IDF infantry troops, covered by Israel Air Force helicopters, smashed three mortar shell manufacturing plants in the Gaza Strip early this morning. An Arab officer was killed. Further north, IDF forces were attacked with gunfire and explosives near Tul Karem and Bani Na\'im.



A six-year-old boy was hurt when rocks were thrown at his family car last night between Jerusalem and Ma\'aleh Adumim.



Prime Minister Ariel Sharon advised US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer yesterday that because of the security situation in Israel, he will not be able to visit Washington this week.