Israeli PM pledges sharp response to Jerusalem bomb

The Israeli prime minister has pledged to respond after Wednesday’s bomb attack near Jerusalem’s central bus station.

A woman was killed and at least 30 people were injured in the explosion, which police have blamed on Palestinian militants.

Although Jerusalem experienced dozens of bombings after the Palestinian uprising of 2000, this was the first such attack in seven years.

Benjamin Netanyahu delayed a scheduled trip to Moscow for several hours while he met security chiefs. The Israeli prime minister said that people had enjoyed a quiet period thanks to the government’s policy of responding vigorously to attacks.

“Those trying to test our resolve will learn we have an iron will to defend ourselves,” he said. “We will act sharply and responsibly to maintain security.”

Initially it was thought to have been a suicide attack. The Israeli government later said a device was hidden in a bag. The bombing came the day after an Israeli air raid on Gaza which killed eight Palestinians, including three children.

Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders have condemned the bombing. But many fear more violence in a period of increased tension.

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