Key Hamas Leader Survives Israeli Attack
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Israel sent helicopters to kill a senior Hamas political leader in the crowded streets of Gaza on Tuesday but failed, leaving two other Palestinians dead and 27 wounded. The missile attack threatened to rekindle a cycle of violence and wreck a new U.S.-backed peace effort.
The strike against Abdel Aziz Rantisi drew a reproach from President Bush, who said he was "deeply troubled" by the violence, and vows of vengeance from the Islamic militant group, which threatened new suicide bombings and attacks on Israeli political leaders.
Israel's Sharon Faces Questions on Ethics
JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon defended himself against allegations of conflict of interest in testimony before an Israeli parliamentary committee Tuesday, saying he had done nothing wrong.
Sharon could face criminal charges over the allegations by the state comptroller that he improperly promoted a farm bill that could benefit him and his sons. The Sharon family owns a large ranch in Israel's southern Negev desert and other land.
He and his two sons are already under a separate police investigation for their roles in receiving a questionable loan from a South African businessman to cover illegal campaign expenditures.
The farm bill at the center of the allegations against Sharon would allow people who own land designated for agricultural purposes to rent buildings on their land to outside businesses.
I deeply regret ....that he wasn't killed.