: 10.0pt"> Peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian officials continue. Although Islamic militant groups refuse to consider stopping attacks or shifting to just army and settler targets, apparently Palestinian Authority officials do have something to offer. Israel has been turning over chunks of the $600 million in taxes and fees collected by Israel for the Palestinian Authority, and has been loosening some of the restrictions on Palestinian movement. What the Palestinians are giving in return is left vague, but may be information that makes it easier for Israel to go after the Islamic militants.

Israel is upgrading protections for the population against nuclear, chemical or biological weapons attack. Israel expects an attack from Iraqi rockets if Iraq is invaded.

Raids into West Bank towns and Gaza continue, as do arrests  of suspected terrorists.