Jerusalem – The government took the largely symbolic step Tuesday of revoking the residency rights of three Hamas lawmakers who live in Jerusalem, holding off on harsher measures against the Palestinians following the deadliest suicide bombing in 20 months.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s government had weighed, but rejected for now, declaring the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority an “enemy entity” or launching a large-scale military operation in retaliation for the attack Monday in a bustling Tel Aviv neighborhood.
The blast killed nine people in addition to the bomber and left scores wounded.
The bombing, the first suicide attack in Israel since Hamas took office, was described by the group as a legitimate response to military and diplomatic actions taken by Israel – a marked departure from the stance of previous Palestinian governments, which had condemned attacks targeting civilians.
Although the explosion outside a Tel Aviv sandwich shop was carried out by another Palestinian militant group, Islamic Jihad, Israeli officials reiterated on Tuesday that they held Hamas ultimately responsible.
“The Palestinian Authority, and those now leading it, must bear the blame,” said Gideon Meir, a senior Foreign Ministry official.
Following Hamas’ victory in Jan. 25 parliamentary elections, Israel has sought to impose diplomatic isolation and economic strictures on the group, which does not recognize Israel’s right to exist.
But a direct strike against Palestinian Authority institutions or elected Hamas officials would have serious long-term repercussions, Israeli analysts said.
“It would set all kinds of precedents,” said Gerald Steinberg, who heads a respected research organization at Bar-Ilan University near Tel Aviv. “And once you embark on a course like this, it is difficult to turn back.”
