May 14, 2002

In a predawn operation, the IDF enters Halhul, ambushes and assassinates 2 PA intelligence officers wanted for "terrorist activities." The IDF conducts arrest raids in 2 other West Bank villages, detaining at least 12 Palestinians; continues searching homes in Bayt Umar (see 5/13). Israeli police arrest fmr. head of the outlawed Kach movement Noam Federman, a 2d Kach mbr. in connection with the plot to bomb East Jerusalem's Maqassid Hospital. (HA, LAW 5/14; NYT, WP 5/15; WP, WT 5/16)