Two Palestinians held in connection to Psagot attack

Relatives from el-Bireh are suspected of involvement in shooting that left 9-year-old injured

By Lazar Berman 8 October 2013, 9:57 am 1 Edit

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Two Palestinians suspected of involvement in a weekend terror attack in the settlement of Psagot were arrested Monday.

The two men, who are related, live in the Palestinian town of el-Bireh, Israel Radio reported.

On Saturday night, an attacker, thought to be from el-Bireh, reportedly infiltrated Psagot and shot Noam Glick, 9, lightly wounding her.

Troops searched the area for the attacker after the incident, at one point entering el-Bireh, according to Palestinian media sources.

A probe of the incident found that the alarm system connected to the security fence failed, allowing the attacker to enter the settlement undetected and shoot the girl.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a cabinet meeting Sunday, laid blame for the Psagot attack — as well as several other recent attacks — on incitement sanctioned by the Palestinian Authority. Fatah is the main PLO faction, headed by PA President Mahmoud Abbas.

“This past year has been the quietest in over a decade, but lately we have noticed an increase in the number of terrorist attacks,” Netanyahu said. “I must say that the Palestinian Authority cannot shirk its responsibility for these kinds of incidents as long as incitement there continues. The murderers must understand that this won’t help them.”

The shooting also drew calls from right-wing Israeli politicians to call off peace talks with the Palestinians and stop freeing prisoners.

“The attack tonight is a red light for the Israeli government,” MK Shuli Moalem (Jewish Home) said. “Whoever wants to preserve security doesn’t free prisoners.”

The Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.

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