The security mini-cabinet will convene today to decide how to proceed with the IDF entry into Beit Jala of last night. Army forces entered the PA-controlled city near Jerusalem, from where massive firing onto Gilo originated yet again last night, with the purpose of silencing the shooting. However, despite the IDF take-over of several buildings, Arabs in Beit Jala continued to fire upon the southern Jerusalem neighborhood during the raid and again this morning. One Israeli was shot in the shoulder and is listed in light condition, and 31 apartments and one synagogue were damaged by the shooting; the Palestinians report one policemen killed in the raid and two injured.
The IDF spokesman announced that the army is actually carrying out the job that the PA had failed to do, namely, to ensure that there be no shooting at Israeli targets. Israeli tanks are currently in Beit Jala for the first time since it was transferred to PA control together with Bethlehem in early 1996. Prime Minister Sharon had said two weeks ago that the next time Arabs shoot from Beit Jala at Gilo, the IDF would enter. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Sha’ul Mofaz and other high-ranking officers arrived in Gilo this morning to observe the situation.
The IDF spokesman announced that the army is actually carrying out the job that the PA had failed to do, namely, to ensure that there be no shooting at Israeli targets. Israeli tanks are currently in Beit Jala for the first time since it was transferred to PA control together with Bethlehem in early 1996. Prime Minister Sharon had said two weeks ago that the next time Arabs shoot from Beit Jala at Gilo, the IDF would enter. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Sha’ul Mofaz and other high-ranking officers arrived in Gilo this morning to observe the situation.