Transcript Major Events – West Bank

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MONTHLY UPDATE
MARCH, 2010
Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division
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Defining Trends
The West Bank
The rise in terrorist activity in the West Bank continued this month. Assaults against Israeli
civilians and security forces, using rocks, burning tires, and Molotov cocktails, have
increased (79 Molotov cocktails were thrown, compared to 36 last month).
Over one weekend (18-20/03), 11 separate violent demonstrations were noted, resulting in
several injured Israelis and Palestinians, as well as four Palestinian casualties, which led to
an IDF probe. While Palestinian Security Force operations continue to improve, their scope
and quality must be increased. Coordination between the IDF, Civil Administration, and
Palestinian Security Forces has improved.
In contrast, during the recent Christian holidays, goodwill measures were implemented by
the IDF and COGAT for the benefit of the Palestinian population in the West Bank. These
measures are part of a policy aimed to improve the quality of life of the population in the
region. As an example, in the West Bank more than 10,000 Palestinian residents entered
Israel this past month.
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Defining Trends
The Gaza Strip
• This month saw a rise in terrorist activity, including rocket fire and activity along the security
fence, leading to three Israeli casualties. Around 40 rockets and mortars were fired at
Israel from the Gaza Strip this month, doubling the number of rockets fired this year.
• Of these, nearly 20 landed in Israeli territory, including one which landed in Kibbutz Netiv
Ha’asara, killing a foreign worker (18/03). Additionally, 3 Israelis were killed near Kissufim
crossing—one by friendly fire (22/03) and two by a targeted Palestinian attack (26/03).
• The IDF responded with IAF surgical strikes targeting smuggling tunnels, a weapon
manufacturing site, and terrorist infrastructure.
• Efforts to aid the local residents in the Gaza Strip continue, including transfers of food,
equipment, and medical supplies. For the Christian holidays, 500 Christian-Palestinian
residents entered the West Bank in order to visit their families and participate in religious
ceremonies.
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Rockets and Mortars from the Gaza Strip
Monthly
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
18
March 2010:
41 Rocket Launchings
10
6 Mortar Shell Launchings
5
3
2
1-6/3/10
1
7-13/3/10
14-20/3/10
Rockets
21-27/3/10
1
28-31/3/10
Mortars
Yearly
40
35
35
28
30
Oct 09 – Mar 10
165 Total Launchings
25
20
13
15
10
9
13
11
9
3
5
5
3
5
6
0
Oct--09
Nov--09
Dec--09
Rockets
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Jan--10
Mortars
Feb--10
Mar--10
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Humanitarian Support – Gaza Strip
Erez Crossing
SUMGGLING ATTEMPTS AT THE
CROSSINGS (ARCHIVE)
March 1-31, 2010
Trucks: 2190
Supplies (tons): 54,688
Medical Evacuations: 1349
Fuel (liters): 4.7 million
Nahal Oz
Crossing
Karni Crossing
Kissufim
Crossing
Sufa
Crossing
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN
‘EREZ’ CROSSING
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West Bank - Update
West Bank Update
The IDF has continuously sought to increase the quality of life within the West Bank. This
has been a joint effort, relying on coordination and cooperation between the Palestinian
Authority, the State of Israel and the international community.
 Despite the security risks posed, 27 of the 41 inter-checkpoints in the West Bank
have been removed in the past two years
 The numbers of Palestinians permitted to enter Israeli territory for work has been
increased as well – 30,000 Palestinians are now permitted to work in Israel, as well as
22,000 permitted to work in settlements. This has brought the number of permits issues
in the past two years to over one million.
 As a result of a Supreme Court decision, the IDF and the State of
Israel chose to open Route 443 to Palestinian traffic.
 Ever since the Israeli Supreme Court decision there have
been two attacks on Route 443. This month (3/13) a
Molotov cocktail was hurled at a vehicle driving on Route
443 near Ofer prison, lightly injuring a father and son in the
process.
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ROUTE 443
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Humanitarian Efforts
Goodwill Measures Implemented During Christian Holidays
During the recent Christian holidays, goodwill measures were implemented by the IDF and
COGAT for the benefit of the Palestinian population in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
These measures are part of a policy aimed to improve the quality of life of the population
in the region.
In the West Bank more than 10,000 Palestinian residents entered Israel.
In the Gaza Strip 500 Christian-Palestinian residents entered the West Bank in order to
visit their families and participate in religious ceremonies. Moreover, senior delegations
were authorized to cross into the Gaza Strip via Erez crossing.
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Major Events – West Bank
March 1st-2nd
March 1st –Israeli Police forces arrested a Palestinian carrying a knife near Tapuach
Junction.
March 2nd – A gun and half a kilogram of explosives were turned over to IDF forces near
Salem checkpoint.
Near Hava 5, two suspicious Palestinians carrying knives were arrested.
IDF forces confiscated a pipe bomb and 2 mortar shells found in an Arab village near
Horesh Yaron.
Five Palestinians driving near Beit Horon shot at an IDF outpost in the area. An hour later,
IDF forces near Dolev arrested the Palestinians and confiscated the weapon used for the
shooting.
IDF forces confiscated a shock grenade Near Hebron.
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Major Events – West Bank
March 3rd-4th
March 3rd – IDF forces arrested a suspicious Palestinian carrying a knife in Kalandia.
A suspicious Palestinian vehicle was stopped near Negohot. Two knives were found in the
vehicle.
A number of Palestinians hurled rocks at Israelis near Ashtemoa. One Israeli
was injured lightly as a result.
March 4th – A Palestinian shot at an IDF outpost near Ram On. IDF forces responded with
fire. No injuries were reported from the incident.
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Major Events – West Bank
Weekend
March 5th
March 5th – Approximately 50 Palestinians demonstrated violently near
Halamish, hurling rocks at IDF and BGP forces in the area and injuring 3 BGP
soldiers lightly. IDF forces responded with riot dispersal gear, including
rubber bullets. As a result, one Palestinian was severely injured.
BGP forces near Kalandia arrested 2 suspicious Palestinians. They were carrying 2 pipe
bombs.
Approximately 100 Palestinians demonstrated violently in an Arab village
near Halamish, hurling rocks at IDF and BGP forces in the area and lightly
injured 3 BGP soldiers. IDF forces responded with riot dispersal gear. As a
result, 4 Palestinians were injured; one severely and three lightly.
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Major Events – West Bank
Weekend
March 6th
March 6th – Approximately 10 Palestinians demonstrated violently near
Reches Ha’Sela. The rioters hurled rocks at IDF forces in the area and lightly
injured a soldier. IDF forces responded with riot dispersal gear, injuring 3
Palestinians.
IDF forces arrested a suspicious Palestinian near Bekaot. The Palestinian was found to
be carrying 3 pipe bombs.
A burning tire was found near Har Gilo. Further patrols in the area revealed an
improvised explosive device.
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Major Events – West Bank
March 7th-9th
March 7th – Approximately 100 Palestinians demonstrated violently near Bir Zeit. The
rioters hurled rocks at IDF forces in the area and lightly injured a soldier. IDF forces
responded with riot dispersal gear. No Palestinian injuries were reported.
IDF forces confiscated 5 hand grenades and 2 explosives near Psagot.
March 8th – A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently near Shvut Ami. They threw
Molotov cocktails at vehicles. No injuries were reported.
Near Yitzhar, it was reported that Israelis set fire to a Palestinian bus used for storage, a
construction tractor and three water tanks.
March 9th – BGP forces demolished illegal Israeli structures in Sil’it.
IDF forces confiscated 5 pipe bombs and 21 fuses near Psagot.
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Major Events – West Bank
March 10th-11th
March 10th – IDF forces arrested two suspicious Palestinians carrying 9 Kalashnikov bullets
and one 9-mm bullet near Tapuach junction.
BGP forces demolished illegal Israeli structures in Yakir.
A Palestinian threw a Molotov cocktail at IDF forces near Bir Zeit. Later, a number of
Palestinians threw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli bus. No injuries were reported in both
incidents.
A suspicious Palestinian was arrested in Hebron with a knife.
March 11th – A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently near Yavrod. The
rioters threw rocks at vehicles driving in the area. One Israeli was lightly
injured as a result.
IDF and BGP forces demolished an illegal Israeli structure in Bat Ayin.
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Major Events – West Bank
Weekend
March 12th
March 12th – Three Palestinians hurled rocks at Israeli vehicles near Rantis
checkpoint. As a result, one Israeli civilian was lightly injured.
Approximately 100 Palestinians demonstrated violently near Na’alin and about 100
Palestinians demonstrated violently near Bil’in. The rioters hurled rocks at IDF and BGP
forces in both areas. IDF forces responded with riot dispersal gear. No Palestinian injuries
were reported.
Approximately 100 Palestinians demonstrated violently near Halamish, hurling
rocks at IDF forces in the area. IDF forces responded with riot dispersal gear and
lightly injured one Palestinian in the process.
IDF forces near Tsalvanit junction arrested a suspicious Palestinian woman with a knife.
IDF forces near Efrat arrested a suspicious Palestinian with a 30cm-long knife.
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Major Events – West Bank
Weekend
March 13th
March 13th - A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently and threw Molotov
cocktails near Route 443, by Givon Hadasha. A father and son were lightly injured
as a result.
IDF forces in Hebron arrested a suspicious Palestinian carrying 3 knives.
Around 50 Palestinians demonstrated violently and hurled Molotov cocktails near Kalandia
checkpoint. No injuries were reported.
SENIOR HAMAS TERRORIST ARRESTED
Maher U’dda, a Hamas military wing operative was arrested in a joint IDF, ISA and Israeli
Police operation in Ramallah.
During the Second Intifadah, U’dda held a managerial role in organizing and funding of a
Hamas military cell that was responsible for the murder of 10 Israeli civilians.
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Major Events – West Bank
March 14th-15th
March 14th – A number of Palestinians rioters near Itzhar threw Molotov
cocktails at an Israeli bus and lightly injured an Israeli in the process.
BGP forces near Kiosk junction arrested a suspicious Palestinian dressed in an IDF uniform.
March 15th – Approximately 200 Palestinians demonstrated violently near
Nahliel. The rioters hurled rocks at IDF forces in the area, lightly injuring one
soldier. IDF forces responded with riot dispersal gear and severely injured 2
Palestinians while lightly injuring another 5 Palestinians.
Approximately 40 Palestinians demonstrated violently near Giv’at Ze’ev. The rioters hurled
rocks at IDF forces in the area and were observed to be carrying Molotov cocktails. IDF
forces responded with riot dispersal gear. No injuries were reported.
BGP forces demolished illegal Israeli structures in Teqoa and Neve Daniel.
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Major Events – West Bank
March 16th
March 16th – Approximately 20 Palestinians demonstrated violently near Yitzhar. They hurled
rocks at BGP forces in the area. No injuries were reported.
Approximately 200 Palestinians demonstrated violently by Ramallah. They threw
rocks at BGP forces in the area lightly injuring one soldier. IDF forces responded
with riot dispersal gear lightly injuring 5 Palestinians. Similar demonstrations
occurred in A’Ram, Beitilu, and Na’alin. Throughout these riots, two Palestinians
were lightly injured. The IDF identified another 18 violent demonstrations. No
more injuries were reported.
BGP forces near Kalandia arrested a suspicious Palestinian with 2 pipe bombs.
Approximately 50 Palestinians demonstrated violently near Bethlehem. The rioters
threw rocks at BGP forces patrolling the area. IDF forces responded with riot
dispersal gear, lightly injuring 4 Palestinians. Similar incidents occurred by Beit
Ha’Moshel, Teqoa, El-Arov, and Beit Omer, lightly injured a BGP soldier and two
Israelis.
A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently in Hebron, hurling rocks and Molotov
cocktails at IDF forces in the area. IDF forces responded with riot dispersal gear.
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Major Events – West Bank
March 17th-18th
March 17th – Approximately 100 Palestinians demonstrated violently near
Habitot. The rioters threw rocks at IDF forces in the area. IDF forces responded
with riot dispersal gear lightly injuring one Palestinian.
In Hebron, IDF forces arrested a Palestinian who threw a Molotov cocktail toward them.
Shortly after, 3 IDF soldiers were assaulted and lightly injured by a group of Palestinians in
Hebron.
March 18th – A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently near Hawara, throwing rocks
at IDF forces in the area. IDF forces arrested one suspicious Palestinian as a result.
A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently near Kfar Etzion. The rioters
threw rocks at Israeli civilians in the area and lightly injured one of them as a
result.
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Major Events – West Bank
Weekend
March 19th
March 19th – Approximately 50 Palestinians demonstrated violently near Baracha.
The rioters burnt a tire and threw rocks at IDF and BGP forces in the area. IDF
forces responded with riot dispersal gear killing two Palestinians.
Commander of the Judea and Samaria Regional Brigade, Brig. Gen. Nitzan Alon,
appointed a team of experts, led by a Lieutenant-Colonel, to examine the
circumstances surrounding the death of the two Palestinian rioters.
A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently near Ariel, hurling rocks at Israeli cars
passing by. Though the car was damaged, no injuries were reported.
A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently and threw two Molotov cocktails at IDF
forces. No injuries were reported.
A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently and threw three Molotov cocktails at IDF
forces near Giv’on. No injuries were reported.
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Major Events – West Bank
Weekend
March 19th
March 19th – Approximately 50 Palestinians demonstrated violently in Bil’in,
throwing rocks at security forces in the area. IDF forces responded with riot
dispersal gear, lightly injuring one Palestinian.
Approximately 100 Palestinians rioters threw rocks at IDF and BGP forces in
Halamish. IDF forces responded with riot dispersal gear, lightly injuring a tourist.
A BGP soldier was injured in the process as well.
Approximately 30 Palestinians demonstrated violently near Hashmonaim. They
threw rocks at IDF forces in the area and lightly injured a soldier as a result.
A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently near Hizma junction. They
threw rocks at cars passing by, lightly injuring an Israeli woman.
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Major Events – West Bank
Weekend
March 20th
March 20th – IDF forces arrested a Palestinian carrying 2 hunting knives, IDF
binoculars, an explosive detonation system and many bullets near Teqoa.
A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently near Kfar Etzion. The rioters threw Molotov
cocktails at IDF forces patrolling the area. IDF forces responded with riot dispersal gear.
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Major Events – West Bank
March 21st-25th
March 21st – Two Palestinians attempted to stab an IDF soldier near
Bethlehem. In response, IDF forces shot and killed the two Palestinians.
A number of Palestinians shot at IDF soldiers near Negohot. IDF forces responded with
fire. No injuries were reported. Further patrolling of the area revealed several full AK-47
cartridges.
March 22nd – IDF forces near Hava 5 arrested 2 suspicious Palestinians carrying knives.
March 23rd – A number of Palestinians and Israelis threw rocks at each other
near Habitot. As a result, 2 Israeli civilians were lightly injured.
March 24th – IDF forces arrested 2 suspicious Palestinians carrying knives.
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Major Events – West Bank
Weekend
March 26th-27th
March 26th – IDF forces near Kalandia arrested a Palestinian woman carrying a 30cm-long
knife.
Two Molotov cocktails were thrown at BGP forces near Kiosk.
Approximately 100 Palestinians demonstrated violently near Halamish, hurling
rocks at security forces in the area. IDF forces responded with riot dispersal gear
and lightly injured 3 Palestinians.
March 28th-31st
March 28th – IDF forces arrested a suspicious Palestinian with a knife near Bekaot.
March 31st – IDF forces confiscated a homemade rifle, 9-mm bullets and an empty magazine
near Baracha.
Approximately 200 Palestinians demonstrated violently near Beitunia, throwing
stones at IDF forces in the area injuring three soldiers.
A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently near Alfe Menashe. They threw
rocks at a bus, injuring one Israeli.
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Major Events – Jerusalem
Jerusalem
March 5th – Approximately 100 Israeli Arabs demonstrated violently on the
Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The rioters threw rocks at Israeli police officers,
injuring 18 policemen.
March 16th – An Israeli police officer was shot and lightly injured in the Ras El
Amud neighborhood in Jerusalem.
Violent demonstrations occurred throughout East Jerusalem neighborhoods
including Ras El Amud, Siluwan, Abu-Tor, and Shuafat. BGP and Israeli police
forces arrested approximately 60 Palestinians for incitement and violence. As a
result of massive rock throwing, 17 police officers were lightly injured. IDF forces
responded with riot dispersal gear and as a result, 75 Palestinians were lightly
injured.
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Major Events – Jerusalem
Jerusalem
March 17th – A number of Palestinians demonstrated violently near the
Headquarters of the IDF Central Command. The rioters threw rocks, lightly
injuring one officer.
March 19th – Approximately 70 Palestinians demonstrated violently near Giv’at
Ze’ev, throwing threw rocks and burning tires at IDF forces in the area. IDF forces
responded with riot dispersal gear, lightly injuring one Palestinian and severely
injuring another.
March 29th – Israeli Police forces arrested a suspicious Palestinian wearing a Kippa and
carrying a knife.
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Major Events – Gaza Strip
March 1st-4th
March 1st – During a routine patrol by Erez crossing, IDF forces identified 2
suspicious Palestinians near the technical fence. IDF forces shot at the
Palestinians, killing one. Upon the Palestinian were wires and three cell phones.
Additionally, IDF forces found one mortar shell and its detonation system.
According to Palestinian media, one Palestinian died and two were injured as a
result of the Israeli response.
March 2nd – Egyptian authorities reported that they detected 5 tunnels in the southern
Gaza Strip near Rafah.
March 3rd – IDF forces near Erez Crossing identified 2 mortar shells connected to the
technical fence in the area.
Weekend
March 5th-6th
March 5th – Egyptian authorities reported the detection of a tunnel near Rafah.
A rocket launched from near Kissufim Crossing landed in the Gaza Strip.
March 6th – Egyptian authorities reported that they detected 3 tunnels in the southern
Gaza Strip near Rafah.
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Major Events – Gaza Strip
March 7th-11th
March 7th – Egyptian authorities reported that they detected 2 tunnels near Rafah crossing.
March 10th - Egyptian authorities reported that they detected 2 tunnels near Rafah crossing.
A rocket was found near Karni crossing and dismantled by IDF forces.
March 11th – A rocket launched from near Kissufim crossing landed by Kibbutz Nirim.
Two rockets launched from near Kissufim crossing landed in the Gaza Strip.
In response to Gaza rocket fire, the IAF targeted an arms factory near Han Yunis
and a smuggling tunnel near Rafah crossing.
Weekend
March 12th-13th
March 12th – Egyptian authorities reported the detection of a tunnel near Rafah crossing.
March 13th – Egyptian authorities reported the detection of a tunnel near Rafah crossing.
A rocket launched from near Nozirath landed in an open field between Kibbutz Bari and Kibbutz
Ra’im. No injuries were reported.
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Major Events – Gaza Strip
March 14th-18th
March 16th – Two rockets launched from near Erez crossing landed in Gaza Strip.
March 17th – A rocket launched from near Erez crossing landed by Sderot. One
Israeli woman received treatment for shock injuries.
A rocket launched from Jabaliya landed by Sderot. No injuries were reported.
Egyptian authorities reported that they detected 7 tunnels near Rafah crossing.
March 18th – A rocket launched from near Al Atatra landed in a
greenhouse near Kibbutz Netiv Ha’asara. One foreign worker
died as a result.
A rocket launched from near Kissufim crossing landed near Kissufim. No
injuries were reported.
LOCATION OF ROCKET LANDING WHICH
KILLED ONE FOREIGN RESIDENT
An anti-tank missile launch towards Israel failed. The rocket landed in
Gaza Strip near Sufa crossing.
In response to Palestinian rocket fire at Israeli communities, the IAF targeted 6
structures in Gaza—an arms storage facility and 5 tunnels.
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Major Events – Gaza Strip
Weekend
March 19th-20th
March 19th – Two rockets were launched from Jabaliya—one landed in Gaza Strip
and the other landed in Kibbutz Maflesim.
A rocket launched from near Karni crossing landed in Gaza Strip.
Egyptian authorities reported the detection of a tunnel near Rafah crossing.
In response to deadly Palestinian rocket fire at Israeli communities, the
IAF targeted a building in the southern Gaza Strip, near Dahaniya airport.
March 20th – Three rockets were launched from Jabaliya—one landed near Kibbutz
Erez, one landed near Kibbutz Nir Am, and another one landed near Kibbutz Maflesim.
Egyptian authorities reported the detection of a tunnel near Rafah crossing.
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Major Events – Gaza Strip
March 21th-25th
March 22nd – A rocket launched from near Beit Hanoun landed near Sderot.
A rocket launched from near Gaza City landed in Gaza Strip.
Egyptian authorities reported the detection of a tunnel near Rafah crossing.
Three suspicious Palestinians crossed into Israel from near Kissufim crossing. IDF
forces responded with warning shots. A second IDF unit mistakenly identified the
IDF force as the infiltrators, accidentally killing a soldier. The three Palestinians
were later arrested for questioning.
March 23rd - In response to Palestinian rocket fire at Israeli communities, the IAF
targeted a weapons-storage facility in Gaza City. Later, a weapons-smuggling
tunnel in the Rafah border area of the southern Gaza Strip was targeted.
A rocket launched from El Atatra landed near an IDF base.
March 24th - Egyptian authorities reported that they detected 3 tunnels near Rafah crossing.
March 25th - Egyptian authorities reported the detection of a tunnel near Rafah crossing.
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Major Events – Gaza Strip
Weekend
March 26th-27th
March 27th – Two rockets were launched from near Karni crossing—one landed near
kibbutz Kfar Aza while the other landed in Gaza Strip.
Egyptian authorities reported the detection of a tunnel near Rafah crossing.
IDF forces identified two armed Palestinians placing an explosive near the
security fence by Kissufim crossing. In response, IDF forces patrolled the area
for additional explosives. As they approached the said area, a number of
Palestinians shot toward them injuring two IDF soldiers and killing two. Three
mortar shells landed near IDF forces during the exchange of fire. During the
exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed as well.
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Major Events – Gaza Strip
March 28th-31st
March 28th – Egyptian authorities reported that they detected 3 tunnels near Rafah crossing.
March 29th - Egyptian authorities reported that they detected 2 tunnels near Rafah crossing.
March 30th – A rocket launched from near Sufa crossing landed near Ami Oz.
Hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated near the technical fence in several locations
throughout the Gaza Strip. IDF forces shot warning shots in these locations. In one
of these locations, IDF forces were forced to shoot at the demonstrators as well.
According to Palestinian media sources, one Palestinian died and four other
Palestinians were injured.
March 31st – Two rockets launched from Gaza landed near Sufa crossing.
A mortar shell launched from Gaza landed near Karni crossing.
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Around the IDF
Military Prosecution Indicts Two IDF Staff Sergeants
March 11th – The Military Prosecution, in accordance with military jurisdiction, indicted
two IDF Staff Sergeants for engaging in unauthorized conduct.
The indictment charges that during Operation Cast Lead, the two soldiers instructed a boy
to open several bags suspected to be booby-trapped while searching a building in the Tel al
Hawa neighborhood in Gaza Strip.
The Military Police initiated an investigation in June 2009 as soon as the incident became
known.
The IDF is morally obligated to prevent harming uninvolved civilians and takes numerous
measures in order to maintain the values of conduct in warfare and the law by taking legal
action against those who breach these moral values.
Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi Visits Turkey
March 15th – The Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi arrived in Turkey
to attend a NATO conference on terror, headed by the Commander of the Turkish Armed
Forces. Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi met his Turkish counterpart and the Turkish Defense Minister.
He also placed a wreath on the mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk.
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Around the IDF
Spanish Air Force Delegation Visits Israel
March 17th – A group of senior Spanish Air Force
officers, headed by the Air Force Chief of Staff,
Maj. Gen. Juan Lewis Aabad, came to Israel for a
short visit following an official invitation by the
Israeli Air Force.
The delegation met with the IAF Chief of Staff,
Brig. Gen. Nimrod Shafer, who took them on a
helicopter tour of Israel. Afterwards, they visit
several airbases and attended information
sessions, during which the IAF and the Spanish
Air Force each presented its structure and
function.
The Spanish officers completed their trip with a
visit of the Yad Vashem Museum and a tour of the
Israel Military Industries factory.
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SPANISH AIR FORCE OFFICERS
MEETING WITH AN IAF PILOT
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Around the IDF
IDF Commanders brief UN Secretary-General
March 21st – Mr. Ban Ki-Moon met with the Head of IDF military Intelligence, Maj. Gen.
Amos Yadlin for briefing on the Middle East strategic intelligence picture. Maj. Gen. Yadlin
discussed with him weapon smuggling routes, Lebanon, Hezbollah’s violation of the UN
Resolution 1701 ceasefire agreement, the Iranian nuclear project, as well as other issues.
Mr. Ban Ki-Moon met with President Peres and the Head of the IDF Planning Directorate,
Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel. They discussed the strategic issues facing the Middle East and IDF
cooperation with UN agencies and peace-keeping forces operating in the region.
Finally, Ban Ki-Moon met with IDF officers who participated in the rescue and medical aid
mission after the earthquake disaster in Haiti.
UN SECRETARY GENERAL
MR. BAN KI-MOON
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Around the IDF
Chinese Ministry Spokesperson of National Defense Visits Israel
March 22nd – The Spokesperson of the Chinese
Ministry of National Defense and the Chinese
Military, Senior Colonel Huang Xueping, arrived in
Israel for a short visit as the personal guest of the
IDF Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Avi Benayahu.
During his visit he heard briefings by IDF
professional sources about public-relations work
during both routine and emergency, as well as the
public-relations lessons learnt during the Second
Lebanon War and Operation Cast Lead. The
delegation visited Sderot, the Western Wall, Yad
Vashem, and the Home-Front Command training
base,
where
they
heard
about
the
accomplishments of the Israeli Search and Rescue
Aid Delegation in Haiti.
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SENIOR COLONEL HUANG XUEPING
AND THE IDF SPOKESPERSON
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Around the IDF
2nd Generation Ethiopians Complete the IDF Amir Course
March 22rd – Thousands of Ethiopians
celebrated graduation from the IDF Amir
course this week.
The Amir course was established four years
ago with the goal of finding a solution to
the problems Ethiopian soldiers face upon
integration into the IDF.
The Amir course takes place in Michve Alon,
an IDF military base specializing in
educational programs, and lasts for four to
seven intensive weeks. The course includes
military content and content related to
Zionism, heritage and history. In addition,
there is a series of lessons to develop
thinking and learning skills and personal
empowerment.
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RECENT AMIR GRADUATES
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Around the IDF
Commander of the Kenyan Military Visits Israel
March 25th – Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen.
Gabi Ashkenazi, met with the Commander of the
Kenyan Military, General Jeremiah Mutinda.
General Mutinda arrived in Israel for a week-long
work visit, as the guest of the Ministry of
Defense, in order to strengthen the military
cooperation between the two nations and
examine possible cooperation with the Israeli
Defense Industries. This is the first visit by a
Commander of the Kenyan Military in the IDF in
over a decade.
LT. GEN. ASHKENAZI WITH COMMANDER
OF THE KENYAN MILITARY
During his visit, the General attended security
and strategy briefings from military officials,
toured the Israeli Defense Industries, and visited
a naval base and the Yad Vashem Museum.
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