The death of Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze\'evi was announced at 10 AM this morning, after he was shot in the head and neck this morning. Palestinians in Yesha, upon hearing the news, again broke out in celebrations, just as they did after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terrorist organization took responsibility for the attack, in vengeance for Israel\'s killing of PFLP head Abu Mustafa in September.
There were apparently no witnesses to the shooting, which took place on the 8th floor of the Jerusalem Hyatt Hotel. He was found when Arutz-7 broadcaster Eshel Levine, who had arranged to interview him, called the Minister\'s spokeswoman to say that Ze\'evi could not be reached. When the spokeswoman, too, could not reach him, she called Mrs. Ze\'evi in the hotel dining room, who went up to their room and found him in a pool of blood.
The Hyatt Hotel remains sealed at this hour, and only those who have been questioned by police and have signed their statements are permitted to leave. It is assumed that the crime was committed either by hotel workers or with their help. Public Security Minister Uzi Landau will be briefed this morning by senior police commanders about the investigation.
The National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu party will convene later this morning to discuss the situation. The party announced its resignation from the government on Sunday, and the resignations of its two ministers - including that of Minister Ze\'evi, as well as that of Minister Avigdor Lieberman - was scheduled to take effect at 1:30 this afternoon. MK Benny Elon implied that the party would rescind its resignation in light of the new circumstances. In the meantime, Lieberman is taking part in the security cabinet\'s emergency meeting this morning. Beforehand, Prime Minister Sharon, other ministers, and MKs of the NUYB party were at the bedside of Minister Ze\'evi.
Jerusalem Police Chief Mickey Levy confirmed that the minister was not being protected by bodyguards this morning. Only the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and one or two others are always guarded, while other government members are guarded intermittently according to intelligence recommendations.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terrorist organization took responsibility for the attack, in vengeance for Israel\'s killing of PFLP head Abu Mustafa in September.
There were apparently no witnesses to the shooting, which took place on the 8th floor of the Jerusalem Hyatt Hotel. He was found when Arutz-7 broadcaster Eshel Levine, who had arranged to interview him, called the Minister\'s spokeswoman to say that Ze\'evi could not be reached. When the spokeswoman, too, could not reach him, she called Mrs. Ze\'evi in the hotel dining room, who went up to their room and found him in a pool of blood.
The Hyatt Hotel remains sealed at this hour, and only those who have been questioned by police and have signed their statements are permitted to leave. It is assumed that the crime was committed either by hotel workers or with their help. Public Security Minister Uzi Landau will be briefed this morning by senior police commanders about the investigation.
The National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu party will convene later this morning to discuss the situation. The party announced its resignation from the government on Sunday, and the resignations of its two ministers - including that of Minister Ze\'evi, as well as that of Minister Avigdor Lieberman - was scheduled to take effect at 1:30 this afternoon. MK Benny Elon implied that the party would rescind its resignation in light of the new circumstances. In the meantime, Lieberman is taking part in the security cabinet\'s emergency meeting this morning. Beforehand, Prime Minister Sharon, other ministers, and MKs of the NUYB party were at the bedside of Minister Ze\'evi.
Jerusalem Police Chief Mickey Levy confirmed that the minister was not being protected by bodyguards this morning. Only the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and one or two others are always guarded, while other government members are guarded intermittently according to intelligence recommendations.