Israel to slow pullout as violence strains ceasefire

ISRAEL is going to slow its planned pullout from five West Bank towns after a day of violence strained an informal ceasefire, and it will stop the process altogether if Palestinians don’t halt all attacks, Israeli security officials said yesterday.

Despite the warning, Palestinian militants fired three mortar shells at a Jewish settlement in Gaza yesterday, following a barrage on Monday. The shells caused no damage or injuries.

Also yesterday, Israel’s attorney general ruled that a secret decision by Cabinet ministers to seize Jerusalem land of Palestinians living in the West Bank violates domestic and international law.