UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JERUSALEM 002570

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

NEA FOR FO; NEA/SA/EX FOR AUSTIN-FERGUSON; DEPT FOR
DS/IP/ITA; DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA; NSC FOR ABRAMS/DANIN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER PBTS PHUM KWBG KPAL IS ASEC
SUBJECT: WB/G SITREP: JUNE 22, 2005 (1700 HOURS LOCAL) --
IDF ARRESTS 10 PIJ ACITIVISTS IN THE WEST BANK, NO INJURIES
FROM IAF MISSILE STRIKE IN GAZA


This is a joint ConGen Jerusalem/Embassy Tel Aviv cable.


1. (SBU) Summary: The IDF arrested alleged 10 PIJ activists
June 21, most in Qalqiliya and Nablus. The IDF also arrested
a Palestinian woman who attempted to stab an IDF soldier at a
checkpoint near Tulkarm on June 21, according to Israeli
newspapers. There were no injuries in the incident. In
Gaza, Palestinian militants fired at least four mortar rounds
and one Qassam rocket at IDF and Israeli settler targets in
the Gaza Strip. IAF aircraft fired two missiles at militant
cells attempting to launch mortars from Bayt Hanoun. No
injuries were reported in any of these incidents. End
Summary.

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West Bank
--------------


2. (SBU) ATTACKS:

-- Deaths: Nil.

-- Injuries: Nil.

-- Arrests: The IDF arrested alleged 10 PIJ activists June
21, most in Qalqiliya and Nablus, according to PA security
sources.

-- Arrests: The IDF arrested a Palestinian woman who
attempted to stab an IDF soldier at a checkpoint near Tulkarm
on June 21, according to Israeli newspapers. There were no
injuries in the incident.

-- Attacks/Settler Incidents: A settler shot and killed a
Palestinian-owned cow near Tubas on June 21, according to
Palestinian sources.

-- Demolitions: The IDF demolished five barns for lack of
building permits in al-Rashayda village, near Bethlehem, on
June 21, according to Palestinian newspapers.

-- Shooting/Disturbance: Palestinian gunmen fired shots in
the vicinity of Prime Minister Quraya,s motorcade near
Nablus on June 22, according to Palestinian media (see
&political developments8 below).


3. (SBU) POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS:

-- The PA Cabinet will hold its meeting in Nablus today, with
an emphasis on Nablus, Israeli-imposed closures and security
problems.

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Gaza
--------------


4. (SBU) ATTACKS:

-- Deaths: Nil.

-- Injury: Nil.

-- Mortars/Rockets: Palestinian militants fired a total of
three mortar shells at Netzarim, one mortar shell at Katif
settlement, and one Qassam rocket at Gadid settlement
overnight June 21-22, according to the IDF. UNRWA reported
an additional three mortar shells fired at Neve Dekalim/Katif
settlements, and one anti-tank missile at an IDF outpost near
Rafiah Yam in the same period.

-- Mortars/Rockets: UNRWA and Israeli media reported that IAF
aircraft fired two missiles at a building in Bayt Hanoun.
According to media reports, the missiles were targeting a
militant cell trying to fire mortars. No injuries were
reported.

-- Shootings: The IDF reported that Palestinian militants
launched a total of seven shooting attacks at IDF and Israeli
settler targets in the Gaza Strip June 21-22.


5. (SBU) BORDER CROSSINGS:

-- Route Four (Salahadeen Road), the main north-south traffic
artery, was open June 22, with a major detour at Netzarim
Junction.

-- Erez Crossing was open June 21, and 4,995 laborers and 441
merchants crossed into Israel.
-- The Erez Industrial Zone remained closed June 21.

-- Sufa Crossing was closed for Palestinian laborers June 22,
but was open for the import of aggregates used in
construction.

-- Karni Terminal was open June 22.

-- Rafah Terminal was open for arrivals and departures June

22.

-- Tel al-Sultan checkpoint was closed June 22. Toufah
checkpoint was open for residents of al-Mowassi, except males
aged 16-30.
PEARCE