The IDF's expected retaliation for the slaughter of five Jews in Metzer, including a mother and her two children, began this morning in the Tul Karem area. The forces razed the home of the terrorist who sent the murderer, at present still at large, and who carried out many shootings himself. Thirty tanks, accompanied by infantry, entered the Tul Karem slums for a few hours early this morning. Three terrorists were arrested in the region.
The PA-controlled city of Shechem will be next, as decided in a meeting yesterday of Defense Minister Mofaz, Chief of Staff Yaalon, Shabak chief Dichter, Intelligence Head Farkash, OC Central Command Kaplinsky, and OC Home Front Command Mishlav. The army began enhancing its forces around Shechem yesterday afternoon, and is continuing to do so. Arab sources say that many tanks have surrounded the city and have closed off most of its main entrances.
Army sources report that the increase of terrorist attacks originating in Shechem and environs is the direct result of decreased IDF activity and presence in the area. Two large regiments that operated in Shechem up till a month ago have largely been thinned out.
The PA-controlled city of Shechem will be next, as decided in a meeting yesterday of Defense Minister Mofaz, Chief of Staff Yaalon, Shabak chief Dichter, Intelligence Head Farkash, OC Central Command Kaplinsky, and OC Home Front Command Mishlav. The army began enhancing its forces around Shechem yesterday afternoon, and is continuing to do so. Arab sources say that many tanks have surrounded the city and have closed off most of its main entrances.
Army sources report that the increase of terrorist attacks originating in Shechem and environs is the direct result of decreased IDF activity and presence in the area. Two large regiments that operated in Shechem up till a month ago have largely been thinned out.