Prime Minister Ariel Sharon returned to Israel at mid-morning today, and began security consultations immediately upon his arrival. The expected Israeli response will be very heavy, but will fall short of full-scale war, his aides say. Even Foreign Minister Shimon Peres has agreed to the plan, they say, but it may still require approval by the security cabinet this evening. U.S. President Bush and Secretary Powell specifically did not call on Israel to show restraint in its upcoming offensive.
The IDF has tightened the closure on all PA-controlled areas over the past 24 hours. No Arabs are permitted to travel on Yesha roads outside of Area A (full Palestinian control) or outside their villages, except for the transport of food and oil.
The IDF has tightened the closure on all PA-controlled areas over the past 24 hours. No Arabs are permitted to travel on Yesha roads outside of Area A (full Palestinian control) or outside their villages, except for the transport of food and oil.