IDF Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ruth Yaron: "Hamas Has Made a Strategic Decision to Murder Israeli Citizens."
On June 12, 2003, IDF Spokesperson, Brigadier General Ruth Yaron, stated in an interview to Army Radio that, "Israel is
striving to create an opportunity for serious change via the Abu-Mazen government. However, Hamas has made a strategic
decision to murder Israeli citizens."
Brig. Gen Yaron emphasized that the "murder of Israeli citizens will not be tolerated," and noted that Hamas maintains
links with global terrorist organizations.
"Indeed, during the U.S. campaign in Iraq, two female suicide bombers blew themselves up, killing several American
soldiers. Abdel Rantissi, the leader of Hamas, expressed support for the bombings."
According to Brig. Gen. Yaron, "The June 11, 2003, terrrorist attack in Jerusalem required a signifcant period of time
to plan. Indeed, the decision to carry out a terrorist attack is not one that can immediately be implemented."
Brig. Gen. Yaron also revealed that since the Aqaba summit, security forces have apprehended 10 suicide bombers.