The extended security cabinet, numbering 13 government ministers, sat for over four hours this morning, hearing details of the non-stop Palestinian violence and discussing possible reactions. Leading IDF officers told them that there is basically no ceasefire, noting yet again that Yasser Arafat stands behind all the attacks. Several ministers demanded that the government intensify its offensive measures; Foreign Minister Shimon Peres objected, and has even threatened to quit if such an approach is adopted. \"I am not Ariel Sharon\'s clerk,\" Peres said last night. \"He won\'t tell me what to do.\" Ministers from Shas and other parties argued with Peres, saying he still does not understand Arafat\'s true intentions. At the end of the meeting, the ministers ratified yesterday\'s decision to continue Israel\'s non-offensive policy, but to intensify defense measures such as striking at Arabs engaged in terrorist activity.
Shortly after the meeting, it was reported that a leading Fatah terrorist had been seriously wounded from a bullet to his stomach in Hevron. The man appears on the Defense Ministry\'s list of wanted terrorists as responsible for shootings in the Hevron area.
A group of 200 Israeli rabbis have signed a petition calling upon Prime Minister Sharon to immediately end the policy of restraint that has resulted in a great deal of bloodshed. The rabbis were addressed by National Security Council head Maj.-Gen. Uzi Dayan, who explained the importance of unity among the nation during these difficult times. It was in that spirit that Public Security Minister Uzi Landau, who is in favor of a stronger military response than that which Israel has so far offered, agreed with today\'s security Cabinet decision. He said that the process by which the various sectors in the nation are finally beginning to understand the dangers facing us is very important, and that the continued existence of the unity government is important to that end.
Shortly after the meeting, it was reported that a leading Fatah terrorist had been seriously wounded from a bullet to his stomach in Hevron. The man appears on the Defense Ministry\'s list of wanted terrorists as responsible for shootings in the Hevron area.
A group of 200 Israeli rabbis have signed a petition calling upon Prime Minister Sharon to immediately end the policy of restraint that has resulted in a great deal of bloodshed. The rabbis were addressed by National Security Council head Maj.-Gen. Uzi Dayan, who explained the importance of unity among the nation during these difficult times. It was in that spirit that Public Security Minister Uzi Landau, who is in favor of a stronger military response than that which Israel has so far offered, agreed with today\'s security Cabinet decision. He said that the process by which the various sectors in the nation are finally beginning to understand the dangers facing us is very important, and that the continued existence of the unity government is important to that end.