Israeli forces arrested 20 Palestinians Monday in the West Bank and laid a tight siege against Palestinian land, preventing citizens from driving their private vehicles across cities. The Israeli radio said that Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz made several decisions regarding during a meeting with Israeli security officials in Israel last night. The Israeli officials' consultation focused on the two attacks carried by gunmen near Bethlehem and Naples, which killed three Israelis and injured another seven, said the radio.Immediately after the meeting, Israeli forces erected several military fences around Palestinian areas, blocking roads usually used by Palestinians to travel between their towns and cities. Moreover, Israeli forces penetrated the Palestinian towns of Tubas and Qaffain and arrested six Palestinians. In Al-Khalil (Hebron), the Israeli army arrested five citizen and settlers attacked a Palestinian citizen. Several other Palestinians were arrested in villages near Qalqiliyah and Baytoona town.
The Israeli radio said that occupation forces arrested 20 Palestinians in the West Bank, most of whom are members in Islamic Jihad Movement. Israel also announced shutting down all forms of communications with the Palestinian Authority and canceling a meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon. Mofaz threatened to react strongly to the two Palestinian attacks, stressing that Israel would do whatever necessary to protect its citizens.