Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Sunday that if Israel is attacked by Iraq, Israel will respond militarily. Great steps have been taken, both by Israel and by the United States, to protect the country from attack, he said. At the same time, the prime minister stated that there was only a small chance that Baghdad would in fact strike Israel. Nonetheless, “We have taken every necessary step should the situation not turn out as expected...” he said.
On the issue of another Middle Eastern terrorist entity, the Palestinian Authority, Prime Minister Sharon expressed his optimism over the appointment of Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) as the PA’s prime minister. Sharon said that if Abu Mazen will fight terrorism, then there would be someone to speak with. Israel, he said, is still looking for a negotiating partner on the other side.
On the issue of another Middle Eastern terrorist entity, the Palestinian Authority, Prime Minister Sharon expressed his optimism over the appointment of Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) as the PA’s prime minister. Sharon said that if Abu Mazen will fight terrorism, then there would be someone to speak with. Israel, he said, is still looking for a negotiating partner on the other side.