|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/965297.html
Attack on Palestinian Terrorists in Bethlehem Meant to Send a Message
[Ha'aretz] Amos Harel and Jonathan Lis - The killing of four armed Palestinian terrorists in Bethlehem last Wednesday was authorized at the highest levels of the General Staff. Defense Minister Ehud Barak was briefed about the operation in advance. Israel's political leadership said the move reflects an intentional policy of decoupling the West Bank and Gaza. Israel reserves the right to arrest - and at times kill - terrorist fugitives in the West Bank as part of its continued anti-terror activities there. Hamas is demanding that any cease-fire deal also apply to the West Bank. The Israeli leadership also argues that at a time when Hizbullah is planning to avenge last month's killing of terrorist mastermind Imad Mughniyah, the current period requires preemptive actions.