"Most of the international civil rights movements with offices in Gaza give refuge to Palestinian terrorist activists." So said this morning Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, in an appearance before the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. He also said, "Abu Mazen won't be able to hide behind the excuse of Arafat for very long. It's up to him. If he doesn't do what he's supposed to, stop incitement in the official press and school system, he is liable to find himself in the same position as Arafat." Shalom told reporters afterwards that Abu Mazen had better start acting, and that the time for words has ended.
All in all, however, Shalom's position was quite moderate. Slightly differently than what he and other Israeli officials told U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell during the latter's visit to Israel last week, Shalom said that Israel does not demand the immediate cessation of terror. He said that Israel is willing even now to withdraw forces from PA-controlled cities and stop construction in Yesha, except for natural growth needs - but that the PA must take steps against the terrorist infrastructure.
All in all, however, Shalom's position was quite moderate. Slightly differently than what he and other Israeli officials told U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell during the latter's visit to Israel last week, Shalom said that Israel does not demand the immediate cessation of terror. He said that Israel is willing even now to withdraw forces from PA-controlled cities and stop construction in Yesha, except for natural growth needs - but that the PA must take steps against the terrorist infrastructure.