Israeli security forces were put on heightened alert Tuesday afternoon following warnings that a Palestinian or Palestinians were planning to carry out an attack in north Jerusalem. There were also specific warnings of a planned attack in the Netanya area.
In Jerusalem, large numbers of police have been deployed and have set up roadblocks around the city. Police fear that the potential attackers would make there way to Jerusalem from Ramallah or villages around the capital.
Efforts are focusing on Jerusalem's northern section, with sources currently believing that at least one suicide bomber - and possibly a man and a woman - are making their way into Jerusalem from one of the Palestinian towns to the north.
Jenin
The Israeli army entered early on Tuesday the Palestinian town of Jenin in the north of the West Bank, Palestinian security officials said. Shooting broke out as Israeli tanks backed up by helicopters rolled into Jenin, the officials said.
Israel Radio reported that the force came under fire as it entered the city around 2 A.M. (local time) from a number of directions. Palestinians said that one resident, a 55-year-old man, died from wounds sustained during a gun battle with Israeli troops.
Witnesses said Israeli jeeps followed by tanks entered the city under the cover of helicopters. Israel Radio reported that bulldozers had demolished a large structure in the town.
By mid-morning Tuesday, Israel Radio was reporting that the Israeli troops had begun to withdraw from Jenin.
At least six Palestinians were arrested during this Israeli operation in Jenin, including the new local head of Hamas. Israeli troops also arrested additional Palestinians in Hebron, Beit Jala and east of Qalqilyah.
Petah Tikva
Jenin raid started hours after a Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up at an ice cream parlor in an outdoor mall near Tel Aviv on Monday, killing two Israelis including a 2-year-old girl. About 20 were wounded.
The Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade claimed responsibility for the attack. Its statement said, "We will not stop our operation as long as the occupation continues in our land."
In the Balata refugee camp next to Nablus, several Al Aqsa members fired in the air and said the operation was retaliation for Israel's killing of Al Aqsa leader Mahmoud Titi in a shelling last week.
Palestinians said the bomber was Jihad Titi, 18, a cousin of the dead leader. However, the Al Aqsa leaflet did not mention his name.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the bombing attack. A statement said the leadership "considers this operation as harmful to our legal resistance and to the image of the Palestinian people before international opinion." (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
