In what is being termed one of the largest IDF operations into areas under the jurisdiction of Yasser Arafat, IDF soldiers last night and today killed 6 Arab terrorists, wounded tens, and arrested scores of others. The IDF says that many of those arrested and killed were directly involved in attacks against Israelis. In two locations, there were exchanges of fire, resulting in no injuries to Israeli troops. In the Arab township of Salfit, east of Tel Aviv and just ten kilometers south of Emanuel (the site of Wednesday night\'s attack on a public bus), Arabs opened fire on IDF forces who entered the area. IDF soldiers charged at the attackers killing five and wounding four of them. Earlier in the evening, an Arab terrorist made his last stand as he fired upon a convoy of Israelis traveling near their home Netzarim along Israel\'s southern Mediterranean coast. IDF forces escorting the convoy killed the gunman who was found to be armed with a large quantity of ammunition and grenades.
Near the Jewish township of Netzarim, along Israel Near Shechem (east of Netanya), two Arab gunmen attempted to flee from IDF troops, but they were wounded and transferred by chopper for treatment in an Israeli hospital. In the Hevron area, more terrorists were captured including a senior Hamas leader. IDF ground forces also operated last night against targets in PLO-controlled Khan Yunis along Israel\'s southern Mediterranean coast. The aim of the mission was to silence a cell of mortar launchers.
Before the initiative, the IDF warned Arab civilians to stay in their homes lest they be mistaken for a terrorist and harmed in the operation.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reiterated that army forces would remain deployed in areas under PA control to restore law and order. Military rabbis have transferred Hanukkah menorahs of IDF issue to Jewish soldiers in their new positions in PLO areas. The soldiers will thus be able to perform the commandment of Hanukkah candle-lighting for the remaining three nights of the holiday.
Near the Jewish township of Netzarim, along Israel Near Shechem (east of Netanya), two Arab gunmen attempted to flee from IDF troops, but they were wounded and transferred by chopper for treatment in an Israeli hospital. In the Hevron area, more terrorists were captured including a senior Hamas leader. IDF ground forces also operated last night against targets in PLO-controlled Khan Yunis along Israel\'s southern Mediterranean coast. The aim of the mission was to silence a cell of mortar launchers.
Before the initiative, the IDF warned Arab civilians to stay in their homes lest they be mistaken for a terrorist and harmed in the operation.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reiterated that army forces would remain deployed in areas under PA control to restore law and order. Military rabbis have transferred Hanukkah menorahs of IDF issue to Jewish soldiers in their new positions in PLO areas. The soldiers will thus be able to perform the commandment of Hanukkah candle-lighting for the remaining three nights of the holiday.