51.  According to analysts, the Iranian- and Syrian-backed Hezbollah has dramatically improved its capability to inflict casualties on Israeli forces in recent weeks.

52.  After a daylong sweep, Israeli forces pulled out of Beit Hanun on Wednesday night after withdrawing earlier from the two other towns.

53.  After heavy pressure from the United States, Israeli forces pulled out of two West Bank towns on Tuesday.

54.  After Israeli forces carried out a massive offensive last month to crush Palestinian militants in the West Bank, there was growing hope among Israelis that the strategy worked.

55.  After heavy pressure from the United States, Israeli forces pulled out of two West Bank towns Monday.

56.  After the Palestinian Authority took control of the Palestinian population, Israeli forces remained in parts of Gaza to protect the Jewish settlements there.

57.  Brig. Gen. Gershon Yitzhak, the commander of Israeli forces in the West Bank, gave a different account.

58.  But ever-present tensions were underlined by the rumble of artillery fire between Israeli forces and the Muslim guerrillas.

59.  But for the most part, Israeli forces kept their distance.

60.  But earlier comments by Sneh were interpreted by Hamas leaders as confirmation that Israeli forces had intended to kill the two.