Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and fellow Labor party Ministers Matan Vilnai and Ephraim Sneh were the only three cabinet members who did not support the government’s decision to take over strategic PA buildings in and around Jerusalem. Peres, an Oslo architect, remains an ardent supporter of returning to the negotiating table with Yasser Arafat, regardless of whether the PLO implements a ceasefire first.
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres explained to members of the cabinet at the late night meeting that he objects to a forceful military reaction to the attack, and called upon the ministers to “keep things in proportion.” In reaction, ministers at the meeting said, “Enough is enough. This cannot continue anymore.” Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer said that the Jerusalem slaughter requires a retaliation that sends a “clear and unmistakable” message to Arafat. Minister of the Interior Eliyahu Yishai, head of the Shas Party, speaking by telephone from overseas, told the Prime Minister that “there is no more point in pursuing dialogue” with Arafat. Yishai gave his agreement to \"any action that the Prime Minister recommended.\" Deputy Defense Minister Dalia Rabin-Pelosof stated that in her opinion the decision taken was appropriate. However, “much more extreme proposals were discussed. Much more extreme,” she emphasized.
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres explained to members of the cabinet at the late night meeting that he objects to a forceful military reaction to the attack, and called upon the ministers to “keep things in proportion.” In reaction, ministers at the meeting said, “Enough is enough. This cannot continue anymore.” Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer said that the Jerusalem slaughter requires a retaliation that sends a “clear and unmistakable” message to Arafat. Minister of the Interior Eliyahu Yishai, head of the Shas Party, speaking by telephone from overseas, told the Prime Minister that “there is no more point in pursuing dialogue” with Arafat. Yishai gave his agreement to \"any action that the Prime Minister recommended.\" Deputy Defense Minister Dalia Rabin-Pelosof stated that in her opinion the decision taken was appropriate. However, “much more extreme proposals were discussed. Much more extreme,” she emphasized.