IDF forces are continuing its operations to prevent attacks. Illustration: IDF Spokesperson

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To summarize terrorist events this week, two significant incidents occurred in the South. On February 18, an IDF soldier was lightly wounded from an explosive device which was activated remotely near the security fence in central Gaza Strip. Scans conducted by the force later found more explosives which where blown up by sappers in a controlled manner. 

In a separate incident, on February 20, IDF forces opened fire at armed Palestinians who approached the security fence at the central Gaza Strip. Army Radio reported that artillery fire was used at first while attack helicopters scrambled later firing from the air. Palestinian sources reported three causalities.  According to several non verified reports, the terrorist were trying to penetrate into Israel in order to carry out a terror attack.

However, it has been particularly peaceful and quiet in the western Negev area. During this week, no rockets or mortars have fallen on Israeli territory, but two have been located to fall near the security fence in the Gaza Strip.

Multiple cases of assault against Israeli vehicles

IDF forces are continuing its operations to prevent attacks, especially in light of multiple cases of assault against Israeli vehicles this week, by means of hurling rocks and throwing Molotov cocktails.

On February 17, stones were thrown at three Israeli vehicles near Hosen, west of Bethlehem. In another similar incident, an Israeli civilian was lightly injured and his vehicle damaged when Palestinians hurled rocks at him while traveling near Teqoa. In separate incidents, stone throwing at Israeli vehicles continued in the area near Hares, southeast of Qalqilya, and a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a vehicle near Beit Ur al-Tahta, west of Ramallah. There were no injuries but damage was caused to the vehicle.

That same day, four pipe bombs were recently discovered on a Palestinian youth by Border Police forces at the Salem security crossing, northwest of Jenin.

Rocket launch thwarted from Judea and Samaria

On February 22nd, Palestinian security forces gave Israel information on a Qassam rocket manufactured in Judea and Samaria planned to be launched towards Israel. According to estimates, the rocket was ready to be launched towards the center of the country. Information about the existence of the rocket was received from the Palestinian security apparatus.

The detection of the rocket is due to the successful cooperation between the IDF, the Civil Administration and the Palestinian Security Forces, as reflected in several recent cases, such as right-wing activists’ breach to Jericho where cooperation between both forces avoided a violent confrontation between Palestinians and Israelis.

Continuing Disturbances in Hebron

On February 22nd, violent disturbances occurred in the Jewish community of Hebron in the Judea and Samaria region. About 100 Palestinians demonstrated on the streets, burned tires and threw stones at IDF soldiers. An IDF soldier was lightly wounded from the stone throwing. The soldier received initial medical treatment and was shortly evacuated from the area.

Disturbances continued the next day, where dozens of Palestinians were burning tires and throwing stones at IDF soldiers. Soldiers responded to the violence with demonstration dispersal methods. No casualties or damage to property have been reported.