Former intelligence chief says Hamas likely behind Jerusalem twin bomb attack

Former chief of Israel’s Shin Bet intelligence agency, Ya’akov Peri, has told Jewish News in an exclusive interview that the twin bombings in Jerusalem have Hamas’ fingerprints on it. 

“Personally I think Hamas is behind this even though they didn’t take responsibility (for the attacks)” Peri said. “They are afraid Israel would hit Gaza,” if they did, he added.

The two explosions hit bus stops just outside Jerusalem, killing a 16-year-old boy and wounded 22. Police suspect the explosions were caused by remote-detonated devices packed with nails.

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“It’s a very professional act of intelligence and technology. These people are organised. It’s not a lone wolf attack,” Peri said.

“I don’t think we are facing a third intifada but we will have to deal with a lot of terrorist attacks. For this attack you have to collect intelligence and decide on the location. But there is no doubt that they will be caught,” he added.

The former Shin Bet chief also thinks that Hamas is trying to send a message to Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu and his new government with this attack; “Be careful.”

Incoming Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on resuming targeted killings following the deadly attack in Jerusalem. But Peri doesn’t think that will solve Israel’s problem with terrorism.

“It doesn’t help to minimise terrorist acts, but maybe I’m wrong. Maybe he (Ben-Gvir) will deal with the issue better than we did,” Peri said.

Hamas spokesperson Mohammad Hamada welcomed the attack this morning, saying “The action conveyed the message to the occupation by saying that our people will stand firm on their land and cling to the path of resistance.”

“The coming days will be intense and more difficult for the enemy. The time has come for the creation of cells that are spread all over Palestine and are ready for a confrontation,” he added.