IDF forces patrolling in the agricultural Gush Katif community of Ganei Tal killed the terrorist in a 30-minute gun battle at dawn, according to an army spokeswoman. Soldiers searched in vain for a possible second terrorist who may have participated in the attempt to attack Israeli soldiers with gunfire and a 20-kilogram (50 lbs.) bomb.
The soldiers spotted the terrorist near the Ganei Tal entrance used by Arabs who work there. He was equipped with a rifle; six cartridges of bullets, a large explosive device and a cell phone were later found on his body. The amount of weaponry indicated that the infiltrator was planning a massive attack, according to Golani Brigade Commander Lt.-Col. Yoni Ashur. He said that over the past two weeks, IDF forces have killed about 30 terrorists trying to attack Israelis.
"There is a clear attempt to incite Arabs against Israel," he said. "In all of these terrorist attacks, Arabs also could have been killed. But their objective is for the IDF to have to close the checkpoints, thus preventing Arab workers from leaving Gaza. They want to cause [more hostility] between the Arab population and Israel," the battalion commander added.
Palestinian terrorists launched at least four more mortar shells at Jewish towns in Gaza today (Thursday). One woman in Nissanit, in northern Gaza, was treated for shock, and one building was damaged.
Terrorists also are planning attacks on Sunday when Palestinian Authority presidential elections are to be held, some army sources warn. In advance of the vote, defense forces still plan to withdraw from large Arab-populated urban areas, such as Jenin, Ramallah and Shechem, and they have agreed to let Arab police enter the area with weapons.
The soldiers spotted the terrorist near the Ganei Tal entrance used by Arabs who work there. He was equipped with a rifle; six cartridges of bullets, a large explosive device and a cell phone were later found on his body. The amount of weaponry indicated that the infiltrator was planning a massive attack, according to Golani Brigade Commander Lt.-Col. Yoni Ashur. He said that over the past two weeks, IDF forces have killed about 30 terrorists trying to attack Israelis.
"There is a clear attempt to incite Arabs against Israel," he said. "In all of these terrorist attacks, Arabs also could have been killed. But their objective is for the IDF to have to close the checkpoints, thus preventing Arab workers from leaving Gaza. They want to cause [more hostility] between the Arab population and Israel," the battalion commander added.
Palestinian terrorists launched at least four more mortar shells at Jewish towns in Gaza today (Thursday). One woman in Nissanit, in northern Gaza, was treated for shock, and one building was damaged.
Terrorists also are planning attacks on Sunday when Palestinian Authority presidential elections are to be held, some army sources warn. In advance of the vote, defense forces still plan to withdraw from large Arab-populated urban areas, such as Jenin, Ramallah and Shechem, and they have agreed to let Arab police enter the area with weapons.