Army soldiers Thursday shot and killed one Arab terrorist and wounded a second near the Gaza separation barrier, where terrorists frequently place explosive devices in the path of IDF patrols. The family of one of the terrorists claimed the men were trying to catch birds, although the fence is widely known to be the scene of terrorist and counter-terrorist actions. The incident follows almost daily targeting of Hamas terrorists, including one aerial strike on a Hamas training base.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak toured the region with IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi Wednesday and told officers it only is a matter of time before more extensive counter terrorist operations are undertaken unless there are positive results on the diplomatic front.