Army Cracks Down on Kalkilya, Arresting 150 West Bank Arabs

The army cracked down Tuesday on the West Bank town of Kalkilya, arresting more than 150 Arabs suspected of involvement in anti-Israeli activities.

The operation continued deep into Tuesday evening. The town has been the site of frequent attacks on Israeli vehicles on their way to and from nearby Jewish settlements.

The declared purpose of the unprecedented large-scale operation was “to lower the level of violence” in the town, once a popular shopping area for residents of the neighboring Jewish town of Kfar Sava.

The timing of the operation was set ahead of time, after comprehensive and detailed intelligence work. The detainees are suspected primarily of stone attacks, incitement and throwing firebombs.

Israel Defense Force troops started combing the area from the early morning hours. Orchards, houses and entire neighborhoods were searched, as the army laid hands on the “people behind the intifada.”

Soldiers confiscated such weapons as knives and clubs from people arrested, as well as leaflets issued by the local “popular committee.” The committees were outlawed by the authorities last month.

An army prosecutor was on hand in town to decide which of those arrested should be tried. No soldiers or local residents were hurt in the operation.

Maj. Gen. Amram Mitzna, the army commander in the West Bank, said Tuesday evening that the operation has been a success so far. He noted that Kalkilya lies at a very important road Junction, and that the frequent violent incidents there have made the situation intolerable.

He denied suggestions that the operation came in response to pressure exerted by Jewish settlers, saying this was not a reaction “to those whose voice is heard louder.”