Sharon: Extremists threaten me as well

Phones Arab MKs to express his disgust, shock over Shfaram terror attack; MKs in response, ‘We saw it coming, killer got his inspiration from right-wing politicians;’ say Yesha Council encourages terror

By Roee Nahmias
Latest Update: 08.05.05, 20:06 / Israel News

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon phoned a number of Arab Knesset members Friday to express his disgust and shock following the terror attack in Shfaram, saying he too is threatened by extreme right-wing activists.

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Knesset Member Talab El-Sana (United Arab List) told Ynet, “Sharon said he gave out orders to thoroughly examine the details of the terror attack. I asked him to disarm the settlers and forbid their entry into Arab towns. If they hurt innocent civilians, they will not hesitate to attack the Temple Mount.”

“We regard his decision to investigate as being positive but insufficient,” he said.

“We are concerned over the number of similar time bombs that exist out there and over why the Shin Bet was unable to prevent the terror attack. We view the Yesha Council as a haven that produces such monsters, and therefore it should be considered a terror organization.”

'Zada not a lone wolf'

Sharon also spoke with Knesset Member Jamal Zahalka (National Democratic Assembly) to offer his condolences. Zahalka, in turn, told the prime minister that the attack was predictable.

“We did not know whether they would attack us or the Temple Mount, but it was clear something like this would happen,” he said.

“An atmosphere has been created in the country whereby Arab blood has become cheap. Dozens of Arab citizens have been killed since October 2000, but know one has been held accountable. The killer got his inspiration from right-wing politicians. I hear it in the Knesset every day.”

Zahalka added that people have testified to seeing Zada in Kiryat Ata, near Shfaram, a few days prior to the deadly shooting.

“This should be investigated quickly. All the signs show he is not a lone wolf.”

First Published: 08.05.05, 17:34