Israeli police officer shoots himself in the head yards from French president Nicolas Sarkozy and wife Carla Bruni

Israeli tries to kill Sarkozy on Israeli trip, but Jewish authorities say it was suicide. Why would an Israeli cop commits suicide not far from Sarkozy?

French president Nicolas Sarkozy, his wife Carla Bruni and Israeli premier Ehud Olmert were at the centre of a security alert this afternoon after a policemancommitted suicide during an airport farewell ceremony.

Bodyguards scrambled to protect the three when the officer fatally shot himself in the head just yards from the red carpet.

The shooting occurred while a military band was playing, and the leaders apparently didn't hear anything.

Dark-suited men then quickly ushered Sarkozy and his wife up the stairs of their plane. In a panic, Sarkozy's wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, rushed up the stairs ahead of her husband.

The incident marred Sarkozy's three-day trip to Israel, a visit meant to improve relations between the two countries.

French presidential spokesman Franck Louvrier could not be reached for comment on his mobile phone. Another presidential spokesman who was on another scheduled flight out of Tel Aviv said he knew nothing about the incident.

Israel Radio said the soldier who was shot was stationed 100 metres to 200 metres (yards) away from the plane. He shot himself as a band was playing. Two women soldiers who witnessed the shooting fainted and were treated by medics.

Israel's volunteer medical service Zaka said the soldier apparently committed suicide.

Police say there was no assassination attempt on Sarkozy. Daily Mail