Operation Defensive Shield - Background

Background

The cycle of violence between Israel and the Palestinians escalated during the Second Intifada. In January and February 2002, 71 people were killed on all sides during Palestinian militant attacks and retaliatory actions by Israel. March and April 2002 saw a dramatic increase in attacks against Israelis by Palestinian militant groups such as Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Fatah-affiliated Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. In addition to numerous shooting and grenade attacks, fifteen suicide bombings were carried out in March, an average of one suicide bombing every two days. March 2002 became known in Israel as "Black March". The high rate of attacks severely disrupted daily life throughout Israel. According to counterterrorism expert Daniel Byman, people warily eyed each other while walking down the streets of major cities, restaurants and malls placed security guards outside to search the bags of incoming patrons for bombs, and people came to fear crowds and avoid busy areas. Describing the mood, Israeli journalist Nahum Barnea noted that "every kid had to have a cell phone, and his mother would call every few hours. Fear was embedded in the Israeli DNA".

The first wave of Israeli incursions began on 27 February through to 14 March, causing civilian casualties. Following nine attacks by Palestinian militants between March 2–5, the Israeli cabinet decided to massively expand its military activity against these groups. On March 5, while talking with reporters in the Knesset cafeteria, Sharon, pointing to the bloodiest week against Israelis since the start of the Second Intifada, explained the cabinet's decision: "The Palestinians must be hit, and it must be very painful... We must cause them losses, victims, so that they feel a heavy price."

Palestinian attacks continued, with suicide bombings on 9 March (see Café Moment bombing), 20 March, and 21 March. Shooting and grenade attacks also continued to occur in Israel and Israeli settlements. On 27 March, a suicide attack occurred in Netanya, where 30 people were killed in the Park Hotel while celebrating Passover. The event became known as the Passover massacre. The following day, a Palestinian gunman infiltrated into the Israeli settlement of Elon Moreh and killed four members of the same family.

On March 29, the Israeli government announced Operation Defensive Shield, terming it a large-scale counter-terrorist offensive. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued emergency call-up notices for 30,000 reserve soldiers, the largest call-up since the 1982 Lebanon War. The same day, two Israelis were stabbed in the Gaza settlement of Netzarim. Two suicide bombings occurred the next day, and another one took place the day after that.

Overall, in March 2002, some 130 Israelis including approximately 100 noncombatants were killed in Palestinian attacks, while a total of 238 Palestinians including at least 83 noncombatants were killed in the same month by the IDF.