Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer briefed the Cabinet on security matters and said that the trend of relative quiet which lasted for a week came to a screeching halt with the Hamas attack against IDF forces at the “Africa” position, north of Kerem Shalom, in which four soldiers were killed. This incident underscores what Israel has been claiming continually ­ that one cannot be impressed by the relative quiet which may prevail on the ground since terrorist infrastructures have yet to be dealt with. Ben Eliezer said that the IDF has stepped up its efforts to foil weapons smuggling, the importance of which may be seen in the Karine A affair. The IDF destroyed 21 uninhabited structures in an area full of tunnels which were also the scene of many bloody shootings. The IDF also destroyed ships and facilities of the Palestinian Naval Police, whose senior commanders were behind the Karine A. The security forces also continued counter-terrorist actions in Judea, Samaria and Gaza this week. The Defense Minister clarified that Israel will intensify its counter-terrorist operations given the warnings it currently faces.



Also at the cabinet meeting, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres spoke of his visit to India and emphasized the good relations and special ties between Israel and India. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that he attributes special importance to the deepening of relations with India and noted that he intends to visit India.