The first wave of Israeli incursions took place between 27 February and 14 March . Following nine attacks by Palestinian terrorists 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 , Israeli Prime Minister Ariel 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 the Israeli settlement of Elon Moreh and killed four members of the same family
Café Moment bombing
Café Moment bombing
Operation Defensive Shield