A document laying out scenarios and recommendations for the immediate aftermath of the death of PLO terrorist leader Yasser Arafat was presented today to Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom. Chaos and a resumption of terrorism are foreseen.
Prepared by political leaders and senior security officers, the document states that Arafat's death "will cause chaos in the zones controlled by the Palestinian Authority, as well as the revival of the armed intifada." For this reason, it explains, preparations for all eventualities must begin now in order to take immediate control of the situation after Arafat's departure.
The document considers three possible scenarios: Arafat could be eliminated by the IDF; he could die a natural death; or he could succumb to a serious illness. The document underscores that "whatever the cause of Arafat's death, Israel will in any event be singled out as being responsible."
One problem that must be dealt with is the question of Arafat's funeral. The authors of the report envisage that "hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will try to take their leader's body for interment on the Temple Mount." For that reason, they recommend, it is preferable to avoid this conflict and accept a burial in Abu Dis, overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem.
Following the mourning period, the question of succession will arise, and is certain to cause serious tensions and internal fighting within the Palestinian Authority, the document declares. The bottom line, according to the report, is that Arafat's death will lead the PA into anarchy.
Prepared by political leaders and senior security officers, the document states that Arafat's death "will cause chaos in the zones controlled by the Palestinian Authority, as well as the revival of the armed intifada." For this reason, it explains, preparations for all eventualities must begin now in order to take immediate control of the situation after Arafat's departure.
The document considers three possible scenarios: Arafat could be eliminated by the IDF; he could die a natural death; or he could succumb to a serious illness. The document underscores that "whatever the cause of Arafat's death, Israel will in any event be singled out as being responsible."
One problem that must be dealt with is the question of Arafat's funeral. The authors of the report envisage that "hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will try to take their leader's body for interment on the Temple Mount." For that reason, they recommend, it is preferable to avoid this conflict and accept a burial in Abu Dis, overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem.
Following the mourning period, the question of succession will arise, and is certain to cause serious tensions and internal fighting within the Palestinian Authority, the document declares. The bottom line, according to the report, is that Arafat's death will lead the PA into anarchy.