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Palestinian fire on southern Jerusalem continued overnight despite the IDF holding positions in several structures previously used to fire on nearby Gilo. Three mortar shells landed in the Gilo neighborhood, one just missing a crowded community center in Gilo, causing damage but no injuries. Defense Minister Ben-Eliezer vowed that Israel would not leave Beit Jala while the shooting continued, defying a US call for immediate withdrawal.

The IDF had penetrated some 500 meters into Beit Jala, and held positions in several structures previously used to fire on Gilo, the neighboring Jewish suburb of Jerusalem. The IDF is reportedly also partially controlling the El-Eida refugee camp. Defense sources say that the army plans to stay in the area "a few days" until calm is restored.

IDF infantry, accompanied by armored personnel carriers, tanks and armored bulldozers, entered the town after midnight.

A Beit Jala resident, who identified himself as Hassan, told ynet that Palestinian residents of the town had taken to the streets and were engaging Israeli troops in a firefight. But Israeli sources reported little resistance.

Israel Radio quoted Israeli government sources as indicating that the IDF would stay in the town at least through the night and Tuesday, although the sources indicated that no long-term stay is planned.

The IDF action came in response to an evening of massive Palestinian fire from Beit Jala toward the Jerusalem suburb of Gilo. Uri Mizrachi, 62, suffered shoulder wounds described as light when he was struck by a bullet while standing on the balcony of his home, located at a distance from the sources of fire. A number of homes and a synagogue were damaged. Throughout the early evening the IDF responded by firing tracer bullets and occasional tank shelling.

Palestinian gunfire was also directed last night against Har Homa, south of Jerusalem, and at an IDF post protecting Rachel's Tomb on the outskirts of Bethlehem.

The IDF action was expected. A senior defense source told ynet that "there is no avoiding a ground operation." After the last shooting incident, on August 14, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon promised that no more bullets would ever again be shot against residents in the Jerusalem suburb.

Overnight IDF land forces also entered Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip and destroyed a number of structures that served as sources of fire. Palestinians reported that 20 people were injured in the incursion. It was unclear by morning if IDF forces had withdrawn from the Palestinian-controlled area.

Shooting attacks on roads continue
Last night, near the settlement of Itamar in Samaria, Meir Lixenberg, a 38-year-old father of six, was shot in his car and, after several hours of emergency treatment, died of his wounds. Security officials believe his car was ambushed on the Itamar-Elon Moreh road.

There was a veritable shooting gallery on the roads of the West Bank. Route 443 near Modiin, scene of a fatal shooting Saturday night, was closed again after shooting was reported. An Israeli motorist was lightly wounded by gunfire from an ambush near Beit Shemesh, on the Israeli side of the Green Line. There was also a shooting attack near Maale Adumim, east of Jerusalem.

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