JERUSALEM, March 16 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz instructed forces on Thursday to step up targeted killings and anti-terror operations in the West Bank.

    Mofaz told a security meeting in Tel Aviv that the Jericho operation sent a clear message to the other side that Israel will not compromise when it comes to its national security principles.

    On Tuesday, Israeli forces raided Palestinian prison in the West Bank city of Jericho and took six wanted Palestinians to an Israeli prison.

    Due to intelligence indicating terror groups were planning attacks against Israel, Mofaz decided that closure imposed on the West Bank over the Purim holiday would continue until the beginning of next week.

    In advance of the Israeli general elections scheduled for March 28, Mofaz decided that security forces would deploy throughout the country starting from March 26 to prevent infiltration of terrorists into Israel and disruption of the vote. Enditem