TEL AVIV Ñ Israel reports significantly-improved intelligence against Palestinian
insurgents that has led to the voluntary surrender of wanted militants and increased infighting among rival Palestinian groups.
Officials said the improved intelligence has been the result of a series
of military operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. They said the
operations have led to the capture of insurgents as well as information on
the hierarchy of groups involved in attacks on Israel, Middle East Newsline reported.
"Terrorists have begun to turn themselves in to Israeli security
forces," Maj. Gen. Amos Gilead, coordinator of government activities in the
West Bank and Gaza Strip, said. "We are witnessing a new era, where wanted
terrorist operatives have begun to turn themselves in."
The military has captured about 3,000 insurgents in the West Bank since
Operation Defensive Shield in April. Officials said the increasing ease in
capturing insurgents has led to a decline in assassinations.
Officials said insurgents have been more willing to provide details of
the whereabouts of their colleagues. They said this has increased suspicion
within and among such groups as the ruling Fatah movement and the Islamic
opposition.
