Israel has responded to yesterday\'s attack so far by taking over positions in Jenin and Kalkilye, making house-to-house searches for terrorists and explosives, and capturing ten wanted terrorist fugitives in various locations. The Israeli forces in Kalkilye were met by Palestinian fire this morning, and no one was hurt. Later this afternoon, however, the battles intensified, and several soldiers were wounded and are in unknown condition.
The mini-cabinet comprised of coalition party heads decided last night that Israel would respond to every terrorist act by capturing areas under Palestinian Authority control. Prime Minister Sharon and security heads also decided last night on other measures, and seriously considered deporting Arafat or totally destroying his headquarters compound in Ramallah. Leading those espousing a militant line against Arafat are IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Sha\'ul Mofaz, his soon-to-be successor Maj.-Gen. Moshe Yaalon, other IDF Generals, and GSS head Avi Dichter.
In another consequence of yesterday\'s meetings, the Border Guard police carried out a large-scale operation today that has so far netted 1,400 \"shabachim\" (shohim bilti chukiyiim) - Arabs from the PA areas who worked and/or lived in pre-1967 Israel without a permit. Most of those caught were transferred back to the PA, while others were taken for questioning. Dozens of Israeli-Arabs who drove them around and otherwise aided and abetted them were also arrested and will be tried. Most of the round-up activity took place in the Sharon area, near the northern Shomron, and around Jerusalem.
The mini-cabinet comprised of coalition party heads decided last night that Israel would respond to every terrorist act by capturing areas under Palestinian Authority control. Prime Minister Sharon and security heads also decided last night on other measures, and seriously considered deporting Arafat or totally destroying his headquarters compound in Ramallah. Leading those espousing a militant line against Arafat are IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Sha\'ul Mofaz, his soon-to-be successor Maj.-Gen. Moshe Yaalon, other IDF Generals, and GSS head Avi Dichter.
In another consequence of yesterday\'s meetings, the Border Guard police carried out a large-scale operation today that has so far netted 1,400 \"shabachim\" (shohim bilti chukiyiim) - Arabs from the PA areas who worked and/or lived in pre-1967 Israel without a permit. Most of those caught were transferred back to the PA, while others were taken for questioning. Dozens of Israeli-Arabs who drove them around and otherwise aided and abetted them were also arrested and will be tried. Most of the round-up activity took place in the Sharon area, near the northern Shomron, and around Jerusalem.