September 7, 2001

Sharon confirms reports that the Israeli cabinet secretly approved a plan in 6/01 to create a buffer zone along the Green Line. Though he claims implementation has been postponed indefinitely, today the IDF seals an entrance to Shu`fat; digs ditches across roads along the Green Line, northwest of Jerusalem; reinforces roadblocks leading into Jerusalem. The IDF also enters Khan Yunis, directs shells and heavy machine gun fire at residential areas; directs heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of al-Arub, al-Qarara; shells, demolishes a cable factory in Gaza City. (HA, HP, MM 9/7; HP, NYT, WP 9/8; AYM 9/8 in WNC 9/12; AYM 9/10 in WNC 9/13; LAW 9/20)