Israel police: Armed man attacks US Embassy guard

[November 20, 2012]  JERUSALEM (AP) -- An Israeli man wielding an ax and a knife attacked and lightly wounded an Israeli security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv on Tuesday before he was apprehended at the scene, police said.

The man, in his early 40s, attacked the guard outside the embassy gates, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. He said the 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 the Gaza Strip.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was scheduled to arrive in Israel later Tuesday to try to secure a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.

U.S. Embassy spokesman Geoff Anisman said the "situation in under control."

Security was increased after the attack, and the suspect was being questioned, Rosenfeld said.

The beachfront embassy is one of the most secure locations in Israel, guarded around the clock by teams of Israeli and American security guards.

[Associated Press]

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