President Moshe Katzav, visiting in the U.S., said he does not think that Israel\'s ceasefire can last more than another few days. However, it has been reported that Prime Minister Sharon has no plans to begin using force at least until after he returns from Europe in the middle of next week. Despite the increase in deadly terrorism against Israel, which claimed 18 victims in the month of May, Israeli officials note with satisfaction the international benefits that have accompanied Israel\'s gesture. Foreign governments appreciate Israel\'s restraint, while at the same time, Ha\'aretz notes that \"within the U.S. administration, there is growing anger over both Arafat\'s refusal to declare a cease-fire and the involvement of Fatah members in terror attacks...\"
Israel has in fact informed the U.S. that it accepts the Mitchell Report in full. This was confirmed last night by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who told his Likud party colleagues that if the Palestinians agree to a ceasefire, construction in Yesha would be allowed only in places that are already built up. Construction will not be permitted beyond these areas, even in areas within the towns\' other zoned areas. Militarily, however, the IDF has redoubled its forces, including elite units, along the roads of Judea, Gaza, and Samaria. Armored personnel carriers are now stationed in additional points, particularly along routes on which terrorist attacks have occurred. For the time being, however, no initiated actions will be taken, and Israel is not implementing a policy of targeting and killing terrorist leaders.
Despite the above, the Bush Administration may be reneging on $800 million in aid promised by the U.S. to Israel last year. The grant was promised at the end of ex-President Clinton\'s term in office, in compensation for the IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon and to aid in developing defenses against Iraqi and Iranian missiles. President Moshe Katzav raised the issue with U.S. President Bush and Secretary of State Powell, but it has been reported that the Americans \"tried to evade the topic,\" and that the Israelis sensed that the aid would not be arriving any time soon. Just last week, Iraq tested its new surface-to-surface missile.
Israel has in fact informed the U.S. that it accepts the Mitchell Report in full. This was confirmed last night by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who told his Likud party colleagues that if the Palestinians agree to a ceasefire, construction in Yesha would be allowed only in places that are already built up. Construction will not be permitted beyond these areas, even in areas within the towns\' other zoned areas. Militarily, however, the IDF has redoubled its forces, including elite units, along the roads of Judea, Gaza, and Samaria. Armored personnel carriers are now stationed in additional points, particularly along routes on which terrorist attacks have occurred. For the time being, however, no initiated actions will be taken, and Israel is not implementing a policy of targeting and killing terrorist leaders.
Despite the above, the Bush Administration may be reneging on $800 million in aid promised by the U.S. to Israel last year. The grant was promised at the end of ex-President Clinton\'s term in office, in compensation for the IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon and to aid in developing defenses against Iraqi and Iranian missiles. President Moshe Katzav raised the issue with U.S. President Bush and Secretary of State Powell, but it has been reported that the Americans \"tried to evade the topic,\" and that the Israelis sensed that the aid would not be arriving any time soon. Just last week, Iraq tested its new surface-to-surface missile.