The IDF will withdraw its forces from most of Hevron by tomorrow night, by order of Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer. Against the decision are O.C. Central Command Maj.-Gen. Moshe Kaplinsky, Judea Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Amos Ben-Avraham, and Hevron Commander Dror Weinberg. They warn that a large terrorist infrastructure still exists in the city, and that terrorism will certainly resume right after the IDF leaves.
The army will remain in the neighborhoods overlooking the Jewish homes - but Hevron Jewish Community spokesman David Wilder says this is scant comfort: "We fear that this is only the first step, and that the next step could be to leave the hills. But it must be understood that this doesn't affect only Hevron. If terrorists are allowed free rein in Hevron, then it becomes another place where they can plan terrorism, build bomb factories, and use to carry out attacks against all of Israel - and then return to their home base. We hope that Prime Minister Sharon will wake up..."
Jenin, on the other hand, is once again in Israeli hands. IDF forces took over the city early this morning in the face of barely any resistance, and are combing the area for some 20 wanted terrorists. The bus slaughter of early this week was planned in Jenin and carried out by two Jenin residents. In exchanges of fire later this morning, one Arab was reported dead and five were seriously wounded. An army officer said that the army's presence in Jenin is likely to be a long one.
The army will remain in the neighborhoods overlooking the Jewish homes - but Hevron Jewish Community spokesman David Wilder says this is scant comfort: "We fear that this is only the first step, and that the next step could be to leave the hills. But it must be understood that this doesn't affect only Hevron. If terrorists are allowed free rein in Hevron, then it becomes another place where they can plan terrorism, build bomb factories, and use to carry out attacks against all of Israel - and then return to their home base. We hope that Prime Minister Sharon will wake up..."
Jenin, on the other hand, is once again in Israeli hands. IDF forces took over the city early this morning in the face of barely any resistance, and are combing the area for some 20 wanted terrorists. The bus slaughter of early this week was planned in Jenin and carried out by two Jenin residents. In exchanges of fire later this morning, one Arab was reported dead and five were seriously wounded. An army officer said that the army's presence in Jenin is likely to be a long one.