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 on Friday afternoon. A massive manhunt is underway for the assailant.

The police have identified anThe 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 on Friday afternoon to remain alert as police special forces and the Shin Bet security service search for the assailant.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed by the police and the Shin Bet about the ongoing investigation, his office said.
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.

"We ran into the alleys, he continued to shoot at us," he said. "Passersby had guns in the area refused to shoot him."
Gali Morag, who lives on Gordon Street opposite the scene of the shooting, says she heard shots and, looking out the window, saw a young man dressed all in black and with a woolen cap running down the street. He turned a corner and disappeared from sight. Other people were running after him.
Shani Mizrachi, a paramedic for Magen David Adom, said that "there was a huge crowd when I got to the scene. Some of the wounded were inside the pub and others lying in the street. I immediately began to assist a man of about 35 who had bullet wounds in his upper body. He was in fully conscious. I gave him first aid and he was evacuated in a serious condition to the hospital."
Israel's Channel 10 reported that about 30 shots were fired from an assault rifle during the attack.

Five of the casualties were evacuated to Ichilov Hospital Tel Aviv. Two died at the hospital and two others are in serious condition and in the operating room. One victim in light condition was brought to Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva. Another victim was also evacuated to Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer.
Ichilov opened an emergency hotline, which can be reached at 1255133.
About 20 minutes after the attack, a man killed in a shooting on Yunitsman Street in northern Tel Aviv. It is as yet unclear whether the incidents are connected.