Israeli Soldier Shot, Wounded on West Bank; Curfew Ordered

An Israeli soldier was shot and slightly wounded in Nablus today, and troops rounded up Palestinian suspects and clamped a curfew on the occupied West Bank’s largest city.

It was only the second time a firearm had been used against a soldier since the Palestinian uprising began six months ago. An army sergeant was killed in Bethlehem on March 20. About 200 Arabs have been killed.

The reserve soldier was traveling in his own car when he was shot, and it was not immediately known if he was in uniform.

After the shooting, all drivers except Jewish settlers who live nearby were stopped from entering or leaving Nablus. A U.N. vehicle as well as one belonging to the Red Cross were turned back.

Four hours after the shooting, about 60 cars were lined up outside Nablus, and an equal number were queued inside the city waiting to pass a roadblock manned by three jeep-loads of troops. A helicopter hovered overhead.

Arab witnesses said troops rounded up dozens of Palestinians, made them stand on one foot while being questioned, and fired shots in the air.

“It seems the army is very angry because this is the first time I’ve seen them this strict. They are shooting in the air like crazy,” said Nablus businessman Said Kenaan.