The IDF entry into Beit Jala shows no signs of coming to an end, and eight Israeli tanks were seen making their way towards Beit Jala late today. The incursion came after Arab shots originating from Beit Jala last night wounded a Gilo man in the shoulder and damaged 31 apartments and one synagogue in the southern Jerusalem neighborhood. IDF ground and armored forces entered the PA-controlled town with the purpose of permanently silencing the shooting. Despite the IDF take-over of several buildings, however, Arabs in Beit Jala continued to fire upon Gilo during the raid and several times today.
The IDF spokesman explained 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 Palestinians report one policeman killed in the resultant raid and two injured. Israeli soldiers stationed there since last night were shot upon several times today; no one was hurt. No buildings in the \"occupied\" areas have been destroyed, and the army has so far sufficed with leveling the ground in some places. At the same time, most government spokesmen - with the notable exception of Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze\'evi and, to some extent, Finance Minister Silvan Shalom - say that Israel has no plans to remain in Beit Jala for an extended period. President Moshe Katzav gave the same message to US Ambassador Dan Kurtzer during a meeting this morning. \"It\'s been many months that the Palestinians have been attacking Gilo,\" Katzav told him, \"and no government in the world would have restrained itself for so long.\"
The IDF spokesman explained 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 Palestinians report one policeman killed in the resultant raid and two injured. Israeli soldiers stationed there since last night were shot upon several times today; no one was hurt. No buildings in the \"occupied\" areas have been destroyed, and the army has so far sufficed with leveling the ground in some places. At the same time, most government spokesmen - with the notable exception of Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze\'evi and, to some extent, Finance Minister Silvan Shalom - say that Israel has no plans to remain in Beit Jala for an extended period. President Moshe Katzav gave the same message to US Ambassador Dan Kurtzer during a meeting this morning. \"It\'s been many months that the Palestinians have been attacking Gilo,\" Katzav told him, \"and no government in the world would have restrained itself for so long.\"