Security sources believe Dimona terrorists came from West Bank
New security estimates indicate Monday's suicide bombing may have originated in West Bank, not Gaza, despite earlier reports to the contrary. PA officials say terrorists' identity hasn't been ascertained yet
An initial investigation by the IDF and the Shin Bet Monday revealed the possibility that the terrorists involved in the suicide bombing in Dimona this morning came from the West Bank, and not from Gaza as was reported earlier.
Reuters reported Monday evening that Hamas' armed wing claimed responsibility for the attack, and that a source in the organization said that the two Palestinians who died during the attack came from the West Bank city of Hebron, rather than from Gaza.
Hamas officials denied the reports.
While in the hours following the attack most security officials believed that the terrorists crossed to Egypt from the Gaza Strip and then infiltrated Israel through the breached southern border, it now appears that they might have entered Israel through the Mount Hebron area, which has not yet been sealed by the separation fence.
If this estimate is proven correct, the IDF may find it easier to complete its investigation and locate the organization that launched the attack.
Security official also warned Monday that other terrorist cells might already be on their way to Israel to carry out further attacks.
PA official: Highly likely attackers came from West Bank
Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority sources also estimated that the bombing was carried out in collaboration with West Bank operatives.
The PA's security forces have already released the names of two West Bank residents suspected of being involved in the attack, but PA officials stressed that the identity of the suicide bombers remained unclear at present.
A Palestinian security official told Ynet that "such an operation could not be carried out without assistance from the West Bank. Hamas and Islamic Jihad cells have already started reestablishing themselves in the area."
According to the official, it was highly likely that Monday's attackers came from the West Bank, and that the tape published after the bombing was meant as a diversion. "The Palestinians shared all the information they had with the Israeli side," he added.
Ali Waked, Efrat Weiss and Reuters contributed to the report
