SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

Israel Sunday closed the country to entry from the occupied Palestinian territories for the Shavuot holiday, sealing off the West Bank and Gaza. The closure was announced on Israeli radio and was planned to last until Monday, reported KUNA, the Kuwaiti news agency.

It said the decision bans entry into the country from the occupied territories except for emergencies, and tightened security at checkpoints and demarcation lines to guard against terrorist attacks.

Palestinian Authority spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said Sunday measures should be taken by both sides to avoid escalation, WAFA reported.

The Jerusalem Post said a decision on whether to attack will be made Tuesday during a meeting among Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.

"Under the current circumstances, accepting a cease-fire would appear as if we are giving in to Hamas' demands and ultimatums", a senior defense official said.

Under the new strategy, the Israeli military will not reoccupy the Gaza Strip but will instead initiate an incursion to make Hamas "pay a price", and then agree to a cease-fire.

 BREAKING STORIES

Court: Palestinians must pay victims

Israeli Construction in West Bank Has Nearly Doubled This Year, Report Finds

Group alleges West Bank construction boom

Rice to work on Israeli-Palestinian talks

Three hurt in West Bank fence rioting

Israelis barricade West Bank village

Protester commandeers Israeli bulldozer

Israel bans Palestinian charity Interpal

Family sues Palestinians for terror deaths

Israel closes all Gaza Strip crossings

Jewish settlers accused of staging attacks

Poll: Israel, Palestinians get low marks

U.N. report: Palestinians risk starvation

Israelis kill three Palestinian gunmen

Israeli airstrike hits Palestinians

Israel threatens strike against Gaza Strip

Police: Bomb-laden teen held in West Bank

Fatah prepared for presidential elections

Olmert to decide on Hamas cease-fire

U.N.: West Bank roadblocks increase