5 KILLED IN NETANYA SUICIDE BOMBING

5 killed in Netanya suicide bombing

A Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up outside Netanya's terrorism-battered Sharon Mall Monday, killing five
and wounding at least 60.  The Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad, responsible for the last five suicide bombings, claimed the attack in a telephone call to the Hizbullah-run Lebanese TV station, al-Manar.

Israel's security cabinet decided Monday night to launch "a major operation in Judea, Samaria and Gaza" against Islamic Jihad. The Palestinian Authority will also be punished by the cancellation of the VIP status granted leading politicians and security officials which enables them to travel on roads generally closed to Palestinians.

Israel also opted to delay the opening of the safe passage route that would have connected the Gaza Strip to the West Bank, according to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's spokesman, Asi Shariv.

Haim Amram, 26, from Netanya, a security guard at the mall; Alexandra Zarnitzki, 65, from Netanya; Daniel Golani, 45, from Nahariya; Eliyah Rozen, 38, from Bat Hefer; and Keinan Tsuami, 20, from Petah Tikva, died in the blast.

It was the third suicide bombing outside the mall in four years, and rattled a city that has become Islamic Jihad's favorite target.

SEE ALSO: The stories behind the names

SEE ALSO: IDF captures six suspected bombing accomplices

IDF forces apprehended Monday night six Palestinians suspected to have been involved in Monday's suicide bombing in Netanya.

AND WHAT DO P.A. OFFICIALS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE BOMBING?

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said the attack harms the interests of the Palestinian people. Saeb Erekat, the Palestinian Authority’s chief negotiator, called on Palestinian groups “not to play into the hands of Israel and be drawn by its provocations.”