Israeli inquiry into judge murder

Adi Azar is the first judge to be murdered in Israel

Israeli police are investigating the killing of a district court judge.

Adi Azar was shot three times at close range in his car by a man on a motorcycle near his home in the Ramat Hasharon suburb of Tel Aviv.

The motive for the killing is not clear, but Israel's Justice Minister Tommy Lapid denied reports that it was an act of terrorism.

Mr Lapid said police investigators are focusing on personal or criminal motives for the murder.

A gagging order has been imposed on reporting evidence relating to the case.

'Deep shock'

This is the first time a judge has been murdered in Israel's history.

Beyond the shock and the concern, I also feel ashamed that such a deed could happen in Israel Tommy Lapid

"This must give us food for thought about where Israel's society is headed," Mr Lapid said.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon expressed "deep shock and pain" at the judge's death.

Police and judicial officials have decided not to bolster personal protection for judges.

'Hallmark of contract killing'

Israeli radio said the attack bore the hallmarks of a professional contract killing.

But the 49-year-old judge was not involved in trying criminal cases.

A preliminary investigation of police records indicated that no death threats against Azar had been reported to the police.

The al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, which is associated with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement, said they had carried out the shooting.

However, the organisation has previously made false claims about attacks which later turned out to be criminal.