Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06JERUSALEM2165
2006-05-30 13:30:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Consulate Jerusalem
Cable title:  

IDF RAID IN GAZA KILLS 4 MILITANTS; INTERIOR

Tags:  KPAL KWBG PREL IS ASEC CASC 
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VZCZCXYZ0001
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHJM #2165 1501330
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 301330Z MAY 06
FM AMCONSUL JERUSALEM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2431
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NSC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 002165 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE; NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/LOGERFO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/30/2016
TAGS: KPAL KWBG PREL IS ASEC CASC
SUBJECT: IDF RAID IN GAZA KILLS 4 MILITANTS; INTERIOR
MINISTER RE-DEPLOYS SOME FORCES

REF: JERUSALEM 02150

Classified By: Acting Principal Officer Chris Stevens, per reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).

Embassy Tel Aviv has cleared this cable.

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 002165

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE; NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/LOGERFO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/30/2016
TAGS: KPAL KWBG PREL IS ASEC CASC
SUBJECT: IDF RAID IN GAZA KILLS 4 MILITANTS; INTERIOR
MINISTER RE-DEPLOYS SOME FORCES

REF: JERUSALEM 02150

Classified By: Acting Principal Officer Chris Stevens, per reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).

Embassy Tel Aviv has cleared this cable.


1. (C) SUMMARY: Undercover IDF units operating in Gaza killed
4 militants and injured 8 others during a May 30 pre-dawn
ambush of a PIJ cell preparing to launch Qassam rockets into
Israel. The raid followed several days of increasing Qassam
attacks from Gaza. Interior Minister Said Siyyam May 28
ordered a partial re-deployment of the HAMAS-affiliated
Special Security Force (SSF). At least three people were
injured in minor clashes between Fatah- and HAMAS-affiliated
forces May 26-30. END SUMMARY.

--------------
IDF Conducts Raid
Inside Gaza
--------------


2. (C) Undercover IDF units killed 4 militants and injured 8
others during a May 30 pre-dawn ambush of a PIJ cell
preparing to launch Qassam rockets into Israel from the ruins
of the Dugit settlement, according to media sources. IAF
helicopters provided cover and launched at least three
missiles into the area of Beit Lahiya. The IDF raid followed
several days of increasing Qassam rocket attacks on Israel.
According to media sources, the IDF had withdrawn from Gaza
by 0400L May 30. According to the media, the IDF units were
operating as far as three kilometers inside Gaza, marking a
major change in the IDF's post-disengagement security
posture.

--------------
Partial Re-deployment
Of HAMAS Forces
--------------


3. (C) Following a May 26 order to scale back the deployment
of HAMAS-affiliated forces, Interior Minister Said Siyyam
ordered a partial re-deployment of the SSF on May 28
following several minor Fatah-HAMAS clashes. Siam had
ordered the SSF to reduce its numbers as part of an effort to
integrate HAMAS militants into the Civil Police and reduce
tensions with Fatah (reftel). Presidential Guard sources
reported that the SSF is currently deployed at every major
intersection in Khan Yunis, Gaza City and Central Gaza.
ConGen FSNI in Gaza estimated that of the original 3000-man
SSF deployment, 1500 men remained on the streets.

--------------
Three People Injured In
Minor Clashes
--------------


4. (C) Masked gunmen shot and wounded the bodyguard of the PA
Minister of Transportation as he walked to a shop in Gaza
City on May 28. The bodyguard, Tayseer Al-Saluha, was
severely injured in the attack, but is expected to survive.
HAMAS spokesmen blamed Fatah for the attack.


5. (C) Two members of the Presidential Guard were injured on
May 26 when they stumbled onto a gun battle in Gaza City
between SSF members and PSO officers. Presidential Guard
sources reported that the HAMAS-affiliated forces opened fire
after mistaking an approaching car containing Presidential
Guard forces for PSO reinforcements. (NOTE: The Presidential
Guard has not engaged in the fighting since the Fatah-HAMAS
clashes began on May 16. END NOTE.)

Stevens