'Crack down on militants'
2005-02-27 18:59
Jerusalem - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on Sunday there would be no progress in the peace process until the Palestinians crack down on armed factions.
This as defence chiefs threatened to resume military action against the movement behind a deadly suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.
Sharon also pointed the finger of blame over Friday night's attack outside a karaoke bar at Syria, saying intelligence showed the bombing had been planned and ordered by Damascus-based leaders of Islamic Jihad.
The increased tension was reflected on the ground as Israeli police forces were placed on high alert across the country to guard against new attacks.
"There will be no political progress if the Palestinian Authority does not fight terror," Sharon said at weekly cabinet meeting.
It was the prime minister's first reaction since the bombing outside The Stage nightclub - the first attack since Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas declared a ceasefire at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit with Sharon on February 8.
'Self-restraint'
Sharon, who also announced an end to Israeli military operations at the summit in Egypt, warned that the "self-restraint" would not continue unless there was firm action by Abbas's regime against groups such as Islamic Jihad which claimed responsibility for Friday's attack.
The attack violated an informal truce which has been observed by Jihad and the other armed factions in recent months.
Deputy defence minister Zeev Boim confirmed that Israel regarded Jihad as having broken the ceasefire and would therefore be actively targeted by the army.
Defence minister Shaul Mofaz was quoted as telling the cabinet that Israel has proof of Syrian involvement in the bombing which it would pass on to international players in the peace process.
Syria, which is already suspected of having a hand in the Beirut assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri, denied the charges against it.
Revenge
As the funerals were held for the four bombing victims, the father of one demanded that his bride-to-be daughter's death be avenged.
"I appeal to the army, without tears and in all conscience, to avenge the death of Yael, otherwise I will avenge her myself," said Israel Orbach.
His 28-year-old daughter Yael was killed as she and her fianc eacute; were handing out invitations to their wedding next month.
- AFP