31.   In a reciprocal vein, he urged Palestinians to thwart terrorist operations within their midsts and restore idled cooperation between their own security forces and the Israeli military.

32.   In Bethlehem, Palestinian officials blamed the Israeli military for detonating a bomb which seriously wounded a Fatah activist.

33.   In Gaza, the Israeli military is deeply concerned about the loss of surprise and the likelihood of many casualties.

34.   In the cobble-stone Manger Square Tuesday afternoon, there were signs that the Israeli military was preparing for an end to the standoff.

35.   Israeli officials also said they hoped to avoid a stepped-up battle with Hezbollah at a time when the Israeli military is preoccupied with its raids on the West Bank.

36.   Israeli troops moved into position to surround all Palestinian towns, the Israeli military said.

37.   Israeli military also upgraded security around Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

38.   It was the latest casualty amid a series of failures that have shaken the confidence of an Israeli military that has always taken great pride in its effectiveness.

39.   Jenin and Tulkarm are regarded by the Israeli military as the most dangerous Palestinian cities.

40.   Just outside the strip, near the fences and walls Israel has built as security measures, the Israeli military has assembled armor and infantry.