Peres vows to destroy Hamas
Emergency measures put in place
March 3, 1996
Web posted at: 10:45 a.m. EST (1545 GMT)JERUSALEM (CNN) -- An irate Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres reacted to Sunday's bombing by launching "emergency measures" in what he called a "total war against Hamas and other terrorist organizations."
Peres pledged to increase security on buses and in public places and to keep the West Bank and Gaza Strip closed off, to separate Palestinians and Israelis.
Among the 19 killed Sunday were the Hamas suicide bomber, two Israeli soldiers and at least six Romanian contract workers. Police identified the bomber as Islam Abu Abed, a 24-year-old Palestinian from the town of Hebron.
"This is a total war, and even if it is painful we will fight it," Peres said.
"We will not refrain from any actions; we will not refrain from any measures," Peres added. "We've decided to give this war the very top, single-minded priority ... in terms of manpower and resources."
Peres said all Israelis, the government and he are "determined to bring down" Hamas "to its very foundations."
He said Israel will take immediate legal action against families of suicide bombers and blow up the families' homes "if need be," according to law.
Israel "will no longer allow celebrations of joy at the homes of the attackers," the prime minister said during his news conference as Israel's top security chiefs sat at his side.
To combat the terrorist attacks, 800 police and security forces will stand guard at bus stops, conducting searches of passengers, including soldiers. It is believed some of the suicide bombers were dressed as soldiers, Peres said.
Furthermore, Israeli police and army personnel have been "beefed up" as of this morning in Jerusalem and surrounding areas.
Intelligence units, Peres said, are the most important facet in the fight against the terrorist organizations, and the intelligence array will be increased accordingly.
Peres sidestepped a question on whether peace talks with the Palestine Liberation Organization, suspended after two Hamas suicide bombings a week ago, would be halted.
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