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At Least Seven Killed, 14 Wounded in Suicide Bomb Near Tzrifin Base

At least seven people were killed and several others were reported wounded Tuesday, six of them seriously, when a suicide bomber blew up just before 6 P.M. at a crowded bus stop adjacent to the Tzrifin military base near Rishon Letzion. Security officials said there were many soldiers at the bus stop.

Police investigators have determined that the suicide bomber was a 19-year-old Palestinian man from Rantis, located in the West Bank. The bomber, who wore civilian clothes and carried a leather bag containing a two to three kilogram bomb, got out of a car adjacent to the bus stop and blew himself up.

Four male soldiers and three female soldiers were killed by the suicide bomber, according to Army Radio.

Cpl. Ayal Schneider, 20, was walking toward the bus stop when he heard the explosion and saw a fireball. "People were running from the bus stop shouting 'bomb! bomb!"' he said.

"I saw the bodies, the body parts strewn around, heard the screams, and tried to help," said one witness, who gave his name only as Roy.

Police, who were checking the possibility that the suicide bomber was a woman, evacuated bystanders from the scene of the attack, fearing additional explosive devices might have been placed there.

Police cars chased a vehicle spotted fleeing the site of the bombing shortly after the attack took place. The car was supposedly heading north towards Netanya.

Emergency rescue workers at the scene of the attack found the body believed to be that of the bomber.

The wounded were evacuated to the nearby Assaf Harofeh Hospital, Ichilov Hosptial in Tel Aviv, Wolfson Medical Center in Holon and Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer.

"The attack today is further indication that the Palestinian Authority is doing absolutely nothing whatsoever to reign in terrorists or to dismantle the terror infrastructure in their areas," said David Baker, an official in the Prime Minister's Office.

The security forces have been on high alert since Israel's failed attempt Saturday to wipe out the top leadership of Hamas, including the radical Islamic movement's spiritual leader.

Speaking on Sky News, Hamas spokesman Abdel Aziz Rantisi did not claim responsibility for the suicide attack, but said that it was carried out in response to Israeli "crimes."

Security forces raised the alert level in Jerusalem on Tuesday morning due to warnings of terror attacks. Israel Radio reported that the security forces suspected one or more terrorists may have already succeeded in infiltrating into Israel.

In recent days there have been increasing calls, especially from right-wing ministers within the cabinet, for the expulsion of Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat. The United States, however, has expressed opposition to such a move.

Secretary of State Colin Powell on Sunday rejected further dealings with Arafat but restated U.S. opposition to the idea of deporting him from the territories. That, Powell said, would "put him on the world stage as opposed to the stage he is currently occupying."

By Jonathan Lis, Haaretz Correspondent, Haaretz Service, and AP

At least seven killed, 14 wounded in Tzrifin suicide bombing
From Ha'aretz: http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/338430.html

SECOND SUICIDE BOMBING DESTROYS JERUSALEM COFFEE SHOP; AT LEAST 6 KILLED

Police report that at least six people have been killed and scores wounded in a suicide bombing at a popular coffee shop in Jerusalem Tuesday night.

A huge explosion was reported Tuesday night at at 11:20 P.M. at the Cafe Hillel restaurant on Emek Refaim Rd. in the German Colony in southern Jerusalem.

A suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance to Cafe Hillel after the guard posted at the entrance blocked him from entering the cafe. There are reports of at least six fatalities.

The chef at Cafe Hillel, Rami, who was in the kitchen at the time of the explosion, said the explosion occurred at the entrance to the coffee shop. Rami said that the coffee shop was not packed due to the terror warnings present in Jerusalem Tuesday.

Hamas' military wing Izzadin Al Kassam have welcomed the Tuesday's attacks but has not taken formal responsibility for them. Their statement said Israelis could expect more attacks.

The injured are being taken to three hospitals in the capital - Hadassah, Bikur Holim and Sha'arei Zedek.

Nine of the wounded have been taken to Shaarei Tzedek Hospital: 12 55 125

Hadassah Har Hatzofim: 12 55 121

Twelve wounded have been taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem: 12 55 122

Bikur Holim: 12 55 123

The Absorption Ministry has opened an emergency line for new immigrants: 12 55 081010

According to Magen David Adom, 40 people have been wounded and 32 have been taken to hospital so far. Six of the wounded are in critical condition. Many friends and relatives, as well as a multitude of bystanders have arrived at the scene, and rescue services are having difficulties evacuating the wounded.

Manager of Haddasah Ein Kerem Hospital Dr. Shapira said that most of the wounded brought to his hospital were young adults in their early twenties.

Yitzhak Mor, lightly injured in the attack, saw the bomber, a young man. "I saw someone who had a bag, or some kind of case on his back under his clothes. I shouted at him, hey you! And then he exploded."

The attack is the second suicide bombing in Israel within six hours. In Tel Aviv, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz convened late Tuesday the heads of the IDF, Shin Bet and defense establishment for a situation assessment expected to last through the night. The Jerusalem bombing hit during their deliberations. Acting Prime Minister Sylvan Shalom, in contact with Ariel Sharon who is visiting India, is expected to authorize IDF operations against Palestinian terrorist targets.

Security forces raised the alert level in Jerusalem on Tuesday morning due to a significant increase in terror attack warnings.

Security officials said warnings have been pouring in since the early hours of Tuesday, and expressed a concern that a terrorist has already infiltrated Israel and is on his way to Jerusalem to perpetrate an attack.

Following the warnings, checkpoints were set up all over the Jerusalem area, and policemen have been deployed in the city's roads and heavily populated parts.

The explosion rocked the southern Jerusalem neighborhood.

Cafe Hillel is a very popular Coffee shop, usually packed at this time of night. The German Colony is on a strip with many restaurants and pubs, and small shops.

"I have a store next to the cafe. I arrived just a few moments after the blast. I saw things that just can't be described, there are no words," said a witness who identified himself only as Shavi.

The blast set off the siren alarms of dozens of parked cars nearby. Police were breaking windos of cars to check if they contain bombs.

Jerusalem Police chief Mickey Levy said at the scene that there were many wounded. Magen David Adom say at least 40 people have been wounded.

There are definitely fatalities at the scene, according to reports.

Other reports indicate their are scores of wounded. Witnesses report that bystanders, journalists and camera crews are getting in the way of rescue services and police.

Magen David Adom ambulances are racing to the scene.

Meir Stein, a witness at the scene, said the coffee shop is totally destroyed. Chairs and tables are turned over. People are swarming to the area, and police are having difficulties cordoning off the area.

By THE JERUSALEM POST INTERNET STAFF

Explosion destroys Jerusalem coffee shop; at least 6 killed
From Jerusalem Post: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/A/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1063089929518

IDF Chief: Al-Qaida Tried to Recruit Saudi Pilots for Attack in Israel

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon said Tuesday that the Al-Qaida terrorist network tried to recruit Saudi Arabian Air Force pilots to carry out a suicide attack in Israel, similar to those carried out in the United States on September 11, 2001. According to Ya'alon, Al-Qaida tried to recruit pilots for an attack using either F-15 jets or civilian aircraft.

Speaking at a conference at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, Ya'alon said the information was disclosed during interrogations of Al-Qaida operatives under arrest in the West.

Ya'alon also sent a warning to leaders of militant terror groups abroad, stating they could also be targeted in Israel's all-out war on terror suspects.

"Leadership, whether it's in Damascus or Hezbollah [in Lebanon] and [Iranian] Revolutionary Guard garrisons in Lebanon who support Palestinian terror cells here ... all leaderships should be held accountable," Ya'alon told those in attendance.

Ya'alon also stated that since the U.S.-led war in Iraq, the Saudi Arabian Air Force has stationed F-15 fighter jets at the Tabuk base, in northern Saudi Arabia, not far from Israel's southern border. "We are concerned by the deployment of Saudi planes in Tabuk, and from the information on Al-Qaida, and demand that the matter be investigated," said Ya'alon.

Ya'alon also criticized the treasury's recent proposal to cut the defense budget by some NIS 3 billion.

Other top army officers regarded the treasury's announced cuts for defense as a declaration of war.

The chief of staff will be convening an emergency meeting with top brass Tuesday to discuss the Finance Ministry plan.

The army is also up in arms about the Finance Ministry's intention of slapping tax on pensions paid to people before retirement age, of 65 for men and 60 for women. The new decree will be a harsh blow to some 6,000 officers with whom agreements for early retirement had recently been concluded.

Top officers complained bitterly about the treasury's behavior. "We have an acute feeling that somebody decided to hound the army," they said last night.

Most of the NIS 10 billion budget cuts the treasury plans for 2004, compared with the 2003 budget, are detailed in the thick budget proposal book the treasury published Monday.

The budget will total only NIS 266.9 billion, with NIS 3 billion less for defense versus 2003. Other ministries will be hit with a 15% blanket budget cut and some 1,500 tax officials will be fired as redundancies are created by the consolidation of tax departments.

By Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondent

Ya'alon: Qaida tried to recruit Saudi pilots for attack in Israel
From Ha'aretz: http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/338112.html

Mofaz: We Won't Deal with Arafat Pawn

Speaking before the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said Tuesday that Israel "will not cooperate with anyone taking orders directly from Arafat.

"We expect an independent Palestinian government, one which will renounce terrorism, conduct political reform and stop the encouragement of violence." Mofaz instructed the IDF to prepare for a deterioration of the security situation.

Also speaking in before the committee, a senior security official said that Ahmed Qurei, the appointed Palestinian prime minister, is no more than Arafat's right hand. "Qurei and Arafat are one. The appointed prime minister has no intention of acting without the approval of the chairman."

The official added that "In Israel, we see no indications of a PA reform." It is estimated that Arafat will hold on to the control of the security services, and Qurei will not receive sufficient power too fight terrorism.

The official went on to state that Mahmoud Abbas, former Palestinian prime minister, resigned, due to death threats received from Arafat supporters.

Arafat told Fatah leaders that Qurei has accepted the the role of Palestinian prime minister on Monday night, following his formal appointment by PA Chairman Arafat during a meeting of Fatah central council. However, Qurei insisted that he was " still studying the issue."

Nevertheless, Qurei is expected to begin forming the new Palestinian government within the next few hours, completing it in a number of days.

The decision to appoint Qurei, former Palestinian parliament speaker as prime minister, still has to be approved by the Palestinian Legislative Council, which is expected to convene in the coming days.

Earlier, after a meeting with Arafat in the Mukata, Qurei told reporters that "it would be pointless to form a new government if Israel doesn't change its policy toward the Palestinians."

Qurei repeated his request of Washington and the Europeans to guarantee Israeli compliance with a US-backed peace plan, including "a halt to military strikes and a change of policy toward Arafat."

Qurei added that there are no differences of opinions between himself and Arafat. "I want to see that the Israelis will change the way of dealing with Yasser Arafat, the elected president, because I cannot go without his support," he said.

Once he accepts the job officially, Qurei is expected to begin a series of consultations in an effort to establish a new cabinet that would still require the approval of the PLC.

Earlier on Monday, Qurei met with Arafat in the latter's office in Ramallah. The two discussed the formation of the new cabinet and agreed that Qurei would start discussions with senior Fatah and PLO officials on the possibility of including some of them in his cabinet.

After the meeting, Qurei said he wants real support from the international community, "practical, not by words. I don't want to see more military checkpoints. I don't want to see assassination of Palestinians. I don't want to see the demolishing of houses."

He said he would try to negotiate a cease-fire with Israel. "I want to see a real cease-fire from both sides with enough commitment to stop all kinds of killing of the Palestinians or killing of the Israelis," Qurei said. "We also need the support of the Israelis, the support of the Americans, and the support of President Arafat," he told The Associated Press.

Asked whether he would only accept the post if his demands were met, he said: "Yes, these are my conditions from all the parties who are concerned about the peace process."

According to reliable sources in Ramallah, Qurei also wants guarantees from Arafat that he would have a free hand in negotiations with Israel and control over the Palestinian security forces. One source said Qurei does not want to undergo the same experience as his predecessor, Mahmoud Abbas, who spent most of his time fighting with Arafat over his powers.

The new cabinet, according to some sources, will consist of many new faces. Minister of Security Muhammad Dahlan, who has sided with Abbas in his conflict with Arafat, is expected to lose his job, the sources added. Dahlan himself has indicated that he has no intention to serve in a cabinet headed by someone else other than Abbas.

The all-important Interior Ministry portfolio in charge of the Palestinian security forces is expected to be given to Arafat loyalist Gen. Nasser Youssef, a former security chief who also has close ties with Qurei.

Another Arafat loyalist who is expected to play a major role in the new cabinet is Jibril Rajoub, who was recently appointed by Arafat as his adviser on national security affairs. Rajoub, who has also been promoted to the rank of general, would be entrusted with the task of revamping the Palestinian security forces together with Youssef.

The PLO executive committee, which met in Ramallah on Monday, issued a statement saying that the resignation of the Abbas cabinet was a direct result of the failure to implement the road map. The committee said the road map was on hold because of Israel's construction of the security fence in the West Bank, the policy of building more settlements, the continued arrests of Palestinians, and the assassination of Hamas and Islamic Jihad activists.

"The success of the new cabinet requires an international and regional role that is different from the one adopted during the previous cabinet," said the PLO statement, calling for an end to the siege on Arafat's compound in Ramallah.

PLO executive committee member Abbas Zaki said Qurei now has three weeks to form a new cabinet. "If he doesn't meet the deadline, he is entitled to ask for an additional two weeks," he said. He did not rule out the possibility that some of the outgoing ministers would continue to serve in the new cabinet.

At least three ministers are expected to retain their jobs: Finance Minister Salam Fayad, Education Minister Naim Abu al-Humos, and Planning Minister Nabil Kassis.

By KHALED ABU TOAMEH AND THE JERUSALEM POST INTERNET STAFF

Mofaz: We won't deal with Arafat pawn
From Jerusalem Post: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/A/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1062905915563

Israel Victorious Over Slovenia in Basketball Championships, Advances to Quarterfinals

A Tal Burstein jumper with 2.6 seconds left gave Israel a hard-fought 78-76 win over Slovenia Monday night, advancing Israel to the quarterfinals of the European Basketball Championships in Sweden, and setting up a dream match with Spain on Thursday for a shot at a place in the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

For the second night in a row, Israel's players gave it their best, surprising a team considered better on paper, with consistent team defense and solid shooting. Israel defeated Latvia 91-75 on Sunday to reach the second round, after losing its first two games to Germany and Lithuania.

Burstein led the way, but had significant help from Yaniv Green and Ido Kozikaro, who gave Israel a much-needed inside presence, and Meir Tapiro, who came off the bench to get Israel back into the game after trailing by 15 in the opening minutes.
Tapiro scored 9 clutch points, and had an even more important 9 assists.

Green led Israel with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Every Israeli player who stepped on the floor had an impact, as coach Muli Katzurin's boys won the game with a team effort, particularly on defense.
Slovenia outclassed Israel at the start, with Nachbar easily scoring all his team's points over Shelef and Saffar, and giving Slovenia a 9-0 lead. Shelef scored Israel's first points with a three-pointer from the corner, but Slovenia reeled off nine more unanswered points, as Israel's hopes began to dissipate.

Meanwhile, Kozikaro, Saffar, and Sheinfeld found themselves with close-range shots, but struggled to score.

The favored Balkan team didn't miss a shot in the first seven amd a half minutes of the game, converting their first ten attempts, and even then, Nachbar corrected his own miss as Slovenia pulled ahead by as many as 16 points in the first quarter.

Slovenia's shooters eventually returned to mortal status, but it was the play of Tapiro and Green that helped the blue-and-white close in. Green scored 8 second-quarter points on an array of moves, while Tapiro racked up 5 assists to lead Israel's comeback. Erez Katz's defensive play was also a key part of Israel's run, as the Israelis cut the lead to 43-37 at the half.

Kozikaro started the second half with an inside bucket off a dish from Tapiro, and Burstein followed with a jumper and a three before Tapiro capped a 13-0 run stretching from the close of the first half to take their first lead, 45-43.

Kozikaro teamed with Green to keep the taller Slovenians out of the paint. Only Tusek was a pain for Israel in the third, scoring eight of his team's ten points, but Sharp, with his first three, and Burstein, continued to feed off the big men, winning the crucial quarter 23-10.

Sharp led off the fourth with another three, giving Israel a 10-point advantage, 63-53, only for the Slovenians to awaken and reel off eight straight points. Sharp nailed another bomb to stop the bleeding, but Jurica Golemac answered with a three of his own, followed by a lay-up off a Tapiro turnover to tie the game at 66-66.

Burstein missed from downtown on the ensuing attack, and Boris Gorenc drew foul foul No. 4 from Green and hit both free throws to retake the lead. Two Ivica Jurkovic free throws made it 70-66, but Kozikaro tied it with a pair of buckets in the paint off passes from Saffar.

With three minutes to go, Jurkovic connected from outside, Saffar tried to answer but missed, and Gorenc added a free throw, and it looked bleak for Israel, down four with two minutes remaining.

Tapiro penetrated and scored, and then the team defense took over, stopping Slovenia inside, and countering with a fast break, only for Saffar to get fouled and miss the first shot. But the Israeli D ordered up another stop, and this time Saffar nailed a three to give Israel the lead 76-75 with 45 seconds left.

Sharp found himself alone in the post with big Jurkovic, and fouled the excellent foul-shooter before he could attempt a shot. With 22.6 seconds on the clock, Jurkovic missed the first free throw, and tied the score with the second, setting up Burstein's magical jumper, and making Israeli basketball history.

By FRANKIE SACHS

Israel shocks Slovenia in European Basketball Championships
From Jerusalem Post: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/A/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1063017949585

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