IDF forces continue to hold their positions in the PLO-controlled town of Beit Hanoun in Gaza, although they left nearby Dir el-Balah and Biet Lahiha this morning after only a few hours. Results of the actions so far: The thwarting of an imminent launching of a Kassam rocket, 18 Arabs arrested, the destruction of a rocket-manufacturing plant, and much weaponry and explosives confiscated. These three areas were the sites of mortar shells and even Kassams fired against Israel as recently as last night. Although the arrested terrorists include some of those responsible for firing the Kassam rockets, none of them were on the \"wanted\" list that Israel has given the PA. IDF sources explained that the wanted terrorists were able to escape partly because the action was postponed by 24 hours.
The IDF Spokesman explained that the purpose of today\'s mission was to \"thwart the launching of Kassam-2 rockets at the State of Israel.\" The PA claims that three of their policemen were killed in exchanges of fire with the IDF; Israel says it gave the Arabs advance warning of two hours prior to the raid.
Later in the day, forces entered again a village near Dir el-Balah they had left this morning. They fired at and killed two terrorists in the course of the operation. Elsewhere in Gaza, Arabs shot at an Israeli force near N\'vei Dekalim early in the afternoon, and near Ganei Tal somewhat later. Earlier this morning, police and army forces apprehended two terrorists in the Hevron area; the two are suspected of a pipebomb attack against an army jeep and firebombing a passenger bus, respectively.
The IDF Spokesman explained that the purpose of today\'s mission was to \"thwart the launching of Kassam-2 rockets at the State of Israel.\" The PA claims that three of their policemen were killed in exchanges of fire with the IDF; Israel says it gave the Arabs advance warning of two hours prior to the raid.
Later in the day, forces entered again a village near Dir el-Balah they had left this morning. They fired at and killed two terrorists in the course of the operation. Elsewhere in Gaza, Arabs shot at an Israeli force near N\'vei Dekalim early in the afternoon, and near Ganei Tal somewhat later. Earlier this morning, police and army forces apprehended two terrorists in the Hevron area; the two are suspected of a pipebomb attack against an army jeep and firebombing a passenger bus, respectively.