New Year: Two Killed, Seven Wounded In Shooting At Tel Aviv Pub

Two people were killed and seven were wounded in an apparent
shooting attack in a central Tel Aviv pub this afternoon. A massive manhunt is
underway for the assailant.

The police have identified an
Israeli Arab resident of a village in the northern area of Wadi
Ara as the suspect. The suspect, 29, stole the gun from his father, who
works in security. The father recognized the suspect from media reports, and
after learning his weapon was gone, contacted the authorities. 

Two of the casualties are in serious condition, while the
rest sustained light injuries. 

There is a growing consensus among security officials that
the shooting was a terrorist attack. After holding a situation assessment,
security officials warned civilians to remain alert as police special forces
and the Shin Bet security service search for the assailant. 

The attack occurred at the Simta pub on Dizengoff 122, near
the corner of Gordon St. One of people killed was identified as Alon
Bakal, a manager at the pub. Bakal had moved to Tel Aviv three months ago after
completing law and business studies in Netanya. The other was identified
as Shimon Ruimi, 30, a resident of Ofakim. May their souls rest in peace.