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The Week in Review
March 15 - 19, 2004
SECURITY
Remembering the Victims of the Ashdod Suicide Bombing
Monday, March 15, 2004
Workers at the Ashdod port stood for a moment of silence today in memory of their co-workers who were killed in Sunday’s double suicide bombing at the port’s entrance, HA’ARETZ reported. “We never thought this would come to us,” Ashdod’s Mayor Zvi Zilker said, “we always mourned with others, but this time the pain is ours.”
Treating the wounded at Kaplan Hospital in Rehovot, nurse Ronit Chemo said “until now, we practiced for a terror attack like this only as part of exercises, now, it has really come.”
Hamas and Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades, part of Yasser Arafat’s Fatah faction, claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack, which took the lives of 10 people and wounded 18 others, was the first at an Israeli seaport and also the first to be initiated by terrorists from the Gaza Strip. The Ashdod bombers, Mahmoud Salem and Nabil Massoud, were 18-year-old high school classmates from the Jabalya refugee camp.
The bombers, using new and higher-grade plastic explosives, exploded roughly 100 yards apart. The first penetrated the 10-foot chain-link fence protecting the industrial zone and detonated his bomb at the entrance to a warehouse for heavy machinery. The second bomber blew up on a sidewalk on the far side of a road that runs outside the fence.
Israeli security officials speculate that the terrorists left the Gaza Strip several hours before the attack and either managed to cross through the Gaza security fence or else they entered the Sinai Peninsula through smuggling tunnels at Rafah, re-entering Israel through the Negev.
Meanwhile, according to MA’ARIV, Israel’s Football Association decided today to postpone the scheduled premier league soccer match between Ashdod Sports Club and Bnei-Sachnin, in view of Sunday’s terror attack at the city’s port. Itche Menahem, the Association’s Chairman, said, “The reason behind our decision was first and foremost the eight funeral processions today in Ashdod. It’s a highly sensitive time for the city and I just don’t see a way to open a soccer match several hours later.”
Israel Remembers
The following people have been identified as victims of Sunday’s double suicide attack at the Ashdod port:
Tanzim Terrorists Use 12 Year-Old Boy to Carry Explosives For Suicide Attack
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Two Tanzim terrorists based in Nablus exploited a boy’s innocent appearance and used him, without his knowledge, in an attempt to pass an explosive device through the Hawara checkpoint on Monday, Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL reported.
Abdallah Quran, a resident of the Balata refugee camp east of Nablus makes his living by transferring bags from one side of the army roadblock to the other. “A few people piled on their bags, and I waited for a few more because I get paid for every bag,” he said. One of the bags on Quran’s cart looked suspicious to the soldiers. They examined it and found a 20-pound explosive charge packed with nails and bolts. People were evacuated from the barricade and sappers arrived to detonate the bomb.
According to Israel Defense Forces, while Quran was being questioned, the boy’s dispatchers dialed the cellular phone inside the bag to detonate the bomb, but it failed to go off. Security officials determined that the boy didn’t know he had been asked to transport a bomb and he was released back to his mother.
According to HA’ARETZ, since the start of the conflict, minors under the age of 18 have perpetrated 29 suicide attacks and since May 2001, 22 shootings attacks and attacks using explosive devices were carried out by youths under the age of 18. In addition, since January 2001, more than 40 Palestinian minors have been arrested for involvement in attempts to perpetrate suicide attacks that were ultimately foiled.
IDF Operations Intensify in Gaza
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
In the wake of the Ashdod terror attacks, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s security cabinet called on the Israel Defense Forces Tuesday to intensify the war against the Palestinian terrorist organizations and their leaders, Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL reported. Just hours after the security cabinet concluded its discussions, IAF helicopters fired missiles at a home in Gaza City where senior members of Islamic Jihad were suspected of hiding. The target of the attack, Mahmoud al-Haroubi, managed to escape but two other Islamic Jihad members Husseini Sarafiti and Nasser Yassin were killed. The IDF also placed large infantry and armored units along the Gaza border for a possible large-scale incursion into the Gaza Strip. Overnight, IDF forces went into Rafah refugee camp, targeting tunnels used by the Palestinians to smuggle weaponry into Gaza. During the operation, troops spotted two terrorist cells trying to plant explosives.
Meanwhile, according to YEDIOT AHARONOT ON-LINE, security officials are now exploring the possibility that the two Gaza terrorists who perpetrated Sunday's double suicide bombing in Ashdod, arrived in a container that came into Israel at the Karni Crossing. A container was discovered today in the port containing grenades, a mattress and food, and it is thought that the terrorists may have jumped out just before the container entered the port.
Tanzim Cell Planned to Hijack 2 Jerusalem Buses – Purim Large-Scale Attack Thwarted
Thursday, March 18, 2004
The Tanzim cell, which planned to hijack two Jerusalem buses and hold the passengers hostage in exchange for the release of Palestinian security detainees, has been arrested, HA’ARETZ reported. The five-person cell had planned to place hijackers wearing explosive belts on two buses, which would then have be directed to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Through the arrests and interrogation of Tanzim members who perpetrated the recent bombings of buses 14 and 19 in Jerusalem, in which nineteen people were killed, security forces were able to glean information on the potential two-bus hijacking.
Five Palestinian terror attacks were thwarted in Jerusalem over the past two weeks alone, Border Police Chief David Tsur revealed Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Security forces foiled a large-scale terror attack planned to take place in Tel Aviv during the Purim holiday earlier this month. Several Palestinians who planned to carry out the attack were arrested in the center of Tel Aviv on March 2 following an alert that terrorists had infiltrated the area. The Purim attack was one of six planned suicide bombings security forces have thwarted since the beginning of the month. Nine planned attacks were foiled in January and February. The Tanzim cell in the West Bank city of Nablus planned most of the attacks, receiving funding from Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Security Forces Thwart Another Kidnapping Attempt by Palestinian Terrorists
Friday, March 19, 2004
A Palestinian who was on his way to Jerusalem to kidnap Israelis with the intent of using his hostages as bargaining chips to free Palestinian prisoners was arrested two weeks ago, MA’ARIV reported. The Palestinian was apprehended at the Zaan checkpoint and taken away for questioning by the Israel Security Agency.
In other news, two soldiers were lightly wounded today when an explosive device exploded next to their tank during an operation in the Netzarim area, Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reported. The tank overturned and the injured soldiers were taken to hospital for treatment. In the Bethlehem area, Palestinian security forces handed over to Israeli forces bombs and explosive materials found in a laboratory located in the Bethlehem's Paradise Hotel.
According to THE JERUSALEM POST, security forces arrested a terrorist in the Hebron area Thursday night, and were trying to determine if he was en route to Jerusalem to carry out a suicide bombing. Earlier, sappers blew up a five-kilogram bomb discovered by the Israel Defense Forces on the road leading to Itamar in Samaria. It was the third bomb attack thwarted by security forces in the Nablus area this week.
Shots were fired at soldiers near Kadim and in Tulkarm. There were no casualties. Security forces arrested 19 fugitives in raids in Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Kalkilya, and the Ramallah area.
Terrorists Recruiting more Children
Friday, March 19, 2004
Since the outbreak of Palestinian violence three and a half years ago, terrorist organizations have increasingly resorted to using Palestinian children between 11 to 17 to perpetrate attacks in Israel, THE JERUSALEM POST reported. In addition, terror organizations often use children's toys and backpacks to hide bombs in order to smuggle them to terrorists. The most recent incident was the attempt by Fatah Tanzim terrorists in Nablus this week to smuggle a 10-kg bomb hidden in a bag which 11-year-old Abdullah Quran was to carry through the Hawara checkpoint and hand to a woman waiting on the other side. When Quran was stopped by soldiers who asked to inspect the bags he was carrying, his dispatchers attempted to activate the bomb and blow him up near the soldiers.
Twenty-nine suicide bombers under the age of 18 have been dispatched by terrorist organizations to perpetrate attacks since the outbreak of Palestinian violence. Since 2001, more than 40 Palestinian minors who were actively involved in planning suicide-bomb attacks have been arrested by security forces. Since May 2001, 22 shooting and bombing attacks were perpetrated by minors recruited by terrorist organizations.
POLITICSPM Wins On Palestinian Disengagement Plan
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon won a non-binding vote in the Knesset, 46 to 45, on his plan for disengagement from the Palestinians, YEDIOT AHARONOT reported. In a speech to the Knesset, Sharon said Sunday’s suicide attacks in the port of Ashdod proved there were no Palestinian leaders brave enough to tackle terrorism.
Specifics of Sharon’s plan are still being finalized, but he pledged that he would bring it before the Knesset for approval and coordinate all moves with the United States.
Meanwhile, following Sunday’s attacks, Sharon has postponed plans to meet Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei. The two had been expected to meet this week in what would have been their first face-to-face session since Mr. Qurei became prime minister in October.
Prime Minister Decides on Disengagement Plan Details
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan will include a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and a limited pullout from only a few settlements in the West Bank, HA’ARETZ reported. Government sources in Jerusalem predicted on Wednesday that the maximal alternative - evacuating 17 West Bank settlements in addition to the Gaza pullout - had basically been dropped.
The defense establishment's recommendations, which were presented to Sharon by Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz, favored a complete evacuation of Gaza, but added one definite and one possible exception. The possible exception concerned three settlements in the northern Gaza Strip, which could be either included or excluded from the pullout. The definite exception referred to the Philadelphi Road on the border between Gaza and Egypt. Defense officials recommended that Israel retain control over this road, due to its "strategic importance."
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon said that it would be possible to give up the Philadelphi Road if the border crossings between Gaza and Israel were sealed - both to cargo and to Gazans wishing to work in Israel - and traffic between Gaza and the West Bank were halted. As long as the border crossings remained open, Ya’alon explained, Israel had to remain at Philadelphi.
DIPLOMACY
King Abdullah Pays Secret Visit to Sharon at his Negev Ranch
Friday, March 19, 2004
King Abdullah of Jordan paid a secret visit on Thursday to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's ranch in the Negev where the two leaders met over an extended lunch, HA'ARETZ reported. According to a senior political source in Israel, the parties met to discuss the anti-terrorist fence and its impact on Jordan. Abdullah has reportedly stated his concern that the fence would prompt a flight of Palestinians into Jordan and badly affect Jordan's economy and stability. The last time the two leaders met openly dates to the Aqaba summit in June 2003. Prior to that, they held at least one secret meeting, on the eve of America's invasion of Iraq.
ECONOMY & HI-TECH
Can You Hear Me Now?
Monday, March 15, 2004
After two and a half years of development, the first all-Israeli cellular phone, the M5, will be launched this week, YEDIOT AHARONOT reported. The cell-phone was developed by Emblaze Mobile (formerly Alpha Cell) and will be distributed by the Orange network. More than a hundred Israeli companies took part in development of the components of the mobile phone, which is regarded as one of the most advanced of its kind in the world. M5 has a particularly large color screen and is operated in a manner similar to that of a hand-held computer. It has a built-in camera (which can also film video) a music player and video sound player and is capable of transmitting multi-media (MMS) messages.
Strauss and Elite Merger Approved
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
The Israel Securities Authority approved the merger between Strauss Dairies and Elite Industries, GLOBES reported. Antitrust Authority Director General Dror Strum also approved the merger, provided that Strauss and Elite maintain separate sales networks for six months. Strum inserted this condition, following an inquiry into the relationship between Strauss and Elite, and in view of Elite’s actions to prevent the English firm Cadbury from entering the Israeli market.
SOCIETYColumbia Shuttle Families Visiting Israel
Monday, March 15, 2004
The families of the six American NASA astronauts who died in the Columbia space shuttle tragedy last year arrived in Israel on Sunday, greeted at the airport by Rona Ramon, widow of Israeli crewmember, Ilan Ramon, YEDOIT AHARONOT ON-LINE reported. “When Ilan began training for the space mission, he wanted his crewmembers to see Israel and am I fulfilling his wish” Ramon said.
For Evelyn Husband, widow of Columbia commander Rick Husband, the visit is particularly important because of her close friendship with Rona. “We bonded so quickly together and there was never any consideration not to come here…I wanted to come for Rona,” said Husband. She added that Rona visited Rick Husband’s grave in the fall and now she wants to see Ilan’s grave. “It is real important for us to do that together,” she said.
The families will plant a tree in memory of the crew, visit the Israeli air base where Ilan trained and tour holy sites in Jerusalem. They will be received by President Moshe Katsav and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Israelis Are Living Longer
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
A report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) states that Israel is ranked 14th in the world in average life expectancy at 79.4 years, and 29th in the mortality rate of children under age of five 5, MA’ARIV reported. The report, which includes data on all 192 United Nations member countries, also indicated that Israel’s population growth ranks 34th in the world at 3.9 percent per year.
The report examined, moreover, the number of years a person lives before required medical care for a chronic condition. Israel placed 16th in the world with the average resident having 71.4 years of good health. With regards to the percentage of citizens over 60 in each country, Israel placed 51st with only 13 percent of the population above that age.
Knesset Considering Hot Lunch Program For Disadvantaged Children
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
The Knesset considered today legislation requiring schools to provide hot meals for disadvantaged children, THE JERUSALEM POST reported. Last month, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided to appoint a ministerial committee to examine how to fund this hot lunch program.
Minister of Finance Benjamin Netanyahu said funding for the plan must come from within the existing educational budget framework and suggested that it could be financed through upcoming reforms in the Ministry of Education. Another proposal submitted by MK Ruhama Avraham (Likud) last week called for a government foundation that would seek funding for the program. The Knesset decided to fuse both pieces of legislation into one bill.
Teens Paving The Way For Israel’s Security
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Three high school students have designed a creative solution for improving security operations in Israel, HA’ARETZ reported. Gilad Rasisi, Tal Rubinstein and Elad Glam from Ma’ayan Shahar High School in Kibbutz Ein Hahoresh, unveiled their prototype of a tiny, computerized patrol vehicle at the Jerusalem Science Museum’s competition for young scientists on Tuesday. The miniature vehicle is equipped with a video camera and sensors. Using a computer program specially written by the students, the vehicle is designed to travel around the community it is guarding and warn a central computer if anyone crosses its thermal camera sight. Currently, manned vehicles patrol Jewish neighborhoods, schools and army bases in the West Bank and Gaza Strip; this device could possible replace that system. “The basic idea is to save a guard from patrolling around the settlement and to ensure that the guard is not a target,” Rasisi said.
The three young designers came up with the idea following a spate of break-ins at the kibbutzim where they live. “We live on the seam line,”" explained Rubinstein, “and on more than one occasion there were break-ins by terrorists or criminals. This vehicle is supposed to prevent them and to warn authorities.”
First Israeli Receives Mobile Artificial Heart
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Edmund Peretz, 55, of Tiberias, who has suffered from terminal cardiac insufficiency for several years, underwent emergency surgery on Tuesday to connect him to a mobile mechanical heart pump to keep him alive until a human donor heart becomes available, THE JERUSALEM POST reported. The surgery, performed at the Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Campus in Petah Tikva, was the first of its kind in Israel. Until now, a small number of heart patients have had a booster pump implanted in the chest to help the left part of their failing hearts to function, but the right side of Peretz’s heart was too far gone to benefit from this procedure.
Students Called for Reserve Duty May Get Extra School Credits
Thursday, March 18, 2004
The Council for Higher Education is considering compensating students called up to serve the minimal amount of army reserve duty days with two extra credits, MA’ARIV reported. Students Association Chairman Sagiv Asulin said on Wednesday that a document had recently been signed, to prevent or minimize the damage incurred to students who go on reserve duty. Students have been complaining for years against the disruption to their studies caused by reserve duty and the lack of consideration by the academic establishment toward those who miss exams due to their military obligations.
The Defense Ministry discussed the issue during a meeting held to prepare for a national day of tribute to the reserve soldiers, scheduled on the traditional holiday of Lag Ba’Omer. Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz, who was present at the meeting, said he saw “the national day of tribute to reserve soldiers as a reward to soldiers,” adding that his ministry was working on a new model of reserve service.
