Overview: This past week there was an increase in the number of rockets fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip (eight identified hits, including one near Beersheba). The IDF responded by attacking terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip. There were two additional serious incidents originating in the Gaza Strip: anti-tank fire and an IED used to attack an IDF force near the security fence (IDF Spokesman, February 19, 2012). In addition, a bag containing powerful explosives was thrown at IDF and Israel Police forces conducting anti- smuggling activities along the Israel-Egypt border (IDF Spokesman, February 21, 2012).

The issue of hunger-striking Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist operative Khader Adnan was supposed to be reviewed by the Israeli Supreme Court on February 21. A short time before the Supreme Court discussions, the office of the Israeli Ministry of Justice announced that a request had been submitted by the State´s Attorney and Khader Adnan´s lawyer to dismiss the petition and cancel the discussions. The State of Israel announced that it had no intention of extending his administrative detention, and following the announcement, Adnan said he would halt his hunger strike, effective immediately.

Important Terrorism Events Israel´s South

Rocket Fire

This past week there was an increase in the amount of rocket fire into Israel from the Gaza Strip. Eight rocket hits were identified, some of them long-range rockets (IDF Spokesman):

February 15: Three rockets fell in the western Negev. There were no casualties and no damage was done.

February 17: In the early evening two rockets fell in open areas in the western Negev, There were no casualties and no damage was done.

February 18: A long-range Grad rocket fell in an open area near the southern city of Beersheba. There were no casualties and no damage was done.

February 20: During the night two rockets fell in the western Negev. There were no casualties and no damage was done.

Anti-Tank Fire Targets an IDF Force

On the evening of February 18 an anti-tank RPG was fired from the Gaza Strip at an IDF force, damaging the security fence. When additional forces arrived at the site an IED was detonated from the Gaza Strip. There were no casualties (IDF Spokesman, February 19, 2012).

Terrorist Attack Along the Egyptian Border Prevented

On the night of February 21, as IDF forces and the Israel Police conducted a joint activity to prevent smuggling across the Israel- Egypt border, a man was seen throwing a suspicious object and then fleeing the scene. A search of the area revealed that the object was a bag containing a powerful IED which was apparently meant to be used against IDF soldiers or Israeli civilians. The IED was detonated in a controlled explosion (IDF Spokesman, February 21, 2012).

Rockets and Mortar Shells Fired into Israeli Territory 1

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