Israeli tanks and soldiers have begun withdrawing from the West Bank town of Bethlehem after a four-day invasion.

Israeli troops left the West Bank city of Hebron today, ending the latest of a series of brief incursions into Palestinian territory.

A suspected Palestinian suicide bomber has killed two Israelis in an attack at a promenade in the town of Rishon Letzion last night.

Israel was today considering its response to the suicide bombing that killed two people - the second such attack in two weeks.

Two Israelis are reported to have been killed along with a suicide bomber when a bomb exploded in Rishon Letzion, south of Tel Aviv, tonight.

There are reports that up to 30 people have been injured in a blast in the south Israeli town of Rishon Letzion.

An explosion was heard in the southern Israeli city of Beersheva early today, and Israel Radio said there were casualties.

All but 13 Palestinians inside in the embattled Church of the Nativity were due to leave the ancient basilica today, as Israel and the Palestinians moved to implement a deal to end a five-week siege.

Prime minister Ariel Sharon was today on his way back to Israel after a suicide bomber blew himself up in a pool hall packed with teenagers, killing himself and 15 others.

An explosion rocked a reception hall in the Israeli city of Rishon Letzion tonight and police said several people were injured.