In response to recent attacks that have killed 5 IDF soldiers in s. Lebanon, Israel carries out airstrikes against Hizballah bases in the Biqa` Valley and 3 power stations n. of the self-declared security zone, wounding 18 Lebanese civilians and leaving much of Lebanon without electricity. The raids are the most severe since 6/99, before Barak took office. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/8; AFP 2/8 in WNC 2/10; MEI 2/11; JP 2/18)
The PA says it is suspending negotiations until Israel provides acceptable answers questions on FAPS talks, FRD implementation. (NYT 2/8; SA 2/8 in WNC 2/10; AYM 2/8 in WNC 2/14)
The PA releases senior Hamas official `Abd al-`Aziz Rantisi, who has been jailed for nearly 2 yrs. without charges for his outspoken criticism of the Oslo process. (NYT 2/8; JP 2/18)
Egyptian FM Musa makes 1-day trip to Syria to discuss with Pres. Asad developments in the peace process. (MENA 2/7 in WNC 2/8; NYT 2/9)
Tunisian secy. of state for foreign affairs Tahar Sioud meets with Israeli FM Levy, marking the 1st visit to Israel of a high-ranking Tunisian since the countries established diplomatic relations 6 yrs. ago. (NYT 2/8)
Palestinian judges go on a 3-day strike to protest the failure of the PA police to stop an attack on a Bethlehem courthouse on 2/6. (LAW 2/7; NYT, PCHR 2/8)
IDF troops storm a home in West Bank area C to arrest 2 Palestinians wanted for security reasons. The mother of the 2 men suffers a fatal heart attack fr. the shock of the predawn raid. (LAW 2/9)