"There is a good chance that the cycle of violence will come to a complete end in the days ahead," said General Moshe Yaalon in an interview with the daily Yediot Aharonot published Thursday.

"In the light of the resistance shown by the Israeli people and the heroic struggle of the Tsahal (the Israeli army) against terrorism we can announce that we have won," he added.

The general said some people had thought there was no way terrorism could be defeated militarily but the army's tactics had persuaded Palestinian extremists that the use of force could not bring about a solution.

Four radical groups and the Fatah faction of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat agreed this week to end anti-Israeli attacks for three months, but sporadic acts of violence have continued to undermine moves towards peace.

One of those groups, Fatah offshoot Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Thursday renounced its adherence to the ceasefire after Israeli troops killed one of its leaders.

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