In the wake of, and/or despite, the increased Palestinian violence over the weekend, the security cabinet convened by Prime Minister Sharon last night decided to give Yasser Arafat another 48 hours to prove that he is taking the ceasefire seriously. At the end of 48 hours, the cabinet will convene again to decide on its next steps. In the meanwhile, Israel will continue easing the restrictions on the Palestinians, as agreed upon during the Peres-Arafat meeting. IDF forces have already begun taking removing the closure around the PA-controlled city of Jericho, which has been quiet over the past days.
The cabinet did resolve that if the violence continues, Israel will resume its offensive activities in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer recommended, in the name of the army, that the restrictions be eased in quiet sectors. On the other hand, senior military commanders were quoted by Israel Radio this morning as saying that Arafat is doing nothing to enforce the latest ceasefire agreement, and that he will continue thusly if adequate pressure is not exerted on him.
PA leaders continue to say that they will not arrested terrorists wanted by Israel.
The cabinet did resolve that if the violence continues, Israel will resume its offensive activities in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer recommended, in the name of the army, that the restrictions be eased in quiet sectors. On the other hand, senior military commanders were quoted by Israel Radio this morning as saying that Arafat is doing nothing to enforce the latest ceasefire agreement, and that he will continue thusly if adequate pressure is not exerted on him.
PA leaders continue to say that they will not arrested terrorists wanted by Israel.