Israel: February 16, 2002

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Palestinian terrorists are using more of their longer range, home made Qassam rockets. There appear to be be two flavors of this weapon. The Qassam I has a range of about two kilometers and carries about four pounds of explosives. The Qassam II has a range of 10 kilometers and a warhead with some nine pounds of explosives. These rockets are not accurate and are being fired at large targets like Israeli settlements, military bases and towns. If the Quassam II rockets are fired in large enough quantities, or made accurate enough, to hit more Israeli towns, this will increase Israeli military activity in Palestinian areas. Ultimately, this could result in the reoccupation of all Palestinian territory and imposition of the equivalent of martial law.