Also three Israelis were injured by Palestinian gunmen. And a Palestinian policeman died in the Gaza Strip when Israeli forces destroyed a Palestinian erected barrier. Fire officials say the cause of the fire that destroyed a portion of the Carmel Forest in northern Israel is believed to be arson. Police found gas cans in the vicinity of the blaze. A fire in Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Center caused significant damage and may have an unwanted political side-effect.
Fire inspectors say the blaze in a restaurant was likely caused by an electrical malfunction.
Tel Aviv and mall officials may be on the hot seat after it was revealed that the shopping complex failed to get an operating license for 2001 because of the lack of a sprinkling system. And Israel's defense minister says the Jewish state is not behind the mysterious explosions earlier in the week in the Palestinian Authority administered areas. The shekel closed at 4.14 to the US dollar. Eretz Hatzvi Ltd. All rights reserved.