November 30, 2006:
- IDF forces operating in the Nablus area kill one terrorist and wound two others during a firefight.
- IDF forces at the Hawara checkpoint intercept a Palestinian carrying three pipe bombs.
("PA: IDF Fire Kills 1, Wounds 2 Near Shechem," IsraelNationalNews, December 1, 2006; "Would-Be Bomber Arrested Near Shechem," IsraelNationalNews, December 1, 2006).
- IDF forces operating in the Nablus area kill one terrorist and wound two others during a firefight.
- IDF forces at the Hawara checkpoint intercept a Palestinian carrying three pipe bombs.
("PA: IDF Fire Kills 1, Wounds 2 Near Shechem," IsraelNationalNews, December 1, 2006; "Would-Be Bomber Arrested Near Shechem," IsraelNationalNews, December 1, 2006).
November 29, 2006:
- Unidentified Palestinian terrorists attack several Internet cafes in the Gaza Strip with hand-propelled grenades and explosive devices. The attacks occur simultaneously and cause heavy damage.
- In Rafah, arsonists set fire to a shop selling cassettes and CDs.
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "Gunmen Attack Internet Cafes in Gaza," Jerusalem Post, November 29, 2006).
- Unidentified Palestinian terrorists attack several Internet cafes in the Gaza Strip with hand-propelled grenades and explosive devices. The attacks occur simultaneously and cause heavy damage.
- In Rafah, arsonists set fire to a shop selling cassettes and CDs.
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "Gunmen Attack Internet Cafes in Gaza," Jerusalem Post, November 29, 2006).
November 29, 2006:
Israeli analyst Ehud Ya'ari tells News First Class (NFC) that Hamas wil exploit the "cease-fire" to:
(Jonathan D. Halevi, "Hamas Exploits Cease-Fire to Re-Arm," NFC [translated from Hebrew], November 28, 2006).
Israeli analyst Ehud Ya'ari tells News First Class (NFC) that Hamas wil exploit the "cease-fire" to:
- Consolidate its control over the PA
- Re-arm
- Rebuild damaged military infrastructure in Gaza
(Jonathan D. Halevi, "Hamas Exploits Cease-Fire to Re-Arm," NFC [translated from Hebrew], November 28, 2006).
November 28, 2006:
Israel agrees in principle to allow a Jordanian-based security force loyal to PA President Mahmoud Abbas to deploy in the Gaza Strip. According to an Israeli source, the request to redeploy the 1,000-strong Badr Brigade came from Abbas.
"Basically, we have agreed, though it has not yet been officially released...The request came through before the cease-fire, but certainly this (deployment) could boost the truce."
Lieutenant-General Keith Dayton, U.S. security coordinator: "The decision would have to be made by the governments of Jordan, Israel and the Palestinians. But the idea is a logical one both militarily and politically..."
("Israel to Let Abbas Deploy Loyalist Brigade in Gaza," Reuters, November 28, 2006).
Israel agrees in principle to allow a Jordanian-based security force loyal to PA President Mahmoud Abbas to deploy in the Gaza Strip. According to an Israeli source, the request to redeploy the 1,000-strong Badr Brigade came from Abbas.
"Basically, we have agreed, though it has not yet been officially released...The request came through before the cease-fire, but certainly this (deployment) could boost the truce."
Lieutenant-General Keith Dayton, U.S. security coordinator: "The decision would have to be made by the governments of Jordan, Israel and the Palestinians. But the idea is a logical one both militarily and politically..."
("Israel to Let Abbas Deploy Loyalist Brigade in Gaza," Reuters, November 28, 2006).
November 28, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire two Qassam rockets into Israel, despite a three-day supposed "cease-fire." The rockets impact in open fields, causing no injuries or damage.
(Amos Harel and Gideon Alon, "Qassam Rocket Lands in Western Negev Despite Gaza Cease-Fire," Ha'aretz, November 28, 2006; "Second Kassam Fired at Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, November 28, 2006).
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire two Qassam rockets into Israel, despite a three-day supposed "cease-fire." The rockets impact in open fields, causing no injuries or damage.
(Amos Harel and Gideon Alon, "Qassam Rocket Lands in Western Negev Despite Gaza Cease-Fire," Ha'aretz, November 28, 2006; "Second Kassam Fired at Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, November 28, 2006).
November 27, 2006:
The IDF alters its rules of engagement along the Israel-Gaza border, after two Qassam rockets are fired from the northern Gaza Strip on Monday despite a supposed "cease-fire." The new rules allow troops to open fire if they positively identify terrorists preparing to launch a rocket.
(Amos Harel and Gideon Alon, "Rockets Prompt Change in IDF Rules of Engagement," Ha'aretz, November 28, 2006).
The IDF alters its rules of engagement along the Israel-Gaza border, after two Qassam rockets are fired from the northern Gaza Strip on Monday despite a supposed "cease-fire." The new rules allow troops to open fire if they positively identify terrorists preparing to launch a rocket.
(Amos Harel and Gideon Alon, "Rockets Prompt Change in IDF Rules of Engagement," Ha'aretz, November 28, 2006).
November 27, 2006:
The authors of the JCPA Strategic Blog assess that Hamas has agreed to a "cease-fire" simply to re-arm and prepare for the next round of violence.
("Words of Maashal," JCPA Strategic Blog [Translated from Hebrew], November 27, 2006).
The authors of the JCPA Strategic Blog assess that Hamas has agreed to a "cease-fire" simply to re-arm and prepare for the next round of violence.
("Words of Maashal," JCPA Strategic Blog [Translated from Hebrew], November 27, 2006).
November 27, 2006:
Israeli motorists are targeted by Palestinians in rock-throwing attacks throughout the West Bank.
Attacks are reported between Tekoa and Maale Amos in Gush Etzion (Judea), on the Azzoun Bypass Road (Samaria), near the Hawarah Checkpoint south of Nablus (Samaria), near Luban al-Sharqiya north of Yishuv Eli (Samaria), and from Hizme on Jerusalem’s northern border.
("Recap of Attacks Against Israeli Motorists," IsraelNationalNews, November 27, 2006).
Israeli motorists are targeted by Palestinians in rock-throwing attacks throughout the West Bank.
Attacks are reported between Tekoa and Maale Amos in Gush Etzion (Judea), on the Azzoun Bypass Road (Samaria), near the Hawarah Checkpoint south of Nablus (Samaria), near Luban al-Sharqiya north of Yishuv Eli (Samaria), and from Hizme on Jerusalem’s northern border.
("Recap of Attacks Against Israeli Motorists," IsraelNationalNews, November 27, 2006).
November 27, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire two Qassam rockets at Israel. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claims responsibility for the rocket attacks.
("One Day into Fragile Truce, Gaza Militants Fire Rockets at Israel," Ha'aretz, November 27, 2006).
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire two Qassam rockets at Israel. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claims responsibility for the rocket attacks.
("One Day into Fragile Truce, Gaza Militants Fire Rockets at Israel," Ha'aretz, November 27, 2006).
November 27, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF forces in the village of Qabatiya (near Jenin). IDF forces return fire, killing one terrorist.
("As Gaza Truce Holds, IDF Kills 2 in W. Bank Firefight," Ha'aretz, November 27, 2006).
Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF forces in the village of Qabatiya (near Jenin). IDF forces return fire, killing one terrorist.
("As Gaza Truce Holds, IDF Kills 2 in W. Bank Firefight," Ha'aretz, November 27, 2006).
November 27, 2006:
"Cease-Fire" Analysis
The Hamas (1988) covenant states that the Palestinian issue is a religious conflict between Islam and the "infidel" Jews.
"Israel will arise and continue to exist until Islam abolishes it, as it abolished what went before."
As such, the conflict cannot be resolved by a poltiical compromise, but rather by means of jihad (holy war) to liberate all of Palestine, "from the river to the sea."
However, Hamas has never ruled out conditional, temporary cease-fires (hudna), which aims to reduce the level of confrontation with Israel (tahdi'a) when it serves Palestinian interests.
"Cease-Fire" Analysis
The Hamas (1988) covenant states that the Palestinian issue is a religious conflict between Islam and the "infidel" Jews.
"Israel will arise and continue to exist until Islam abolishes it, as it abolished what went before."
As such, the conflict cannot be resolved by a poltiical compromise, but rather by means of jihad (holy war) to liberate all of Palestine, "from the river to the sea."
However, Hamas has never ruled out conditional, temporary cease-fires (hudna), which aims to reduce the level of confrontation with Israel (tahdi'a) when it serves Palestinian interests.
According to IDF Lt. Col. (reserve) Jonathan D. Halevi, "The Palestinian commitment to the proposed cease-fire does not rest on political, legal, or moral recognition of the illegitimacy of Palestinian terror but rather on political cost-benefit calculations. Therefore, in presenting their conditions for implementing the hudna, the Palestinians assume that the terror will likely be renewed if Israel fails to meet those conditions. The paramount interest of Hamas and Islamic Jihad is to reorganize and rebuild their capabilities after they were severely degraded by the Israel Defense Forces. Thus, Hamas leader Khaled Mashal (previously) referred to the hudna as a 'rest for the warrior'."
In 1994, the Saudi grand mufti, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz, clarified that any hudna (cessation of hostilities) was only temporary: "The peace between the leader of the Muslims in Palestine and the Jews does not mean that the Jews will permanently own the lands which they now possess. Rather it only means that they would be in possession of it for a period of time until either the truce comes to an end, or until the Muslims become strong enough to force them out of Muslim lands."
("Profile of the Hamas Movement," Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Center for Special Studies (C.S.S), February 12, 2006; "The Hamas Charter (1988)," Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Center for Special Studies (C.S.S), March 21, 2006; Lt. Col. (reserve) Jonathan D. Halevi, "The Palestinian "Temporary Cease-Fire": Israel's Political Risks and Opportunities with the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit between Prime Minister Sharon and Chairman Mahmud Abbas (Abu Mazen)," JCPA, Jerusalem Issue Brief, Vol. 4, No. 16, February 7, 2005).
November 27, 2006:
Israel Television Channel Two military affairs correspondent Ronnie Daniel reports the IDF is extremely concerned that Hamas, with assistance from Iran, will exploit the "cease-fire" to equip its army in the Gaza Strip and prepare a network of bunkers following the same strategy as in Lebanon.
Israel Television Channel One correspondent Oded Granot notes that the ceasefire can be expected to last only a limited time as Hamas leader Mashaal says the terrorist group will launch a war against Israel in six months if their demands are not met.
(Dr. Aaron Lerner, "Background: In Absence of Continuous Rocket Fire, 'Three Monkey Mode' Should Work for PM Olmert," IMRA, November 26, 2006).
Israel Television Channel Two military affairs correspondent Ronnie Daniel reports the IDF is extremely concerned that Hamas, with assistance from Iran, will exploit the "cease-fire" to equip its army in the Gaza Strip and prepare a network of bunkers following the same strategy as in Lebanon.
Israel Television Channel One correspondent Oded Granot notes that the ceasefire can be expected to last only a limited time as Hamas leader Mashaal says the terrorist group will launch a war against Israel in six months if their demands are not met.
(Dr. Aaron Lerner, "Background: In Absence of Continuous Rocket Fire, 'Three Monkey Mode' Should Work for PM Olmert," IMRA, November 26, 2006).
November 27, 2006:
- Hamas terms PA Abbas's threat to arrest any Palestinian who violates the latest cease-fire with Israel "unacceptable."
- Several Palestinian terrorist groups, including the Aksa Martyrs Brigades and Islamic Jihad, warn they will resume their attacks unless the IDF halts military operations in the West Bank.
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "'If IDF Doesn't Leave West Bank, We'll Resume Attacks'," Jerusalem Post, November 26, 2006).
- Hamas terms PA Abbas's threat to arrest any Palestinian who violates the latest cease-fire with Israel "unacceptable."
- Several Palestinian terrorist groups, including the Aksa Martyrs Brigades and Islamic Jihad, warn they will resume their attacks unless the IDF halts military operations in the West Bank.
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "'If IDF Doesn't Leave West Bank, We'll Resume Attacks'," Jerusalem Post, November 26, 2006).
November 26, 2006:
Amos Gilad, senior advisor to the Israel's Defense Minister, explains the PA agreement to halt terrorist attacks from the Gaza Strip doesn't obligate it to halt arms smuggling.
("Ceasefire Does Not Cover Arms Smuggling," IsraelNationalNews, November 26, 2006).
Amos Gilad, senior advisor to the Israel's Defense Minister, explains the PA agreement to halt terrorist attacks from the Gaza Strip doesn't obligate it to halt arms smuggling.
("Ceasefire Does Not Cover Arms Smuggling," IsraelNationalNews, November 26, 2006).
November 26, 2006:
- Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Abu Rish Brigades of Fatah declare they will continue firing rockets at Israel.
- Palestinian terrorists fire two more rockets at Israel (a total of five since the "cease-fire").
- A third rocket launch from northern Gaza is reported. The rocket impacts in the Eshkol Regional Council without injuries.
- Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at the western Negev less than an hour after the ceasefire agreed upon by the Palestinians became effective. One lands in Sderot's Ben-Gurion neighborhood and the second south of the city.
- Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire three Qassam rockets into Israel, minutes before a supposed cease-fire goes into effect. Two impact in Sderot, damaging a house. Two rockets fired earlier land at the entrances of kibbutzim in the western Negev.
- Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Abu Rish Brigades of Fatah declare they will continue firing rockets at Israel.
- Palestinian terrorists fire two more rockets at Israel (a total of five since the "cease-fire").
- A third rocket launch from northern Gaza is reported. The rocket impacts in the Eshkol Regional Council without injuries.
- Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at the western Negev less than an hour after the ceasefire agreed upon by the Palestinians became effective. One lands in Sderot's Ben-Gurion neighborhood and the second south of the city.
- Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire three Qassam rockets into Israel, minutes before a supposed cease-fire goes into effect. Two impact in Sderot, damaging a house. Two rockets fired earlier land at the entrances of kibbutzim in the western Negev.
Sderot Qassam Damage
(Avi Issacharoff and Mijal Grinberg, "Palestinians Fire Three Qassams at Israel Minutes Before Truce," Ha'aretz, November 26, 2006; "Despite Ceasefire, Kassam Lands in W. Negev," Jerusalem Post, November 26, 2006; "Third Rocket Attack Since Ceasefire," IsraelNationalNews, November 26, 2006; "Kassam Rockets Continue to Strike," IsraelNationalNews, November 26, 2006; Hillel Fendel, 'Ceasefire' in Gaza: Terrorists Fire Five Kassams," IsraelNationalNews, November 26, 2006).
November 26, 2006:
Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza announce that a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip will begin Sunday at 6 A.M., following an agreement reached between PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and various Palestinian terrorist groups.
Government sources in Jerusalem said the Palestinians claimed they would halt Qassam fire and suicide bombings.
(Avi Issacharoff, Aluf Benn and Jack Khoury, "Gaza Cease-Fire to go into Effect at 6 A.M. on Sunday," Ha'aretz, November 26, 2006).
Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza announce that a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip will begin Sunday at 6 A.M., following an agreement reached between PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and various Palestinian terrorist groups.
Government sources in Jerusalem said the Palestinians claimed they would halt Qassam fire and suicide bombings.
(Avi Issacharoff, Aluf Benn and Jack Khoury, "Gaza Cease-Fire to go into Effect at 6 A.M. on Sunday," Ha'aretz, November 26, 2006).
November 25, 2006:
Five Palestinian terrorists are killed during an IDF operation in Gaza.
Four of the terrorists were members of Hamas and the fifth belonged to the Islamic Jihad.
(Avi Issacharoff and Mijal Grinberg, "Palestinians Fire Three Qassams at Israel Minutes Before Truce," Ha'aretz, November 26, 2006).
Five Palestinian terrorists are killed during an IDF operation in Gaza.
Four of the terrorists were members of Hamas and the fifth belonged to the Islamic Jihad.
(Avi Issacharoff and Mijal Grinberg, "Palestinians Fire Three Qassams at Israel Minutes Before Truce," Ha'aretz, November 26, 2006).
November 25, 2006:
IDF forces raid a Palestinian explosives lab in Nablus, seizing wired teddy bears, three cloth belts (slated for explosives), a hollow coat (for hiding explosives), and 20 light bulbs/sockets used to activate explosive devices. IDF forces also seize:
- An empty gas tank
- A gas mask, syringes, test tubes, pipes
- A box of talcum powder intended for the use of explosive devices
- Unidentified material (taken for examination)
- Several other items used for the manufacturing of explosives
(Efrat Weiss, "Nablus: Explosive Teddy Bears Found in Lab," YnetNews, November 25, 2006; "Explosives Laboratory Uncovered in Nablus," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 25, 2006).
IDF forces raid a Palestinian explosives lab in Nablus, seizing wired teddy bears, three cloth belts (slated for explosives), a hollow coat (for hiding explosives), and 20 light bulbs/sockets used to activate explosive devices. IDF forces also seize:
- An empty gas tank
- A gas mask, syringes, test tubes, pipes
- A box of talcum powder intended for the use of explosive devices
- Unidentified material (taken for examination)
- Several other items used for the manufacturing of explosives
(Efrat Weiss, "Nablus: Explosive Teddy Bears Found in Lab," YnetNews, November 25, 2006; "Explosives Laboratory Uncovered in Nablus," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 25, 2006).
November 25, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Sderot. One rocket lands on a house - almost completely destroying it.
(Tova Dadon, "Qassam Directly Hits Sderot House," YnetNews, November 25, 2006).
Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Sderot. One rocket lands on a house - almost completely destroying it.
(Tova Dadon, "Qassam Directly Hits Sderot House," YnetNews, November 25, 2006).
November 24-25, 2006:
Palestinians detonate at least 4 explosive devices and fire more than 8 anti-tank missiles and 6 mortars at IDF forces in the northern Gaza Strip (over the weekend).
("Summary of Events in The Gaza Strip and West Bank," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 25, 2006).
Palestinians detonate at least 4 explosive devices and fire more than 8 anti-tank missiles and 6 mortars at IDF forces in the northern Gaza Strip (over the weekend).
("Summary of Events in The Gaza Strip and West Bank," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 25, 2006).
November 24, 2006:
Tanzim operative arrested in Ramallah
In a joint IDF and ISA operation today, November 24th 2006, in Ramallah, forces arrested Haled Jamil Hassan Salim, a Tanzim operative, resident of the village of Jayyus, northeast of Qalqiliya.
During the arrest activity Haled Salim attempted to escape the structure in which he was hiding. An IDF force fired at him and identified a hit. Following initial medical treatment by the force on location he was evacuated to an Israeli hospital in order to receive further medical treatment.
Haled Salim, 27, has been wanted by security forces for the past four years after being identified as a potential suicide bomber of the Tanzim infrastructure in the area of Qalqiliya. During this period Haled Salim was also involved in the manufacturing of explosive devices and in shooting attacks in Sameria. In 2003 Salim escaped to Ramallah, joined the Palestinian Security Forces and continued to carry out shooting attacks along with other wanted Tanzim operatives against Israeli communities and IDF forces in the area.
In addition, Haled Salim was involved in the planning of an abduction of a taxi driver from Israel to Judea and Sameria. In the beginning of 2004 Salim recruited a Tanzim cell from the village of Beit -ur, west of Ramallah and promised the members of the cell to transfer weapons including an RPG missile in exchange for the abduction of the taxi driver. The attack was thwarted due to the arrest of the cell whilst they were en route to Israel.
("Tanzim Operative Arrested in Ramallah," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 24, 2006).
Tanzim operative arrested in Ramallah
In a joint IDF and ISA operation today, November 24th 2006, in Ramallah, forces arrested Haled Jamil Hassan Salim, a Tanzim operative, resident of the village of Jayyus, northeast of Qalqiliya.
During the arrest activity Haled Salim attempted to escape the structure in which he was hiding. An IDF force fired at him and identified a hit. Following initial medical treatment by the force on location he was evacuated to an Israeli hospital in order to receive further medical treatment.
Haled Salim, 27, has been wanted by security forces for the past four years after being identified as a potential suicide bomber of the Tanzim infrastructure in the area of Qalqiliya. During this period Haled Salim was also involved in the manufacturing of explosive devices and in shooting attacks in Sameria. In 2003 Salim escaped to Ramallah, joined the Palestinian Security Forces and continued to carry out shooting attacks along with other wanted Tanzim operatives against Israeli communities and IDF forces in the area.
In addition, Haled Salim was involved in the planning of an abduction of a taxi driver from Israel to Judea and Sameria. In the beginning of 2004 Salim recruited a Tanzim cell from the village of Beit -ur, west of Ramallah and promised the members of the cell to transfer weapons including an RPG missile in exchange for the abduction of the taxi driver. The attack was thwarted due to the arrest of the cell whilst they were en route to Israel.
("Tanzim Operative Arrested in Ramallah," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 24, 2006).
November 24, 2006:
- IDF forces kill a Hamas terrorist in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahiya.
- Two IDF soldiers are lightly wounded when their armored vehicle drives over an explosive device in the Gaza Strip.
- Palestinian terrorists fire five Qassam rockets at the western Negev.
(Avi Issacharoff and Mijal Grinberg, "2 IDF Soldiers Wounded in Gaza; Hamas Militant Said Killed by IDF," Ha'aretz, November 24, 2006).
- IDF forces kill a Hamas terrorist in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahiya.
- Two IDF soldiers are lightly wounded when their armored vehicle drives over an explosive device in the Gaza Strip.
- Palestinian terrorists fire five Qassam rockets at the western Negev.
(Avi Issacharoff and Mijal Grinberg, "2 IDF Soldiers Wounded in Gaza; Hamas Militant Said Killed by IDF," Ha'aretz, November 24, 2006).
November 23, 2006:
- The IAF targets the commander of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) in the northern Gaza Strip (Faik Abu al-Kamsan) and his deputy (Mahmoud al-Basiyouni).
- Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Zikim, damaging an equipment storehouse.
(Nir Hasson, "Two Senior PRC Militants Killed in IAF Gaza Strike," Ha'aretz, November 23, 2006).
- The IAF targets the commander of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) in the northern Gaza Strip (Faik Abu al-Kamsan) and his deputy (Mahmoud al-Basiyouni).
- Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Zikim, damaging an equipment storehouse.
(Nir Hasson, "Two Senior PRC Militants Killed in IAF Gaza Strike," Ha'aretz, November 23, 2006).
November 23, 2006:
Islamic Jihad announces that a new, indigenously developed rocket (Quds-4) will soon be operational.
According to Islamic Jihad spokesman Abu Hamza, the Quds-4 is based on the Russian-made Katyusha and has a range of 18-20 kilometers.
(Nir Hasson, "Female Suicide Bomber Lightly Wounds Two Soldiers in Northern Gaza," Ha'aretz, November 23, 2006; "Islamic Jihad Developing Quds-4 Rocket," IsraelNationalNews, December 23, 2006).
Islamic Jihad announces that a new, indigenously developed rocket (Quds-4) will soon be operational.
According to Islamic Jihad spokesman Abu Hamza, the Quds-4 is based on the Russian-made Katyusha and has a range of 18-20 kilometers.
(Nir Hasson, "Female Suicide Bomber Lightly Wounds Two Soldiers in Northern Gaza," Ha'aretz, November 23, 2006; "Islamic Jihad Developing Quds-4 Rocket," IsraelNationalNews, December 23, 2006).
November 23, 2006:
- A female suicide bomber blows herself up near IDF forces operating in the northern Gaza Strip, lightly wounding three soldiers. Hamas claims responsibility for the attack.
- Two IDF soldiers are lightly wounded by anti-tank missiles in separate incidents in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun.
- IDF forces kill two Palestinian terrorists near the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia, in separate incidents. Islamic Jihad terrorist, Jamal Al-Nidr, 22, is killed by an IDF sniper early Wednesday afternoon. A 20-year-old Hamas terrorist is killed by fire from an IDF tank unit.
(Nir Hasson, "Female Suicide Bomber Lightly Wounds Two Soldiers in Northern Gaza," Ha'aretz, November 23, 2006).
- A female suicide bomber blows herself up near IDF forces operating in the northern Gaza Strip, lightly wounding three soldiers. Hamas claims responsibility for the attack.
- Two IDF soldiers are lightly wounded by anti-tank missiles in separate incidents in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun.
- IDF forces kill two Palestinian terrorists near the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia, in separate incidents. Islamic Jihad terrorist, Jamal Al-Nidr, 22, is killed by an IDF sniper early Wednesday afternoon. A 20-year-old Hamas terrorist is killed by fire from an IDF tank unit.
(Nir Hasson, "Female Suicide Bomber Lightly Wounds Two Soldiers in Northern Gaza," Ha'aretz, November 23, 2006).
November 23, 2006:
- Hamas expands its "Executive Force" and is demanding control of the Interior Ministry and security forces as part of any coalition deal. According to Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum, the the sole purpose of the Executive Force, now 6,000 strong, is to improve security in Gaza.
- The U.S. has raised $5 million of the $20 million it hopes to receive from donors for expanding Abbas' guard and increasing security at the Karni Crossing. Aides to Lt. Gen. Keith W. Dayton, the U.S. security coordinator between Israel and the Palestinians, said the $5 million committed so far will be used to buy vehicles and to pay for some infrastructure improvements at Karni.
U.S. officials describe the Karni program as "humanitarian," noting that improving security will enable the crossing to remain opening for longer periods of time.
Washington envisions the guard eventually taking control of all border crossings, including those in the West Bank. U.S. plans call for expanding the force initially to around 4,700 members, up from 3,500 today. But Palestinian officials estimate the force could eventually grow to 10,000 members. The U.S. program includes funds for training the force.
(Adam Entous, "Abbas, Hamas Build Forces Despite Unity Talks," Reuters, November 23, 2006).
- Hamas expands its "Executive Force" and is demanding control of the Interior Ministry and security forces as part of any coalition deal. According to Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum, the the sole purpose of the Executive Force, now 6,000 strong, is to improve security in Gaza.
- The U.S. has raised $5 million of the $20 million it hopes to receive from donors for expanding Abbas' guard and increasing security at the Karni Crossing. Aides to Lt. Gen. Keith W. Dayton, the U.S. security coordinator between Israel and the Palestinians, said the $5 million committed so far will be used to buy vehicles and to pay for some infrastructure improvements at Karni.
U.S. officials describe the Karni program as "humanitarian," noting that improving security will enable the crossing to remain opening for longer periods of time.
Washington envisions the guard eventually taking control of all border crossings, including those in the West Bank. U.S. plans call for expanding the force initially to around 4,700 members, up from 3,500 today. But Palestinian officials estimate the force could eventually grow to 10,000 members. The U.S. program includes funds for training the force.
(Adam Entous, "Abbas, Hamas Build Forces Despite Unity Talks," Reuters, November 23, 2006).
November 22, 2006:
Official summary of incidents in the northern Gaza Strip
- Palestinian terrorists fire anti-tank missiles at IDF forces in two separate incidents, wounding a soldier and officer.
- IDF forces identify three Qassam rocket launchers south of Beit Hanoun.
- Palestinian terrorists fire more than five anti-tank missiles and opened fire at IDF forces in several separate attacks.
- Eight Qassam rockets are launched at Israel from the northern Gaza Strip; five rockets impact in Israel. One lands near an elementary school in Sderot minutes before the beginning of the school day.
("Summary of Incidents in Northern Gaza Today," IDF Spoksperson's Office, November 22, 2006).
Official summary of incidents in the northern Gaza Strip
- Palestinian terrorists fire anti-tank missiles at IDF forces in two separate incidents, wounding a soldier and officer.
- IDF forces identify three Qassam rocket launchers south of Beit Hanoun.
- Palestinian terrorists fire more than five anti-tank missiles and opened fire at IDF forces in several separate attacks.
- Eight Qassam rockets are launched at Israel from the northern Gaza Strip; five rockets impact in Israel. One lands near an elementary school in Sderot minutes before the beginning of the school day.
("Summary of Incidents in Northern Gaza Today," IDF Spoksperson's Office, November 22, 2006).
November 22, 2006:
- IDF forces kill an Islamic Jihad terrorist in the West Bank town of Jenin. A second gunman, a senior commander, is wounded.
- IDF forces kill two Palestinian terrorists as ground troops, backed by tanks and armored vehicles, advance into northern Gaza.
- Beit Hanun: IDF forces fire at a Hamas terrorist cell attempting to launch a Qassam rocket into Israel.
- Beit Lahiya: IDF tanks fire artillery shells at a Palestinian terrorist cell attempting to plant explosives on the security fence separating Gaza and the western Negev. IDF forces also identify three Qassam rocket launchers.
- IDF forces fire at two Palestinian terrorists armed with RPGs.
- An IDF soldier is moderately wounded by an anti-tank missile as his Givati unit takes up position inside a house on the outskirts of Beit Hanun.
(Yaakov Katz, "35-Yr-Old Woman, 14-Yr-Old Boy Killed by IDF in Gaza," Jerusalem Post, November 22, 2006).
- IDF forces kill an Islamic Jihad terrorist in the West Bank town of Jenin. A second gunman, a senior commander, is wounded.
- IDF forces kill two Palestinian terrorists as ground troops, backed by tanks and armored vehicles, advance into northern Gaza.
- Beit Hanun: IDF forces fire at a Hamas terrorist cell attempting to launch a Qassam rocket into Israel.
- Beit Lahiya: IDF tanks fire artillery shells at a Palestinian terrorist cell attempting to plant explosives on the security fence separating Gaza and the western Negev. IDF forces also identify three Qassam rocket launchers.
- IDF forces fire at two Palestinian terrorists armed with RPGs.
- An IDF soldier is moderately wounded by an anti-tank missile as his Givati unit takes up position inside a house on the outskirts of Beit Hanun.
(Yaakov Katz, "35-Yr-Old Woman, 14-Yr-Old Boy Killed by IDF in Gaza," Jerusalem Post, November 22, 2006).
November 22, 2006:
The security cabinet decides to intensify Israel's response to rocket attacks emanating from the Gaza Strip.
Ministers approve a series of measures, including attacks on Hamas institutions, and instruct the IDF to try and achieve a "significant halt" to the Qassam rocket fire, increase "pinpoint preventions," and prepare for a ground operation in Gaza.
The cabinet also instructs the army to prepare a plan for an extensive operation to counter the increased Palestinian military arsenal in Gaza.
(Aluf Benn, "Security Cabinet Decides to Step up Response to Qassam Fire," Ha'aretz, November 22, 2006).
The security cabinet decides to intensify Israel's response to rocket attacks emanating from the Gaza Strip.
Ministers approve a series of measures, including attacks on Hamas institutions, and instruct the IDF to try and achieve a "significant halt" to the Qassam rocket fire, increase "pinpoint preventions," and prepare for a ground operation in Gaza.
The cabinet also instructs the army to prepare a plan for an extensive operation to counter the increased Palestinian military arsenal in Gaza.
(Aluf Benn, "Security Cabinet Decides to Step up Response to Qassam Fire," Ha'aretz, November 22, 2006).
November 22, 2006:
The Hamas al-Kassam Brigades warns it is developing an advanced Qassam rocket that can reach the center of Israel. According to Abu Obadya, Hamas does not plan to fire Russian-built Grad missiles at Israeli targets, as it prefers to indigenously develop an advanced projectile.
("Advanced Kassam on the Way to Urban Centers," IsraelNationalNews, November 22, 2006).
The Hamas al-Kassam Brigades warns it is developing an advanced Qassam rocket that can reach the center of Israel. According to Abu Obadya, Hamas does not plan to fire Russian-built Grad missiles at Israeli targets, as it prefers to indigenously develop an advanced projectile.
("Advanced Kassam on the Way to Urban Centers," IsraelNationalNews, November 22, 2006).
November 22, 2006:
- Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Sderot. The rocket impacts at a school entrance.
- A sharp increase in the number of Qassam rocket attacks against Israel has been registered. Over the past nine days, at least 74 rockets were fired, resulting in the death of two people.
("Hysteria Victims in Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, November 22, 2006; "Kassam Attacks Continue – Sderot Residents Pay the Price," IsraelNationalNews, November 22, 2006).
- Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Sderot. The rocket impacts at a school entrance.
- A sharp increase in the number of Qassam rocket attacks against Israel has been registered. Over the past nine days, at least 74 rockets were fired, resulting in the death of two people.
("Hysteria Victims in Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, November 22, 2006; "Kassam Attacks Continue – Sderot Residents Pay the Price," IsraelNationalNews, November 22, 2006).
November 22, 2006:
Israel's Defense Ministry orders a missile alert system for Ashkelon. The southern port-city contains several strategic facilities, including an oil pipeline, water desalination plant and a Naval base.
"We assess that the Palestinians, encouraged by their achievements in Sderot, will soon focus on Ashkelon..."
("Defense Min. Orders Missile Alert System," Middle East Newsline, November 20, 2006).
Israel's Defense Ministry orders a missile alert system for Ashkelon. The southern port-city contains several strategic facilities, including an oil pipeline, water desalination plant and a Naval base.
"We assess that the Palestinians, encouraged by their achievements in Sderot, will soon focus on Ashkelon..."
("Defense Min. Orders Missile Alert System," Middle East Newsline, November 20, 2006).
November 21, 2006:
Palestinian gunmen attempt to assasinate Abdel Aziz Shahin, a high-ranking Fatah official (Gaza Strip). Shahin is currently listed in moderate condition.
(Hilla Rappaport, "Gaza: Attempted Assasination of Former Fatah Government Official," [Translated from Hebrew], NFC, November 21, 2006).
Palestinian gunmen attempt to assasinate Abdel Aziz Shahin, a high-ranking Fatah official (Gaza Strip). Shahin is currently listed in moderate condition.
(Hilla Rappaport, "Gaza: Attempted Assasination of Former Fatah Government Official," [Translated from Hebrew], NFC, November 21, 2006).
November 21, 2006:
FM - Behind the Headlines: The Threat to Israeli Civilians from the Gaza Strip
Published by the Israeli Foreign Ministry
Since Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2005, Palestinian terrorist organizations based there have increased their rocket attacks on Israeli communities in the Western Negev, firing more than 1,000 Qassam rockets at Israeli civilians. In addition, the terrorists have stepped up their arms smuggling operations via tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip, bringing in more than 30 tons of high explosives.
Qassam rockets
Between Israel's disengagement from Gaza last August and November 15, 2006, 1,201 Qassam artillery rockets have hit Israeli population centers adjacent to the Gaza Strip. These rockets include improved, long-range weapons which can reach the Israeli port city of Ashkelon, more than 13 km. (8 miles) from the Gaza border. So far seven Israelis, one foreign worker, and two Palestinian civilians have been killed in Palestinian rocket attacks from Gaza, and more than 100 persons have been wounded.
Arms Buildup
Israel Security Agency Director Yuval Diskin, in a briefing to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on 14 November, noted the following quantities of arms smuggled by terrorist groups into the Gaza Strip since the Disengagement:
* 33 tons of military-grade high explosives
* 20,000 assault rifles
* 3,000 Pistols
* 6,000,000 rounds of small arms ammunition
* 38 long-range Qassam missiles
* 12 shoulder-fired, anti-aircraft guided missiles
* 95 anti-tank rocket launchers
* 410 anti-tank rockets
* 20 precision-guided Anti-Tank Missiles
In addition, between $50 million-$70m. in cash has been smuggled into Gaza in order to finance the Hamas terrorist operations.
Terrorist Attacks and Suicide Bombings
The Palestinian terrorist groups in Gaza have lately intensified their attempts to carry out large-scale attacks against Israeli population centers. One tactic recently used is to exploit Israel's humanitarianism by infiltrating terrorists pretending to be Palestinians entering Israel to receive medical treatment. In one such case, on March 7, 2006, Samih Haddad , 21, a resident of Zeitun in the Gaza Strip, was arrested at the Erez crossing while trying to enter Israel using counterfeit medical documents for medical treatment at an Israeli clinic. During questioning he admitted that he had been recruited by the Islamic Jihad, which provided him with the false medical documents and instructed him to infiltrate into Israel, where he would receive an automatic weapon in order to carry out an attack.
Another tactic being used is the exploitation of the peaceful border between Israel and Egypt in the Sinai in order to infiltrate terrorists from Gaza into Israel for suicide attacks. For example, on February 8, 2006, two Islamic Jihad terrorists from the Gaza Strip were arrested in the Negev. One was a 17-year-old would-be suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest; and other was his escort. They had infiltrated Israel via the Sinai in order to carry out a suicide bombing against Israeli civilians in Jerusalem.
In another thwarted infiltration, on June 11, 2006, two Palestinian terrorists from Gaza were caught as they were attempting to cross the Israeli-Egyptian border south of Gaza. One terrorist, Ibrahim Majdoub, had been dispatched by the Popular Resistance Committee (PRC) to murder Israeli soldiers near Tel Aviv, hide their bodies in an orchard, and then fax their documents to the PRC in Gaza so it could claim they were abducted and negotiate concessions. The other terrorist, Muhammed Assan, was to carry out a suicide gun-and-grenade attack in an Israeli city.
Exploitation of Civilians
In addition to their cynical tactic of using Palestinian civilians as human shields by firing rockets from densely populated areas, Palestinian terrorists are now increasingly mobilizing civilians in order to protect themselves from Israeli counterterrorist operations. In one recent example, on November 3, 2006, a group of terrorists was discovered hiding in the revered al-Nasr Mosque in Beit Hanoun. When Israeli troops surrounded the mosque and called upon the terrorists to surrender, they were met with gunfire. Soon, a procession of about 200 Muslim women, veiled and wearing traditional dress, arrived at the mosque, having been summoned by the terrorists inside. The terrorists then escaped by mingling with the women, some of them even donning women's clothing.
Another such event occurred on November 18, minutes after the IDF warned residents of Beit Lahiya that a counterterrorist strike was about to be carried out against the home of Muhammad Baroud, commander of the PRC's Qassam rocket operations. The IDF issued the warning to prevent civilian casualties during the impending operation. Baroud quickly summoned hundreds of Palestinians, including women and children, and had them surround the building. The IDF counterterrorist operation had to be cancelled due to the proximity of the civilians - demonstrating vividly that the Palestinians know that Israel values their lives more than the Palestinian terrorists do.
FM - Behind the Headlines: The Threat to Israeli Civilians from the Gaza Strip
Published by the Israeli Foreign Ministry
Since Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2005, Palestinian terrorist organizations based there have increased their rocket attacks on Israeli communities in the Western Negev, firing more than 1,000 Qassam rockets at Israeli civilians. In addition, the terrorists have stepped up their arms smuggling operations via tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip, bringing in more than 30 tons of high explosives.
Qassam rockets
Between Israel's disengagement from Gaza last August and November 15, 2006, 1,201 Qassam artillery rockets have hit Israeli population centers adjacent to the Gaza Strip. These rockets include improved, long-range weapons which can reach the Israeli port city of Ashkelon, more than 13 km. (8 miles) from the Gaza border. So far seven Israelis, one foreign worker, and two Palestinian civilians have been killed in Palestinian rocket attacks from Gaza, and more than 100 persons have been wounded.
Arms Buildup
Israel Security Agency Director Yuval Diskin, in a briefing to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on 14 November, noted the following quantities of arms smuggled by terrorist groups into the Gaza Strip since the Disengagement:
* 33 tons of military-grade high explosives
* 20,000 assault rifles
* 3,000 Pistols
* 6,000,000 rounds of small arms ammunition
* 38 long-range Qassam missiles
* 12 shoulder-fired, anti-aircraft guided missiles
* 95 anti-tank rocket launchers
* 410 anti-tank rockets
* 20 precision-guided Anti-Tank Missiles
In addition, between $50 million-$70m. in cash has been smuggled into Gaza in order to finance the Hamas terrorist operations.
Terrorist Attacks and Suicide Bombings
The Palestinian terrorist groups in Gaza have lately intensified their attempts to carry out large-scale attacks against Israeli population centers. One tactic recently used is to exploit Israel's humanitarianism by infiltrating terrorists pretending to be Palestinians entering Israel to receive medical treatment. In one such case, on March 7, 2006, Samih Haddad , 21, a resident of Zeitun in the Gaza Strip, was arrested at the Erez crossing while trying to enter Israel using counterfeit medical documents for medical treatment at an Israeli clinic. During questioning he admitted that he had been recruited by the Islamic Jihad, which provided him with the false medical documents and instructed him to infiltrate into Israel, where he would receive an automatic weapon in order to carry out an attack.
Another tactic being used is the exploitation of the peaceful border between Israel and Egypt in the Sinai in order to infiltrate terrorists from Gaza into Israel for suicide attacks. For example, on February 8, 2006, two Islamic Jihad terrorists from the Gaza Strip were arrested in the Negev. One was a 17-year-old would-be suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest; and other was his escort. They had infiltrated Israel via the Sinai in order to carry out a suicide bombing against Israeli civilians in Jerusalem.
In another thwarted infiltration, on June 11, 2006, two Palestinian terrorists from Gaza were caught as they were attempting to cross the Israeli-Egyptian border south of Gaza. One terrorist, Ibrahim Majdoub, had been dispatched by the Popular Resistance Committee (PRC) to murder Israeli soldiers near Tel Aviv, hide their bodies in an orchard, and then fax their documents to the PRC in Gaza so it could claim they were abducted and negotiate concessions. The other terrorist, Muhammed Assan, was to carry out a suicide gun-and-grenade attack in an Israeli city.
Exploitation of Civilians
In addition to their cynical tactic of using Palestinian civilians as human shields by firing rockets from densely populated areas, Palestinian terrorists are now increasingly mobilizing civilians in order to protect themselves from Israeli counterterrorist operations. In one recent example, on November 3, 2006, a group of terrorists was discovered hiding in the revered al-Nasr Mosque in Beit Hanoun. When Israeli troops surrounded the mosque and called upon the terrorists to surrender, they were met with gunfire. Soon, a procession of about 200 Muslim women, veiled and wearing traditional dress, arrived at the mosque, having been summoned by the terrorists inside. The terrorists then escaped by mingling with the women, some of them even donning women's clothing.
Another such event occurred on November 18, minutes after the IDF warned residents of Beit Lahiya that a counterterrorist strike was about to be carried out against the home of Muhammad Baroud, commander of the PRC's Qassam rocket operations. The IDF issued the warning to prevent civilian casualties during the impending operation. Baroud quickly summoned hundreds of Palestinians, including women and children, and had them surround the building. The IDF counterterrorist operation had to be cancelled due to the proximity of the civilians - demonstrating vividly that the Palestinians know that Israel values their lives more than the Palestinian terrorists do.
November 21, 2006:
Two Italian Red Cross aid workers are kidnapped in the Gaza Strip. The two are later released.
("Palestinians: Two Italian Aid Workers Kidnapped in Gaza," Ha'aretz, November 22, 2006).
Two Italian Red Cross aid workers are kidnapped in the Gaza Strip. The two are later released.
("Palestinians: Two Italian Aid Workers Kidnapped in Gaza," Ha'aretz, November 22, 2006).
November 21, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire a barrage of Qassam rockets at the Israeli city of Sderot, critically wounding a factory worker during a visit by the United Nations high commissioner for human rights.
Yaakov Yaakobov, 43, is rushed to Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva for emergency surgery to remove shrapnel from a head wound. He later dies of his wounds.
("Qassam Strike Wounds Man During UN Envoy's Visit to Sderot," Ha'aretz, November 22, 2006).
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire a barrage of Qassam rockets at the Israeli city of Sderot, critically wounding a factory worker during a visit by the United Nations high commissioner for human rights.
Yaakov Yaakobov, 43, is rushed to Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva for emergency surgery to remove shrapnel from a head wound. He later dies of his wounds.
("Qassam Strike Wounds Man During UN Envoy's Visit to Sderot," Ha'aretz, November 22, 2006).
November 21, 2006:
IDF forces operate in two sectors of the Gaza Strip: the Zeitoun district of Gaza City (central Gaza) and Beit Lahiya (northern Gaza).
Ayman Hassanin, a top Hamas commander, is killed during a gunbattle in Gaza City.
("IDF Forces Operating in Central, Northern Strip," YnetNews, November 21, 2006; "Top Hamas Commander Said Killed in IDF Gaza Raid," Ha'aretz, November 21, 2006).
IDF forces operate in two sectors of the Gaza Strip: the Zeitoun district of Gaza City (central Gaza) and Beit Lahiya (northern Gaza).
Ayman Hassanin, a top Hamas commander, is killed during a gunbattle in Gaza City.
("IDF Forces Operating in Central, Northern Strip," YnetNews, November 21, 2006; "Top Hamas Commander Said Killed in IDF Gaza Raid," Ha'aretz, November 21, 2006).
November 21, 2006:
Egyptian police seize at least 2 tons of explosives and a large quantities of weapons, including antitank mines and rocket-propelled grenades, in the Libni mountains area of central Sinai.
("Egyptian Police Find Explosives, Arms in Sinai," YnetNews, November 21, 2006).
Egyptian police seize at least 2 tons of explosives and a large quantities of weapons, including antitank mines and rocket-propelled grenades, in the Libni mountains area of central Sinai.
("Egyptian Police Find Explosives, Arms in Sinai," YnetNews, November 21, 2006).
November 20, 2006:
- Soldiers from the elite IDF Duvdevan unit apprehend a wanted Palestinian terrorist in Bethlehem.
- IDF forces operating in the Jordan Valley area target a Palestinian gunman near the community of Petza’el.
- IDF forces detect and neutralize a bomb placed along Gaza’s perimeter border fence (near the Sufah Crossing).
("Terrorist Apprehended in Bethlehem," IsraelNationalNews, November 20, 2006; "Armed Gunmen Eliminated in Jordan Valley," IsraelNationalNews, November 20, 2006; "IDF Locates and Neutralizes Bomb Near Sufah Crossing," IsraelNationalNews, November 20, 2006).
- Soldiers from the elite IDF Duvdevan unit apprehend a wanted Palestinian terrorist in Bethlehem.
- IDF forces operating in the Jordan Valley area target a Palestinian gunman near the community of Petza’el.
- IDF forces detect and neutralize a bomb placed along Gaza’s perimeter border fence (near the Sufah Crossing).
("Terrorist Apprehended in Bethlehem," IsraelNationalNews, November 20, 2006; "Armed Gunmen Eliminated in Jordan Valley," IsraelNationalNews, November 20, 2006; "IDF Locates and Neutralizes Bomb Near Sufah Crossing," IsraelNationalNews, November 20, 2006).
November 20, 2006:
Hamas establishes several command and control centers (C2) in the northern Gaza Strip (with assistance from Hizballah) to coordinate missile strikes against Israel.
"Hamas has become more sophisticated in its attacks and can communicate with several Qassam missile squads..."
("Hamas Establishes C2 Center," Middle East Newsline, November 20, 2006).
Hamas establishes several command and control centers (C2) in the northern Gaza Strip (with assistance from Hizballah) to coordinate missile strikes against Israel.
"Hamas has become more sophisticated in its attacks and can communicate with several Qassam missile squads..."
("Hamas Establishes C2 Center," Middle East Newsline, November 20, 2006).
November 20, 2006:
Six Qassam rockets hit the western Negev, causing damage but no casualties.
Three of the rockets land in open areas, and one impacts in the town of Sderot. A fifth rocket hits the Sderot area, damaging a vehicle.
(Mijal Greenberg, "6 Qassams hit West Negev; IDF: Force Can't Solve Everything," Ha'aretz, November 20, 2006).
Six Qassam rockets hit the western Negev, causing damage but no casualties.
Three of the rockets land in open areas, and one impacts in the town of Sderot. A fifth rocket hits the Sderot area, damaging a vehicle.
(Mijal Greenberg, "6 Qassams hit West Negev; IDF: Force Can't Solve Everything," Ha'aretz, November 20, 2006).
November 19, 2006:
Kadima MK Schneller suggests a new tactic to counter Palestinian terror against the Jewish state: taking control of PA land in response to sniper and rocket attacks. According to Schneller, Palestinian terrorists following the Islamic tenets of Jihad do not fear death.
(Mottie Tochfeld, "MK Schneller Recommendation: Take Control of Lands in Gaza and West Bank," [Translated from Hebrew], NFC, November 19, 2006).
Kadima MK Schneller suggests a new tactic to counter Palestinian terror against the Jewish state: taking control of PA land in response to sniper and rocket attacks. According to Schneller, Palestinian terrorists following the Islamic tenets of Jihad do not fear death.
(Mottie Tochfeld, "MK Schneller Recommendation: Take Control of Lands in Gaza and West Bank," [Translated from Hebrew], NFC, November 19, 2006).
November 19, 2006:
The Al Badr Brigade prepares for deployment in Gaza. The Brigade is comprised of more than 1,500 armed men loyal to PLO chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).
(Ezra Halevi, "IDF Strikes Car Full of Hamas Terrorists Behind Rocket Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, November 19, 2006).
The Al Badr Brigade prepares for deployment in Gaza. The Brigade is comprised of more than 1,500 armed men loyal to PLO chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).
(Ezra Halevi, "IDF Strikes Car Full of Hamas Terrorists Behind Rocket Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, November 19, 2006).
November 19, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire four Qassam rockets at Sderot. One individual sustains serious shrapnel wounds. Two other people are lightly injured.
("One Moderately-to-Seriously Injured in Qassam Strike Against Sderot," NFC, November 19, 2006).
Palestinian terrorists fire four Qassam rockets at Sderot. One individual sustains serious shrapnel wounds. Two other people are lightly injured.
("One Moderately-to-Seriously Injured in Qassam Strike Against Sderot," NFC, November 19, 2006).
November 19, 2006:
The Sunday Times reports that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has instructed the defense establishment to target members of the Hamas leadership.
("Report: Olmert Orders Targeting of Hamas Leadership," YnetNews, November 19, 2006).
The Sunday Times reports that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has instructed the defense establishment to target members of the Hamas leadership.
("Report: Olmert Orders Targeting of Hamas Leadership," YnetNews, November 19, 2006).
November 18, 2006:
IDF targets three Hamas structures used for terrorist activity in Gaza
On late November 17th 2006, the IDF carried out three aerial attacks in the northern Gaza Strip, targeting structures used by the Hamas terror organization.
A structure used as an operations-room was targeted in Gaza City, resulting in many secondary explosions, which apparently indicate that the structure also served as a weapons storage facility.
Prior to the attack on the terror facility, and in order to ensure the safety of civilians in the area, the IDF warned the population not to stay in structures that are used by terror organizations for terrorist activity.
In addition, two other structures used by the Hamas for terrorist activity were targeted: The first, a structure used as an office and operations-room in Gaza City; The second, a meeting place of Hamas terror operatives in Sajaiya.
The targeted structures were used by Hamas for the gathering, organizing and directing of its terror operatives for their activity against the State of Israel.
The IDF will continue to act determinately in order to defend the citizens of the State of Israel, and will continue to employ all means at its disposal to combat terrorists and their supporters, in order to uphold the security of the citizens of Israel.
("IDF Targets Structures Used by Hamas Terror Organization in Gaza," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 18, 2006).
IDF targets three Hamas structures used for terrorist activity in Gaza
On late November 17th 2006, the IDF carried out three aerial attacks in the northern Gaza Strip, targeting structures used by the Hamas terror organization.
A structure used as an operations-room was targeted in Gaza City, resulting in many secondary explosions, which apparently indicate that the structure also served as a weapons storage facility.
Prior to the attack on the terror facility, and in order to ensure the safety of civilians in the area, the IDF warned the population not to stay in structures that are used by terror organizations for terrorist activity.
In addition, two other structures used by the Hamas for terrorist activity were targeted: The first, a structure used as an office and operations-room in Gaza City; The second, a meeting place of Hamas terror operatives in Sajaiya.
The targeted structures were used by Hamas for the gathering, organizing and directing of its terror operatives for their activity against the State of Israel.
The IDF will continue to act determinately in order to defend the citizens of the State of Israel, and will continue to employ all means at its disposal to combat terrorists and their supporters, in order to uphold the security of the citizens of Israel.
("IDF Targets Structures Used by Hamas Terror Organization in Gaza," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 18, 2006).
November 17, 2006:
An IDF strike on a weapons storage building in Jabaliya (northern Gaza Strip) results in a huge explosion, apparently set off by stored ammunition and explosives. One terrorist is injured in the raid.
("Explosion After IDF Hits Weapons Storage Depot," IsraelNationalNews, November 17, 2006).
An IDF strike on a weapons storage building in Jabaliya (northern Gaza Strip) results in a huge explosion, apparently set off by stored ammunition and explosives. One terrorist is injured in the raid.
("Explosion After IDF Hits Weapons Storage Depot," IsraelNationalNews, November 17, 2006).
November 16, 2006:
Defense Minister Amir Peretz demands that authorities speed up their efforts to reinforce classrooms in schools near the Gaza Strip, a day after one person was killed and two others seriously wounded in multiple strikes on Sderot.
Peretz vows that Israel will continue its pressure on the Gaza Strip to alleviate Qassam rocket fire. He also asks the defense establishment to present him with a new operational plan for targeting rocket launchers.
(Aluf Benn, "Defense Minister Orders Speedy Reinforcement of Sderot Schools," Ha'aretz, November 16, 2006).
Defense Minister Amir Peretz demands that authorities speed up their efforts to reinforce classrooms in schools near the Gaza Strip, a day after one person was killed and two others seriously wounded in multiple strikes on Sderot.
Peretz vows that Israel will continue its pressure on the Gaza Strip to alleviate Qassam rocket fire. He also asks the defense establishment to present him with a new operational plan for targeting rocket launchers.
(Aluf Benn, "Defense Minister Orders Speedy Reinforcement of Sderot Schools," Ha'aretz, November 16, 2006).
November 16, 2006:
Terror cell planning suicide bombing arrested, large scale attack thwarted
On July 17th 2006, suicide bomber Ashref Haled Hassin Hanani was arrested in Jerusalem by the Israeli Police. Hanani was wearing an explosive belt and was on his way to carry out a suicide bombing in the city.
Hanani was taken for questioning, during which he revealed to his investigators details of a terror cell which had recruited him a month and a half earlier in order to carry out the attack. The cell, located in the village of Beit Furik, east of Nablus, was guided by the Popular Resistance Committees in the Gaza Strip and began operating three months earlier in order to dispatch bombers into Israel. For this purpose they received two high quality explosive belts made in the Gaza Strip. A lab examination showed that the belts were constructed using high-grade explosives which would have had a devastating effect if used.
Hanani arrived in the city of Ramallah on July 16th, while bypassing security checkpoints on the way. In Ramallah he was given money and an explosive belt and received operating instructions. On July 17th Hanani entered Jerusalem through an area in which the security fence has not yet been constructed and was arrested after two policemen spotted him behaving in a suspicious manner.
Hanani gave investigators details on members of the cell:
Mahmud Ahmad Mahmud Hanani, 38, a resident of Beit Furik and head of the Beit Furik cell. He was responsible for contact with the Popular Resistance Committees terror organization in the Gaza Strip and received instructions from them. He was also involved in recruiting the suicide bomber. Mahmud escaped to Jordan on July 17th 2006.
Nimar Tzudaki Nimar Hanani, 43, a resident of Beit Furik. Nimar established the initial connection between the cell and the PRC. He was also involved in recruiting the suicide bomber, in transferring the explosive belt to him and in dispatching him to the attack. He was arrested on July 18th 2006.
Imad Faiz Khader Haj Mahmad, 45, originally from Beit Furik, a resident of Ramallah. Mahamad had the explosive belt in his care in Ramallah until it was handed over to the bomber. The bomber was filmed in Mahmad's house before he left for Jerusalem. He was also arrested on July 18th 2006.
Ibrahim Mahmad Sha'aban Ibrahim Alhandi, 26, a resident of Ramallah. Alhandi worked in the Palestinian National Security apparatus in Ramallah and was arrested on July 26th 2006. He stated in his questioning that he was recruited into the PRC in 2001 and was smuggled into Israel for a suicide bombing which eventually was not carried out. He was later arrested by the Palestinian security apparatuses in Tulkarm and was jailed in Beitunia. However, when the IDF entered the town he was released and has been wanted by Israeli security forces since. In 2006 Alhandi received two high quality explosive belts from members of the PRC. One he gave to Ashraf Hanani and the other he hid in the Palestinian National Security headquarters (this belt was later uncovered by IDF forces based on the information given by Alhandi).
This bombing attempt was directed by the PRC in the Gaza Strip and was made in full coordination with the organization.
("Terror Cell Planning Suicide Bombing Arrested," IDF Spokesperson's Offce, November 16, 2006).
Terror cell planning suicide bombing arrested, large scale attack thwarted
On July 17th 2006, suicide bomber Ashref Haled Hassin Hanani was arrested in Jerusalem by the Israeli Police. Hanani was wearing an explosive belt and was on his way to carry out a suicide bombing in the city.
Hanani was taken for questioning, during which he revealed to his investigators details of a terror cell which had recruited him a month and a half earlier in order to carry out the attack. The cell, located in the village of Beit Furik, east of Nablus, was guided by the Popular Resistance Committees in the Gaza Strip and began operating three months earlier in order to dispatch bombers into Israel. For this purpose they received two high quality explosive belts made in the Gaza Strip. A lab examination showed that the belts were constructed using high-grade explosives which would have had a devastating effect if used.
Hanani arrived in the city of Ramallah on July 16th, while bypassing security checkpoints on the way. In Ramallah he was given money and an explosive belt and received operating instructions. On July 17th Hanani entered Jerusalem through an area in which the security fence has not yet been constructed and was arrested after two policemen spotted him behaving in a suspicious manner.
Hanani gave investigators details on members of the cell:
Mahmud Ahmad Mahmud Hanani, 38, a resident of Beit Furik and head of the Beit Furik cell. He was responsible for contact with the Popular Resistance Committees terror organization in the Gaza Strip and received instructions from them. He was also involved in recruiting the suicide bomber. Mahmud escaped to Jordan on July 17th 2006.
Nimar Tzudaki Nimar Hanani, 43, a resident of Beit Furik. Nimar established the initial connection between the cell and the PRC. He was also involved in recruiting the suicide bomber, in transferring the explosive belt to him and in dispatching him to the attack. He was arrested on July 18th 2006.
Imad Faiz Khader Haj Mahmad, 45, originally from Beit Furik, a resident of Ramallah. Mahamad had the explosive belt in his care in Ramallah until it was handed over to the bomber. The bomber was filmed in Mahmad's house before he left for Jerusalem. He was also arrested on July 18th 2006.
Ibrahim Mahmad Sha'aban Ibrahim Alhandi, 26, a resident of Ramallah. Alhandi worked in the Palestinian National Security apparatus in Ramallah and was arrested on July 26th 2006. He stated in his questioning that he was recruited into the PRC in 2001 and was smuggled into Israel for a suicide bombing which eventually was not carried out. He was later arrested by the Palestinian security apparatuses in Tulkarm and was jailed in Beitunia. However, when the IDF entered the town he was released and has been wanted by Israeli security forces since. In 2006 Alhandi received two high quality explosive belts from members of the PRC. One he gave to Ashraf Hanani and the other he hid in the Palestinian National Security headquarters (this belt was later uncovered by IDF forces based on the information given by Alhandi).
This bombing attempt was directed by the PRC in the Gaza Strip and was made in full coordination with the organization.
("Terror Cell Planning Suicide Bombing Arrested," IDF Spokesperson's Offce, November 16, 2006).
November 16, 2006:
- Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Sderot.
- Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF forces north of PA controlled Tulkarem. No injuries are reported. Soldiers return fire.
("Qassam Attacks Kill One, Wound Two in Sderot; IDF: No Magic Bullet," Ha'aretz, November 16, 2006; "Terrorists Fire at Soldiers Near Tulkarem," IsraelNationalNews, November 16, 2006).
- Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Sderot.
- Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF forces north of PA controlled Tulkarem. No injuries are reported. Soldiers return fire.
("Qassam Attacks Kill One, Wound Two in Sderot; IDF: No Magic Bullet," Ha'aretz, November 16, 2006; "Terrorists Fire at Soldiers Near Tulkarem," IsraelNationalNews, November 16, 2006).
November 16, 2006:
- At least 1,000 rockets have struck Israel's southern cities and communities over the past year.
- Three civilians were killed and dozens injured.
- Civilian infrastructure suffered extensive damage.
("Israeli Woman Killed, and Two Men Seriously Wounded Today," IDF Spokesperson's Offce, November 15, 2006).
- At least 1,000 rockets have struck Israel's southern cities and communities over the past year.
- Three civilians were killed and dozens injured.
- Civilian infrastructure suffered extensive damage.
("Israeli Woman Killed, and Two Men Seriously Wounded Today," IDF Spokesperson's Offce, November 15, 2006).
November 15, 2006:
Abu Obeideh, spokesman of the Hamas Iz A-Din El-Kassam Brigade: "Everyone knows that the main purpose of all the Israeli military missions is to stop the Qassam rockets. The enemy, in his despair, has tried all means of pressure, instilling fear, killing and collective punishment, but he recognizes the fact that all his plans will fail with the launching of the first volley from between the columns of armor, and despite his planes and intelligence gathering.
"Our fighters have dealt successfully with the military missions, and this has brought Israel to announce another plan indicating its despair, according to which it will no longer announce where the rockets fell, in the illusion that this will mislead the resistance." [This will not prevent them from determining their targets] "with precision and with new means." [The proof of this is the high number of] "accurate hits among the colonialists [Israeli citizens] and homes, and their running to the shelters, the sounding of rocket warning systems and street demonstrations by colonialists who have no security in their homes."
(Hillel Fendel, "Hamas Boasts: Kassam Has Defeated Israel," IsraelNationalNews, November 15, 2006).
Abu Obeideh, spokesman of the Hamas Iz A-Din El-Kassam Brigade: "Everyone knows that the main purpose of all the Israeli military missions is to stop the Qassam rockets. The enemy, in his despair, has tried all means of pressure, instilling fear, killing and collective punishment, but he recognizes the fact that all his plans will fail with the launching of the first volley from between the columns of armor, and despite his planes and intelligence gathering.
"Our fighters have dealt successfully with the military missions, and this has brought Israel to announce another plan indicating its despair, according to which it will no longer announce where the rockets fell, in the illusion that this will mislead the resistance." [This will not prevent them from determining their targets] "with precision and with new means." [The proof of this is the high number of] "accurate hits among the colonialists [Israeli citizens] and homes, and their running to the shelters, the sounding of rocket warning systems and street demonstrations by colonialists who have no security in their homes."
(Hillel Fendel, "Hamas Boasts: Kassam Has Defeated Israel," IsraelNationalNews, November 15, 2006).
November 15, 2006:
Education officials working in conjunction with IDF and other security agencies are indicating that students attending non-protected schools in Sderot will be bused out of the area – to schools out of Qassam rocket range.
The IDF’s Homefront command did fortify a number of schools, but there are schools in the city still vulnerable to rocket attacks.
("Sderot Pupils to be Bused Out of Rocket Firing Area," IsraelNationalNews, November 15, 2006).
Education officials working in conjunction with IDF and other security agencies are indicating that students attending non-protected schools in Sderot will be bused out of the area – to schools out of Qassam rocket range.
The IDF’s Homefront command did fortify a number of schools, but there are schools in the city still vulnerable to rocket attacks.
("Sderot Pupils to be Bused Out of Rocket Firing Area," IsraelNationalNews, November 15, 2006).
November 15, 2006:
A 16-year-old is seriously wounded when a Qassam rocket slams into the center of Sderot, hours after a deadly strike on the town killed a 57-year-old woman and seriouly wounded a 24-year-old man.
Fifteen rockets hit the western Negev over the course of Wednesday, including four in Ashkelon and 11 in Sderot.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad both claim responsibility for the attack.
(Yuval Yoaz and Mijal Grinberg, "Qassam Seriously Hurts Teen in Sderot, Hours After Deadly Strike," Ha'aretz, November 15, 2006).
A 16-year-old is seriously wounded when a Qassam rocket slams into the center of Sderot, hours after a deadly strike on the town killed a 57-year-old woman and seriouly wounded a 24-year-old man.
Fifteen rockets hit the western Negev over the course of Wednesday, including four in Ashkelon and 11 in Sderot.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad both claim responsibility for the attack.
(Yuval Yoaz and Mijal Grinberg, "Qassam Seriously Hurts Teen in Sderot, Hours After Deadly Strike," Ha'aretz, November 15, 2006).
November 15, 2006:
Defense Minister Amir Peretz vows the IDF will continue its operations in the Gaza Strip "in accordance with Israel's policy and security interests," after a Qassam rocket kills 57-year-old Fa'ina Slutzker and seriously wounds another civilian in Sderot.
The two were taken to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon for treatment, where Slutzker died of her wounds. Several people were also treated for shock.
Islamic Jihad and Hamas claim responsibility for the attack.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum:
"The occupation hasn't stopped attacking Palestinians before or after Beit Hanun, so we say resistance is a right of Palestinians."
(Yuval Yoaz and Mijal Grinberg, "Qassam Kills Sderot Woman; Peretz: Gaza Raids To Go On," Ha'aretz, November 15, 2006).
Defense Minister Amir Peretz vows the IDF will continue its operations in the Gaza Strip "in accordance with Israel's policy and security interests," after a Qassam rocket kills 57-year-old Fa'ina Slutzker and seriously wounds another civilian in Sderot.
The two were taken to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon for treatment, where Slutzker died of her wounds. Several people were also treated for shock.
Islamic Jihad and Hamas claim responsibility for the attack.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum:
"The occupation hasn't stopped attacking Palestinians before or after Beit Hanun, so we say resistance is a right of Palestinians."
(Yuval Yoaz and Mijal Grinberg, "Qassam Kills Sderot Woman; Peretz: Gaza Raids To Go On," Ha'aretz, November 15, 2006).
November 14, 2006:
Shin Bet security service chief Yuval Diskin announces that the government must prepare for a "military option" in Gaza. Diskin notes the Palestinians have smuggled 30 tons of military-grade explosives into the Strip since the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Likud MK Yuval Steinitz emphasizes that the only way to keep Gaza from turning into southern Lebanon is to launch an "Operation Defensive Shield II" and recapture the Philadelphi route between the Strip and Egypt.
(Gideon Alon, "30 Tons of Explosives Smuggled into Gaza from Egypt Since Disengagement," Ha'aretz, November 14, 2006).
Shin Bet security service chief Yuval Diskin announces that the government must prepare for a "military option" in Gaza. Diskin notes the Palestinians have smuggled 30 tons of military-grade explosives into the Strip since the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Likud MK Yuval Steinitz emphasizes that the only way to keep Gaza from turning into southern Lebanon is to launch an "Operation Defensive Shield II" and recapture the Philadelphi route between the Strip and Egypt.
(Gideon Alon, "30 Tons of Explosives Smuggled into Gaza from Egypt Since Disengagement," Ha'aretz, November 14, 2006).
November 14, 2006:
Likud MK Yuval Steinitz responds to comments made by Shin Bet Chief Yuval Diskin before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee saying, "Egypt is adopting a deliberate policy of arming terror groups in Gaza and it is doing to us in the south what Syria did to us with Hizbullah in the north."
(Ilan Marciano, "Steinitz Accuses Egypt of Arming Palestinian Groups in Gaza," YnetNews, November 14, 2006).
Likud MK Yuval Steinitz responds to comments made by Shin Bet Chief Yuval Diskin before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee saying, "Egypt is adopting a deliberate policy of arming terror groups in Gaza and it is doing to us in the south what Syria did to us with Hizbullah in the north."
(Ilan Marciano, "Steinitz Accuses Egypt of Arming Palestinian Groups in Gaza," YnetNews, November 14, 2006).
November 14, 2006:
A Qassam rocket fired from Gaza impacts in a Western Negev kibbutz, causing heavy damage to a factory and a number of houses. Several people are treated for shock.
Lior Arad, a kibbutz member: "We heard the rocket explode and the alarm system go off. I don’t usually get too worried, but this time when we heard the windows shatter and felt the house shaking we ran to see how the kids were doing. We have a baby and a young child. One of the children was sleeping below the window and the glasses flew at him. Fortunately he wasn't hurt, but it was shocking. This is a very difficult experience, it took us a while to calm the baby down. Until today I was certain that I'd stay in the kibbutz, but now it's getting too close..."
Kibbutz Secretary-General Itzik Hassan:
"Safety rooms which are supposed to be connected to residencies have been in the kibbutz's garden for nine months and were brought by the Home Front Command, they are trailing and nothing has been done. Every time we try to check, they say things will be done as soon as possible. A month ago the Home Front Command Chief visited the kibbutz and he vowed that within a week they will connect them to houses."
(Shmulik Hadad, "Qassam Rocket Causes Damage in Negev Kibbutz," YnetNews, November 14, 2006).
A Qassam rocket fired from Gaza impacts in a Western Negev kibbutz, causing heavy damage to a factory and a number of houses. Several people are treated for shock.
Lior Arad, a kibbutz member: "We heard the rocket explode and the alarm system go off. I don’t usually get too worried, but this time when we heard the windows shatter and felt the house shaking we ran to see how the kids were doing. We have a baby and a young child. One of the children was sleeping below the window and the glasses flew at him. Fortunately he wasn't hurt, but it was shocking. This is a very difficult experience, it took us a while to calm the baby down. Until today I was certain that I'd stay in the kibbutz, but now it's getting too close..."
Kibbutz Secretary-General Itzik Hassan:
"Safety rooms which are supposed to be connected to residencies have been in the kibbutz's garden for nine months and were brought by the Home Front Command, they are trailing and nothing has been done. Every time we try to check, they say things will be done as soon as possible. A month ago the Home Front Command Chief visited the kibbutz and he vowed that within a week they will connect them to houses."
(Shmulik Hadad, "Qassam Rocket Causes Damage in Negev Kibbutz," YnetNews, November 14, 2006).
November 14, 2006:
The state tells the High Court of Justice there is no way to protect Sderot schoolchildren from the threat of Qassam missiles, as it would be impossible to reinforce all classrooms in the city before the start of school next fall.
"There is no disputing that studying in the non-reinforced classrooms entails a certain security risk to students...However, it seems that for the time being, there is no alternative. This risk is not significantly different from the risk to which students are exposed en route from home to school and back, by bus or private car, which of course are not reinforced against Qassam missiles, or from the risk to which they are exposed during the day when they are in many other places besides reinforced classrooms, such as other parts of the school, extracurricular activities, places of entertainment and various public institutions and even in their homes, many of which are within missile range and are not reinforced.
"The state does aspire to provide 100-percent protection to every inhabitant - and certainly to every child - but it is obvious that this goal could only be achieved in a utopian world. In reality, all the state can do is attempt to get as close as possible to that goal, within the bounds of the limitations and circumstances within which it operates. The most that the state can provide to the schoolchildren in the Gaza envelope communities is protection during most school hours, and the protection of the homerooms only."
(Yuval Yoaz, "State: Can't Guard Sderot Schools from Qassams," Ha'aretz, November 14, 2006).
The state tells the High Court of Justice there is no way to protect Sderot schoolchildren from the threat of Qassam missiles, as it would be impossible to reinforce all classrooms in the city before the start of school next fall.
"There is no disputing that studying in the non-reinforced classrooms entails a certain security risk to students...However, it seems that for the time being, there is no alternative. This risk is not significantly different from the risk to which students are exposed en route from home to school and back, by bus or private car, which of course are not reinforced against Qassam missiles, or from the risk to which they are exposed during the day when they are in many other places besides reinforced classrooms, such as other parts of the school, extracurricular activities, places of entertainment and various public institutions and even in their homes, many of which are within missile range and are not reinforced.
"The state does aspire to provide 100-percent protection to every inhabitant - and certainly to every child - but it is obvious that this goal could only be achieved in a utopian world. In reality, all the state can do is attempt to get as close as possible to that goal, within the bounds of the limitations and circumstances within which it operates. The most that the state can provide to the schoolchildren in the Gaza envelope communities is protection during most school hours, and the protection of the homerooms only."
(Yuval Yoaz, "State: Can't Guard Sderot Schools from Qassams," Ha'aretz, November 14, 2006).
November 13, 2006:
Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy to the Damascus-based Hamas political bureau leader Khaled Mashaal, announces that the planned Palestinian unity government will not recognize Israel.
Earlier, the European Union reiterated demands that any Palestinian unity government would have to recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence, and engage in new peace talks.
("Hamas Official: Unity Gov't Won't Recognize Israel," Jerusalem Post, November 13, 2006).
Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy to the Damascus-based Hamas political bureau leader Khaled Mashaal, announces that the planned Palestinian unity government will not recognize Israel.
Earlier, the European Union reiterated demands that any Palestinian unity government would have to recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence, and engage in new peace talks.
("Hamas Official: Unity Gov't Won't Recognize Israel," Jerusalem Post, November 13, 2006).
November 13, 2006:
A number of people are treated for shock after a Qassam rocket fired from northern PA controlled Gaza lands on Natan Elbaz Street in Sderot.
("Kassam Rocket Lands on Natan Elbaz St. in Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, November 13, 2006).
A number of people are treated for shock after a Qassam rocket fired from northern PA controlled Gaza lands on Natan Elbaz Street in Sderot.
("Kassam Rocket Lands on Natan Elbaz St. in Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, November 13, 2006).
November 12, 2006:
Four Palestinian terrorist groups, including Fatah, call on Muslims worldwide to attack America "with no mercy."
The groups announce that the United States will be a target for them to the same extent Israel is, and warn they will attack American targets because of "American support for Israeli crimes and acts of massacre, such as the one in Beit Hanoun."
The terrorists implore "all free people of the world, and all the mujahadeen [jihadists] to hit the US with no mercy...Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan are all being destroyed by American weapons; they who plant the bombs and destruction in the region should reap the results of what they planted with their soldiers and warplanes." The statement also calls on Arab states to support terrorist groups financially and materially, to "enhance the resistance against the Israeli and American enemy."
The call is issued by Fatah, the PRC, the Abu Rish Brigades and the Tawheed Brigades (possible al Qadea affiliation).
"America, of the false civilization, ignores yet again the blood of innocent people. They have no guilt, yet the Americans look at it [Palestinian blood] as cheaper than Jewish blood. Beit Hanoun was a massacre committed by Israeli hands, using American weapons under US official supervision, with a green light from the US, completed by the Americans' use of the veto in the Security Council," the four terrorist factions declared.
The statement also claims that US Army officers participated in the last IDF military operation in Beit Hanun.
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "Terror Groups Vow to Attack US Targets," Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2006; Nissan Ratzlav-Katz, "Fatah's Al-Aksa Brigades, 3 Others Declare War on America," IsraelNationalNews, November 12, 2006).
Four Palestinian terrorist groups, including Fatah, call on Muslims worldwide to attack America "with no mercy."
The groups announce that the United States will be a target for them to the same extent Israel is, and warn they will attack American targets because of "American support for Israeli crimes and acts of massacre, such as the one in Beit Hanoun."
The terrorists implore "all free people of the world, and all the mujahadeen [jihadists] to hit the US with no mercy...Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan are all being destroyed by American weapons; they who plant the bombs and destruction in the region should reap the results of what they planted with their soldiers and warplanes." The statement also calls on Arab states to support terrorist groups financially and materially, to "enhance the resistance against the Israeli and American enemy."
The call is issued by Fatah, the PRC, the Abu Rish Brigades and the Tawheed Brigades (possible al Qadea affiliation).
"America, of the false civilization, ignores yet again the blood of innocent people. They have no guilt, yet the Americans look at it [Palestinian blood] as cheaper than Jewish blood. Beit Hanoun was a massacre committed by Israeli hands, using American weapons under US official supervision, with a green light from the US, completed by the Americans' use of the veto in the Security Council," the four terrorist factions declared.
The statement also claims that US Army officers participated in the last IDF military operation in Beit Hanun.
(Khaled Abu Toameh, "Terror Groups Vow to Attack US Targets," Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2006; Nissan Ratzlav-Katz, "Fatah's Al-Aksa Brigades, 3 Others Declare War on America," IsraelNationalNews, November 12, 2006).
November 10-11, 2006:
- Palestinian terrorists fire Qassam rockets at the western Negev.
- Palestinian terrorists fire at an Israeli vehicle north of Hebron ner Halhoul.
- IDF forces fire at a Palestinian attempting to hurl a firebomb in Hebron.
("Friday Afternoon/Night Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, November 11, 2006).
- Palestinian terrorists fire Qassam rockets at the western Negev.
- Palestinian terrorists fire at an Israeli vehicle north of Hebron ner Halhoul.
- IDF forces fire at a Palestinian attempting to hurl a firebomb in Hebron.
("Friday Afternoon/Night Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, November 11, 2006).
November 10, 2006:
- Palestinian terrorists fire Qassam rockets at the Israeli city of Sderot.
- IDF forces fire at a Palestinian terrorist who approaches the border fence near the Karni crossing between Israel and the northeastern Gaza Strip.
(Mijal Grinberg, "Palestinians Fire 3 Qassam Rockets into Western Negev," Ha'aretz, November 10, 2006).
- Palestinian terrorists fire Qassam rockets at the Israeli city of Sderot.
- IDF forces fire at a Palestinian terrorist who approaches the border fence near the Karni crossing between Israel and the northeastern Gaza Strip.
(Mijal Grinberg, "Palestinians Fire 3 Qassam Rockets into Western Negev," Ha'aretz, November 10, 2006).
November 9, 2006:
PA security officers played a major role in the recent spate of Gaza Strip abductions.
A PA Interior Ministry investigation concluded that members of the security services targeted and participated in recent kidnappings. Several officers have already been arrested.
"There has been a commitment to crack down on abductions, which have prevented foreign investment with the PA."
("PA Officers Behind Kidnappings," Middle East Newsline, November 9, 2006).
PA security officers played a major role in the recent spate of Gaza Strip abductions.
A PA Interior Ministry investigation concluded that members of the security services targeted and participated in recent kidnappings. Several officers have already been arrested.
"There has been a commitment to crack down on abductions, which have prevented foreign investment with the PA."
("PA Officers Behind Kidnappings," Middle East Newsline, November 9, 2006).
November 9, 2006:
Two Israelis are lightly injured when a Qassam rocket hits in close proximity to a municipal center in central Sderot, causing significant damage.
Earlier, Palestinian terrorists fired six Qassam rockets at southern Israel.
(Mijal Grinberg, "Three People Lightly Injured in Qassam Rocket Strike in Central Sderot," Ha'aretz, November 9, 2006).
Two Israelis are lightly injured when a Qassam rocket hits in close proximity to a municipal center in central Sderot, causing significant damage.
Earlier, Palestinian terrorists fired six Qassam rockets at southern Israel.
(Mijal Grinberg, "Three People Lightly Injured in Qassam Rocket Strike in Central Sderot," Ha'aretz, November 9, 2006).
November 9, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire four Qassam rockets at Israel. Two hit the area of a kibbutz; one causes light damage to a cow shed and the other lands at the entrance to a community. A third rocket impacts in Sderot, damaging a car.
(Mijal Grinberg, "4 Qassams Hit Western Negev, Causing Damage but no Injuries," Ha'aretz, November 9, 2006).
Palestinian terrorists fire four Qassam rockets at Israel. Two hit the area of a kibbutz; one causes light damage to a cow shed and the other lands at the entrance to a community. A third rocket impacts in Sderot, damaging a car.
(Mijal Grinberg, "4 Qassams Hit Western Negev, Causing Damage but no Injuries," Ha'aretz, November 9, 2006).
November 8, 2006:
Hamas calls on Muslims around the world to attack American targets following reports that an Israeli tank strike killed 18 people in the Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun.
"America is offering political, financial and logistic cover for the Zionist occupation crimes, and it is responsible for the Beit Hanoun massacre. Therefore, the people and the nation all over the globe are required to teach the American enemy tough lessons..."
("Hamas Military Wing Calls for Attack on U.S. Targets," Associated Press, November 8, 2006).
Hamas calls on Muslims around the world to attack American targets following reports that an Israeli tank strike killed 18 people in the Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun.
"America is offering political, financial and logistic cover for the Zionist occupation crimes, and it is responsible for the Beit Hanoun massacre. Therefore, the people and the nation all over the globe are required to teach the American enemy tough lessons..."
("Hamas Military Wing Calls for Attack on U.S. Targets," Associated Press, November 8, 2006).
November 8, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists launch a barrage of Qassam rockets at Israel, striking the western Negev and the city of Ashkelon. One of the rockets impact near a children’s dormitory in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, others land in open areas.
One the rockets strike a beach in Ashkelon. Another lands in a residential area.
No injuries are reported, although one woman suffers from cardiac arrest when a rocket lands in the center of Sderot. Other rockets cause extensive damage and fires.
(Ezra HaLevi, "Rocket Hits Ashkelon For Second Day, PLO and Hamas Vow Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, November 8, 2006).
Palestinian terrorists launch a barrage of Qassam rockets at Israel, striking the western Negev and the city of Ashkelon. One of the rockets impact near a children’s dormitory in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, others land in open areas.
One the rockets strike a beach in Ashkelon. Another lands in a residential area.
No injuries are reported, although one woman suffers from cardiac arrest when a rocket lands in the center of Sderot. Other rockets cause extensive damage and fires.
(Ezra HaLevi, "Rocket Hits Ashkelon For Second Day, PLO and Hamas Vow Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, November 8, 2006).
November 8, 2006:
- Israel is placed on high security alert hours after IDF artillery shells strike a residential area in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun, killing at least 19 Palestinians and wounding dozens of others.
Hamas swears to avenge the deaths and calls on all Palestinian groups to renew attacks inside Israel.
- The IAF targets the head of Hamas' Qassam rocket firing unit, Ahmed Ouad. Quad is killed along with another Hamas terrorist in an IAF strike on their car in the southern Gaza Strip.
- The IAF targets two Hamas terrorists attempting to launch Qassam rockets at Israel from northern Gaza.
- Five additional Palestinians, including four Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Bridages commanders, are killed in the West Bank.
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "19 Palestinians Killed in IDF Shelling in Northern Gaza," Ha'retz, November 8, 2006).
- Israel is placed on high security alert hours after IDF artillery shells strike a residential area in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun, killing at least 19 Palestinians and wounding dozens of others.
Hamas swears to avenge the deaths and calls on all Palestinian groups to renew attacks inside Israel.
- The IAF targets the head of Hamas' Qassam rocket firing unit, Ahmed Ouad. Quad is killed along with another Hamas terrorist in an IAF strike on their car in the southern Gaza Strip.
- The IAF targets two Hamas terrorists attempting to launch Qassam rockets at Israel from northern Gaza.
- Five additional Palestinians, including four Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Bridages commanders, are killed in the West Bank.
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "19 Palestinians Killed in IDF Shelling in Northern Gaza," Ha'retz, November 8, 2006).
November 7, 2006:
- Two Islamic Jihad terrorists are shot and killed by IDF forces in Jabalya (Gaza Strip).
- Palestinian terrorists fire four Qassam rockets at Ashkelon, one of them striking an area school. A fifth rocket impacts near the western Negev town of Sderot.
- Palestinian terrorists fire an anti-tank missile at an armored IDF vehicle in northern Gaza. No injuries are reported, but the vehicle suffers extensive damage.
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "9 Palestinians Killed in Gaza; Qassam Hits Ashkelon School," Ha'aretz, November 7, 2006; "Two Kassam Rockets Hit Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, November 7, 2006; "Anti-Tank Missile Strikes Armored IDF Vehicle," IsraelNationalNews, November 7, 2006).
- Two Islamic Jihad terrorists are shot and killed by IDF forces in Jabalya (Gaza Strip).
- Palestinian terrorists fire four Qassam rockets at Ashkelon, one of them striking an area school. A fifth rocket impacts near the western Negev town of Sderot.
- Palestinian terrorists fire an anti-tank missile at an armored IDF vehicle in northern Gaza. No injuries are reported, but the vehicle suffers extensive damage.
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "9 Palestinians Killed in Gaza; Qassam Hits Ashkelon School," Ha'aretz, November 7, 2006; "Two Kassam Rockets Hit Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, November 7, 2006; "Anti-Tank Missile Strikes Armored IDF Vehicle," IsraelNationalNews, November 7, 2006).
November 7, 2006:
IDF concludes "Autumn Clouds" operation in Beit Hanoun
Early this morning IDF infantry, engineering and armored forces completed their operations against terror infrastructure and rocket launching infrastructure in Beit Hanoun.
Over the course of the operation:
· Forces conducted searches throughout the town in order to locate terrorists, gunmen and weaponry.
· Dozens of armed gunmen were killed in aerial attacks and clashes with soldiers.
· IDF soldiers uncovered large amounts of weaponry including rocket launchers, anti-tank missile launchers, grenades, explosive devices, AK-47 assault rifles, various ammunitions types, observation equipment and more.
· The IDF targeted and hit 9 rocket launching cells, some of them also responsible for rocket manufacturing.
· Dozens of Palestinians suspected of terror involvement were taken for questioning by security forces.
· An IDF soldier was killed in exchanges of fire during the operation.
· An attempted suicide bombing against the forces was thwarted following alerts on the planned attack. The female bomber exploded after being stopped by IDF forces, lightly injuring one of the soldiers.
· In coordination with the DCO, Dozens of vehicles passed into Beit Hanoun, carrying food, medical teams, repairmen and additional supplies.
The IDF operation targets terrorist organizations and terrorist infrastructure only, while making every effort to avoid harming civilians.
The IDF continues to warn civilians to stay away from combat areas.
The IDF will continue to act with determination in order to destroy terrorist organizations and terrorist infrastructure and in order to prevent and disrupt the launching of rockets at Israel.
("IDF Concludes "Autumn Clouds" Operation in Beit Hanoun," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 7, 2006).
IDF concludes "Autumn Clouds" operation in Beit Hanoun
Early this morning IDF infantry, engineering and armored forces completed their operations against terror infrastructure and rocket launching infrastructure in Beit Hanoun.
Over the course of the operation:
· Forces conducted searches throughout the town in order to locate terrorists, gunmen and weaponry.
· Dozens of armed gunmen were killed in aerial attacks and clashes with soldiers.
· IDF soldiers uncovered large amounts of weaponry including rocket launchers, anti-tank missile launchers, grenades, explosive devices, AK-47 assault rifles, various ammunitions types, observation equipment and more.
· The IDF targeted and hit 9 rocket launching cells, some of them also responsible for rocket manufacturing.
· Dozens of Palestinians suspected of terror involvement were taken for questioning by security forces.
· An IDF soldier was killed in exchanges of fire during the operation.
· An attempted suicide bombing against the forces was thwarted following alerts on the planned attack. The female bomber exploded after being stopped by IDF forces, lightly injuring one of the soldiers.
· In coordination with the DCO, Dozens of vehicles passed into Beit Hanoun, carrying food, medical teams, repairmen and additional supplies.
The IDF operation targets terrorist organizations and terrorist infrastructure only, while making every effort to avoid harming civilians.
The IDF continues to warn civilians to stay away from combat areas.
The IDF will continue to act with determination in order to destroy terrorist organizations and terrorist infrastructure and in order to prevent and disrupt the launching of rockets at Israel.
("IDF Concludes "Autumn Clouds" Operation in Beit Hanoun," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 7, 2006).
November 7, 2006:
PA sources report the withdrawal of IDF forces from Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza.
The IDF confirms its forces have taken up new positions inside the Gaza Strip - outside Beit Hanoun.
("Report: IDF Begins Withdrawal From Beit Hanoun," IsraelNationalNews, November 7, 2006; Amos Harel, "IDF Soldiers Withdraw from North Gaza Town of Beit Hanun," Ha'aretz, November 7, 2006).
PA sources report the withdrawal of IDF forces from Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza.
The IDF confirms its forces have taken up new positions inside the Gaza Strip - outside Beit Hanoun.
("Report: IDF Begins Withdrawal From Beit Hanoun," IsraelNationalNews, November 7, 2006; Amos Harel, "IDF Soldiers Withdraw from North Gaza Town of Beit Hanun," Ha'aretz, November 7, 2006).
November 7, 2006:
The IAF targets a Palestinian terrorist cell preparing to launch Qassam rockets at Israeli targets.
("Air Force Hits Terrorists – Prevent Kassam Attack," IsraelNationalNews, November 7, 2006).
The IAF targets a Palestinian terrorist cell preparing to launch Qassam rockets at Israeli targets.
("Air Force Hits Terrorists – Prevent Kassam Attack," IsraelNationalNews, November 7, 2006).
November 6, 2006:
An IDF soldier is lightly wounded when a female Palestinian suicide bomber blows herself up near troops operating in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun.
(Amos Harel, "IDF Soldier Lightly Hurt in North Gaza suicide Attack," Ha'aretz, November 5, 2006).
An IDF soldier is lightly wounded when a female Palestinian suicide bomber blows herself up near troops operating in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun.
(Amos Harel, "IDF Soldier Lightly Hurt in North Gaza suicide Attack," Ha'aretz, November 5, 2006).
November 5, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire four Qassam rockets from the northern Gaza Strip towards Israel. One impacts near Kibbutz Erez, lightly injuring one. Two others land near Kibbutz Yad Mordechai.
Palestinian terrorists launched another five Qassam rockets earlier Sunday. One rocket impacted dozens of meters from Sderot's outdoor market, while the others landed in an open area outside town.
(Shmulik Hadad, "4 Qassams Fired at Negev," YnetNews, November 5, 2006).
Palestinian terrorists fire four Qassam rockets from the northern Gaza Strip towards Israel. One impacts near Kibbutz Erez, lightly injuring one. Two others land near Kibbutz Yad Mordechai.
Palestinian terrorists launched another five Qassam rockets earlier Sunday. One rocket impacted dozens of meters from Sderot's outdoor market, while the others landed in an open area outside town.
(Shmulik Hadad, "4 Qassams Fired at Negev," YnetNews, November 5, 2006).
November 5, 2006:
IDF Home Front Major-General Yitzchak Gershon asserts that "hysteria" of Sderot over continuing Qassam rockets attacks is "exaggerated." According to Gershon, students should go to schools, even if there are no classrooms fortified against attacks. He further explains that the children can run to a lower floor in case of rocket attack, which often is preceded by a 20-second warning.
("IDF Officer: Sderot 'Hysteria' Exaggerated; 6 Kassam Rocket Attacks Sunday," IsraelNationalNews, November 5, 2006).
IDF Home Front Major-General Yitzchak Gershon asserts that "hysteria" of Sderot over continuing Qassam rockets attacks is "exaggerated." According to Gershon, students should go to schools, even if there are no classrooms fortified against attacks. He further explains that the children can run to a lower floor in case of rocket attack, which often is preceded by a 20-second warning.
("IDF Officer: Sderot 'Hysteria' Exaggerated; 6 Kassam Rocket Attacks Sunday," IsraelNationalNews, November 5, 2006).
November 5, 2006:
The IDF determines that Iranian-financed weapons slated for the Palestinian Authority flow through a port in Egypt.
According to Israeli officials, many of the weapons ordered by the Hamas-led PA and other terrorist groups originate from Sudan's Darfour region. The weapons are then transported by land and shipped via the Mediterranean to ports in Egypt.
Yuval Steinitz, the deputy chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee: "The weapons to the Palestinians are brought in through Egyptian ports and El Arish and are imported by land from Sudan...Those latter imports have to traverse Egypt on their way to Gaza. There is no way that the Egyptian government is not colluding with the weapons shippers."
("Iranian-Financed Weapons to the PA Flow Through Egyptian Port," Middle East Newsline, November 5, 2006).
The IDF determines that Iranian-financed weapons slated for the Palestinian Authority flow through a port in Egypt.
According to Israeli officials, many of the weapons ordered by the Hamas-led PA and other terrorist groups originate from Sudan's Darfour region. The weapons are then transported by land and shipped via the Mediterranean to ports in Egypt.
Yuval Steinitz, the deputy chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee: "The weapons to the Palestinians are brought in through Egyptian ports and El Arish and are imported by land from Sudan...Those latter imports have to traverse Egypt on their way to Gaza. There is no way that the Egyptian government is not colluding with the weapons shippers."
("Iranian-Financed Weapons to the PA Flow Through Egyptian Port," Middle East Newsline, November 5, 2006).
November 5, 2006:
Beit Hanoun - a hub of terrorist activity
In light of the growing terrorist activity in the Beit Hanoun area (headed first and foremost by Hamas), and due to the severe rocket threat posed from the area to Israeli cities and communities in the western Negev, IDF forces entered Beit Hanoun on November 1st in order to search the area for terrorists, weaponry storage facilities, explosives, bunkers and tunnels and to damage the infrastructure used by the rocket launchers.
In the past year the Gaza Strip has continued to establish itself as a central hub of terrorist activity, as terror organizations continue to improve the range and accuracy of their rockets in order to carry out deadlier attacks. Beit Hanoun is the source of the majority of projectile rockets being fired into Sderot and additional communities in the western Negev, as terrorists make use of highly-populated parts of the town in order to carry out their attacks.
In addition to the rocket launchings, Beit Hanoun's location nearby the Erez crossing and the Israeli border have transformed it into a launch pad for frequent attacks against the crossing and IDF forces patrolling the border.
The area of Beit Hanoun is also used in attempts to carry out tunnel-based attacks. For instance, on February 26th 2004, two members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades infiltrated through a tunnel dug under the Erez industrial area in order to carry out an attack on the Erez crossing in which an IDF soldier was killed.
("Beit Hanoun - a Hub of Terrorist Activity," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 5, 2006).
Beit Hanoun - a hub of terrorist activity
In light of the growing terrorist activity in the Beit Hanoun area (headed first and foremost by Hamas), and due to the severe rocket threat posed from the area to Israeli cities and communities in the western Negev, IDF forces entered Beit Hanoun on November 1st in order to search the area for terrorists, weaponry storage facilities, explosives, bunkers and tunnels and to damage the infrastructure used by the rocket launchers.
In the past year the Gaza Strip has continued to establish itself as a central hub of terrorist activity, as terror organizations continue to improve the range and accuracy of their rockets in order to carry out deadlier attacks. Beit Hanoun is the source of the majority of projectile rockets being fired into Sderot and additional communities in the western Negev, as terrorists make use of highly-populated parts of the town in order to carry out their attacks.
In addition to the rocket launchings, Beit Hanoun's location nearby the Erez crossing and the Israeli border have transformed it into a launch pad for frequent attacks against the crossing and IDF forces patrolling the border.
The area of Beit Hanoun is also used in attempts to carry out tunnel-based attacks. For instance, on February 26th 2004, two members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades infiltrated through a tunnel dug under the Erez industrial area in order to carry out an attack on the Erez crossing in which an IDF soldier was killed.
("Beit Hanoun - a Hub of Terrorist Activity," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 5, 2006).
November 5, 2006:
Summary of IDF activity in the Beit Hanoun area during the night
IDF forces are continuing the operation in Beit Hanoun, which serves as a main launching ground for rockets fired into Israel, and is a hub of activity for the different terror organizations in the Gaza Strip. Approximately 40 gunmen have been killed since the beginning of the operation.
Events overnight:
-The IDF carried out an aerial attack on a Qassam rocket launcher used to launch a rocket into Israel earlier in the evening.
-The IDF carried out three aerial attacks against armed gunmen identified near the forces.
-In searches conducted in Beit Hanoun forces arrested two armed gunmen and uncovered AK-47s, explosives and grenades in the house. The two were taken for questioning.
-In two other houses forces found a suspected explosive device, grenades, a protective vest and IDF uniforms.
The IDF is continuing its operation in the area in order to prevent and disrupt the launching of rockets at Israel and to damage the terror infrastructure in the Beit Hanoun area.
("Summary of IDF Activity in Beit Hanoun Overnight," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 5, 2006).
Summary of IDF activity in the Beit Hanoun area during the night
IDF forces are continuing the operation in Beit Hanoun, which serves as a main launching ground for rockets fired into Israel, and is a hub of activity for the different terror organizations in the Gaza Strip. Approximately 40 gunmen have been killed since the beginning of the operation.
Events overnight:
-The IDF carried out an aerial attack on a Qassam rocket launcher used to launch a rocket into Israel earlier in the evening.
-The IDF carried out three aerial attacks against armed gunmen identified near the forces.
-In searches conducted in Beit Hanoun forces arrested two armed gunmen and uncovered AK-47s, explosives and grenades in the house. The two were taken for questioning.
-In two other houses forces found a suspected explosive device, grenades, a protective vest and IDF uniforms.
The IDF is continuing its operation in the area in order to prevent and disrupt the launching of rockets at Israel and to damage the terror infrastructure in the Beit Hanoun area.
("Summary of IDF Activity in Beit Hanoun Overnight," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 5, 2006).
November 5, 2006:
Senior Islamic Jihad terrorist killed in Bethlehem
Ta'er Ahmed Mahmad Hassan, a senior commander of the Islamic Jihad terror organization in Bethlehem, was killed in a joint IDF, ISA and Special Police Force operation in the city on November 3rd, 2006.
Ta'er, 27, a senior wanted terrorist since 2001, was involved in vast terrorist activity in recent years and in particular in the dispatching of various terror attacks, such as shooting attacks at the Jerusalem Jewish neighborhood of Gilo and an attempt to bomb a vehicle laden with explosives in the area of the Tunnel Road, which connects Jerusalem and the Etzion Bloc.
In addition, Ta'er was involved in recruiting of suicide bombers, procurement of weaponry and planning of future terror attacks.
During the operation on November 3rd, Palestinians opened fire at the forces. In ensuing exchanges of fire, two wanted Tanzim operatives who were involved in recent terrorist activity were hit.
("Islamic Jihad Commander Killed in Bethlehem," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 5, 2006).
Senior Islamic Jihad terrorist killed in Bethlehem
Ta'er Ahmed Mahmad Hassan, a senior commander of the Islamic Jihad terror organization in Bethlehem, was killed in a joint IDF, ISA and Special Police Force operation in the city on November 3rd, 2006.
Ta'er, 27, a senior wanted terrorist since 2001, was involved in vast terrorist activity in recent years and in particular in the dispatching of various terror attacks, such as shooting attacks at the Jerusalem Jewish neighborhood of Gilo and an attempt to bomb a vehicle laden with explosives in the area of the Tunnel Road, which connects Jerusalem and the Etzion Bloc.
In addition, Ta'er was involved in recruiting of suicide bombers, procurement of weaponry and planning of future terror attacks.
During the operation on November 3rd, Palestinians opened fire at the forces. In ensuing exchanges of fire, two wanted Tanzim operatives who were involved in recent terrorist activity were hit.
("Islamic Jihad Commander Killed in Bethlehem," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 5, 2006).
November 5, 2006:
The IAF targets top Hamas rocket-maker in Gaza, Louay al-Borno.
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "27 Gazans Killed by Israeli Forces over Weekend," Ha'aretz, November 5, 2006).
The IAF targets top Hamas rocket-maker in Gaza, Louay al-Borno.
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "27 Gazans Killed by Israeli Forces over Weekend," Ha'aretz, November 5, 2006).
November 5, 2006:
The IDF seizes advanced infrared rifle sights and night-vision goggles from Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. The items are similar to those used by Hizbullah during the war with Israel in July and August 2006.
"Forces uncovered large amounts of weaponry in one of the buildings, including rifles, ammunition and night-vision equipment..The three Palestinians hiding the weaponry in their house were arrested and taken for questioning."
("Israel Finds Advanced Equipment in Gaza," Middle East Newsline, November 4, 2006).
The IDF seizes advanced infrared rifle sights and night-vision goggles from Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. The items are similar to those used by Hizbullah during the war with Israel in July and August 2006.
"Forces uncovered large amounts of weaponry in one of the buildings, including rifles, ammunition and night-vision equipment..The three Palestinians hiding the weaponry in their house were arrested and taken for questioning."
("Israel Finds Advanced Equipment in Gaza," Middle East Newsline, November 4, 2006).
November 4, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire seven Qassam rockets at the western Negev. Six land in empty fields, while one impacts against a house.
Uri Naamati, head of the Eshkol regional council: "It is a given situation that we have been dealing with for over five years. They fired at us in the past and will fire at us in the future, unfortunately. In our community only kindergartens and some educational institutions are protected and we look forward to complete fortifying schools and start fortifying people's homes..."
(Shmulik Hadad, "7 Qassam Rockets Fired at Israel," YnetNews, November 4, 2006).
Palestinian terrorists fire seven Qassam rockets at the western Negev. Six land in empty fields, while one impacts against a house.
Uri Naamati, head of the Eshkol regional council: "It is a given situation that we have been dealing with for over five years. They fired at us in the past and will fire at us in the future, unfortunately. In our community only kindergartens and some educational institutions are protected and we look forward to complete fortifying schools and start fortifying people's homes..."
(Shmulik Hadad, "7 Qassam Rockets Fired at Israel," YnetNews, November 4, 2006).
November 4, 2006:
Five Palestinians ae killed, including one woman, and seven others injured, including a woman and a child, in renewed clashes between the El-Masri and Abu Taha clans in Khan Yunis.
("5 People Killed and 7 Injured in Armed Clan Clashes in Khan Yunis," PCHR, November 4, 2006).
Five Palestinians ae killed, including one woman, and seven others injured, including a woman and a child, in renewed clashes between the El-Masri and Abu Taha clans in Khan Yunis.
("5 People Killed and 7 Injured in Armed Clan Clashes in Khan Yunis," PCHR, November 4, 2006).
November 4, 2006:
Summary of IDF activity in the Beit Hanoun area during the night
The IDF is continuing its operation in Beit Hanoun, which serves as a main launching ground for rockets fired into Israel, and is a hub of activity for the different terror organizations in the Gaza Strip.
Just yesterday these organizations showed their willingness to jeopardize the lives of women and children in order to further their goals, and made a blunt demonstration of their disrespect for religious centers when they opened fire at IDF forces from within a mosque.
Events overnight:
- IDF forces uncovered a weapons-storage facility concealed in 3 adjacent buildings which contained large amounts of weaponry including anti-tank missiles, AK-47 assault rifles and grenades. The warehouse was feared to be booby-trapped and was detonated in a controlled manner by the forces. So far in the operation forces have uncovered 2 Qassam launchers, 4 anti-tank missiles, 32 AK-47s, 20 grenades, 2 pipe-bombs, various ammunition types, IDF uniforms, 14 protective vests and additional equipment.
- The IDF carried out six aerial attacks in the northern Gaza Strip, targeting a cell of rocket launchers, two armed gunmen planting explosives near the forces, three groups of armed gunmen moving near the forces, and an explosive device planted near the forces.
- The IDF carried out two aerial attacks- in the city of Rafah yesterday and in Gaza City this morning, targeting two vehicles of Hamas terrorists involved in the launching of rockets into Israel.
The IDF is continuing its operation in the area in order to prevent and disrupt the launching of rockets at Israel and to damage the terror infrastructure in the Beit Hanoun area.
("Summary of IDF Activity in Beit Hanoun," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 4, 2006).
Summary of IDF activity in the Beit Hanoun area during the night
The IDF is continuing its operation in Beit Hanoun, which serves as a main launching ground for rockets fired into Israel, and is a hub of activity for the different terror organizations in the Gaza Strip.
Just yesterday these organizations showed their willingness to jeopardize the lives of women and children in order to further their goals, and made a blunt demonstration of their disrespect for religious centers when they opened fire at IDF forces from within a mosque.
Events overnight:
- IDF forces uncovered a weapons-storage facility concealed in 3 adjacent buildings which contained large amounts of weaponry including anti-tank missiles, AK-47 assault rifles and grenades. The warehouse was feared to be booby-trapped and was detonated in a controlled manner by the forces. So far in the operation forces have uncovered 2 Qassam launchers, 4 anti-tank missiles, 32 AK-47s, 20 grenades, 2 pipe-bombs, various ammunition types, IDF uniforms, 14 protective vests and additional equipment.
- The IDF carried out six aerial attacks in the northern Gaza Strip, targeting a cell of rocket launchers, two armed gunmen planting explosives near the forces, three groups of armed gunmen moving near the forces, and an explosive device planted near the forces.
- The IDF carried out two aerial attacks- in the city of Rafah yesterday and in Gaza City this morning, targeting two vehicles of Hamas terrorists involved in the launching of rockets into Israel.
The IDF is continuing its operation in the area in order to prevent and disrupt the launching of rockets at Israel and to damage the terror infrastructure in the Beit Hanoun area.
("Summary of IDF Activity in Beit Hanoun," IDF Spokesperson's Office, November 4, 2006).
November 4, 2006:
Egyptian Police seize 1,400 kilograms (3,086 pounds) of explosives buried in two separate caches in the Sinai.
The intended use of the explosives is under investigation, but preliminary indications were that a cache of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) found 30 kilometers (20 miles) east of Gaza was to be smuggled across the border. A second cache of 400 kilograms (882 pounds) found east of the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya appeared to be slated for use by Egyptian terrorists.
The discoveries mark the second large haul of explosives in Sinai in eight days. On October 27, police seized one ton of explosives in the Rissan mountains, 30 kilometers (20 miles) east of Israel.
("Egyptian Police Seize Some 1,400 Kilos of TNT Buried in N. Sinai," Associated Press, November 4, 2006).
Egyptian Police seize 1,400 kilograms (3,086 pounds) of explosives buried in two separate caches in the Sinai.
The intended use of the explosives is under investigation, but preliminary indications were that a cache of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) found 30 kilometers (20 miles) east of Gaza was to be smuggled across the border. A second cache of 400 kilograms (882 pounds) found east of the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya appeared to be slated for use by Egyptian terrorists.
The discoveries mark the second large haul of explosives in Sinai in eight days. On October 27, police seized one ton of explosives in the Rissan mountains, 30 kilometers (20 miles) east of Israel.
("Egyptian Police Seize Some 1,400 Kilos of TNT Buried in N. Sinai," Associated Press, November 4, 2006).
November 3, 2006:
Operation Autumn Clouds continues. At least 15 Palestinian terrorists are killed in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Nine of the fatalities occur in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun.
In the most recent incidents on Friday night, three Israel Air Force strikes around the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya and one near the southern town of Rafiah kill seven Palestinian terrorists and wounded several more. A few hours earlier, another airstrike hit a makeshift mosque on the outskirts of Beit Hanun, killing at least one Palestinian and injuring three others.
The IDF says it targeted a group of terrorists planting an explosive device near a road junction.
The IDF notes the Beit Hanun operation is aimed at preventing Qassam rocket fire from the town at southern Israel. Since the operation began, at least 25 Palestinians have been killed in the town, most of them terrorists.
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "19 Palestinians Killed as IDF Raids in West Bank, Gaza go into Third Day," Ha'aretz, November 3, 2006).
Operation Autumn Clouds continues. At least 15 Palestinian terrorists are killed in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Nine of the fatalities occur in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun.
In the most recent incidents on Friday night, three Israel Air Force strikes around the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya and one near the southern town of Rafiah kill seven Palestinian terrorists and wounded several more. A few hours earlier, another airstrike hit a makeshift mosque on the outskirts of Beit Hanun, killing at least one Palestinian and injuring three others.
The IDF says it targeted a group of terrorists planting an explosive device near a road junction.
The IDF notes the Beit Hanun operation is aimed at preventing Qassam rocket fire from the town at southern Israel. Since the operation began, at least 25 Palestinians have been killed in the town, most of them terrorists.
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "19 Palestinians Killed as IDF Raids in West Bank, Gaza go into Third Day," Ha'aretz, November 3, 2006).
November 3, 2006:
- Palestinian terrorists launch four Qassam rockets at the Negev and fire an anti-tank rocket at an IDF post in south Gaza, lightly wounding a soldier. One Qassam rocket lands on a house in Kibbutz Beeri, causing damage but no injuries. The second impacts in a residential neighborhood in Sderot, and the third and fourth in an open area on the outskirts of the town.
- 34 Palestinian terrorists have been killed by IDF forces since operation Autumn Clouds began. Eight terrorists are killed during clashes in the town of Beit Hanoun (Friday).
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "9 Palestinians Killed as IDF Raid in Gaza Goes into Third Day," Ha'aretz, November 3, 2006; "Qassam Lands on House Despite Operation," YnetNews, November 3, 2006).
- Palestinian terrorists launch four Qassam rockets at the Negev and fire an anti-tank rocket at an IDF post in south Gaza, lightly wounding a soldier. One Qassam rocket lands on a house in Kibbutz Beeri, causing damage but no injuries. The second impacts in a residential neighborhood in Sderot, and the third and fourth in an open area on the outskirts of the town.
- 34 Palestinian terrorists have been killed by IDF forces since operation Autumn Clouds began. Eight terrorists are killed during clashes in the town of Beit Hanoun (Friday).
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "9 Palestinians Killed as IDF Raid in Gaza Goes into Third Day," Ha'aretz, November 3, 2006; "Qassam Lands on House Despite Operation," YnetNews, November 3, 2006).
November 3, 2006:
IDF forces identify a car bomb in Nablus. Two escaping Fatah-al Aqsa Brigades senior operatives are shot. One is killed, the other wounded.
(DebkaFile, November 3, 2006).
IDF forces identify a car bomb in Nablus. Two escaping Fatah-al Aqsa Brigades senior operatives are shot. One is killed, the other wounded.
(DebkaFile, November 3, 2006).
November 3, 2006:
IDF forces exchange fire with 60 Palestinian terrorists holed up in a mosque in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun. The ceiling of the mosque collapses during the clash.
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "IDF Troops Encircle Gaza Mosque, Trade Fire with Gunmen Inside," Ha'aretz, November 3, 2006).
IDF forces exchange fire with 60 Palestinian terrorists holed up in a mosque in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun. The ceiling of the mosque collapses during the clash.
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "IDF Troops Encircle Gaza Mosque, Trade Fire with Gunmen Inside," Ha'aretz, November 3, 2006).
November 3, 2006:
- Hamas has succeeded in establishing an anti-tank missile smuggling route from the Sinai Peninsula to the Arava near Eilat. The missiles are ferried across the Jordan River, then smuggled into the West Bank via the Dead Sea sector.
- Hamas plans to create a live-fire zone in various areas along the Green Line (West Bank). According to a Central Command (PAKMAZ) senior officer, "The firing of anti-tank missiles at [communities] and Israeli vehicles will escalate in Judea and Samaria. It is only a question of a short time before areas inside the Green Line become targets."
("Hamas Begins Firing Antitank Missiles from the West Bank," DebkaFile, November 2, 2006).
- Hamas has succeeded in establishing an anti-tank missile smuggling route from the Sinai Peninsula to the Arava near Eilat. The missiles are ferried across the Jordan River, then smuggled into the West Bank via the Dead Sea sector.
- Hamas plans to create a live-fire zone in various areas along the Green Line (West Bank). According to a Central Command (PAKMAZ) senior officer, "The firing of anti-tank missiles at [communities] and Israeli vehicles will escalate in Judea and Samaria. It is only a question of a short time before areas inside the Green Line become targets."
("Hamas Begins Firing Antitank Missiles from the West Bank," DebkaFile, November 2, 2006).
November 2, 2006:
- IDF forces surround the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun.
Objectives:
* Apprehend wanted terrorists
* Gather relevant intelligence
- Four Palestinian terrorists are killed in Beit Hanoun and west of Jabalia in two separate incidents, including the elminination of a Qassam-launching cell.
(Hanan Greenberg, "Beit Hanoun: IDF Kills 20 Terrorists," YnetNews, November 2, 2006).
- IDF forces surround the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun.
Objectives:
* Apprehend wanted terrorists
* Gather relevant intelligence
- Four Palestinian terrorists are killed in Beit Hanoun and west of Jabalia in two separate incidents, including the elminination of a Qassam-launching cell.
(Hanan Greenberg, "Beit Hanoun: IDF Kills 20 Terrorists," YnetNews, November 2, 2006).
November 2, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire Qassam rockets at the Israeli communities of Sderot, Carmit and Netiv Ha’asara. Palestinian terrorists also fire rockets at the Sufa border crossing.
Several people are treated for shock in the wake of a third attack on Sderot, the fourth barrage of the day in southern Israel. Three rockets impact in the Rabin neighborhood of Sderot, with one landing in a yard. Others damage several buildings and result in a number of residents suffering anxiety and hysteria.
One woman is lightly injured by shrapnel.
(Hana Levi Julian, "Southern Israel Absorbs Kassam Rocket Attack Onslaught," IsraelNationalNews, November 2, 2006).
Palestinian terrorists fire Qassam rockets at the Israeli communities of Sderot, Carmit and Netiv Ha’asara. Palestinian terrorists also fire rockets at the Sufa border crossing.
Several people are treated for shock in the wake of a third attack on Sderot, the fourth barrage of the day in southern Israel. Three rockets impact in the Rabin neighborhood of Sderot, with one landing in a yard. Others damage several buildings and result in a number of residents suffering anxiety and hysteria.
One woman is lightly injured by shrapnel.
(Hana Levi Julian, "Southern Israel Absorbs Kassam Rocket Attack Onslaught," IsraelNationalNews, November 2, 2006).
November 2, 2006:
Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz authorizes the transfer of 5,000 rifles to PA President Mahmoud Abbas's Presidential Guard.
("Peretz Okays Transfer of 5,000 Rifles to Abbas," Jerusalem Post, November 1, 2006).
Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz authorizes the transfer of 5,000 rifles to PA President Mahmoud Abbas's Presidential Guard.
("Peretz Okays Transfer of 5,000 Rifles to Abbas," Jerusalem Post, November 1, 2006).
November 2, 2006:
IDF Operation "Autumn Clouds" continues in and around the city of Beit Hanoun (northern Gaza Strip).
IDF forces seized weapons and night vision equipment during the first day of the operation.
(Hanan Greenberg, "IDF: No Promise Rockets Will Stop," YnetNews, November 2, 2006).
IDF Operation "Autumn Clouds" continues in and around the city of Beit Hanoun (northern Gaza Strip).
IDF forces seized weapons and night vision equipment during the first day of the operation.
(Hanan Greenberg, "IDF: No Promise Rockets Will Stop," YnetNews, November 2, 2006).
November 2, 2006:
- Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Egypt's foreign minister, announces that his government will not permit Israel to bomb smuggling tunnels along the Egypt-PA border.
"If this were to happen, it would be considered a breach of all the Palestinian-Israeli agreements. It is not possible that we would accept that or let it pass as if nothing happened...Egypt's border with Gaza is a matter of sovereignty between Egypt and the Palestinians."
- Egyptian officials reject an American proposal to station international forces led by the U.S. along the border, instead pledging to boost their own efforts to monitor the border and crack down on traffickers.
"This [proposal] is not accepted by the government, nor by public opinion..."
("Egyptian FM: IDF Attack on Gaza Border would not be Tolerated," Ha'aretz, November 1, 2006).
- Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Egypt's foreign minister, announces that his government will not permit Israel to bomb smuggling tunnels along the Egypt-PA border.
"If this were to happen, it would be considered a breach of all the Palestinian-Israeli agreements. It is not possible that we would accept that or let it pass as if nothing happened...Egypt's border with Gaza is a matter of sovereignty between Egypt and the Palestinians."
- Egyptian officials reject an American proposal to station international forces led by the U.S. along the border, instead pledging to boost their own efforts to monitor the border and crack down on traffickers.
"This [proposal] is not accepted by the government, nor by public opinion..."
("Egyptian FM: IDF Attack on Gaza Border would not be Tolerated," Ha'aretz, November 1, 2006).
November 1, 2006:
- Hamas spokesman Abu Obeideh threatens Sderot residents. "If you remain in your houses, you will be in great danger..."
Abu Obeideh also boasts that Hamas has "prepared methods and means that the IDF has not yet seen," promising "surprises" if the army moves deeper into the Gaza Strip.
- PA terrorists claim they fired a Nasser 1 rocket at the Samaria Jewish community of Migdalim, east of the Tapuach Junction on the Trans-Samaria Highway. However, an IDF spokesman notes that no such attack was reported.
A PRC statement calls the the alleged rocket launch "a first step in the direction of the destruction of Zionism, and chasing them from their homes under the threat of the rockets of resistance."
("PA Terrorists Claim They Fired a Rocket in Samaria ," IsraelNationalNews, November 1, 2006; "Hamas Warns Sderot Residents to Leave Their Homes," IsraelNationalNews, November 1, 2006).
- Hamas spokesman Abu Obeideh threatens Sderot residents. "If you remain in your houses, you will be in great danger..."
Abu Obeideh also boasts that Hamas has "prepared methods and means that the IDF has not yet seen," promising "surprises" if the army moves deeper into the Gaza Strip.
- PA terrorists claim they fired a Nasser 1 rocket at the Samaria Jewish community of Migdalim, east of the Tapuach Junction on the Trans-Samaria Highway. However, an IDF spokesman notes that no such attack was reported.
A PRC statement calls the the alleged rocket launch "a first step in the direction of the destruction of Zionism, and chasing them from their homes under the threat of the rockets of resistance."
("PA Terrorists Claim They Fired a Rocket in Samaria ," IsraelNationalNews, November 1, 2006; "Hamas Warns Sderot Residents to Leave Their Homes," IsraelNationalNews, November 1, 2006).
November 1, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire at least nine Qassam rockets at the western Negev. Three of the rockets impact in Sderot, spraying shrapnel and wounding a young child.
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "IDF Soldier, 7 Palestinians Killed in North Gaza Raid," Ha'aretz, November 1, 2006).
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire at least nine Qassam rockets at the western Negev. Three of the rockets impact in Sderot, spraying shrapnel and wounding a young child.
(Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "IDF Soldier, 7 Palestinians Killed in North Gaza Raid," Ha'aretz, November 1, 2006).
November 1, 2006:
At least 8 Palestinians are killed as IDF forces infantry and armored forces operate in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun. IDF Staff-Sergeant Kiril Golenshein, 21, from Shekef, is killed by Palestinian terrorists.
The IAF carries out two strikes during the course of the operation. One strike targets an armed gunman who approaches IDF troops operating in the area. The second targets a cell of terrorists attempting to detonate an explosive device.
Palestinian terrorists launch anti-tank missiles and fire at IDF troops during the operation.
("Palestinians: Three People Killed as IDF Enters Beit Hanun," Ha'aretz, November 1, 2006; "20 Palestinians Wounded, 8 Killed During IDF Operation in the Northern Gaza Strip," YeshaNews, November 1, 2006; Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "IDF Soldier, 6 Palestinians Killed in North Gaza Raid," Ha'aretz, November 1, 2006).
At least 8 Palestinians are killed as IDF forces infantry and armored forces operate in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun. IDF Staff-Sergeant Kiril Golenshein, 21, from Shekef, is killed by Palestinian terrorists.
The IAF carries out two strikes during the course of the operation. One strike targets an armed gunman who approaches IDF troops operating in the area. The second targets a cell of terrorists attempting to detonate an explosive device.
Palestinian terrorists launch anti-tank missiles and fire at IDF troops during the operation.
("Palestinians: Three People Killed as IDF Enters Beit Hanun," Ha'aretz, November 1, 2006; "20 Palestinians Wounded, 8 Killed During IDF Operation in the Northern Gaza Strip," YeshaNews, November 1, 2006; Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "IDF Soldier, 6 Palestinians Killed in North Gaza Raid," Ha'aretz, November 1, 2006).
November 1, 2006:
IDF Major General Yoav Galant, head of the Southern Command (PADAM), tells the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee "the strength of Hamas has grown immensely and significantly since the disengagement."
Galant also notes that "thousands of families living in the Gaza area and in Egypt make a living from smuggling weapons into the area."
("IDF Southern Commander: Terrorism Worse Since Expulsion," IsraelNationalNews, October 31, 2006).
IDF Major General Yoav Galant, head of the Southern Command (PADAM), tells the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee "the strength of Hamas has grown immensely and significantly since the disengagement."
Galant also notes that "thousands of families living in the Gaza area and in Egypt make a living from smuggling weapons into the area."
("IDF Southern Commander: Terrorism Worse Since Expulsion," IsraelNationalNews, October 31, 2006).
[Archive]