Large IDF forces accompanied by tanks and bulldozers have been operating in Hevron since last night, making a house-to-house search for terrorists and weapons. Intelligence had been received that terrorists in the area were planning to carry out major attacks in the coming days.
The IDF forces have arrested five terrorists so far, and have closed illegal radio and television stations in the city. Over the past 11 weeks, 22 Jews have been murdered in attacks in Hevron and environs: 12 in the ambush along Worshipers' Path between Kiryat Arba and Hevron; 2 soldiers standing guard in the same vicinity four weeks later; four yeshiva students in Otniel; Nati Ozeri on Hilltop 26; and three soldiers on a foot patrol south of Hevron.
On the other hand, the encirclement of Jericho was removed today, in light of the past few months of relative quiet in the area.
An IDF tank hit a terrorist cell that was about to fire Kassam rockets from northern Gaza this afternoon, killing three terrorists. Two other wanted terrorists, including a leading Fatah figure, were killed in Tul Karem by an IDF undercover unit. Meretz MK Mossi Raz, who is serving in the reserves in the area, said afterwards that only one of the terrorists was wanted - but the IDF said it stands by its report that both were wanted. No Israelis were hurt in these incidents.
The IDF forces have arrested five terrorists so far, and have closed illegal radio and television stations in the city. Over the past 11 weeks, 22 Jews have been murdered in attacks in Hevron and environs: 12 in the ambush along Worshipers' Path between Kiryat Arba and Hevron; 2 soldiers standing guard in the same vicinity four weeks later; four yeshiva students in Otniel; Nati Ozeri on Hilltop 26; and three soldiers on a foot patrol south of Hevron.
On the other hand, the encirclement of Jericho was removed today, in light of the past few months of relative quiet in the area.
An IDF tank hit a terrorist cell that was about to fire Kassam rockets from northern Gaza this afternoon, killing three terrorists. Two other wanted terrorists, including a leading Fatah figure, were killed in Tul Karem by an IDF undercover unit. Meretz MK Mossi Raz, who is serving in the reserves in the area, said afterwards that only one of the terrorists was wanted - but the IDF said it stands by its report that both were wanted. No Israelis were hurt in these incidents.