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Israeli ministers told to leave homes in nationwide terror alert

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Friday, November 9, 2001

TEL AVIV Ñ Israel is on full alert for Palestinian attacks throughout the country.

Israeli officials said Palestinian insurgents are believed to have infiltrated from the West Bank and Gaza Strip and planning attacks in civilian centers in Israel. They said four Palestinian insurgents crossed from Gaza into southern Israel, transported by an Israeli driver, who received nearly $500 for the job.

In what officials termed an unprecedented move, two Israeli ministers and their families who live near the West Bank have been urged to leave their home in fear of Palestinian assassination. Last month, former Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze'evi was killed by Palestinian gunmen and officials said the Palestinian Authority and its allies have targeted other Israeli leaders for assassination.

Palestinian insurgents are also reported to have left the West Bank cities of Jenin and Kalkilya for Israel. Officials said police had set up roadblocks throughout the country to search for Palestinian suicide bombers. The attackers were said to have brought with them explosives and detonators.

On Thursday, U.S. National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice said President George Bush has no plans to meet PA Chairman Yasser Arafat during the United National General Assembly next week. Ms. Rice said the administration was unhappy over Arafat's refusal to stop the war against Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, however, plans to meet Arafat in New York, U.S. officials said.

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