A leading Hamas terrorist was killed in Damascus, Syria this afternoon. He was Iz-A-Din Al-Halib, a senior operations commander in the murderous organization, and was killed when his car blew up. No one else was hurt in the explosion. He was among the 400 terrorists expelled to Lebanon by then-Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin in the 1980's, and was at one time the handler of the infamous Yichye Ayash, known as The Engineer. Official Israeli sources said they learned of Al-Halib's death via media reports, though it will be recalled that after the Be'er Sheva double-bus massacre of four weeks ago, Israel promised to strike out at terrorist leaders wherever they are, including in Syria.
Hamas has said it will avenge the death with attacks against Israelis. Many Israelis noted wryly that Hamas has not needed an excuse in the past to attack Israelis.
In a related item, a Palestinian terrorist was killed this afternoon in a "work accident" in the Shomron village of Salfit. He was engaged in preparing a bomb when it blew up.
Hamas has said it will avenge the death with attacks against Israelis. Many Israelis noted wryly that Hamas has not needed an excuse in the past to attack Israelis.
In a related item, a Palestinian terrorist was killed this afternoon in a "work accident" in the Shomron village of Salfit. He was engaged in preparing a bomb when it blew up.