Sunday is a work day in Israel and buses and bus stations have been frequently targeted by Palestinian militants. Israeli prime Minister Areil Sharon has held a Cabinet meeting with his ministers as violence continues in the region. Meanwhile, Israeli troops battling Palestinian gunmen entered the Palestinian-ruled West Bank town of Beit Jala, according to Palestinian security sources. The sources said the troops briefly moved some 100 yards into the town south of Jerusalem before being beaten off. Israel Radio confirmed the raid.
Tension is high after Israeli soldiers shot dead a man near the West Bank town of Bethlehem.
Palestinians say the 35 year old man was hit by more than 20 bullets while working in his shop. Israeli security forces believed the dead man was a member of the Islamic Jihad movement, which has been blamed for scores of deaths.