IDF troops are operating in two places in Gaza as of late last night, in an effort to stop mortar shells in the south and Kassam rockets in the north.
Golani and Givati Brigade troops, backed by helicopters and tanks, entered northern Gaza near Biet Hanoun, and are moving southward. It is not clear how long the operation will last. In southern Gaza, large forces surrounded the city of Khan Yunis from the north and south, in an effort to stop the continuing mortar shells from landing on the Jewish towns in Gush Katif.
Military analysts noted that the IDF initiated the offensive even as the terrorists continue to talk of retaliation. Despite the IDF's alacrity, the Arab terrorists fired three Kassam rockets this morning - and a fourth one early in the afternoon - towards the Negev; the missiles landed harmlessly in an open area. Kassam rockets have become an almost daily affair in Sderot and environs.
IDF forces also operated in Hevron last night, and two soldiers were lightly wounded in an attempt to arrest a Hamas terrorist.
A major terror attack was averted this afternoon when an Arab-built car bomb blew up unexpectedly near a checkpoint at the north-western tip of Shomron. No one other than the driver was hurt. Israeli officials said that the planners of the attack were apparently unaware that the checkpoint is for pedestrians only.
Golani and Givati Brigade troops, backed by helicopters and tanks, entered northern Gaza near Biet Hanoun, and are moving southward. It is not clear how long the operation will last. In southern Gaza, large forces surrounded the city of Khan Yunis from the north and south, in an effort to stop the continuing mortar shells from landing on the Jewish towns in Gush Katif.
Military analysts noted that the IDF initiated the offensive even as the terrorists continue to talk of retaliation. Despite the IDF's alacrity, the Arab terrorists fired three Kassam rockets this morning - and a fourth one early in the afternoon - towards the Negev; the missiles landed harmlessly in an open area. Kassam rockets have become an almost daily affair in Sderot and environs.
IDF forces also operated in Hevron last night, and two soldiers were lightly wounded in an attempt to arrest a Hamas terrorist.
A major terror attack was averted this afternoon when an Arab-built car bomb blew up unexpectedly near a checkpoint at the north-western tip of Shomron. No one other than the driver was hurt. Israeli officials said that the planners of the attack were apparently unaware that the checkpoint is for pedestrians only.