Israel suspends contacts with palestinians
(AP)
Updated: 2005-10-17 19:30

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev initially said all contacts with the Palestinian Authority had been halted, but later said this applied only to committees on specific issues, such as prisoner releases, security and customs at border crossings.

"In Israel, we have no desire to return to a reality of daily attacks against Israeli civilians," Regev said. "We want to send a very strong and sharp message to the Palestinians, and the temporary suspension of talks is that message."

Israel also responded with tough new measures limiting movement in the West Bank, security officials said, adding that the restrictions would be in place for a long time.

The West Bank towns of Hebron and Bethlehem, closest to the Gush Etzion attack, were sealed, and private Palestinian-owned cars were barred from the West Bank's main north-south road.

Security officials said Israel is planning to impose permanent traffic separation in the West Bank, with Israeli motorists using main highways and Palestinians largely forced to drive on back roads.

Arrest raids will be stepped up, security officials said. In the past month, Israel has rounded up some 700 activists in Hamas and Islamic Jihad, disrupting Hamas' preparations for Jan. 25 parliament elections. Overnight, soldiers arrested 19 wanted Palestinians in the West Bank, the army said.