The question of the exact timing of the IDF\'s withdrawal, or even whether or not to withdraw at all, will be discussed at yet another mini-security cabinet meeting early this evening. Prime Minister Sharon and Defense Minister Ben-Eliezer decided last night to delay the withdrawal from Beit Jala because of the continuing Palestinian fire in the vicinity. Despite the Arab aggression, Palestinian spokesmen cited this delay as justification for today\'s terrorist attacks.
Ben-Eliezer announced this morning - before the attacks - that the withdrawal would occur tonight; he did not specify whether it would be contingent upon the level of Arab violence. Other government spokesmen, however, such as Transportation Minister Ephraim Sneh and Sport and Culture Minister Matan Vilnai, said afterwards that a final decision had not yet been made. The Beit Jala area was quiet this morning.
Ben-Eliezer announced this morning - before the attacks - that the withdrawal would occur tonight; he did not specify whether it would be contingent upon the level of Arab violence. Other government spokesmen, however, such as Transportation Minister Ephraim Sneh and Sport and Culture Minister Matan Vilnai, said afterwards that a final decision had not yet been made. The Beit Jala area was quiet this morning.