The government\'s weekly meeting was delayed this morning because of the attacks, but was held later this afternoon. As of this writing (6:30 PM), it has been going on for over seven hours. On the original agenda was the Seam-Line Plan, which calls for closing off large areas along the Green Line - the 1949-1967 ceasefire lines - to all Arabs, and allowing only restricted entry to Jews. The goal is to separate between terrorists and large Israeli population centers, but it has drawn criticism from many quarters for being either potentially ineffective, a de-facto border, or both. Prime Minister Sharon has not yet publicly expressed his opinion on the matter.
Today\'s attack in Nahariya, far from the Shomron, is expected to impact on the results of the Seam-Line Plan debate. The ministers also discussed the worsening security situation as evidenced by today\'s three major attacks. Foreign Minister Shimon Peres returned from Italy in time to take part in the meeting. Several ministers said they would demand the cancellation of the Peres-Arafat meeting. The PA, for its part, continues to lay down conditions for the meeting.
Today\'s attack in Nahariya, far from the Shomron, is expected to impact on the results of the Seam-Line Plan debate. The ministers also discussed the worsening security situation as evidenced by today\'s three major attacks. Foreign Minister Shimon Peres returned from Italy in time to take part in the meeting. Several ministers said they would demand the cancellation of the Peres-Arafat meeting. The PA, for its part, continues to lay down conditions for the meeting.