The Strategic Division/Military-Strategic Information Section

1. March 16th– March 31st The Strategic Division/Military-Strategic Information Section

2. Defining Trends The West Bank Palestinian riots, most of which were violent, continued during the time of this report (16 March - 31 March) on a daily basis (over 35major cases were noted, including an instance in which rioters threw Molotov cocktails). Arms, ammunition, and explosives were confiscated by IDF forces or handed over by PA forces on at least three occasions, including 25 kg of explosives, 3 kg of liquid acid, 2 ammunition crates containing 5.56 mm bullets, 13 9 mm bullets, handgun magazines and a bulletproof vest. Terrorist attacks continue in the West Bank. During the period 16 March - 31 March, five attacks occurred: an IED was thrown in the city of Hebron, two suspects were arrested planting IEDs, suspects in an unidentified vehicle fired shots at an IDF outpost,, a Palestinian suspect attempted to steal an IDF soldier’s weapon, and a Palestinian suspect attacked a BGP officer during a security check. 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.

3. Defining Trends The Gaza Strip Government policy allowing goods into the Gaza Strip continues; crossings are now able to absorb over 300 trucks a day. During the period of 13 March – 31 March, 4,181 trucks transporting 103,970 tons of supplies were transferred to the Gaza Strip. On 3 March, Karni crossing was closed indefinitely due to security restrictions. Suffa crossing opened for the passage of trucks carrying aggregates and Erez crossing remains open for medical transports. 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, terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip shot a barrage of rocket and mortar fire toward Israeli territory. During the weekend of 18 March – 20 March alone, 51 rockets and mortars were fired at and hit Israeli territory. Overall in the month of March, 37 rocket, 87 mortar shells, and 4 Grad rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israeli territory.

4. Defining Trends The Gaza Strip cont’d During the period of this report, one mortar hit the Suffa community, injuring two Israeli civilians lightly; a rocket hit the city of Ashkelon, causing one civilian to suffer from shock; a rocket hit the city of Be’er Sheva, injuring five Israeli civilians; a rocket hit a field near Be’er Sheva, causing three civilians to suffer from shock; and two rockets hit the city of Ashdod, causing 3 civilians to suffer from shock. In addition to rocket and mortar attacks, terrorists were suspected of planting IEDs along the border with Israel on multiple occasions and on 20 March, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile at IDF forces. On 7 April, a week after the time of this report, Hamas terrorist operatives fired a Kornet anti-tank missile at a school bus near Sa’ad, in the Sdot Negev Regional Council. As a result of the attack, a 16-year-old boy was critically injured and the driver of the bus was lightly injured. The IAF acted in response to the rocket and mortar fire with a series of pinpoint attacks targeting military objectives such as terrorist tunnels, terrorist ammunition warehouses, Hamas military compounds, and a number of suspects identified launching rockets and planting IEDs.

5. Humanitarian Support – Gaza Strip March 13 – March 31, 2011 Trucks: 4,181 Supplies (tons): 103,970 Medical Evacuations: 1,125 Fuel (liters):None Heavy-duty diesel is now delivered directly from Egypt Cooking Gas (tons): 2,886 Exports: 17 truckloads (flowers)

6. Rockets and Mortars from the Gaza Strip – Monthly March 1st – March 31st, 2011 : 37 Rockets, 78 Mortars, 4 Grads

7. Annual Rockets and Mortars from the Gaza Strip January 2010 – 31 March 2011: 190 Rockets, 247 Mortars, 17 Grads

8. Major Events – West Bank March 16th – March 18th March 16th- During an arrest southwest of the Itamar community, IDF forces discovered a handgun magazine and two ammunition crates filled with 5.56mm bullets. Six Palestinians were sent to investigation and the arms were confiscated. March 17th- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force south of the Karmei Tzur community. IDF forces dispersed the riot. A number of settlers rioted and assaulted a Palestinian in the vicinity of the Shilo community. The settlers then left the area. The Palestinian was lightly injured. March 18th- Approximately six Palestinians rioted in the city of Hebron. IDF forces dispersed the riot. Approximately 100 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF and BGP forces at the village of Na'lin. IDF forces dispersed the riot. Approximately 200 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF and BGP forces at the village of Bi'lin. IDF forces dispersed the riot. Approximately 100 Palestinians assembled south of the Nachliel community.

9. Major Events – West Bank March 18th March 18th cont’d-Approximately 40 Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the vicinity of the village of Nabi Salah. IDF forces dispersed the riot. One Israeli soldier was injured. Approximately 20 Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the village of Um Salmone. In response IDF forces imposed a restricted military zone in the area. When the Palestinians did not leave the vicinity, IDF forces dispersed the riot. Approximately 20 settlers and several Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the vicinity of the Rechalim community. IDF and BGP forces dispersed the riot. A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an Israeli civilian vehicle in the vicinity of the Gitit community. An IDF force arrested one Palestinian. The Palestinian was sent to investigation. A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the vicinity the city of Hebron. IDF forces dispersed the riot. A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an Israeli civilian vehicle south of the Itamar community. One Israeli civilian was injured.

10. Major Events – West Bank March 19th – March 21st March 19th- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the vicinity of the Tekoa community. An IDF force arrested two Palestinians; they were sent to investigation. A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the vicinity of the Maon community, IDF forces dispersed the riot. Two Palestinians were arrested. Approximately 30 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at BGP forces in the vicinity of the Mevo Horon community. Three BGP soldiers were injured. March 20th- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an Israeli civilian vehicle north of the Karmei Tzur community. IDF forces dispersed the riot. A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF forces during a patrol in the vicinity of the Panei Kedem community. IDF forces dispersed the riot. March 21st- A BGP force identified one Palestinian stabbed in the arm and chest in the vicinity of the Ma'on community. According to the Palestinian's claims he was stabbed by an Israeli settler.

11. Major Events – West Bank March 21st – March 23rd March 21st cont’d-Approximately 20 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at Israeli settlers who had interrupted a funeral in the village of Beit Omar. The settlers fired several shots in the air and one settler fired in the direction of the Palestinians. IDF forces dispersed the riot. Two Palestinians were lightly injured. March 23rd- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at three Israeli civilian vehicles in the vicinity of the Karmei Tzur community. Three Israeli civilians were injured. One Palestinian was sent to investigation. IDF forces and the Israeli police demolished two illegal structures built by Palestinians in the vicinity of the village of Qalqilyah. Approximately eight Palestinians gathered and rioted in the vicinity of the Bracha community. IDF forces initiated the suspect engagement procedure in order to deter the Palestinians and disperse the riot. During an IDF initiated activity north of the Karmei Tzur community, IDF forces arrested two suspicious Palestinians and sent them to investigation. Following the arrest, a number of Palestinians rioted and IDF forces dispersed the riot.

12. Major Events – West Bank March 23rd – March 25th March 23rd cont’d- A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones northwest of the Ram On community. IDF forces dispersed the riot. During an IDF mobilized patrol, two Palestinian suspects were identified in the vicinity of the Mitzpe Yair community. The IDF force initiated the suspect engagement procedure in order to deter the Palestinians. An IED was thrown at a gate in the city of Hebron. Two Palestinian suspects were arrested and sent to investigation. March 25th- Shots were fired from a vehicle at an IDF outpost in the vicinity of the Ofra community. The vehicle fled the scene. One Palestinian threw stones and attempted to steal an IDF soldier's weapon in the vicinity of the Tomer community. During the ensuing struggle, an Israeli police officer arrived at the scene and initiated the suspect engagement procedure in order to deter the Palestinian. The IDF soldier was moderately injured and the Palestinian supsect was lightly injured. Two Palestinian suspects were detected placing IEDs in the vicinity of the Bik'ot community. IDF forces initiated the suspect engagement procedure. One Palestinian suspect was arrested.

13. Major Events – West Bank March 25th March 25th cont’d-One Palestinian initiated a violent confrontation after refusing to be searched in the vicinity of the city of Hebron. BGP forces arrested the suspect. Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at a BGP force southeast of the city of Modi'in. IDF forces dispersed the riot. During Palestinian protests in the villages of Bi'lin, Na'lin and Nabi Salah, approximately 120 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at IDF and BGP forces. The forces dispersed the riot. Approximately 40 Palestinians gathered for a demonstration in the village of Oum Salmona. Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones southeast of the town of Modi'in. BPG forces dispersed the riot. One Palestinian was injured and six Palestinians were arrested and sent to investigation. Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at the Rimon community's peripheral fence. BGP forces dispersed the riot. During a mobilized patrol a BGP force initiated the suspect engagement procedure at a Palestinian suspect throwing stones at the force.

14. Major Events – West Bank March 26th – March 30th March 26th-Two Palestinian suspects were arrested for infiltrating a refugee camp in the vicinity of the city of Ramallah. The suspects were sent to investigation. Approximately 300 Palestinians rioted and threw stones at the technical fence in the vicinity of the village of Na'lin. IDF forces dispersed the riot. Several Palestinians rioted and threw Molotov cocktails at IDF forces in the vicinity of the Bracha community. The forces dispersed the riots. Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an Israeli civilian vehicle north of Ma'ale Shomron community. March 27th-A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF force northwest of the Negohot community. IDF forces dispersed the riot. March 29th-25 kg of explosives and 3 kg of liquid acid were handed over to IDF forces in the vicinity of the city of Nabulus.The explosives were detonated by IDF sappers Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones at Israeli vehicles in the vicinity of the Givon community, and on two separate occasions in the vicinity of the city of Ramallah.

15. Major Events – West Bank March 30th – March 31st March 30th-A Palestinian suspect attacked a BGP officer during a security check east of the city of Ariel. The officer used tear gas to deter the suspect. The suspect was lightly injured. Several Palestinians rioted and threw stones in the vicinity of the city of Ariel. IDF forces dispersed the riot. Several settlers set fire to a Palestinian house in the city of Hebron. March 31st-During an arrest in the city of Hebron, IDF forces found 13 9 mm bullets and a bullet-proof vest. The Palestinians in possession of the arms were sent to investigation and the arms were confiscated. A number of Palestinians rioted and threw stones at an IDF mobilized patrol south of the Migdal Oz community. IDF forces dispersed the riot.

16. Major Events – Gaza Strip March 16th - March 19th March 16th- A rocket was launched south of the Karni crossing. IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Hamas training camp in Netzarim in the Gaza Strip territory. According to intelligence information, two Hamas activists were killed and several Palestinians were injured. A rocket hit in the vicinity of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Councilnear an IDF D-9 vehicle drilling near the technical fence in the Gaza Strip territory. March 18th- A rocket was detected hitting south of Kissufim Crossing, in the Gaza Strip territory. Two mortar shells hit southwest of Kissufim Crossing and one mortar hit in the Gaza Strip territory. A rocket was detected hitting in the vicinity of the Sha’ar Negev Regional Council. Smoke was identified in the vicinity of the kibbutz. March 19th- 15 mortar shells hit in the vicinity of the Eshkol Regional Council. The Hamas organization claimed responsibility.

17. Major Events – Gaza Strip March 19th March 19th cont’d-Eleven mortar shells were fired toward the vicinity of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council. The Hamas organization claimed responsibility. Seven mortar shells hit in the vicinity of Hevel Shalom Regional Council. Two Israeli civilians were injured lightly. The Hamas organization claimed responsibility. Twelve mortar shells hit in the Eshkol Regional. The Hamas organization claimed responsibility. The IDF Operations Room at the Kissufim base sustained damaged. IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting an observation post south of the Karni crossing. An IDF force fired tank shells towards an observation post located in a mosque south of the Kissufim crossing. According to the Palestinian media, one Hamas organization member was killed and five Palestinians were injured. A suspicious Palestinian boat was identified crossing into Israeli territorial waters. A navy patrol vessel initiated the suspect engagement procedure for suspicious vessels and fired shots at the boat, which then turned around.

18. Major Events – Gaza Strip March 19th – March 20th March 19th cont’d- Two Palestinians suspected of planting an IED were identified southwest of the Karni crossing. IDF forces fired several tank shells at the suspects and the IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting them. The two suspects were killed. March 20th- A suspicious boat carrying two Palestinians was identified crossing into Israeli territorial waters. An anti-tank missile was fired at an IDF force during an initiated activity east of the technical fence south of the Karni crossing. In response, the force fired artillery rounds at the Palestinian suspect. The suspect was killed. One rocket hit in the vicinity of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council. The 'Popular Resistance Committees' claimed responsibility for the attack. One rocket hit in the city of Ashkelon. One Israeli civilian suffered from shock. A suspicious boat was identified crossing into Israeli territorial waters. A navy patrol vessel initiated the suspect engagement procedure for suspicious vessels and fired shots at the boat, which then turned around.

19. Major Events – Gaza Strip March 21st March 21st-One rocket was launched in the vicinity of the Eshkol Regional Council IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a tunnel intended for terrorist attacks associated with the Hamas organization northeast of Karni Crossing. IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a military outpost associated with the Hamas organization in the vicinity of the village of Mashria Amar. IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a tunnel intended for terrorist attacks associated with the Hamas organization in the vicinity of the village ofTufah. IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting an ammunition manufacturing site associated with the Hamas organization in the vicinity of the village of Shuja'iyya. IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a training camp associated with the Hamas organization in the city of Gaza. IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a tunnel intended for terrorist attacks associated with the Hamas organization in the vicinity of the village of Hirbeet Hizeh.

20. Major Events – Gaza Strip March 22nd – March 23rd March 22nd- IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting an ammunition warehouse associated with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) organization in the vicinity of the town of Khan Yunis. *According to Palestinians claims, as a result of IAF pinpoint attacks on March 21st and March 22nd, 17 Palestinians were injured. March 23rd-A Grad rocket hit the city of Be'er Sheva. Five Israeli civilians were injured. The ‘PIJ’ organization claimed responsibility for the attack. Four mortar shells were detected hitting an open field in the vicinity of the Hevel Shalom Regional Council. A Qassam rocket hit in the vicinity of the Sdot Negev Regional Council. A Grad rocket hit an open field southwest of the city of Be'er Sheva. Three Israeli civilians suffered from shock. The PIJ organization claimed responsibility. IAF forces initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Hamas rocket launching site in the Shuja'iyya neighborhood.

21. Major Events – Gaza Strip March 23rd – March 24th March 23rd cont’d-A mortar shell hit in the vicinity of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council. A mortar shell hit in the vicinity of the Eshkol Regional Council. Six mortar shells hit in the vicinity of the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council. The 'Popular Resistance Committees' organization claimed responsibility for the attack. March 24th- A mortar shell hit in the vicinity of the Eshkol Regional Council. IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a ‘PIJ’ smuggling tunnel at the Rafah crossing. IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a Hamas training base in the city of Netzarim. IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting a rocket-launching squad east of the Shuja'iyya neighborhood in the city of Gaza. One rocket hit in the vicinity of the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council. One rocket hit the vicinity of the Eshkol Regional Council.

22. Major Events – Gaza Strip March 24th – March 26th March 24th cont’d- One rocket hit in the vicinity of the Sha’ar Hanegevn Regional Council. One rocket hit in the vicinity of the Eshkol Regional Council. Two rockets hit in the city of Ashdod. Three Israeli civilians suffered from shock. One mortar shell hit in the vicinity of the Eshkol Regional Council. One rocket hit in the industrial area of the city of Sderot. IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting an ammunition manufacturing and storage warehouse in the town of Sudniea. According to the Palestinian media, three Palestinians were lightly injured. Six mortar shells were launched in the vicinity of the Kissufim crossing; one hit in the Israeli territory. March 26th-Two Qassam rocket shells were detected landing in the Hevel Shalom Regional Council. The 'Global Jihad' organization claimed responsibility for the attack.

23. Major Events – Gaza Strip March 26th – March 30th March 26th cont’d- A rocket was detected landing in the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council. 'PELP' organization members and members of the 'Popular Resistance Committee' claimed responsibility for the attack. A rocket was detected hitting in the vicinity of the Eshkol Regional Council. March 27th-IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting three Hamas activists carrying a rocket launcher in the vicinity of the city of Beit Hanun. According to the Palestinian media, two Palestinians were killed and one was injured. March 30th-IAF initiated a pinpoint attack targeting two PIJ activists carrying a rocket launcher in the vicinity of the city of Khan Yunis. An improvised IED was found attached to a dog's corpse northeast of the Erez crossing.