Defense Minister Mofaz told the Cabinet today that there is less incitement against Israel in the Palestinian Authority, and that the Arabs in the PA show signs of recognizing the value of stopping violence against Israel. On the other hand, a top army general said that the terrorists are increasing the range of their Kassam rockets and otherwise working to strengthen their military capabilities.
The following terror incidents were recorded over the past two days: A bomb was found this morning in Hevron, and IDF sappers safely dismantled it... A wanted Arab terrorist was arrested near Gush Katif this morning...
The search continues for the missing soldier Oleg Shchait; new details in the case reinforce the hypothesis that he was abducted by terrorists, but these cannot be publicized. 700 volunteers and others are searching for him, and the police continue to call for more.
Four Arab minors have been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a Pisgat Ze'ev resident riding his bicycle Wednesday night. They stabbed him, leaving him moderately wounded. Arrested the next day, they said they carried out the attack out of "hatred for Jews."
The IDF took down three checkpoints in the PA today, in yet another "gesture" towards Abu Mazen and the PA. The three were in Ein Arik and Surda, west of Ramallah, and east of Bethlehem. The Shechem-Jenin road has already been opened to free PA traffic. In addition, Israel has given out 5,000 more work permits to PA residents.