Major Events

2. Major Events The West Bank - Terrorist activity in the West Bank, including weapon production and smuggling continue. Numerous weapons, including mortar shells, bricks of explosives, rifles and more were discovered or turned over to IDF forces. Attacks, such as a vehicle assault in Ni'alin or arms fire at vehicles near Otniel, continued as well. This activity jeopardizes recent achievements in the region and demands increased PA activity, while maintaining cooperation with the IDF. Gaza Strip – Sporadic rocket fire into Israel persisted. In addition, explosive charge were detonated near both Karni and Erez crossing. These terrorist attacks are supplied by the ongoing smuggling between Sinai and the Gaza Strip. Despite these attacks, humanitarian crossings remained active during this period, during which 1,021 trucks bearing 25,124 tons of supplies entered the Gaza Strip. In addition, 4,2 million liters of fuel were transferred.

3. Major Events – West Bank • April 28th – An M-16 rifle was turned over to IDF forces by Palestinian officers west of Tul Karem. The weapons were confiscated by the forces. • April 27th – After he refused calls to stop, two Israeli security officers opened fire towards the lower body of of a suspicious Palestinian in Tarkomi checkpoint, south of Hebron. The Palestinian was lightly injured and evacuated by the Red Crescent. • April 26th – A 5.7 kg explosive belt and a 60mm improvised mortar shell were turned over to IDF forces near Ariel. In addition, 7 mortar shells and 1.5 kg of explosives were turned over to the Israeli police at the Psagot checkpoint.

4. Major Events – West Bank • Weekend Events, April 24th – 26th: • 5 civilians were lightly injured when a number of Palestinians rioted and opened fire in the vicinity of Orif village. Upon arriving at the area, IDF forces used riot dispersal gear against the attackers. • A 560 gram brick of explosives was turned over to IDF forces in the vicinity of Ariel. • A ‘Carlo-1’ rifle was discovered by IDF forces during operational activity in Kalkilia. • Approximately 1000 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at a BGP force in Bal’in village. As a result 13 BGP officers were lightly injured and treated on the spot. • A Palestinian vehicle attempted to run over an IDF soldier in the village of Ni’alin. In response IDF forces opened light arms fire and tossed a shock grenade towards the vehicle. One IDF soldier was lightly injured.

5. Major Events – West Bank • April 22nd – 2 hunting rifles, a handgun and several bullets were discovered by IDF forces during an operational activity in Mircha village (near Mavo Dotan). • Light arms were fired at an Israeli vehicle in the vicinity of Oteniel. No one was hurt. In the subsequent search of the area, 20 handgun cartridges were revealed near the location of the incident.

6. Major Events – Gaza Strip • April 30th – A rocket was launched south of the Sajiyah neighborhood in Gaza City, and fell in Kibbutz Beri. • April 29th – An explosive charge was activated near Erez crossing, within the Gaza Strip. • April 27th – A rocket was launched from within the ruins of Gush Katif and landed in open areas in Israel. • April 21st – An improvised explosive charge was activated near Karni crossing. No one was hurt but a significant amount of damage was caused to the security fence.

7. Rockets and Mortar Hits in Israel (Since the IDF held its fire)

8. Additional Major Events • April 26th – 2 armed Lebanese were identified near the border fence, in the Biranit area. In response, Israel filed a violation with the UN. • April 20th – 3 grenades were discovered by a number of civilians in the Banias Stream area.

9. Humanitarian Support April 21-30, 2009 Supplies (tons): 25,124 Medical Evacuations: 68 Fuel (liters): 4.2 million Heating Gas (tons): 1,021 Erez Crossing Nahal Oz Crossing Karni Crossing Kissufim Crossing ATTEMPTED SMUGGLING THROUGH CROSSINGS (ARCHIVE) ISRAELI MEICAL AID AT EREZ CROSSING Sufa Crossing

10. Around the IDF • April 20th – The commander of the northern brigade of the Gaza division, COL Ron Ashrov, was replaced by COL Ofer Levi. A ceremony took place to celebrate the replacement. • April 22nd – The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Gabi Ashkenazi, explored the path of the security fence in the Ni’alin and Bil’in areas, while hearing surveys by the commanders of the central command. COL OFER LEVI DURING HIS PROMOTION THE CHIEF OF STAFF, LTG GABI ASHKENAZI, THE COMMANDER OF THE CENTRAL COMMAND, MG GADI SHIMNI AND THE SECTOR’S COMMANDERS

11. Around the IDF • April 26th – Memorial Day for Fallen IDF Soldiers. The Chief of Staff laid an Israeli flag on the grave of Capt. Yonaton Netanel, who was killed during Operation Cast Lead. • April 28th – The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Gabi Ashkenazi, met with 47 competitors in the International Bible Quiz, who had come from 24 different countries.

12. Around the IDF • April 29th – 120 excelling soldiers and officers from throughout the army received certificates of excellence from the President of the State of Israel, during a ceremony which took place at the President’s Residence and which was attended by the Chief of the General Staff. • April 29th – In celebration of the State of Israel’s 61st Independence Day, a naval display off of the shores of Israel and aerial displays over major cities took place. AN AERIAL DISPLAY CELEBRATING THE STATE OF ISRAEL’S 61ST INDEPENDENCE DAY