Monthly Archives: June 2011

Video: A Sample of Items Transferred into Gaza from Israel on a Daily Basis

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The  above video shows a sampling of some of the goods transferred on a daily basis to the Gaza Strip from Israel. This was not filmed on a particular noteworthy day, as many luxury items are often included among the goods transferred.

Included among the items shown in the video are hot tubs, LCD televisions, luxury cars, and frost-free refrigerators. Also transferred that day (not shown in the video) were mannequins and jewelery.

The still photos of Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai Tucson vehicles being transferred in the Gaza Strip are from an earlier date.

Israel (through COGAT and the Ministry of Defense) coordinates the daily transfer of roughly 250 to 280 truckloads into Gaza (equivalent to approximately 6,000 of tons of goods and materials)—via the Kerem Shalom land crossing. The goods are ordered in advance by Palestinian Authority officials, who have yet to maximize the crossing’s truckload capacity.

Chief of Staff Speaks at Israeli Air Force Flight School Graduation Ceremony

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Flight School Graduates Receive Their New Rankings as Air Force Officers

Last Tuesday, the flight school graduates received their new rankings as Air Force officers. Photography: Sgt. Ori Shifrin, IDF Spokesperson's Unit

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) Flight School Graduation Ceremony was held today at the Hatzerim base where the new pilots were awarded their ‘flight wings’. The ceremony marks the end of a three-year course that includes officer and pilot training as well as an academic degree from Ben-Gurion University. The President of the State of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres, Prime Minister, Mr. Binyamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense, Mr. Ehud Barak, Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz and IAF Commander, Maj. Gen. Ido Nehushtan attended the ceremony as did the families of those graduating, guests and IAF staff.

As of next week, the new graduates will be stationed at different IAF squadrons and will continue their operational training as pilots, navigators and flight engineers.

Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz spoke at the ceremony and noted that, “Today, your voice joins the thunderous one of the IDF, one that answers those who wish us harm: do not test the strength of the IDF. Our force is that of a strong and persistent nation- we do not seek war, but are determined and prepared to retaliate if a threat is posed upon us. As long as Israeli communities are in range of the missiles of Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations, your first and foremost challenge is to provide a peripheral response to the threat from our enemies.”

The Chief of General Staff added, “As long as we face attacks of de-legitimization, fueled by false propaganda and flotillas driven by hate, we will persevere and stand tall, armed with the truth and prepared to respond harshly to any threat on the State of Israel.”

IAF Commander, Maj. Gen. Ido Nehushtan noted, “The Middle East is energized, it as if continents are shifting around us.  Within this instability, it is of utmost importance to safeguard the State of Israel as an island of stability. Military strength is a necessity in this period, and the IAF has a central role regardless of the scenario- as a deterring force,  a crushing force and as a strategic arm. Its ability to be versatile and adaptive are paramount, especially in this time of uncertainty.”

Financial Links Uncovered Between Hamas and Gaza Flotilla Organizers

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The Sfendoni 8000, an ECESG ship that was part of the 2010 Gaza flotilla.

The Sfendoni 8000, an ECESG ship that was part of the 2010 Gaza flotilla. Photo: IHH.

According to Israeli military intelligence, the Hamas terrorist organization and several organizations behind the 2011 Gaza flotilla have similar funding sources. Three Islamic charity funds from the Hamas-affiliated Charity Coalition directly fund Hamas and some of the organizations connected to the 2011 Gaza flotilla (see below list of organizations).

The European Campaign to End the Siege (ECESG)

ECESG, one of the flotilla’s leading organizers, is a UK-based umbrella organization of more than thirty Europe-based organizations; it openly supports Hamas. Most of its organizations — founded as Muslim Brotherhood branches in Europe — are participating in the 2011 Gaza flotilla. Israeli military sources found that some of these umbrella organizations are sponsors of Hamas terror activity in the Gaza Strip.

ECESG Chairman Dr. Arafat Madi Mahmoud Shukri also serves as chairman of the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC). Due to PRC’s flagrant links to Hamas, it was declared illegal in Israel.

Droit Pour Tous and ABSPP

In addition to ECESG, the Switerzland-based Droit Pour Tous organization and the Italy-based group ABSPP are openly and intimately involved in Hamas charity efforts as well as efforts to illegally break the lawfully enforced naval blockade on Gaza.

Why the Israeli Navy Needs to Inspect Ships: Weaponry Smuggling Attempt in 2009

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The below video illustrates the need for the Israeli Navy to thoroughly search suspicious ships in order to prevent rockets and other weaponry from being used on Israeli civilians.

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The Israeli Navy has previously intercepted numerous ships carrying weapons which were disguised behind civilian cargo. The process of disassembling all contents aboard and checking every corner of the ship is impossible to do at sea. The ship must be docked so that it can be thoroughly examined.

Less than two years ago, IDF soldiers uncovered roughly 500 tons of weapons, rockets, and missiles hidden in 36 large shipping containers behind hundreds of sacks of polyethylene aboard the “Francop” ship.

The ship was flying an Antiguan flag and carrying the mass amounts of weaponry without the knowledge of the ship’s crew. The weaponry originated from Iran and was designated to be transferred to the Hezbollah terrorist organization in southern Lebanon. It was specially packed along with civilian cargo and in boxes with disparate descriptions in order to purposefully mislead the crew and authorities.

In order to completely assess its components, the ship was taken to the Ashdod Port and its contents were fully disassembled. The Navy was able to determine the extent of the weaponry and its origin, thereby conducting a conclusive search.

In March of this year, the Victoria ship was also found to contain 50 tons of weaponry also without the knowledge of its crew. According to intelligence, the weaponry was headed towards the Gaza Strip.

Video: Gaza Receives Thousands of Tons in Goods and Materials

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On a daily basis, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ensures the transfer of nearly 6,000 tons of goods into the Gaza Strip. This translates to roughly 260 truckloads, which enter via the Kerem Shalom land crossing.

Despite the commotion caused by the provocation-seeking 2010 Gaza flotilla, the ships carried only 4,000 tons of goods (mostly expired medical equipment)–two-thirds of the daily amount that Israel transfers into the Gaza Strip.

On any given week, Israel ensures that roughly 1,248 trucks filled with approximately 34,012 tons of goods reach the Gaza Strip:

  • 385 trucks containing products such as baby food, poultry and vegetables.
  • 340 trucks carrying construction material such as cement and wood.
  • 523 trucks transporting miscellaneous goods such as medicine, clothing, electrical equipment and hygiene products.

 

Unfortunately, due to a deficit in orders from the Gaza Strip, the crossings capacity (400 trucks/day and 12,000 tons/day) is never maximized by Palestinian officials, who are responsible for placing all orders.

Photos: Hamas Weaponry and Tactics

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View our new Flickr album, a collection of photos of Hamas weaponry and tactics from 2005-2011.

Since Israel’s 2005 disengagement from the Gaza Strip, the Hamas terrorist organization has turned Gaza into a central hub of terror activity.

Over the last decade, Hamas and other terror organizations under its jurisdiction have launched thousands of rockets into major Israeli population centers in southern Israel, populated by one million Israeli civilians. Hamas is also responsible for orchestrating a long series of suicide bombings during the Second Intifada, killing hundreds of Israeli civilians.

The above Flickr album covers Hamas’ weaponry and tactics. Active in smuggling weapons, the terrorist organization Hamas uses the sea and underground tunnels to import weaponry into the Gaza Strip. Tunnels are a means for weapons smuggling and kidnapping Israeli soldiers; dummies are designed to trick Israeli soldiers into entering booby-trapped areas; religious centers are desecrated as weaponry hideouts and Palestinian civilians are cynically exploited–Hamas and its state sponsors will stop at nothing to destroy the state of Israel.

Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich: “We cannot afford to outsource Israel’s security to the international community”

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IDF Spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Avital Leibovich, head of the IDF Foreign Press Branch, addresses the planned 2011 Gaza flotilla which overtly declares its intention to sail to the Gaza Strip, governed by the Hamas terrorist organization.

Lt. Col. Leibovich explains that due to a vast history of smuggling weapons via the sea to terror sources who target Israeli civilians, the IDF must reserve the right to inspect every ship intending to reach the region. Failure to do so would result in the arming of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terrorist organizations operating in Gaza. The recent interception of the Victoria ship by the IDF last March, shows Iran’s attempt to arm these terrorist organizations with highly sophisticated weaponry to be used against Israeli civilians.

The IDF will not allow these ships to breach the lawfully enforced blockade, and will use all peaceful means necessary to prevent any confrontations.

The IDF’s Lawfully Enforced Naval Blockade on the Gaza Strip

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The Israel Navy is steadfast in its commitment to lawfully enforce the naval blockade on the Gaza Strip, regardless of provocative attempts by international organizations to delegitimize Israel and its right to defend Israeli civilians from Hamas rocket attacks.

Below are a few commonly raised questions on the legality of Israel’s naval blockade.

Why did Israel impose a naval blockade on the Gaza Strip?

According to international law, it is lawful for Israel to impose a naval blockade on the Gaza Strip because it is currently in a state of armed conflict with the Hamas terrorist organization, the ruling entity of the Gaza Strip (see the law of blockade for more information). The Hamas terrorist organization is designated as a terrorist entity by the US, UK, EU and state of Israel.

Since taking over the Gaza Strip in 2007, the Hamas terrorist organization has launched thousands of rockets into major Israeli population centers, populated by one million Israeli civilians. During the last decade, Hamas has orchestrated a long series of suicide bombings, killing hundreds of Israeli civilians. The Hamas terrorist organization continues to smuggle rockets into Gaza via the sea and underground tunnels.

What perimeters would turn the naval blockade into an unlawful act?

The naval blockade on the Gaza Strip will remain lawful so long as Israel does not bar access to the ports and coasts of neutral states. According to international law, Israel must also continue to publicize the blockade’s existence to both belligerents and neutral states.

What are the restrictions of a naval blockade?

According to international law, if a lawfully imposed naval blockade is in effect, neither civilian nor enemy vessels may enter the blockaded area. Therefore, according to international law, if a vessel violates or attempts to violate a naval blockade, a state may intercept it in international waters.

A vessel leaving a port with the intention of breaking a naval blockade, regardless of the cargo it carries, is considered to be a violator of international maritime law, according to The US Commander’s Handbook on the Law of Naval Operations.

Are organizers of the 2011 Gaza flotilla violating international law?

Given that the 2011 Gaza flotilla organizers issued written and oral statements indicating their intention to violate the lawfully enforced naval blockade on the Gaza Strip—according to international law—Israel may take enforcement measures once the flotilla leaves its port.

What steps is Israel taking in order to prevent a confrontation with flotilla passengers?

Once the 2011 Gaza flotilla enters international waters, Israel Navy personnel will relay explicit warnings to the ship captains by reaffirming Israel’s right to enforce the naval blockade on the Gaza Strip. If the flotilla persists in breaking international law, the Israel Navy will attempt to peacefully take control of the ships participating in the flotilla.

If needed, international law permits the use of force when boarding a ship that is attempting to break a naval blockade. Therefore, Israeli soldiers will respond in self-defense if attacked by passengers aboard the vessels.

Why must Israel enforce the blockade in international waters?

International law permits Israel to enforce the naval blockade 12 nautical miles beyond Israel’s coast, a zone where Israel can operate in order to defend its borders or uphold its laws (see U.N. Convention of the Law of the Sea).

How does Israel assist the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip?

While Israel lawfully enforces the naval blockade on the Gaza Strip, it ensures that approximately 250 to 280 truckloads enter Gaza Sunday through Thursday, delivering approximately 6,000 of tons of goods and materials through the Kerem Shalom land crossing. Due to a deficit in orders from the Gaza Strip, the crossings capacity for truckloads is never maximized by Palestinian officials.

What are international assessments of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip?

According to an April 2011 World Bank report, “education and health in…Gaza are highly developed, comparing favorably to the performance of countries in the region as well as globally.” In addition, Palestinians have experienced a recent reduction in unemployment.

Regarding the legality of the naval blockade on the Gaza Strip, please refer to the Israeli Military Advocate General‘s website.

Security Fence Path Near Bil’in Relocated

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Today marked the start of the relocation of the security fence bordering the West Bank village of Bil’in. The IDF began implementing a court ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court, which will enlarge neighboring Palestinian territory. Israeli soldiers have relocated dozens of Palestinian olive trees and replanted them during the re-routing of the fence.

The alternative security fence, as well as removing the previous one, will cost Israel 26 million NIS. An additional allocation of five million NIS will be used to expropriate the land to the village of Bil’in, making it suitable for Palestinian agricultural use.

Map outlining the new security fence route bordering the Palestinian village of Bil'in

Map outlining the new security fence route bordering the Palestinian village of Bil'in

Every Friday, violent rioters hurl rocks at Israeli soldiers near the village of Bil’in, protesting the route of the security fence. Over the past several years over 200 Israeli security personnel have been injured at these riots.

The security fence is responsible for preventing thousands of suicide bombers from carrying out terror attacks against Israeli civilians. “Just years ago terrorists moved freely from Palestinian cities to Israeli ones killing hundreds of innocent men, women and children,” said Colonel Saar Tzur, brigade commander of the Binyamin Regional Brigade. “One of the main reasons for the decline in terrorism in the Israeli home front is the security fence.”

Video: Gaza Flotilla Poses Danger to Israeli Civilians

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In order to protect Israeli civilians from attacks by the Hamas terrorist organization, the IDF lawfully enforces a naval blockade on the Gaza Strip. Given previous attempts by the Hamas terrorist organization in smuggling weapons via land and sea and the inherent difficulties in conducting inspections at sea, it is critical that Israeli forces inspect all goods and material marked for Gaza prior to their transfer into Gaza. Thus, the Israel Navy will be forced to intercept the Gaza flotilla if it attempts to break the legally enforced naval blockade.

This week, the Israel Navy conducted an integrated exercise simulating all possible scenarios in the event that the Gaza flotilla attempts to breach the legally enforced naval blockade on Gaza.

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