Israel has announced that its response to the morning's suicide bombing at the Megiddo Junction in which 17 people, including 13 soldiers, were killed would begin Wednesday.
Earlier, Israeli tanks moved into this West Bank town Wednesday, Palestinian security officials said, just hours after a Palestinian from the area blew himself up next to a crowded Israeli bus, killing at least 17 passengers and wounding 38.
Palestinian security officials said two dozen armored vehicles drove into Jenin from three directions. Two attack helicopters fired machine guns toward one neighborhood, witnesses said, according to AP.
In expectation of an Israeli incursion, Jenin residents quickly left public areas and sought shelter in their homes. Jenin has been the target of repeated Israeli raids in recent months, including a brief incursion Monday.
Wednesday's bombing was carried out by the Islamic Jihad group. Members of Islamic Jihad's military wing said the assailant was from the Jenin area, but would not give his name for fear of Israeli reprisals against his family.
The bomber was later identified by the group as Hamze Samudi, an Islamic Jihad activist from Jenin.
The suicide attack marked the 35th anniversary of the 1967 Mideast War. The leader of Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip, Abdullah Shami, confirmed that his group carried out Wednesday's attack. "This is part of our resistance, a response to the crimes of the Israeli aggression," Shami said.
In Damascus, the leader of Islamic Jihad, Ramadan Shalah, said the bombing was meant to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the 1967 Mideast War in which Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem — areas the Palestinians claim for a future state.
The bombing was condemned by the Palestinian Authority. "The Palestinian Authority is still committed to peace which can achieve security for both peoples," Arafat's government said in a statement. Israel, however, held Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat responsible.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon convened his security Cabinet. "Following this attack, there will be no sanctuary and no safe haven for any terrorist," said Sharon adviser Raanan Gissin.
Education Minister Limor Livnat, who participated in the consultations, said no decision was made on a response. Several ministers have demanded that Israel expel Arafat. Another possibility was a military strike against the Gaza Strip, where Islamic Jihad is based and which was spared during the previous offensive.
Hours after the attack, Palestinian sources said the PA would arrest members of the Islamic Jihad if it is proved responsible for this bombing attack.
The sources added the PA had decided that if the bomber indeed came from Islamic Jihad, members of the group would be rounded up. (Albawaba.com)
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