Multi-Staged Terror Attack In Israel
Over an hour and a half ago, Palestinian terrorists staged a three-pronged terror attack near the southern Israeli city of Eilat, injuring dozens of people.
Egged bus 392 that was damaged in the shooting attack (Channel 2)
Dozens of people were hurt on Thursday after terrorists opened fire on two buses that were traveling in southern Israel near the city of Eilat. In addition to the shooting attacks on the buses, mortars were fired from the Egyptian border.
The first attack was on a bus traveling from Beer Sheva to Eilat, near the city of Netafim. Shortly after the bus attack, IDF forces engaged in a shootout with the armed men near the scene of incident.
Initial reports indicate that the shooting came from a car that was following Egged bus 392, traveling on Route 12 in southern Israel. According to reports, the passengers in the car opened fire at the bus, which held many soldiers returning from their bases.
Israeli security forces searched for the suspected vehicle and set up barricades in the area, and once they caught up with the vehicle a shootout between IDF forces and the gunmen erupted.
Two IDF helicopters were called to the scene in order to evacuate those wounded to Yoseftal hospital in Eilat.
Magen David Adom director told Army Radio that those wounded are all in light to moderate condition and remain conscious, and assured that the incident is under control.
Security forces are investigating whether the incident was a terrorist attack.
Five of the wounded are reportedly in critical condition.
8:58PM: The Iron Dome missile defense system has intercepted at least one Qassam rocket fired towards Ashkelon.
8:30PM: And the attacks continue: 2 more people were critically wounded when gunfire erupted close to the site of the deadly series of terror attacks, during a press conference by Defense Minister Ehud Barak and IDF chief Benny Gantz.
6:48PM: The IAF has reportedly struck Gaza.
6:35PM: Some reader reactions from the palestinian Ma’an News Agency report on the attacks:
2 ) Salma / Palestine18/08/2011 13:26smell of an “Israeli” intelligence operation. same old games.
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3 ) Omar / Gaza18/08/2011 13:32Good news, bravo Israel and well done.
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4 ) Heba / Jenin18/08/2011 13:34thought jews do not kill each other !
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5 ) Wissam / Palestine18/08/2011 13:35The target was a vehicle carrying SOLDIERS. Therefore this is not a terror attack but an internationally-sanctioned resistance operation against an occupying power.
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6 ) Goerge / Ramallah18/08/2011 13:35for Netanyahu and liberman It’s okay to kill some Jews to stay in the government .
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7 ) Ahmad / Nablus18/08/2011 13:41shame on you Netnyahu, cant you find a better way to silence the protesters against your government ? terror is not the soultion .
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9 ) Palestinian 4 ever / Palestine18/08/2011 13:54Zionists do not dare to re-occupy Sinai or gaze . Israel is so much weaker today than ever.——————————————————————————–
10 ) chil / usa18/08/2011 13:55bravo, and this is not a terrorists attack, this was a military operation on military targets. if nato can seek out military targets and kills civilians in the process and get away with it then all is fair. if any civilians died its too bad they should know israel is a closed military zone that u enter at ur own risk. more attacks should happen like this. there’s no way that israel should be allowed to occupy palestine without paying a price.
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11 ) Ali / Amman18/08/2011 14:02We are not against Jews ……. But we will not allow stealing our land. We will not rest until we liberate all our land, all our Palestine
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12 ) Amjad ibn Hamas / Gaza18/08/2011 14:07hahhaha, Gen.Barak can not do anything, It’s the beginning of the end dear zionists.
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13 ) ebb / anflow18/08/2011 14:26long live al kataeb al aqsa
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14 ) Proud Palestinian / Dubai18/08/2011 16:00israeli elite commando soldiers fail to return fire. loool
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15 ) Mousa / Egypt18/08/2011 16:01Israel no longer can act against Sanai . cowards.
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16 ) Fadi / Ramallah18/08/2011 16:08Mbrook Barak , what would you do? resign, no other choice. hahahahahah
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17 ) free palestine / u.s.a18/08/2011 16:08I want to know all casualties from each seperate attack, i hope they plan more of these attacks
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18 ) Rania / Nablus18/08/2011 16:10ITF soldiers, Don’t hold your breath : )
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20 ) abu Jihad / Gaza18/08/2011 16:21barak you coward , strike gaza again, for us there is nothing to lose.——————————————————————————–
21 ) Palestinian fighter / Palestine18/08/2011 16:27the dead are of the most elite Israeli Special units, WOW . Our Congratulations to the Defense Minister Ehud Barak Lt. Gen. Beni Gantz Beni Gantz. . promise you more to come
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22 ) Omar / USA18/08/2011 16:35this is the only language that the Zionists understand. The Criminal State of Israel is responsible for the death and displacement of Millions of innocent people. Why is this a shock? Why are Jews who fought the Nazi’s heroes and the Palestinians who fight for freedom not?
There can never be peace with these zionists….. NEVER.
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23 ) michael handala / earth18/08/2011 16:46it came from gaza according to barak? That is a lie, it is conjecture,it is wishful thinking so that they can go back in and start doing the nazi slaughter of civilians again….Just the perfect false flag they were looking for to stop the birth of Palestine, and the coming of the 81 congressmen…Bad timing…for Palestine….
This is why peace is so far away.
6:30PM: As opposed to the cowardly terrorists, here is a real hero.
Reuters
Benny Belevsky, the bus driver on the 392 Egged bus that was attacked by terrorists on Thursday en route from Beersheba to Eilat, was able to prevent a tragedy from turning into a catastrophe by taking swift action in real time.
Witnesses say the 60-year-old driver continued to drive through the hail of gunfire, doing his best to escape the terrorists. Passengers on the bus also reported a few soldiers on board fired back at the terrorists as the bus sped away.
Just before Netafim junction I heard gunfire,” the driver told Ynet. “The bullets hit the bus and two of them shattered the window near me, passed just above my head and hit the ceiling. I am experienced enough to know that I should keep driving and that I mustn’t stop so that the damage doesn’t get worse.”
Belevsky added that the passengers panicked, and that some of them were hurt, but he knew he had to get to the IDF checkpoint at Netafim. “It was scary – you never think something like this will happen to you. But I did what I had to do,” he said.
The packed bus was filled with passengers, mostly on their way to a pleasant summer vacation. “The driver accelerated and was able to prevent a much more serious outcome,” one said
6:26PM: More details have emerged from the attack:
- The 3 terrorists who fired at the bus were dressed in IDF uniforms
- The cell that committed the attack was comprised of 10-20 terrorists
- They made use of rifles and missiles
- There was a fouth attack, which took place at 1:30 pm, whereby terrorists fired at another bus and a private vehicle, killing those inside
4:47PM: Channel 2 has reported that the bodies of the terrorists were rigged with explosives.
4:45PM: 2 children are reportedly among the dead, but that’s ok to Hamas and the other terror organizations, since they are considered legitimate targets.
4:42PM: According to an Israeli official, the terrorists went from Gaza into Sinai and then infiltrated Israel.
4:35PM: Run, cowards, run.
But before scurrying off in to hiding, a Hamashole said the group was not behind the attacks, but praised them anyway.
4:25PM: Reports of the death toll rising to 7.
4:22PM: Egypt has denied any involvement in the attack, with an Egyptian security official saying:
“Egypt was in no way involved in the incident, since it is difficult to penetrate the Egypt-Israel border.
Is he for real?!
4:20PM: In the wake of the terror attack, Magen David Adom is setting up stations to collect needed blood. Donations tomorrow (Friday) Jerusalem: Tachanat Mercazit and at the Mashbir 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Modiin: Yishpero Center (next to Aeroflex & Mega Bul) 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Bring your Teudat zehut.
You can also call 1 800 400 101 for donating blood.
3:35PM: Still awaiting world condemnation of attacks, coupled with calls for Israel to show restraint and stop building houses.
3:32PM: Sky News report:
3:22PM: IDF Spokesperson announcement on the attack:
Combined Terrorist Attacks in Southern Israel
Combined terrorist attacks are currently taking place on Israeli territory, near the Israel- Egypt border, approximately 20 kilometers north of the city of Eilat.
Nine people were injured when terrorist opened fire at an Israeli bus approximately two hours ago. The injured were evacuated to receive medical care at a nearby hospital.
Several people were injured as a result of an explosive device, detonated on an IDF force that arrived at the scene and drove over it.
Crossfire between IDF forces, led by the Commander of the 80th Division, Brigadier General Tamir Yadi and the cell of terrorists is currently underway. Additional IDF and rescue forces are arriving at the scene.
IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant – General Benny Gantz arrived at the Division a short while ago and is currently holding an initial situation assessment.
The IDF calls on the public to avoid the area and allow security and rescue forces to carry out their tasks.
3:20PM: AP report on the attack:
3:15PM: It’s been confirmed: 5 dead.
2:15PM: Hamas reports:
Occupied Om Ar-Rashrash- Two Israeli military buses carrying soldiers were ambushed by a group of unknown militant members in the occupied territories city of Eillat( Om Ar-rashrash) southern of the occupied Palestine, Thursday August18th, 2011.
Israeli sources reported in an initial details that six Israeli soldiers were killed, while 25 others have suffered moderate to mild injuries in the attack, which took place about 30km(18 miles) north of Om Ar-Rashrash.
To the terrorists, we are all “soldiers” and all of Israel is “occupied land.”
2:04PM: Several people have been reported dead, in addition to the 15 wounded. May G-d avenge their blood.
2:00PM: I have heard reports the terrorists have been killed.
About the Author
An Australian immigrant to Israel, Aussie Dave has been blogging since early 2003.Filed Under: General
[...] More bloggers in Israel (a good source for what local news is reporting, not just the foreign or English press: Anne’s Opinions, The Muqata, Israelly Cool. [...]
“2:15PM: Hamas reports: Occupied Om Ar-Rashrash”
Aha. An “occupied” city within pre-1967 Israel, and they use the pre-1948 name to hammer the point home. But we must be “pragmatic,” and give up the post-1967 territories “for the sake of peace,” and of course it’s a foregone conclusion that the non-Jewish “Palestinian nation” is real and authentic and of ancient provenance.
No, thanks. Even the treaty with Egypt is crumbling, as we can see; no treaty with the Arab imperialists is worth the paper it’s signed on. And these so-called “Palestinians” are Arab settler-colonist land-thieving, murdering invaders and savages wishing to steal all the Land of Israel, which is ours, the Jews’, by right.
Take back everything, concede nothing; once taken, expel all the Arab settlers from the taken lands and repopulate with indigenous Palestinians, meaning us Jews. The Islamic imperialists and their Marxist lackeys in the West insist on taking everything from us and giving nothing—not even the semblance of peace—in return. Very well, they show us our way forward: To take everything and give nothing in return.
dont worry, shalom ahshav idiots will travel to gaza border and will send colourful balloons, and they will insult the victims of this terror attack
Interestign note (Atutz Sheva) from the outgoing head of the Shin Bet (Shabak/GSS; Internal Counter-terrorism) regarding Israel's limitation as opposed to the US (referring to the Osama killing):
“In comparison to Israel which is under constant criticism regarding its war on terror, the US can permit itself to launch operations like these without facing a trial afterwards,” Diskin said.
“The Americans can influence international courts," He explained. "Israel has more difficulty doing so.”
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s military secretary cancelled a visit to England last week due to concerns he would be arrested for his involvement in Operation Cast Lead two years ago.
Outrageous! We’re basically living in a giant shtetl or mallah this way.
I just want to see Israel withdraw from the U.N.—withdraw from this entire system of international “law.” Just say to the world, “We are no longer beholden to your corrupt values.” And back it up with the restoration of the Sanhedrin, which will have the supreme authority to override any sort of international “law.” Where the Jew-haters will fear being brought to stand trial, instead of the other way round.
The world must realize that engaging in hostility toward us—whether with actions as in these attacks, or with words as in all those One-State [Final] Solution articles suggesting Jewish self-determination can be done away with—is something that comes at a price!
Terrorists seeking "only military targets" fire upon a family in a car:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/…
Each terrorist attack by Hamas moves the Palestinian people that much farther away from a Palestinian state. Israel will forcefully oppose such a despicable act by holding the perpetrators accountable and America will continue supporting Israel's right of self defense.
Yes. Some bozos (ask yourself where you are in the clown community) set these moves in one-centimeter increments. So that after 40+ years of Arab barbarianism, the Fakestinians are perhaps 30 meters behind where they started from.
But let's keep talking about giving these animals a state. After all, what's one centimeter in return for
peacepiece in our time?!Call me all the names you want, Shy Guy. But your way is certainly not the answer. Your advocacy of the expulsion/extermination of the Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank did not prevent these terrorist acts. Your path will lead to the deaths of more innocent Israelis. A negotiated solution is the only viable alternative to produce a lasting peace. You call them animals. Who has the problem, me or you?
What pulp fiction! None of this ever happened. It's Jews who got expelled from Gaza, not Arabs. And the results are clear for all to see.
Try harder.
Why? Did the path the Americans took to defeat the Nazis and the Nips in WWII cause "more" American deaths.
Think before engaging keyboard.
Please site the historical examples. Most wars are normally won by decisive victory.
Those who deny reality. You, for instance.
I do sometimes wonder what is going on inside your head. History is filled with examples of how peaceful coexistence prevailed over any kind of decisive, lasting military victory. Northern Ireland is the most recent example. Ancient Greek city states fought one another in several bloody wars but were brought together initially to fight against a common enemy, the Persians. Trade, intermarriage, the rise of a common language, religion and custom created a people who would form the modern state of Greece. This was not accomplished through military conquest. Why do you think the Ottoman Empire, created through military conquest, no longer exists? Wise up and give peace a chance.
You really are thick on the left side. See if you can get through this, bonus points if you actually comprehend it:
A reminder: The Middle East is not Nothern Ireland
Buffoon.
To follow your argument to its logical conclusion (if that's really possible) there is no exact historical parallel to Israel except Israel itself. Continue to paint yourself into a hopeless corner and I'll still be around to help you out. That's what friends are for.
Wrong. You didn't read all the articles which were linked to there.
There's always something unique about most historical situations.
I'm only in a hopeless corner because of brainless Israeli politicians who have been eating the crap from your suggested recipe for the last 30 years.
Shabbat Shalom to me fellow Yidden.
"I'm only in a hopeless corner because of brainless Israeli politicians who have been eating the crap from your suggested recipe for the last 30 years."
Yea, and it tastes just like chicken, doesn't it?
No. Tastes like Auschwitz food.
Never again.
your vision of history explains all your stupid comments in this site
“Each terrorist attack by Hamas moves the Palestinian people…”
The Palestinian people are us Jews. The Arab settler-colonist land-thieves in Palestine are not a nation but part of a nation—one that has far above and beyond a nation’s entitlement as far as political sovereignty and land possession goes.
They do not want a state. They do not need a state. They want to steal the State of the Jews. No correct understanding of this conflict is possible unless this fact is accepted and taken into account.
“Your advocacy of the expulsion… of the [Arab settlers] from Gaza and [Judea and Samaria] did not prevent these terrorist acts.”
Probably because that advocacy was never put into action.
“Your path will lead to the deaths of more innocent Israelis.”
Of course. Just like the expulsion of the Sudeten Germans in 1945 led to deaths of more innocent Czechs. /sarc
“A negotiated solution is the only viable alternative to produce a lasting peace.”
Tried in 1947; failed. Tried in 1993; failed. Tried in 2000; failed again.
Tried in 1938, by non-Jews with other non-Jews; failed. And for the same reason that the Jewish State’s attempts have failed: An imperialistic movement (like Nazism or Islam) cannot be kept at bay through gifts of appeasement.
You never learn from history, do you?
I really do appreciate the way you advance an argument and your willingness to engage others with opposing points of view in a civil manner. (bonus points for no name calling) But you really don't have to convince me or the rest of the world to make your vision of Israel a reality. You have to convince your fellow citizens. Good luck with that. But in the mean time there will be Americans like me who will work to ensure that the close relationship between our two countries endures.
“But you really don’t have to convince me or the rest of the world to make your vision of Israel a reality.”
Wait a minute. So your post I responded to was just playing Devil’s Advocate?! If so, couldn’t you at least have put a notice that it was such, instead of letting people here (Shy Guy and me) get het up?
Look, I just hate wasting my time on deadpan and other undisclosed inversions of opinion. Kindly be transparent. Playing Devil’s Advocate has its uses, but it loses its value if there’s no way of telling you’re doing it.
“You have to convince your fellow citizens.”
No, I don’t have to convince my fellow citizens. The events of the 2000s decade did most of the heavy lifting in that department. The problem is our politicians, academics and media personages.
Just like Horton the Elephant, I meant what I said and I said what I meant. I'm not playing games with either you or Shy Guy (fun as that might be to imagine his face all contorted as he reads one of my posts). But just follow the tone and content of this thread to see who is being conciliatory and who is not. I am particularly sensitive to this issue as rockets rain down on Israel at this moment. Be well. Be safe. Stay strong. Even Shy Guy.
“Just like Horton the Elephant, I meant what I said and I said what I meant. I’m not playing games with either you or Shy Guy…”
So you’re suggesting Israel capitulate (concede land) in the face of Arab terror attacks. And you dare to wonder at Shy Guy getting mad at you?!
If, after a kid had been battered and bruised by a school bully as a matter of routine, some other kid were to suggest he negotiate with the bully, getting peace from the bully by paying him a quarter every fixed period of time, what do you think the bullied kid’s reaction to that “peacenik” would be? How would any sane person react to such calls to wimp out in the face of aggression?
Appeasement of the monstrous makes for a monstrous world, Jim. I’d have thought it would be a forgone conclusion from history, yet apparently it isn’t. Apparently, people still wish to learn these lessons again the hard way.
“But just follow the tone and content of this thread to see who is being conciliatory and who is not.”
Tone and content are secondary (at best), substance and subject matter are primary. I agree with Shy Guy even though we have different writing styles.
But they have a state. It's in Gaza. And now they are telling us what they will do with another one, if they get it.
In other news, the PA has declared the "moderate Palestinians" have declared that when they get their state, they will build housing in fromt of the Wall. They referred to the synagogue in front of it as "filth".
Even your own right-wing Government would disagree with that assessment. Official Israeli policy is that the West Bank is considered disputed territory, subject to disposition through peace negotiations with the Palestinians facilitated by the assistance of other interested parties. Where do you and Shy Guy come up with this stuff? Arutz Sheva? The ancient Sanhedrin? Your own personal 8-ball? Wake up and get right with your fellow Israeli citizens.
Israel's government today is more left wing than Yitchak Rabin's was.
Go back and read the Oslo accords.
Where do you come up with your garbage? Oh, yeh: MSNBC, PBS, Huffington, the NYTimes and the DU.
Go to the mirror, boy!
You left out IsraellyCool.
I remember riding those Egged buses from Givat Shmuel to Jerusalem and back. From Tzfat to Petah Tikva. It feels like it could have been me on these buses.
I was ON one of those busses when I heard the news. There were soldiers (one refused to take a seat when I suggested he take it instead of me) on it, as is normal. On at least one of those busses there were a lot of soldiers, and they tried firing back, but I don't know if they were combat; probably a lot of them were women, who generally are not combat (and are not allowed in positions where they can be captured, thanks to sad experience).
" 2 children are reportedly among the dead, but that’s ok to Hamas and the other terror organizations"
What about those idiot leftists froth-in-the-mouth Pali-lovers?They have no problems with children being killed,as well.So long as they are Jewish,that is!
[...] BehrakisNot content with the murder and mayhem they perpetrated yesterday, palestinian terrorists have today fired at least 12 rockets at southern Israel, with one of them [...]
Silverstein is mourning the terrorists killed
All arab terrorist killers must die.
Sorry, but you are not to use my blog as a platform for outrageous and offensive conspiracy theories.