Israeli forces briefly raided the West Bank town of Bethlehem on Friday and blew up the home of a Palestinian suicide bomber, an uncharacteristically restrained response to a Jerusalem bus bombing that killed 10 Israelis and wounded more than 50.
Israeli officials said they were tempering their reaction because any retaliation that worsens the plight of Palestinians “is not effective.” The restraint also appeared to be an effort by Israel not to anger U.S. officials or invite international criticism ahead of a court case on its West Bank security barrier. The suicide bombing Thursday ripped apart a bus as it passed near Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s official residence. The Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, linked to Yasser Arafat’s Fatah movement, initially claimed responsibility. Full Story
