Share
Email
PrintDichter rapped for slow rampage response
Israel’s internal security minister drew fire for holding a politicized news conference during the Jerusalem bulldozer rampage.
Avi Dichter, one of the senior members of Israel’s ruling Kadima Party who is expected to challenge Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in a future leadership contest, convened reporters Wednesday to criticize the incumbent.
He continued speaking even after receiving word from aides that an Arab bulldozer driver was running amok in downtown Jerusalem.
Political pundits were united Thursday in condemning what they called a dereliction of duty by Dichter, who oversees Israel’s police and other security forces and might have been expected to rush to the scene of the unprecedented attack.
Dichter’s spokesman, Barak Sery, told Army Radio that the minister had not been sufficiently informed on the incident and had no way of knowing terrorism was involved.
Click to login and write a letter to the editor or sign up for the Daily Briefing.
This article was made possible by the support of readers like you. Donate to JTA now.
Featured Content
Need to know? Get JTA's free e-newsletters!
- Citing Palestinian conflict, rocker Cat Power cancels Tel Aviv show
- Jewish groups praise Obama contraceptives compromise
- Holder: U.S. urged Israel not to release killers of Americans
- Turkish FM: We will never endorse striking Iran
- Israeli missile defense test a ‘milestone’
- Sarkozy: Iran solution should be non-military
- Marines’ SS photo condemned by Jewish groups
- Grandson of Auschwitz survivor takes the ice for Germany
