A KILLER'S PROFILE

Barnes says that Israeli police have been sweeping the settlements, questioning anyone who knew Amir, but have yet to find solid signs of a plot to kill Rabin. "I think the police were simply taken by surprise that Jews kill other Jews and are cracking down out of frustration," says Barnes. "The interesting thing is that Amir fits the profile of a lot of terrorists. He's a loner and a former soldier who seemed especially sensitive to the rhetoric of the radical right. Just like Timothy McVeigh, the man charged with blowing up the Oklahoma federal building. I think, in the end, the police will find out that the so-called conspiracy is more of a gripe session than a terrorist cell."