Operation "Cast Lead" took place during January 2009 (beginning on December 27, 2009). Data in this report relates to the period from the beginning of January up to January 18, the date of the declaration of the ceasefire, and thereon until the end of January.
Data regarding fatalities in terror attacks
During January, 10 Israeli soldiers were killed, five as a result of mortar fire during the operation, four as a result of friendly fire, and one resulting from an explosive device detonated on the Gaza Strip border line (Jan. 27), a week after the initiation of the ceasefire.
Data regarding injured in terror attacks
On January: 193 Israelis were injured in terror attacks and a further 310 soldiers during fighting in Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip. Out of 193 injured: 167 Israelis were wounded as a result of high-trajectory fire during the operation, 155 civilians and 12 soldiers.
19 soldiers were injured as a result of terrorist attacks in the Gaza Strip, 16 during the operation and 3 after the operation. In detail: 12 soldiers in small-arms and AT fire (6 each), 7 as a result of explosive device attacks, and 3 in an explosive device attack on January 27 on the border of the Gaza Strip, after the ceasefire had come into effect.
Furthermore, seven Israelis were wounded this month in the West Bank and Jerusalem: five soldiers and two civilians; including 3 soldiers in small arms fire in Judea, 2 soldiers in Molotov cocktail attacks in Jerusalem and Judea, and 2 civilians in a shooting attack and an arson attack in Judea.
Monthly distribution of attacks by region and pattern profile
580 attacks were carried out throughout January: 518 attacks during Operation Cast Lead and 62 attacks after the ceasefire came into effect (from January 19).
518 attacks were executed during the operation: 378 attacks were carried out in the Gaza area; 135 attacks in the West Bank and 5 attacks inside the Green Line.
During the period following the operation 62 attacks were executed, out of which 50 were in the West Bank, 11 in the Gaza Strip and one attack within the Green Line.
Analysis of characteristics of terror attacks in January 2009
During Operation Cast Lead a high number of attacks from the Gaza Strip was registered, mostly of the pattern profile of high-trajectory fire (rockets and mortars). During the operation a certain correlation was noted between the level of attacks in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, yet, upon the announcement of the ceasefire, a decline was noted in the number of attacks in the West Bank, but less than that in the Gaza Strip.
High trajectory fire
During January 412 ** rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip against Israel, most of them (407) during Operation Cast Lead. In addition, 149 mortar shells were launched from the Gaza Strip, 137 during the operation and 12 following it.
Analysis of characteristics of terror attacks in January 2009
During Operation Cast Lead a high number of attacks from the Gaza Strip was registered, mostly of the pattern profile of high-trajectory fire (rockets and mortars). During the operation a certain correlation was noted between the level of attacks in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, yet, upon the announcement of the ceasefire, a decline was noted in the number of attacks in the West Bank, but less than that in the Gaza Strip.
High trajectory fire
During January 412 ** rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip against Israel, most of them (407) during Operation Cast Lead. In addition, 149 mortar shells were launched from the Gaza Strip, 137 during the operation and 12 following it.
** Clarification: The number of launchings is the number of rockets/mortar shells actually launched during one high-trajectory fire attack. For example: one attack may include a salvo of three launchings, that is, three rockets/mortar shells were launched, and so will be counted as one attack and three launchings.
