Israel has presented to the Bush Administration a series of gestures it is willing to make on behalf of Abu Mazen and his new PA government. The gestures include a meeting between Prime Minister Sharon and Abu Mazen soon after Abu Mazen presents his new roster of ministers, and a gradual IDF withdrawal from some or all PA-controlled cities. It will be recalled that similar withdrawals in the past very often led to an increase in murderous terrorism against Israelis.
The first area to be tested will be northern Gaza, where the PA has better control than it has in Judea and Samaria. The encirclement from around other areas will also be removed, the IDF will enter the cities less often, and will allow Arab VIPs and businessmen more unrestricted entry. This will be a test of Abu Mazen's ability, as the PA's new Prime Minister, to take control of these areas and prevent terrorism.
Israel is also considering requests to release more tax monies to the PA, as well as to free imprisoned terrorists. Government spokesmen say, however, that terrorists "with blood on their hands" will not be let go.
The first area to be tested will be northern Gaza, where the PA has better control than it has in Judea and Samaria. The encirclement from around other areas will also be removed, the IDF will enter the cities less often, and will allow Arab VIPs and businessmen more unrestricted entry. This will be a test of Abu Mazen's ability, as the PA's new Prime Minister, to take control of these areas and prevent terrorism.
Israel is also considering requests to release more tax monies to the PA, as well as to free imprisoned terrorists. Government spokesmen say, however, that terrorists "with blood on their hands" will not be let go.