Jerusalem, June 20: The Israeli military today declared the 150 Jewish settlements in the West Bank "military zones" with access restricted, the army said in a statement.
Only Israeli citizens and holders of army-issued permits will be allowed to enter the settlements.
Palestinian militants have mounted several deadly attacks on settlers and their heavily-guarded communities in past weeks. The army today was deployed in five Palestinian autonomous towns in the west bank, following two suicide bombings in Jerusalem on Tuesday and Wednesday that killed 26 Israelis.
The Israeli army today also began an emergency call-up of a part of its reservist force, public radio reported, as the Jewish state adopts get-tough tactics against Palestinian suicide bombings.
The emergency call-up was issued as Israeli troops launched large-scale operations in the west bank where they are preparing to reoccupy and remain in many Palestinian autonomous areas, the radio said.

The Israeli government has announced a new hardline policy to seize and occupy Palestinian territory for as long as such attacks continue. Tanks and troops moved into more west bank towns early today.

Bureau Report