The ministerial mini-Cabinet also discussed the final routing of the partition known as "the Jerusalem envelope." Prime Minister Sharon's spokesman Arnon Feldman announced beforehand that in any event, Rachel's Tomb, which is only about 500 meters south of the Jerusalem municipal border, will "remain in Israeli hands." The critical issue is whether the new fence will run south or north of Rachel's Tomb; at least one MK said that Prime Minister Sharon assured him yesterday the fence would be built to the south.
In addition, the Cabinet also approved today the giving of smallpox vaccinations to 15,000 “first-response team” personnel. These include response teams from the security and health networks, the Interior Ministry, the Public Security Ministry and the Environment Ministry. Due to the insistence of Interior Minister Yeshai (Shas), Zaka volunteers will also be immunized; they are often among the first on the scene of a terror attack, carrying out their work to ensure victims receive a proper burial in accordance to religious law. Zaka is an acronym for "Identifying Catastrophe Victims."
Preparations for vaccinating them are expected to be completed within a few days. Security officials recommended the vaccinations because of their assumption that the U.S. attack on Iraq will lead to an Iraqi counter-strike against Israel. Israel intelligence indicates that Saddam Hussein is holding a large supply of smallpox germs.
Prime Minister Sharon stated that concerning the security of Israel and its citizens, Israel will rely "on itself." As if to underscore this, the IDF took action last night in Khan Yunis, Gaza. The forces destroyed two abandoned buildings that had been used for shootings, hiding terrorists, gathering intelligence, and planning terror activities. Several small bombs and many grenades were thrown at the forces, and the soldiers responded with gunfire. )
The Oslo War continued on other fronts as well. Israeli security forces discovered two cars laden with explosives near Shechem this morning. The would-be car bombs were found thanks to intelligence information obtained the security forces. Also today, shots were fired at soldiers near N'vei Dekalim; no Israelis were hurt.
Hizbullah fired its daily fare of anti-aircraft shells at Israeli planes today, north of Kiryat Shmonah. No one was hurt, and no damage was caused.
The army ended its offensive in the western Shomron PA-controlled city of Tul Karem last night, less than 24 hours after it started. The curfew there has been lifted, and will be re-instated this evening.
In addition, the Cabinet also approved today the giving of smallpox vaccinations to 15,000 “first-response team” personnel. These include response teams from the security and health networks, the Interior Ministry, the Public Security Ministry and the Environment Ministry. Due to the insistence of Interior Minister Yeshai (Shas), Zaka volunteers will also be immunized; they are often among the first on the scene of a terror attack, carrying out their work to ensure victims receive a proper burial in accordance to religious law. Zaka is an acronym for "Identifying Catastrophe Victims."
Preparations for vaccinating them are expected to be completed within a few days. Security officials recommended the vaccinations because of their assumption that the U.S. attack on Iraq will lead to an Iraqi counter-strike against Israel. Israel intelligence indicates that Saddam Hussein is holding a large supply of smallpox germs.
Prime Minister Sharon stated that concerning the security of Israel and its citizens, Israel will rely "on itself." As if to underscore this, the IDF took action last night in Khan Yunis, Gaza. The forces destroyed two abandoned buildings that had been used for shootings, hiding terrorists, gathering intelligence, and planning terror activities. Several small bombs and many grenades were thrown at the forces, and the soldiers responded with gunfire. )
The Oslo War continued on other fronts as well. Israeli security forces discovered two cars laden with explosives near Shechem this morning. The would-be car bombs were found thanks to intelligence information obtained the security forces. Also today, shots were fired at soldiers near N'vei Dekalim; no Israelis were hurt.
Hizbullah fired its daily fare of anti-aircraft shells at Israeli planes today, north of Kiryat Shmonah. No one was hurt, and no damage was caused.
The army ended its offensive in the western Shomron PA-controlled city of Tul Karem last night, less than 24 hours after it started. The curfew there has been lifted, and will be re-instated this evening.