Israeli troops storm Bethlehem after bus bombing

Israeli troops have reoccupied Bethlehem after a suicide bomber from the West Bank town blew up a bus in Jerusalem.

The Israeli army says troops are searching for 30 Palestinians involved in planning Thursday's suicide bombing, which killed 11 and injuring dozens more.

Nine people are being held so far, says Lt Col Guy Hasson.

The Israeli forces entered Bethlehem and surrounding the Dheisheh refugee camp next to the town and conducting searches, residents say.

An Israeli armoured vehicle in Manger Square blocked the entrance to the Church of the Nativity, marking the traditional birthplace of Jesus, to prevent Palestinian gunmen from taking refuge there.

In April, dozens of gunmen fled into the church ahead of invading Israeli forces, setting off a tense 39-day standoff.

In Manger Square, an Israeli officer who gave his name only as Capt Yossi said the Israeli operation in Bethlehem would last "as long as needed to take out all the terrorists".

Army spokesman Doron Spielman, accompanying the troops, said the goal of the invasion is "to change the reality in Bethlehem".

He says since Israeli forces pulled out of the town in August, Palestinians have set up a "terror infrastructure" and prepared suicide bomb attacks.

He says the Palestinian Authority had "failed miserably" to prevent attacks.