Synagogue Attack in Jerusalem Kills Five

Two Palestinians Attacked Worshipers; 3 American-Israeli Rabbis Among Victims.

Two Palestinians wielding butcher knives and a gun attacked worshipers in a Jerusalem synagogue on Tuesday, killing five people, including three American-Israeli rabbis.

Police who rushed to the scene in the Ultraorthodox Har Nof neighborhood in the heart of West Jerusalem traded gunfire with the attackers for several minutes and killed them, authorities said.

The rampage left worshipers wrapped in prayer shawls sprawled on the floor in pools of blood, witnesses said.

Israeli and Western leaders and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack on Kehilat Bnei Torah synagogue.

“There is and can be no justification for such attacks against innocent civilians,” President Barack Obama said. “The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the victims and families of all those who were killed and injured in this horrific attack and in other recent violence.”

Mr. Netanyahu blamed Hamas, the Islamist group that rules the Gaza Strip, as well as the more moderate Mr. Abbas for the attack. He alleged that it was a direct result of their incitement.

Coming out of a meeting with security advisers, he threatened to demolish the homes of the attackers.

“We will respond with a heavy hand to the brutal murder of Jews who came to pray and were met by reprehensible murderers,” he said.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, an armed faction that is smaller but more radical than Hamas, claimed responsibility.

More From The Wall Street Journal (subscription required):