A resurgence of terrorist activity on the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip, though on a relatively minor scale, has resulted in stricter precautionary measures by Israeli security forces, it was learned today. The Gaza Strip in particular, has been quiescent in recent months.
The terrorist activity there coincided with the emergence of several armed terrorist gangs in the Samaria district of the West Bank and around Jerusalem. Terrorists perpetrated attacks on three buses in the Samaria region this week and set fire to one car in Bethlehem and two in the East Talpiot suburb of Jerusalem.
Security sources believe the latest terrorist acts were triggered by agents of the Palestine Liberation Organization and are aimed at intimidating West Bank residents from voting for pro-Jordan elements in the municipal elections on April 12. The PLO is making a major effort to establish its presence in the administered territories to counter indications that King Hussein of Jordan is planning to reassert his influence on the West Bank as a possible future negotiating partner with Israel.
Meanwhile, security forces were reported to have foiled several attempts by terrorists recently to smuggle arms and explosives into the West Bank across the Jordan River.
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