Israel arrested 52 Islamic Jihad activists on Tuesday in its first big crackdown against militants since a February cease-fire, abandoning a policy of restraint toward the militant group and clouding an already troubled meeting between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said the military changed tack because the Palestinian Authority has been "ineffectual." "When we found out that the Islamic Jihad was carrying out acts of terror and wasn't adhering to the truce then there was no choice but to take resolute action," Mofaz said. "That activity will continue everywhere, and at all times." |