Israel Matzav

And again: 'Palestinian' suicide bombing attack in Eilat

A 'Palestinian' suicide bomber exploded in a bakery in an Eilat shopping center this morning, murdering three innocent persons and critically wounding two others. The bombing, which occurred around 9:45 A.M., was first reported to be a gas explosion, and around 10:30 police confirmed that it was a suicide bombing. This was the first suicide bombing ever in Eilat, although a Katyusha rocket fired from Jordan hit the tourist destination/port city in August 2005.

The bomber was 23-year old Fasial al-Saqsaq of the Gaza Strip and he was sent from Egypt in an operation coordinated by Islamic Jihad's al-Quds Brigades and 'moderate' 'Palestinian President' Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen's Fatah's al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. (Islamic Jihad is claiming that the terrorist arrived in Israel from Jordan, but the Israeli police and Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter have rejected that claim).

Abu Mazen's forces are being armed by the United States with Israel's approval, while Israel turned over $100 million this month to Abu Mazen that was used to pay 'salaries' to 'Palestinian security officers' who are on the same team as al-Aqsa but wear different uniforms.

The terrorist was driven into town by an Israeli Jew who apparently did not know he was driving a terrorist until it was too late:

According to reports by security sources, at least two local residents had spotted Saksak, whose heavy coat and large bag aroused their suspicions, and called the police. Channel 2 reported that one of the people who alerted local police was the driver who gave Saksak a ride into town.

The driver, Yossi Voltinski, said in an interview with Channel 10 that he had suspected Saksak was up to something, but that he could do nothing until the terrorist got out of the car.

Voltinski said he had told the man to get out before reaching his destination.

"Still, unfortunately, he succeeded in his plot," he lamented. "He succeeded in killing innocent people, and I don't feel good about that."

Saksak, who appeared to have stopped at the bakery for coffee before reaching his final destination, blew himself up after he saw the police cars approaching.

This is the first 'successful' suicide bombing in Israel since April 17, 2006 in Tel Aviv.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 6:57 PM