Today\'s edition of the weekly Cabinet meeting dealt with the IDF\'s offensives in Judea and Samaria. Prime Minister Sharon began by reviewing the army\'s extensive weekend activities, which included the capture of territory in and around six Palestinian-controlled cities: Ramallah, Jenin, Beit Jala, Bethlehem, Tul Karem, and Kalkilyeh. Government officials, including Ariel Sharon, stressed repeatedly today that they have no plans to remain in \"Palestinian territory\" for an extended period.
Finance Minister Silvan Shalom said again that Israel has no choice but to encourage the PA to find itself another leader. He said that Israel should not allow Arafat to return to the area the next time he leaves, and instead of destroying the Palestinian Authority, Israel should help it develop more \"moderate\" leaders.
Defense Minister Ben-Eliezer said that there are more intelligence warnings of impending terrorism than ever before, and that Arafat \"has no god.\"
Finance Minister Silvan Shalom said again that Israel has no choice but to encourage the PA to find itself another leader. He said that Israel should not allow Arafat to return to the area the next time he leaves, and instead of destroying the Palestinian Authority, Israel should help it develop more \"moderate\" leaders.
Defense Minister Ben-Eliezer said that there are more intelligence warnings of impending terrorism than ever before, and that Arafat \"has no god.\"