Statement from Sharon

Following is the statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon after Tuesday's terror bombing of a crowded city bus in Jerusalem:

Following Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's discussions with the leaders of the political parties in the coalition and top security establishment officials, it was decided to take several military actions against the Palestinian Authority and the murderous organizations. This includes -- inter alia -- a change in the way Israel responds to murderous acts of terror: Israel will respond to acts of terror by capturing PA territory. These areas will be held by Israel as long as terror continues. Additional acts of terror will lead to the taking of additional areas. As a result of yesterday's murderous act of terror in Jerusalem, Israel will shortly take PA territory as outlined above.