Jewish-American charged with killing 2 Palestinians, trying to kill others

Associated Press

Last update: November 12, 2009 - 4:44 AM

JERUSALEM - A Jewish-American extremist has been charged with shooting to death two Palestinians and trying to kill others with explosive devices and poison.

According to an indictment filed in Jerusalem district court on Thursday, Jack Teitel set out to avenge the deaths of Israelis killed in Palestinian terror attacks.

Teitel is a 37-year-old ultra-Orthodox Jewish West Bank settler originally from Florida.

Israeli newspaper Web sites quoted him as telling the court that "it was a pleasure and an honor to serve my God."

He was arrested five weeks ago.

The indictment says his rampage began in 1997. He was also accused of anti-gay violence and incitement as well as bombings against a peace activist and messianic Jews who believe in Jesus.

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