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CNN Live Today

Security a Key Issue Between Israelis and Palestinians

Aired April 15, 2002 - 13:40   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Throughout the entire region here, and on Secretary of State Colin Powell's mission for peace, we want to look at one of the key issues surrounding everything that's happening right now, the Palestinians and Israelis. That's the issue of security. This hour, from the Israeli perspective, riding in fear, buses have become a target of suicide bombing. We saw it again on Friday of last week, then on Wednesday, two days prior. John Vause, now riding in fear.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Take a ticket and take your chances. It is a way of life for the 1 million Israelis who catch a state subsidized bus everyday. There is standing room only on bus number six, the same bus route where a suicide bomber was stopped in the doorway, exploded herself, and killed six people, injuring dozens of others. For the passengers on number six, this latest attack has simply added to their already substantial fear. Like Ahova (ph), she doesn't own a car, can't afford taxis, the bus is her only choice. Twice a day, she passes the stop outside the city's main market, where the suicide bomber tried to board.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We check everyone, but you know, it's never the same.

VAUSE: It is a quiet, anxious ride. Few people talk or smile because they know last Friday, it could have been them.

Are you nervous?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Very nervous.

VAUSE: Two times a day, Shulamit Slotki (ph) takes the bus. She prays to God that she will survive the journey.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's really terrifying 24 hours a day. Either it's you or someone's child, or somebody's mother or brother. It is always someone you know.

VAUSE: There have been 10 suicide bombings on busses since the start of the Intifada. But authorities believe many more have been stopped by bus drivers who can refuse to pick up passengers who look suspicious. In 23 years, Tzion Lachuni (ph) has never been attacked. He says he knows what to look for. UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): There are people who are suspicious, if they get on, on a hot day, like today and they are wearing a jacket or big coat, I check it out. I don't have a choice, he says.

VAUSE: There really is nothing routine about catching a bus in Israel, but many of the passengers say it is a bit like a game of Russian roulette. There is always a chance that the next person who tries to get on could be a suicide bomber. For Israelis, random choices and events can mean being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It can often mean life or death.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What we can do?

VAUSE: John Vause, CNN, Jerusalem.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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