"In the light of the intensification of the activities of the terrorist organisations over the last few weeks, we will intensify our anti-terror operations," Yaalon told army radio.

"In this kind of situation, attack is the best form of defence ... We will pursue the terrorists -- whoever they are and wherever they are."

Yaalon said that "anarchy" had now taken hold in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The general's announcement follows the Israeli military's resumed "targeted killing" operations after a break of several weeks, killing three suspected militants in a helicopter strike in Gaza City on Saturday.

The radio also reported that the army's senior officers had been ordered to "eliminate as many terrorists as possibile" ahead of an expected pullout from the south and centre of the Gaza Strip as part of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's "separation plan".

Sharon has said he will start implementing a unilateral "disengagement" in the next few months if there is no progress in the US-backed "roadmap" peace process with the Palestinians.

His plan would involve the evacuation of 17 Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip, several others in the West Bank and the completion of a separation barrier in the West Bank.

WAR.WIRE