8-Apr-13: Scenes from the front lines, courtesy of the Tayar Report

The report below is the latest in a series we have published in recent months based on the Tayar Security Report with some editing and annotating by us. Yehudit Tayar produces her invaluable bulletins on the basis of first-responder, police and army reports.

Rock attacks: Ten IDF service personnel and two members of the Israel Police are injured: 

• A soldier at Kadum
• Two soldiers at Jius
• Two soldiers near Tekoa
• A soldier (head injuries) injured at Policeman's Square, site of a security check point in Hevron
• A member of the Border Police struck on the forehead and injured in a rock attack on his patrol car near Adam
• A soldier from Battalion 405 injured in the back from a rock-throwing attack at 'Anata Junction
• A soldier from Company 90 injured in the shoulder from rocks hurled at Al Arub
• A member of the Border Police suffers a hand injury in an attack at Beit Liqya, close to Highway 443

Other attacks

• Special Forces apprehended an Arab after a chase from Na'alin; he is charged with being involved in the theft of Israeli vehicles
• A dummy explosive device was found at the entrance to Ma'leh Hever
• An explosive device (IED) was hurled at Border Police personnel stationed near Rachel's Tomb to safeguard its many visitors. The bomb exploded some 50 meters away; by miracle, no one was injured
• Arabs attacking civilian vehicles on on the Beer Sheva-Dimona highway are arrested.
• Several attacks against military ambulances which in many cases treat injured or ill Arabs
• At least five separate rocket attacks on southern Israel are reported in the past week. Landings occured near Nir Oz, a "fell short" in Arab-controlled territory; between Sufa and Holit in the Hevel Shalom region of south-west Israel; near Nir Am; and a 107 mm rocket near Kissufim in the northwestern part of the Negev Desert. 
• In Ramat HaGolan near Israel's Syrian border, shots were at an IDF position near Tel Hazeka and a rocket was fired into Tel Fares
• Dozens of Molotov Cocktail (firebomb or IED) attacks occurred including two on Highway 443; four in the direction of the IDF emplacement at at Al Arub  some fifteen at the IDF security checkpoint at Policeman's Square, Hevron; one at Beit Merkachat ("Pharmacy") checkpoint, also in Hevron; six in the direction of the pillbox near Anabta; 7 at the IDF force stationed at Hirbat Aliya; five at people traveling on Highway 446 near Deir Qadis; one at the IDF forces stationed near Bet Hagai; one at an Israeli vehicle near Sin'jal. 
• Pipe bomb attacks: Northern entrance to Efrat  between Bruchin and Alei Zahav; near Bet Hadassa, and Sheep Junction, Hevron; near the memorial for Yossi Shok HY"D; on the Trans-Judean Highway.
• Yehudit Tayar adds that "There are many attacks with rocks and boulders directed at Israeli civilian and military vehicles in the same places, time after time." This week, this meant: 
• Judea: Policeman's Square, Hevron; Beit Merkachat Junction in Hevron, near the Cave of the Patriarchs; Alfuar; north of  Bet Hagai; Halhul; Bet Einun; Hursa, near Ma'on in the Judean Hills; on the Trans-Judean Highway; Beit Hadassah
• Gush Etzion: Hirbat Aliya, near Efrat's northern entrance; at the turn by the spring near Karmei Tzur; Husan Bypass; Al Arub; Beit Ummar; Tekoa Junction; near Harmla and by Arab Tekoa; Rachel's Tomb near Bethlehem; Um Almona
• Binyamin: Near Neve Zuf, Dir Nizam, Aboud, Turmus Aya, Al-Lubban ash-Sharkiya; Anabta; Rama; Bir Nabalah; Beit Liqya; near Ofra, near Adam, Nabi Salah, Qalandia
• Shomron, Ephraim, Menashe and Jerusalem region: Near Madam; near Itamar; Yitzhar Junction; entrance to Shechem; Kadum; Burkia; G'it Junction; Giti Avisher, near Ariel in the Shomron/Samaria district; Jois; between Peduel and Beit Aryeh; Gilad Highway; Highway 55; Neve Alias; Azun, near Atarot on Jerusalem's northern edge; Jerusalem's Temple Mount and Damascus Gate, the Qalandia Crossing, Issawiya.

Injuries: As a result of the rock attacks and other violent attacks directed against Jews, 9 civilians were injured the past week:

• A 4 year old boy is injured in a rock-throwing attack at Hirbat Aliya, near Efrat
• One person suffers a head injury in an attack that took place on the road between Peduel and Beit Aryeh
• A female civilian is injured at Rantis
• Yaakov Talia is injured when he comes under attack by an Arab on the Lutsifer Farm in the Southern Hevron Hills
• A civilian is injured at Al Arub
• A CNN photographer suffers leg injuries in the vicinity of Policeman's Square, Hevron, close to Beit Hadassah and Tel Rumeida
• A female civilian suffers leg injuries in a rock attack at Al-Lubban ash-Sharkiya
• A traveler on a field trip is attacked by Arabs at Ein Bidan near Elon Moreh
• An Arab Israeli is injured in a rock attack at the Husan Bypass near Beitar Ilit
• Two motor vehicle accidents occur, as a result of rock-hurling attacks. A civilian loses control of his car near Ma'ale Shomron but fortunately escapes uninjured
• Four IDF service personnel are injured when their jeep overturns at Hirbat Aliya, near Efrat

All of this - in just a single week. And almost certainly, none of it made it into your newspapers or your local TV station's evening news.

Postscript: Yehudit Tayar writes - "These reports are translated and publicized by Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron with the clearance and confirmation of the IDF. Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron is a voluntary emergency medical organization with over 500 volunteer doctors, paramedics, medics who are on call 24/7 and work along with the IDF, 669 IAF Airborn Rescue, the security officers and personal throughout Yesha and the Jordan Valley, and with MDA. We, the volunteers of Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron go out to rescue anyone who needs our emergency medical assistance; including civilians, military and Arabs also those within the PA territories. (with IDF presence) To us a life is precious and we go out at risk leaving home and family or stopping on the road to rescue anyone in need."

25-Dec-12: Scenes from the front lines, courtesy of the Tayar Report

Rock-hurling, vehicle-seeking
Palestinian Arab 'activist' 'militants' [Image Source]

The chronology below is a continuation of the reports we have published in recent months based on information received via the Tayar Security Report, with some editing and annotating by us. Yehudit Tayar produces her invaluable bulletins on the basis of first-responder, police and army reports.

Monday December 17, 2012

• Gush Etzion-Hevron highway, near the Karmei Zur community: Several Israeli vehicles came under rock attack by Arabs; damage is caused to one of the cars

Tuesday December 18, 2012

• Multiple rock attacks by Palestinian Arabs against Israeli vehicles:

• Between El Arub and Beit Ummar
• Hevron at the IDF post near Bet Romano
• Samaria between Ma'aleh Shomron and Azun
• The Arab village of Luban A-Sharqiya
• Near the entrance to the Israeli village Kfar Tapuah
• The road between the Israeli communal villages of Hermesh and Mevo Dotan - damage is caused to multiple vehicles
• Hevron, near the Cave of the Patriarchs: A tourist bus is attacked by Arabs - rocks cause window damage
• Near Migdal Oz in Gush Etzion: Three fire-bombs (Molotov cocktails) are thrown from a passing Arab vehicle at an Israeli vehicle. The culprits are seen fleeing to the village of Bet Fa'jar

Wednesday December 19, 2012

• Gush Etzion-Hevron road near Beit Ummar: An Israeli bus comes under rock  attack by Arabs
• Samaria – west of Ma'aleh Shomron: Several Israeli vehicles come under rock attack by Arabs – several vehicles are damaged
• Route 443 – the Modi'in/Jerusalem highway near the IDF post at Maccabim:  Several Israeli vehicles come under rock attack by Arabs – several vehicles are damaged
• Jerusalem: In the vicinity of the Shu’afat “refugee” “camp”, three fire bombs (Molotov cocktails) are hurled by Palestinian Arabs

Thursday December 20, 2012

• Yehudit is authorized to disclose that units of the IDF and the security services arrested several Arabs during November, in the course of Operation Pillar of Defense. Those arrested include Bedouin Arabs from the Negev region, and Palestinian Arabs from the Hevron region. They are charged with being involved in a terrorist stabbing attack in Be'er Sheva on November 19, 2012.

Friday December 21, 2012

• At the Rama military base, adjacent to A-Ram in east Jerusalem: Two Palestinian Arabs attacked an IDF soldier at the checkpost of the base, using tear gas, stole his weapon and fled. The soldier was injured in the attack and received medical treatment from IDF ambulance staff.

Saturday December 22, 2012

• At the IDF checkpoint on the Gush Etzion-Hevron highway at Beit Ummar: Service personnel manning the post come under violent attack by rock-hurling Palestinian Arabs. An officer is struck in the head and suffers injuries requiring hospital treatment. Two of the Arab attackers are injured; one from gunfire to a leg. The Arabs are treated by Red Crescent ambulance crew.

Sunday December 23, 2012

• In the Binyamin region, on the Abud bi-pass road north-west of Ramallah: Three fire-bombs (Molotov cocktails) are thrown from a passing Arab vehicle at an Israeli vehicle.
• Near Ma'aleh Michmas: Arabs obstruct the highway with rocks and nails.  Two IDF vehicles are damaged.
• North-west of Ramallah near Luban A-Sharqiya  Several Israeli vehicles come under rock attack by Arabs – several vehicles are damaged
• Near Ofra in the Mateh Binyamin region: An Israeli bus come under rock attack by Palestinian Arabs

Monday December 24, 2012

• The IDF Spokesman says a Palestinian Arab armed with a 17 cm-long knife is stopped at the IDF post south-west of Bethlehem and taken into custody for interrogation
• On the Gush Etzion-Hevron road near El Arub, an Israeli bus comes under rock attack by Arabs, causing damage to the vehicle
• In the vicinity of Omer-Meitar in Israel's Southern District: Bedouin Arabs from the Abukaf tribe attack an Israeli bus filled with IDF service personnel; two soldiers are injured
• Gush Etzion-Hevron road near Beit Ummar:  Several massive and violent attacks by rock-throwing Arabs; a traveler suffers head injuries from flying glass. It is important to note the increasing levels of violence on the roads, directed at Israelis traveling in cars and buses
• Luban A-Sharqiya:  An Israeli bus comes under rock attack by Arabs; there is damage to the bus
• Southern Hevron Hills region near El Fu’ar: Rock-throwing Palestinian Arabs attack Israeli vehicles traveling on the roads 
• Adjacent to the Moshav Shekef community: A fire-bomb (Molotov cocktail) is hurled at the security fence

Tuesday December 25, 2012 (today)

• Yehudit is authorized to disclose that units of the IDF and the security services arrested terrorists today in the Ramallah region; they are alleged to have been planning the execution of multiple terror attacks including the attempted abduction of Israelis in order to secure the release of Ahmad Sa’adat, the head of the terrorist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), who is jailed in Israel.
• Near the Oranit checkpoint in the direction of Rosh HaAyin: Rock throwing attacks by Palestinian Arabs were directed against Israeli vehicles. There is property damage
• Near the T-Junction in Gush Etzion: Rock throwing attacks by Palestinian Arabs are directed against Israeli vehicles. There is property damage
• Vicinity of Turmos Aya, north-east of Ramallah, close to the community of Shilo: an Israeli bus comes under rock attack by Arabs

Postscript from Yehudit Tayar: "These reports are translated and publicized by Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron with the clearance and confirmation of the IDF. Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron is a voluntary emergency medical organization with over 500 volunteer doctors, paramedics, medics who are on call 24/7 and work along with the IDF, 669 IAF Airborn Rescue, the security officers and personal throughout Yesha and the Jordan Valley, and with MDA. We, the volunteers of Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron go out to rescue anyone who needs our emergency medical assistance; including civilians, military and Arabs also those within the PA territories. (with IDF presence) To us a life is precious and we go out at risk leaving home and family or stopping on the road to rescue anyone in need."

12-Dec-12: Scenes from the front lines, courtesy of the Tayar Report

Palestinian Arab attackers, equipped with rocks and Molotov cocktails

The chronology below is a continuation of the reports we have published in recent months based on information received via the Tayar Security Report, with some editing and annotating by us. Yehudit Tayar produces her invaluable bulletins on the basis of first-responder, police and army reports.

Friday November 30, 2012

• Halhul Bypass Road adjacent to Highway 60: An Israeli vehicle is attacked by rock-throwing Arabs at the exact spot where Asher Palmer and his infant son Yonatan HY"D were murdered in September 2011 ["25-Sep-11: "Only" rock throwers - but now a father and his infant son are dead"] This time, one person is lightly injured and given medical care at the scene.

Sunday December 2, 2012

• Near Anbata, east of Tul Karem: Several Israeli vehicles come under rock attack by Arabs; damage is limited this time to property loss.
• The Benjamin region close to Hizma: Several Israeli vehicles come under rock attack by Arabs.
• Between Hawara Checkpoint and Tapuah Junction: Several Israeli vehicles come under rock and Molotov cocktail attack by Arabs. There is resultant property damage.
• Between the community of Adam and the Hizma Crossing in the Benjamin region near the northern entrance to Jerusalem: Ongoing heavy rock attacks on Israeli vehicles result in a traffic accident
• South of Nablus/Shechem near Hawara: Several Israeli vehicles come under rock attack by Arabs.
• Route 443 in the Benjamin region, a major intercity highway running between the coastal plane and Jerusalem: In the vicinity of Bet Horon and the village of A-Tira: Several Israeli vehicles come under rock attack by Arabs.
• Between the Arab village of Azun and the Israeli community of Ma'aleh Shomron: Several Israeli vehicles come under rock attack by Arabs.

Monday December 3, 2012

• Between Shavei Shomron and Einav in the Shomron region: An Arab driver deliberately crashes his vehicle into an IDF military jeep, causing the jeep to crash and overturn. Four security personnel re injured.  The Arab driver, armed with an ax, approaches the Israelis and is shot and killed. [See also our post: "3-Dec-12 [UPDATED]: Ax-wielding Palestinian Arab is stopped by Israeli soldiers this morning"]

Tuesday December 4, 2012

• Near El Arub on the Gush Etzion-Hevron highway: Two Molotov cocktails are hurled at Israeli vehicles. No serious injuries or damage.

Wednesday December 5, 2012

• Near Beit El in the Benjamin region: Two Molotov cocktails are burled at an Israeli passenger bus. No serious injuries or damage.
• Massive rock attacks occur near Ma'aleh Shomron, and in the vicinity of Ariel.

Thursday December 6, 2012

• At Shavei Shomron Junction: An IDF jeep comes under attack by Arabs armed with Molotov cocktails.
• Near Hawara, an Israel bus carrying school students comes under rock attack by Arabs, causing property damage.
• At the Hizma Crossing in the Benjamin region: the driver of an Israeli bus reports his vehicle came under rock attack the communities of Rachelim and Eli.
• On the Gush Etzion-Hevron highway near Beit Ummar: Arabs subject Israeli vehicles, including buses, to sustained rock and boulder attacks. Though there are no injuries,there is significant property damage, including damage to vehicles.
• Hevron: In Kikar Hashoter ("Policeman's Square") IDF soldiers come under attack by a mob of some 150 Arabs armed with rocks and Molotov cocktails. The soldiers disperse the attackers.
• Hevron: An IDF patrol is attacked by police officers of the Palestinian Authority using their fists, while non-uniformed Arabs throw rocks. The IDF force retreats under a hail of rocks.

Friday December 7, 2012

• West of Nablus/Shechem: Violence directed at Israelis by Arabs. Two IDF soldiers are injured by rocks hurled at them; one suffers a suspected fracture of the arm. Another suffers facial injuries and lacerations. A third soldier suffers burn injuries from an exploding grenade thrown at him. IDF soldiers from the 76 Brigade of the Engineering Corps are evacuated to Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah for treatment.
• On the Gush Etzion-Hevron highway at Beit Ummar: Ongoing violent attacks by Arabs directed against Israeli vehicles result in one driver suffering head injury from rocks hurled at her vehicle; she manages to continue driving until she reaches Karmei Zur where she is treated by an IDF ambulance crew and taken to hospital by Magen David Adom. Damage is caused to Israeli vehicles including buses. IDF forces disperse the agitators into the village.

Saturday December 8, 2012

• North-west of Ramallah near El Moiyer: Explosive devices are found on the road and inside a pipe on the road. IDF bomb squad sappers are called in and they safely dispose of the threats. 
• On the Gush Etzion-Hevron highway at Beit Ummar: Several Israeli vehicles come under rock attack by Arabs.

Sunday December 9, 2012

• Azun Junction: A Molotov cocktail is thrown by Arabs. No injuries or damage.
• The road running between Har Homa and Tekoa in Jerusalem's southern suburbs: An Israeli bus comes under rock attack by Arabs near Herodian Square, causing damage but no injuries.
• Near Azun: Israeli vehicles and buses are attacked by Arabs armed with rocks and Molotov cocktails.
• Near Hawara: Molotov cocktails is hurled at an Israeli vehicle.
• The tunnel road running south from Jerusalem and under Bethlehem: Several Israeli vehicles come under rock attack by Arabs; no injuries but there is property damage.

Tuesday December 11, 2012

• Between Nili and Na'aleh in the Benjamin region: Molotov cocktail is hurled at an Israeli vehicle.

Wednesday December 12, 2012 (today)

• North of Ofra in the Mateh Binyamin region: Several Israeli vehicles come under rock attack by Arabs; no injuries but there is property damage.
• On the Gush Etzion-Hevron highway near Beit Ummar: Arabs subject an Israeli passenger bus to rock and boulder attack.

Postscript from Yehudit Tayar: "These reports are translated and publicized by Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron with the clearance and confirmation of the IDF. Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron is a voluntary emergency medical organization with over 500 volunteer doctors, paramedics, medics who are on call 24/7 and work along with the IDF, 669 IAF Airborn Rescue, the security officers and personal throughout Yesha and the Jordan Valley, and with MDA. We, the volunteers of Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron go out to rescue anyone who needs our emergency medical assistance; including civilians, military and Arabs also those within the PA territories. (with IDF presence) To us a life is precious and we go out at risk leaving home and family or stopping on the road to rescue anyone in need."

15-Jul-12: More scenes from the front lines

Asserting their right to political expression: Rock-throwing
Arabs [Image Source]

The chronology below picks up from our previous Tayar posting of Friday, July 06, 2012 [here]. Like several earlier Tayar reports summarized in this blog, the following is an edited and annotated version that we produce based on the Tayar Security Report compiled by Yehudit Tayar from first-responder, police and army reports. 

Thursday July 12, 2012

• Kiryat Arba:  The electrified security fence was set ablaze by local Arabs, not for the first time. The Kiryat Arba fire fighting unit was sent out to extinguish the flames.
• Near El Aroub on the Gush Etzion-Hebron road: An Israeli vehicle comes under rock-and-block attack from Palestinian Arabs, causing damage to the vehicle.
• Near the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron: Arabs attacked with rocks and rods a field-tractor with a medic onboard. The tractor belongs to the emergency rescue medics of Hatzalah Yehuda and Shomron, and the attack occurred in broad daylight. The IDF carried out a search for the perpetrators.

Friday July 13, 2012

• Erez region, adjacent to the Gaza Strip: An armed terrorist is eliminated by IDF forces while attempting to open fire. He was spotted some 100 meters from the security fence separating Gaza and Israel. [See our report: "13-Jul-12: Noticeable increase in attempted terror attacks since Shalit transaction"]

Saturday July 14, 2012

• Hebron: Close to the Cave of the Patriarchs,  in broad daylight, Arabs set fire to a container filled with equipment and Jewish holy books belonging to Bet HaMachpela and its recently expelled residents. These items had been placed there, between two military posts, following the expulsion of Jewish families from the house.

Sunday July 15, 2012

• In Hevron, an IDF patrol comes under Arab rock attack in the middle of the day.
• Gush Etzion-Hebron Highway near El Aroub again: An Israeli bus comes under rock attack by Arabs. There is property damage but no injuries.
• Hebron: In the children's playground in Bet Hadassah, Arabs hurl detonators at Israelis.
• Near Jabel Ju'had , an IDF patrol post comes under attack by a large group of Arabs. Soldiers fire into the air to defend themselves.

The Tayar Security Report is compiled by Yehudit Tayar based on inputs from the Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron organization, cleared and confirmed by the IDF.

6-Jul-12: Scenes from the front lines

The community of Ma'ale Hever in the Southern Hebron Hills, close to
Kiryat Arba. About 55 families make their home here.
Most residents are veteran Israelis, but their
neighbours include immigrants from France, Ethiopia and the US.

The chronology below picks up where we left off this past Monday, July 2, 2012 [here]. Like several earlier Tayar reports summarized in this blog, the following is an edited and annotated version that we produce based on the Tayar Security Report compiled by Yehudit Tayar from first-responder, police and army reports. 

Monday July 2, 2012

• Near Kiryat Arba: An Israeli vehicle is damaged in a rock-hurling attack carried out by Palestinian Arabs.
• Near Betar Illit: IDF reports that an Israeli bus comes under rock-throwing attack by Palestinian Arabs, with resultant damage to property.

Tuesday July 3, 2012

• The Gush Etzion-Hebron highway: A throng of Palestinian Arabs attacks another Israeli civilian bus with rocks and cement blocks. Property damage is caused.
• Near El Arrub (north of Hevron on the Gush Etzion-Hebron highway: The IDF reports that Israeli vehicles come under attack by rocks and firebombs (Molotov cocktails) from a Palestinian Arab crowd.
• Route 55 in the vicinity of 'Azzun, and close to the thriving Israeli communities of Alfei Menashe, Karnet Shomron and Ma'ale Shomron - Israeli civilian vehicles are pelted by rocks and cement blocks hurled by Palestinian Arabs.

Wednesday July 4, 2012

• The El Arrub vicinity again (north of Hevron on the Gush Etzion-Hebron highway): This time, the rock-and-block throwers target an Israeli bus.

Thursday July 5, 2012

• Early morning mortar attack from Gaza - we reported this here.
• The highway between Ma'ale Hever Junction and Bet Hagai in the Southern Hevron Hills: Palestinian Arabs launch unspecified attacks on Israeli civilians in their vehicles. 
• The road between the IDF base in Judea and the community of Ma'ale Hever: Palestinian Arabs attack Israeli vehicles, buses and IDF patrols. Property damage is caused.
• The  the Avraham Avinu neighborhood in the ancient Jewish community of Hebron: An attack on the children's playground by rock-hurling Arabs.

The Tayar Security Report is compiled by Yehudit Tayar based on inputs from the Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron organization, cleared and confirmed by the IDF.

24-Jun-12: Scenes from the front lines: today's Tayar Security Report update

Palestinian Arab human rights demonstrator

protesting in the village of Nabi Salah [Image Source]. 

The UNICEF logo on the human rights activist's shirt 

in this archive photo has no significance

whatsoever; none at all. Please focus solely on his human rights.

The chronology below picks up where we left off this past Monday June 18, 2012 [see "18-Jun-12: Scenes from the front lines: today's Tayar Security Report update"]. 

Like several earlier reports summarized in our blog, this one too is based on the Tayar Security Report compiled by Yehudit Tayar from first-responder, police and army reports. It skips some of the incident reports which we ourselves posted here in previous days.

Monday June 18, 2012

• Along the security fence near Kibbutz Be'eri (population: ~800), in the north-west corner of Israel's Negev desert: An unarmed Arab is caught after he penetrated from Gaza.
• Near Betar Illit: Several firebombs (Molotov cocktail) are hurled at Israeli vehicles
• The Gush Etzion-Hevron road near the town of Bet Umar, a constant troublespot for passing motorists: Several rock attacks (again) on Israeli vehicles; property damage is caused
• The Palestinian Arab village of Katna: Two IDF Special Police Force soldiers are moderately injured  by rock throwers; evacuated to Hadassah Ein Karem Hospital in Jerusalem for urgent treatment
• Vicinity of the Palestinian Arab village of Borin, in the Shomron (Samaria district): Rock throwing attack on an IDF patrol
• Nabi Salah: Overnight rock throwing attack on a Border Guard patrol; an Israeli officer is injured and hosptialized for treatment
• Abu Dis in Jerusalem's eastern suburbs: Firebombs hurled at an IDF patrol.

Tuesday June 19, 2012

• Close to the Qalqilya security check post, an Arab is apprehended by alert IDF soldiers; he is found to have 3 pipe bombs on his person. These are safely detonated by IDF sapppers.

Wednesday June 20, 2012

• One small result of the day's massive rocket bombardment on southern Israel by the terror groups of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip: A mortar lands on the grounds of Kibbutz Sufa (population: 45 families) causing a fire to break out. It is extinguished with no injuries.

Thursday June 21, 2012

• Shechem (Nablus): Jewish pilgrims numbering 1,200, accompanied by an IDF security patrol to ensure their safety (given the grim history of previous such visits) approach the Tomb of Joseph the Patriarch. They come under fierce rock and gunfire attack near Balata. An IDF soldier is injured and evacuated for urgent hospital care.

A final word about the Tayar Security Report compiled by Yehudit Tayar: These reports are translated and publicized by Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron with the clearance and confirmation of the IDF. Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron is a voluntary emergency medical organization with over 500 volunteer doctors, paramedics, medics who are on call 24/7 and work along with the IDF, 669 IAF Airborn Rescue, the security officers and personal throughout Yesha and the Jordan Valley, and with MDA, Israel's official ambulance service.

18-Jun-12: Scenes from the front lines: today's Tayar Security Report update

Route 443

The chronology below picks up where we left off this past Sunday June 3, 2012. Like several earlier reports summarized in our blog, this one too is based on the Tayar Security Report compiled by Yehudit Tayar from first-responder, police and army reports.

Thursday June 14, 2012

• Near the Palestinian Arab town of El Hader on the Gush Etzion-Hebron Highway. A firebomb, or Molotov Cocktail, is thrown at an Israeli vehicle 

Friday June 15, 2012

• Near Eshkolot in the southern Hebron Hills: Palestinian Arabs attempted to hijack an Israeli truck and its driver. Fortunately, the driver managed to evade the attack and reached the community of Negahot safely.

Saturday June 16, 2012

• During the Sabbath (Friday night to Saturday night) two rockets were fired from Sinai into southern Israel (we reported on these - see "16-Jun-12: Behind Friday's rocket attacks on the Negev"), striking and exploding near Mitzpeh Rimon and the community of Shacharot.
• Hebron: Repeated rock-throwing attacks on local Jewish residents by Palestinian Arabs during and after funerals for the victims of road accident victims. One person was injured by the mob attacks.

Sunday June 17, 2012

• The Israel Navy identified and apprehended a sailing vessel that had departed from the port of Gaza and had deviated from the sea route that was approved for it. Israeli naval forces arrested two suspects. One gave signs of distressed breathing and received urgent treatment by a Magen David Adom ambulance team. 
• On the major Route 443 near Bet Horon (the road runs from near Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport into northern Jerusalem) a pair of Palestinian Arabs hijacked a Toyota Corola from its owner/driver, a 27 year old Israeli male. The Israeli was beaten but did not suffer serious injuries. The matter continues to be under investigation by Israel Police. [Additional details reported here.]
• Three mortar rounds crash into southern Israel, adjacent to the security fence. [See our report: "17-Jun-12: Mortar attack on southern Israel this afternoon"
• Near Libne Junction in the Yatir region of the Southern Hebron Hills: an attempted kidnapping and truck theft by three Palestinian Arabs who tried to kidnap the Israeli driver. He, acting in self-defense,  opened fire on the assailants and was moderately injured. Two of the Palestinian Arabs suffered fatal injuries; one is injured. Former Kadima MK Avi Dichter related to the continuous attacks against Jews and Israeli vehicles on the roads of Judea and Samaria saying: "It is very easy for such situations to deteriorate into terror attacks even when the first intention is criminal.  For example the horrendous murder of the Fogel family that began as a desire to steal and resulted in the murder of the family.  Both the IDF and Israeli police must respond to these threats and prevent them from happening."

Monday June 18, 2012

• Terror attack [see "18-Jun-12: They're attacking on Israel's Egyptian border again this morning"] near the Philadelphi Route in the region of Kadesh Barnea. 

A final word about the Tayar Security Report compiled by Yehudit Tayar: 

These reports are translated and publicized by Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron with the clearance and confirmation of the IDF. Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron is a voluntary emergency medical organization with over 500 volunteer doctors, paramedics, medics who are on call 24/7 and work along with the IDF, 669 IAF Airborn Rescue, the security officers and personal throughout Yesha and the Jordan Valley, and with MDA.

3-Jun-12: Scenes from the front lines: today's update

East Jerusalem: Firebombs, cement blocks, rock volleys
[Image Source]

The chronology below picks up where we left off this past Tuesday ["29-May-12: Terrorism from up close: low-intensity attacks continue"]. Like several earlier reports summarized in our blog, this is based on the Tayar Security Report, compiled by Yehudit Tayar from first-responder, police and army reports.

Tuesday May 29, 2012

• Molotov cocktail (fire-bomb) attack on the IDF post at Tel Ares, south-west of Nablus/Shechem
• Civilian buses come under rock attacks in the area north-west of Nablus/Shechem between Sebastia and the Jewish communities of the Shomron (Samaria district) 

Wednesday May 30. 2012

• Tekoa in the Gush Etzion region, on Jerusalem's southern edge: A crowd of Palestinian Arabs, including a considerable number of political activists, provocateurs and anarchists (to adopt the Tayar Security Report's terminology) gathers, seeking to cause violent clashes with the community's Jewish residents. They also attack IDF troops whose presence prevented the confrontations which they evidently wanted to achieve. One of the Arab protestors is moderately injured.
• Negahot in the Southern Hebron Hills: Rock throwing attacks on the IDF with two soldiers suffering  moderate injuries. They are taken away by ambulance for hospital treatment.

Thursday May 31, 2012

• Betar Ilit: An Israeli passenger bus comes under rock attack resulting in property damage but no injuries
• In the Shomron (Samaria district): Rock attacks on vehicles traveling on the Gilad Road
• Negahot in in the Southern Hebron Hills: Continuing rock attacks

 Friday June 1, 2012

• Terrorist incursion near Kisufim on the Israel/Gaza border. We posted on this ["1-Jun-12: In the south, things are growing warmer... yet again"]
• Two incoming rockets are fired from Gaza in the general direction of Israeli communities, this time landing near the security fence
• Village of Kfar Hursa, in the Southern Hebron Hills: Continuous rioting by local Palestinian Arabs directed against Israeli vehicles passing on the nearby roads. An Israeli motorist, struck by a bottle of paint, safely reached Bet Hagai where she reported on the damage to her vehicle
• Also in the vicinity of Hursa: An Israeli child suffered injuries from glass fragments as a result of a rock attack (one of many) on a vehicle traveling near the village. In addition, two IDF soldiers were injured from rock throwing in the same area during the week.

Saturday June 2, 2012

• The Gal neighborhood of Kiryat Arba: A fire is set by protesting Arabs from nearby towns. Fire fighters prevented damage or injury.
• Adjacent to the village of El Arub on the Gush Etzion-to-Hebron road: During Friday night, a Molotov cocktail (fire-bomb) is hurled at an IDF post 

Sunday (today) June 3, 2012

• The vicinity of Har Gilo on Jerusalem's southern edge: An Israeli vehicle is car-jacked. The driver, who had transported her son to his army post nearby, is thrown from her vehicle but is unhurt. The brazen thieves make good their escape to the nearby Arab town of Bet Jala.
• Hebron: Rock attacks on Israeli vehicles in and near the city's Jewish community quarter, with property damage
• Multiple rock attacks today against Israeli vehicles traveling several roads including the Yigal Alon Road, north-west of Ramallah; the major Tel Aviv/Jerusalem Route 443, in the vicinity of the Dor Energy gas station (owned and operated by the Hawaja family, Israeli Arabs) a few kilometers south of the city of Modi'in; and in the vicinity of Shilo with the rock throwers based at the Arab school at Luben A-Sharkia. Damage caused to vehicles.

29-May-12: Terrorism from up close: low-intensity attacks continue

The rocks are rarely hurled in a vacuum

The chronology below picks up where we left off a week ago ["24-May-12: Terrorism from up close: the past few days"]. Like the earlier data, this is based on the Tayar Security Report, compiled by Yehudit Tayar.

Thursday May 24, 2012

• The village of El Arub, southwest of Bethlehem on the Bethlehem-to-Hebron road: A bottle is hurled at an IDF post
• Hawara, south of Shechem (aka Nablus): Rocks are thrown at Israeli vehicles. A bus is damaged.
• The vehicle of one of the Jewish residents of Hebron is blockaded on the main road between Kiryat Arba and Hebron. The driver is fortunately able to extricate herself from a potentially very harmful situation.
• The Jewish section of Hebron: A bottle is thrown at an Israeli bus
• Near El Fuar in the Southern Hebron Hills: A rock attack on an Israeli bus
• El Arub (again): Rocks are hurled at vehicles traveling on the Gush Etzion-Hebron arterial road
• Bet Umar, notorious site of a large number of rock throwing attacks: Additional such attacks directed at vehicles traveling the Gush Etzion-Hebron road
• The road between Turmus Aya and Shilo in the Benjamin region: One again, rock attacks on Israeli vehicles
• Kiryat Arba in the vicinity of the Palestinian Arab neighbourhood of Jebel Johar: A rock-throwing attack on the nearby IDF security post

Friday May 25, 2012

• Once more (see our previous report), Palestinian Arabs engaged in systematic throwing of rocks from speeding vehicles at Israeli vehicles and their drivers and passengers, an action calculated to produce death and maiming (of the kind for which several Palestinian Arabs are currently on trial for the murders of Asher Palmer and his year old son - see "25-Sep-11: "Only" rock throwers - but now a father and his infant son are dead"). This time, the attack took place near the Israeli community of Ofra in the Benjamin region. An IDF patrol searched for the perpetrators, but so far without success.

Sunday May 27, 2012 

• Hebron, near the IDF checkpost adjacent to the Tomb of the Patriarchs: A Palestinian Arab is apprehended with a large knife. He confesses to planning to attack and stab Israelis.
• Hebron near Police Square: A Palestinian Arab is apprehended by security forces in possession of a knife and suspected of planning a terrorist attack
• The Israeli community of Yitzhar in the Shomron (Samaria district): Palestinian Arabs start a fire in the community's fields. Fire fighters Take two hours to bring the blaze under control. While they are engaged in fire fighting, the authorities as well as IDF security forces come under attack from Palestinian Arabs, one of whom - brandishing a knife - is shot and immobilized by security personnel.
• Shuafat: Attacks by rocks and Molotov cocktails (firebombs) on security personnel.
• In the vicinity of the city of Modi'in, halfway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, five Molotov cocktails (firebombs) are hurled at a Border Police patrol close to the village of A-Tira
• Tapuah security checkpost: As reported here yesterday ("28-May-12: Tapuah Junction: Yet another suspect nabbed with pipe bombs on him"), a Palestinian Arab is caught and remanded to custody after three firebombs and three pipebombs are found hidden in his possession - we reported on this
• Hawara (again): An Israeli bus comes under rock attack
• Bet Umar, notorious site of a large number of rock throwing attacks: Another such attack is made on an Israeli civilian bus traveling the Gush Etzion-Hebron road

Monday May 28, 2012

• In the Israeli community of Kedumim, in the Shomron (Samaria district), there are multiple burglaries in the town's mobile-home neighborhood
• Kochav Yaakov: A suspected Palestinian Arab intruder penetrates the community, causing a state of high alert to go into effect. Previous such penetrations have had catastrophic outcomes.
• Tekoa, south of Jerusalem: There are reports that over Shabbat, Israeli anarchists and Palestinian Arabs conducted a violent demonstration at the entrance to the community
• Bet Umar: Yet another rock-hurling attack on an Israeli civilian bus traveling the Gush Etzion-Hebron road
• Around 5 this morning, on the Israel-Egypt border near Carmit, 10 illegal Chinese infiltrators accompanied by four armed people-smugglers are caught. Several people are injured during the arrests.
• South-west of Shechem (Nablus): A fire bomb is thrown at an IDF post at Tel Aras

Safe to say that almost without exception, these calculated and premeditated attacks - every one of which has the potential to take or damage lives - go unreported outside the immediate area, making it difficult to understand Israel's constant preparedness and vigilance.

24-May-12: Terrorism from up close: the past few days

The chronology below picks up where we left off this past Monday ["21-May-12: This is what war by terrorism feels like from up close"]. Like the earlier data, this is based on the Tayar Security Report, compiled by Yehudit Tayar.

Monday May 21, 2012

• Undisclosed location north of Hebron: Israeli vehicles (and their drivers and passengers) pelted with rocks
• Negohot Junction, in the southern Hebron Hills area: Israeli vehicles attacked by rock-throwing Palestinian Arabs 
• Hebron: An IDF checkpost attacked by rock-throwing Palestinian Arabs
• The villages of Turmos Aya and Sen'jal:  Israeli vehicles (and their drivers and passengers) pelted with rocks by Palestinian Arabs
• The Israeli  community of Eli in the Binyamin region: Palestinian Arab residents of the village of Krayot vandalized and destroyed some of Eli's security equipment 
• Dir Abu Mishal: Two firebombs (Molotov cocktails) hurled at Israeli vehicles 
• Highway 446 near Shokba: Service personnel of the IDF apprehended a Palestinian Arab who placed rocks on the road to blockade it and to endangered Israeli travelers on the road.

Tuesday May 22, 2012

• The synagogue in the community of Tel-Zion in the Binyamin region is vandalized and violated, evidently by Palestinian Arabs. Religious items are stolen. A Torah scroll is destroyed.
• Near the Israeli community of Har Adar on Jerusalem's northern edge: A fire bomb (Molotov cocktail) and rocks are hurled at a Border Police patrol. A serviceman suffers an injury to his leg.
• Near Tekoa, south of Jerusalem in the Gush Etzion area: Two rock-throwing attacks on Israeli vehicles by Palestinian Arabs.
• The Gush Etzion-to-Hebron road, a major highway, near El Arub: Palestinian Arabs carry out yet another in a long and damaging series of rock-throwing attacks directed at Israeli vehicles and the people inside them 
• Har Gilo, a southern suburb of Jerusalem: An IDF post is attacked by Palestinian Arabs armed with fire-bombs (Molotov cocktails)
• Giti Avisher Junction, near Ariel in the Shomron (Samaria district): Palestinian Arabs carried out a rock-throwing attack on Israeli vehicles. One person is moderately injured.
• Near Negahot in the southern Hebron Hills area: Palestinian Arabs carry out firebomb (Molotov cocktail) attacks on passing Israeli vehicles

Wednesday May 23, 2012

• The vicinity of the Kissufim crossing on Israel's southern border with the Hams-controlled Gaza Strip: A shooting attack from the Hamas side of the fence results in an IDF officer and a soldier being wounded by fire. The two have moderate to medium injuries; they are evacuated to Soroka Hospital for emergency treatment. [More details at Haaretz.]
• From the Shabak, the Israeli Secret Service, it is reported that a number of Palestinian Arabs resident in the Hebron area were arrested and investigated for belonging to terrorist cells active in and around Hebron [Haaretz covered it here, and the Jerusalem Post here.] One cell laid explosive devices on the road near Zif Junction. A second planned the abduction of an Israeli resident (any Israeli) of the nearby community of Kiryat Arba. The cells are believed to be responsible for many of proliferating rock attacks on Road 60, the Gush Etzion-to-Hebron highway. The alleged head of the cell, Ma'ataz Kawasma, is a veteran guest of the Israeli prison system.
• Hawara, south of Nablus (Shechem in Hebrew). Palestinian Arabs hurled massive rocks at a passing Israeli vehicle. This mode of deliberate and murderous attack is similar to the one that caused the deaths of Asher Palmer and his year-old infant son Yonatan a year ago. [See "27-Jan-12: Rocks of reality? A postscript"]
• Hawara, south of Nablus (Shechem) again: A unit of the IDF apprehended a Palestinian Arab in possession of a knife and 6 explosive devices.

Thursday May 24, 2012 (today)

• Near Har Harif on Israel's border with Egypt: A Beduin Arab, apparently smuggling drugs across the border into Israel, was shot by an IDF patrol. He was evacuated to hospital for emergency treatment.

The day is far from over.

21-May-12: This is what war by terrorism feels like from up close

There have been hundreds of violent attacks on Israeli civilians as well as against IDF patrols, Border Police and civilians by Palestinian Arabs in the last few days. Almost none of this gets reported. The weapons of the terrorists in this asymmetrical warfare are cement blocks and rocks, fire-bombs and Molotov Cocktails. The intention is rarely to cause something as mild as a protest. People have been killed, and anyone observing the venom and - frequently - the degree of planning knows that lethal outcomes are very much part of the agenda of those with terrorism on their minds.

The incidents recounted below come from the reporting of Yehudit Tayar who receives and distributes field intelligence in real-time from the Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron first-responder organization and from other sources including the IDF.

Frdiay May 18, 2012

• Border Police serviceman suffered moderate injuries as a result of being hit by rocks hurled by Palestinian Arabs in the vicinity of the flashpoint village of Nabi Saleh. He was evacuated to Belinson Hospital for treatment.
• In the south of Israel, near Kibbutz Nahal Oz which abuts the Israel-Gaza border, IDF troops came under fire from the other side of the border [see Ynet's brief report]. 

Saturday May 19, 2012

• Several rock throwing attacks directed at security checkpoints on the edge of Jerusalem, near the community of Adam and at the edge of the Arab Shuafat neighbourhood. A Border Police serviceman suffered moderate injuries in the Shuafat attack.

Sunday May 20, 2012

• At the Gush Etzion Junction, a Palestinian Arab attempted to stab an IDF serviceman but managed only to get seriously injured from contact with the knife concealed in his clothing. [See our report: "20-May-12: Ongoing 'cycle' of violence, Jerusalem Day edition"]
• Israel's Secret Service together with the IDF and Israel Police arrested nine members of a terror gang in the Ramallah region who are alleged to have made multiple attempts to carry out kidnappings as part of an effort to extort further releases of incarcerated terrorists. [The Times of Israel report is here.]
• On the road between Efrat and Tekoa in the Gush Etzion region on Jerusalem's southern fringe, several Israeli vehicles came under rock attack. The rock throwers caused property damage and placed lives at risk.
• On Road 446 near Na'alin (also known as Ni'ilin), more rock attacks on Israeli vehicles causing shattered windshields and endangering the lives of the drivers and occupants.
• Shuafat security checkpost, on Jerusalem's northern edge: Palestinian Arabs hurled rocks at the security personnel. A policeman suffered moderate leg injuries.
• The community of Adam in Jerusalem's northern-eastern suburbs: Palestinian Arabs hurled blocks and rocks at Israeli vehicles causing substantial damage and endangering the lives of the people in the cars and trucks.
• Ofra, a community of 3,000 people north of Jerusalem: Rock attacks by Palestinian Arabs.
• On Route 443, the main highway running south into northern Jerusalem from Ben Gurion airport: rock attacks on vehicles near the city of Maccabim, halfway between Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv.

Monday May 21, 2012

• In Issawiya, East Jerusalem, Palestinian Arabs directed a hail of rocks at the Border Police post
• Tekoa in Gush Etzion, south of Jerusalem: Two separate rock-throwing attacks on Israeli vehicles, smashing windshields and threatening the drivers' and passengers' lives
• The notorious stretch of road between Bet Umar and El Arub on the Gush Etzion-Hebron highway: another round of vicious rock attacks
• In the Southern Hebron Hills: a violent demonstration at Mizpe Yair, two kilometers from the community of Sussia 
• The East Jerusalem neighbourhood of A-Tur: A Border Police patrol vehicle was attacked by dozens of Palestinian Arabs. Authorities arrested five of the rioters.

Whether or not you are familiar with the place names, what would be the response you would expect from the police and security personnel in your community if cement-block-equipped hoodlums set themselves up on the road next to your home, your school, your shopping mall?

The restraint of Israel's security services in the face of irresponsible, indiscriminate and deliberate violence is extraordinary. But inevitably shattered windscreens give way to shattered bones and shattered lives and then the restraint becomes even more counterproductive than it often appears to be in the current wave of malicious attacks.

9-May-12: Far from the cameras, an ongoing low intensity war

The romantically-minded reporters and editors of most of the West's
news media want you to believe this is what characterizes the low-intensity
conflict between the Arabs and the Israelis. The dirty-secret reality
is that rocks are hurled by Arabs at Israeli mothers driving their children
far more often than at Israeli military tanks.
And the rocks, cement blocks and boulders that they hurl
are far more often thrown by grown men - who view this
as war -  than by photogenic adolescents.

The attention of almost every working reporter and photographer in Israel this week is on the prisoners' hunger strike. We plan to address that a bit later today. Meanwhile, far from their attention, almost entirely unreported, is what ordinary Israelis are coping with. These events listed below are all from the past 48 hours only. They are a selection from what is sometimes called a low-intensity conflict. 

Hundreds of violent attacks have been made in the last few days on Israelis driving on the roads, as well as on routine police and army patrols. The names of the places may sound strange and foreign, maybe even exotic, to some of our readers. 

But this is where we live.

• The road between Efrat and Tekoa, a few kilometers south of Jerusalem: Rock attacks (described as 'massive') on Israeli vehicles. Damage caused to vehicles. 
• Gush Etzion: The Hebron road near El Arub. Several separate incidents of rocks hurled at Israeli vehicles. Damage caused to vehicles.
• Gush Etzion: The Hebron road near the village of Bet Umar, scene of many rock attacks on fast-moving cars. IDF soldier injured moderately in rock attack, requiring medical treatment.
• The Ma'ale Levona/Sinjil road, in the Benjamin district north of Jerusalem. Civilian driver of Israeli vehicle reported being shot at. Security forces were called - unable to find shooter. Damage to vehicle.
• Abu Dis, Jerusalem suburb north-east of Bethlehem: Throng of Palestinian Arabs numbering about 50 individuals kept up a hail of rocks and molotov cocktails for several hours, directed at IDF soldiers.
• Trans-Judea Highway, near Halhoul bridge: Rock-throwing attacks (described as 'massive') directed at Israeli vehicles. Damaged caused to vehicles.
• Kiryat Arba region in vicinity of Bene Naim village: Rock-throwing attacks (described as 'massive') directed at Israeli vehicles. Damaged caused to vehicles.
• Southern Hebron hills: Rock-throwing attacks (described as 'massive') directed at Israeli bus from village of El Fuar
• Kiryat Arba region in vicinity of Bet Enun: Rock-throwing attack that went on for several hours, directed at Israeli vehicles. Injuries caused to two Israelis traveling inside the vehicles. Damaged caused to vehicles.
• Kiryat Arba region in vicinity of Bet Enun: Following the rock-throwing attack in Bet Enun vicinity, several Arab residents of the area escaped from the scene in their vehicles, and then attacked IDF soldiers when they arrived in the village to apprehend the rock-throwers. Property damage to 7 Israeli vehicles.
• Negahot in southern Hebron Hills: Rock attacks on Israeli civilians as well as on IDF soldiers near El Fuar.
• Gush Etzion: The road  between the villages of Bet Umar El Arub: Significant rock throwing attacks, causing damage to Israeli vehicles.
• Gush Etzion: The Hebron road near Halhoul, north of Hebron: Rock throwing attacks. Israeli passenger bus damaged.
• Road 446 north of Nili in the Benjamin region: Arabs placed cement blocks and rocks in road to create obstacle and to cause damage to vehicles. 
• North of Na'alim checkpost: Arabs carried out rock-throwing attack on Israeli vehicles causing damage to vehicles.
• Area between Har Bracha and Kedumim in the Shomron/Samaria district: Brush fire deliberately lit by three Palestinian Arabs. Fire brought under control by fire fighters.
• Qalandia checkpost north of Jerusalem: Arab apprehended by security personnel and found to be carrying concealed weapons. Arrested and taken away for interrogation.
• Road between Tapuach and Migdalim in Shomron/Samaria district: rocks thrown at Israeli vehicles causing damage. 

This is by no means a complete list but a selection. The reports come from the voluntary first-responder organization, Hatzalah Yehudah and Shomron. Its 500 volunteer doctors, paramedics, medics, on call 24x7 and working in co-ordination with the IDF and with MDA, Magen David Adom, the Israeli ambulance service, deal with these low-intensity challenges daily. It's a safe bet that not a single one of these attacks of the past two days made it into the newspapers or television/radio news of any of our visitors.