Prime Minister Ariel Sharon informed CIA director George Tenet that Israel accepts his ceasefire proposals in full, despite having some reservations about them. Sharon\'s spokesman Raanan Gissin told BBC this morning that he hopes the Americans will take these reservations into consideration. Until now, Israel had insisted that the Palestinians act to prevent terrorism not only inside PA territory, but in Areas B and C as well. The Palestinians insist on an immediate settlement freeze before a ceasefire; Jibril Rajoub told Palestinian Radio this morning that the PA has no intention of arresting Hamas terrorists.
Israel now says that Arafat\'s final answer will be the ultimate test for him, determining whether he is a leader of a people or of a band of terrorists. Tenet will meet this afternoon with Israeli and Palestinian representatives, at which time Arafat\'s answer is expected. He threatens to leave the Middle East today, a day later than planned, if an agreement is not achieved. UN Secretary-General Kofi Anan begins a trip to the Middle East in Cairo today.
Israel now says that Arafat\'s final answer will be the ultimate test for him, determining whether he is a leader of a people or of a band of terrorists. Tenet will meet this afternoon with Israeli and Palestinian representatives, at which time Arafat\'s answer is expected. He threatens to leave the Middle East today, a day later than planned, if an agreement is not achieved. UN Secretary-General Kofi Anan begins a trip to the Middle East in Cairo today.