Attack in Netanya – Letter from Israel

Letter dated 8 November 1999 from the Chargé d'affaires a.i.

of the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations

addressed to the Secretary-General

On the morning of Sunday, 6 November 1999, at 10.30 a.m., in the coastal town of Netanya, Israel, three pipe bombs exploded near the main shopping centre.  At least 14 people were wounded in the blast.  The bombs, fitted with explosives and scores of nails to increase their effect, sent bursts of flames and smoke in the direction of Herzl Street, hurling several people into the air and wounding others.

The bombing took place a day before the start of permanent status negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, talks that are to lay the groundwork for a final peace settlement.  The Government of Israel affirms that it will not allow acts of terror and brutality against innocent civilians, perpetrated by the enemies of peace, to weaken its resolve to advance the peace process.

The Government of Israel expects that the Palestinian Authority will act in accordance with Israeli-Palestinian agreements and make every effort to prevent terrorists from undermining the present opportunity for progress in the peace process.

I should be grateful if you would have the text of this letter circulated as a document of the General Assembly, under agenda items 43 and 160, and of the Security Council.

(Signed)  Ambassador Aaron JACOB

Chargé d'affaires a.i.

—–