Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office responded today to criticism from Washington concerning last night's demolition of convicted Palestinian assailant Muntasser Shalaby's home in the West Bank. A statement from Bennett’s office said, "The Prime Minister appreciates and respects the US government. At the same time, he acts only in accordance with considerations for the State of Israel's security, and to protect the lives of Israeli citizens."
Shalaby is a resident of the village of Turmus Aya in the Ramallah area. A investigation by Israeli security services found he had planned and executed an attack May 2, driving near a bus stop at the Tapuach settlement junction and firing at the civilians waiting there. His indictment stated he had chosen the Tapuch junction specifically to target both civilians and IDF soldiers. The indictment also noted that Shalaby only ceased firing after his weapon gave out, after killing 19-year-old Yehuda Guetta and wounding two other people.
