Defense and security sources in Israel have noted an improvement in recent weeks in the performance of the Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank. In conversations with Haaretz, the security sources said that the Palestinians have stepped up their activities against militant groups, primarily Hamas.

The same sources pointed to the uncovering of a Hamas cell that was hiding hundreds of explosive devices under a mosque in Qalqiliyah as an example of the improved performance. The Palestinian security forces carried out arrests during an operation that involved an exchange of gunfire with the militants.

The view in Israel is that the Palestinians have "shifted gears" in their fight against Hamas. The same sources pointed out that in recent weeks, the PA security forces in the West Bank uncovered explosives labs and bombs, and arrested other militants.

The PA is also said to be making an effort to capture those involved in a shooting incident over a month ago in the Jordan Valley, in which two Israeli traffic police lost their lives.

The Palestinian efforts follow a period in which Israeli security officials felt that the PA was not doing enough to foil terrorism in the territories.

The change is attributed to two main factors. The first is the concern of PA President Mahmoud Abbas that an increase in the attacks on Israelis in the West Bank will result in harsh sanctions against the Palestinians, and would undermine the "flagship" enterprise of the PA and the Mideast Quartet, the ongoing transfer of authority to the Authority.

The second reason may be even more important. Up until several weeks ago, there was much speculation in the territories that the chances were good for a reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, something that would presumably result in the formation of a unity government. Under such circumstances, the heads of the PA security organizations feared that they would lack the backing for determined efforts against Hamas activists in the West Bank, and opted to keep a low profile. They also released dozens of Hamas activists from PA prisons.

More recently, however, it has appeared that the differences between the two main Palestinian factions have grown wider and the PA security officials feel more confident that they have a resumed green light to pursue Hamas militants. Moreover, Salam Fayyad, who submitted his resignation as PA prime minister on March 7, appears to be on his way back to the post (the resignation had not yet taken effect), something that further encourages the security officials to continue their efforts.

Meanwhile, 14 residents of the village of Awrif, south of Nablus, suffered injuries Friday during clashes with armed settlers who came to the village.

According to the residents, a group of 25 Jewish settlers approached from the settlement of Yitzhar and threatened the villagers, who were celebrating a wedding. The settlers allegedly threw stones at the homes of the Palestinians and when the latter responded by throwing stones back, the settlers allegedly opened fire against them. The IDF forces that arrived at the scene attacked the Palestinians with rubber bullets and tear gas.