Jerusalem Bulldozer Attack
A Palestinian man driving a bulldozer plowed into a crowd of pedestrians in Jerusalem on July 2, 2008, killing three people and injuring more than 40.1
On July 22, 2008, another Palestinian man smashed a bulldozer into a bus and several cars in central Jerusalem, injuring up to as many as 16 people.2 The attack occurred near the luxury hotel that presidential candidate Barack Obama was scheduled to stay at during his visit to Israel on the same day.3
Fast Facts
- Two bulldozer attacks in one month
- First attack on July 2, 2008
- Second attack on July 22, 2008
- 16 people injured in 2nd attack2
- Drivers in both incidents were shot dead
- July 22 attack occurred near the hotel Barack Obama was scheduled to stay at that night3
July 2, 2008 Attack Facts
- Date of first attack: July 2, 2008
- Location of attack: Jaffa Road, Jerusalem1
- Alleged attacker: Hosam Dwayyat, 301
- Soldier who killed Dwayyat: Moshe Plesser
- Deaths: Three1
- Injuries: 40+1
- Among the injured: a baby thrown from a car by its mother before the vehicle was crushed4
- If terrorism, would be first attack in Israel since March, 2008
- Bulldozer in area because of light rail construction
- Prime Minister Ehud Olmert proposes the demolition of the homes of terrorists5
The July 2, 2008 Attack
According to reports from witnesses on the scene, Hosam Dwayyat climbed into the cab of the bulldozer, yelled "Allah Akhbar!," and began driving down Jaffa Road in Jerusalem, crushing vehicles and aiming for crowds of pedestrians.6 The bulldozer rammed two buses, turning one over, before a soldier shot Dwayyat dead. The attack occurred right outside the offices of several major news organizations.
Olmert's Demolition Proposal
After the first bulldozing attack, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert proposed that the homes of terrorists be demolished. He said, "We must use a punishment that would deter. We have to act with a tough hand, to negate social rights and to destroy immediately the houses of every terrorist from Jerusalem."5
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