Israel lets 6,200 ‘drop in ocean’ Palestinians in

But Israeli political sources say the belief is growing that Palestinian militant groups could exploit discontent in the occupied territories, and that Israel must shore up the Palestinian Authority, which is formally committed to the ‘‘road map’’ peace plan.

Lieutenant-General Moshe Yaalon last week embarrassed the government by telling newspaper columnists that the blockades, imposed after the uprising for statehood erupted three years ago, were driving more Palestinians into violent resistance.

Until then, 150,000 Palestinians made a living in Israel, so Sunday’s restoration of 15,000 Israeli work permits is still only a drop in the ocean.

Every other period of relief from the restrictions has ended after another big militant attack — such as the October 4 suicide attack in Haifa that triggered the latest closure of the West Bank and Gaza.

As part of the latest tentative detente, Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz has been preparing to meet Palestinian officials, and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said he would welcome talks with his Palestinian counterpart, Ahmed Qurie. Sharon flew to Moscow on Sunday, planning to ask Russia to stop a UN Security Council vote to endorse the ‘‘road map’’.

Six soldiers suffered light injuries on Sunday when militants detonated a roadside bomb in Nablus. Islamic Jihad said it had carried out the attack. (Reuters)