Israeli troops wounded during operation to arrest Palestinians

JERUSALEM (AP) -- Four Israeli soldiers were wounded Saturday when the bomb they were placing at the front door of a Palestinian's home to force it open exploded prematurely, the army and Palestinian witnesses said.

The army was arresting Palestinians they said were wanted by Israel's security service. Most of the arrests took place in Balata Refugee Camp east of Nablus.

The soldiers were trying to enter the home of Amir Thoqan, who was not at home, according to his brother Sharif, who was inside the house at the time.

None of the four soldiers was injured seriously, the army said. They were evacuated shortly after the incident.

The front doors of 15 houses were damaged by explosions, camp residents said.