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Police probe why first cop on the scene did not fire By Jonathan Lis Jerusalem police are looking into the actions of the first patrolman to arrive at the Mercaz Harav yeshiva following reports of shots fired, to determine whether his decision not to engage the terrorist was reasonable. The patrolman, a sergeant, is said to have completed the police academy only a few months ago. He arrived on the scene in a patrol car, together with other police, about seven minutes after students reported shots fired. Police sources said yesterday that about eight more minutes passed until an army officer and additional police killed the terrorist. Advertisement An investigation by Channel 10, based on Magen David Adom recordings, reveals that about 20 minutes passed from the time the terrorist opened fire until he was killed. The police probe, led by Commander Amnon Alkalai, head of the Moriah sub-district, reveals that the policeman, who was armed only with a revolver, chose to remain outside, allowing the army officer, David Shapira, who had arrived from home with an M-16, to enter the premises. At Shapira's request, the policeman gave Shapira his police hat, apparently to prevent Shapira being mistaken for the terrorist. District police commander Major General Ilan Franco is to rule on whether the patrolman's response was reasonable, or whether his wait outside led to a harsher outcome of the attack. Police yesterday called in the terrorist's five sisters for questioning on the suspicion that they were aware of their brother's intentions. His father, questioned immediately after the attack, distanced himself from his son's actions and from the hanging of Hamas and Hezbollah flags in the family mourning tent. Sources in the Palestinian Authority said the murderer probably acted under orders from Hamas leadership in Damascus in coordination with Hezbollah. Police sources said yesterday the eight persons arrested in connection with the attack are still in custody. At a special meeting of the police brass yesterday, Police Commissioner David Cohen ordered the continuation of the alert of recent days, which is only one level below the maximum. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Bring down the house Knesset speaker calls for wrecking of yeshiva killer's family home. Frum and fabulous Beauty salons offer Haredi women a unique brand of modest glamour.

Today Online Abbas: Israel has agreed to a cease-fire with Hamas Responses: 382 Amos Oz: Left wing can return to power in next elections Responses: 139 Akiva Eldar: Israel knows the price it has to pay for security Responses: 66 AJC leader urges Israel to give 'Durban 2' meet a chance Responses: 92 More Headlines 23:07 UN Chief, U.S. urge Israel to halt plans to build in W. Bank settlements 18:32 Abbas: Israel has agreed to cease-fire with Hamas 22:01 FM to U.S. officials: Hamas will not choose when to fire and when to regroup 02:11 Britain bans Likud's Moshe Feiglin from entering country 22:10 Knesset speaker calls for demolition of Jerusalem yeshiva terrorist's home 23:15 Sarkozy to Peres: France will always be at Israel's side 14:43 In show of modesty, Haredi women make up in private 01:19 J'lem official: Major quake could kill generation of schoolchildren 23:32 Greek Cyprus opposes Turkish Cypriot plan to open trade office in T.A. 01:40 Director, screenwriter guilds to boycott television awards ceremony 18:22 Lieberman to Arab MKs: One day we will 'take care of you' Previous Editions Select Day 10 mar 09 mar 07 mar 06 mar 05 mar 04 mar 03 mar 02 mar 29 feb 28 feb 27 feb 26 feb

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