By VOA News
Israeli forces have arrested dozens of suspected Palestinian militants and demolished the home of a wanted militant during raids throughout Palestinian areas.
In Gaza, Israeli troops battled Palestinian gunmen as they pushed into the southern town of Deir-el-Balah
The Israeli army said the suspect was behind several attacks on troops and Jewish settlements in the area, including last week's shooting death of an Israeli soldier near a settlement. Palestinian sources are quoted as saying he remains at large. In the West Bank, Israel's army detained more than 30 suspected militants in several raids.
Palestinian officials say they hope to revive talks in the coming days with Israeli politicians who are in favor of peace, including Israeli parliament speaker Avraham Burg.
Israel faces a general election on Jan. 28. Palestinian and European officials say Palestinian elections scheduled for Jan. 20 will likely have to be pushed back because of logistical problems.