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Harsh IDF response to Hamas attacks expected over the weekend
From Haaretz...EFL...Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will convene his security cabinet for an emergency meeting this afternoon to weigh Israelâs response to Tuesdayâs suicide bombings in Tzrifin and Jerusalem, which killed 15 people and wounded dozens. Sources who accompanied Sharon on his curtailed visit to India said before leaving New Delhi yesterday that the response would be harsh and swift, and would be delivered in the coming weekend. Sharon himself said that Israel "will do what needs to be done; we will make every effort to put an end to terror." ... In addition, the Israel Defense Forces warned the governor of Ramallah last night that it intends to begin operations there and in neighboring El Bireh, and that anyone bearing arms in those cities, including Palestinian security personnel, is liable to be attacked by IDF soldiers. In response, the Palestinian Authorityâs security services stepped up their alert level - especially around PA Chairman Yasser Arafatâs Muqata compound, for fear that he would be the target of Israelâs operation. Asked about the growing calls inside Israel for Arafatâs expulsion, a senior member of the Israeli delegation to India said that "a decision will have to be made about him. Arafat is the main hindrance to the peace process, and we have seen how he brought about the resignation of Abu Mazen [former Palestinian prime minister Mahmoud Abbas]. Arafat continues to advocate a strategy of terror as a means ofexerting pressure during negotiations, and he will not be allowed to succeed." ... Israel may finally be taking the gloves off. We will soon see. Posted by: Alaska Paul 2003-09-11 |
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