Israeli troops stormed a Palestinian prison in the West Bank city of Jericho on Tuesday to nab the jailed assassins of a former minister, just after the American and British monitors withdrew. This has fuelled tensions in the region.
The decision to carry out the Jericho operation to nab Ahmed Saadat, convicted for the assassination of Rehavam Ze'evi, and to transfer him to Israeli custody was taken by Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz, Public Security Minister Gideon Ezra said.
Ezra told Israel Radio that the defense establishment 'decided to act' after the recent release of Islamic Jihad prisoners from the jail, and after learning 'that Saadat was expecting his release'.
This is the first Israeli incursion in months and comes after Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' comments last week that he was prepared to free Ahmed Saadat. Israel had reacted angrily to the announcement
"The intention is to meet the agreements made. What we ask of a PA government is to meet the accords Israel signed with the PA. Haniyeh (Hamas' Palestinian Prime Minister designate)] said they were not committed to the accords," Ezra said.
Using a loudspeaker, the troops called on Saadat and other militants in the jail to come out and surrender. Witnesses said gunshots were heard inside the prison.
Israel Radio reported that explosions were heard and soldiers evacuated students and teachers from a nearby school. One Palestinian security officer was killed in the shootout that followed.
US and British monitors supervising Saadat's detention under an international deal left the prison before the raid.
