West Bank terror escalates

From Ynet News 2/3/06 by Efrat Weiss ...

Significant increase in shooting, stabbing, and explosives attacks in West Bank causes IDF to brace for further escalation; 'attempted attacks will be aimed mainly at settlers and security forces,' IDF source says

PA shooting attack near Nebi Elias, a shooting attack in Migdalim in the northern West Bank, a stabbing attack in Gush Etzion Junction, a stabbing attack in Maale Adumim, a myriad of attempts to smuggle explosive belts and knives, shootings, and the throwing of explosive device – in under two weeks terror groups in the territories have managed to significantly increase the number of terrorist attacks, and escalate their activities.

The security forces are aware of 72 warnings of terror attacks in Jerusalem, 12 of them pinpoint alerts. According to the IDF, the situation won't change in the short-term future.

The army is expecting a new wave of attempted terror attacks, especially attacks similar in character as those seen in recent days – and will therefore increase patrols in access roads in Samaria, in the northern West Bank.

"In recent weeks we have seen a rise in terror attacks in Judea and Samaria," an IDF source told Ynet. "We believe attempts at attacks will increase and we will see a new wave of attempted attacks....The attempted attacks will be aimed mainly at settlers and security forces...."

... Residents of the western Negev and communities south of Ashkelon are continuing to suffer from continuous Qassam rocket attacks. ...In recent days, most of the rockets have fallen in an area south of Ashkelon, and the area remains on high alert. Security officials said they believed the rocket fire would continue in the coming hours and into the night....