IDF Nabs Nablus Islamic Jihad Leader
Kitaneh has been transferred to the custody of the General Security Service (GSS/SHABAK) for questioning.
("IDF Arrests Islamic Jihad Head in Nablus," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 29, 2007).
IAF Targets Palestinian Artillery Cell
- Palestinian terrorists fire seven rockets at Israeli targets.
(Amos Harel, "IAF Kills Gaza Militant Preparing to Fire Qassam Rockets into Israel," Ha'aretz, March 28, 2007).
Towards a Palestinian Caliphate?
All of Palestine. This is the final and strategic solution for us. There is a Quranic message for us, that we will enter the Al-Aqsa mosque, and the entrance to the mosque means the entrance into all of Palestine. This is the message, no one can deny it. Anyone who denies it must check his faith and his Islam."
(Yaakov Lappin, "Islam Will Enter Every House," YnetNews, March 27, 2007).
Egyptian Security Delegation to PA Reduced
According to Israeli sources, a small Egyptian security delegation, led by Maj. Gen. Burhan Hamad, formally remains in Gaza Strip.
("Egypt Quietly Abandons Gaza," Middle East Newsline, March 27, 2007).
Two Fatah Terrorists Killed in Nablus Casbah
("IDF Kills Two Al Aksa Men in Nablus," Jerusalem Post, March 27, 2007).
Palestinian Artillery Advances
Palestinian terrorists have developed a cannon capable of rapid artillery fire. The 100 mm (diameter) canon can fire shells up to a distance of five kilometers.
("Palestinians Build Canon," Middle East Newsline, March 25, 2007).
The Hamas Shawaz EFP
Photo: Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Center for Special Studies (C.S.S)
The Hamas manufactured Shawaz (Flame) EFP has a penetration capability of 200 mm (8”) of steel.
Access additional WeaponSurvey data on indigenous Palestinian IEDs and EFPs.
Post West Bank Withdrawal Scenario: Daily Rocket Attacks & Air-Traffic Disruption
- Paralysis of Ben Gurion Internationl Airport due to anti-aircraft shelling
- Daily rocket attacks aimed at communities in close proximity to the 1967 cease-fire line (Green Line)
- Sniper attacks along sections of Highway 6
Sderot Mayor: Emergency Evacuation Plan to be Formulated
(Jonathan Dahoah Halevi, "Preparing to Evacuate Residents," Shalom Toronto, March 23, 2007).
Three Tanzim Operatives Arrested Near Hebron
During a joint IDF and ISA operation, three armed Tanzim operatives were arrested on their way from Hebron to the village of Yatta:
Issa Halil Muhamad Nuagea, a 31 year-old resident of the village of Yatta serves as the head of Tanzim in his village and is highly involved in the organization's activities and in weapons trafficking. Nuagea has been wanted by security forces since September 2001.
Ibrahim Hasan Abdullah Shuahin, 37 years-old, is highly involved in the organization's activities in the village of Yatta. Shuahin has been wanted by security forces since May 2006.
Naaman Muhamad Ahmed Abu Rabia is a 31 year-old resident of the village of Al-Fawwar. Rabia is highly involved in the organization's activities including the trafficking of weapons and violence against Palestinians suspected of cooperating with Israel. Rabia has been wanted by security forces since January 2002.
The three Tanzim members have been operating as an armed cell since 2002 in order to carry out attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces. The three men have recently been involved in weapons trafficking and in the kidnapping, interrogating and apparently even the murder of Palestinians suspected of cooperating with Israel. A sub machine gun and two handguns were uncovered in the vehicle of the three arrested men. The three operatives were taken for questioning by security forces.
("IDF Arrests 3 Wanted Tanzim Operatives Near Hebron," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 22, 2007).
Hamas Terrorists Kill Palestinian Civilian
A Palestinian civilian is shot to death during clashes between his Fatah-affiliated family and Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
Samir Hilles, 48, attempted to mediate between Hamas and members of his family, who set fire to a Hamas vehicle.
Gunfire erupted after Hamas reinforcements arrived, and Hilles was killed.
(Avi Issacharoff, "Palestinian Civilian Killed in Clashes Between Clans in Gaza," Ha'aretz, March 22, 2007).
GSS: Israeli-Arabs Involved in Terror
According to the GSS (SHABAK), 24 Israeli-Arabs were found to be involved in anti-Israel terrorist activity during 2006. The majority of the operatives received instructions from handlers in Judea, Samaria (West Bank) and the Gaza Strip.
(Jonathan D. Halevi, "Does the Israeli-Arab Leadership Support Terror?" JCPA Strategic Blog [Translated from Hebrew], March 20, 2007).
Rice to Reduce Congressional Funding Request for PA Security Forces
"[I] will request less money, precisely because some of the money that I would have requested I did not think I could fully account for...I hope that is a sign for you that we take very seriously our responsibilities...I have no interest in having to come here one day and say, 'you know this funding did not end up in the right place.' I will do my very best."
("Rice Plans to Reduce Security Funds Intended For Abbas," Ha'aretz, March 21, 2007).
Hamas RPG Attack Kills Fatah Terrorist
("Hamas RPG Squad Kills Fatah Man," IsraelNationalNews, March 21, 2007).
Dayton: Hamas Receiving Iranian Aid
("U.S.: With Iranian help, Hamas forces growing faster than Fatah," Reuters, March 21, 2007).
IDF to Invest NIS 2 Billion in Emergency Supply Upgrade
During a press conference, Mizrahi revealed the findings of a committee that investigated the army's logistical response in the recent Lebanon war.
The committee's main conclusion was that army units were ill-equipped during the war due to difficulties transporting supplies to the front -- and not because of stockpile shortages.
(Amos Harel, "IDF to Spend NIS 2 Billion to Upgrade Emergency Supply Units," Ha'aretz, March 20, 2007).
Palestinian Terrorists Arrested in Central Israel
Israeli security officials lift a high alert in the Sharon region after police arrest suspected Palestinian terrorists in a car near Netanya.
The car was intercepted at a impromptu roadblock.
(Roni Singer-Heruti, "Alert Lifted After Terror Suspects Arrested in Sharon Area," Ha'aretz, March 20, 2007).
Hamas Ambush Wounds Israeli Civilian at Gaza Crossing
"The [Hamas] Qassam Brigades announced its responsiblity for shooting a Zionist [Israeli] and firing two mortar bombs against a gathering of Zionist soldiers near Karni crossing...Our strikes against the enemy will continue."
(Amos Harel, "Hamas Claims Shooting of Israeli Near Gaza Terminal," Ha'aretz, March 19, 2007).
Palestinian Suicide Bomber Arrested in Egypt
Egyptian authorities detain a would-be Hamas suicide bomber near the Israeli border.
Salah Adnan Saleh Abdel-Salam is arrested after leaving a mosque in the border city of El-Arish in the Sinai Peninsula.
(Amos Harel, "Egypt Arrests Would-be Hamas Suicide Bomber Near Israeli Border," Ha'aretz, March 19, 2007).
Home Front Command to Implement Nationwide Drill
Photo: Avi Moalem, YnetNews
The IDF Home Front Command and other Israeli rescue services are slated to conduct a nationwide drill simulating conventional and unconventional terror attacks as well as missile strikes.
Tuesday, 2PM: A siren will sound throughout most of the the country.
Rescue scenarios include missile strikes against a building in Netanya and the Reading Power Station in Tel Aviv.
A Be'er Sheva drill will simulate a "mega-terror attack," followed by a heavy barrage of rockets launched against southern Israel.
(Efrat Weiss, "Israel to Hold Nationwide Missile Attack Drill," YnetNews, March 18, 2007).
Israeli Soldier Wounded in Nablus IED Attack
- An IDF soldier sustains light shrapnel wounds when a bomb explodes near a military jeep in the Nablus Balata refugee camp.
- IDF troops apprehend two Palestinian youths near Nablus (at the Beit Iba checkpoint) in possession of explosive devices apparently intended to be used in a suicide bombing.
(Amos Harel and Mijal Grinberg, "IDF Soldier Wounded When Bomb Explodes Near Jeep in Nablus," Ha'aretz, March 18, 2007).
Crop Dusters Banned from Gaza Strip Area
The Israeli Transportation Ministry instructs farmers in the Gaza envelope not to fly crop dusters in the Sha'ar Hanegev regional council. The order comes amid fears that Palestinian terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip will use small shoulder-launched missiles to down the small aircrafts.
(Haim Bior, "Fearing Attacks, Gov't Bans Use of Crop Dusting Planes on Farms Near Gaza," Ha'aretz, March 18, 2007).
Palestinian Terrorists Fire Five Rockets at Israeli Targets
An Ashkelon industrial zone worker: "We heard a very loud whistle and a strong explosion. We were sure that the rocket hit the building. After leaving the fortified rooms we saw that the rocket landed near the facility without causing any damage."
The blasts caused by the rockets are heard across Ashkelon and in Sderot.
Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for the attack.
(Shmulik Hadad, "5 Qassam Rockets Hit South," YnetNews, March 18, 2007).
US: Hamas Reference to "Right of Resistance" is "Disturbing"
- State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack: "The...reference to 'right of resistance' is disturbing and contradicts directly the quartet principle of renunciation of violence."
("Hamas: We Have the Right to Conduct Terror," IsraelNationalNews, March 17, 2007; Anne Geran, "U.S. Decries New Palestinian Government," Associated Press, March 17, 2007).
Defense Update: Israeli Tavor Assault Rifles Modified To Improve Reliability
IMI marketing manager Mark Shachar: "The Tavor actually benefit from this experience, as the quick reaction enabled us to improve the performance and reliability under tough battlefield conditions."
The IDF Bamahane magazine notes that the modifications include improved cocking handle, redesigned magazine loading port, and improved sealing for the ejection port, eliminating the buildup of dust inside the weapon.
("Israeli Tavor Assault Rifles Modified To Improve Reliability," Defense Update, March 16, 2007).
Palestinian Terrorists Attempt to Abduct UN Official in the Gaza Strip
Three masked Palestinian terrorists fire on a vehicle carrying the Gaza UN Refugee Mission chief in a failed kidnapping attempt.
John Ging, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency in Gaza: "No one was hurt in the kidnap attempt in northern Gaza..."
The incident took place approximately one kilometer from the Erez passenger crossing into Israel
("Gunmen Attempt to Kidnap UN Refugee Mission Chief in Gaza," Associated Press, March 16, 2007).
Palestinian Military Intelligence Officer Assassinated
Unidentified terrrorists assassinate Hussein a-Salahi, a member of Palestinian military intelligence (FATAH) in the Gaza Strip town of Dir al-Balah.
Witnesses report the incident occurred after terrorists stopped the vehicle carrying a-Salahi, and ordered him and two other passengers to exit the car. They proceeded to shoot two of the men in the head, killing Salahi and wounding another.
(Yoav Stern, "Unidentified Assailants Kill Palestinian Intelligence Officer," Ha'aretz, March 16, 2007).
Emergency War Drills Held in Israeli Schools
Israeli schools hold drills to practice for an enemy attack. Students are quickly escorted into bomb shelters and told to remain calm.
("Nationwide Emergency Drills in Schools," IsraelNationalNews, March 16, 2007).
Palestinian Suicide Bomber Arrested in Sinai
Egyptian security officials apprehend Hamid al-Nador -- a Palestinian wearing an explosive belt inside a beach resort in the border city of
El-Arish.
("Report: Egyptian Forces Arrest Palestinian Wearing Explosives," Reuters, March 15, 2007).
Hamas-Fatah Clashes in Gaza
Nine people, including two children, are wounded during clashes between Fatah and Hamas terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip.
According to a local Fatah commander, the latest round of fighting began after Hamas operatives abducted a Fatah gunman during a shootout.
("Nine People Hurt, Including 3 Civilians, in Hamas-Fatah Fighting in Gaza," Ha'aretz, March 13, 2007).
Scenario Projection
Kiryat Gat Soon to be in Range of PA Rockets
General Security Services (GSS) Director Yuval Diskin tells the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that the city of Kiryat Gat, 56 kilometers south of Tel Aviv, will most likely come into the range of improved Palestinian Authority rockets being developed in, or smuggled into, Gaza.
(Nissan Ratzlav-Katz, "GSS Warning: PA's Gaza-Based Rockets Aiming Further North," IsraelNationalNews, March 13, 2007).
IDF (March 2007) Combat Draft
Golani
The new Golani recruits will complete an infantryman 05 Basic Training period of approximately four months. Subsequently, they will undergo advanced combat training, for about two and a half months, during which they will be trained in occupying fortified targets, urban warfare, and will complete their first exercises in combined warfare with tanks and helicopters. At the finishing of their advanced training the new warriors will be awarded the Brigade's symbol and will launch continuous and routine security activities, as well as special missions and training. Their exercises will include ambushes and reconnaissance operations against hostile forces, in cooperation with other IDF forces.
The Golani Brigade is one of IDF's veteran brigades and is considered one of its highest quality infantry brigades. Most enlistees intended to serve in battle requested to serve in this brigade. Service at the Golani Brigade is characterized by intense winter and summer training sessions, safeguarding Israel's borders, missions, ambushes, and day and night patrols. As part of IDF's infantry alignment, the Brigade specializes in combined warfare with heavy armored personnel carriers.
Givati
The Givati Brigade served as the origin of the legendary Shaked Battalion and carries the heavy burden of urban warfare in the Gaza Strip.
Kfir Brigade
("March 2007 Combat Draft," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 11, 2007; "The Journey to the Purple Beret," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 12, 2007; "Kfir Brigade's Second Draft," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 13, 2007).
IDF Southern Command (PADAM) Drafts Plans for Massive Gaza Operation
- Shin Bet Director Yuval Diskin: "Hundreds of Hamas members have been sent to Iran for training, and not training periods of a week, two weeks or a month, but for long-term, high-quality training..."
- The IDF Southern Command (PADAM) completes drafting plans for a possible massive
operation in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas's preparations include the construction of a variety of fortified, underground bunkers similar to those used by
Hizballah during the second Lebanon war. Hamas may also attempt to fire hundreds of Qassam rockets at communities in the western
Negev if such an operation were to occur.
The IDF Home Front Command has been working with Gaza-belt communities to
prepare for such a scenario and has drawn up plans that include the complete
evacuation of some of the towns.
- A high-ranking officer tells the Jerusalem Post that Hamas has laid dozens and
possibly hundreds of mines on routes that would be used to enter Gaza.
In addition, Hamas has organized its men into a conventional military force and has
established four regional brigades in the Strip - in the north, south,
center and Gaza City. Each brigade is divided into battalions, companies and
platoons.
A senior IDF office: "Everything is organized...This is no longer about
the IDF against a group of terrorists, but the IDF against an army."
(Yaakov Katz, "Gaza Preparing for IDF Incursion," Jerusalem, March 13, 2007; "Shin Bet Director: Hundreds of Hamas Men Being Trained in Iran," Ha'aretz, March 13, 2006).
Alah Hada’ad (Abu Salam) Killed in Palestinian Firefight
A firefight between Hamas and Fatah terrorists in the Gaza Strip results in the death of senior Hamas commander, Alah Hada’ad (Abu Salam).
Hada’ad was responsible for planning numerous Qassam rocket attacks and other violent terrorist acts against Israel.
("Fatah-Hamas Shootout Ends in Death for Hamas Commander," IsraelNationalNews, March 13, 2007).
BBC Gaza Correspondent Missing
The BBC says it is concerned for the safety of a correspondent who has gone missing in the Gaza Strip. Johnston's car was found abandoned in Gaza City shortly after he left his office to drive home.
BBC: "We are currently unable to contact him and are concerned for his safety...We are trying to gather as much information as possible."
("Fears for BBC Gaza Correspondent," BBC, March 12, 2007).
GSS Apprehends Three Hamas Terrorists
The Shin Bet (GSS) announces the arrest of three Hamas terrorists in early February over repeated attempts to kidnap Israeli citizens and exchange
them for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The terrorists were apprehended after attempting to kidnap several Israelis from three different hitchhiking stations, at Rachelim Junction, Tapuah Junction and Ali Junction.
(Nir Hasson, "Shin Bet: 3 Hamas Men Arrested in Feb. For Bid to Snatch Israelis," Ha'aretz, March 12, 2007).
Al-Qaida's No. 2 Criticizes Hamas
Al-Qaida deputy head, Ayman al-Zawahiri: "I'm sorry to face the Islamic community with the painful truth, to offer condolences for the leadership of Hamas...Hamas has made a mockery of Muslims' minds and feelings by saying that the accord reached in Mecca respects international agreements...What is happening in Palestine is another form of humiliation."
Calling the Hamas-led Cabinet a "farcical government," Zawahiri also criticizes its leadership, saying it had "sold out Palestine" and "gave up on ruling by Sharia [Islamic law]."
Hamas spokesman, Osama Hamdan: "We will not accept criticism from someone who does not know what is going on nor is he updated on the details...Hamas has not given in nor will it give in...it is holding out under siege for a full year now. It is possible to lift the siege with one word that will recognize the Zionist entity, but Hamas has not accepted this and will not accept it."
(Yoav Stern, "Al-Qaida's No. 2 Slams Hamas For Agreeing to Unity Government," Ha'aretz, March 11, 2007).
Fatah-Hamas Clashes
- A Hamas terrorist (Mohammad al-Kafarna) is killed and another wounded in a shootout with Fatah in the Gaza Strip (Beit Hanun).
- Hamas operatives attack a Fatah office in Beit Hanun with rocket-propelled grenades.
("Officials: Hamas Gunman Killed in Clashes with Fatah in Gaza Strip," Ha'aretz, March 10, 2007).
Fatah Terrorists Destroy ATM Machines in Jenin
Fatah Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades terrorists shoot at and destroy automatic teller machines in four banks to protest non-payment of salaries.
("Fatah Terrorists Destroyed ATMs in Jenin," IsraelNationalNews, March 9, 2007).
IAF Unveils New Aerial Drone
It's not everyday that the Air Force welcomes a new aircraft into its fleet, let alone a new aircraft that was produced and made in Israel. The "Shoval", which was integrated into the "First Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron," boasts a continuous flight capability of up to 30 hours, a significant payload capacity, and an ability to reach high altitudes.
"The Shoval unmanned aerial vehicle that we are introducing today represents a quantum leap in the field of unmanned drones," said Air Force Commander Major General Elyezer Shkedy. "Its payload, its versatility, and its performance stand at the global technological forefront and will enable us to carry out various missions through the operational perspective."
While the Shoval was officially integrated into the IDF on Wednesday, it has already managed to make its presence felt during the Lebanon war this past summer.
"The Shoval took part in complicated operational missions, proving a capability that doesn't exist in any other system at our disposal," said the commander of the Palmahim Air Force base, Brigadier General Gabi Shahor. "Its participation in the war aided in the pinpoint targeting of rocket launchers and in other complicated, intelligence-related missions."
Despite the fact that it is an unmanned drone, it still requires a crew of soldiers, stationed in a mobile unit, to operate it from a distance.
"This is what we call a 'high-tech mobile unit,' with the best, most powerful computers in the world which enable us to fly the plane and execute missions more complicated than in the past," said Major A., the deputy squadron commander.
("Air Force Unveils Aerial Drone," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 8, 2007).
Introducing the VIPeR
Elbit unveils the VIPeR, a portable robot capable of entering combat zones and engaging enemies with an onboard armory that includes a machine-pistol and grenades.
The VIPeR was invented as part of Israel's efforts to develop weaponry that could reduce the risks to its forces from hand-to-hand fighting against Palestinian and Hizballah terrorists.
Elbit: The VIPeR is: "undeterred by stairs, rubble, dark alleys, caves or narrow tunnels."
The VIPeR is equipped with bomb-sniffing and bomb disposal equipment, and can also carry an Uzi machine-pistol or hurl a grenade. The weapons would be calibrated via an onboard video camera.
("Israel Unveils Portable Hunter-Killer Robot," Reuters, March 8, 2007).
PRC Fires Nasser-4 at Ashkelon
The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) claims they fired an upgraded rocket that impacted in the Ashkelon area.
Al-Nasser Saladin Brigades: "Our fighters have fired the new Nasser-4 rocket at Ashkelon city in southern Israel..."
("Terrorists Claim Upgraded Rocket Hit Ashkelon," IsraelNationalNews, March 8, 2007).
Israeli Armor in Baghdad?
A new class of armor manufactured by Israel Military Industries (IMI) may help the US military mitigate the threat of improvised explosive devices (IED) in Iraq and Afghanistan.
According to IMI sources, the Steel Wall provides protection against IEDs that detonate and release shrapnel, including metal balls or a large piece of metal, into the side of a military vehicle. It is manufactured out of composite light-weight materials that can be fitted on the side and underside of an armored military vehicle. The armor absorbs the energy from the blast of an IED and prevents it from penetrating the vehicle.
It should be noted that Rafael (Armaments Development Authority) recently announced a $37 million contract to supply 60 Golan multipurpose modular armored vehicles to the US Marines for use in Iraq. The Golan can be used as an armored personnel carrier, command vehicle, ambulance or intelligence collection vehicle.
(Amos Harel, "Rafael to Provide Armored Vehicles to U.S. Marines in Iraq," Ha'aretz, February 27, 2007; Yaakov Katz, "Israeli Armor May Be Used in Baghdad," Jerusalem Post, March 7, 2006).
IDF Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant: 2,053 Qassam Rockets Fired at Israel Since Disengagement
IDF Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, Southern Command (PADAM): "Since the disengagement [from Gaza], 2,053 Qassam rockets have been launched at Israel...296 explosive charges have been detonated. 143 attacks have been carried out against tanks that were outside the security fence, not inside Gaza. There were 260 incidents of gunfire at IDF forces outside of the fence."
Galant: Iran Providing Aid to Palestinian Terrorist Groups
Galant: "Boosted by their newfound ability to travel
abroad, Hamas [operatives] have been going back and forth to hostile countries
for training...They are sending activists to Syria, Lebanon, to Iran...And the opposite [happens]. People from
Iran come inspect the situation in the area, give them the proper training
and coaching, exam them and see if they hit the target they gave them."
"The Iranians don't have to come by themselves in order to see what is the
situation," he said. "If there is a Palestinian who is connected to the
Hezbollah and working for Iran and is moving to the Iranian side, learning
methods, getting orders, and moving them to the Palestinian side, that is
for me good enough to explain the situation."
Galant also notes that Iranian training and technology has enabled Hamas to evolve from a
ragtag militia into a well-organized group resembling an army - complete
with battalions, companies, platoons and special forces for surveillance,
snipers, and explosive experts.
("2053 Kassam Rockets Launched Since Gaza Pullout," IsraelNationalNews, March 7, 2007; Avi Issacharoff, IDF: Iran Providing Direct Military Training to Palestinian Militants," Ha'aretz, March 7, 2007).
IDF arrests wanted Tanzim operatives involved in shooting attacks and
abduction attempts of Israeli civilians
In a joint IDF and ISA operation earlier this morning, forces arrested 18
wanted Palestinians in the Headquarters of the Palestinian Military
Intelligence in Ein Umm Al Shrayet, used for a long time as a hiding place
for wanted Tanzim operatives.
In recent years, wanted Tanzim operatives from villages in the area have
routinely used the structures of the different security apparatuses of the
Palestinian Authority as hiding places from Israeli security forces, and as
bases of operations from which they were dispatched for terrorist attacks
and to which they returned afterwards. The structures used include the
Muqataa, the two Military Intelligence Headquarters in Ein Umm Al Shrayet
and in the Arassal neighborhood, and the General Intelligence Headquarters
in Ein Umm Al Shrayet.
Israel has frequently contacted the leaders of the Palestinian Authority
(most recently in January) regarding the use of the Headquarters for
terrorist activity. The Palestinian Authority was repeatedly requested to
hand the men over to Israeli authorities or at the very least remove them
from the compound, but to no avail. In the light of this, the IDF was forced
to take action.
In the past four months alone, Tanzim operatives have carried out
approximately 25 shooting attacks against civilians working on Israel's
security fence and against IDF forces, injuring six Israelis. These and
other attacks were directed - some even carried out - by the wanted men who
have been hiding in the Headquarters of the Palestinian Military
Intelligence.
Following is information on several of the arrested men:
- Khalil Yussef Mahammed Shilo, 39, is one of the Tanzim leaders in Ramallah.
Shilo directed a shooting attack in the area of Ras Karkar on October 8th
2006.
- Yuness Jamal Yuness Kafri, 24, and his brother, Taar JamalYuness Kafri, 26,
are residents of the Al Amari R.C. The two carried out shooting attacks
against security guards of the security fence and IDF forces in Ramallah.
Additionally, they are both involved in an attempt to abduct an Israeli
civilian.
- Nader Ismail Jibrin Abu Zidia, 24, resident of the Qalandiya R.C., was
involved in an attempt to abduct an Israeli civilian. Zidia was also
involved in a shooting attack carried out in January, in which an Israeli
soldier was injured.
- Muhammad Darwish Ummar Kurdi, a 21 year-old resident of Beituniya, along
with other operatives, carried out shooting attacks against IDF forces and
Border Policemen, in one of which a Border Policeman was injured.
- Kammal Jamil Mahmud Abu Shaneb, 33, was involved in recruiting Tanzim
operatives, and in the abduction and murder of a man suspected in
cooperation with Israel.
- Murrad Ahmad Rashid Saad, 27, resident of the Al Amari R.C. was involved in
a shooting attack against IDF and Israeli Police forces in 2005, in which
two soldiers and a policeman were injured. Saad was also a member of a
terror cell which intended to carry out attacks funded by operatives in the
Gaza Strip
- Mahmud Muhammad Hassin Daud, a 38 year-old is a resident of Dir Gassana and
an operative of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. In 2003
Daud supplied a Tanzim terrorist with an AK-47 assault rifle which, he
claims, served the terrorist in a shooting attack in the area of the
Trans-Samaria road. In 2004 Daud was involved in the abduction and murder of
a man suspected of cooperation with Israel.
("Background Information: IDF Arrests 18 Wanted Tanzim Operatives Overnight," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 7, 2007).
Sderot Bomb Shelters?
Sderot residents are preparing their bomb shelters for long-term use.
The Sderot municipality is expected to request NIS 6 million from the Defense Ministry to fund the shelter preparations, which the municipality plans to complete by the end of the month. Thirty of Sderot's shelters require significant rehabilitation, and 28 need equipment and infrastructure to enable an extended stay.
The IDF Home Front Command: "Shelters are not under the authority of the Home Front Command...They are the responsibility of the local authority."
(Mijal Grinberg, "Sderot Bomb Shelters Not Ready For Possible Gaza Escalation," Ha'aretz, March 7, 2007).
Hamas Operatives Training in Iran
Israeli Shin Bet Chief (GSS) Yuval Diskin tells reporters that Hamas has sent "tens" of men from Gaza for weapons and military training in Iran.
"We know that Hamas has started to dispatch people to Iran, tens and a promise of hundreds...I see this as the strategic danger more than any weapons smuggled into Gaza."
Diskin also notes that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are building an "internal military industry" to manufacture rockets and antitank weapons, sending men to Lebanon and Iran for training, and building up their forces.
Both groups continue to smuggle weapons and explosives from Egypt.
(Steve Erlanger, "Hamas Sends Gazans for Military Training in Iran, Israeli Security Aide Says," International Herald Tribune, March 6, 2007).
Palestinian Islamic Jihad Fire Rockets South of Ashkelon
Palestinian Islamic Jihad fires four "C-3 Jerusalem rockets" at Israel. The rockets impact south of Ashkelon, injuring four and damaging a building.
("Two Kassams Fall South of Ashkelon; None Wounded," The Jerusalem Post, March 6, 2007; Yaakov Lappin, "Rockets Will Continue, Says Jihad," YnetNews, March 6, 2007).
Tunnel Update
Gaza
Hamas, aided by Syrian military engineers, has constructed a 50km underground stronghold along the Philadelphi Route (Egypt-PA border). The stronghold is comprised of a network of multipurpose, well-furnished tunnels designed to function as fortified combat positions against tanks and armored infantry. Composed of narrow subterranean tunnels that link the broader passages connecting Gaza and Sinai, the Hamas facility provides a safe passage for troop reinforcements and ordnance supplies.
The walls, made of reinforced concrete (removed from the ruins of Gush Katif -- dismantled in 2005), are designed to withstand shelling and bombs.
A senior IDF officer: "We are no longer looking at dirt trenches that cave in but military bunkers in every sense, modeled on the ones used by Hizballah in southern Lebanon last summer. Destroying this monster facility or putting it out of action at this point will mean heavy casualties."
Note: A separate series of clandestine tunnels have been excavated from Gaza into western Israel.
West Bank
The IDF warns that it is only a matter of time before Palestinians in the West Bank begin using tunnels in attacks against Israel.
According to Maj. Eran Davidi, Deputy Commander of Sayeret Yahalom (an elite unit of the Engineering Corp), Palestinian terrorists could begin excavating tunnels under the West Bank security fence.
"At first it will start with criminal infiltrations and people looking for jobs...But like the southern border with Egypt, the terrorists will then begin to catch a ride on the back of the criminal infrastructure and will also use the tunnels."
("DEBKAfile Exclusive: Hamas Recycles Gush Katif Rubble to Fortify 50 sq. km of War Bunkers on Gaza Strip-Egyptian Border," DebkaFile, March 5, 2007; Yaakov Katz, "IDF Warns of Tunnels in West Bank," Jerusalem Post, February 11, 2007).
PM Olmert Meets With US Undersecy. Of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met this morning (Sunday), 4.3.07, with US Under
Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart
Levey. The two men discussed - inter alia - economic measures to fight
terrorism and the Iranian threat. The Prime Minister stressed the
importance of economic pressure in the global war against terrorism and, of
course, against Iran's efforts to arm itself with nuclear weapons. He
pointed out that restricting the financial activities of terrorist
organizations and their prominent state supporters is one of the means that
the international community can use in order to achieve effective results.
("PM Olmert Meets With US Undersecy. Of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence," PMO's Office, March 4, 2007).
GSS (General Security Service/Shin Bet) arrests a Palestinian suspected of supplying Hamas terrorists with pipes used to produce Qassam rockets
A'amar Zak is apprehended by security forces at the Erez Border crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip and charged with assisting a terrorist organization.
Since the GOC Southern Command (PADAM) issued an order prohibiting the purchase of metal pipes from Israel, Palestinian terrorists have been cut off from an important supply of metal used to produce Qassam rockets.
According to Israeli police, most of the rockets fired by Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip are manufactured from pipes and metal parts acquired in Israel.
(Amos Harel, "Police: Most Rockets in Gaza Made From Parts Acquired in Israel," Ha'aretzt, March 4, 2007).
Palestinian Terrorists Fire Qassam Rocket
Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket that impacts near Kibbutz Zikim.
("Kassam Lands Near Kibbutz Zikim; None Wounded," Jerusalem Post, March 1, 2007).
Israeli Civilian Wounded in Shooting Attack
- An Israeli civilian sustains moderate wounds in a shooting attack in the northern West Bank (checkpoint north of Qalqilyah).
- IDF snipers wound an armed Palestinian in the Fara'a refugee camp, northeast of the West Bank city of Nablus. Three wanted Islamic Jihad terrorists are arrested. During the operation, terrorists detonated an explosives device and fired at troops operating in the city.
- Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket that impacts in the western Negev, north of the Gaza Strip.
In Jenin, undercover IDF forces kill three Islamic Jihad terrorists involved in planning an attempted suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.
(Amos Harel, "IDF Ends Nablus Operation as Senior Militants Escape Arrest," Ha'aretzt, March 1, 2007).