Chabad House attack an "enemy action" against State of Israel

Jerusalem: Taking seriously the terror strikes on a Jewish establishment in Mumbai, Israel's Defence Ministry has decided to view the attack on Nariman House or Chabad House as an "enemy action" against the State of Israel.

The decision will entitle the families of the victims of Nariman House the same financial benefits that are granted to victims of terror attacks in Israel.

At least eight Israelis have been identified among the dead in last week's terror attacks in Mumbai which claimed around 200 lives.

A seven member team of Israel police's victim identification unit left for India yesterday to assist in locating and identifying two missing Israelis, who have not reported in yet.

Of the four Israelis that the Foreign Ministry's situation room listed as being out of contact, two reported in yesterday.

"We must search for them (the other two) among the casualties of the various attacks," said Chief Superintendent Itzik Coronio, who is heading the delegation which also includes two high ranking anti-terror experts.

"All the bodies have been evacuated to a few central locations, and that is where we expect to focus our work," Coronio added.

The team has prepared "identification kits" containing identifying details of each of the missing Israelis obtained from their families and Israel Defense Forces records.

These details include fingerprints, dental records and DNA samples.