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American Morning

Israeli Tanks Have Entered Palestinian Town of Jenin

Aired June 05, 2002 - 09:04   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: More violence today in the Middle East. This one was serious.

Israeli tanks have entered the Palestinian town of Jenin in the West Bank. That movement coming just hours after a car bomb exploded in northern Israel, killing at least 17. Jerrold Kessel there is at the scene located near Megiddo Junction.

Jerrold, good afternoon to you.

JERROLD KESSEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Bill.

And all normal here. A free flow of traffic on this important trunk road at this important road junction in northern Israel, not far from the West Bank, not far from the town of Jenin. but it was anything but normal. It was a horrendous scene only a few hours ago.

Earlier this morning, when the Israeli bus, 830 out of Tel Aviv heading north with many soldiers on board back to their bases in northern Israel, exploded as a car driven by a Palestinian bomber drew up alongside the bus. Tens of dozens of explosives, kilograms of explosives in that car, sending the bus literally burning itself into smithereens. And there were some horrendous scenes there.

And according to eyewitness, one eyewitness saying that two people, a man and a woman, were seen embracing inside the bus as they failed to get up, as it literally burnt to pieces. The reaction now being anticipated from Israel as the Israeli security cabinet due to convene later today. There have been tanks going into Jenin, but we believe that's only part of the irregular Israeli actions into Palestinian towns. There could be a different kind of reaction later after this cabinet meeting later tonight -- Bill.

HEMMER: Jerrold, thank you. Jerrold Kessel reporting live in Israel.

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