Israel Says It Kills Hamas Leader in Syria

JERUSALEM - Israel claimed responsibility Sunday for a car bombing in Syria that killed a top Hamas leader.

Israeli security sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the car bombing killed Izz Eldine Subhi Sheik Khalil. The death was also reported on a Hamas Web site.

Top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (news - web sites) and the army chief, have warned recently that no Hamas leader — even those outside the Palestinian territories — was safe.

Israel's Channel 2 television said the attack was a new tactic in fighting Palestinian militant groups. The station said the tactic came in the wake of growing U.S. pressure on Syria.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad both maintain headquarters in Damascus. Sharon last week reiterated a demand that Syria crack down on these groups.

"Should the "good guys" really start using the same tactics as the "bad guys"? What's next? A beheading?"

Even the Irish Republican Army didn't assassinate in the cruel way that Islamic nuts do. This lowlife never knew what hit him. If we (the US and Israel) start kidnapping people, putting them on display for several days while they beg for their lives then behead them in grisly fashion come talk to me.

This guy was decently treated by Israel. He probably had a decent meal. Maybe he even said his "decent" prayers. Then he was decently and quickly blown to bits. I for one wish it had hurt just a little, but he never felt a thing. Good riddance.

We are a civilized society and do our best to function as one

Exactly!

That is our greatest weakness when engaging in activieties like this

A weakness, yes when engaging the enemy, it is also costly in terms of the lives of american soldiers, GOD BLESS THEM. I see it also as a strength and part of our greatness as Americans. That is as a civilized society we have consciously made the choice not to target and harm civilians, in spite of the tremendous cost to us. Contrary to the terrorists, we at least do our best.

As for the media, absolutely! If they go to the enemy's camp and report in their favor then they have basically joined the enemy and should be on their own. I haven't seeing any reporting lately that is not biased towards the enemy. I simply don't have the stomach for the media anymore and I don't trust them, except for FNC.

Hamas Terrorist Leader Killed In Syria
17:38 Sep 26, '04 / 11 Tishrei 5765
Israel National News

[.....]

Hamas has said it will avenge the death with attacks against Israelis. Many Israelis noted wryly that Hamas has not needed an excuse in the past to attack Israelis.

>>>In a related item, a Palestinian terrorist was killed this afternoon in a "work accident" in the Shomron village of Salfit. He was engaged in preparing a bomb when it blew up. <<<<

Israel Threatens Syria, but Stops Short of Taking Responsibility for Killing Hamas Leader in Damascus

ERUSALEM (AP) - A senior Israeli defense official harshly threatened Syria on Monday, accusing President Bashar Assad of direct involvement in terrorism, but stopping short of confirming that Israel was responsible for killing a Hamas leader in Damascus.

Deputy Defense Minister Zeev Boim said the issue was not who killed Izz Eldine Subhi Sheik Khalil in a car bomb in Damascus on Sunday, but rather Syria's deep involvement in terrorism.

"Syria is responsible for directing terrorism against us and therefore it is not immune from our operations to prevent terrorism," Boim told Israel Radio.

"This is a central thing that needs to be said ... anyone who hurts Israel, anyone who takes part in terrorism that leads to murder and death ... of Israelis, he'll pay for it, and it doesn't matter if he operates in Israel or abroad," he added.

Boim described Syria as a "central intersection" of terrorism and Assad as the "traffic officer" directing the operations and harboring the groups.

Although Boim and other officials refused to confirm Israel's involvement in Sunday's car bombing, Israeli security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged Israel had a hand in the attack.

Hamas vowed to take revenge for the Khalil's killing, pointing a finger directly at Israel. Syria also accused Israel of involvement in the killing.

Boim said Hamas' threats should not be taken lightly.

"But we have to very aware and not take our eyes off the special place Syria holds in the chain of terrorism, regionally and globally," Boim added.

AP-ES-09-27-04 0208EDT

Conflicting info at the AP?

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