Israeli Prime Minister pledges swift and harsh retaliations

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has pledged swift and harsh retaliation for such attacks as the bus stop suicide bomber, and Israel has carried out several raids in recent weeks following mortar attacks by Palestinians.

The latest bomb blast came as Israel eased some punitive measures against the Palestinians today, the army said. Israel radio said the move was the result of a US-sponsored meeting between Israeli and Palestinian security chiefs on Saturday night.