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Last update - 20:27 22/07/2008
Barak lauds civilian, cop who killed bulldozer attacker 'quickly'
By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent, and Haaretz Service
Tags: Mahmoud Abbas 

Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Tuesday lauded the civilian and the Border Police officer who "acted quickly" and killed a Palestinian who rampaged through central Jerusalem on a bulldozer earlier in the day, injuring at least 24 people.

Barak stressed that this incident "exposes the complex reality facing us: war in Gaza, also with Hezbollah in Lebanon and even with Iran. We are a strong people."

Earlier Tuesday, U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama told a news conference in Jordan "I strongly condemn this attack and will always support Israel in confronting terrorism and pursuing lasting peace and security," hours before he was scheduled to arrive in Israel.
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas echoed the condemnations of the bulldozer rampage, which occurred during his historic meeting with President Shimon Peres in the President's Residence just a few miles away, the first by a Palestinian head of state.

Peres and Abbas were notified of the attack by Peres' military secretary, Brigadier-General Hasson Hasson. Upon hearing the news, Abbas said the event was saddening and unfortunate, and that he condemns all acts of terror. Following the meeting, Peres and Abbas appeared jointly before the meeting to issue a condemnation.

"I condemn the attack and as always I wholeheartedly oppose all acts of terror," Abbas said. "I wish to send wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured."

"Israel cannot accept terror attacks as part of the daily routine, the security services will take the necessary measures to ensure the security of Jerusalemites," Peres said.

"This was another attempt to murder innocent people in a senseless act of terrorism," said government spokesman Mark Regev. "All people who believe in peace and reconciliation must unequivocally condemn this attack. Unfortunately, it is clear that we as a society will have to remain vigilant against terrorism."

Jerusalem mayor Uri Lupolianski said that East Jerusalem residents involved in terror "are thrown out the door and then come in through the window," adding that authorities should destroy the home in which the bulldozer driver lived. "We need to rethink how we should employ the people who are working here."

"The Arab neighborhoods of East Jerusalem have become the heart of future mass terror attacks," said Kadima MK Otniel Schneller, who arrived at the scene of the attack. "We haven't managed to attain complete control over the eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem. Jerusalem's security problem isn't what is surrounding it but rather it is from within Jerusalem, the Arab neighborhoods."

Related articles:
  • Bulldozer driver goes on rampage in Jerusalem, apparent copycat of recent deadly attack
  • Rampaging bulldozer driver 'missed pedestrian's head by inches'
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      2.   Meanwhile 17:15  |  jackie 22/07/08
      3.   Condemns all forms of terrorism? 17:22  |  Jig 22/07/08
      4.   If this is his real opinion then why lavish praise on Kuntar? 17:29  |  Jeremy 22/07/08
      5.   not enough 17:35  |  vik 22/07/08
      6.   Abbas Condems Terro 17:48  |  Eve 22/07/08
      7.   Abbas words: "I understand this was a deliberate attack," Abbas.. 17:48  |  Avihu 22/07/08
      8.   HOW`S HE GOING TO BACK ISRAEL WHEN HE BELIEVES IN THEIR PIECE TO 17:50  |  glenna 22/07/08
      9.   Spare us Abbas - you SUPPORT terror! 18:03  |  Jewish State 22/07/08
      10.   Is this the same Abbas who sent greetings to Kuntar? 18:04  |  x-ray 22/07/08
      11.   Uh oh - He sounds serious about the peace thing 18:20  |  Natallie Durson 22/07/08
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      13.   Obama is all words. Will Obama once again retrack is wording 18:25  |  Ben 22/07/08
      14.   that fast? 18:35  |  ms 22/07/08
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      17.   Abba: Anti-Bulldozer, Pro-Child Killer 18:52  |  Tex 22/07/08
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      20.   Spare us Israel you support a greater Israel 19:09  |  Resistance 22/07/08
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      41.   Maureen Ann 03:47  |  Jane 23/07/08
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