For the second time in two weeks, the city of Rishon LeTzion - Israel\'s 4th-largest - has been hit by Palestinian terrorism. Shortly after 9 PM last night, a terrorist detonated his bomb and himself in a pedestrian mall in the heart of the city, killing two Israelis and wounding over 40. Close to 20 victims from the attack remain hospitalized, with four listed in serious condition. The victims were Netanya residents Gari Tauzhiansky, 65, and Almar Jabrielov, 16, who were buried this afternoon.
Fatah\'s military wing took credit for the murders, but this did not stop the PA from \"condemning\" the act shortly afterwards. The U.S. called again upon Yasser Arafat to \"show leadership\" and take action against the terrorists.
Eyewitnesses to the attack say that the terrorist had dyed his hair blonde and wore western-style clothing in order not to arouse the suspicion of security officials. The area in the vicinity of the explosion was crowded with people enjoying a relaxing evening outdoors, including some participating in a two-day multi-player chess match. In the previous attack in the city, on May 7, a Palestinian suicide bomber detonated a powerful explosive on the third floor of a building in Rishon’s new industrial area, killing 15 Israelis.
IDF forces operating yesterday in Balata killed Mahmud Titi, commander of the Al Aksa Fatah Brigades in Shechem. Two other leading terrorists were killed at the same time. The forces received word that the three were meeting near the Balata cemetery, and they prepared an ambush. Israel arrested the previous Al Aksa head during Operation Defensive Shield. Titi directed and was involved in many terror attacks leading to the deaths of 11 Israelis, including the January shooting spree in downtown Jerusalem (2 killed); the Tel Aviv restaurant attack in March (3); and the Hadera Bar Mitzvah attack (6). Titi was engaged in planning additional attacks for the coming days.
Fatah\'s military wing took credit for the murders, but this did not stop the PA from \"condemning\" the act shortly afterwards. The U.S. called again upon Yasser Arafat to \"show leadership\" and take action against the terrorists.
Eyewitnesses to the attack say that the terrorist had dyed his hair blonde and wore western-style clothing in order not to arouse the suspicion of security officials. The area in the vicinity of the explosion was crowded with people enjoying a relaxing evening outdoors, including some participating in a two-day multi-player chess match. In the previous attack in the city, on May 7, a Palestinian suicide bomber detonated a powerful explosive on the third floor of a building in Rishon’s new industrial area, killing 15 Israelis.
IDF forces operating yesterday in Balata killed Mahmud Titi, commander of the Al Aksa Fatah Brigades in Shechem. Two other leading terrorists were killed at the same time. The forces received word that the three were meeting near the Balata cemetery, and they prepared an ambush. Israel arrested the previous Al Aksa head during Operation Defensive Shield. Titi directed and was involved in many terror attacks leading to the deaths of 11 Israelis, including the January shooting spree in downtown Jerusalem (2 killed); the Tel Aviv restaurant attack in March (3); and the Hadera Bar Mitzvah attack (6). Titi was engaged in planning additional attacks for the coming days.