Three Arabs were killed and four were injured in a drive-by shooting attack in the Hevron Hills area last night. The murders were initially attributed to Jews, partly because of an anonymous phone call from an organization calling itself “The Committee for Safety on the Roads” that claimed responsibility. However, Israeli security agencies are investigating all avenues.
David Bedein of Israel Resource News Agency notes that the name of the above organization is the same as that used between 1988 and 1995 by groups that ultimately turned out to be run by GSS agent-provocateur Avishai Raviv. In the most famous case, the group took credit for the murder of a Halhoul Arab in 1995 that prompted calls for the immediate evacuation of the Jews of Hevron. Despite the Jewish \"admissions,\" the murderer was later discovered to have been an Arab. Bedein said that he called Israel Radio last night and suggested that the news writers not accuse Jews of the murder until the police make such a determination. He related that he was rebuffed, but it was noted that the news did in fact make the change in later newscasts.
The murders were immediately and sharply condemned last night across the Israeli political spectrum, including by President Katzav, Prime Minister Sharon, Meretz leader Yossi Sarid, and MK Michael Kleiner. Kleiner added that the fact that the Sharon-Peres government had \"been kind to the cruel\" and not responded forcefully to the months of terrorism led to a situation where Israelis feel that the government is not protecting them. National Infrastructures Minister Avigdor Lieberman condemned the killings, and said, \"Things like this happen when people feel abandoned.\" The Yesha Council condemned the attack and called upon police to do everything possible to apprehend the killers, but noted that it was not yet sure if Jews were in fact responsible. The Council added that violence is counterproductive to the mission and goals of the settlement movement.
David Bedein of Israel Resource News Agency notes that the name of the above organization is the same as that used between 1988 and 1995 by groups that ultimately turned out to be run by GSS agent-provocateur Avishai Raviv. In the most famous case, the group took credit for the murder of a Halhoul Arab in 1995 that prompted calls for the immediate evacuation of the Jews of Hevron. Despite the Jewish \"admissions,\" the murderer was later discovered to have been an Arab. Bedein said that he called Israel Radio last night and suggested that the news writers not accuse Jews of the murder until the police make such a determination. He related that he was rebuffed, but it was noted that the news did in fact make the change in later newscasts.
The murders were immediately and sharply condemned last night across the Israeli political spectrum, including by President Katzav, Prime Minister Sharon, Meretz leader Yossi Sarid, and MK Michael Kleiner. Kleiner added that the fact that the Sharon-Peres government had \"been kind to the cruel\" and not responded forcefully to the months of terrorism led to a situation where Israelis feel that the government is not protecting them. National Infrastructures Minister Avigdor Lieberman condemned the killings, and said, \"Things like this happen when people feel abandoned.\" The Yesha Council condemned the attack and called upon police to do everything possible to apprehend the killers, but noted that it was not yet sure if Jews were in fact responsible. The Council added that violence is counterproductive to the mission and goals of the settlement movement.