Military

DATE=10/27/2000

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (L)

NUMBER=2-268516

BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

INTRO: The Israeli Army is predicting that after a month of deadly clashes with Palestinians that the violence will continue into next year. The word came as at least two more Palestinians were killed during violence in the West Bank. V-O-A Correspondent Meredith Buel reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Brigadier General Ron Kitri says the Israeli Defense Forces (the I-D-F) believe the wave of violence between soldiers and Palestinian protesters will continue well into next year.

/// KITRI ACT ///

The basic assumption of the I-D-F is that the year 2001 will be a year of unrest, a year that we have to plan our operations to face the situation of a continuing dispute. We do hope we'll be found wrong.

/// END ACT ///

The remarks came as clashes continued in the Palestinian territories. Palestinians died during violence in Tulkarm and Qalkiliya in the West Bank.

Thousands of demonstrators called for new bombing attacks, a day after a suicide bomber blew himself up in the Gaza Strip, slightly injuring an Israeli soldier.

The militant group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the bombing and says it will continue to wage suicide attacks.

Brigadier General Kitri says the Israeli Army is expecting an increase in terrorist incidents.

/// KITRI ACT 2 ///

Since the letting out of several Hamas and Islamic Jihad people from Palestinian jails, we have constant warning, constant information, coming in concerning their wish to create chaos by actually doing terrorist activities, explosives, etc. Especially inside Israel and especially in dense, populated areas.

/// END ACT ///

The violence between Israel and the Palestinians began about a month ago after Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon visited a sensitive site in Jerusalem's Old City that is sacred to Muslims and Jews.

Israel Prime Minister Ehud Barak is trying to create a national emergency government with Mr. Sharon, although no significant progress has been reported in coalition negotiations.

The Israeli parliament reconvenes next week, and Mr. Barak faces the possibility of no-confidence motions and legislation calling for early elections. (SIGNED)

NEB/MB/JP