4 Reported Killed in Election Day Attack in Northern Israel
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 9:29 a.m. ET
JERUSALEM (AP) -- Three gunmen opened fire Thursday on a Likud Party office crowded with voters casting ballots in a leadership race and fired at passengers at a nearby bus terminal. Four Israelis were killed and dozens wounded in the attack in the northern town of Beit Shean.
Two gunmen were killed in a protracted firefight with police and armed bystanders, and a third remained holed up in a house near the Likud office, firing sporadically, police said. Security forces surrounded the building.
One of the dead gunman wore an explosives belt that did not go off, police said. Authorities were also checking whether a stolen car found in the area was laden with explosives.
The attack began sometime after 3 p.m. local time.
Rafi Ben-Shetreet, the Likud leader in Beit Shean, said he and others were standing at the entrance to the branch office. ``Suddenly we heard two loud blasts, probably grenades, and massive shooting, bursts, towards the voters. People ran away,'' he said.
One of the attackers was killed by a security guard, Ben-Shetreet said.
Galit Cohen, who lives near the Likud office, said she heard shots. ``I ran quickly to the window that faces the branch. I opened the window and I simply saw the terrorist standing, smiling, laughing and shooting in all directions,'' Cohen told Israel Army Radio. ``He simply shot and shot and shot and he didn't stop. People were fleeing and falling.''
She said the assailant wore a military-style jacket and black pants and carried a large gun.
Attackers also opened fire and hurled grenades at passengers at the central bus station in Beit Shean.
Rescue workers said four Israelis were killed and dozens wounded.
The attack came as Likud members throughout Israel were voting in a leadership contest between Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Foreign Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A Likud spokesman, Shmuel Dahan, said a cancelation of the primary was not being considered.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility. |
