Military

DATE=12/26/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (L)

NUMBER=2-311236

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Israeli security authorities decided Friday to step up the elimination of suspected Palestinian terrorists in response to a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv Thursday that killed at least four Israelis. Ross Dunn reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Israeli military commanders agreed on Friday to renew what they call the targeted killing of Palestinian leaders.

The decision followed discussions between top generals and police and security advisers, who met with the Israeli Defense Minister, Shaul Mofaz.

Israeli government officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the strategy had been adopted but said there would be no formal announcement.

The meeting took place in the wake of a Palestinian suicide bombing in Tel Aviv on Thursday. It was the first such attack in more than two months.

But Israeli government spokesman, Avi Pazner, says it was not the first attempt.

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In the last two months, there were 35 attempts to conduct suicide operations inside Israel. They did not succeed because we prevented them. There was never a lull against terrorism.

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Similar assessments were given at Friday's meeting of top security and army officials who heard that there are currently 50 alerts of possible terror attacks.

In light of this information, the group decided to hunt down and kill militant leaders in a manner similar to the Israeli air strike that killed three members of the Islamic Jihad on Thursday in Gaza City, including a the organization's top military commander.

Two civilians were also killed in the operation against the Islamic Jihad, a group that has carried out numerous suicide bombings against Israel and is on the U-S State Department's list of terrorist organizations.

Israel says it takes great care to prevent innocent Palestinians being killed in such raids.

At the same time, government spokesman Mr. Pazner says

Israel has the right to defend its citizens from attacks, such as the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.

/// 2nd PAZNER ACT ///

We will take every step necessary to defend ourselves and to prevent any such further murderous activity.

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As part of this strategy, Israeli military commanders decided Friday that it will target specifically the Islamic Jihad, along with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the group that claimed responsibility for the attack in Tel Aviv.

In talks with officials, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon also warned that, if the Palestinians continue to carry out terror attacks, he will be forced to activate his proposed disengagement plan.

Mr. Sharon warned last week that he would unilaterally start to separate his people from the Palestinians if there is no progress in peace talks within the next few months.

(SIGNED)

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