Photo by IDF Spokesperson on 21 June, 2016

Home of Terrorist Who Murdered American Demolished by IDF

By Joshua B. Dermer/TPS • 21 June, 2016

Jerusalem, 21 June, 2016 (TPS) -- Israeli Forces demolished Monday evening the home of the terrorist who stabbed to death American tourist and army veteran Taylor Force in a Jaffa terror attack in early March.

Bashar Massalha, a 22 year-old Palestinian from Kafr Haja near Nablus, attacked 28-year-old Force near the iconic clock tower square on the Jaffa promenade as US Vice President Joe Biden was in a meeting just a few minutes away.

Force died of his wounds and eleven others were injured in the attack. Massalha was killed at the scene.

The practice of home demolitions is controversial, with its supporters arguing that it deters future terrorists and its critics claiming it constitutes collective punishment. Israel’s recently appointed defense minister, Avigdor Liberman, is a vocal advocate for demolishing the homes of terrorists.

Force, a US veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, served as a field artillery officer from 2009-2014 at Fort Hood. He was an MBA student of Vanderbilt University and was visiting Israel on a trip with his fellow students and school staff.

“Taylor embarked on this trip to expand his understanding of global entrepreneurship and also to share his insights and knowledge with startups in Israel. He exemplified the spirit of discovery, learning and service that is the hallmark of our wonderful Owen community,” said Vanderbilt University Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos. “This horrific act of violence has robbed our Vanderbilt family of a young hopeful life and all of the bright promise that he held for bettering our greater world.”

In his visit to Israel in March, Biden condemned Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for not denouncing Force’s murder.

Naomi Altchouler contributed to this report.