Overview
The western Negev was quiet this week as well. Shooting incidents continue against IDF soldiers engaged in routine security activity along the border.
Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, announced that the proximity talks between Israel and the Palestinians were expected to begin soon. US Middle East envoy George Mitchell is expected to arrive in the region.
Preparations continue for a flotilla of aid to the Gaza Strip, which is supposed to include at least eight ships. The Hamas administration is repairing the Gaza port for the arrival of the flotilla and plans to send over 100 boats for a welcome ceremony. The flotilla and the welcome are planned to gain widespread media coverage.
This week, the State Security Court in Egypt issued long prison sentences to operatives of the Hezbollah group exposed in Egypt. The group was involved in smuggling weapons to Hamas in the Gaza Strip and planned a series of attacks in Sinai. Hezbollah leaders condemned the Egyptian court's decision.