In addition to the difference of opinion between the political and security echelons regarding the ceasefire in Gaza, a similar dispute has developed over Judea and Samaria. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, backed by Foreign Minister Tzippy Livny, has ordered the IDF to "moderate" its activity in Yesha - while the security establishment says the new policy endangers Israeli citizens.
Just this morning (Monday), three armed Arabs stabbed and robbed a Jewish truck driver near the Arab village of Bidya in the Shomron. The Arabs drove off with the truck, which police and army forces later found in Kalkilye, east of Kfar Saba. The forces continue to pursue the terrorists. A Magen David Adom crew treated the victim's stomach wounds, and evacuated him to a hospital in light-to-moderate condition. The incident occurred between Ariel and Elkanah.
At around the same time, IDF Central Commander Maj.-Gen. Yair Naveh was reported to be handing down Olmert's order to tighten open-fire regulations. The official explanation: to desire to reduce the chances of violent incidents that will lead to the end of the current calm. Terror cells on their way to an attack, for instance, may not be shot at. In addition, special military operations in Yesha must now be approved by the Central Commander or a Division Head.
However, army sources informed Arutz-7 Hebrew Radio said that no such order had been issued, and that they were surprised to see media reports indicating otherwise.
Ten warnings of possible terror attacks in Yesha are currently being considered by the security establishment.
Though the ceasefire in Gaza is barely being observed by the Palestinian terrorists - they have fired 15 Kassam rockets in the week since it was declared - they demand that it be enacted in Yesha as well. In this connection, they view every counter-terror activity by Israel as a ceasefire violation. Though Israel has refused this demand, army sources feel that enacting the above hold-fire orders would be a cave-in to the Arab demands.
Defense Minister Amir Peretz has taken a strong stand on this issue, saying that the army's hands must not be tied. A strong proponent of dialogue and negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, Peretz says that the army must be allowed unlimited space in which to operate against the terrorist infrastructures.
Just this morning (Monday), three armed Arabs stabbed and robbed a Jewish truck driver near the Arab village of Bidya in the Shomron. The Arabs drove off with the truck, which police and army forces later found in Kalkilye, east of Kfar Saba. The forces continue to pursue the terrorists. A Magen David Adom crew treated the victim's stomach wounds, and evacuated him to a hospital in light-to-moderate condition. The incident occurred between Ariel and Elkanah.
At around the same time, IDF Central Commander Maj.-Gen. Yair Naveh was reported to be handing down Olmert's order to tighten open-fire regulations. The official explanation: to desire to reduce the chances of violent incidents that will lead to the end of the current calm. Terror cells on their way to an attack, for instance, may not be shot at. In addition, special military operations in Yesha must now be approved by the Central Commander or a Division Head.
However, army sources informed Arutz-7 Hebrew Radio said that no such order had been issued, and that they were surprised to see media reports indicating otherwise.
Ten warnings of possible terror attacks in Yesha are currently being considered by the security establishment.
Though the ceasefire in Gaza is barely being observed by the Palestinian terrorists - they have fired 15 Kassam rockets in the week since it was declared - they demand that it be enacted in Yesha as well. In this connection, they view every counter-terror activity by Israel as a ceasefire violation. Though Israel has refused this demand, army sources feel that enacting the above hold-fire orders would be a cave-in to the Arab demands.
Defense Minister Amir Peretz has taken a strong stand on this issue, saying that the army's hands must not be tied. A strong proponent of dialogue and negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, Peretz says that the army must be allowed unlimited space in which to operate against the terrorist infrastructures.