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The Strategic Division/Military-Strategic Information Section

February 15th – February 28th

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Defining Trends

The West Bank

Palestinian riots, most of which were violent, continued during the time of this report (15 February - 28 February) on a daily basis (over 35 major cases were noted, including two instances in which rioters threw Molotov cocktails).

Arms, ammunition, and army equipment were confiscated by IDF forces or handed over by PA forces on at least 5 occasions, including a shock grenade, an ‘Uzi’ automatic weapon and magazine, handguns and matching magazines and bullets, army equipment, and a 5 cm knife.

Terrorist attacks continue in the West Bank. During the period 15 February - 28 February, three attacks occurred: 2 IEDs were discovered, a burning tire filled with a gas canister was dismantled, and three Palestinians attacked a BGP force with a 5 cm knife.

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 15 February – 28 February, 2,210 trucks transporting 54,244 tons of supplies were transferred to the Gaza Strip. However, Hamas continues to act aggressively against Israel, allowing various terrorist groups to use the territory under its control to plan and carry out terrorist attacks and rocket launches in addition to Hamas’ own terrorist activities.

In the period of this report, 7 rocket, including 1 Grad rocket, and 10 mortar shells were launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israeli territory. One Grad rocket hit in the city of Be’er Sheva; four Israeli civilians suffered from shock and civilian buildings and vehicles sustained damage. Also in this period, two IEDs exploded at IDF forces, and two explosive charges were identified and dismantled by IDF forces.

The IAF acted in response to the rocket and mortar fire with a series of pinpoint attacks targeting terrorist tunnels, terrorist ammunition warehouses, a Hamas military compound, a Hamas training base, and a number of Palestinians suspected of launching rockets.

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Humanitarian Support – Gaza Strip

February 13 - 26, 2011

Trucks: 2,210

Supplies (tons): 54,244

Medical Evacuations: 786

Fuel (liters):None Heavy-duty diesel

is now delivered directly from Egypt

Cooking Gas (tons): 1,267

Exports: 23 truckloads

(strawberries and flowers)

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Rockets and Mortars from the Gaza Strip – Monthly

February 15th – February 28th, 2011 : 7 rockets, 10 mortars

1/2 3/2 5/2 7/2 9/2 11/2

13/2

15/2

17/2

19/2

21/2

23/2

25/2

27/2

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

RocketMortar

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Annual Rockets and Mortars from the Gaza Strip

January 2010 – 28 February 2011

TotalRockets: 166Mortars: 167

January (2010)

February March April May June July August September October November December January (2011)

February 0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

16

6

24

5

11

15

911

18

56

15

18

7

11

0

57

31

7

12

24

7

35

2322

10

Rockets Mortars

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February 16th- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at the Karmei Tzur community's peripheral fence. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

February 17th- An 'Uzi' machinegun and magazine and other army equipment were found by an IDF force during an illegal weapons search southwest of the Maskiot community. One Palestinian was arrested.

IDF and BGP forces demolished an illegal structure built by Palestinians northwest of the Hamara community.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at the Karmei Tzur community’s technical fence. An IDF force dispersed the riot.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an Israeli civilian vehicle in the vicinity of the Beitar lllite community. One Israeli civilian was injured.

February 18th- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the vicinity of the town of Modi'in. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

Major Events – West Bank

February 16th – February 18th

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February 18th cont’d- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw five Molotov cocktails at the technical fence in the vicinity of the Har Hadar community. BGP forces initiated the suspect engagement procedure to disperse the riot.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones south of the Adora community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at a BGP forces in the vicinity of the Mevo Horon community. BGP forces dispersed the riot.

Approximately 300 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF forces in the villages of Bi'lin Nalin and Nabi Saleh. IDF forces dispersed the riots. One Palestinian and one BGP soldier were lightly injured.

Approximately 50 Palestinians rioted and threw stones south of the Migdal Oz community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

BGP forces fired riot control ammunition at a shepherd who refused to leave an IDF checkpoint in the vicinity of the city of Bethlehem. The shepherd then left the area.

Major Events – West Bank

February 18th

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February 18th cont’d- An altercation occurred between several Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the vicinity of the city of Hebron. Three settlers assaulted a BGP force attempting to disperse the riot. Five BGP soldier were lightly injured and the three settlers were arrested and transferred to the Israel Police.

Three Palestinians rioted and threw stones at the technical fence north of the Alfei Menashe community. IDF forces apprehended the Palestinians.

February 19th- Approximately 150 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF forces in the vicinity of the Dir El Tzion community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force at a checkpoint in the vicinity of the city of Bethlehem. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

Approximately 40 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF forces in the vicinity of the Karmei Tzur community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

Four Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force in the vicinity of the city of Nablus. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

Major Events – West Bank

February 18th - February 19th

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February 19th cont’d- Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF mobilized patrol in the vicinity of the Givon community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

February 20th- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw a Molotov cocktail at an IDF force during an IDF initiated activity northwest of the city of Jericho. IDF forces arrested the suspects and one Palestinian was sent to investigation.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force during an IDF initiated activity east of the Kedumim community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

A shock grenade was found by an Israeli civilian south of the city of Nablus. The grenade was confiscated by an IDF sapper squad.

An IDF force demolished a number of illegal Bedouin structures north of the Tomer community.

February 21st- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force during an IDF initiated activity northwest of the Nahal Naguhot community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

Major Events – West Bank

February 19th – February 21st

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February 21st cont’d- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force during an IDF initiated activity northwest of the Nahal Naguhot community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

A BGP force arrested three Palestinians, one of whom was carrying a five cm knife, during an initiated activity north of the Maale Rechabam community. During the arrest, the Palestinians attacked the BGP soldiers. One BGP soldier was injured and the Palestinians were sent to investigation. The knife was confiscated by the BGP force.

Two IED's were discovered by an IDF force during an IDF initiated activity in the vicinity of the Alfei Moshe community. Two Palestinians were arrested and were sent to investigation. The IED were dismantled by IDF sappers.

February 22nd- Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force in the vicinity of the Hashmonaim community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

IDF forces and the Israeli Police demolished several illegal structures built by Palestinians east of the Utniel community.

Major Events – West Bank

February 21st – February 22nd

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February 22nd cont’d- IDF forces and Israeli civilian officials demolished two illegal structures built by Palestinians in the vicinity of the Gvaot community.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF forces during an IDF initiated activity in the vicinity of the Ma'ale Hahamisha community. IDF forces dispersed the riot. Two Palestinians were lightly injured.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at the technical fence northeast of the Halamish community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

Several Israeli settlers rioted and threw stones at an Israeli civilian vehicle in the vicinity of the Yitzhar community. One Palestinian was lightly injured.

Five Israeli settlers and twenty Palestinians threw stones in a violent confrontation in the vicinity the village of Burin. One Palestinian was lightly injured.

Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF forces in the vicinity of the Kochav Ya'akov community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

 

Major Events – West Bank

February 22nd

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February 22nd cont’d- Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at a BGP mobilized patrol north of the Nokdim community.

During an arrest north of the Nokdim community, a BGP force discovered two ‘Browning’ 9mm handguns and three full magazines with matching bullets.

A suspicious vehicle ran through an IDF checkpoint in the vicinity of the Shani checkpoint. IDF forces stationed at the checkpoint initiated the suspect engagement procedure and the vehicle left the scene.

February 23rd- Approximately 20 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at a BGP mobilized patrol in the vicinity of the city of Bethlehem.

February 24th- IDF forces arrested one suspicious Palestinian with a handgun in the vicinity of the Otniel community.

February 25th- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force during an IDF initiated activity southwest of the Shella community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

Major Events – West Bank

February 22nd – February 25th

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Major Events – West Bank

February 25th – February 26th February 25th cont’d- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an Israeli civilian vehicle north of the Ma'ale Shomron community. An IDF force arrested one Palestinian.

Approximately 300 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF and BGP forces in the city of Hebron. Five BGP soldiers and twenty-seven Palestinians were injured.

February 26th- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an Israeli civilian vehicle east of the Givat Zeev community.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at a BGP force in the vicinity of the Nahal Kfira community. IDF forces dispersed the riot. Three BGP forces were injured.

An IDF force in the vicinity of the city of Modi'in identified a Palestinian approaching an IDF checkpoint. The force initiated the suspect engagement procedure in order to deter the Palestinian. The suspect was arrested.

February 27th- Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force in the vicinity of the Ma'ale Hahamisha community. IDF forces dispersed the riot. One Palestinian was lightly injured.

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Major Events – West Bank

February 27th – February 28th

February 27th cont’d- A burning tire containing a gas canister was discovered by an IDF force north of the Nili community. IDF sappers dismantled the tire.

February 28th- IDF forces demolished one illegal structure built by Israeli civilians at an Israeli settlement in the vicinity of the Kedumim community. A number of settlers rioted and threw stones at IDF forces and attacked an Israeli police vehicle. IDF forces arrested six settlers.

A number of settlers rioted and threw stones at several Palestinians in the vicinity of the Kedumim community. Two Palestinians were injured.

A number of Israeli civilians threw a Molotov cocktail at a Palestinian house south of the Yitzhar community. The house burned to the ground.

A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an Israeli civilian vehicle northeast of the Mevo Horon community.

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February 17th- Three armed Palestinians were identified crawling towards the technical fence and possibly placing an IED northwest of Erez crossing. IDF forces directed light arms fire at the Palestinians. They did not desist, and as a result artillery and a navy vessel opened fire. When the suspects continued to approach the technical fence, IDF forces fired IAF helicopter fire and mortar shells. The three Palestinians were killed.

During a mobilized patrol in the vicinity of Karni crossing an IDF force identified a suspicious Palestinian approaching the technical fence. The IDF force initiated the suspect engagement procedure in order to deter the suspect. One Palestinian was injured.

An IDF force during a mobilized patrol in the vicinity of Karni crossing identified a suspicious Palestinian approaching the technical fence. The IDF force initiated the suspect engagement procedure in order to deter the suspect. The Palestinian was injured.

February 18th- An IED was activated at an IDF force during a mobilized patrol south of Kissufim crossing. The technical fence sustained structural damage.

Major Events – Gaza Strip

February 17th - February 18th

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February 21st- During a mobilized patrol in the vicinity of Karni crossing, an IDF force identified a number of Palestinians approaching the technical fence. The force initiated the suspect engagement procedure in order to deter the Palestinians.

February 22nd- Two explosive charges were dismantled by an IDF force north of Kissufim crossing.

IDF forces apprehended a Palestinian suspect adjacent to the technical fence in the vicinity of the Karni crossing. The Palestinian was sent to investigation.

February 23rd- An IDF mobilized patrol in the vicinity of Erez crossing identified seven Palestinians approaching the technical fence. The force initiated the suspect engagement procedure in order to deter the Palestinians. One Palestinian was injured.

During a mobilized patrol in the vicinity of Erez crossing an IDF force identified several Palestinians approaching the technical fence. The force initiated the suspect engagement procedure in order to deter the Palestinians. One Palestinian was injured.

An IED exploded at an IDF 'D-9' vehicle during an IDF initiated activity in Gaza strip territory in the vicinity of Karni crossing. The Hamas organization claimed responsibility for the attack.

Major Events – Gaza Strip

February 21st – February 23rd

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February 23rd cont’d- Three rockets landed near IDF forces during an IDF initiated activity in Gaza Strip territory in the vicinity of Karni crossing. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad ('PIJ‘) organization claimed responsibility for the attack.

During an IDF initiated activity in Gaza strip territory in the vicinity of Karni crossing, IDF forces identified several Palestinians suspected of launching rockets. IDF forces fired two artillery shells in the suspects' direction. According to the Palestinian media, 11 Palestinians were injured.

Two rockets were detected landing in the vicinity of Karni crossing. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad ('PIJ‘) organization claimed responsibility for the attacks.

IDF forces identified three mortar shells landing in the vicinity of Kibbutz Nahal Oz. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad ('PIJ‘) organization claimed responsibility for the attack.

IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting two Palestinians suspected of launching rockets. The suspects were injured.

A Grad rocket hit in the city of Beer Sheva. Several building and vehicles were damaged. Four Israeli civilians suffered from shock.

Major Events – Gaza Strip

February 23rd – February 24th

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February 24th- IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting two Palestinians suspected of launching rockets. The suspects were injured.

IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Hamas ammunitions warehouse north of the town of Khan Yunis.

IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Hamas ammunitions warehouse in the vicinity of the Nuseirat refugee camp.

IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Hamas compound in the vicinity of the village of Netzarim.

IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (‘PIJ‘) organization ammunition warehouse in the vicinity of the Nuseirat refugee camp.

IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (‘PIJ‘) organization ammunitions warehouse in the vicinity of the Nuseirat refugee camp.

IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Hamas training base in the village of Netzarim.

Major Events – Gaza Strip

February 24th

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Major Events – Gaza Strip

February 24th – February 26th February 24th cont’d- IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Hamas tunnel intended for terrorist attacks south of Suffa crossing.

During a mobilized patrol northeast of the town of Kerem Shalom, IDF forces fired sniper shots at two Palestinian suspects who entered a restricted zone west of the technical fence. The suspects left the area.

IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a suspicious Palestinian vehicle in the vicinity of the city of Rafah. Two Palestinians were killed.

February 25th- One rocket hit in the vicinity of Karni crossing and a second rocket hit west of the Ofakim community. The technical fence sustained structural damage.

February 26th- A Palestinian was identified approaching the technical fence northeast of Karni crossing. The Palestinian was sent to investigation.

During a mobilized patrol northwest of Karni crossing an IDF force identified five Palestinians approaching the technical fence. The force initiated the suspect engagement procedure in order to deter the Palestinians. One Palestinian was injured.

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Major Events – Gaza Strip

February 26th – February 27th February 26th cont’d- The IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a tunnel intended for terrorist attacks southwest of Karni crossing.

The IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting an ammunition warehouse in the town of El Buridg. According to the Palestinian media one Palestinian was injured.

The IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (‘PIJ’) organization outpost in the town of El Mu'azi.

The IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Hamas organization outpost in the city of Rafah. According to the Palestinian media, two Palestinians were injured.

One mortar shell hit in the vicinity of Kerem Shalom crossing.

February 27th- A rocket hit northeast of Suffa crossing.

A rocket was launched and hit in the vicinity of Karni crossing.

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Major Events – Gaza Strip

February 28th February 28th- During an initiated activity in Gaza Strip territory northwest of Kerem Shalom crossing, an IDF force identified two Palestinians suspiciously surveying the force. The force fired several artillery shells in the suspects' direction. One Palestinian was injured.

An IDF force identified a suspicious Palestinian northwest of Erez crossing and initiated the suspect engagement procedure. The Palestinian was killed. According to intelligence information, the Palestinian was a member of the Fatah military wing.

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Commander of the Home Front Command Praises Warning System in Be’er Sheva24 February 2011The Commander of the Home Front Command, Maj.

Gen. Yair Golan, visited the city of Be’er Sheva on 24 February to survey the area where at one Grad missile landed the previous night (the IDF is currently investigating the possibility that there was a second rocket). Standing where the missiles hit, Maj. Gen. Golan said, “The warning system worked and the citizens acted in the best way possible.”

Maj. Gen. Golan continued to say that the IDF considered the attack an isolated incident and not a cause for worry. He said, “We woke up to silence today….things have been able to go back to normal quickly.

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Export of Tomatoes from Gaza to Europe28 February 2011

The Ministerial Committee of Security Affairs decided last year to expand economic activity from the Gaza Strip. In cooperation with the Government of the Netherlands, as of this week cherry tomatoes will be exported via the Kerem

Shalom crossing to European markets.

The initiative was made possible through administrative work by the Coordinator of COGAT, Maj. Gen. Eitan Dangot, the coordination of security officials, administrative heads of the Ministry of Defense, representatives from the Government of the Netherlands, PA representatives, and meetings with Palestinian farmers from Gaza.

From November 2010 to 27 February 2011, 367 tons of strawberries, 5.3 million flowers, and 6 tons of peppers were exported from Gaza. Israel is committed to providing economic relief and promoting coordination with the international community for humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza uninvolved in terrorist activity.

Around the IDF