Palestinians today entered an evacuated Jewish settlement in the West Bank, the second that the Israeli army has left in a week.

Ravi Nessman, Sanur

Thousands of troops, including anti-riot units and mounted forces, began their push into two West Bank settlements today to evict 2,000 heavily-armed extremists.

Security officials today began collecting army-issued weapons from residents of two West Bank settlements marked for evacuation in an effort to prevent violence during Israel’s upcoming withdrawal from the area, according to officials and media reports.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas threatened to use force against anyone who violates a ceasefire with Israel, his toughest warning against Palestinian militants since taking office in January.

IN A last-minute bid to stave off defeat for his Gaza withdrawal plan, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon gave a series of interviews broadcast yesterday painting Sunday's referendum as a vote of confidence in him.

HUNDREDS of Israeli police in riot gear stormed a disputed holy site yesterday, firing tear gas, stun grenades and plastic bullets to disperse Muslim worshippers throwing stones and shoes at them.