November 29th, 2005

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Attributed to "security sources" [Provided by IDF Spokesperson's Office]

Palestinian possessing components of a mortar shell launcher in his
vehicle was arrested on October 15, 2005 near Ramallah

Mohammed Musa Hassan Haj, 45, resident of the village of Beit Sira, was
arrested on October 15, 2005 near Bir Zeit, north of Ramallah, after
Israel Police forces found components of a mortar shell launcher during
a routine security check of his vehicle.

Haj, father of ten and secretary of the Fatah movement in the Beit Sira
area, stated in his questioning that his decision to manufacture the
launcher had been independent, and that he had not operated under the
guidance of any terror organization. Haj had planned to hand the
launcher to members of the "Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades".

The investigation showed that Haj had purchased the materials for
manufacturing the launcher from a number of tradesmen in the Ramallah
area, whom Haj stated were not aware of the purpose for which these
materials would be used.

Haj obtained the knowledge required for manufacturing the weaponry
during his stay overseas a number of years ago, as an active member of
the Fatah movement, in which he served as a mortar shell launcher.

Furthermore, Haj planned to implement his knowledge in order to assemble
explosive devices and transfer them to members of the "Al-Aqsa Martyrs
Brigades".

In March 2002, Haj's son, Ahmed Haj, was arrested for carrying out a
shooting attack against a military vehicle on the road leading from
Jerusalem to Modi'in (Route 443).

In his questioning, Mohammed Haj admitted that he had transported his
son to the location from which he carried out the shooting attack, and
assisted in concealing his weapon.