Israel’s Statement on Land Seizures

Here is the statement released early today by the Israeli government after a Palestinian suicide bomber blew up a bus in Jerusalem, killing 19 people aboard the vehicle:

“Following Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s discussions with the leaders of the political parties in the coalition and top security establishment officials, it was decided to take several military actions against the Palestinian Authority and the murderous organizations. This includes ... a change in the way Israel responds to murderous acts of terror: Israel will respond to acts of terror by capturing PA [Palestinian Authority] territory. These areas will be held by Israel as long as terror continues. Additional acts of terror will lead to the taking of additional areas. As a result of yesterday’s murderous act of terror in Jerusalem, Israel will shortly take PA territory as outlined above.”