The security cabinet, comprised of representatives of all coalition parties, convened this morning. On the agenda: the continuing terrorism against Israel, the continuing anti-terror offensive, the intensified U.S. pressure upon Israel to end it, and Arab pressure upon the U.S. to get Israel to end it. Despite the intense international pressure on Israel to forego its right to defend itself from terrorism, the government decided that the IDF would not withdraw at present from the Yesha cities it recently entered. In addition, the siege on the Church of the Nativity - in which 250 armed Arabs are holding hostage 80 priests and nuns - will continue until the terrorists surrender.
No decision was made regarding the northern front, which Hizbullah continues to attack. The terrorists attacked several northern-Israel targets in the north yet again today with over 100 rockets, including Mt. Hermon, the Golan, and Mt. Dov. One soldier was wounded and listed in moderate condition. In response, the IDF bombed Hizbullah targets in southern Lebanon. It was later learned that the IDF rebuffed an attempted Hizbullah infiltration into an army outpost.
The government stood strong on its compromise position regarding Arafat, who met this afternoon with four PA leaders: Abu Ala, Abu Mazen, Dahlan, and Erekat. The PA had originally demanded that 12 officials be allowed to meet with the terrorist chieftain, and the Americans proposed a compromise of eight; Israel, however, did not give in and allowed in only the four. The PA leaders are expected to meet afterwards with Gen. Zinni and tell him that they accept his ceasefire proposals \"with qualifications.\" Israel has already announced that it accepts Zinni\'s proposal.
IDF forces found two barrels of a dangerous chemical substance, probably bromine, in Arafat\'s Mukata complex today. It is assumed that the chemical was designated to be used in terrorist attacks against Israel.
No decision was made regarding the northern front, which Hizbullah continues to attack. The terrorists attacked several northern-Israel targets in the north yet again today with over 100 rockets, including Mt. Hermon, the Golan, and Mt. Dov. One soldier was wounded and listed in moderate condition. In response, the IDF bombed Hizbullah targets in southern Lebanon. It was later learned that the IDF rebuffed an attempted Hizbullah infiltration into an army outpost.
The government stood strong on its compromise position regarding Arafat, who met this afternoon with four PA leaders: Abu Ala, Abu Mazen, Dahlan, and Erekat. The PA had originally demanded that 12 officials be allowed to meet with the terrorist chieftain, and the Americans proposed a compromise of eight; Israel, however, did not give in and allowed in only the four. The PA leaders are expected to meet afterwards with Gen. Zinni and tell him that they accept his ceasefire proposals \"with qualifications.\" Israel has already announced that it accepts Zinni\'s proposal.
IDF forces found two barrels of a dangerous chemical substance, probably bromine, in Arafat\'s Mukata complex today. It is assumed that the chemical was designated to be used in terrorist attacks against Israel.