The Strategic Division/Military-Strategic Information Section

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The Strategic Division/Military-Strategic Information Section

March 1st – March 15th

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Defining Trends

The West Bank

Terrorist attacks continue in the West Bank. On 11 March five family members, including a four-

month-old baby girl, a four-year-old boy, an eight-year-old boy, and the children’s two

parents were stabbed to death in the Jewish community of Itamar. There were five additional

attacks in the period of this report: on two occasions Palestinian vehicles attempted to run over IDF

soldiers, a Palestinian attempted to assault a BGP soldier, a Palestinian attempted to assault an Israeli

policeman and a Palestinian threw two Molotov cocktails during an arrest.

During the time of this report, Palestinian riots, most of which were violent, continued on a daily basis

(over 38 major cases were noted, including instances in which rioters lit tires on fire and threw Molotov

cocktails).

Arms, ammunition, and explosive devices were confiscated by IDF forces on at least 9 occasions.

Overall 3 IEDs, 3 Molotov cocktails, 5 pipe bombs, an M16 rifle and matching bullets, shotgun bullets, 3

hunting rifles, 4 handguns (one loaded with 8 bullets), materials intended for the construction of

explosive devices, and 4 crates filled with 5.56mm bullets, AK47 bullets, handgun magazines and a

large knife were confiscated.

Palestinian Security Force operations in the West Bank continue but their scope and quality must be

increased. When necessary, the IDF takes actions to prevent terrorist attacks from being carried out.

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The Gaza Strip

Defining Trends

Government Policy on allowing goods into the Gaza Strip continues; crossings are now able to

absorb over 300 trucks a day. During the period of 27 February – 3 March, 1,064 trucks

transporting 26,898 tons of supplies were transferred to the Gaza Strip.

On 3 March, Karni crossing was closed indefinitely due to security restrictions. Between 3 March

– 12 March, Kerem Shalom Crossing was also closed due to a strike on the Gazan side of the

border. Suffa crossing opened for the passage of trucks carrying aggregates and Erez crossing

remained open for medical transports.

Hamas continues to act aggressively against Israel. In addition to Hamas’ own terrorist

activities, the organization allows various terrorist groups to use the territory under its control to

plan and carry out attacks and rocket launches. In the period of this report, 8 rockets were

launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israeli territory. One IED was also identified and dismantled

by IDF forces.

The IAF acted in response to the rocket and mortar fire from 1 March – 15 March with a series of

pinpoint attacks targeting terrorist tunnels, a Hamas ammunition warehouse and a Hamas

manufacturing warehouse.

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The Gaza Strip cont’d

Defining Trends

On 1 March, terrorists fired a shoulder-launched RPG at an IDF tank. The success of the tank’s

newly-installed “Trophy” system marked the first time that a tank defense system successfully

neutralized such a threat.

In addition to terrorist attacks, on 15 March the Israel Navy intercepted the merchant vessel

“VICTORIA” smuggling illegal Iranian arms intended for the use of terrorist groups in Gaza. The

shipment included six sophisticated NASR 1 (C704) sea-to-surface missile, making this

smuggling attempt particularly significant. Such weapons have the potential to be a danger not

only to the Israel and international navies, but to commercial shipping vessels in the region.

Additionally, in the time period between that of this report and 21 March 2011, Israel suffered a

barrage of rocket and mortar fire emanating from the Gaza Strip. From 18 March – 20 March

alone, 51 rockets and mortars were fired at and hit Israeli territory.

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Humanitarian Support – Gaza Strip

February 27 – March 3, 2011

Trucks: 1,064

Supplies (tons): 26,898

Medical Evacuations: 388

Fuel (liters):None Heavy-duty diesel

is now delivered directly from Egypt

Cooking Gas (tons): 914

Exports: 9 truckloads

(cherry tomatoes and flowers)

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Rockets and Mortars from the Gaza Strip – Monthly

March 1st – March 15th, 2011 : 8 rockets

1/3 2/3 3/3 4/3 5/3 6/3 7/3 8/3 9/3 10/311/312/313/314/315/30

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

RocketMortar

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Annual Rockets and Mortars from the Gaza Strip

January 2010 – 15 March 2011

TotalRockets: 174Mortars: 167

Janu

ary (2

010)

Febr

uary

Marc

hApr

ilM

ayJu

ne July

Augus

t

Sept

embe

r

Octobe

r

Novem

ber

Decem

ber

Janu

ary (2

011)

Febr

uary

Mar-

150

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

16

6

24

5

11

15

911

18

56

15

18

78

11

0

57

31

7

12

24

7

35

2322

10

Rockets Mortars

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March 1st- A number of Palestinians threw an empty bottle from a vehicle at several settlers in the vicinity of the Eli community. The vehicle then left the area. Two settlers were lightly injured.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an Israeli civilian vehicle in the vicinity of the Maccabim community.

A Palestinian vehicle attempted to run over several IDF soldiers in the vicinity of the Beitar community. IDF forces initiated the suspect engagement procedure for suspicious vehicles, firing light arms at the approaching vehicle, and the vehicle left the area.

March 2nd- IDF forces and the Israeli police demolished 20 illegal structures built by Palestinians near the Mehura community.

March 3rd- A Palestinian was identified climbing on the technical fence in the vicinity of the Sha'arei Tikva community. An IDF force apprehended the Palestinian.

During an arrest south of the Yitzhar community, IDF forces discovered shotgun bullets, an M-16 rifle and matching bullets. The arms were confiscated by IDF forces.

Major Events – West Bank

March 1st – March 3rd

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March 3rd cont’d- Several settlers set fire to a Palestinian vehicle south of the Nacihel community.

Approximately 30 Palestinians rioted and threw stones and Molotov cocktails in the vicinity of the city of Bethlehem. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

One 9mm handgun and a hunting rifle were discovered in a Palestinian house south of the Maskiot community. March 4th- Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the vicinity of the Beit Horon community.

During an arrest southeast of the Har Gilo community, several Palestinians threw two Molotov cocktails at an IDF force. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the vicinity of the Na'alin, Nabi Salah and Bi'lin communities. IDF forces dispersed the riots.


March 3rd – March 4th

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March 5th- One Palestinian crossed the technical fence into Israeli territory in the vicinity of the Ma’ale Gilboa community. An IDF force arrested the suspect. Two IDF soldiers were lightly injured in the process and the suspect was sent to investigation.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force in the vicinity of the Bracha community. BGP forces dispersed the riot.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the vicinity of the Nahnieli community. IDF forces dispersed the riots.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at Israeli civilians in the vicinity of the Ofra community.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the vicinity of the Beit Horon and Karmei Zur communities. IDF and BGP forces dispersed the riot.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF forces in the city of Hebron. IDF forces dispersed the riot.


March 5th

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March 6th- A Palestinian suspect in possession of a hunting rifle was arrested north of the Sdr Bar community. The weapon was confiscated by IDF forces.

A number of Palestinians rioted and lit tires on fire in the vicinity of the Anatot community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

A number of Palestinians approached an IDF secure path south of the Har Gilo community. IDF forces dispersed the crowd.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF forces at Kalandya checkpoint. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF mobilized patrol in the vicinity of Hebron. Two Palestinian suspects were arrested.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF mobilized patrol south of the Itamar community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.


March 6th

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March 7th- IDF forces arrested a Palestinian driver in possession of a weapon loaded with eight bullets at an IDF checkpoint south of the city of Nablus. The Palestinian was sent to investigation.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at approximately 25 settlers who were uprooting olive trees IVO the Migdaliam community. In response, the settlers threw stones and fired light arms at the Palestinians. IDF forces dispersed the riot. One settler and ten Palestinians were injured. One settler was arrested.

IDF and BGP forces evacuated three illegal structures built by Israelis at an Israeli settlement in the vicinity of the Nachliel community.

An IDF force arrested a Palestinian carrying five pipe bombs and three Molotov cocktails north of the Rechalim community.

March 8th- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force in the vicinity of the Ariel community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

March 9th- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF forces during an initiated activity south of Beit Horon community. One Palestinians was arrested.


March 7th – March 9th

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March 9th cont’d- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at BGP forces southwest of the Nahal Negohot community. The BGP forces dispersed the riot.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at the security fence in the vicinity of the Anatot community. BGP forces dispersed the riot.

March 10th- An IDF force confiscated two IEDs at an IDF checkpoint in the vicinity of the town of Qalqilyah. The explosives devices were dismantled by an IDF force.

March 11th- Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF and BGP forces in the vicinity of the villages of Na'lin, Bi'lin and Nabi Salah. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force in the vicinity of the El Aruv and Um Salmona communities.

March 12th- A terrorist infiltrated the Itamar community and stabbed five family members, including a four-month-old baby girl, a four-year-old boy, an eight-year-old boy, and two parents, to death. Three additional settlers suffered from shock.



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March 12th cont’d- A Palestinian attempted to assault a BGP soldier during a mobilized patrol in the city of Hebron. The Palestinian was sent to investigation.

IDF forces arrested seven Palestinians carrying one handgun and materials intended for the construction of explosive devices west of the Itamar community. The Palestinians were sent to investigation and the weapons were confiscated by the IDF force.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at three Israeli civilian vehicles in the vicinity of the Givon community. The vehicles sustained damage.

A number of Palestinians and settlers threw stones in a violent confrontation in the vicinity of the Yitzhar community. IDF forces dispersed the crowd.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an Israeli civilian vehicle in the vicinity of the Karmei Tzur community. IDF forces dispersed the riot. One Palestinian was injured.

Several Palestinians attempted to run over a number of IDF soldiers south of the Karmei Tzur community. The IDF force initiated the suspect engagement procedure in order to deter the Palestinians.


March 12th

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March 13th

March 13th- Israeli settlers gathered at the Beit Hagai, Eli and Ofra communities, the villages of Beit Ummar and Awarta and several junctions in protest of the 11 March terrorist attack on the Itamar community in which five Israelis were killed. Four settlers were arrested.

Two Palestinians crossed the technical fence in the vicinity of the Sha'arei Tikva community. An IDF force arrested the Palestinians.

During an initiated activity in the village of Awarta, IDF forces arrested three Palestinians in possession of two crates filled with 5.56mm bullets, 'AK-47' bullets and a handgun magazine. Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF forces during the activity. IDF forces dispersed the riot and three Palestinians were sent to investigation. The weapons were confiscated by the IDF force.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at BGP forces in the vicinity of the village of Awarta. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF forces in the village of Awarta. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

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March 14th – March 15th March 14th- IDF forces apprehended a Palestinian attempting to break through an IDF checkpoint in the vicinity of the Ma'ale Efraim community. The Palestinian was sent to interrogation.

During an initiated activity southwest of the Itamar community, IDF forces apprehended four Palestinians carrying two containers filled with 5.56 mm bullets, one handgun magazine, one rifle, an improvised handgun and a large knife. The Palestinians were sent to interrogation and the ammunition was confiscated for the IDF force.

Approximately 50 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at a BGP force northeast of the Itamar community. BGP forces dispersed the riot.

According to Palestinian claims, several settlers attacked a Palestinian family’s house in the village of Awarta, lightly injured a child and vandalized the family's belongings. Approximately 70 Palestinians rioted southwest of the Itamar community in response to the report.

March 15th- A number of Palestinians rioted, threw stones and placed a burning tire near an IDF force during a mobilized patrol south of the Migdal Oz community. Later that day, a number of Palestinians gathered again to riot, throw stones and light tires on fire. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

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March 15th March 15th cont’d- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF forces northwest of the Ram On community.

Approximately 15 Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the vicinity of the Karmei Zur community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

During an IDF mobilized patrol IDF forces arrested a suspicious Palestinian in possession of an IED south of the Chinanit community. A police bomb squad dismantled the IED and the suspect was sent to investigation.

A number of Palestinians rioted and placed a burning tire near the technical fence in the vicinity of the Karmei Zur community. IDF forces chased one of the rioters into the Beit Umar village. While chasing the suspect, a number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at the IDF forces, which dispersed the riot. One Palestinian was sent to investigation.

Two Palestinians attempted to attack an Israeli policeman at an IDF checkpoint in the city of Hebron. Two Palestinians were sent to investigation.

Approximately 15 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at the Karmei Tzur community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

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March 1st- An RPG missile was launched at an IDF armored patrol northeast of Suffa crossing. The missile was intercepted by the “Trophy” anti-missile defense system.

Two Palestinians approached the technical fence in a restricted security zone in the vicinity of Kissufim. IDF forces fired missiles in order to deter them. According to the Palestinian media, the two Palestinians were injured.

March 2nd- IDF forces identified one suspicious Palestinian near the technical fence northwest of Karni crossing. The forces initiated the suspect engagement procedure and fired shots into the air. The forces arrested the suspect and returned him to the Gaza Strip.

A suspicious boat carrying five Palestinians was identified crossing into Israeli territorial waters. A navy patrol vessel initiated the suspect engagement procedure for suspicious vessels and the boat turned around.

March 5th - One rocket hit in the vicinity of the town of Sa'ad.

One rocket hit in the vicinity of the Nahal Oz IDF base. The 'Global Jihad' organization claimed responsibility for the attack.

Major Events – Gaza Strip

March 1st - March 5th

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March 5th cont’d- IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (‘PIJ‘) organization tunnel intended for terrorism in the city of Gaza.

IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Hamas ammunitions warehouse in the vicinity of the Nuseirat R.C.

IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Hamas ammunitions manufacturing facility in the vicinity of the city of Deir Al-Balah.

March 9th- During an initiated activity to secure IDF routes, an explosive device was discovered northeast of Karni crossing. An IDF sapper squad dismantled the device.

March 10th- During a mobilized patrol IDF forces identified a rocket launching east of Kissufim crossing. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) organization claimed responsibility for the attack.

March 11th- A Palestinian boat was identified crossing into Israeli territorial waters. A navy patrol vessel initiated the suspect engagement procedure for suspicious vessels and the boat turned around.



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March 11th cont’d- A rocket was detected hitting northeast of the Nativ Ha'asara kibbutz. Smoke was identified in the vicinity of the kibbutz.

An IDF force initiated the suspect engagement procedure following the identification of a Palestinian suspect adjacent to the technical fence northwest of Erez crossing. The Palestinian was apprehended, sent to investigation and later released.


March 11th

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Merchant Vessel “VICTORIA” Intercepted Smuggling Iranian Arms to Gaza15 March 2011On 15 March 2011, with the consent of the captain, IDF navy forces intercepted and

searched the merchant ship “VICTORIA” approximately 200 nautical miles west of

Israel. The vessel had departed from Lattakia Port, Syria on 6 March and was en

route to Egypt’s Alexandria Port following a stopp in Beirut, Lebanon. The vessel was

flying the Liberian national flag, was owned by a German national and was operated

by the French shipping company CMA CGM.

Onboard, Israel Navy forces discovered 25 tons of illegal Iranian arms intended for

the use of terrorist groups in the Gaza strip. The illegal arms included six NASR 1

missiles (The Iranian version of the C704 surface-to-sea missile), 2,000 60mm

mortal shells, approximately 200 120mm mortal shells and tens of thousands of

7.62mm bullets.

Following the discovery, the ship was towed to Israeli port of Ashdod for further

inspection. The vessel and her crew left Israel to continue on to their original

destination on 17 March 2011.

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The Strategic Division/Military-Strategic Information Section