Posted on 09/25/2006 7:19:54 AM PDT by TexKat
(IsraelNN.com) Acting on credible intelligence community warnings, Israel is on alert against a possible al-Qaeda attack using non-Arab terrorists. The move follows a 9/11 anniversary video in which acting al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri warns Israel may be among the terror organization’s next targets.
The terror attack in Mike’s Pub in Tel Aviv, in 2003, was carried out by two terrorists who had little difficulty entering the country, using their British passports. Security agencies are now looking at such a scenario as being more likely than Arab terrorists seeking to strike out at an Israeli target.
April 30, 2003 – A suicide bomber blew himself up in front of Mike's Pub on Herbert Samuel Street In Tel Aviv after the security guard blocked him from entering. 3 persons were murdered and 55 injured in the attack. Both Hamas and the Fatah Tanzim claimed responsibility for the attack.
Based on "credible" intelligence community warnings, Israel is on alert against a possible al-Qaeda attack using non-Arab nationals. The move follows a 9/11 anniversary video in which acting al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri warned Israel may be among the network’s next targets.
According to Haaretz newspaper, Zawahiri pushed to set up Al-Qaeda cells in Sinai. He initiated attacks in Jordan causing dozens of fatalities. Thus, Israel increased its preparations for a preemptive strike following his recent warning.
A few years ago, a bombing attack in Mike’s Pub in Tel Aviv was carried out by two Britons who had little difficulty entering the country, using their British passports. Israeli security agencies are now looking at such a scenario as being more likely than Arabs seeking to strike out at an Israeli target.
Ben-Eliezer warns of surprise attack
A former Israeli defense minister warned of a possible surprise attack by Hezbollah or Syria.
Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, now Israel’s infrastructure minister, said in an interview Monday that belligerent remarks by Hezbollah’s chief, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, and Syrian President Bashar Assad in the wake of the Lebanon war should spur Israel to prepare for the next conflict.
“Everyone should stop talking and start rehabilitating our military,” Ben-Eliezer told Army Radio. “We have to be ready, because they can get the drop on us far faster than what we think.”
http://jta.org/page_view_breaking_story.asp?intid=4858
Thanks.
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