IDF thwarts suicide bombing
Palestinian wearing explosive belt nabbed by IDF, after crossing Gaza border to Israel; Border Guard police detain two Palestinians who planned to carry out terror attack in Jerusalem; 'Israel will not remain unresponsive,' security official says, after Air Force carries out strikes in Gaza following continued rocket fire, including attack on southern town of Ashkelon
A Palestinian carrying an explosive belt was apprehended by the IDF early Monday, while attempting to cross the border between Gaza and Israel. The suspect, who was on his way to carry out a terror attack in Israel, has been taken in for questioning.
The terrorist was caught after crossing
the fence separating Israel and the Gaza Strip, near kibbutz Nir Am in the Western Negev.
According to security sources, IDF presence along the border has been reinforced recently, following numerous terror incidents in the area.
This is the first time since the disengagement that an armed terrorist has crossed the border. In July, approximately a month before pullout, army and police forces nabbed an 18-year-old Fatah activist en route to carry out a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.
The arrest of the suspect Monday, and the exposure of a tunnel used to smuggle arms and terrorists from the Strip to the Erez crossing about two weeks ago, proves that the terror organizations are highly motivated to continue their attacks against Israeli targets, a security official said.
Meanwhile, two Palestinians, aged 16 and 17, were detained near the separation fence in Jerusalem's Har Homa neighborhood following a chase by Border Guard police.
The youths were carrying two pipe bombs, two Molotov cocktails, two knives and a Hamas flag. An initial investigation revealed they had planned to carry out a terror attack in Jerusalem.
IDF strikes Gaza
The Air Force launched a strike on Gaza Strip overnight, targeting sites used for Qassam launching in response to the continued rocket firing at Israel, including the launching of a Qassam at the coastal town of Ashkelon Sunday afternoon.
Several houses were damaged and two Palestinian physicians were wounded in the strike, according to Palestinian sources.
The air strike was aimed at thwarting access to launch sites, and repeated attacks on Israeli territory, an IDF source said.
Army sources have reported that 11 access roads leading to launching sites were also attacked.
According to Palestinians, at least six shells were fired at targets in the northern Strip, and several houses were damaged. A few shells were also launched at an open field near the al-Bureij refugee camp.
'Israel will not remain unresponsive'
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz convened a special meeting Sunday to evaluate the situation in light of the escalation in Qassam rocket attacks on Israel. Mofaz was presented by his advisors with several response options, including a ground operation in Gaza.
However, it appears that such an operation is not on the agenda at present.
The defense minister has ordered the army to continue its active strategy in the Strip intensively and forcefully, reinforcing estimates that the IAF may increase its presence over the Strip in the next few days, and target buildings, roads and bridges used by mortar and Qassam launchers.
The IDF is also expected to expand the use of artillery fire against Gaza, after due notice is given to the residents.
Mofaz is set to continue security evaluations in coming days, in accordance with developments on the ground. Meanwhile, senior army officers have planned to hold discussions regarding the situation on Tuesday, and decide whether to deploy the Red Dawn alert system in Ashkelon as well.
Referring to Sunday's attack on the southern town, an IDF official said "this was certainly a terrorist act that may harm lives and damage property. Israel will not remain unresponsive to this attack."
However, the official stressed that a ground operation is not expected at the moment.
"There are plenty other routes to pursue in order to impede these strikes, and this is what we intend to do," he said.
Ali Waked and Reuters contributed to the report
