Israeli minister: Suicide bombing is 'escalation'

Israeli Minister for Defence Amir Peretz denounced the Palestinian suicide bombing as an “escalation” that threatened a recent cease-fire, and promised to take all “necessary” steps to prevent similar attacks.

Three people were killed when a suicide bomber attacked a bakery in the southern Israel resort town of Eilat earlier today.

Speaking to politicians from his Labour Party HQ in Jerusalem, Peretz said he wanted to be sure to differentiate between Palestinian extremists and moderate elements who sought peace with Israel.

He said he would be convening with security chiefs later today to discuss a response.