The U.S. embassy building in Tel Aviv is seen in this May 7, 1997, photo.(Photo: AP)
JERUSALEM -- A knife and ax-wielding Israeli man attacked and
lightly wounded a security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv on
Tuesday before he was apprehended at the scene, police said.
Police
spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the assailant was an Israeli citizen in
his early 40s. He said man's motive was unknown, but political motives
were not suspected and the incident had nothing to do with Israel's
battle with Hamas militants in Gaza.
U.S. Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton is scheduled to arrive in Israel later Tuesday to try
and secure a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.
The U.S. Embassy
on the Tel Aviv beachfront is one of the most secure locations in
Israel, guarded around the clock by teams of Israeli and American
security guards.
Rosenfeld said security was increased after the attack.
The
Israeli embassy guard was slightly injured in the leg before firing a
warning shot in the air, Rosenfeld said. The attacker was being
questioned.
The U.S. Embassy did not immediately comment.
Associated Press