Israel Arrests 33 Hamas Leaders

IDF forces arrested 33 Hamas leaders Wednesday night, including four mayors, the PA education minister, and the head of the Waqf in Shechem. Three Kassams fired Thursday morning at the western Negev caused no damage. A fourth rocket slammed into the town of Sderot at midday, damaging a car near the home of Sderot Mayor Eli Moyal. No injuries were reported.

The broad wave of arrests was also accompanied by IDF air-strikes and closures of ten Hamas offices.

The arrests netted the Arab mayors of Shechem, Kalkilye, Al-Bireh and Bidia, as well as three PA legislature members, a senior interior ministry official, the director of the public works office, and others. Defense Minister Amir Peretz, speaking with Army Radio this morning, appeared anxious to tone down the arrest wave's harsh impression, saying it was "reversible."