The "Gaza and Bethlehem first" plan never got off the ground - just as many predicted. But Bethlehem has been mostly quiet, and the IDF has stayed out for almost 2 months.

This article describes the situation there. The local leaders of the Tanzim/Fatah militia are either dead or in Israeli jails. Visitors have returned to the Church of the Nativity. Many residents of the town, which used to have a large tourist industry, desire a return to normal. Political leaders admit the defeat of their violent struggle by the IDF but make vague suggestions that it might resume - they say if the IDF returns.