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March 31, 2008:
Warning alarms in the Green Zone, the most shelled 10 square kilometers (four square miles) of Baghdad, provide approximately three seconds to find shelter in one of the numerous "duck and cover" concrete bunkers. In addition, the British base at Basra airport is constantly bombarded with mortar shells and rockets, and artillery batteries are spaced on the perimeter of the sprawling base to engage mortar teams. Indeed, troops wear body armour and helmets whenever they leave protected buildings. ("Rockets Spread Fear in Baghdad's Green Zone," AFP, March 30, 2008). March 31, 2008:
The Egyptian army is slated to establish a commando unit to detect and destroy smuggling tunnels along the PA border. In April, US-made tunnel detection systems are scheduled to be deployed along the Philadelphi Corridor. The Egyptian unit was repprtedly trained by a team of American engineers who recently visited Israel and then the Philadelphi Corridor. (Yaakov Katz, "'Egypt Launching Tunnel-Detection Unit'," Jerusalem Post, March 31, 2008). March 31, 2008:
'Yahalom', a special task force of the IDF Engineering Corps, has recently identified booby-trapped books, egg trays, canteens, and baby shampoo bottles. Palestinian terrorists have also concealed bombs inside of plastic rocks. Deputy Commander, Major Eran Davidi: "The enemy has had a few successes, but when compared to the amount of failures they point to an overall conclusion, that the IDF is managing to deal with the threat quite well." (Yossi Yehoshua, "New Terrorist Traps Attempt to Fool Troops," YnetNews, March 30, 2008). March 30, 2008:
Haim Kellerman, General Manager of Elbit Systems UAV Division and Corporate Vice President notes that there is a worldwide growing demand for UAVs for Special Forces, counter terrorism units and other forces focused on the security of borders and sensitive facilities. The Skylark advanced mini-UAV, is a unique man-pack configuration designed for day and night observation and data collection "beyond the hill" up to distances of 10 km. The mini-UAV system is equipped with an exceptionally quiet electric motor, totally autonomous flight and outstanding observation capabilities allowing for easy operation and orientation. The system can be launched by soldiers after only a brief training period. The Skylark system enhances ground forces' tactical performance in various mission scenarios. During the recent war in Lebanon, Skylark mini-UAVs were utilized by IDF to fly numerous combat sorties -- proving their efficiency by supplying valuable intelligence data to ground forces. In addition, the systems are currently deployed by several countries as part of the coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. ("Elbit Systems to supply Skylark® I UAV to France's Special Forces," Elbit Press Release, March 24, 2008). March 30, 2008:
The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard join forces in an unprecedented effort to create a unified maritime strategy, describing how seapower will be applied in the 21st century to protect America's way of life. The strategy emphasizes six core capabilities, the foremost being "forward presence" of U.S. seapower in volatile regions of the world to prevent war. "The proactive cost of defense is far more affordable than the reactive cost of war," Navy Vice Adm. John G. Morgan, deputy chief of naval operations for information, plans and strategy, noted in a conference call with online journalists and "bloggers" to discuss the maritime strategy. Morgan said forward presence provides a layered defense for the United States and is an enduring strategic imperative for the Navy and Marine Corps. "We do not aspire to be the global policeman," he said. "But we certainly want to be a part of that global neighborhood watch, along with others, helping where we can." The maritime strategy does not indicate specific regions where concentrated naval power will be deployed. The reason, Morgan said, was concern over how naming regions and countries in the strategy would affect the economic interdependence of the global system. But he noted that the United States has been deploying naval power in the Western Pacific and the Middle East, "because we think that's were the greatest challenge is, perhaps the greatest opportunities exist." The other core capabilities emphasized in the strategy are: deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. (Kristen Noel, "Unified Maritime Strategy Aims to Prevent War," American Forces Press Service, March 28, 2008). March 30, 2008:
- An IAF air strike kills two Palestinian terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip (Jabaliya sector). The IDF notes that it targeted a terrorist cell. - Palestinian terrorists fire two rockets and three mortars at Israel. ("Israeli Air Strike Hits Northern Gaza, Killing 2," Associated Press, March 30, 2008). March 29, 2008:
North Korea test-fired a volley of short-range missiles. According to the south's Yonhap news agency, the three ship-to-ship missiles were launched around 10:30am. Note: The test is held a day after Pyongyang expels South Korean officials from a joint industrial zone. (Jonathan Watts, "N Korea Fires Test Missiles as Relations with Seoul Sour," The Guardian UK, March 28, 2008). March 28, 2008:
The Palestinian Authority (PA) and Spain conclude negotiations over the transfer of 20 million Euros to the PA. The agreement is slated to assist the PA in its implementation of the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan. Specifically, the funds are earmarked for the payment of salaries to civil servants and of pensions to pensioners (in the West Bank and Gaza). Consul General Ansoain: "The Spanish government is pleased to continue its support for the Palestinian people and government. We hope that the funds will contribute to an improvement in the lives of Palestinians and to their state-building efforts." ("Spain Gives 20 Million Euros to PA," Ma'an News, March 28, 2008). March 28, 2008:
- Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire a rocket that impacts between a children's house and a nursery school in a western Negev community. Another rocket lands in an open field. In addition, Palestinian artillery crews fire six mortar shells at southern Israel. The shells detonate near the Gaza Strip perimeter fence (central Gaza Strip). - IDF forces fire at a Hamas terrorist cell during clashes in Khan Yunis (southern Gaza Strip). - Senior PA sources note that Hamas operatives who recently returned to the Gaza Strip after training in Iran have a detailed plan for upgrading indigenous Palestinian rockets. ("Qassam Explodes Between Negev Preschool, Children's House," Reuters, March 28, 2008). March 28, 2008:
Terrorists launch 11 indirect-fire attacks against civilians, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces in Baghdad. Five indirect-fire attacks struck in the vicinity of the International Zone, killing one civilian and wounding 14. Three indirect-fire attacks struck two U.S. forward operating bases and one joint security station east of the Tigris River, injuring four U.S. soldiers. Five mortar rounds struck two joint security stations and a "Sons of Iraq" citizen security group checkpoint in West Rashid, wounding three Iraqi security volunteers. "These rogue elements are haphazardly firing rockets and mortars, killing and injuring innocent Iraqi and governmental civilians," said Army Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff of Multinational Division Baghdad. "(Iraqi security forces) and coalition forces are taking steps to reduce these attacks and pursue those responsible." Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers engaged and killed two terrorists spotting for the indirect-fire attacks. Terrorists also staged several attacks around Iraq yesterday, firing 16 rockets into the International Zone in Baghdad and targeting members of the Sons of Iraq in Tikrit and Salahuddin. The 16 rockets were fired into the International Zone from surrounding Baghdad districts in four separate attacks during the morning and early afternoon. ("Terrorists Launch Indirect-Fire Attacks in Baghdad," American Forces Press Service, March 28, 2008). March 28, 2008:
The Pentagon reportedly entrusted a 22-year old previously arrested for domestic violence and having a forged driving license to be the primary supplier of ammunition to Afghan forces at the height of the battle against a resurgent Taliban. AEY, described as a one-man operation based in an unmarked office in Miami Beach, was awarded a contract worth $300m to supply the Afghan army and police in January of 2007. However, as the New York Times reported, AEY's president, Efraim Diversoli, 22, supplied stock that was 40 years old and rotting packing material. Read Full Article Here. (Suzanne Goldenberg, "22-Year Old Awarded $300m Pentagon Contract, According to Report," The Guardian UK, March 27, 2008). March 27, 2008:
Hizballah acquires new Iranian rockets with a range of 185 miles, enabling the terrorist group to strike as far south as Dimona. In aaddition, Israel has noted that Hizballah's Iranian and Syrian patrons have supplied the group with large amounts of rockets since the conclusion of the Second Lebanon war. Indeed, many of the projectiles are capable of hitting central Israel. (Matti Friedman, "Israel: Hezbollah Increases Rocket Range," Associated Press, March 27, 2008). March 27, 2008:
A massivef explosion rips through a fireworks warehouse in Dubai (Al Quoz industrial zone), sending a huge fireball into the skies and killing two people. Footage aired by Al Arabiya television shows flames shooting 100m into the sky, followed by a massive eruption of smoke and ashes. WAM notes that the fire was caused by the "illegal and bad storage of the firecrackers." ("Two Dead in Dubai Blaze," Agence France-Presse, March 27, 2008). March 27, 2008:
Palestinian Islamic Jihad is currently manufacturing rockets capable of reaching a 12.5-mile range. The new rockets (6.5 caliber) are armed with a warhead packed with twice the amount of explosives (22lbs) found in a standard Qassam. In addition, the IDF notes that terrorist groups in Gaza have recently obtained two new types of Iranian-made 4.7 inch caliber mortar shells. One is equipped with an auxiliary engine and can travel up to 6.2 miles, while the other is capable of striking a target from a distance of 3.7 miles. (Hanan Greenberg, "IDF: Islamic Jihad Producing Grad-Like Rockets," YnetNews, March 27, 2008). March 27, 2008:
A military camera capable of providing a three-dimensional picture of approaching ABC clouds is currently in an advanced stage of development. The hyper-spectral camera (developed abroad but improved in Israel) collects data without emitting any signals. A senior officer of the Weapons Platoon of the Ground Forces Headquarters: "It’s very much like assembling sophisticated binoculars and, all of a sudden, being able to see where the ABC cloud is..." (Bar Ben-Ari, "Technological Advancement in the Documentation of ABC Clouds," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 23, 2008). March 26, 2008:
Palestinian terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip fire 17 rockets at Israeli targets. Two of the rockets impact in Sderot, causing structural damage near the town's commercial center and wounding two. Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the PRC claim responsibility for the barrage. In addition, Palestinian snipers (Islamic Jihad) fire at farmers in Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha. (Shmulik Hadad, "Sderot: 2 Wounded in Qassam Barrage," YnetNews, March 26, 2008). March 26, 2008:
A coalition air strike targetes an al Qaeda in Iraq operative linked to local car bombings. When coalition forces arrived at the target location, they were attacked by enemy small-arms fire. Coalition forces returned fire and called in fixed-wing aircraft to provide air-to-ground support. After the air strike, coalition forces continued to receive heavy fire, as armed terrorists ran from the target area and attempted to hide in nearby homes, using occupants as shields. Several civilians were injured or killed during the gun battle. The wounded were treated on site and taken to a military medical facility. ("Air Strike Targets Al Qaeda in Iraq Member in Tikrit," American Forces Press Service, March 26, 2008). March 26, 2008:
Northrop Grumman Corporation's RQ-4 Global Hawk sets an endurance record for a full-scale, operational unmanned aircraft when it completes a flight of 33.1 hours at altitudes up to 60,000 feet over Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Designated AF-8, the first Global Hawk Block 20, tail no. 04-2015, surpassed both the official and unofficial world un-refueled endurance records for operational unmanned airplanes previously held by the Block 10 variant. To date, three Global Hawks are currently deployed in support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT), logging more than 15,700 combat hours with more than 21,000 total program flight hours and 95 percent mission effectiveness. As the world's first fully autonomous HALE unmanned aerial system providing persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to warfighters, the Global Hawk is designed to fly up to 65,000 feet for more than 35 hours and see through any inclement weather at any time. Global Hawks are flown in four locations across the globe: Beale Air Force Base, home of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and the RQ-4's main operating base, near Sacramento, Calif.; Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California; Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland; and in support of the GWOT. ("Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft Sets 33-Hour Flight Endurance Record," Northop Grumman Corporation, March 25, 2008). March 26, 2008:
In a joint IDF and ISA operation on January 15th, 2008, an IDF force arrested Ibrahim Sayid Ibrahim Salem, 23, a senior wanted PFLP operative, resident of the Balata R.C. in Nablus. During his investigation, Ibrahim Salem admitted to being involved in numerous shooting attacks, and to activating explosive devices and a car bomb against IDF forces in the Nablus region in October 2006. Ibrahim Salem also confirmed that he was involved in a shooting attack against IDF forces on September 18th, 2007 during which an IDF soldier, Staff Sergeant Ben-Zion Haneman, was killed. Several additional senior wanted PFLP operatives took part in the attack, among them: Jad Hamidan and Majdi Mabruk, who was recently arrested. Ibrahim Salim also revealed that he, along with other PFLP operatives, was involved in the ongoing production of explosives at a hidden location in the Ein Beit Ilma R.C. The investigation of Ibrahim Salem along with the investigation of other PFLP and Hamas operatives confirmed that these explosives were used for the making of explosive devices for detonation against IDF forces, sometimes with the use of cellular technology. Ibrahim Salem's investigation revealed that he was also involved in recruiting suicide bombers for the PFLP and the Hamas terrorist organizations in Nablus. In the end, these particular suicide bombings were not carried out. Ibrahim Salem was also involved in the planning of a terror attack, which was organized by Nihad Shakirat, an operative from the Hamas terrorist organization. Shakirat, who planned to use a suicide bomber recruited by Salem, was killed during an IDF operation on Yom Kippur, 2007. The terrorist attack was prevented due to a joint IDF and ISA operation. ("PFLP Operative Involved in Death of IDF Soldier Arrested," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 25, 2008). March 26, 2008:
A new system awaiting full deployement along the Gaza border allows IDF soldiers stationed in a Command & Control post to remotely fire at hostile forces. The system, developed by the Israel Armament Development Authority, is equipped with cameras and machine guns. It should be noted that the IDF Southern Command (PADAM) has recently integrated the system into its operational routine. One system has thus far been deployed north of the Gaza Strip. An IDF official: "The system is not supposed to replace soldiers on the ground, and it won't replace the need to charge at terrorists when necessary..." Another official: "We will be able to distinguish between terrorists and innocent civilians....We won't fire needlessly, yet at the same time we are responsible for protecting IDF soldiers...Beyond this, through the system we will be able to upgrade our abilities to identify the enemy and thwart attacks in a more effective manner." (Hanan Greenberg, "IDF Deploys New Anti-Terror System Around Gaza," YnetNews, March 25, 2008). March 25, 2008:
A ship on short-term charter to the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command fires warning shots at a small boat approaching the ship as it is prepares to transit the Suez Canal last night. There were no reports of casualties from the ship, the Global Patriot. Officials said several boats approached the Global Patriot while it was preparing to transit the Suez Canal. The boats were hailed and warned by a native Arabic speaker on the Global Patriot to advise them to turn away. Other warning steps, including a signal flare, were used to caution the boats. One small boat continued to approach the ship and received two sets of warning shots 20 to 30 meters in front of the boat's bow. All shots were accounted for as they entered the water, officials said. The incident is under investigation. The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet command is cooperating with Egyptian authorities, including the Suez Canal Authorities, through the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. ("Navy Contract Ship Fires Warning Shots Near Suez Canal," American Forces Press Service, March 25, 2008). March 25, 2008:
- ITL Optronics Ltd. subsidiary Fraser Volpe LLC wins a $14 million order from the US Army for electro-optical systems to be delivered through 2010. - Elbit Systems Ltd. will supply Skylark I mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems to France's Special Forces. Market sources reportedly estimate the contract to be worth several million dollars. (Avi Shauly, "ITL Wins US Army Order," Globes, March 24, 2008; Efrat Peretz-Harpaz, "Elbit Systems Signs First UAV Deal With France," Globes, March 24, 2008). March 25, 2008:
Spanish security services fear the Basque Eta is planning a summer campaign of violence which could include attacks on tourist resorts popular with Britons. Concerns are reportedly raised after the recent assassination of a former politician and the car bombing of a police station. Indeed, security forces note that Eta appears determined to continue killing to pressure the Spanish prime minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, to broker a peace deal. (Graham Keeley, "Fears of Summer Bombings as Eta Steps Up Attacks," Guardian UK, March 24, 2008). March 25, 2008:
"Since the killing of long-time Hezbollah terrorist military commander Imad Mughniyeh (who was in all practicality an Iranian terrorist military commander of Lebanese origin), we have all been witness to the often reported 40-day period of mourning cited by these enemies of the Judeo-Christian West as their rational for the lack of an immediate retaliation against those who they claim were responsible for his death, namely Israel. If calculated to commence from the end of Mughniyeh's funeral on 14 February, that 40-day period will conclude tomorrow, 25 March, and the promised Islamofascist retaliation could commence without further delay. I think it a crucial point to note once again that Iran is the central driving force behind what ever enemy action occurs next. I believe the release of two messages ostensibly from Al Qaeda leader Usama bin Laden within days of the approaching end of Mughniyeh's mouring period is no accident or coincidence. I assess bin Laden's statements, directed specifically at the EU, Israel and the US, were driven by Iranian Ayatollah Khamenei and President Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad as part of a long-planned, well-coordinated offensive against Israel, the European Union, the United States and our allies." Read Full Article Here. (Sean Osborne, "The Current Analysis and Assessment," NEIN Blog, March 24, 2008). March 24, 2008:
Osama bin Laden's deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri: "Israel and additional Western targets must be attacked as revenge for Israel's aggressive policy in the Gaza Strip...Muslims, this is our day...Strike the interests of Jews and Americans, and all those who wield aggression against the Muslims. Today no one can say that we are battling the Jews in Palestine alone." ("Zawahiri Calls for Attacks on Israel," Associated Press, March 24, 2008). March 24, 2008:
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak visits Moscow. During the visit, Mubarak is slated to sign an agreement regarding the development of nuclear power for civilian needs -- potentially leading to the construction of a nuclear reactor on Egyptian soil. WeaponSurvey Note: The concept of potentially exploiting nuclear dual-use infrastructure was advocated by Dr. 'Izat 'Abd Al-'Aziz of the Egyptian Nuclear Safety Authority. According to Dr. ‘Aziz, "Egypt has not managed to establish strategic nuclear capability because [it was] not allowed to build large nuclear reactors for electricity production. The construction of such reactors constitutes a nuclear strategy in itself, because it brings [Egypt] into the so-called nuclear fuel circle and gives us expertise in this area." (Roni Sofer, "Mubarak Heads to Moscow for Nuclear Deal," YnetNews, March 24, 2008). March 24, 2008:
Army Col. Daniel S. Roper, director of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., notes that counterinsurgency isn't just a military strategy. "It is not just done by soldiers and Marines...Counterinsurgency is part of a broader effort and, therefore, we think it's extremely important to have opportunities like this to discuss counterinsurgency, so maybe we reach some audiences that may believe this is just a military operation." Roper explains that coalition forces need to follow six lines of effort to be successful fighting insurgents: -- Integrating various counterinsurgency initiatives; -- Researching best practices to prepare for the future; -- Improving doctrine; -- Working on professional military education for soldiers and Marines; -- Advising leaders and organizations; and -- Conducting outreach to other military and civilian entities. (Seaman William Selby, USN, "Army Expert Explains Counterinsurgency Effort in Iraq," American Forces Press Service, March 21, 2008). March 24, 2008:
"Dr, Khalil Al Haiya, the leader in the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, revealed that his movement would not accept any mediation or initiative for calm with the Zionist occupation if it diminish the rights of the Palestinian people, stressing that the Palestinian people will not recognize the Zionist. He added in a festival was organized by the feminist branch in the movement in Gaza City, that Hamas is more insistence on the Palestinian rights, especially in the fourth anniversary to martyrdom of Sheik Ahmed Yassin. In the end of the festival, Dr. Khalil stressed that no free calm will be with the Zionist entity in the next coming time." ("Hamas: No Free Calm With The Zionist Entity," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, March 23, 2008). March 23, 2008:
Israel agrees to allow Moscow to supply the Palestinian Authority security services in the West Bank with 23 Russian-manufactured armored vehicles. Russia reportedly accepts the Israeli stipulation that the vehicles not be mounted with machine guns. Indeed, Palestinian police officers will be permitted to carry small arms only. Note: An additional shipment of 25 vehicles will be temporarily stored in Jordan. (Amos Harel, "Israel, Russia Finalize Deal on Supply of Armored Vehicles to PA," Ha'aretz, March 19, 2008). March 22, 2008:
"Al Qassam Brigades defended the Palestinian people by raining the city of Sederot with homemade rockets in the last month after the Zionist forces killed 125 Palestinian civilians, The mayor of the city the settler Eli Moyal forced to admit that 10% to 15% of the city's residents – about 3,000 people – no longer live in Sderot, according to his estimates. Aid organizations present higher figures – up to 25% of the population. The Palestinian resistance approved that it have the ability to equalize the fear. The Zionist army used the war planes against the civilians houses like the house of Attalla family. The Zionist war planes shelled a civilian neighborhood and killed more than eight Palestinians. It should be mentioned that the Zionist forces killed 125 Palestinian civilians, forty of them are children were playing in front of their houses. All the firing operations came as a response to the Zionist aggressions against Gaza and using the banned weapons by the Zionist army against the Palestinian civilians so Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades considered as the biggest faction fired homemade rockets at the settlement and the most accurate rocket. Al Qassam Brigades was responsible for most of the Zionist settlers who died in the settlements since the beginning of Al Aqsa intifada." ("Zionist Officials: (3000) of Sderot Residents Left Without Return," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, March 19, 2008). March 21, 2008:
- A 13-year-old boy is wounded by a Palestinian IED in a terror attack targeting the car in which he was travelling near Hebron. Hospital officials report that the boy sustained shrapnel wounds in the leg. Fatah claims responsibility for the attack. - Palestinian terrorists fire at an Israeli bus south Nablus. The bus sustains light damage. (Yuval Azoulay and Jonathan Lis, "13-Year-Old Boy Wounded in Terror Attack Near Hebron," Ha'aretz, March 21, 2008). March 21, 2008:
BAE Systems is awarded a $15 million contract modification for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle test support from the U.S. Marine Corps. The contract supports Caiman MRAP vehicle production in Sealy, Texas, and funds Outside-the-Continental-U.S. instructors, key personnel, new equipment training activities and includes program instruction and a training support package that will be provided to soldiers in theatre. In addition, BAE Systems is awarded a U.S. Army contract worth up to $47.2 million to manufacture armor for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The contract, currently funded at $23.6 million and not to exceed $47.2 million, calls for the manufacture of 65,000 Expanded Metal Armor plates and funds tooling to establish additional production capacity at the company’s Anniston, Alabama facility. ("BAE Systems Receives $15 Million Contract From U.S. Marine Corps For MRAP Instructor, Key Personnel and New Equipment Training," BAE Systems Press Release, March 20, 2008; "BAE Systems Receives Armor Material Contract Potentially Worth Up to $47.2 Million," BAE Systems Press Release, March 20, 2008). March 21, 2008:
- Two Hamas terrorists are killed in an explosion at a training base in the central Gaza Strip. The group subsequently bans photographers from the scene. - Palestinian terrorists detonate an IED near an IDF patrol (central Gaza Strip perimeter fence). ("Two Die in Explosion in Hamas Base," Jerusalem Post, March 20, 2008). March 21, 2008:
Azzam Al-Ahmad, Fatah's speaker in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), tells reporters that Fatah has summoned its delegation to return home after Hamas refused a Yemeni initiative for reconciliation between the two groups. ("Fatah Announces Failure of Yemen Reconciliation Talks," Ma'an News, March 20, 2008). March 20, 2008:
The US and Israel successfully concluded a command post simulation training exercise, Juniper Falcon 2008 (JF08) on March 19th, 2008. The computer-based training exercise was designed to improve interoperability, understanding and cooperation between the participating IDF and US military forces and was conducted as part of a standing agreement between the US and Israel to hold bilateral training exercises on a regular basis. JF08 was meticulously planned for more than year and not related to or in response to any real events. Approximately 100 U.S. personnel from four services of the US military and a similar number of IDF personnel participated in the exercise in Tel Aviv. The exercise did not involve any live fire training or deployment of any weapon systems to the region. Military observers from both the US and IDF were pleased with the results of the exercise and said that JF08 enabled participants to learn from each other's experience and is one example of the robust and long-standing cooperation between the US and Israel and the commitment to regional stability. ("US and Israel Complete Juniper Falcon Exercise," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 20, 2008). March 20, 2008:
Top members of the IDF General Staff express their opposition to the deal Egypt is trying to broker between Israel and Hamas. An Israeli defense official: "A continuation of the smuggling into Gaza will defeat the purpose of a cease-fire..." Another official: "Hamas suffered a heavy blow during that operation...Additional similar operations will be able to keep up the pressure instead of rewarding them for their Kassam rocket fire." Note: IDF officers are particularly opposed to the deployment of Abbas's Presidential Guards at the Karni and Erez crossings -- something that would grant Hamas a presence at the crossings. (Yaakov Katz, "Senior IDF Officers Oppose Egyptian Cease-Fire Deal," Jerusalem Post, March 19, 2008). March 20, 2008:
Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden threatens the European Union over cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. In an audio recording posted on the internet, Bin Laden notes that the cartoons are part of a "crusade," in which he claims Catholic Pope Benedict XVI is involved. ("Bin Laden Warns EU over Prophet Cartoons," Reuters, March 20, 2008). March 20, 2008:
"In a joint IDF, ISA and Civil Administration operation, forces discovered an Israeli truck carrying 3 tons of Potassium Nitrate at the Shomeron Crossing, southwest of Qalqiliya. Potassium Nitrate is a prohibited dangerous substance in Judea and Samaria, by the order of GOC Central Command. This substance can be used for the production of weaponry and explosives. The security forces will continue to operate against the transfer of prohibited substances into the Palestinian Authority. These substances are used as raw material for the manufacturing of explosives used for terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. Without these substances terrorist organizations will have much more difficulty executing terrorist attacks." ("Prohibited Dangerous Substances Discovered in Judea and Samaria," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 19, 2008). March 20, 2008:
The US is slated to transfer $150 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority. The sum is apparently part of a total of $550 million the US pledged to to the PA over three years -- part of a total of $7.7 billion in pledges from international donors made at a conference in Paris in December. PA Prime Minister Salaam Fayad Fayad notes the US money will go directly to the national treasury. ("US to Transfer $150m. to Palestinians," Associated Press, March 19, 2008). March 19, 2008:
U.S. soldiers capture an individual designated a "high-value target" for his role in several improvised explosive device attacks during a raid in Narhwan, Iraq. Coalition forces also suspect the individual of smuggling weapons and explosives to several criminal groups throughout Iraq. During the raid, scouts from the unit, currently attached to 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, cleared three houses during and detained three men for questioning, in addition to the target. Soldiers uncovered a small cache in the target's home containing an AK-47 assault rifle, two shotguns, a bayonet and a small quantity of small arms ammunition. (Spc. Ben Hutto, "Soldiers Capture High-Value Target During Night Raid," American Forces Press Service , March 18, 2008). March 19, 2008:
A new early warning system has been developed by the IDF Homefront Command in response to recent Grad missile fire on Ashkelon. The system is slated for installation in various residential and office buildings. Lieutenant Colonel Uri Peretz, IDF Homefront Command: "During recent years we have been developing, proper warning systems for non-conventional buildings...These are buildings or houses where it is difficult for the sirens to be heard due to the structure of the building or background noise." The new warning system will sound only in areas under direct threat of rocket impact to decrease the spread of panic amongst civilians who are not in the danger zone. Each warning system is connected to a beeper that receives messages from a control center monitoring incoming rocket fire. After receiving a message, the center will alert the warning system, activating a siren in individual buildings under threat. "It is the duty of the army to provide its citizens with enough time to reach a safe location and to relive their dependence on a beeper system that is likely to be overburdened during emergency situations." Note: Hundreds of warning systems were recently installed in Ashkelon, Netivot and various other communities in range of Palestinian rocket fire. (Adir Mor, "New Warning System to Alert Civilians of Rocket Attacks," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 18, 2008). March 19, 2008:
Raytheon Company delivers its SeaRAM anti-ship missile defense weapon system for installation aboard the littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS-2). Currently under construction by General Dynamics, the Independence will consist of modules, manned aircraft, unmanned vehicles, off-board sensors and mission-manning detachments, all in an open-systems configuration. SeaRAM is a low-cost spiral development of the proven Phalanx Block 1B radar and Rolling Airframe Missile, the latter produced jointly by Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany. Intended to enlarge Phalanx's keep-out range against sea-skimming anti-ship missiles, multiple fast surface craft and slow flying helicopters, SeaRAM uses recently upgraded Block 1B Phalanx sensors and replaces the M61A1 20mm gun with an 11-round RAM missile guide. In 2001 Raytheon provided an engineering model of SeaRAM to the United Kingdom's Royal Navy for suitability testing. In 2002 Raytheon, in conjunction with the U. S. Navy, successfully launched four blast test vehicles, which measured rocket motor forces. The launches also confirmed SeaRAM's forward-looking infrared sensor can withstand multiple launches without damage. Most recently SeaRAM was aboard the Navy's Self-Defense Test Ship under going tracking exercises, system qualifications and other testing. ("Raytheon Delivers SeaRAM to USS Independence," Raytheon Press Release, March 18, 2008). March 19, 2008:
Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey: "Iran and Europe have many grounds for common cooperation for which the implementation modalities should be provided...Switzerland intends to go beyond current gas cooperation with Iran in its bilateral ties." ("Swiss FM Calls for Expansion of Ties Between Iran, Europe," IRNA, March 17, 2008). March 18, 2008:
A U.S. funded program to train and equip Palestinian security forces encounters significant difficulties. Indeed, U.S. and Jordanian instructors have yet to receive essential training equipment, including vehicles, two-way radios, dummy pistols, rifles and batons. Due to Israeli concerns, 1,000 Palestinian trainees have not been outfitted with body armor or light-armored personnel carriers. Dov Schwartz, a U.S. Defense Department official: "No one can deny that at the beginning there were some growing pains...We had never done this before." Shlomo Dror, spokesman for the Israeli Defense Ministry: "You never know when these things are going to be used against you...From our point of view, we are the ones fighting the terror...Dealing with Hamas is what we do." (Ellen Knickmeyer and Glenn Kessler, "Palestinian Forces' Training Marred by Delays, Politics," Washington Post, March 17, 2008). March 18, 2008:
The PFLP reiterates its rejection of the trial of Secretary General Ahmad Sa'adat in Israel during a joing press conference with Islamic Jihad. Khalid Al-Batsh (Islamic Jihad): "Continuation of the detention of Sa'adat, Nora Hashlamoun and her husband from Hebron, who left behind six children, is a shame on the Arab and Islamic nations..." Al-Batsh also calls for the abduction of Israeli soldiers who would then be exchanged with Palestinian prisoners. ("PFLP Reiterates Rejection of Sa'adat's Trial in Israeli Courts," Ma'an News, March 17, 2008). March 18, 2008:
Omar Barghouti, The Electronic Intifada: "Arab regimes, especially Egypt's and Jordan's, as unelected, illegitimate and subservient to the US as they may be, are still expected to distance themselves from Israel's lethal war of aggression on Gaza. After all, their continued diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel, as well as their implicit justification of Israel's crimes through their repeated and gratuitous vilification of Hamas, have convincingly labeled them in the eyes of their respective publics, not to mention the wider Arab public, as accessories in crime." (Omar Barghouti, "The Time for Worldwide Boycott is Now," Electronic Intifada, March 2, 2008). March 18, 2008:
A retired IAF general: "The subject of STOVL has been kicked around on the Air Staff for a few years, but we always rejected it in favor of the longer range, bigger payload and lower price tag of the U.S. Air Force plane...But now that air base survivability is no longer hypothetical, it's logical that [the new IAF commander] will want to reassess the options." Retired Maj. Gen. Herzl Bodinger, a former IAF commander: "Everyone understands that decisions of today have to serve us well over the next 20 to 30 years or more. So the flexibility inherent in a smart mix of capabilities is certainly worthy of serious consideration..." Full Story Here. * See also: Israel Looks to STOVL JSF (Barbara Opall-Rome, "Israel May Switch to STOVL JSFs," Defense News, March 17, 2008). March 18, 2008:
"The Ministers of Defense [Israel & Germany] conducted talks regarding military and security cooperation between the two countries. Both ministers noted that since the early 1980s military and security cooperation has consistently increased. For some years now the two ministries of Defence have conducted an annual Strategic Dialogue. Alongside military and armaments themes, a constant feature of that dialogue has been a discussion of current challenges and threats. During their meeting, both Ministers discussed the technological projects of mutual interest, inter alia in the area of force protection. It is agreed by both sides that this dialogue shall be continued. Initiatives for field training and mutual exchanges of staff officers at our reciprocal military colleges were also agreed upon. The intention of both countries is to extend the exchange of army officer cadets, a program launched in 1998, to include personnel from the Navy and Air Force. Furthermore, additional potential initiatives for cooperation are being examined, such as cooperation between the two countries medical corps." ("Bilateral Agreements Reached at the First Israeli-German Intergovernmental Consultations," Israeli PMO's Office, March 17, 2008). March 17, 2008:
Over the past few days, the IDF Central Command has been conducting summary meetings regarding security operations against the transfer of dangerous substances into the Judea and Samaria region. The meetings included representatives of the Civil Administration, the Judea and Samaria Police Department, the Crossings Administration and the Customs Administration. Throughout the recent period, security forces have thwarted 14 attempts to transfer dangerous substances and resources which can serve for dual purposes, yet are often utilized for producing and manufacturing of weaponry and explosive substances. Six containers of merchandise and five trucks of dangerous substances were caught in total. In addition, security forces intercepted 1,686 attempts to transfer prohibited substances and nine police investigations were opened on the matter. Israeli security forces will continue to operate in order to prevent the transfer of prohibited substances into Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip. These substances are used as raw materials for the production of explosives used for attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. Without these substances, it is more difficult to execute terrorist attacks. ("Summary of Activity Against Prohibited Substances," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 17, 2008). March 17, 2008:
Coalition troops kill a number of armed militants and detain five suspects in two separate operations to degrade militant networks in Afghanistan's Khowst and Helmand provinces. In an operation in the Tani District of Khowst province, coalition troops performed a search of compounds targeting a militant linked to bomb-making operations. A number of armed militants were killed when they posed a credible threat to Coalition forces. A person exited one of the buildings during one encounter. Coalition forces identified themselves in Pashtun, and the person initially complied with the instructions given to assume a non-hostile posture. The person then re-entered the building. A few moments later, he exited the building again with a second person armed with an assault rifle. Coalition forces discovered the dead militant armed with an AK-47 assault rifle was a woman after the engagement. Coalition forces also found and detained two individuals with suspected links to the targeted militant and militant facilitation networks when the search continued. Coalition forces detained three individuals associated with a militant conducting anti-government activity in the area in a separate operation in the Nahri Sarraj District of Helmand province. The detainees from both operations will be questioned on their involvement in militant operations as well as other extremist activities. ("Troops Disrupt Militant Operations in Khowst, Helmand Provinces," American Forces Press Service, March 16, 2008). March 17, 2008:
A new system deployed in Asheklon will provide 30 seconds warning to residents of an incoming rocket. Reportedly, technological improvements and analyses of the ranges and landing times of rockets fired from Gaza have been made by the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command since it was decided about a month ago to connect Ashkelon to the warning system. (Yuval Azoulay and Mijal Grinberg, "Ashkelon to Have Longer Warning Time Before Rocket Fall," Ha'aretz, March 17, 2008). March 16, 2008:
- Israel Radio reports that Islamic Jihad has developed a new rocket capable of achieving a range of 22 kilometers. - IDF forces discover two roadside bombs along the border fence in the northern Gaza Strip. (Yaaov Katz, "Islamic Jihad: We Have 22-km Rockets," Jerusalem Post, March 15, 2008). March 16, 2008:
Millions of British commuters could have their private movements around cities secretly monitored under new counter-terrorism powers being sought by security services. Records of journeys made by people using smart cards that allow 17 million Britons to travel by underground, bus and train with a single swipe at the ticket barrier are among a welter of private information held by the state to which MI5 and police counter-terrorism officers want access in order to help identify patterns of suspicious behaviour. Read Full Article Here. (Gary Hinsliff, "MI5 Seeks Powers to Trawl Records in New Terror Hunt," Guardian UK, March 16, 2008). March 16, 2008:
According to partial results announced by Interior Minister Mostafa Pour Mohammadi, conservatives have won 71% of the seats in Iranian parliament. "More than 71 percent of the seats inside the parliament have been won by the conservatives. This number could change by two-three percent as more results come in." US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack: [The elections were] "cooked in the sense that the Iranian people were not able to vote for a full range of people..." ("Iran Conservatives Set for Landslide Victory," Agence France-Presse, March 15, 2008). March 15, 2008:
- Hamas fires at an Israeli helicopter as it targets a rocket-launching site in the Gaza Strip. The chopper sustains damage, but returns to base without any casualties. - Palestinian terrorists fire three rockets at Israel during a visit by Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai to the western Negev town of Sderot. Hamas: "Palestinian fighters hit an Zionist military helicopter flying over northern Gaza on Friday evening, Zionist security officials said. The helicopter returned to Zionist entity safely. There were new casualties, Zionist sources said. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for the attack. Abu Obaida, the Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson said, 'This afternoon our anti-aircraft crew opened fire at an Zionist aircraft over north Gaza, we know that it was hit,' said Abu Obaida. Abu Obaida said that Hamas fighters would continue to open fire on Zionist aircraft that fly over the Gaza Strip 'with the continuously improving ammunitions and the more accurate weapons the fighters obtain.'" (Amos Harel and Yuval Azoulay, "Officials: IAF Helicopter Hit by Palestinian Fire Over Gaza," Ha'aretz, March 14, 2008; "Al Qassam Brigades hit Zionist Helicopter Over Gaza," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, March 15, 2008). March 15, 2008:
The IAF kills three Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists in two separate air strikes. The first air strike targets three terrorists preparing to fire a Qassam rocket at the western Negev. According to the GSS (Shin Bet), Bassel Shabet, Mohammed Sha'er and Hassan Shakura were involved in Qassam rocket production and attacks, including the rocket fire that seriously wounded 8-year-old Osher Twito. The second IAF strike targets two Palestinian terrorists identified approaching the Gaza Strip perimeter fence (northern sector). (Yuval Azoulay and Avi Issacharoff, "IAF Strike Kills Three Islamic Jihad Militants in Northern Gaza," Ha'aretz, March 15, 2008). March 15, 2008:
Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, notes that defense networks see more than a million suspicious "hits" a day. "These are pings where someone is coming in and trying to open something or access information from someone within our military networks...This could be everything from some curious citizens, to people who maybe are trying to hack for sport, to people who are trying to collect information." According to Chilton, what concerns the command is what some people call data mining. This is where analysts use computers to shift through enormous quantities of data to glean information. It is the new form of espionage. "The way I think of it is various organizations are coming in and doing espionage work...You can imagine the downloading of files from personnel agencies or other branches of government." Chilton on China "China's current thinking on asymmetric warfare is encapsulated by a military theory termed 'non-contact,' which seeks to attain a political goal by looking for auxiliary means beyond military boundaries or limits," the publication says. "Examples include: cyber warfare against civilian and military networks – especially against communications and logistics nodes; fifth column attacks, including sabotage and subversion, attacks on financial infrastructure; and, information operations." (Jim Garamone, "General Lays Out Challenges of Defending Cyberspace," American Forces Press Service, March 14, 2008). March 14, 2008:
A crackdown on leading preachers and politicians from Kuwait’s Shia minority increases sectarian tensions. Shia writer Abdulhameed Dashti, An-Nahar: "If you’re a Shia in Kuwait, you have to swear five times a day after each prayer that you hate Iran and love Israel..." ("Shia Crackdown Sparks Sectarian Tension in Kuwait," Agence France-Presse, March 14, 2008). March 14, 2008:
Women are able to serve in 90% of all IDF positions. 24% of IDF officers, including lieutenant colonels, colonels and even brigadier generals, are female. In addition, almost 3% of women serving in the army are classified as combat soldiers. Indeed, the IDF is the only army in the world in which females, alongside their male counterparts, are obligated to enlist. The IDF also boasts the highest percentage of women serving in its ranks. In fact, 34% of the soldiers in the IDF are female. Corporal Shelly Oved, a dog-handler in the Okets K-9 Unit: "There is always someone who is uncomfortable with the fact that women serve in the field...But we prove our merit every time, and in the end we are one of the most requested units." Profile: IDF Zrayit Post (Elad Shalev and Amir Kidon, "Breaking the Barriers," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 8, 2008; Rani Sneh, "A Girl's Point of View," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 11, 2008). March 14, 2008:
Northrop Grumman Corporation successfully demonstrates a laser chain, the first major building block of a solid state demonstrator laser designed to reach a power level of 100kW. The Joint High-Powered Solid State Laser (JHPSSL) Phase 3 program exceeded all target requirements of its second major demonstration milestone, including excellent beam quality. The JHPSSL system is designed to accelerate solid-state laser technology for military uses, including force protection and precision strike missions for air-, sea-, and ground-based platforms. The first laser chain (LC1) is a key component to the JHPSSL scaleable architecture, which is designed to combine eight laser chains of four gain modules each. Each laser chain is a compact 15kW solid state laser and the entire system configuration has the potential to achieve greater than 100kW, the ultimate goal of the Phase 3 JHPSSL program. The company's scaleable approach achieves higher power as more chains are added. The laser chain milestone was demonstrated on Dec. 20, 2007, two days ahead of schedule. Power reached 15.3kW, exceeding the target requirement of 12.7kW; vertical beam quality was measured at 1.58x diffraction limit, surpassing the 2.0 target; turn-on time was 0.8 seconds, below the 1.0 second target; LC1's run time was more than 300 seconds, far beyond the target of 200 seconds; and the Electo-Optical Efficiency was 19.5 percent. ("Northrop Grumman Successfully Completes Second Major Demonstration Milestone for the Joint High-Powered Solid State Laser Phase 3 Program," Northrop Grumman Press Release, March 13, 2008). March 14, 2008:
Abu Ahmad, Palestinian Islamic Jihad: "There will be no calm in the light of the continued Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip...The Israeli occupation wants calm in Gaza and opened fire on the resistance in the West Bank...No voice rises above the voice of rockets and resistance." ("Al-Quds Brigades Unleash Barrage of Projectiles from Gaza in Response to West Bank Killings," Ma'an News, March 13, 2008). March 13, 2008:
- Palestinian Islamic Jihad fires at least 15 rockets into the western Negev. At least one structure sustains a direct hit. - The IAF bombs a rocket launcher in the Gaza Strip. Former Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh: "Israel will not exist side by side with this Iranian entity 3 kilometers from Sderot and 10 kilometers from Ashkelon...There can be no solution without a diplomatic agreement, and there can be no solution without the military wiping out Hamas." Update: Palestinian terrorists fire at least 24 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Sderot and other Gaza-area communities since Wednesday night. (Avi Issacharoff, Yuval Azoulay, Mijal Grinberg, and Jonathan Lis, "Lull in Fighting Ends as Rockets Slam into Israel," Ha'aretz, March 13, 2008; "IAF Bombs Kassam Launcher in Gaza," Jerusalem Post, March 13, 2008; Avi Issacharoff, Yuval Azoulay, Mijal Grinberg, Jonathan Lis, "At least 24 Qassam Rockets Fired into Israel From Gaza Since Wed," Ha'aretz, March 13, 2008). March 13, 2008:
During a joint IDF and Border Police arrest operation in Bethlehem, Border Police Special Forces identified several Palestinian gunmen in a vehicle. The force fired at them and identified killing four gunmen. An MP5 and two M16 rifles were discovered on their bodies. The four were wanted senior wanted terrorists from the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization: Muhamad Sh'ahade Abed Ta'amari, 45, was the head of the Islamic Jihad in Bethlehem and was involved in several terrorist attacks in which many Israeli civilians were wounded and killed, including: 2/11/2000- The car bombing on Shomeron st. in Jerusalem which killed two civilians. 27/3/2001- The car bombing on Talpiyot st. in Jerusalem in which 5 civilians were wounded. 5/12/2001- The suicide bombing attack in the Hilton hotel in Jerusalem in which 6 civilians were wounded. 17/03/2002- The suicide bombing attack in the French Hill neighborhood in Jerusalem in which 31 civilians were wounded. 01/04/2002- The shooting attack in the Har Homa neighborhood in Jerusalem in which an IDF soldier was killed. The three other wanted terrorists, Ahmed Halil Salem Balbul, 48, Imad Hasin Mahmud Camel, 35, and Isa Marzuk Saleh Zuhara, 36, were a part of the Islamic Jihad leadership in Bethlehem and were also involved in extensive terrorist activity from the beginning of the Intifada. Muhamad Sh'ahada and the Islamic Jihad in Bethlehem were in direct contact with the Islamic Jihad leadership in Syria from which they received operational orders. ("Head of the Islamic Jihad Terror Organization in Bethlehem Killed Today with 3 Other Leaders," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 12, 2008). March 13, 2008:
A smuggling tunnel collapses near Egypt's border with the Gaza strip, killing one Palestinian and injuring another. Reportedly, Palestinian smuggler Mohammed el-Bashiti and five others had almost finished expanding the 600 meter tunnel from Gaza into Egypt, when the ceiling collapsed. The tunnel, which stretched from the al-Salam district on the Palestinian side and ended in Rafah's Canada neighborhood on the Egyptian side, was apparently an older one undergoing renovation. ("Gaza-Egypt Smuggling Tunnel Collapses," Associated Press, March 12, 2008). March 13, 2008:
Defense Minister Ehud Barak: "We aren't sitting with a stopwatch in our hands, and it's not a 'wham bam thank you ma'am' thing. What awaits us here is more [military] operations and infantry troops who are stationed here...We're not in a place where we can achieve resolution, instead we are embroiled in ongoing activity which aims to bring about an end to the Qassam rocket fire and bring back a feeling of security to the residents of the area." (Avi Issacharoff, "Defense Min.: Fighting in Southern Israel, Gaza May Soon Resume," Ha'aretz, March 12, 2008). March 13, 2008:
Raytheon Company develops and tests a new conventional warhead technology to defeat hardened and deeply buried bunkers. The new technology, called Tandem Warhead System, consists of a shaped-charge precursor warhead combined with a follow- through penetrator explosive charge. During a Jan. 31 test, the newly developed 1,000-pound-class warhead set a record when it punched through 19 feet, 3 inches of a 20-foot, 330-ton, steel rod-reinforced concrete block rated at 12,600 pounds per square inch compressive strength. In fewer than 10 milliseconds, the explosion delivered into the target more than 110 million foot-pounds of energy via a high- velocity jet of molten metal. Raytheon's large shape-charged test was the first against a target built to withstand more than 10,000 psi. Most conventional weapons in the same weight class as Raytheon's precursor warhead cannot penetrate targets rated at more than 6,000 psi. Raytheon engineers believe Tandem Warhead System, which is lighter and more powerful than current conventional systems, is suited for weapons with long standoff range and greater survivability against enemy threats. ("Raytheon Unveils New Bunker-Busting Technology," Raytheon Press Release, March 12, 2008). March 13, 2008:
Saudi Arabia and Sweden sign an agreement to promote trade and investment. Saudi Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf: "The agreement represents the legal framework to guarantee the protection of the investments and rights of the investors in both the countries." The balance of trade between Sweden and Saudi Arabia was estimated at SR4 billion in 2006. While the Saudi-Swedish investments approved by Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) stood at SR883 million in 2006, there are currently 17 joint projects operating in the Kingdom. ("Saudi Arabia, Sweden Sign Trade Accord," Arab News [Accessed on the Gulf in the Media Website], March 12, 2008). March 12, 2008:
Saleh Amar Saleh Karkoor, 26, a senior terror operative was killed in Seida, south west of Jenin, in a joint IDF, ISA and Border Police arrest operation. Initially, the forces called on Karkoor to evacuate the house, following which they resorted to using various means in order to get him to surrender. During the operation fire was opened towards the forces and explosive devices were activated against them. The forces returned fire and identified hitting Karkoor. One AK-47 Assault Rifle and a number of explosive devices and ammunition clips were uncovered on his person. The weaponry was detonated in a controlled manner by sappers. Karkoor was extremely active in the Islamic Jihad terror organization from the 1990s. During the last weeks he was involved in planning suicide bombings along with other Islamic Jihad operatives. In 1998, Karkoor was questioned and arrested for the first time for his involvement in the Islamic Jihad terror organization. In 1999 he returned to terror activities right after his release. In January 25, 2002, Karkoor was arrested following a suicide bombing in Tel- Aviv in which 23 civilians were injured. He confessed to having accommodated the two bombers at his house, and to his involvement in terror activity and the recruiting of suicide bombers. Karkoor was sentenced and jailed, from which he was released in November 2006. Right after his release, Karkoor once again returned to terror activity within the Islamic Jihad. He took part in the establishment of an Islamic Jihad cell, together with Haled Hassin, who was killed by a special IDF force on October 23, 2007, along with a number of Islamic Jihad terror operatives from Tul-Karem who operated in Jenin in 2007. The cell that Karkoor was a part of was also responsible for executing the suicide bombing at an IDF roadblock near the community of Einav on July 12, 2007. ("Senior Islamic Jihad Operative Killed," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 12, 2008). March 12, 2008:
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates reluctantly accepts Navy Adm. William J. "Fox" Fallon's letter of resignation as commander of U.S. Central Command and request for retirement. Fallon's resignation will take effect March 31, Gates said in a Pentagon news conference. His deputy, Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, will take over as acting CENTCOM commander until a permanent replacement is nominated and confirmed. Gates told reporters Fallon advised him of his decision this morning, citing what the admiral called "the current embarrassing situation of public perception of differences between my views and administration policy and the distraction this causes from the mission." "Recent press reports suggesting a disconnect between my views and the president's policy objectives have become a distraction at a critical time and hamper efforts in the CENTCOM region," Fallon said in a statement released by CENTCOM. "And although I don't believe there have ever been any differences about the objectives of our policy in the Central Command area of responsibility, the simple perception that there is makes it difficult for me to effectively serve America's interests there." Some of the misperceptions involved perceived differences over U.S. policies regarding Iran. Gates said Fallon fully supported the administration's policy of trying to deal with the Iranian challenge through diplomatic and economic pressures and sanctions. (Donna Miles, "Gates Accepts Resignation of CENTCOM Chief Fallon," American Forces Press Service, March 11, 2008). March 12, 2008:
The seventh meeting of the joint Israel-India work group on the war on terror, and the fourth meeting regarding disarmament and prevention of proliferation, convened in Jerusalem on the 10 - 11 March 2008. Mr. Vivek Katju, Additional Secretary (International Organizations) in the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is heading the Indian delegation to the talks. The Israeli delegation is headed by Mrs. Miriam Ziv, MFA Deputy General, Division for Strategic Affairs Among other issues, the two sides discussed global and regional terror threats, the threat imposed by drug trafficking, computerized terror and cooperation in international forums. The two sides exchanged opinions on regional and international efforts in the battle against terror. Within the framework of the fourth meeting on issues of disarmament and prevention of proliferation, the two sides exchanged opinions extensively on various issues relating to disarmament, weapon control, and prevention of proliferation. The discussions related to issues connected to international organizations, including the UN Disarmament Commission and the General Assembly. The two sides emphasized their commitment to the prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and other complementary aspects, including taking steps to initiate national inspection of exports. It was agreed that the next round of talks would be held in New Delhi, India. The dates will be determined via diplomatic channels. ("Foreign Ministry: Dialogue with India on Strategic Issues and the War on Terror," Israeli Foreign Ministry, March 11, 2008). March 12, 2008:
PM Ehud Olmert (during Asheklon visit): "Don't conduct yourselves as though the Grad rocket attacks were not a one-time thing; this has been Israel's reality for the past 60 years, and this demands restraint as well as strength...There is no point in comparing your situation to that of Sderot or other towns that have sustained the rocket fire for years...The Grad is heavier than the Qassam, and we have no way of preventing these things (rocket attacks) from recurring." Note: Palestinian terrorists in Gaza fire a rocket at Ashkelon shortly after Olmert leaves the city. (Roni Sofer, "Olmert in Ashkelon: Get Used to Rocket Fire," YnetNews, March 11, 2008). March 12, 2008:
Musa Abu Marzouq (Hamas): "There are meetings taking place for some time with the Egyptian side, but these meetings had not reach to anything about this subject as the media imagine..Always the issues we are discussing the Egyptian side are about calm, crossings and Gilad Shalit, the main three issues, but at this particular time there is no understanding with Egypt or with others on this subject...This truce must be comprehensive and simultaneous in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and included a halt to all forms of Zionist aggression as siege, arrest, building settlements and barriers." ("Abu Marzouq: There is no Calm Agreement with the Zionist Etity," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, March 11, 2008). March 11, 2008:
Arotech Corporation wins an $8 million contract to provide armored vehicles. The vehicles are slated to be supplied by the company's MDT subsidiary. Arotech chairman and CEO Robert Erlich: "We are delighted to have received additional orders for our armored military vehicles used to protect and save the lives of military personnel and others around the globe. Our armor division produces the reliable and highly protective vehicles needed as tension throughout the world increases." (Dan Shohet, "Arotech Wins Armored Vehicle Orders," Globes, March 11, 2008). March 11, 2008:
Kuwait's government appeals for unity amid rising sectarian tension following demonstrations in support of the slain commander of Lebanon's Hizballah, Imad Mughnieh. "The cabinet urges citizens and the media to avoid issues that could undermine our national unity and the solidarity of the Kuwaiti people...We should work together to safeguard Kuwait's security and stability." ("Kuwait Appeals for Unity Over Hezbollah Tensions," Agence France-Presse, March 11, 2008). March 11, 2008:
A senior Israeli defense official notes that Hizballah has completed its military and logistical preparations for a confrontation with Israel. Indeed, Hizballah operatives are reportedly monitoring the IDF's movements along the northern border. Hizballah's plans apparently focus on southern Lebanon -- specifically, the Bekaa Valley. (Hanan Greenberg, "Defense Official: Hizbullah Ready to Fight Israel," YnetNews, March 11, 2008). March 11, 2008:
Al-Qaeda in Islamic North Africa claims responsibility for kidnapping two Austrian tourists last month in Tunisia. Salah Abu Mohammed: "We tell Western tourists that at the same time they are flowing into Tunisian lands seeking joy, our brothers are being slain in Gaza by the Jews with the collaboration of the Western states...The mujahideen have previously warned and alerted them that the apostate Tunisian state cannot and will not be able to protect you, and the hands of the mujahideen can reach you wherever you are on the Tunisian soil." ("Al-Qaeda: Tourists Kidnapped Because of Israel," Associated Press, March 10, 2008). March 11, 2008:
Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri: "The talk about a tripartite meeting Palestinian Israeli U.S. in the coming days, is an attempt to ensure the American-Israeli tightening of the Ramallah policy of repression against the resistance forces in the West Bank, particularly against Hamas, especially at the time of the Jerusalem [operation] against the school...Hamas rejected the continuation of these negotiations between the leadership of the [Palestinian] Authority in Ramallah and the Israeli occupation, which we consider participating in the crime of not less than the crime of the occupation..." Note: American General William Frasier is slated to the Middle East this week to convene tripartite meetings regarding the Road Map peace plan. ("Hamas Criticizes Abbas for Resuming Negotiations With Israel," Ma'an News, March 10, 2008). March 10, 2008:
Senior Al-Qaeda figure Jaber al-Banna, who has a five million dollar US bounty on his head, walks free from an appeal hearing in Yemen after being granted bail on his own recognizance. Banna, who maintains joint Yemeni-US citizenship, was handed a 10 year jail term in absentia (2007). ("Al-Qaeda Leader Wanted by US Released on Bail in Yemen," Agence France-Presse, March 10, 2008). March 10, 2008:
Close to a million instructional booklets on how to prepare for emergency situations will be distributed in the next few days to thousands of elementary school students in Ashkelon, Sderot, and towns surrounding the Gaza Strip. The booklets will be distributed as part of the Homefront Command's instructional campaign for emergency situations, in coordination with the Education Ministry. The new campaign will distribute about 800,000 guidance booklets in Hebrew and Arabic, with the goal of preparing the population for emergency operations and to put an emphasis on the population of elementary school children in southern towns which live under the daily threat of Qassam rockets and Grad missiles. The instructional booklets, which include amongst other things an instruction file for teachers, a work booklet for students, and a CD with explanations, will be distributed as part of the second step in the national instructional campaign "To be protected is to be ready" which started two months ago. Students will take part in an education hour that will be dedicated to preparing them for emergency situations, and will be expected to complete the assignments within them. This is the Homefront Commands first instructional campaign aimed at children. "In 2003, we instructed the students on preparing for war, today, we understood that students that are counseled on a daily basis will better understand how to act during an emergency situation," explained the Head of the Population Department in the Homefront Command, Colonel Hilik Sofer. "These booklets strengthened the comprehension amongst children that preparedness reinforces the feeling of being able to deal with the situation," added Yossi Simentov, director of the Coping with Emergencies Unit in the Education Ministry. "At the moment that you prepare a student on a daily basis and in a practical, rather than a dramatic way, there is a chance that his coping abilities with an event in real time will be a lot better and more organized." Starting next year, the Homefront Command will expand its program of preparing students for emergency situation. As of now only the fifth grade has received lessons on the matter but in the coming months the first, third, seventh, ninth and eleventh grades will receive four hours of lessons on emergency situations including earthquakes, rocket attacks and unconventional weapons attacks. (Adir Mor, "Homefront Command Distributes Instructional Booklets for Children," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 10, 2008). March 10, 2008:
Sami al-Faraj, a Kuwaiti analyst: "Honestly speaking, they [Israel] would be achieving something of great strategic value for the GCC by stopping Iran's tendency for hegemony over the area...The question is what would it do if it were a nuclear nation? We have to call a spade a spade and say that burying the military nuclear Iranian project is in the interest of GCC states." ("Kuwaiti Strategist: Israel Should Strike Iran," Associated Press, March 9, 2008). March 10, 2008:
Fatah Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades welcomes the killing of 8 yeshiva students in Jerusalem. The group also expresses "astonishment" over a statement that was issued by Abbas condemning the Jerusalem attack, and urge him to release all the Aksa Martyrs Brigades gunmen being held in PA security installations so they could resume their attacks against Israel. The "option of resistance remains the only method to restore our rights, free our prisoners and liberate all our lands." (Khaled Abu Toameh, "Fatah Group Hails 'Heroic' J'lem Attack," Jerusalem Post, March 9, 2008). March 10, 2008:
Sergeant Liran Banai, who was severely injured from an explosion last week in Gaza, dies from his wounds in the Soroka hospital in Beersheba. Sergeant Liran Banai was injured last Thursday during a routine patrol along the security fence in the central Gaza Strip near the Israeli town of Kissufim. Another IDF soldier was killed during the explosion, and Sergeant Banai was evacuated to the Soroka hospital to receive treatment. Both of his legs were amputated as a result of the explosion. Sergeant Banai was the key source of income for his parents who are both deaf. ("IDF Soldier Dies From His Wounds," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 9, 2008). March 10, 2008:
The Guardian reports that European governments have been told to plan for an era of conflict over energy resources, with global warming likely to trigger a dangerous contest between Russia and the west for the vast mineral riches of the Arctic. A report from the EU's top two foreign policy officials to the 27 heads of government gathering in Brussels for a summit this week warns that "significant potential conflicts" are likely in the decades ahead as a result of "intensified competition over access to, and control over, energy resources." Full Article Here. (Ian Traynor, "Climate Change May Spark Conflict with Russia, EU Told," The Guardian UK, March 10, 2008). March 9, 2008:
IDF forces patrolling the Trans-Samaria Highway (Kalkilya sector) seize a Palestinian truck containing 11 gallons of sulfuric acid and 8 gallons of nitric acid. Such materials are considered hazardous and can be used to manufacture explosives. (Hanan Greenberg, "West Bank: IDF Seizes Materials Used to Manufacture Explosives," YnetNews, March 9, 2008). March 8, 2008:
Lockheed Martin receives an $8.6 million Science and Technology contract from the U.S. Army Research and Development Command (RDECOM) Missiles and Aviation Research and Development Center (AMRDEC) to demonstrate a Counter Rockets, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) interceptor system. Work on the contract will be completed by November 2008. This activity is part of an AMRDEC effort to develop and demonstrate critical counter-fire technologies, bridging the gap between existing C-RAM capabilities and its overall objective extended area air defense system vision, which addresses short-range air defense against certain types of threats. During the development phase, which is called the Extended Area Protection and Survivability (EAPS) program, efforts will focus on developing and leveraging technologies to provide mobile, hemispherical extended area protection from RAM threats. Lockheed Martin’s concept features a compact, vertically launched missile that offers the Warfighter significant operational and tactical advantages against RAM threats. The system encompasses the interceptor, fire control sensor, launcher and battle manager, and will ultimately interface with the latest battlefield surveillance systems. The Lockheed Martin team includes Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors and Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. ("Lockheed Martin Receives $8.6 Million Contract to Demonstrate a C-RAM Interceptor System," Lockheed Martin Press Release, March 6, 2008). March 8, 2008:
Abu Ahmad, (Islamic Jihad) denies that his group has halted rocket attacks against Israel from the Gaza Strip. According to Ahmad, the "focus at this stage [should be] on strengthening the internal front, unifying the ranks of the resistance, and developing appropriate plans to address any potential aggression the could affect the Gaza Strip." ("Islamic Jihad Spokesperson Denies Unannounced Truce With Israel," Ma'an News, March 8, 2008). March 7, 2008:
Police arrest eight people in connection Mercaz Harav Yeshiva terror attack. According to police, the gunman, Ala Abu Dhaim, did not meet the typical profile of Palestinian terrorists. Jerusalem Police Chief Cmdr. Aharon Franco: "He is not known to the security forces...He was a normal man...Who was going to wed soon." ("Police nab 8 over Mercaz Harav attack," Jerusalem Post, March 8, 2008). March 7, 2008:
Ahrar Al-Jalil (the "Free People of the Galilee," or the Galilee Freedom Battalion) claims responsibility for the attack via a statement to Ma'an News. In addition, Ma'an receives a telephone call on Friday from an individual claiming to be affiliated with Ahrar Al-Jalil, revealing specific details about the Yeshiva terrorist attack. Hamas also claims responsibility for the attack. A Hamas official: "The Hamas movement announces its full responsibility for the Jerusalem operation. The movement will release the details at a later stage..." Update: "Hamas on Friday withdrew their claim of responsibility for the operation at a Jewish school in Occupied Jerusalem that killed eight Zionists, saying the announcement was based on confused information. Ibrahim Daher, head of Hamas' al-Aqsa radio, said his station put out an earlier claim of responsibility prematurely, based on confused information. Abu Obaida, the spokesman of Al Qassam Brigades, confirmed the group was not taking credit for the operation, at least yet. There may be a later announcement. But we don't claim this honor yet, he said." ("Exclusive: Ahrar Al-Jalil Claims Responsibility for Jerusalem Shooting Attack," Ma'an News, March 7, 2008; "Hamas Claims Responsibility for J'lem Shooting Attack," Ha'aretz, March 7, 2008; "After Jerusalem Operation, OF Bans Worshippers From Entering Al Aqsa Mosque," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, March 8, 2008). March 7, 2008:
A Palestinian terrorist infiltrates a rabbinical seminary (Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Kiryat Moshe) at the entrance of Jerusalem and open fire, killing 8. Paramedics confirm additional casualties. The gunmen reportedly entered a dining hall where about 80 people were gathered and opened fire. Israeli Medic Yaron Tzuker: "They were still shooting when we got here...We took cover and the ambulance was hit. It's horrible inside - dead bodies and wounded - it's horrific." Yitzhak Dadon, a student, said he was armed with a rifle and waited on the roof of a nearby building. "He came out of the library spraying automatic fire...the terrorist came to the entrance and I shot him twice in the head..." Michael, another student: "He fired 500-600 bullets..." Note: Gaza City residents went out into the streets and fired rifles in celebration in the air after hearing news of the attack on the seminary. "This is God's vengeance" blared a loudspeaker in a Gaza City mosque. Update: Jerusalem police chief Aharon Franco notes the lone gunman was killed by an off-duty army officer who lives nearby and ran to the school after hearing gunfire. (Aviram Zino, "Report: 6 Killed in Jerusalem Terror Attack," YnetNews, March 6, 2008; "Witnesses Describe 'Horrific' Scene Inside Jerusalem Yeshiva," Ha'aretz, March 6, 2008; "Yeshiva Student: 'I Shot Terrorist Twice in the Head'," Ha'aretz, March 6, 2008; "Gunman Kills 8 in Jerusalem Jewish College," Reuters, March 6, 2008). March 7, 2008:
March 7, 2008:
Ambassador Itzhak Levanon, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations: "The truth is, that the Hamas terrorists took over the Gaza Strip by force, and established an irredentist entity. That, they have smuggled lethal weapons into this territory with the sole purpose to kill Israelis. That, since the beginning of this year, in only two months, they have fired 671 missiles at civilians, women and children. That, they received these missiles from countries in the Middle East, such as the Iranian-made 122mm Grad missile. That, Hamas is committing war crimes and collectively punishing a population of a quarter of a million citizens living in Ashkelon, Sderot, the Negev and Netivot. That, they call for the physical destruction of my country and translate these words with deeds. That, they brought Al-Qaeda to the Gaza Strip, a fact confirmed by the President of the Palestinian Authority. Mahmoud Abbas, in the London El Hayat newspaper on 27 February 2008." ("Statement by Ambassador Itzhak Levanon, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, Geneva," [As cited on] IMRA, March 6, 2008). March 7, 2008:
A senior Saudi official notes that a recently detained terror cell (plotting attacks on oil installations and security forces in Saudi Arabia) was receiving instructions from Al Qaeda members operating from an Arab country. Security forces seized an audio recording from Al Qaeda’s second-in-command, Ayman Al Zawahri, on a memory card on the mobile phone of the alleged leader of the terror cell. In addition, Saudi officials report that terrorists are now burying their weapons and ammunition underground instead of keeping them in their hideouts. ("Qaeda 'Plotted' Attacks on Saudi Oil Installations," Khaleej Times [Accessed on the Gulf in the Media Website], March 6, 2008). March 6, 2008:
An IDF soldier was killed this morning during a routine patrol along the security fence in the central Gaza Strip, near the Israeli town of Kissufim. The soldier, who served as a tracker, was killed when an explosive device detonated near the jeep in which he was seated. Another soldier was severly injured and two other soldiers were lightly injured during the incident. The three were evacuated to the Soroka hospital in Beersheba to receive medical treatment. The families of the soldiers have been notified. Since the early morning, 9 Qassam rockets have been fired towards Israel. During today’s operations, the IDF hit a terror operative involved in the launching of Qassam rockets this morning. Note: A remote was reportedly used to detonate the device. Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility for the attack. Abu Ahmad, Islamic Jihad: "We are sending our message to all the Zionist criminals...Your threats to target the leaders of resistance won't scare us. We are going to continue our resistance and holy war, and we will continue to rain rockets on your colonies until we make them ghost towns." ("Gaza: IDF Soldier Killed During Routine Patrol," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 6, 2008; "Soldier Killed, Another Wounded by Bomb Near Kissufim," Jerusalem Post, March 6, 2008). March 6, 2008:
On February 4, Iran launched a sounding rocket into space. The launch was part of the inauguration of the Iranian Space Center and received extensive coverage in the Iranian media, which focused on Iran’s intention this summer to launch by its own means a satellite wholly developed by Iranian industry. The rocket launched at the Space Research Center was dubbed Kavoshgar-1 ("Explorer") and carried scientific instrumentation. About two weeks after the launch, it was reported that the rocket had two stages – one burned for 90-100 seconds and the other for 300 seconds. It reached an altitude of 200 km. and then returned to earth by parachute. Its payload included instrumentation that signaled geographic location, wind conditions, air pressure, temperature, etc. Iranian spokesmen explained that two more rockets would be launched in the coming months and that their dimensions would permit them to carry the Iranian "Omid" (Hope) satellite. Read Full Article Here. (Yiftah Shapir, "The Launch of the Iranian Kavoshgar Rocket," INSS Insight, No. 48, March 5, 2008). March 6, 2008:
The Israeli MoD deploys 120 fortified bus stops in Sderot. A Defense Ministry official: "We have discovered that most of the injuries and fatalities involving Qassam rockets were caused by shrapnel wounds while the victims were out on the street...These bus stops will protect not only people who are waiting for the bus but also those who are caught outside when the 'Color Red' alert goes off." (Yuval Azoulay, "Gov't Places 120 Fortified Bus Stops in Rocket-Plagued Sderot," Ha'aretz, March 5, 2008). March 6, 2008:
The EC includes the Palestinian Authority (Gaza Strip & West Bank) on a list of 17 locations that will be given priority in the largest food aid package ever launched by the European Union. The 160 million euro funding is slated to help those facing food shortages due to natural catastrophes, economic and political crises, and armed conflicts. The majority of projects funded in the above-mentioned framework will be implemented via the UN's World Food Program. However, nutrition and short-term food security activities will be shared with the Red Cross and other NGOs. ("EU Gives Priority to Palestinian Territories in Food Aid Package," Ma'an News, March 5, 2008). March 6, 2008:
The numbers of U.S. special operations forces are expected to grow in the years ahead as the United States continues its fight against global terrorism. By direction of the president, U.S. Special Operations Command is the lead combatant command for synchronizing Defense Department planning for the global war against terrorism, Navy Adm. Eric T. Olson, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Today, special operators are posted in 58 countries, mostly in small numbers, Olson said. More than 80 percent of overseas-deployed SOCOM members serve with U.S. Central Command, which has responsibility for the Afghanistan and Iraq wartime theaters of operation. "Operational commanders have learned that no other force can accomplish such a broad scope of missions in such diverse operational environments...We are expanding as fast as we reasonably can -- as fast as we can reasonably absorb the growth," Olson said, noting he envisions a special operations forces growth rate of 3 to 5 percent annually. With headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., SOCOM provides special operators from all service components to support combatant commanders worldwide. Acknowledged experts in counterterrorism operations, special operations troops also perform psychological operations, as well as counter-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, direct action, special reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, civil affairs, training with foreign forces, information operations and other missions, as they relate to special operations. (Gerry. J Gilmore, "Commander Foresees Growth of Special Operations Forces," American Forces Press Service, March 5, 2008). March 6, 2008:
The Israeli Security Cabinet meets to discuss policy for action against the firing of projectiles at communities in Israel, including the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip, and against the strengthening of terrorist forces in the Gaza Strip. The following decision was adopted: A. The State of Israel will act continuously and systematically in order to achieve the following main goals:
March 5, 2008:
The Kerem Shalom border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip reopens after a six week closure due to security problems. The crossing was reopened for trucks transporting humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip. 20 such trucks are expected to enter the Strip in the coming days. Following the order, Kerem Shalom and four other border crossings were reopened and 163 trucks carrying dozens of tons of food and medical supplies are expected to enter the Strip through the crossings in the coming days. The Turkish and Jordanian governments have made donations for the civilians of the Gaza Strip, in addition to the aid given by the United Nations World Food Program. At the Sufa border crossing 63 trucks carrying fruit, meat products and dairy products entered the Gaza Strip. Karni border crossing will also be operating in a limited structure. 80 trucks carrying wheat, corn, garbanzo beans, and lentils will enter the Strip through that crossing the coming days. The Palestinian health minister recently requested from Major General Yosef Mishlav, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, to allow the transfer of medicine from Israeli manufactured Teva pharmaceuticals into the Strip. After an internal query, the Major General decided to allow the transport of dozens of trucks into the Strip including two trucks loaded with the Israeli manufactured medicine. (Adir Mor, "Kerem Shalom Crossing Reopened," IDF Spokesperson's Office, March 5, 2008). March 5, 2008:
The Electronic Intifada cites an investigative article in the April 2008 issue of Vanity Fair that claims US officials (including President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice) participated in a conspiracy to arm and train Contra-style Palestinian militias nominally loyal to the Fatah party to overthrow Hamas in Gaza. "The allegations of such a conspiracy, long reported by The Electronic Intifada, are corroborated in Vanity Fair with confidential US government documents, interviews with former US officials, Israeli officials and with Muhammad Dahlan, the Gaza strongman personally chosen by Bush." Read Full Article Here. ("Revealed: The US Plan to Start a Palestinian Civil War," Electronic Intifada, March 4, 2008). March 5, 2008:
Elbit Systems subsidiary Cyclone Aviation Products Ltd.wins a contract worth $160 million to supply aircraft doors to US aircraft component manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. The order will be supplied from 2009 through 2016. Elbit Systems president and CEO Joseph Ackerman: "This important contract win reflects the recognition and trust that Cyclone in particular, and Elbit Systems in general, has established among major global aviation companies. Elbit Systems sees the commercial aviation market as a significant growth engine since it interfaces with a broad spectrum of our activities." ("Elbit Systems Subsidiary Wins US Aircraft Project," Globes, March 4, 2008). March 5, 2008:
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon notes Israel has reported that Hizballah is rearming and currently maintains an arsenal that includes 10,000 long-range rockets and 20,000 short-range rockets in southern Lebanon. Ban: "Reports of Hizballah rearming are a cause of great concern, posing serious challenges to the sovereignty, stability and independence of Lebanon..." (Edith M. Lederer, "Israel Says Hezbollah Has 30,000 Rockets," Associated Press, March 4, 2008). March 5, 2008:
Approximately 25 IDF armored vehicles enter the southern Gaza Strip via the Kissufim Crossing. Firefights erupt between IDF forces and Palestinian terrorists. A senior Islamic Jihad operative, Yussuf Samiri, is killed. Two other PIJ terrorists are arrested. IAF helicopters provided air support during the operation. In addition, three Palestinian gunmen are killed during clashes with IDF troops in central Gaza. Earlier, two Palestinian terrorists were killed in two |
