Jerusalem bomb: Benjamin Netanyahu in security pledge

Israel’s prime minister has pledged to act “vigorously and responsibly” to restore security after a bomb exploded at a bus stop in central Jerusalem.

One person was killed and more than 30 others were injured after the blast at a crowded bus stop in Jerusalem.

The city suffered a spate of bus bombings by Palestinian militants between 2000 and 2004 but attacks had stopped in recent years.

Benjamin Netanyahu said the attackers had sought to try the country’s will.

“They are trying to test our resolve… [but we] have an iron will to defend the state and its citizens,” a statement from the prime minister’s office said.

“We will act vigorously, responsibly and prudently in order to maintain the quiet and the security that have prevailed here over the past two years.”

Mr Netanyahu delayed a scheduled trip to Moscow – where he is due to hold talks with the Russian leadership – by several hours to meet defence and security officials after the blast.

US President Barack Obama condemned the Jerusalem attack “as well as the rockets and mortars fired from Gaza in recent days”.

He urged all parties to do “everything in their power” to prevent further violence and civilian casualties.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said such attacks were “unacceptable”.

Shattered windows

Witnesses said the force of the blast – which officials said originated in a suitcase left on the pavement near the bus stop – shook buildings over a wide area.