."
("IDF Working to Provide Constant Stream of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Strip," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 25, 2007).
June 26, 2007:
Ismail Haniya (HAMAS): "Don't immerse yourselves in this illusion, and don't harrow after the mirage. America and Israel will not give you anything. Don't harrow after the mirage, thinking that it is water. The Americans won't give you anything, the Zionists won't give you anything. Our usurped homeland will not be recovered except through steadfastness and resistance.
"We are entrusted with the Palestinian cause. This is why we resisted, and withstood all the pressure, we didn't budge, we didn't give in, we said repeatedly we shall not sell out the rights of our people, because we are servants of the Palestinian people...The Americans and the British didn't accept the Makka Agreement, and from the very beginning, they sought to foil it by arming and financing the treasonous faction.
"As soon as we returned from Makka, the problems appeared again. Arms were being admitted to Gaza, incitement against us was everywhere, and every kind of provocation was created against us. Frictions here and there, roadblocks and checkpoints in the streets? So, we asked, is this what we agreed upon in Makka? I sent a confidential letter to President Abbas, detailing to him what was happening. I informed him that serious things were being planned and that this would have grave consequences on Palestinian national unity and our people's interests. Soon, everything was becoming chaotic. General strikes reappearing. Well, who stood behind these strikes? It was those who wanted to bring the government down."
("Haniya: We Call for a National Dialogue Between the Palestinian factions, and not with Olmert," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, June 25, 2007).
Ismail Haniya (HAMAS): "Don't immerse yourselves in this illusion, and don't harrow after the mirage. America and Israel will not give you anything. Don't harrow after the mirage, thinking that it is water. The Americans won't give you anything, the Zionists won't give you anything. Our usurped homeland will not be recovered except through steadfastness and resistance.
"We are entrusted with the Palestinian cause. This is why we resisted, and withstood all the pressure, we didn't budge, we didn't give in, we said repeatedly we shall not sell out the rights of our people, because we are servants of the Palestinian people...The Americans and the British didn't accept the Makka Agreement, and from the very beginning, they sought to foil it by arming and financing the treasonous faction.
"As soon as we returned from Makka, the problems appeared again. Arms were being admitted to Gaza, incitement against us was everywhere, and every kind of provocation was created against us. Frictions here and there, roadblocks and checkpoints in the streets? So, we asked, is this what we agreed upon in Makka? I sent a confidential letter to President Abbas, detailing to him what was happening. I informed him that serious things were being planned and that this would have grave consequences on Palestinian national unity and our people's interests. Soon, everything was becoming chaotic. General strikes reappearing. Well, who stood behind these strikes? It was those who wanted to bring the government down."
("Haniya: We Call for a National Dialogue Between the Palestinian factions, and not with Olmert," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, June 25, 2007).
June 26, 2007:
Al Aqsa Brigades spokesperson, Abu Fuad (FATAH), urges the Palestinian people to support the "choice of resistance."
"The Israeli policies will be frustrated on the rock of the steadfastness of the people, as before. We confirmed that we are putting the issue of the prisoners at the top of our priorities...Expose the Israeli position and the barbaric way they are treating the Palestinian people...The Arab League and the Islamic organizations [should] take a step forward, act in more responsible way and support the Palestinian people."
("Al Aqsa Brigades Spokesperson Urges Palestinians to Support Resistance," Ma'an News, June 25, 2007).
Al Aqsa Brigades spokesperson, Abu Fuad (FATAH), urges the Palestinian people to support the "choice of resistance."
"The Israeli policies will be frustrated on the rock of the steadfastness of the people, as before. We confirmed that we are putting the issue of the prisoners at the top of our priorities...Expose the Israeli position and the barbaric way they are treating the Palestinian people...The Arab League and the Islamic organizations [should] take a step forward, act in more responsible way and support the Palestinian people."
("Al Aqsa Brigades Spokesperson Urges Palestinians to Support Resistance," Ma'an News, June 25, 2007).
June 25, 2007:
Ayman Al-Zawahri, Al-Qaeda's deputy leader, calls on Muslims around the world to back Hamas with weapons, money and attacks on US and Israeli interests.
"Unite with mujahedeen (holy warriors) in Palestine...and with all mujahedeen in the world in the face of the upcoming attack where Egyptians and Saudis are expected to play part of it...Provide them (Hamas) with money, do your best to get it there, break the siege imposed on them by crusaders and Arab leaders traitors...Facilitate weapons smuggling from neighboring countries...We can support them by targeting the crusader and Zionist interest wherever we can..."
WeaponSurvey Analysis: Al-Qaeda backing for Hamas can be attributed to the latter's recent takeover of the Strip. Indeed, relations between the two organizations had deteriorated subsequent to Hamas winning the PA elections.
In May 2007, Al-Qaeda leader Yahya al-Libi harshly criticized Hamas, noting that: "Hamas has abandoned Jihad for politics. It has betrayed its youths. Its main activity is politics. Since its decision to go down the path of politics, Hamas has begun to descend on a downhill slope. They betrayed the dreams of their young fighters and they stabbed them in the back...All of the pretexts Hamas gives for pondering the political path do not even convince Hamas...They don't believe their own rhetoric. They themselves know they are not pursuing the true path of Islam."
("Al-Qaida Leader Urges Hamas to Implement Islamic Rule in Gaza," Ha'aretz, June 25, 2007; Yaakov Lappin, "Al-Qaeda: Hamas Betrayed God," YnetNews, May 6, 2007).
Ayman Al-Zawahri, Al-Qaeda's deputy leader, calls on Muslims around the world to back Hamas with weapons, money and attacks on US and Israeli interests.
"Unite with mujahedeen (holy warriors) in Palestine...and with all mujahedeen in the world in the face of the upcoming attack where Egyptians and Saudis are expected to play part of it...Provide them (Hamas) with money, do your best to get it there, break the siege imposed on them by crusaders and Arab leaders traitors...Facilitate weapons smuggling from neighboring countries...We can support them by targeting the crusader and Zionist interest wherever we can..."
WeaponSurvey Analysis: Al-Qaeda backing for Hamas can be attributed to the latter's recent takeover of the Strip. Indeed, relations between the two organizations had deteriorated subsequent to Hamas winning the PA elections.
In May 2007, Al-Qaeda leader Yahya al-Libi harshly criticized Hamas, noting that: "Hamas has abandoned Jihad for politics. It has betrayed its youths. Its main activity is politics. Since its decision to go down the path of politics, Hamas has begun to descend on a downhill slope. They betrayed the dreams of their young fighters and they stabbed them in the back...All of the pretexts Hamas gives for pondering the political path do not even convince Hamas...They don't believe their own rhetoric. They themselves know they are not pursuing the true path of Islam."
("Al-Qaida Leader Urges Hamas to Implement Islamic Rule in Gaza," Ha'aretz, June 25, 2007; Yaakov Lappin, "Al-Qaeda: Hamas Betrayed God," YnetNews, May 6, 2007).
June 25, 2007:
"More broadly, Israel’s strategic environment is likely to be more complex than ever before. The inter-state conventional war threat, though seriously reduced since both the demise of the Soviet Union and the removal of Iraq as a potential threat, remains palpable because of Syria. Moreover, the reduced threat in the inter-state conventional arena has been partially offset by both the growing Iranian nuclear threat to Israel and the increasing Palestinian and Hizballah low-intensity terror and crude ballistic capabilities that would place Israel under a form of perennial rocket siege in the long term."
(Hillel Frisch, "Motivation or Capabilities? Israeli Counterterrorism Against Palestinian Suicide Bombings and Violence," Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, December, 2006).
"More broadly, Israel’s strategic environment is likely to be more complex than ever before. The inter-state conventional war threat, though seriously reduced since both the demise of the Soviet Union and the removal of Iraq as a potential threat, remains palpable because of Syria. Moreover, the reduced threat in the inter-state conventional arena has been partially offset by both the growing Iranian nuclear threat to Israel and the increasing Palestinian and Hizballah low-intensity terror and crude ballistic capabilities that would place Israel under a form of perennial rocket siege in the long term."
(Hillel Frisch, "Motivation or Capabilities? Israeli Counterterrorism Against Palestinian Suicide Bombings and Violence," Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, December, 2006).
June 25, 2007:
"Once Israel formally asks the Europeans to send troops to Gaza, they will not do so free of charge. They will probably prefer to send their troops to the West Bank instead of Gaza as a way of imposing their positions on Israel -- not only regarding the checkpoints regime but also regarding other Israeli security requirements such as the separation fence. The collapse of Israel's security strategy could well have disastrous consequences for Israel, the Palestinians, and Jordan alike.
"An indication that sending EU troops to Gaza will be conditioned on sending them to the West Bank was implied in a statement by Fatah spokesman Jamal Nazza during an interview with German TV Channel 3 on 31 May 2007, as quoted by the Dunia Watan agency of Gaza: 'The idea...is Arafat's -- to create an international monitoring mechanism for the...occupation and to protect the Palestinians from the Israeli aggression....As for Fatah, its guiding principle is that Gaza and the West Bank are one entity, and if the spread of international forces is part of a peace agreement with Israel, the issue is worth studying and the Palestinians will not reject an international monitor of the occupation's behavior.'"
(Pinhas Inbari, "The Risks to Regional Security from International Forces in Gaza," JCPA Jerusalem Issue Brief, June 24, 2007).
"Once Israel formally asks the Europeans to send troops to Gaza, they will not do so free of charge. They will probably prefer to send their troops to the West Bank instead of Gaza as a way of imposing their positions on Israel -- not only regarding the checkpoints regime but also regarding other Israeli security requirements such as the separation fence. The collapse of Israel's security strategy could well have disastrous consequences for Israel, the Palestinians, and Jordan alike.
"An indication that sending EU troops to Gaza will be conditioned on sending them to the West Bank was implied in a statement by Fatah spokesman Jamal Nazza during an interview with German TV Channel 3 on 31 May 2007, as quoted by the Dunia Watan agency of Gaza: 'The idea...is Arafat's -- to create an international monitoring mechanism for the...occupation and to protect the Palestinians from the Israeli aggression....As for Fatah, its guiding principle is that Gaza and the West Bank are one entity, and if the spread of international forces is part of a peace agreement with Israel, the issue is worth studying and the Palestinians will not reject an international monitor of the occupation's behavior.'"
(Pinhas Inbari, "The Risks to Regional Security from International Forces in Gaza," JCPA Jerusalem Issue Brief, June 24, 2007).
June 25, 2007:
- At least 10 people are killed in fighting between Lebanese troops and suspected Islamic terrorists in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli. Two civilians, one soldier, a policeman and at least six terrorists are said to have been killed in the fight.
- Six soldiers serving with UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are killed when their vehicle is hit by an explosive device.
("Lebanon Islamist Clashes Spread," BBC News, June 24, 2007; "Lebanon Blast Kills UN Soldiers," BBC News, June 24, 2007).
- At least 10 people are killed in fighting between Lebanese troops and suspected Islamic terrorists in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli. Two civilians, one soldier, a policeman and at least six terrorists are said to have been killed in the fight.
- Six soldiers serving with UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are killed when their vehicle is hit by an explosive device.
("Lebanon Islamist Clashes Spread," BBC News, June 24, 2007; "Lebanon Blast Kills UN Soldiers," BBC News, June 24, 2007).
June 25, 2007:
- Head of Military Intelligence (AMAN) Maj.-Gen. Amos Yadlin tells cabinet ministers that Iran, Hizbullah, Hamas, World Jihad, and Syria are all actively working against Israel, and may force a conflict as early as this summer.
"Any one of these authorities can bring about a deterioration in the situation this summer..."
- Shin Bet (GSS) head Yuval Diskin notes that Hamas is weighing the option of carrying out a terror attack, but is currently maintaining quiet in order to consolidate their position.
(Herb Keinon, "Military Intel Chief: Conflict May Erupt This Summer," Jerusalem Post, June 24, 2007).
- Head of Military Intelligence (AMAN) Maj.-Gen. Amos Yadlin tells cabinet ministers that Iran, Hizbullah, Hamas, World Jihad, and Syria are all actively working against Israel, and may force a conflict as early as this summer.
"Any one of these authorities can bring about a deterioration in the situation this summer..."
- Shin Bet (GSS) head Yuval Diskin notes that Hamas is weighing the option of carrying out a terror attack, but is currently maintaining quiet in order to consolidate their position.
(Herb Keinon, "Military Intel Chief: Conflict May Erupt This Summer," Jerusalem Post, June 24, 2007).
June 24, 2007:
The IAF targets a car in eastern Gaza City, killing an Islamic Jihad terrorist and wounding two people. The IDF confirms the strike, noting that it targeted a rocket squad on its way to an attack.
("Islamic Jihad Militant Killed in IAF Strike in Gaza," Ha'aretz, June 25, 2007).
The IAF targets a car in eastern Gaza City, killing an Islamic Jihad terrorist and wounding two people. The IDF confirms the strike, noting that it targeted a rocket squad on its way to an attack.
("Islamic Jihad Militant Killed in IAF Strike in Gaza," Ha'aretz, June 25, 2007).
June 24, 2007:
"In light of developments on the Palestinian side, including the 14.6.07 dissolution of the Palestinian unity government and the 17.6.07 establishment of the Palestinian emergency government, the Government of Israel will continue to work with Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu Mazen and will resume working with the Palestinian government, with its recognition of the principles of the international Quartet. In this context, Israel will resume the transfer of tax funds, which have been collected as per agreements between Israel and the PLO and which are being held in Israel, according to a format and a timetable to be agreed upon with the emergency government and upon verification that these funds do not reach terrorist elements.
"In continuation of the Cabinet's 19.2.06 and 11.4.06 decisions, the Government of Israel will continue not to hold contacts with Hamas elements; as per the aforementioned decisions, Israel will continue humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, including electricity, water, food, medicines and medical services."
("CABINET COMMUNIQUE," Israeli Cabinet Secretariat, June 24, 2007).
"In light of developments on the Palestinian side, including the 14.6.07 dissolution of the Palestinian unity government and the 17.6.07 establishment of the Palestinian emergency government, the Government of Israel will continue to work with Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu Mazen and will resume working with the Palestinian government, with its recognition of the principles of the international Quartet. In this context, Israel will resume the transfer of tax funds, which have been collected as per agreements between Israel and the PLO and which are being held in Israel, according to a format and a timetable to be agreed upon with the emergency government and upon verification that these funds do not reach terrorist elements.
"In continuation of the Cabinet's 19.2.06 and 11.4.06 decisions, the Government of Israel will continue not to hold contacts with Hamas elements; as per the aforementioned decisions, Israel will continue humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, including electricity, water, food, medicines and medical services."
("CABINET COMMUNIQUE," Israeli Cabinet Secretariat, June 24, 2007).
June 24, 2007:
- Three people are lightly wounded after being hit by shrapnel from two Qassam rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. Both rockets impact in Sderot, including one that lands in the city center.
- Palestinian terrorists fire 11 mortars at the Karni Crossing (Gaza Strip sector).
("Three Lightly Wounded in Kassam Attack," Jerusalem Post, June 24, 2007; "11 Mortars Land Near Karni Crossing; None Wounded," Jerusalem Post, June 24, 2007).
- Three people are lightly wounded after being hit by shrapnel from two Qassam rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. Both rockets impact in Sderot, including one that lands in the city center.
- Palestinian terrorists fire 11 mortars at the Karni Crossing (Gaza Strip sector).
("Three Lightly Wounded in Kassam Attack," Jerusalem Post, June 24, 2007; "11 Mortars Land Near Karni Crossing; None Wounded," Jerusalem Post, June 24, 2007).
June 24, 2007:
The IDF Intelligence Corps (AMAN) assesses that Hamas has stockpiled at least 50 rockets with a range of 22 kilometers -- capable of striking Ashkelon from the center of Gaza. Hamas also possesses 20 Strella anti-aircraft missiles that could hit any aircraft flying over the Strip.
In addition, Hamas has recently managed to smuggle over 40 tons of explosives (via the Rafah crossing) that could be attached to Qassam rockets, creating a more effective projectile.
(Yuval Azoulay, "Report: IDF Believes Hamas has Rockets that Can Reach Ashkelon," Ha'aretz, June 24, 2007).
The IDF Intelligence Corps (AMAN) assesses that Hamas has stockpiled at least 50 rockets with a range of 22 kilometers -- capable of striking Ashkelon from the center of Gaza. Hamas also possesses 20 Strella anti-aircraft missiles that could hit any aircraft flying over the Strip.
In addition, Hamas has recently managed to smuggle over 40 tons of explosives (via the Rafah crossing) that could be attached to Qassam rockets, creating a more effective projectile.
(Yuval Azoulay, "Report: IDF Believes Hamas has Rockets that Can Reach Ashkelon," Ha'aretz, June 24, 2007).
June 24, 2007:
Raytheon Company announces an increased capability for its International Surface Launched, Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile system (SL-AMRAAM). The International SL-AMRAAM system will now be able to offer the added capabilities of the AIM-9X and SL-AMRAAM-ER (extended range) missiles, in addition to the already available, widely used and combat- proven AMRAAM missile.
Skip Garrett, VP of International Operations for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems: "SL-AMRAAM provides the warfighter with an effective and fully integrated air defense solution for maneuver forces, critical assets and homeland defense missions today and in the future. The addition of these two types of missiles will provide greater flexibility to match the most appropriate missile to the anticipated threat."
The SL-AMRAAM is a state-of-the-art air defense system that can defeat current and emerging cruise missiles and a wide range of air breathing threats. SL-AMRAAM provides a reliable, combat-proven capability to protect critical assets in maneuver warfare or homeland defense missions. This available, affordable and adaptable system is interoperable with the PATRIOT and other air defense systems.
SL-AMRAAM is already employed with a number of NATO nations and has been selected by the U.S. Army as the next-generation, medium-range air and missile defense system.
("Raytheon Introduces Increased SL-AMRAAM Capability," Raytheon Press Release, June 19, 2007).
Raytheon Company announces an increased capability for its International Surface Launched, Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile system (SL-AMRAAM). The International SL-AMRAAM system will now be able to offer the added capabilities of the AIM-9X and SL-AMRAAM-ER (extended range) missiles, in addition to the already available, widely used and combat- proven AMRAAM missile.
Skip Garrett, VP of International Operations for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems: "SL-AMRAAM provides the warfighter with an effective and fully integrated air defense solution for maneuver forces, critical assets and homeland defense missions today and in the future. The addition of these two types of missiles will provide greater flexibility to match the most appropriate missile to the anticipated threat."
The SL-AMRAAM is a state-of-the-art air defense system that can defeat current and emerging cruise missiles and a wide range of air breathing threats. SL-AMRAAM provides a reliable, combat-proven capability to protect critical assets in maneuver warfare or homeland defense missions. This available, affordable and adaptable system is interoperable with the PATRIOT and other air defense systems.
SL-AMRAAM is already employed with a number of NATO nations and has been selected by the U.S. Army as the next-generation, medium-range air and missile defense system.
("Raytheon Introduces Increased SL-AMRAAM Capability," Raytheon Press Release, June 19, 2007).
June 23, 2007:
"In a joint IDF and ISA activity, forces arrested a senior Hamas terror-operative in the village of Arura, north of Ramallah. The operative, Tzaelah Mahmud Saliman El-Aruri, 41, citizen of Arura, is considered the founder of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades- the military wing of the Hamas terror-organization in Judea and Samaria. In addition, Tzaelah El-Aruri is a senior active member of the organization and is one of the leaders of the Hamas in Judea and Samaria, in the prisons and abroad.
"Between 1992-1997, Tzaelah El-Aruri was imprisoned. Later on, he was arrested in 1998 and released in March of 2007. During the time he served in prison he was one of the few leaders of the Hamas organization in the prisons. During the past few months Tzaelah El-Aruri continued to openly operate as part of the Hamas terror organization and was arrested."
("Background Information: Senior Hamas Terror-Operative Arrested," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 23, 2007).
"In a joint IDF and ISA activity, forces arrested a senior Hamas terror-operative in the village of Arura, north of Ramallah. The operative, Tzaelah Mahmud Saliman El-Aruri, 41, citizen of Arura, is considered the founder of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades- the military wing of the Hamas terror-organization in Judea and Samaria. In addition, Tzaelah El-Aruri is a senior active member of the organization and is one of the leaders of the Hamas in Judea and Samaria, in the prisons and abroad.
"Between 1992-1997, Tzaelah El-Aruri was imprisoned. Later on, he was arrested in 1998 and released in March of 2007. During the time he served in prison he was one of the few leaders of the Hamas organization in the prisons. During the past few months Tzaelah El-Aruri continued to openly operate as part of the Hamas terror organization and was arrested."
("Background Information: Senior Hamas Terror-Operative Arrested," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 23, 2007).
June 23, 2007:
"Islamic resistance movement Hamas revealed yesterday secret documents and records. The documents affirmed that the preventive security and the intelligence services were cooperating with the Zionist entity. Also they were weaving conspiracies on some Arab and Islamic countries. Dr. Khalil Al Hayya, the member of the political leadership of Hamas and deputy in the Palestinian Legislative Council, said at a press conference held yesterday evening in Gaza 'The movement had serious files and recordings will be arranged and classified as a prelude to revealed on a Truth investigating committee.'
"He added 'these files are full with complete information about Hamas leadership and Hamas members. And not just Hamas members but they collect information to the Zionist army on every thing related to the resistance and their men.' Al Hayya said 'some these files delivered to the American intelligence (CIA) and to the Zionist intelligence about Arab and Islamic countries.' Also Al Hayya revealed that some documents approved that the two services put sensitive listening devices in the house of president Yaser Arafat and the house of Mahmoud Abbas.
"He revealed that when the Zionist entity released 100 million dollars, demanded the Palestinian Authority to send 2500 weapons and 5.2 million bullets in the West Bank. He said, 'This document is written in Mohammed Dahlan's diary.' Al Hayya said that the documents appeared that these services' mission is chasing the mujahideen. He said 'we found every call was the mujahideen done.' All the documents and records was transferred to the Zionist intelligence.
"Also some documents revealed the place of the tunnels which prepared to resist the Zionist invasions. Al Hayya added that the preventive security draw a solid to sheik Ismail Haniya house to assassinate him. Finally, Al Hayya said that Hamas didn’t want to reveal these scandals and secrets but the arrogance of the traitors force the movement to do that."
("Hamas Revealed Secret Documents and the Shin Biet Described it as 'Treasure,'" Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, June 23, 2007).
"Islamic resistance movement Hamas revealed yesterday secret documents and records. The documents affirmed that the preventive security and the intelligence services were cooperating with the Zionist entity. Also they were weaving conspiracies on some Arab and Islamic countries. Dr. Khalil Al Hayya, the member of the political leadership of Hamas and deputy in the Palestinian Legislative Council, said at a press conference held yesterday evening in Gaza 'The movement had serious files and recordings will be arranged and classified as a prelude to revealed on a Truth investigating committee.'
"He added 'these files are full with complete information about Hamas leadership and Hamas members. And not just Hamas members but they collect information to the Zionist army on every thing related to the resistance and their men.' Al Hayya said 'some these files delivered to the American intelligence (CIA) and to the Zionist intelligence about Arab and Islamic countries.' Also Al Hayya revealed that some documents approved that the two services put sensitive listening devices in the house of president Yaser Arafat and the house of Mahmoud Abbas.
"He revealed that when the Zionist entity released 100 million dollars, demanded the Palestinian Authority to send 2500 weapons and 5.2 million bullets in the West Bank. He said, 'This document is written in Mohammed Dahlan's diary.' Al Hayya said that the documents appeared that these services' mission is chasing the mujahideen. He said 'we found every call was the mujahideen done.' All the documents and records was transferred to the Zionist intelligence.
"Also some documents revealed the place of the tunnels which prepared to resist the Zionist invasions. Al Hayya added that the preventive security draw a solid to sheik Ismail Haniya house to assassinate him. Finally, Al Hayya said that Hamas didn’t want to reveal these scandals and secrets but the arrogance of the traitors force the movement to do that."
("Hamas Revealed Secret Documents and the Shin Biet Described it as 'Treasure,'" Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, June 23, 2007).
June 23, 2007:
Hamas PLC member, Yahia Moussa states that Hamas will treat any international forces sent to the Gaza Strip as "an occupation force."
During a speech in Khan Yhunis, Moussa notes that "any solution will be through political channels, on the basis of what has been agreed between the factions."
Salah Bardawil, spokesman for the Hamas bloc in the PLC:
"What happened in the strip was upon the will of the Palestinian people. Abu Mazen [President Abbas] has lost his legitimacy, after dealing with the enemies."
("Hamas: "International forces deployed in Gaza Will be Treated as an Occupation Force",'" Ma'an News, June 23, 2007).
Hamas PLC member, Yahia Moussa states that Hamas will treat any international forces sent to the Gaza Strip as "an occupation force."
During a speech in Khan Yhunis, Moussa notes that "any solution will be through political channels, on the basis of what has been agreed between the factions."
Salah Bardawil, spokesman for the Hamas bloc in the PLC:
"What happened in the strip was upon the will of the Palestinian people. Abu Mazen [President Abbas] has lost his legitimacy, after dealing with the enemies."
("Hamas: "International forces deployed in Gaza Will be Treated as an Occupation Force",'" Ma'an News, June 23, 2007).
June 23, 2007:
Mahmoud Zahar threatens that Hamas may use bombs to counter Fatah in the West Bank. Zahar also pledges to track down Israeli spies in Gaza.
(Aluf Benn and Yuval Azoulay, "Zahar: Hamas will Go After 'Israeli spies' in Gaza, Fatah in W. Bank," Ha'aretz, June 23, 2007).
Mahmoud Zahar threatens that Hamas may use bombs to counter Fatah in the West Bank. Zahar also pledges to track down Israeli spies in Gaza.
(Aluf Benn and Yuval Azoulay, "Zahar: Hamas will Go After 'Israeli spies' in Gaza, Fatah in W. Bank," Ha'aretz, June 23, 2007).
June 23, 2007:
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak: "We follow closely the consequences of the coup against the Palestinian legitimacy (in Gaza) and the damages that it has caused to the Palestinian people...We regret shedding Palestinian blood by Palestinian hands in clashes that crossed all the red lines..."
WeaponSurvey Analysis: In February 2007, Shin Bet Chief Yuval Diskin assessed that Egyptian security forces were failing to stop the smuggling of weapons from the Sinai Desert to Palestinian terror groups inside the Gaza Strip.
"If Egypt starts to thwart the transfer of weapons then that will slow down the terror buildup in Gaza and stave off a military operation there...They [the Egyptians] have a key in their hands and they know it."
Diskin also noted that Cairo was exploiting its claim for more soldiers along the border as an excuse to alter the Camp David peace agreement.
In June 2007, media reports indicated that Egypt believed a Hamas takeover would halt or reduce terrorist infiltrations in the Sinai Peninsula.
("Mubarak Calls Hamas' Gaza Takeover 'Coup'," Reuters, June 22, 2007; "Egypt Quietly Supports Hamas Takeover," Middle East Newsline, June 19, 2007; Yaakov Katz, "Diskin: Egypt Is Not Active Enough," Jerusalem Post, February 5, 2007).
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak: "We follow closely the consequences of the coup against the Palestinian legitimacy (in Gaza) and the damages that it has caused to the Palestinian people...We regret shedding Palestinian blood by Palestinian hands in clashes that crossed all the red lines..."
WeaponSurvey Analysis: In February 2007, Shin Bet Chief Yuval Diskin assessed that Egyptian security forces were failing to stop the smuggling of weapons from the Sinai Desert to Palestinian terror groups inside the Gaza Strip.
"If Egypt starts to thwart the transfer of weapons then that will slow down the terror buildup in Gaza and stave off a military operation there...They [the Egyptians] have a key in their hands and they know it."
Diskin also noted that Cairo was exploiting its claim for more soldiers along the border as an excuse to alter the Camp David peace agreement.
In June 2007, media reports indicated that Egypt believed a Hamas takeover would halt or reduce terrorist infiltrations in the Sinai Peninsula.
("Mubarak Calls Hamas' Gaza Takeover 'Coup'," Reuters, June 22, 2007; "Egypt Quietly Supports Hamas Takeover," Middle East Newsline, June 19, 2007; Yaakov Katz, "Diskin: Egypt Is Not Active Enough," Jerusalem Post, February 5, 2007).
June 23, 2007:
Hilary Benn, the UK International Development Secretary announces that £1 million (almost US $2m) would be channelled through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to meet immediate humanitarian needs.
According to Benn: "The situation for Palestinians in the West Bank and, particularly, Gaza remains desperately hard. They need access to health care, fuel and food. That is why I am today announcing £1 million for the ICRC, to support a wide range of activities, including providing healthcare, food, household relief kits and rebuilding water and sanitation facilities.
"We will not let the Palestinian people down. We continue to provide substantial assistance both through the UN Relief and Works Agency, and now ICRC. And we will look at other channels if that is the best way to deliver humanitarian aid. The most important thing now is access. Gaza's 1.3 million population is heavily dependent on imports of fuel and food. I urge the Israeli Government to ensure that crossings are open, both for imports of essential supplies and so that economic activity can resume in Gaza. The emergency government which was sworn in on 17 June has our full support. We will continue to work with those including President Abbas who are dedicated to a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We are ready to resume assistance to the Palestinian Authority and are beginning discussions on how best to help."
("UK Contributes £1 Million to Gaza Humanitarian Aid," Ma'an News, June 22, 2007).
Hilary Benn, the UK International Development Secretary announces that £1 million (almost US $2m) would be channelled through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to meet immediate humanitarian needs.
According to Benn: "The situation for Palestinians in the West Bank and, particularly, Gaza remains desperately hard. They need access to health care, fuel and food. That is why I am today announcing £1 million for the ICRC, to support a wide range of activities, including providing healthcare, food, household relief kits and rebuilding water and sanitation facilities.
"We will not let the Palestinian people down. We continue to provide substantial assistance both through the UN Relief and Works Agency, and now ICRC. And we will look at other channels if that is the best way to deliver humanitarian aid. The most important thing now is access. Gaza's 1.3 million population is heavily dependent on imports of fuel and food. I urge the Israeli Government to ensure that crossings are open, both for imports of essential supplies and so that economic activity can resume in Gaza. The emergency government which was sworn in on 17 June has our full support. We will continue to work with those including President Abbas who are dedicated to a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We are ready to resume assistance to the Palestinian Authority and are beginning discussions on how best to help."
("UK Contributes £1 Million to Gaza Humanitarian Aid," Ma'an News, June 22, 2007).
June 23, 2007:
Bahaa Balusha, FATAH Intelligence Coordinator: "While we sat there empty-handed, Hamas armed itself using coffers full of money from Iran. We know several thousand Hamas fighters were trained in Iran, Syria and Lebanon. They come from various branches of the armed wing of Hamas and go by the name of 'Qassam Army.' There, they did not train for the struggle against Israel. Instead, they learned how to eliminate political enemies using explosives and raids. They learned how to kill there."
"There is an al-Qaida cell in Gaza. We know this. There are some foreigners: Pakistanis, Sudanese, a small group of Yemenis. When the Israelis withdrew from Gaza, Hamas tore down the wall on the border with Egypt. It took a few days before the border was back under control. The foreigners took advantage of this moment to come to Gaza.
("Interview With Fatah's Intelligence Coordinatior: "It Will Be A Hot Summer," Spiegel Online, June 18, 2007).
Bahaa Balusha, FATAH Intelligence Coordinator: "While we sat there empty-handed, Hamas armed itself using coffers full of money from Iran. We know several thousand Hamas fighters were trained in Iran, Syria and Lebanon. They come from various branches of the armed wing of Hamas and go by the name of 'Qassam Army.' There, they did not train for the struggle against Israel. Instead, they learned how to eliminate political enemies using explosives and raids. They learned how to kill there."
"There is an al-Qaida cell in Gaza. We know this. There are some foreigners: Pakistanis, Sudanese, a small group of Yemenis. When the Israelis withdrew from Gaza, Hamas tore down the wall on the border with Egypt. It took a few days before the border was back under control. The foreigners took advantage of this moment to come to Gaza.
("Interview With Fatah's Intelligence Coordinatior: "It Will Be A Hot Summer," Spiegel Online, June 18, 2007).
June 23, 2007:
"Iran should immediately suspend the use of the death penalty for crimes committed by children under age 18, Human Rights Watch said today. Iran is known to have executed at least 17 juvenile offenders since the beginning of 2004 -- eight times more than any other country in the world."
Clarisa Bencomo, children's rights researcher on the Middle East at Human Rights Watch: "The Iranian government needs to stop sending children to the gallows and start living up to its international obligations by issuing clear legislation to ban the juvenile death penalty."
("Iran Leads the World in Executing Children; New Executions Highlight Arbitrary Nature of Iranian Justice," Human Rights Watch, June 20, 2007).
"Iran should immediately suspend the use of the death penalty for crimes committed by children under age 18, Human Rights Watch said today. Iran is known to have executed at least 17 juvenile offenders since the beginning of 2004 -- eight times more than any other country in the world."
Clarisa Bencomo, children's rights researcher on the Middle East at Human Rights Watch: "The Iranian government needs to stop sending children to the gallows and start living up to its international obligations by issuing clear legislation to ban the juvenile death penalty."
("Iran Leads the World in Executing Children; New Executions Highlight Arbitrary Nature of Iranian Justice," Human Rights Watch, June 20, 2007).
June 23, 2007:
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, notes that an agreement between British gas producer BG Group Plc and the PA to drill for reserves discovered off Gaza's coast (negotiated in 2000) will not be blocked.
However, Hamas would like to alter certain clauses of the deal reached between BG and the Palestine Investment Fund (controlled by Abbas) that Abu Zuhri believes "harm Palestinian interests."
Nevertheless, "It is premature to discuss whether Hamas wants to begin direct negotiations with the British company over drilling national gas off Gaza shores...We do not want to overturn existing situations."
("Hamas Says Will Not Block Deal to Drill for Natural Gas Off Gaza Shore," Reuters, June 22, 2007).
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, notes that an agreement between British gas producer BG Group Plc and the PA to drill for reserves discovered off Gaza's coast (negotiated in 2000) will not be blocked.
However, Hamas would like to alter certain clauses of the deal reached between BG and the Palestine Investment Fund (controlled by Abbas) that Abu Zuhri believes "harm Palestinian interests."
Nevertheless, "It is premature to discuss whether Hamas wants to begin direct negotiations with the British company over drilling national gas off Gaza shores...We do not want to overturn existing situations."
("Hamas Says Will Not Block Deal to Drill for Natural Gas Off Gaza Shore," Reuters, June 22, 2007).
June 22, 2007:
"In a joint IDF and Special Border Police force operation, force arrested this morning Yusuf Abu-Lila, head of the Tanzim terrorist organization in the Ein Beit Ilmeh R.C. in Nablus, Yusuf Mabruk, a senior wanted PFLP terror-operative, and Muib Hutri, a wanted Tanzim terror-operative operating from the Ein Beit Ilmeh R.C. in Nablus.
During the activity the force identified a vehicle carrying 4 wanted Palestinians. When the wanted men identified the force they began to run away. The force fired at them and identified hitting one of them. The force surrounded the building to which the men had escaped and called for them to exit the building. When the 3 gunmen attempted to escape the building, the force arrested them. During the operation the wanted men opened fire at the soldiers but no injuries or damage were reported.
Yusuf Abu-Lila, an explosive expert, was involved in the planning of terrorist attacks and in the making of explosive devices and explosive belts for the Tanzim terrorist infrastructure in Nablus. Abu-Lila also instructed terror-operatives in the making of these explosives. He operated under the guidance and the funding of terror-operatives from Gaza and the Hezbollah terrorist organization. Recently, Abu-Lila's involvement in terrorist activity continued as a result of pressure from the Hezbollah terrorist organization.
Yusuf Mabruk, assistant of his brother, Majdi Mabruk- head of the PFLP terrorist organization in Nablus, was formerly the assistant of senior terror-operatives, among them, Daud Katuni, from the moment Katuni became involved in the execution of suicide bombing attacks in Israel's homefront.
Muib Hutri is an assistant to wanted Tanzim and PFLP terror-operatives in the Ein Beit Ilmeh R.C. in Nablus. During the last years Hutri recruited several suicide bombers for the Nablus terror infrastructure."
("Background Information: Arrest of 3 PFLP and Tanzim terror-operatives in Nablus," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 22, 2007).
"In a joint IDF and Special Border Police force operation, force arrested this morning Yusuf Abu-Lila, head of the Tanzim terrorist organization in the Ein Beit Ilmeh R.C. in Nablus, Yusuf Mabruk, a senior wanted PFLP terror-operative, and Muib Hutri, a wanted Tanzim terror-operative operating from the Ein Beit Ilmeh R.C. in Nablus.
During the activity the force identified a vehicle carrying 4 wanted Palestinians. When the wanted men identified the force they began to run away. The force fired at them and identified hitting one of them. The force surrounded the building to which the men had escaped and called for them to exit the building. When the 3 gunmen attempted to escape the building, the force arrested them. During the operation the wanted men opened fire at the soldiers but no injuries or damage were reported.
Yusuf Abu-Lila, an explosive expert, was involved in the planning of terrorist attacks and in the making of explosive devices and explosive belts for the Tanzim terrorist infrastructure in Nablus. Abu-Lila also instructed terror-operatives in the making of these explosives. He operated under the guidance and the funding of terror-operatives from Gaza and the Hezbollah terrorist organization. Recently, Abu-Lila's involvement in terrorist activity continued as a result of pressure from the Hezbollah terrorist organization.
Yusuf Mabruk, assistant of his brother, Majdi Mabruk- head of the PFLP terrorist organization in Nablus, was formerly the assistant of senior terror-operatives, among them, Daud Katuni, from the moment Katuni became involved in the execution of suicide bombing attacks in Israel's homefront.
Muib Hutri is an assistant to wanted Tanzim and PFLP terror-operatives in the Ein Beit Ilmeh R.C. in Nablus. During the last years Hutri recruited several suicide bombers for the Nablus terror infrastructure."
("Background Information: Arrest of 3 PFLP and Tanzim terror-operatives in Nablus," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 22, 2007).
June 22, 2007:
The House of Representatives voted to withhold $200 million in military funds for Egypt until Cairo demonstrates thta it is stopping weapons smuggling from the Sinai to the Gaza Strip and improves human rights abuses.
The $34.2 billion foreign aid bill, for the fiscal year beginning on October 1, passes by a vote of 241-178. The Senate has not yet debated the bill.
The House bill also reiterates that no U.S. funds can be channeled to Hamas.
("House Okays Egypt Aid Cut Over Gaza Smuggling," Ha'aretz, June 22, 2007).
The House of Representatives voted to withhold $200 million in military funds for Egypt until Cairo demonstrates thta it is stopping weapons smuggling from the Sinai to the Gaza Strip and improves human rights abuses.
The $34.2 billion foreign aid bill, for the fiscal year beginning on October 1, passes by a vote of 241-178. The Senate has not yet debated the bill.
The House bill also reiterates that no U.S. funds can be channeled to Hamas.
("House Okays Egypt Aid Cut Over Gaza Smuggling," Ha'aretz, June 22, 2007).
June 22, 2007:
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has been training on long-range flights, including refueling in mid-flight, in preparation for possible strikes against Iranian nuclear targets.
Intelligence assessments received by the defense establishment concur that once Iran passes the point of no return in its nuclear efforts, the entire Middle East will enter a nuclear armament race. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are expected to take the lead should such a scenario become reality.
("Report: IAF Preparing for Iran Strike," Jerusalem Post, June 22, 2007).
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has been training on long-range flights, including refueling in mid-flight, in preparation for possible strikes against Iranian nuclear targets.
Intelligence assessments received by the defense establishment concur that once Iran passes the point of no return in its nuclear efforts, the entire Middle East will enter a nuclear armament race. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are expected to take the lead should such a scenario become reality.
("Report: IAF Preparing for Iran Strike," Jerusalem Post, June 22, 2007).
June 22, 2007:
Elbit Systems Ltd. announces that its subsidiary Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop Ltd. (Elop) and Elettronica S.p.A. (Elettronica) have agreed to cooperate and complete the joint development of advanced DIRCM (Direct Infra-Red Counter-Measures) systems intended to protect helicopters and wide-bodied aircraft from low altitude attack by shoulder-mounted heat-seeking missiles.
DIRCM systems are intended primarily to protect helicopters, and larger fixed-wing aircraft during their take-off and landing phases, against the so-called portable heat-seeking missiles. These arms, beyond their combat applications, are considered to pose a potential terrorist risk for civilian aviation as well.
Elettronica and Elop will jointly offer defense solutions based on "MUSIC®," the world's most advanced laser-based DIRCM protection system, integrating fiber laser technology with a small, highly dynamic turret to provide effective, reliable and affordable protection under all operational conditions. The system can operate with most types of Missile Approach Warning Systems (MAWS) and can be integrated into Defensive Aids Sub Systems (DASS).
Full press release here.
("Elettronica and Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop Generating a Joint Laser-Based DIRCM Product," Elbit Press Release, June 21, 2007).
Elbit Systems Ltd. announces that its subsidiary Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop Ltd. (Elop) and Elettronica S.p.A. (Elettronica) have agreed to cooperate and complete the joint development of advanced DIRCM (Direct Infra-Red Counter-Measures) systems intended to protect helicopters and wide-bodied aircraft from low altitude attack by shoulder-mounted heat-seeking missiles.
DIRCM systems are intended primarily to protect helicopters, and larger fixed-wing aircraft during their take-off and landing phases, against the so-called portable heat-seeking missiles. These arms, beyond their combat applications, are considered to pose a potential terrorist risk for civilian aviation as well.
Elettronica and Elop will jointly offer defense solutions based on "MUSIC®," the world's most advanced laser-based DIRCM protection system, integrating fiber laser technology with a small, highly dynamic turret to provide effective, reliable and affordable protection under all operational conditions. The system can operate with most types of Missile Approach Warning Systems (MAWS) and can be integrated into Defensive Aids Sub Systems (DASS).
Full press release here.
("Elettronica and Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop Generating a Joint Laser-Based DIRCM Product," Elbit Press Release, June 21, 2007).
June 22, 2007:
Senior Hamas political leader MP Dr. Mahmoud Al-Zahhar "categorically" denies allegations that Hamas has decided to halt firing rockets against "Zionist settlements."
"The news that the Middle East newspaper attributed to me and circulated by local Palestinian media apparatuses in this regard was baseless and false..."
Nafez Azzam, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ): "These are untrue rumors as no initiatives between the two factions were discussed..."
("Carter: It is Criminal Act, and Zahhar has Categorically Denied Allegations," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, June 21, 2007).
Senior Hamas political leader MP Dr. Mahmoud Al-Zahhar "categorically" denies allegations that Hamas has decided to halt firing rockets against "Zionist settlements."
"The news that the Middle East newspaper attributed to me and circulated by local Palestinian media apparatuses in this regard was baseless and false..."
Nafez Azzam, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ): "These are untrue rumors as no initiatives between the two factions were discussed..."
("Carter: It is Criminal Act, and Zahhar has Categorically Denied Allegations," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, June 21, 2007).
June 22, 2007:
Burtek Inc, a US subsidary of Rabintex, wins a follow-on order worth $15.3 million for its products to a US customer, the majority of which will be delivered during 2007.
Rabintex currently maintains three business lines: flexible ballistic protective products (bullet proof vests), hard ballistic protective products (helmets), and system protection.
Burtek is headquartered in Michigan and employs 250 people. The company specializes in the remodeling and modification of military vehicles for various military and safety applications.
(Michal Yoshai, "Rabintex Unit Wins US Order," Globes, June 21, 2007).
Burtek Inc, a US subsidary of Rabintex, wins a follow-on order worth $15.3 million for its products to a US customer, the majority of which will be delivered during 2007.
Rabintex currently maintains three business lines: flexible ballistic protective products (bullet proof vests), hard ballistic protective products (helmets), and system protection.
Burtek is headquartered in Michigan and employs 250 people. The company specializes in the remodeling and modification of military vehicles for various military and safety applications.
(Michal Yoshai, "Rabintex Unit Wins US Order," Globes, June 21, 2007).
June 22, 2007:
The IAF significantly upgrades the level of its cooperation with the United States Air Force and now receives regular updates on American procurement decisions.
The agreement was reached at meetings last month between head of IAF Procurement and Equipment Brig.-Gen. Dr. Kobi Bortman and senior USAF officers in Washington and Dayton, Ohio.
A high-ranking IAF officer: "We are interested in many of the same platforms and systems, and the Americans look at us as a small-scale laboratory of themselves...Now every time the USAF signs a contract and purchases something new, they will update us."
Note: The updates will only be given to Israel when America purchases a system or platform related to the IAF.
(Yaakov Katz, "IAF, USAF Dramatically Upgrade Cooperation Status," Jerusalem Post, June 21, 2007).
The IAF significantly upgrades the level of its cooperation with the United States Air Force and now receives regular updates on American procurement decisions.
The agreement was reached at meetings last month between head of IAF Procurement and Equipment Brig.-Gen. Dr. Kobi Bortman and senior USAF officers in Washington and Dayton, Ohio.
A high-ranking IAF officer: "We are interested in many of the same platforms and systems, and the Americans look at us as a small-scale laboratory of themselves...Now every time the USAF signs a contract and purchases something new, they will update us."
Note: The updates will only be given to Israel when America purchases a system or platform related to the IAF.
(Yaakov Katz, "IAF, USAF Dramatically Upgrade Cooperation Status," Jerusalem Post, June 21, 2007).
June 22, 2007:
Orbit/FR, which specializes in antenna measurements, avionics, wireless and satellite communications, announces a NIS 6 million contract with the Israeli Ministry of Defense for provision of airborne communications systems to the IAF. The airborne communication system links pilots and their ground crews.
The NIS 6 million contract follows a successful communications system project executed for KC-135 mid-air refueling planes in the US.
(Erez Wollberg, "Orbit Wins Ministry of Defense Contract," Globes, June 21, 2007).
Orbit/FR, which specializes in antenna measurements, avionics, wireless and satellite communications, announces a NIS 6 million contract with the Israeli Ministry of Defense for provision of airborne communications systems to the IAF. The airborne communication system links pilots and their ground crews.
The NIS 6 million contract follows a successful communications system project executed for KC-135 mid-air refueling planes in the US.
(Erez Wollberg, "Orbit Wins Ministry of Defense Contract," Globes, June 21, 2007).
June 22, 2007:
Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr: "The Lebanese army has crushed those terrorists...I can notify the Lebanese that the military operation is over...What is happening now is some cleanup ... and dismantling some mines...The Lebanese army has destroyed all Fatah al-Islam positions."
The comments came after days of heavy combat in which troops destroyed several compounds of buildings that housed Fatah al-Islam's positions on the camp's fringes. However, it appears that parts of the old camp - the densely populated neighborhoods with narrow, winding streets where most of the Palestinian refugees lived - remains outside of army control.
The fighting in Nahr el-Bared, the worst internal violence since the 1975-90 civil war, has claimed the lives of more than 150 people, including 76 soldiers, at least 60 terrorists and more than 20 civilians.
("Lebanon: Fatah al-Islam Defeated, Military Operation is Over," Associated Press, June 21, 2007).
Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr: "The Lebanese army has crushed those terrorists...I can notify the Lebanese that the military operation is over...What is happening now is some cleanup ... and dismantling some mines...The Lebanese army has destroyed all Fatah al-Islam positions."
The comments came after days of heavy combat in which troops destroyed several compounds of buildings that housed Fatah al-Islam's positions on the camp's fringes. However, it appears that parts of the old camp - the densely populated neighborhoods with narrow, winding streets where most of the Palestinian refugees lived - remains outside of army control.
The fighting in Nahr el-Bared, the worst internal violence since the 1975-90 civil war, has claimed the lives of more than 150 people, including 76 soldiers, at least 60 terrorists and more than 20 civilians.
("Lebanon: Fatah al-Islam Defeated, Military Operation is Over," Associated Press, June 21, 2007).
June 21, 2007:
IAI/MBT Space Division, the Prime Contractor for Israel's space programs, unveils the OptSat 3000 -- a third generation, low weight, very high performance optical observation satellite.
OptSat 3000 presents a breakthrough in terms of weight to performance ratio, achieving high agility, very high quantities of widely spread images in each satellite pass, and high levels of autonomy. The OptSat 3000 is based on a new generic small platform which can accommodate various types of payloads.
OptSat 3000 contains Panchromatic & Multi-Spectral (MS) imaging cameras, sharing a common optical assembly and capable of simultaneous operation and the creation of Pan-sharpened images. The satellite can be controlled by a single Ground Control Station and it may serve multiple users.
("IAI/MBT Space Division Unveils the OpTSat 3000 New Generation Very High Resolution Observation Satellite at the 2007 Paris Air Show," IAI Press Release, June 18, 2007).
IAI/MBT Space Division, the Prime Contractor for Israel's space programs, unveils the OptSat 3000 -- a third generation, low weight, very high performance optical observation satellite.
OptSat 3000 presents a breakthrough in terms of weight to performance ratio, achieving high agility, very high quantities of widely spread images in each satellite pass, and high levels of autonomy. The OptSat 3000 is based on a new generic small platform which can accommodate various types of payloads.
OptSat 3000 contains Panchromatic & Multi-Spectral (MS) imaging cameras, sharing a common optical assembly and capable of simultaneous operation and the creation of Pan-sharpened images. The satellite can be controlled by a single Ground Control Station and it may serve multiple users.
("IAI/MBT Space Division Unveils the OpTSat 3000 New Generation Very High Resolution Observation Satellite at the 2007 Paris Air Show," IAI Press Release, June 18, 2007).
June 21, 2007:
"During IDF operations yesterday (Wednesday) in the Gaza Strip, forces engaged a number of armed terrorists. The force opened fire at them, and confirmed hitting seven of them. During the skirmish, an IDF soldier was wounded and declared in medium condition, and was evacuated for hospitalization. The force arrested dozens of suspects, who were then taken for initial questioning.
Correspondingly, three Qassam rockets landed in Israeli territory, one strike was identified in a city in the Southern Negev. No injuries and no damage were reported. In response to the rocket attack, the IDF executed an aerial assault on the terrorists who had launched the rockets, and hit the terrorist responsible for the launch.
Additionally, many trucks hauling food, basic necessities, medicine, and medical equipment were transferred from Israel into the Gaza Strip. This was in coordination with the District Coordination Office, through the Kerem Shalom distribution depot, and the Erez crossing. The items included approximately 40 tons of meat, 90 thousand liters of milk, 200 tons of flour, 25 thousand liters of oil, and 98 thousand inoculations. In addition, through the Nachal Oz fuel depot 325 thousand liters of cooking gas, 420 thousand liters of diesel fuel, 45 thousand liters of gasoline, and 43 thousand liters of oil.
During that day, nine Palestinians in need of medical treatment were transferred to a hospital in Israel, in coordination with the District Coordination Office, through the Erez crossing. The transfer of over 150 foreign citizens residing in Gaza was coordinated as well. The Office also distributed food and drink to the Palestinians who were residing at the Erez crossing."
("Despite Recent Acts of Terror: IDF continues Humanitarian Aid in Gaza," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 21, 2007).
"During IDF operations yesterday (Wednesday) in the Gaza Strip, forces engaged a number of armed terrorists. The force opened fire at them, and confirmed hitting seven of them. During the skirmish, an IDF soldier was wounded and declared in medium condition, and was evacuated for hospitalization. The force arrested dozens of suspects, who were then taken for initial questioning.
Correspondingly, three Qassam rockets landed in Israeli territory, one strike was identified in a city in the Southern Negev. No injuries and no damage were reported. In response to the rocket attack, the IDF executed an aerial assault on the terrorists who had launched the rockets, and hit the terrorist responsible for the launch.
Additionally, many trucks hauling food, basic necessities, medicine, and medical equipment were transferred from Israel into the Gaza Strip. This was in coordination with the District Coordination Office, through the Kerem Shalom distribution depot, and the Erez crossing. The items included approximately 40 tons of meat, 90 thousand liters of milk, 200 tons of flour, 25 thousand liters of oil, and 98 thousand inoculations. In addition, through the Nachal Oz fuel depot 325 thousand liters of cooking gas, 420 thousand liters of diesel fuel, 45 thousand liters of gasoline, and 43 thousand liters of oil.
During that day, nine Palestinians in need of medical treatment were transferred to a hospital in Israel, in coordination with the District Coordination Office, through the Erez crossing. The transfer of over 150 foreign citizens residing in Gaza was coordinated as well. The Office also distributed food and drink to the Palestinians who were residing at the Erez crossing."
("Despite Recent Acts of Terror: IDF continues Humanitarian Aid in Gaza," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 21, 2007).
June 21, 2007:
Malat, a Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), introduces the HERON TP Medium Altitude Long Endurance MALE UAV Platform.
Mr. Itzhak Nissan, IAI’s president & CEO: "The new HERON TP incorporates front end technologies to meet the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operational needs..."
Designed as a multi-payload, multi-mission platform to answer the requirements of the Israeli Air Force, the HERON TP presents a versatile robust, all weather capability.
The HERON TP is powered by a powerful 1,200 hp Turbo-Prop engine, offering an operational altitude above commercial traffic of 45,000 ft with full mission payload. The max take off weight is 4650 kg, wing span of 26 meter, and is capable of loitering for up to 36 hours. The HERON TP keeps the twin boom principle offering a large internal volume available for payloads, with a typical mission payload weight of 1,000 kg and high flexibility to change payloads missions.
Mr. Yair Dubester, General Manager of Malat Division: "A large emphasis has been put on the Airworthiness of the HERON TP. The highest safety and reliability measurements, as triple redundancy and fully Automated Take Off and Landing were embedded in the Heron TP, enabling it to fly safely over urban areas..."
("Heron TP [Turbo Prop] Sets New Standard in the UAV Field," IAI Press Release, June 18, 2007).
Malat, a Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), introduces the HERON TP Medium Altitude Long Endurance MALE UAV Platform.
Mr. Itzhak Nissan, IAI’s president & CEO: "The new HERON TP incorporates front end technologies to meet the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operational needs..."
Designed as a multi-payload, multi-mission platform to answer the requirements of the Israeli Air Force, the HERON TP presents a versatile robust, all weather capability.
The HERON TP is powered by a powerful 1,200 hp Turbo-Prop engine, offering an operational altitude above commercial traffic of 45,000 ft with full mission payload. The max take off weight is 4650 kg, wing span of 26 meter, and is capable of loitering for up to 36 hours. The HERON TP keeps the twin boom principle offering a large internal volume available for payloads, with a typical mission payload weight of 1,000 kg and high flexibility to change payloads missions.
Mr. Yair Dubester, General Manager of Malat Division: "A large emphasis has been put on the Airworthiness of the HERON TP. The highest safety and reliability measurements, as triple redundancy and fully Automated Take Off and Landing were embedded in the Heron TP, enabling it to fly safely over urban areas..."
("Heron TP [Turbo Prop] Sets New Standard in the UAV Field," IAI Press Release, June 18, 2007).
June 21, 2007:
The Brodet Commission to examine the Israeli defense budget was appointed in November 2006 and presented its recommendations to the Prime Minister in May 2007.
The Committee finds that "the Israel Defense Forces and the entire defense establishment suffer from a multidimensional crisis: budgetary, management, organizational, cultural and strategic."
It notes that in the years preceding the Second Lebanon War, the army showed no improvement in efficiency despite cuts in its budget. The Report also finds that staff work to set the defense budget does not explain to decision makers the connection between expenditures and benefits and that the debate on the budget resembles a bazaar.
The Commission concludes that the budget has not played its role as a tool for planning, management and oversight in recent years.
(Shmuel Even, "The IDF is Undergoing a Multidimensional Crisis," INSSINSIGHT, June 20, 2007).
The Brodet Commission to examine the Israeli defense budget was appointed in November 2006 and presented its recommendations to the Prime Minister in May 2007.
The Committee finds that "the Israel Defense Forces and the entire defense establishment suffer from a multidimensional crisis: budgetary, management, organizational, cultural and strategic."
It notes that in the years preceding the Second Lebanon War, the army showed no improvement in efficiency despite cuts in its budget. The Report also finds that staff work to set the defense budget does not explain to decision makers the connection between expenditures and benefits and that the debate on the budget resembles a bazaar.
The Commission concludes that the budget has not played its role as a tool for planning, management and oversight in recent years.
(Shmuel Even, "The IDF is Undergoing a Multidimensional Crisis," INSSINSIGHT, June 20, 2007).
June 21, 2007:
Arnaud de Borchgrav: "Israel is now boxed in between three pro-Iran entities (Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas) and two pro-al Qaeda terrorist groups — Hezbollah that is dominant in Lebanon to the north and Hamas that now controls Gaza, the size of Washington, D.C., to the south. Both are sworn enemies of the Jewish state."
(Arnaud de Borchgrave, "Wheel of Misfortune," Washington Times, June 19, 2007).
Arnaud de Borchgrav: "Israel is now boxed in between three pro-Iran entities (Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas) and two pro-al Qaeda terrorist groups — Hezbollah that is dominant in Lebanon to the north and Hamas that now controls Gaza, the size of Washington, D.C., to the south. Both are sworn enemies of the Jewish state."
(Arnaud de Borchgrave, "Wheel of Misfortune," Washington Times, June 19, 2007).
June 21, 2007:
Egypt increases its level of alert along the Philadelphi Corridor in an effort to prevent large-scale arms smuggling and Palestinians from infiltrating into the Sinai.
Israeli officials have expressed concern that Hamas will now be able to drastically increase the rate of the smuggling, including longer-range rockets into the Gaza Strip.
(Yaakov Katz, "Egypt Boosts Alert Along Philadelphi," Jerusalem Post, June 21, 2007).
Egypt increases its level of alert along the Philadelphi Corridor in an effort to prevent large-scale arms smuggling and Palestinians from infiltrating into the Sinai.
Israeli officials have expressed concern that Hamas will now be able to drastically increase the rate of the smuggling, including longer-range rockets into the Gaza Strip.
(Yaakov Katz, "Egypt Boosts Alert Along Philadelphi," Jerusalem Post, June 21, 2007).
June 21, 2007:
The signing of an agreement with British Gas for the purchase of natural gas from its field off the Gaza Strip coast is likely to be postponed until the end of 2007, due to the current situation in the Gaza Strip.
British Gas holds the rights to 90% of the Gaza offshore field. The Israeli government has sought to buy gas from the field to create competition for the Egyptian supplier EMG.
(Lior Baron, "British Gas Deal Seen Delayed," Globes, June 21, 2007).
The signing of an agreement with British Gas for the purchase of natural gas from its field off the Gaza Strip coast is likely to be postponed until the end of 2007, due to the current situation in the Gaza Strip.
British Gas holds the rights to 90% of the Gaza offshore field. The Israeli government has sought to buy gas from the field to create competition for the Egyptian supplier EMG.
(Lior Baron, "British Gas Deal Seen Delayed," Globes, June 21, 2007).
June 21, 2007:
President Bush announces that the US will increase its military assistance to Israel and sign a new agreement securing American aid to the country for the next decade. The increased funds will allow Israel to deal with the new challenges it faces and to ensure a "qualitative military edge."
The Jewish state asked for a gradual increase in the aid over a 10-year period at a rate of $50 million per year. At the end of the 10 years, Israel will receive $2.9 billion annually in military assistance from the U.S.
This year, Israel is slated to receive $2.4 billion in military aid from the U.S.
The majority of the grant is meant for procurement from the U.S. industry, and Israel is allowed to spend 26.7 percent of the military assistance in shekel purchases for acquisitions from local defense industries.
(Aluf Benn and Shmuel Rosner, "U.S. to Increase Military Aid to Israel in Decade-Long Deal," Ha'aretz, June 21, 2007).
President Bush announces that the US will increase its military assistance to Israel and sign a new agreement securing American aid to the country for the next decade. The increased funds will allow Israel to deal with the new challenges it faces and to ensure a "qualitative military edge."
The Jewish state asked for a gradual increase in the aid over a 10-year period at a rate of $50 million per year. At the end of the 10 years, Israel will receive $2.9 billion annually in military assistance from the U.S.
This year, Israel is slated to receive $2.4 billion in military aid from the U.S.
The majority of the grant is meant for procurement from the U.S. industry, and Israel is allowed to spend 26.7 percent of the military assistance in shekel purchases for acquisitions from local defense industries.
(Aluf Benn and Shmuel Rosner, "U.S. to Increase Military Aid to Israel in Decade-Long Deal," Ha'aretz, June 21, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
Attorney General Menachem Mazuz: "The national symbols are collapsing one after the other, and the feeling is that the state is letting go of its values one by one...The leaders are incapacitated, public figures are coming in and out of [police] interrogation rooms...These are feelings of a loss of direction, depression, emotional detachment and loss of meaning - and these feelings are very dangerous...A situation of collective desperation could cause the deterioration of society to the point of government instability, a sense of general disintegration, and a desire to break the rules like in a jungle."
(Yuval Yoaz, "AG: Israel Abandoning its Values, National Symbols Collapsing," Ha'aretz, June 20, 2007).
Attorney General Menachem Mazuz: "The national symbols are collapsing one after the other, and the feeling is that the state is letting go of its values one by one...The leaders are incapacitated, public figures are coming in and out of [police] interrogation rooms...These are feelings of a loss of direction, depression, emotional detachment and loss of meaning - and these feelings are very dangerous...A situation of collective desperation could cause the deterioration of society to the point of government instability, a sense of general disintegration, and a desire to break the rules like in a jungle."
(Yuval Yoaz, "AG: Israel Abandoning its Values, National Symbols Collapsing," Ha'aretz, June 20, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
- Palestinian terrorists in Gaza fire five rockets at the western Negev. One rocket lands on a Sderot home, lightly wounding two people.
- One rocket hit an electric pole, cutting power supplies to a nearby kibbutz.
- Another rocket impacts near a gas station in Kibbutz Nir'am, wounding a third person. 8 people are treated for shock.
- A Qassam rocket lands south of Ashkelon.
- Two rockets impact in Sderot.
- Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for the barrage.
(Avi Issacharoff, "Militants fire 5 Qassams at western Negev, three people wounded," Ha'aretz, June 20, 2007; Shmulik Hadad, "5 Qassams Hit Sderot," YnetNews, June 20, 2007).
- Palestinian terrorists in Gaza fire five rockets at the western Negev. One rocket lands on a Sderot home, lightly wounding two people.
- One rocket hit an electric pole, cutting power supplies to a nearby kibbutz.
- Another rocket impacts near a gas station in Kibbutz Nir'am, wounding a third person. 8 people are treated for shock.
- A Qassam rocket lands south of Ashkelon.
- Two rockets impact in Sderot.
- Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for the barrage.
(Avi Issacharoff, "Militants fire 5 Qassams at western Negev, three people wounded," Ha'aretz, June 20, 2007; Shmulik Hadad, "5 Qassams Hit Sderot," YnetNews, June 20, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
"Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades controlled all files, documents, and the sensitive devices at the headquarters of the Preventive Security Force in the Tel Al-Hawa in the Gaza Strip. In addition to the documents, files and devices that were in the headquarters of the intelligence service site, which are being tested by the Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic resistance movement Hamas.
According to Al Quds Al-Arabi newspaper, the sources said that there are some documents and files very serious and sensitive electronic devices controlled by Al Qassam Brigades. The political leadership of Hamas prevented the brigades to disclosure any information, which might lead to problems with Arab countries and Western. In particular, it contains details of security coordination with some Arab and foreign countries.
For his part, Hamad Al Reqib explained that all files and documents, which was controlled from the headquarters of the security services, particularly from the headquarters of the preventive security in the Tel Al-Hawa addition to the intelligence headquarters were transferred to Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades.
Hammad stressed that Al Qassam Brigades is controlling these documents and keep them in its responsibilities, in the light of the agreement not to use those documents to pillory any Palestinian official or foreign side to prevent straining relations with the outside world.
Hammad noted that they may disclose a certain documents to a specific section of the Palestinian people to clarify the picture to them about what was happening at the headquarters of the Preventive Security and Intelligence Service in Gaza.
The Zionist sources said that the intelligence agencies of Western and the Zionists demonstrate their concerns of the fall of what was called 'the intelligence treasure.'
Despite his confirmation not to use those documents to pillory any Palestinian official or foreign side to prevent straining relations with the outside world, he said that the documents which was controlled by Hamas referred unequivocally that the Palestinian security services were not following to the Palestinian authority. But it followed foreign intelligence services. He refused to designate those services while he referred to the British intelligence service.
The site of DPCA, which is competent with the Zionist intelligence affairs, had indicated in a special report after about 48 hours of the control of Hamas in the Gaza Strip that U.S. intelligence agencies CIA, the British MI 6 and the Zionist intelligence, Mossad and Shabak considered that serious threat happened after the heavy weapons were controlled by the hands of Hamas.
Hamas seized advanced systems of American and British intelligence was advanced to the Palestinian intelligence. The sources expressed his fear that the documents which in the hands of Hamas will reveal to Syria and Iran the Mossad and Shabaks' operations, and to the intelligence agencies of the Western countries, including lists of the names of agents and dual Zionist persons cooperated with the Palestinians in various areas.
The site said that the Zionist intelligence archives left by Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq in 2003 is a game if its compared with the legacy of the intelligence services of the Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Muhammad Dahlan.
According to the site, the talk about a real time bomb was found in the headquarters of the Preventive Security in Tel Al Islam and the Palestinian intelligence headquarters based near the port of Gaza, and it will be used by Hamas.
The documents is talking about secret operations with the western intelligence organizations in the Middle East, as well as information sheds light on contacts between Palestinians and intelligence quarters since the days of the President Yasser Arafat. in addition to security coordination with the Gulf states, and places and means to train Palestinian security forces."
("Al Qassam Controlled Serious Documents and Spying Devices at the Headquarters of the Intelligence and Preventive Security," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, June 20, 2007).
"Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades controlled all files, documents, and the sensitive devices at the headquarters of the Preventive Security Force in the Tel Al-Hawa in the Gaza Strip. In addition to the documents, files and devices that were in the headquarters of the intelligence service site, which are being tested by the Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic resistance movement Hamas.
According to Al Quds Al-Arabi newspaper, the sources said that there are some documents and files very serious and sensitive electronic devices controlled by Al Qassam Brigades. The political leadership of Hamas prevented the brigades to disclosure any information, which might lead to problems with Arab countries and Western. In particular, it contains details of security coordination with some Arab and foreign countries.
For his part, Hamad Al Reqib explained that all files and documents, which was controlled from the headquarters of the security services, particularly from the headquarters of the preventive security in the Tel Al-Hawa addition to the intelligence headquarters were transferred to Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades.
Hammad stressed that Al Qassam Brigades is controlling these documents and keep them in its responsibilities, in the light of the agreement not to use those documents to pillory any Palestinian official or foreign side to prevent straining relations with the outside world.
Hammad noted that they may disclose a certain documents to a specific section of the Palestinian people to clarify the picture to them about what was happening at the headquarters of the Preventive Security and Intelligence Service in Gaza.
The Zionist sources said that the intelligence agencies of Western and the Zionists demonstrate their concerns of the fall of what was called 'the intelligence treasure.'
Despite his confirmation not to use those documents to pillory any Palestinian official or foreign side to prevent straining relations with the outside world, he said that the documents which was controlled by Hamas referred unequivocally that the Palestinian security services were not following to the Palestinian authority. But it followed foreign intelligence services. He refused to designate those services while he referred to the British intelligence service.
The site of DPCA, which is competent with the Zionist intelligence affairs, had indicated in a special report after about 48 hours of the control of Hamas in the Gaza Strip that U.S. intelligence agencies CIA, the British MI 6 and the Zionist intelligence, Mossad and Shabak considered that serious threat happened after the heavy weapons were controlled by the hands of Hamas.
Hamas seized advanced systems of American and British intelligence was advanced to the Palestinian intelligence. The sources expressed his fear that the documents which in the hands of Hamas will reveal to Syria and Iran the Mossad and Shabaks' operations, and to the intelligence agencies of the Western countries, including lists of the names of agents and dual Zionist persons cooperated with the Palestinians in various areas.
The site said that the Zionist intelligence archives left by Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq in 2003 is a game if its compared with the legacy of the intelligence services of the Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Muhammad Dahlan.
According to the site, the talk about a real time bomb was found in the headquarters of the Preventive Security in Tel Al Islam and the Palestinian intelligence headquarters based near the port of Gaza, and it will be used by Hamas.
The documents is talking about secret operations with the western intelligence organizations in the Middle East, as well as information sheds light on contacts between Palestinians and intelligence quarters since the days of the President Yasser Arafat. in addition to security coordination with the Gulf states, and places and means to train Palestinian security forces."
("Al Qassam Controlled Serious Documents and Spying Devices at the Headquarters of the Intelligence and Preventive Security," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, June 20, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
The Shin Bet (GSS) announces that a Jordanian man who planned to kidnap Israelis in Jerusalem had been arrested in November 2006.
During his interrogation, Allah Hamad, 28, revealed that he had been recruited by Hamas operatives in Syria. Hamad holds Israeli as well as Jordanian citizenship, and was sent to live in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Zur Bahar. Hamad reportedly collected intelligence and searched for potential kidnapping targets.
Hamad also received special training in how to make himself inconspicuous among Israelis and was taught how to construct bombs with timing devices. Security forces who arrested Hamad seized materials that could be used to construct a bomb.
(Yaakov Katz, "Shin Bet Arrests Jordanian Man Who Planned Kidnapping," Jerusalem Post, June 20, 2007).
The Shin Bet (GSS) announces that a Jordanian man who planned to kidnap Israelis in Jerusalem had been arrested in November 2006.
During his interrogation, Allah Hamad, 28, revealed that he had been recruited by Hamas operatives in Syria. Hamad holds Israeli as well as Jordanian citizenship, and was sent to live in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Zur Bahar. Hamad reportedly collected intelligence and searched for potential kidnapping targets.
Hamad also received special training in how to make himself inconspicuous among Israelis and was taught how to construct bombs with timing devices. Security forces who arrested Hamad seized materials that could be used to construct a bomb.
(Yaakov Katz, "Shin Bet Arrests Jordanian Man Who Planned Kidnapping," Jerusalem Post, June 20, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
Elbit Systems Ltd. announces that it has been awarded two contracts, in a total amount of approximately $14 million to supply Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System/Head-Up Displays (ANVIS/HUD™) for helicopters of two NATO member countries.
The ANVIS/HUD™ system employs cutting edge technologies to provide the most advanced system of its kind, offering a 24/7 significant increase in situational awareness and safety by allowing the pilot to fly “head out of the cockpit” during night operations and projecting critical flight information into the night vision goggles’ view. This system has been in operational use by U.S. Army, U.S. Navy / U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force rotary wing pilots since the mid-1990’s and is installed on numerous utility and special operations helicopter fleet platforms, including the UH-60, CH-53 CH-47, CH-46, AH-1, UH-1, V-22, Super Puma, Cougar and others.
The Elbit Systems Group has equipped more than 5,000 helicopters, for more than 20 countries, with ANVIS/HUD™ systems.
Yoram Shmuely, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Elbit Systems' Airborne and Helmet Systems Division: "The selection of our systems for this project attests to Elbit Systems’ leadership in the field of helmet and heads-Up display systems. The ANVIS/HUD™ system was developed to fully comply with NATO and U.S. military requirements allowing NATO pilots to safely and effectively execute their various missions in both day and night conditions."
Full Press Release Here
Elbit Systems Ltd. announces that it has been awarded two contracts, in a total amount of approximately $14 million to supply Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System/Head-Up Displays (ANVIS/HUD™) for helicopters of two NATO member countries.
The ANVIS/HUD™ system employs cutting edge technologies to provide the most advanced system of its kind, offering a 24/7 significant increase in situational awareness and safety by allowing the pilot to fly “head out of the cockpit” during night operations and projecting critical flight information into the night vision goggles’ view. This system has been in operational use by U.S. Army, U.S. Navy / U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force rotary wing pilots since the mid-1990’s and is installed on numerous utility and special operations helicopter fleet platforms, including the UH-60, CH-53 CH-47, CH-46, AH-1, UH-1, V-22, Super Puma, Cougar and others.
The Elbit Systems Group has equipped more than 5,000 helicopters, for more than 20 countries, with ANVIS/HUD™ systems.
Yoram Shmuely, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Elbit Systems' Airborne and Helmet Systems Division: "The selection of our systems for this project attests to Elbit Systems’ leadership in the field of helmet and heads-Up display systems. The ANVIS/HUD™ system was developed to fully comply with NATO and U.S. military requirements allowing NATO pilots to safely and effectively execute their various missions in both day and night conditions."
Full Press Release Here
June 20, 2007:
RAFAEL unveils a new capability to attack helicopters: the ability to launch mini-UAVs when airborne.
Menachem Dvir, RAFAEL: "The Skylite was originally developed as a canister launched mini-UAV, so its modification into a helicopter-borne system does not require drastic redesign...When on a mission, helicopters can deploy the Skylite to scan an without exposing themselves to anti-aircraft threats, such as shoulder fired missiles (MANPADS) and RPGs. When targets are detected, Skylite hands over the images to the crew, for prosecution with precision guided weapons such as Spike ER. Attack helicopters are already using UAVs to facilitate accelerated ‘kill chains’. Therefore, offering such capability as an integral capability is the next logical step."
(David Eshel, "RAFAEL Introduces Helicopter Launched Mini-UAV," Defense Update, June 19, 2007).
RAFAEL unveils a new capability to attack helicopters: the ability to launch mini-UAVs when airborne.
Menachem Dvir, RAFAEL: "The Skylite was originally developed as a canister launched mini-UAV, so its modification into a helicopter-borne system does not require drastic redesign...When on a mission, helicopters can deploy the Skylite to scan an without exposing themselves to anti-aircraft threats, such as shoulder fired missiles (MANPADS) and RPGs. When targets are detected, Skylite hands over the images to the crew, for prosecution with precision guided weapons such as Spike ER. Attack helicopters are already using UAVs to facilitate accelerated ‘kill chains’. Therefore, offering such capability as an integral capability is the next logical step."
(David Eshel, "RAFAEL Introduces Helicopter Launched Mini-UAV," Defense Update, June 19, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
"Two armed terrorists belonging to the Islamic Jihad terror organization were killed last night, during a joint IDF and special Border Police forces operation in Kfar Dan, northwest of Jenin.
The two terrorists, Ziad Tzubachi Mahmad Malaisha and Avrahim Achmad Abed-El Latif A?abad, opened fire at the force during its operation. The force returned fire, killing the two terrorists. Two M16 weapons were uncovered in their possession, as well as a pistol and ammunition. It was later discovered that the terrorists were involved planning terror attacks in the Israeli homefront, among them the terror attack attempt in Rishon Lezion in February.
Ziad Tzubachi Mahmad Malaishi, 26 years old from Jeba, headed the organization?s terror infrastructure in Jenin. He has been jailed for three years in the past due to his operations for the organization. In January 2006 he was released from jail and right after his release he resumed his terror operations and operated as the senior assistant to Hussam Issa, previously an official Islamic Jihad terrorist, who was killed on December 2006. Following Hussam Issa's death Ziad replaced him as one of the infrastructure?s leaders, operating to execute terror attacks in the Israeli homefront. On February 20th 2007 a terror attack attempt was thwarted when a terrorist directed by the organization was arrested; the terrorist was sent to execute a suicide bombing in Rishon Lezion and was arrested when his explosives failed to blow up due to technical problems.
The infrastructure led by Malaisha operated in the past months to plan deadly attacks. This is one of the most dangerous infrastructures in the area of Judea and Samaria.
Avrahim Ahmad Abed-El Latif A'abed (24 years old), a resident of Kfar Dan, was involved in many attempts to execute terror attacks in the Israeli homefront on November 2005 and another terror attack on February 2006. Additionally, Avrahim A'abed was involved in many shooting attacks against IDF forces.
During the operation the terrorists threw explosives and opened fire at the force. No injuries or damage were caused."
("Two Wanted Islamic Jihad Terrorists Shot and Killed During the Night," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 20, 2007).
"Two armed terrorists belonging to the Islamic Jihad terror organization were killed last night, during a joint IDF and special Border Police forces operation in Kfar Dan, northwest of Jenin.
The two terrorists, Ziad Tzubachi Mahmad Malaisha and Avrahim Achmad Abed-El Latif A?abad, opened fire at the force during its operation. The force returned fire, killing the two terrorists. Two M16 weapons were uncovered in their possession, as well as a pistol and ammunition. It was later discovered that the terrorists were involved planning terror attacks in the Israeli homefront, among them the terror attack attempt in Rishon Lezion in February.
Ziad Tzubachi Mahmad Malaishi, 26 years old from Jeba, headed the organization?s terror infrastructure in Jenin. He has been jailed for three years in the past due to his operations for the organization. In January 2006 he was released from jail and right after his release he resumed his terror operations and operated as the senior assistant to Hussam Issa, previously an official Islamic Jihad terrorist, who was killed on December 2006. Following Hussam Issa's death Ziad replaced him as one of the infrastructure?s leaders, operating to execute terror attacks in the Israeli homefront. On February 20th 2007 a terror attack attempt was thwarted when a terrorist directed by the organization was arrested; the terrorist was sent to execute a suicide bombing in Rishon Lezion and was arrested when his explosives failed to blow up due to technical problems.
The infrastructure led by Malaisha operated in the past months to plan deadly attacks. This is one of the most dangerous infrastructures in the area of Judea and Samaria.
Avrahim Ahmad Abed-El Latif A'abed (24 years old), a resident of Kfar Dan, was involved in many attempts to execute terror attacks in the Israeli homefront on November 2005 and another terror attack on February 2006. Additionally, Avrahim A'abed was involved in many shooting attacks against IDF forces.
During the operation the terrorists threw explosives and opened fire at the force. No injuries or damage were caused."
("Two Wanted Islamic Jihad Terrorists Shot and Killed During the Night," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 20, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
- IDF forces kill a two Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists north-west of Jenin (near Kfar Dan).
- An IDF soldier is moderately injured during an exchange of fire with Palestinian terrorists near the Kissufim Crossing (Gaza).
- Palestinian terrorists fire a number of anti-tank rockets at IDF forces operating in the Kissufim sector.
- Troops operating undercover in the village of Karara (Gaza) were discovered by Palestinians who fired at them, prompting the army to send six tanks, 2 armored personnel carriers and a bulldozer to the area. Two of the terrorists were named as 19-year-old Sulieman Hishan of the Popular Resistance Committees and 20-year-old Khaled al-Fara of Hamas. The third terrorist was also from Hamas.
- The IAF launches an air strike targeting Palestinian rocket launch sites in the Gaza Strip.
(YeshaNews [Translated from Hebrew], June 20, 2007; Avi Issacharoff, "IDF Soldier Wounded, Three Palestinian Gunmen Killed in South Gaza Raid," Ha'aretz, June 20, 2007).
- IDF forces kill a two Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists north-west of Jenin (near Kfar Dan).
- An IDF soldier is moderately injured during an exchange of fire with Palestinian terrorists near the Kissufim Crossing (Gaza).
- Palestinian terrorists fire a number of anti-tank rockets at IDF forces operating in the Kissufim sector.
- Troops operating undercover in the village of Karara (Gaza) were discovered by Palestinians who fired at them, prompting the army to send six tanks, 2 armored personnel carriers and a bulldozer to the area. Two of the terrorists were named as 19-year-old Sulieman Hishan of the Popular Resistance Committees and 20-year-old Khaled al-Fara of Hamas. The third terrorist was also from Hamas.
- The IAF launches an air strike targeting Palestinian rocket launch sites in the Gaza Strip.
(YeshaNews [Translated from Hebrew], June 20, 2007; Avi Issacharoff, "IDF Soldier Wounded, Three Palestinian Gunmen Killed in South Gaza Raid," Ha'aretz, June 20, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
Egypt announces it is moving its embassy from Gaza to the West Bank.
A group of Egyptian diplomats have already left for the West Bank town of Ramallah, ending a 15-year presence in Gaza.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit previously noted that his country opposed any attempt by Hamas to set up a separate government in the Gaza Strip after its military takeover of the territory.
("Egypt Pulls Embassy out of Gaza Strip," Associated Press, June 19, 2007).
Egypt announces it is moving its embassy from Gaza to the West Bank.
A group of Egyptian diplomats have already left for the West Bank town of Ramallah, ending a 15-year presence in Gaza.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit previously noted that his country opposed any attempt by Hamas to set up a separate government in the Gaza Strip after its military takeover of the territory.
("Egypt Pulls Embassy out of Gaza Strip," Associated Press, June 19, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
IAI introduces its Advanced Artillery Radar at the Paris Air Show. The radar system is considered an essential early warning and target acquisition system for future short and medium range counter-artillery and missile defense systems currently underway in Israel and abroad, such as the MR-SPYDER-MR, a medium-range outgrowth of the Spyder-SR.
(David Eshel, "IAI Unveils an Advanced Artillery Radar," Defense Update, June 19, 2007).
IAI introduces its Advanced Artillery Radar at the Paris Air Show. The radar system is considered an essential early warning and target acquisition system for future short and medium range counter-artillery and missile defense systems currently underway in Israel and abroad, such as the MR-SPYDER-MR, a medium-range outgrowth of the Spyder-SR.
(David Eshel, "IAI Unveils an Advanced Artillery Radar," Defense Update, June 19, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesman for Hamas in the Gaza Strip: "The decision to lift the financial and political embargo on the Palestinian Authority is part of a conspiracy against Hamas and the Palestinian people...The Americans and Europeans are trying to blackmail the Palestinians by providing financial aid only to Fayad's government. They have been trying to remove Hamas from power since 2006, but without success.
"They are refusing to accept the results of a free and democratic election that brought Hamas to power...Instead, they are now supporting the illegitimate government of Fayad...The Arab world appears to be divided over the last developments in the Gaza Strip...Some countries have remained neutral, arguing that the world must accept the choice of the Palestinians. However, there are some Arab countries that are continuing to meddle in Palestinian affairs by supporting one side against the other."
Mahmoud Zahar, former Hamas Foreign Minister: "Either we return to the dialogue between us or we maintain the status quo and [formalize] the separation between the West Bank and Gaza Strip...There is no third option. If [Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud] Abbas wants dialogue, then he must rescind all his recent decisions, including the formation of an illegitimate government."
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "Hamas Claims US, EU Are Blackmailing Palestinians," Jerusalem Post, June 20, 2007).
Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesman for Hamas in the Gaza Strip: "The decision to lift the financial and political embargo on the Palestinian Authority is part of a conspiracy against Hamas and the Palestinian people...The Americans and Europeans are trying to blackmail the Palestinians by providing financial aid only to Fayad's government. They have been trying to remove Hamas from power since 2006, but without success.
"They are refusing to accept the results of a free and democratic election that brought Hamas to power...Instead, they are now supporting the illegitimate government of Fayad...The Arab world appears to be divided over the last developments in the Gaza Strip...Some countries have remained neutral, arguing that the world must accept the choice of the Palestinians. However, there are some Arab countries that are continuing to meddle in Palestinian affairs by supporting one side against the other."
Mahmoud Zahar, former Hamas Foreign Minister: "Either we return to the dialogue between us or we maintain the status quo and [formalize] the separation between the West Bank and Gaza Strip...There is no third option. If [Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud] Abbas wants dialogue, then he must rescind all his recent decisions, including the formation of an illegitimate government."
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "Hamas Claims US, EU Are Blackmailing Palestinians," Jerusalem Post, June 20, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
Ze'ev Schiff, veteran military commentator and Haaretz defense editor, dies Saturday night in Tel Aviv. Schiff was 74 years old.
Former Defense Minister Moshe Arens: "Not on the right or the left, because he was above political disputes, objective as only he knew how to be. Nor among the many writers and analysts and the Israeli press. As professional and sharp-eyed as they come, he was superior to them all. His articles were read by statesmen and politicians, generals and reservists, and they knew that he wrote the stark truth and how to listen to his views."
(Amir Oren and Amos Harel, "Haaretz Defense editor, Veteran Reporter, Ze'ev Schiff, Dies at 74," Ha'aretz, June 20, 2007).
Ze'ev Schiff, veteran military commentator and Haaretz defense editor, dies Saturday night in Tel Aviv. Schiff was 74 years old.
Former Defense Minister Moshe Arens: "Not on the right or the left, because he was above political disputes, objective as only he knew how to be. Nor among the many writers and analysts and the Israeli press. As professional and sharp-eyed as they come, he was superior to them all. His articles were read by statesmen and politicians, generals and reservists, and they knew that he wrote the stark truth and how to listen to his views."
(Amir Oren and Amos Harel, "Haaretz Defense editor, Veteran Reporter, Ze'ev Schiff, Dies at 74," Ha'aretz, June 20, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
Mohammad Dahlan (FATAH): "If serious reforms are not undertaken in the security forces it would be easy for Hamas to take over the West Bank...It would be very easy for a few people who have a goal to succeed over a large army that does not have a goal and does not have proper weaponry..."
Dahlan also notes that "Palestinian Authority Chariman Mahmoud Abbas's men lacked the Islamists' aggressive dedication to a clear goal..."
(Avi Issacharoff, "Dahlan Warns West Bank at Risk of Being Overrun by Hamas," Ha'aretz, June 19, 2007).
Mohammad Dahlan (FATAH): "If serious reforms are not undertaken in the security forces it would be easy for Hamas to take over the West Bank...It would be very easy for a few people who have a goal to succeed over a large army that does not have a goal and does not have proper weaponry..."
Dahlan also notes that "Palestinian Authority Chariman Mahmoud Abbas's men lacked the Islamists' aggressive dedication to a clear goal..."
(Avi Issacharoff, "Dahlan Warns West Bank at Risk of Being Overrun by Hamas," Ha'aretz, June 19, 2007).
June 20, 2007:
According to Western intelligence sources, Egypt has allowed Hamas to smuggle shipments of weapons, munitions and explosives. Egypt has apparently concluded that a Hamas takeover would halt or reduce terrorist infiltrations in the Sinai Peninsula.
"The Egyptians were in the picture as early as several weeks ago...[Hamas leader Khaled] Masha'al discussed the Fatah strategic threat and said Hamas would stop [Fatah security chief Mohammed] Dahlan at any cost."
Indeed, durinng a recent telephone conversation with Egyptian intelligence chief Gen. Omar Suleiman, Masha'al noted that Dahlan and his allies were working with Al-Qaeda linked groups to undermine Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The sources quoted Masha'al as saying that Fatah was allowing Al Qaeda to infiltrate the Sinai Peninsula to organize attacks against the Mubarak regime.
("Egypt Quietly Supports Hamas Takeover," Middle East Newsline, June 19, 2007).
According to Western intelligence sources, Egypt has allowed Hamas to smuggle shipments of weapons, munitions and explosives. Egypt has apparently concluded that a Hamas takeover would halt or reduce terrorist infiltrations in the Sinai Peninsula.
"The Egyptians were in the picture as early as several weeks ago...[Hamas leader Khaled] Masha'al discussed the Fatah strategic threat and said Hamas would stop [Fatah security chief Mohammed] Dahlan at any cost."
Indeed, durinng a recent telephone conversation with Egyptian intelligence chief Gen. Omar Suleiman, Masha'al noted that Dahlan and his allies were working with Al-Qaeda linked groups to undermine Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The sources quoted Masha'al as saying that Fatah was allowing Al Qaeda to infiltrate the Sinai Peninsula to organize attacks against the Mubarak regime.
("Egypt Quietly Supports Hamas Takeover," Middle East Newsline, June 19, 2007).
June 19, 2007:
"Palestinian Hamas spokesman condemned international community's support of the emergency government in the West Bank and termed it as a 'coup against democracy.'
"Ismail Redwan said the international community's decision to support the illegal emergency government is 'in fact a coup against Palestinians democracy as well as sovereignty,' adding that the 'support represents the international community's double-standards' in dealing with issues facing Palestine.
"'We must ask this question from Arab and Muslim nations that which government is supported by the US as well as by the occupation regime to undermine national unity and implement the Zionists' conspiracies.'
"Referring to the illegal interference of international community in the internal affairs of Palestine, the official added 'this support will not promote security in the region and if they decided to continue the Gaza siege and tried to confuse the political atmosphere, the entire region would suffer.'"
("Hamas: Illegal Interference of International Community in the Internal Affairs of Palestine," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, June 19, 2007).
"Palestinian Hamas spokesman condemned international community's support of the emergency government in the West Bank and termed it as a 'coup against democracy.'
"Ismail Redwan said the international community's decision to support the illegal emergency government is 'in fact a coup against Palestinians democracy as well as sovereignty,' adding that the 'support represents the international community's double-standards' in dealing with issues facing Palestine.
"'We must ask this question from Arab and Muslim nations that which government is supported by the US as well as by the occupation regime to undermine national unity and implement the Zionists' conspiracies.'
"Referring to the illegal interference of international community in the internal affairs of Palestine, the official added 'this support will not promote security in the region and if they decided to continue the Gaza siege and tried to confuse the political atmosphere, the entire region would suffer.'"
("Hamas: Illegal Interference of International Community in the Internal Affairs of Palestine," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, June 19, 2007).
June 19, 2007:
- Israeli Magen David Adom ambulances enter the Palestinian side of the Erez Border Crossing along the Gaza Strip to evacuate 11 Palestinians wounded in Monday's shooting attack at the crossing. Four other wounded Palestinians are treated at the scene by MDA medics.
- IDF tanks cross into the Gaza crossing. An IDF spokesman notes the tanks entered Gaza to protect the crossing, where a Palestinian gunmen from Gaza shot dead a Fatah security officer and wounded several others.
(Avi Issacharoff and Yuval Yoaz, "MDA Ambulances Evacuates 11 Wounded Palestinians from Erez," Ha'aretz, June 19, 2007).
- Israeli Magen David Adom ambulances enter the Palestinian side of the Erez Border Crossing along the Gaza Strip to evacuate 11 Palestinians wounded in Monday's shooting attack at the crossing. Four other wounded Palestinians are treated at the scene by MDA medics.
- IDF tanks cross into the Gaza crossing. An IDF spokesman notes the tanks entered Gaza to protect the crossing, where a Palestinian gunmen from Gaza shot dead a Fatah security officer and wounded several others.
(Avi Issacharoff and Yuval Yoaz, "MDA Ambulances Evacuates 11 Wounded Palestinians from Erez," Ha'aretz, June 19, 2007).
June 19, 2007:
Ehud Barak (born Ehud Brog) was born on February 12th, 1942, in Kibbutz Mishmar Hasharon. He enlisted into the IDF in 1959 and served in the elite "Sayaret Matkal" General Staff Reconnaissance unit which was founded two years previous by the legendary officer Abraham Arnan. In 1971 he was appointed head of the unit and oversaw such famous missions including foiling the 1972 attempted hijacking of Sabana Flight 572 in Tel Aviv, Israel and Operation Spring Youth in 1973 in which the unit assassinated the leaders of the Black September Palestinian terrorist organization in the heart of Beirut. Barak was awarded the Medal of Distinguished Service and four other citations for courage and operational excellence which made him the most decorated soldier in Israeli history.
Following the Yom Kippur War, Barak served in the Armor Corps, first as a battalion commander, then brigade commander and finally division commander. In 1975 he was appointed as deputy chief of operational intelligence. After completing his studies in 1979, Barak was appointed the commander (res.) of the Armor Division and then as commander of the Sinai Armor Division. In 1982, Barak was promoted to the rank of Major General and was appointed as head of planning in the General Staff. In 1983 he was appointed as head of the Intelligence Branch and in 1986 was appointed as GOC Central Command. In 1987 he was appointed as Deputy Chief of IDF General Staff.
On the first of April, 1991, Ehud Barak was appointed as the 14th Chief of General Staff of the IDF. Under his leadership many important national and military decisions were made including the formalization of the 1994 peace plan with Jordan, the implementation of peace agreements with the Palestinians and redeployment of the military in the Gaza Strip and Jericho.
On the first of January, 1995, Ehud Barak retired from his service in the IDF. In May 1999 he was sworn in as Prime Minister under the United Israel party which he chaired during his tenure there. During his run as Prime Minister he greatly reinforced the country's defense system. On May 24, 2000, Barak announced the exit of IDF troops from Lebanon and the forming of an International border. This concluded an 18 year deployment of IDF troops in southern Lebanon.
("Today in the General Staff: An Honor Guard Parade Hailing the Newly Appointed Defense Minister," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 19, 2007).
Ehud Barak (born Ehud Brog) was born on February 12th, 1942, in Kibbutz Mishmar Hasharon. He enlisted into the IDF in 1959 and served in the elite "Sayaret Matkal" General Staff Reconnaissance unit which was founded two years previous by the legendary officer Abraham Arnan. In 1971 he was appointed head of the unit and oversaw such famous missions including foiling the 1972 attempted hijacking of Sabana Flight 572 in Tel Aviv, Israel and Operation Spring Youth in 1973 in which the unit assassinated the leaders of the Black September Palestinian terrorist organization in the heart of Beirut. Barak was awarded the Medal of Distinguished Service and four other citations for courage and operational excellence which made him the most decorated soldier in Israeli history.
Following the Yom Kippur War, Barak served in the Armor Corps, first as a battalion commander, then brigade commander and finally division commander. In 1975 he was appointed as deputy chief of operational intelligence. After completing his studies in 1979, Barak was appointed the commander (res.) of the Armor Division and then as commander of the Sinai Armor Division. In 1982, Barak was promoted to the rank of Major General and was appointed as head of planning in the General Staff. In 1983 he was appointed as head of the Intelligence Branch and in 1986 was appointed as GOC Central Command. In 1987 he was appointed as Deputy Chief of IDF General Staff.
On the first of April, 1991, Ehud Barak was appointed as the 14th Chief of General Staff of the IDF. Under his leadership many important national and military decisions were made including the formalization of the 1994 peace plan with Jordan, the implementation of peace agreements with the Palestinians and redeployment of the military in the Gaza Strip and Jericho.
On the first of January, 1995, Ehud Barak retired from his service in the IDF. In May 1999 he was sworn in as Prime Minister under the United Israel party which he chaired during his tenure there. During his run as Prime Minister he greatly reinforced the country's defense system. On May 24, 2000, Barak announced the exit of IDF troops from Lebanon and the forming of an International border. This concluded an 18 year deployment of IDF troops in southern Lebanon.
("Today in the General Staff: An Honor Guard Parade Hailing the Newly Appointed Defense Minister," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 19, 2007).
June 19, 2007:
The Shin Bet uncovers a terror cell affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP,) which planned to blow up the Zekhor L'Avraham synagogue in Modi'in.
The cell, comprised of 12 members, was discovered after the Shin Bet arrested a Palestinian worker employed illegally in Modi'in.
The terrorists had also planned kidnap American citizens in the West Bank to secure the release of Ahmad Sadat. One American captured in such an attempt managed to free himself from the group.
The cell operated from Hebron but received its instructions from PFLP headquarters in Gaza.
IDF Spokesperson's Office:
In recent months ISA and IDF forces uncovered a terrorist cell belonging to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in the Dura area, west of Hebron. During their questioning the cell members told investigators of their plans to execute different terror attacks.
The cell planned to bomb a synagogue in the Israeli city of Modi'in. The establisher of the cell, Ramzi Hassan Hassin Sharauna, told investigators that he had been asked by his superiors to recruit a suicide bomber to carry out a bombing of a synagogue in Israel. Sharauna, who was working illegally in a construction site in Modi'in at the time, offered to dispatch the bomber to a nearby synagogue. Sharauna claimed that the eventual plan was to bomb the synagogue at a time in which it was empty and to escape to Ramallah. Sharauna also scouted the area of the synagogue in preparation for the attack. The cell planned to abduct US citizens in Judea and Samaria in order to negotiate the release of the organization's Secretary General, Ahmed Sa'adat, who is held in Israel. The cell members had actually attempted an abduction last year but had released the abducted man soon afterwards. The cell planned to carry out a combined shooting and bombing attack at a bus station in Modi'in and to shoot and stab soldiers in the Hebron area.
The exposure of the cell in question began in February when security forces arrested Sharauna in the Dura area. Sharauna admitted to have been in contact with prominent PFLP members from the Gaza Strip who had established cells in Nablus and Jenin and instructed him to establish a cell in the Hebron area. Sharauna exposed the activity of the cell, of which 12 operatives have been arrested as of now. Cell members arrested include Nimar Fahami Bader Jabar, Sari Sharif Abed Al Jafar Jaradat and Muhammad Fahami Abed Al Hamid Zakik, all of them students at Al-Arub College.
The exposure of the cell and the quick arrest of its members thwarted serious attacks in the Israeli home front. Its activity is yet another indication of the involvement of Gaza-based terrorists in terror activity in Judea and Samaria."
(Yaakov Katz, "Modi'in Synagogue Terror Attack Averted," Jerusalem Post, June 19, 2007; "IDF and ISA Forces Arrest PFLP Terror Cell," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 19, 2007).
The Shin Bet uncovers a terror cell affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP,) which planned to blow up the Zekhor L'Avraham synagogue in Modi'in.
The cell, comprised of 12 members, was discovered after the Shin Bet arrested a Palestinian worker employed illegally in Modi'in.
The terrorists had also planned kidnap American citizens in the West Bank to secure the release of Ahmad Sadat. One American captured in such an attempt managed to free himself from the group.
The cell operated from Hebron but received its instructions from PFLP headquarters in Gaza.
IDF Spokesperson's Office:
In recent months ISA and IDF forces uncovered a terrorist cell belonging to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in the Dura area, west of Hebron. During their questioning the cell members told investigators of their plans to execute different terror attacks.
The cell planned to bomb a synagogue in the Israeli city of Modi'in. The establisher of the cell, Ramzi Hassan Hassin Sharauna, told investigators that he had been asked by his superiors to recruit a suicide bomber to carry out a bombing of a synagogue in Israel. Sharauna, who was working illegally in a construction site in Modi'in at the time, offered to dispatch the bomber to a nearby synagogue. Sharauna claimed that the eventual plan was to bomb the synagogue at a time in which it was empty and to escape to Ramallah. Sharauna also scouted the area of the synagogue in preparation for the attack. The cell planned to abduct US citizens in Judea and Samaria in order to negotiate the release of the organization's Secretary General, Ahmed Sa'adat, who is held in Israel. The cell members had actually attempted an abduction last year but had released the abducted man soon afterwards. The cell planned to carry out a combined shooting and bombing attack at a bus station in Modi'in and to shoot and stab soldiers in the Hebron area.
The exposure of the cell in question began in February when security forces arrested Sharauna in the Dura area. Sharauna admitted to have been in contact with prominent PFLP members from the Gaza Strip who had established cells in Nablus and Jenin and instructed him to establish a cell in the Hebron area. Sharauna exposed the activity of the cell, of which 12 operatives have been arrested as of now. Cell members arrested include Nimar Fahami Bader Jabar, Sari Sharif Abed Al Jafar Jaradat and Muhammad Fahami Abed Al Hamid Zakik, all of them students at Al-Arub College.
The exposure of the cell and the quick arrest of its members thwarted serious attacks in the Israeli home front. Its activity is yet another indication of the involvement of Gaza-based terrorists in terror activity in Judea and Samaria."
(Yaakov Katz, "Modi'in Synagogue Terror Attack Averted," Jerusalem Post, June 19, 2007; "IDF and ISA Forces Arrest PFLP Terror Cell," IDF Spokesperson's Office, June 19, 2007).
June 19, 2007:
Fatah's Central Committee cuts off all contacts with Hamas.
"The Committee decided not to hold any negotiations, dialog or meetings with Hamas, until it puts an end to the military coup in the Gaza Strip. There will be no contacts between Fatah and Hamas at any level..."
Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya: "Hamas rejects the decision by Abu Mazen (Abbas) to outlaw the Executive Force because his decision contradicts the law...The current government of national unity is the legitimate caretaker government and we do not recognize the emergency government."
(Ali Waked, "Fatah Cuts Off Ties with Hamas," YnetNews, June 19, 2007).
Fatah's Central Committee cuts off all contacts with Hamas.
"The Committee decided not to hold any negotiations, dialog or meetings with Hamas, until it puts an end to the military coup in the Gaza Strip. There will be no contacts between Fatah and Hamas at any level..."
Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya: "Hamas rejects the decision by Abu Mazen (Abbas) to outlaw the Executive Force because his decision contradicts the law...The current government of national unity is the legitimate caretaker government and we do not recognize the emergency government."
(Ali Waked, "Fatah Cuts Off Ties with Hamas," YnetNews, June 19, 2007).
June 19, 2007:
Palestinian terrorists in northern Gaza fire a Qassam rocket at the She'ar Hanegev industrial zone. The rockets damage a factory where hazardous chemicals are stored, resulting in a gas leak of caustic soda.
The IDF Home Front Command has recommended that Sderot area factories install protective shielding.
(Shmulik Hadad, "Qassam Lands in Factory with Hazardous Materials," YnetNews, June 19, 2007).
Palestinian terrorists in northern Gaza fire a Qassam rocket at the She'ar Hanegev industrial zone. The rockets damage a factory where hazardous chemicals are stored, resulting in a gas leak of caustic soda.
The IDF Home Front Command has recommended that Sderot area factories install protective shielding.
(Shmulik Hadad, "Qassam Lands in Factory with Hazardous Materials," YnetNews, June 19, 2007).
June 19, 2007:
The US lifts its economic and political embargo against the Palestinian government.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: "I told him [Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad] the United States would resume full assistance to the Palestinian government and normal government to government contacts...I told the prime minister that we want to work with his government and support his efforts to enforce the rule of law and to ensure a better life for the Palestinian people...We intend to lift our financial restrictions on the Palestinian government, which has accepted previous agreements with Israel and rejects the path of violence. This will enable the American people and American financial institutions to resume normal economic and commercial ties with the Palestinian government..."
Rice said also notes that "Through its actions, Hamas sought to divide the Palestinian nation, we reject that...It is the position of the United States that there is one Palestinian people and there should be one Palestinian state."
("U.S., EU Lift Economic Embargo on New Palestinian Government," Ha'aretz, June 19, 2007).
The US lifts its economic and political embargo against the Palestinian government.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: "I told him [Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad] the United States would resume full assistance to the Palestinian government and normal government to government contacts...I told the prime minister that we want to work with his government and support his efforts to enforce the rule of law and to ensure a better life for the Palestinian people...We intend to lift our financial restrictions on the Palestinian government, which has accepted previous agreements with Israel and rejects the path of violence. This will enable the American people and American financial institutions to resume normal economic and commercial ties with the Palestinian government..."
Rice said also notes that "Through its actions, Hamas sought to divide the Palestinian nation, we reject that...It is the position of the United States that there is one Palestinian people and there should be one Palestinian state."
("U.S., EU Lift Economic Embargo on New Palestinian Government," Ha'aretz, June 19, 2007).
June 19, 2007:
A group (FATAH) in the Gaza Strip calls for the trial of Muhammad Dahlan, a high-ranking Fatah official. The group demands a trial of all the leading figures which they consider responsible for the fall of Fatah in Gaza, beginning with Dahlan.
Fatah leader, Samir Mashharawi: "I believe this was a forestalled step by a group which betrayed Fatah years ago and was attached to Hamas so they are a Hamas-of-Fatah or a Fatah-of-Hamas and any decent Fatah member cannot say what they said about the movement."
("Fatah Leaders Call for the Trial of Dahlan over the Fall of the Movement in the Gaza Strip," Ma'an News, June 18, 2007).
A group (FATAH) in the Gaza Strip calls for the trial of Muhammad Dahlan, a high-ranking Fatah official. The group demands a trial of all the leading figures which they consider responsible for the fall of Fatah in Gaza, beginning with Dahlan.
Fatah leader, Samir Mashharawi: "I believe this was a forestalled step by a group which betrayed Fatah years ago and was attached to Hamas so they are a Hamas-of-Fatah or a Fatah-of-Hamas and any decent Fatah member cannot say what they said about the movement."
("Fatah Leaders Call for the Trial of Dahlan over the Fall of the Movement in the Gaza Strip," Ma'an News, June 18, 2007).
June 18, 2007:
Palestinian terrorists hurl grenades and fire at IDF forces stationed at the Erez Crossing. IDF forces return fire. Al-Madhoun, a Fatah operative wanted by Hamas, is killed during the exchange of fire.
(Ali Waked, "Palestinian Killed in Gunfight at Erez Crossing," YnetNews, June 18, 2007).
Palestinian terrorists hurl grenades and fire at IDF forces stationed at the Erez Crossing. IDF forces return fire. Al-Madhoun, a Fatah operative wanted by Hamas, is killed during the exchange of fire.
(Ali Waked, "Palestinian Killed in Gunfight at Erez Crossing," YnetNews, June 18, 2007).
June 18, 2007:
Fatah fires three projectiles at Israel.
The brigades issues a statement claiming that the attack is retaliation to Israeli crimes against Palestinians. The brigades also declare that they will continue to "resist the occupation and strengthen unity in order to counter Israeli attacks."
("Al Jihad Brigades Launch Three Projectiles Towards Israel," Ma'an News, June 18, 2007).
Fatah fires three projectiles at Israel.
The brigades issues a statement claiming that the attack is retaliation to Israeli crimes against Palestinians. The brigades also declare that they will continue to "resist the occupation and strengthen unity in order to counter Israeli attacks."
("Al Jihad Brigades Launch Three Projectiles Towards Israel," Ma'an News, June 18, 2007).
June 18, 2007:
White House Press Secretary Tony Snow: "What's important is, you have to have a partner who is commited to peace, and we believe that President Abbas is...And therefore we are commited to working with this new emergency government...We have said that Hamas is a terrorist organization...I think it's pretty clear what our stance has been."
WeaponSurvey Analysis:
"Both [Hamas and Fatah] have the same ultimate agenda but hold to fundamental differences in timeline methodologies to achieve their objectives. For these differences as well as for the possession of absolute power over the Palestinian people they wage war and slaughter one another in gangland execution style. The HAMAS-FATAH conflict has occurred sooner rather than later due to the direct influences of Iran and their Syrian allies upon HAMAS."
(Avi Issacharoff, "Abbas to Bush: Now is Time to Resume Peace Talks," Ha'aretz, June 18, 2007; Sean Osborne, "Unambiguous Common Sense About 'The War'," NEIN, June 15, 2007).
White House Press Secretary Tony Snow: "What's important is, you have to have a partner who is commited to peace, and we believe that President Abbas is...And therefore we are commited to working with this new emergency government...We have said that Hamas is a terrorist organization...I think it's pretty clear what our stance has been."
WeaponSurvey Analysis:
- Corruption and clan loyalty have contributed to Fatah's inability to maintain law and order.
- Fatah has taken an active (and public) part in terrorist activities against Israel.
- Fatah perceives a return to 1967 cease-fire lines as a prelude to conquering all of Palestine and implementing the right of return.
"Both [Hamas and Fatah] have the same ultimate agenda but hold to fundamental differences in timeline methodologies to achieve their objectives. For these differences as well as for the possession of absolute power over the Palestinian people they wage war and slaughter one another in gangland execution style. The HAMAS-FATAH conflict has occurred sooner rather than later due to the direct influences of Iran and their Syrian allies upon HAMAS."
(Avi Issacharoff, "Abbas to Bush: Now is Time to Resume Peace Talks," Ha'aretz, June 18, 2007; Sean Osborne, "Unambiguous Common Sense About 'The War'," NEIN, June 15, 2007).
June 18, 2007:
The EU plans to continue making subsistence payments to tens of thousands of Palestinian government workers and pensioners in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The EU's Temporary International Mechanism pays monthly "allowances" - approximately $360 each - directly to the Palestinian Authority's non-security work force. TIM provides allowances to more than 77,000 government workers and pensioners, 60% in the West Bank and 40% in the Gaza Strip.
A senior EU official: "It will continue to cover Gaza. It's not our policy to strangle the Gaza people."
A second EU official: "Security concerns permitting, we will continue work as before."
("EU to Keep Paying Palestinian Government Salaries in Hamas-Controlled Gaza," Reuters, June 17, 2007).
The EU plans to continue making subsistence payments to tens of thousands of Palestinian government workers and pensioners in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The EU's Temporary International Mechanism pays monthly "allowances" - approximately $360 each - directly to the Palestinian Authority's non-security work force. TIM provides allowances to more than 77,000 government workers and pensioners, 60% in the West Bank and 40% in the Gaza Strip.
A senior EU official: "It will continue to cover Gaza. It's not our policy to strangle the Gaza people."
A second EU official: "Security concerns permitting, we will continue work as before."
("EU to Keep Paying Palestinian Government Salaries in Hamas-Controlled Gaza," Reuters, June 17, 2007).
June 18, 2007:
Hamas forces set fire to and loot a Greek Orthodox church complex in Gaza.
(Jonathan Dahoah Halevi, "Gaza: Hamas Forces Set Fire to Church," NFC [Translated from Hebrew], June 18, 2007).
Hamas forces set fire to and loot a Greek Orthodox church complex in Gaza.
(Jonathan Dahoah Halevi, "Gaza: Hamas Forces Set Fire to Church," NFC [Translated from Hebrew], June 18, 2007).
June 18, 2007:
"After Ezzedeen Al Qassam brigades arrested numbers of the security forces leaders in Gaza strip, who had a black history in fueling discord and killing on the Palestinian arena. They chased the mujahideen, the resistance men and tried to apply the American and Zionist plans by force to swoop down the Palestinian legitimacy.
"But Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades do not accept any deal unless the only deal with the spirit of the Islam and Islamic Sharia to pardon on all the security services leaders. The main part of the Islam based on the forgiveness as our messenger Muhammad (peace upon him) called in his message. Accordingly, we declare the amnesty for all the commanders of the security services and revolutionary trends...The Brigades stressed that what happened was not against Fatah but it was against the traitors in these services especially who belong to Dahlan branch.
"Meanwhile, the brigades said that it caught dangerous documents inside the security services sites especially the preventive security site. The brigades said: 'As soon as we get control of the Preventive Security site, we succeeded to get document condemn this apparatus of conspiring and coordination with the Zionist enemy in the assassination operations against the Mujahideen leaders in the Palestinian resistance lines, and explaining that those leaders committed a high treason for their homeland and their people.' In the end, Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades declared that it will publish these documents later and expose the traitors."
("Al Qassam Brigades Decided to Pardon the Leaders of the Security Services," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, June 17, 2007).
"After Ezzedeen Al Qassam brigades arrested numbers of the security forces leaders in Gaza strip, who had a black history in fueling discord and killing on the Palestinian arena. They chased the mujahideen, the resistance men and tried to apply the American and Zionist plans by force to swoop down the Palestinian legitimacy.
"But Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades do not accept any deal unless the only deal with the spirit of the Islam and Islamic Sharia to pardon on all the security services leaders. The main part of the Islam based on the forgiveness as our messenger Muhammad (peace upon him) called in his message. Accordingly, we declare the amnesty for all the commanders of the security services and revolutionary trends...The Brigades stressed that what happened was not against Fatah but it was against the traitors in these services especially who belong to Dahlan branch.
"Meanwhile, the brigades said that it caught dangerous documents inside the security services sites especially the preventive security site. The brigades said: 'As soon as we get control of the Preventive Security site, we succeeded to get document condemn this apparatus of conspiring and coordination with the Zionist enemy in the assassination operations against the Mujahideen leaders in the Palestinian resistance lines, and explaining that those leaders committed a high treason for their homeland and their people.' In the end, Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades declared that it will publish these documents later and expose the traitors."
("Al Qassam Brigades Decided to Pardon the Leaders of the Security Services," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, June 17, 2007).
June 17, 2007:
- Two Katyusha rockets strike the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona.
- A third rocket struck next to a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) base in the southern Lebanese village of Houla.
- Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora says his country will "spare no effort" in finding those responsible for the attacks. "The state, through all its security services, will spare no effort to find the party behind this act which aims at destabilizing Lebanon..."
- A Lebanese security source notes that suspected Palestinian gunmen (not Hizballah) had carried out the attack.
- Hizballah issues an official denial of responsibility for the rocket fire. "Hizballah denies being involved in any operation to launch missiles today against occupied Palestine."
- The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP) also denies any involvement in the rocket attacks.
(Eli Ashkenazi, Amos Harel, and Yoav Stern, "Siniora: We'll Spare No Effort to Find Those Behind Katyusha Fire," Ha'aretz, June 17, 2007).
- Two Katyusha rockets strike the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona.
- A third rocket struck next to a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) base in the southern Lebanese village of Houla.
- Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora says his country will "spare no effort" in finding those responsible for the attacks. "The state, through all its security services, will spare no effort to find the party behind this act which aims at destabilizing Lebanon..."
- A Lebanese security source notes that suspected Palestinian gunmen (not Hizballah) had carried out the attack.
- Hizballah issues an official denial of responsibility for the rocket fire. "Hizballah denies being involved in any operation to launch missiles today against occupied Palestine."
- The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP) also denies any involvement in the rocket attacks.
(Eli Ashkenazi, Amos Harel, and Yoav Stern, "Siniora: We'll Spare No Effort to Find Those Behind Katyusha Fire," Ha'aretz, June 17, 2007).
June 17, 2007:
PA President Mahmoud Abbas (FATAH) announces a presidential decree that outlawed the Hamas-affiliated Executive Force and other militias. The decree is comprised of two articles: one affirming that the Executive Force and other Hamas militias are outlawed; and the other demanding all official parties to implement the decree and publish it formally.
("Abbas outlaws Hamas-affiliated armed forces," Ma'an News, June 17, 2007).
PA President Mahmoud Abbas (FATAH) announces a presidential decree that outlawed the Hamas-affiliated Executive Force and other militias. The decree is comprised of two articles: one affirming that the Executive Force and other Hamas militias are outlawed; and the other demanding all official parties to implement the decree and publish it formally.
("Abbas outlaws Hamas-affiliated armed forces," Ma'an News, June 17, 2007).
June 17, 2007:
Hamas seizes more than 50,000 rifles and pistols during raids on the headquarters of the Fatah-controlled security forces in the Strip. Hamas also captures dozens of vehicles and "important" military equipment.
A Hamas official: "You can say that Hamas is much stronger than it was last week...We have also captured tons of ammunition and thousands of mortars and rocket-propelled grenades."
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "Abbas Forms Cabinet Without Hamas; Embargo to be Lifted," Jerusalem Post, June 16, 2007).
Hamas seizes more than 50,000 rifles and pistols during raids on the headquarters of the Fatah-controlled security forces in the Strip. Hamas also captures dozens of vehicles and "important" military equipment.
A Hamas official: "You can say that Hamas is much stronger than it was last week...We have also captured tons of ammunition and thousands of mortars and rocket-propelled grenades."
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "Abbas Forms Cabinet Without Hamas; Embargo to be Lifted," Jerusalem Post, June 16, 2007).
June 17, 2007:
Incoming Israeli DM Ehud Barak is planning an extensive Gaza operation to displace the Hamas government. According to senior Israeli military sources, the plan calls for 20,000 troops to destroy much of Hamas’s military capability in days. The raid would be triggered by Hamas rocket attacks against Israel or a resumption of suicide bombings.
Barak has already demanded detailed plans to deploy two armoured divisions and an infantry division, accompanied by assault drones and F-16 jets, against Hamas. The Israeli forces would expect to be confronted by about 12,000 Hamas fighters with arms confiscated from the Fatah faction that they defeated in last week’s three-day civil war in Gaza.
(Uzi Mahnaimi, "Israel Plans Attack on Gaza," Times Online, June 16, 2007).
Incoming Israeli DM Ehud Barak is planning an extensive Gaza operation to displace the Hamas government. According to senior Israeli military sources, the plan calls for 20,000 troops to destroy much of Hamas’s military capability in days. The raid would be triggered by Hamas rocket attacks against Israel or a resumption of suicide bombings.
Barak has already demanded detailed plans to deploy two armoured divisions and an infantry division, accompanied by assault drones and F-16 jets, against Hamas. The Israeli forces would expect to be confronted by about 12,000 Hamas fighters with arms confiscated from the Fatah faction that they defeated in last week’s three-day civil war in Gaza.
(Uzi Mahnaimi, "Israel Plans Attack on Gaza," Times Online, June 16, 2007).
June 17, 2007:
- A senior Israeli defense official: "Dayton's plan completely failed...The [FATAH] Presidential Guards which he was responsible for were easily run over by Hamas." The official also expresses satisfaction with Israel's decision to oppose Dayton's "benchmark plan" (presented last month), which called for free passage between Gaza and the West Bank. "Thankfully we rejected the plan...Imagine if we would have succumbed to American pressure and accepted the plan and then Hamas would have taken over."
- A Fatah security officer: "We decided to surrender to [Hamas's armed wing] Izaddin Kassam because we didn't feel that our commanders and leaders were behind us. Many of our commanders had fled to Ramallah and Cairo, where they were issuing orders to us from air-conditioned hotel rooms...We were stationed near President Mahmoud Abbas's office in Gaza City...When we heard that Hamas had captured the headquarters of the Preventive Security and General Intelligence, we knew that this was the end. We were about 50 officers and we all decided to surrender and hand our weapons over to Hamas.
"We were never told to fight against Hamas...They just told us to stay where we are and to defend the office of the president. I didn't want to die defending an empty building while the president and Muhammad Dahlan are sitting in Ramallah...Most of us have been unable to feed our children...How can they expect us to fight on empty stomachs? By the middle of last week it was very obvious that Hamas was going to win the battle...That's also why most of us did not feel that there was much we could do."
(Yaakov Katz, "Israeli Official: Dayton Failed," Jerusalem Post, June 16, 2007; Khaled Abu Toameh, "Fatah officer: 'Our Leaders Betrayed Us,' Jerusalem Post, June 16, 2006).
- A senior Israeli defense official: "Dayton's plan completely failed...The [FATAH] Presidential Guards which he was responsible for were easily run over by Hamas." The official also expresses satisfaction with Israel's decision to oppose Dayton's "benchmark plan" (presented last month), which called for free passage between Gaza and the West Bank. "Thankfully we rejected the plan...Imagine if we would have succumbed to American pressure and accepted the plan and then Hamas would have taken over."
- A Fatah security officer: "We decided to surrender to [Hamas's armed wing] Izaddin Kassam because we didn't feel that our commanders and leaders were behind us. Many of our commanders had fled to Ramallah and Cairo, where they were issuing orders to us from air-conditioned hotel rooms...We were stationed near President Mahmoud Abbas's office in Gaza City...When we heard that Hamas had captured the headquarters of the Preventive Security and General Intelligence, we knew that this was the end. We were about 50 officers and we all decided to surrender and hand our weapons over to Hamas.
"We were never told to fight against Hamas...They just told us to stay where we are and to defend the office of the president. I didn't want to die defending an empty building while the president and Muhammad Dahlan are sitting in Ramallah...Most of us have been unable to feed our children...How can they expect us to fight on empty stomachs? By the middle of last week it was very obvious that Hamas was going to win the battle...That's also why most of us did not feel that there was much we could do."
(Yaakov Katz, "Israeli Official: Dayton Failed," Jerusalem Post, June 16, 2007; Khaled Abu Toameh, "Fatah officer: 'Our Leaders Betrayed Us,' Jerusalem Post, June 16, 2006).
June 17, 2007:
- 6 Palestinians are killed during exchanges of fire between Hamas and Fatah forces in Gaza.
- Two Hamas operatives and two members of the Fatah-affiliated Preventative Security Forces are killed in separate incidents.
- Two civilians from a FATAH (al-Astal) clan are killed in revenge killings.
(Ali Waked, "Gaza Killings Continue," YnetNews, June 16, 2007).
- 6 Palestinians are killed during exchanges of fire between Hamas and Fatah forces in Gaza.
- Two Hamas operatives and two members of the Fatah-affiliated Preventative Security Forces are killed in separate incidents.
- Two civilians from a FATAH (al-Astal) clan are killed in revenge killings.
(Ali Waked, "Gaza Killings Continue," YnetNews, June 16, 2007).
June 17, 2007:
Hamas threatens to retaliate against Fatah forces in the West Bank if they did not end Fatah "terrorism" against Hamas members. According to Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri, 150 of the group's supporters have been kidnapped in the West Bank.
"What is happening in the West Bank is a real coup and real terrorism...We will not stand handcuffed against these crimes in the West Bank. We will take all steps to secure an end to these crimes."
(Avi Issacharoff, "Hamas Threatens West Bank Fighting; Fatah Officials Flee Gaza via Erez," Ha'aretz, June 16, 2007).
Hamas threatens to retaliate against Fatah forces in the West Bank if they did not end Fatah "terrorism" against Hamas members. According to Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri, 150 of the group's supporters have been kidnapped in the West Bank.
"What is happening in the West Bank is a real coup and real terrorism...We will not stand handcuffed against these crimes in the West Bank. We will take all steps to secure an end to these crimes."
(Avi Issacharoff, "Hamas Threatens West Bank Fighting; Fatah Officials Flee Gaza via Erez," Ha'aretz, June 16, 2007).
June 17, 2007:
RAFAEL will participate in the Paris Air Show, June 18-24, 2007 in Le Bourget, France. Among the advanced defense solutions RAFAEL will display:
PYTHON 5 – Full sphere air-to-air IR missile
DERBY – Beyond visual range air-to-air missile
SPYDER - Short and medium range air defense systems
SPICE 1000/2000 – Precision guided weapon kit
BLACK SPARROW – Surrogate ballistic target
SPIKE-ER – Multi-purpose tactical missile for helicopters
HELICOAT - Weapon suite for combat helicopters
LITENING III – Airborne IR navigation and targeting pod
RECCELITE – Real-time electro-optic reconnaissance pod
SKYLITE B - Long Endurance Mini-UAV
RAVNET – Airborne tacti
RAFAEL will participate in the Paris Air Show, June 18-24, 2007 in Le Bourget, France. Among the advanced defense solutions RAFAEL will display:
PYTHON 5 – Full sphere air-to-air IR missile
DERBY – Beyond visual range air-to-air missile
SPYDER - Short and medium range air defense systems
SPICE 1000/2000 – Precision guided weapon kit
BLACK SPARROW – Surrogate ballistic target
SPIKE-ER – Multi-purpose tactical missile for helicopters
HELICOAT - Weapon suite for combat helicopters
LITENING III – Airborne IR navigation and targeting pod
RECCELITE – Real-time electro-optic reconnaissance pod
SKYLITE B - Long Endurance Mini-UAV
RAVNET – Airborne tacti