Israel's national security council chief, Uzi Dayan, warned Sunday that Israel forces would step up its attacks against the Palestinians if the violence rages on, reported AFP.
"If the shooting on the Palestinian side does not end, it is possible that our attacks will target the headquarters of those responsible for the situation," the general was quoted as telling Israeli public radio.
"We are at the start of a new period which requires Israeli army initiatives and not simply response operations," he said.
Meanwhile, Palestinian security forces were put on alert Sunday amid threats of Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak who gave Palestinian President Yasser Arafat 48 hours to halt the violence, or he would consider the peace process over, reported Al-Jazira TV channel.
Dayan said Israel would respond to any unilateral declaration of statehood by the Palestinians by imposing a "complete separation to preserve our vital interests."
The Palestinians delayed plans to declare an independent state on September 13, the deadline for a final peace accord with Israel, but Israeli security officials have suggested Arafat could capitalize on the wave of violence and proclaim statehood, AFP added.
Israeli army chief of staff, Shaul Mofaz, said on Saturday that the army had "acted with restraint" against the Palestinians, but warned of an escalation.
"The army's hands are not tied," he added - (Several Sources)
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