Israel Matzav

IDF preparing for a grim scenario

On April 12, 1984, 'Palestinian' terrorists commandeered Egged Bus number 300 from Tel Aviv to Ashkelon, and hijacked it to the Gaza Strip and attempted to 'negotiate' the release of 500 'Palestinian' terrorists.

In Deir el-Balah, about 15 kilometers south of Gaza City, the bus finally came to a stop and was surrounded by military and Border Police units.

The terrorists said they belonged to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, headed by George Habash. All night long they negotiated for the release of some 500 PLO terrorists in Israeli jails. Just before dawn, an IDF elite unit, led by then-brigadier-general Yitzhak Mordechai, stormed the bus.

One young woman was killed and seven other passengers were wounded in the rescue. Two of the terrorists were killed inside the bus. The other two reportedly were wounded and died en route to a hospital.

The end of the story is that the Shin Bet (General Security Service) killed two terrorists who walked off the bus unscathed. But that's not why I'm telling you this story. I'm asking what would happen today if a busload of Israelis - or tourists - were hijacked by 'Palestinian' terrorists. What would the IDF do about it? Would we have a busload of Gilad Shalit's? Would we release another 1,000 terrorists? The good news is that the IDF is actually thinking about it.

The defense establishment does not rule out the possibility that the terror cell that infiltrated Israel's border on August 18 originally intended to commandeer a bus. The terrorists opened fire at two buses and private vehicles, killing eight Israelis.

The military officials noted during the meeting that while terrorists often cannot anticipate how their attacks will play out, they go in with the intention of killing as many people as possible and gaining notoriety. Hijacking a bus full of passengers can fulfill both goals. Moreover, such an act allows the terrorists to negotiate over the hostages, dead or alive.

"A terror act carried out for the purpose of bargaining is more devastating and sensitive than a killing spree, which is why we have to prepare for such a threat," an IDF source said.

Two special forces units – the LOTAR Eilat counterterrorism unit and Givati Brigade's Rimon unit – have already began a series of special training sessions that prepare them for just that. The week-long program, which takes place at the IDF's Counter-terrorism School, includes a series of drills, some of which teach the soldiers to take over a hijacked bus and deal with frightened hostages.

What could go wrong?

Labels: bus hijacking, Palestinian terrorists, terrorists for Gilad trade

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 5:10 PM