Israel\'s security cabinet convened this morning with the participation of top army officers, but came to no decision about stopping Israel\'s unilaterally implemented ceasefire. Staffers in the Prime Minister\'s office say that Israel will not respond to the increasing terrorism at least until Sharon returns from his visit to Europe next week. Public Security Minister Uzi Landau implied that if the PA does not call a ceasefire by then, Israel will respond militarily.
Addressing the Knesset today, Prime Minister Sharon explained his decision to hold Israeli fire:
\"Israel is currently in the midst of a difficult struggle against Palestinian terrorism and Hizbullah’s provocative attacks under Syria’s auspices. We suffer losses. There is a battle on the roads. Arafat takes no preventive measures. The heads of the Palestinian Authority and its various organizations incite to take action against Israel. This is not an easy situation, but we have been through worse.
\"As you are aware, I have chosen to announce a [unilateral] cease-fire. Protecting the citizens of Israel is, of course, our duty, and we need to do everything in our power to secure the lives of Israeli citizens. I know that tempers are flaring, and justifiably so. I see the terrible pain, and I watch in awe the heroic stand of the residents of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, their self-control and dedication to the Land of Israel. We are indebted to the residents who stand with the IDF on the front line, and I take this opportunity to convey my warmest wishes to the settlers.
\"I know that I am being attacked for my decision to announce the cease-fire. However, the recognition of the responsibility resting on my shoulders, with a view of the entire picture, caused me to announce our acceptance of the Mitchell plan.
\"This is not only a military battle. We are forced to confront and win a difficult and complex political and diplomatic campaign. This affects my decisions and I will act accordingly. It takes patience. We must succeed in this diplomatic campaign, and I feel that we are conducting it appropriately.
\"We must remember that we cannot ask all the time: ‘Until when?’ Sometimes it is necessary to endure for a long time, as we did in the past. THEY don’t ask every minute: ‘Until when?’ Anyone who repeatedly asks ‘Until when?’ is bound to be defeated.”
For the first time in almost two months, senior IDF and PA military commanders met last night. Despite what was called a total lack of progress at that Ramallah get-together, another high-level security meeting is scheduled for tonight. PA officials are calling upon Israel to implement the Mitchell Committee recommendation of a settlement freeze, and will not call a cease-fire.
Addressing the Knesset today, Prime Minister Sharon explained his decision to hold Israeli fire:
\"Israel is currently in the midst of a difficult struggle against Palestinian terrorism and Hizbullah’s provocative attacks under Syria’s auspices. We suffer losses. There is a battle on the roads. Arafat takes no preventive measures. The heads of the Palestinian Authority and its various organizations incite to take action against Israel. This is not an easy situation, but we have been through worse.
\"As you are aware, I have chosen to announce a [unilateral] cease-fire. Protecting the citizens of Israel is, of course, our duty, and we need to do everything in our power to secure the lives of Israeli citizens. I know that tempers are flaring, and justifiably so. I see the terrible pain, and I watch in awe the heroic stand of the residents of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, their self-control and dedication to the Land of Israel. We are indebted to the residents who stand with the IDF on the front line, and I take this opportunity to convey my warmest wishes to the settlers.
\"I know that I am being attacked for my decision to announce the cease-fire. However, the recognition of the responsibility resting on my shoulders, with a view of the entire picture, caused me to announce our acceptance of the Mitchell plan.
\"This is not only a military battle. We are forced to confront and win a difficult and complex political and diplomatic campaign. This affects my decisions and I will act accordingly. It takes patience. We must succeed in this diplomatic campaign, and I feel that we are conducting it appropriately.
\"We must remember that we cannot ask all the time: ‘Until when?’ Sometimes it is necessary to endure for a long time, as we did in the past. THEY don’t ask every minute: ‘Until when?’ Anyone who repeatedly asks ‘Until when?’ is bound to be defeated.”
For the first time in almost two months, senior IDF and PA military commanders met last night. Despite what was called a total lack of progress at that Ramallah get-together, another high-level security meeting is scheduled for tonight. PA officials are calling upon Israel to implement the Mitchell Committee recommendation of a settlement freeze, and will not call a cease-fire.