Israel backs off on killing Arafat

[wellst0nev0ter]

JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel backed off Monday from threats to kill Yasser Arafat, while the incoming Palestinian prime minister ceded control over many Cabinet appointments to Arafat's Fatah party despite Israeli demands that the veteran Palestinian leader be stripped of authority.

As Israeli leaders insisted they still intend to "remove" Arafat, the U.N. Security Council considered a Palestinian request to intervene. The involvement of the United Nations underscored the extent to which violence and tension have paralyzed peacemaking efforts.

http://www.azdailysun.com/non_sec/nav_includes/story.cfm?storyID=73151

[Booberdawg]

1. I can't EVEN believe my eyes and ears the last several days

Israel has decided to kill Arafat. I guess bush* set the precedent for dealing with the leaders of other countries.:eyes:

[newyorican]

2. PUNKED!

Big mouths, no balls.

[Gimel]

3. It was never an official policy

The actual policiy was to remove him, and several options were discussed. Now that the US has vetod the Arab League resolution agains Israel, the way is open to move Arafat out. It will happen. He'll even agree to going into exile, is my bet.

[tinnypriv]

4. Expel = kill

Don't try and pretend anything else.

The head of the damn Shabak is on the front pages of Ma'ariv and Yediot saying "LIQUIDATION is a BETTER option", and you're saying killing isn't official policy?

Open your eyes, man.

[Gimel]

5. That's the terror groups method

The assassinated an Israeli cabinet member two years ago - Rahamin Va'evi in cold blood. His post was tourism ministry.

Howver, the removal of Arafat will come with his exile. I'm sure that he can be convinced to go peacefully. He's an old man. Take the rotten core from the PA.

[tinnypriv]

6. And what predicated that terrorist assasination?

Israel assasinating the political head of the PFLP with an Apache.

He was the first political leader to be killed. What reaction did you expect?

As for "convinced to go peacefully", Israel doesn't WANT to convince Arafat. The talk of "expel" is a sideshow.

Look at the people driving the policy:

Avi Dichter: head of GSS/Shabak - wants Arafat liquidated.
Shaul Mofaz: defense minister - wants Arafat liquidated.
Ariel Sharon: prime minister - wants Arafat liquidated.

It's on the FRONT PAGES of the newspapers. It might not be in the US media (outside of wire services), but the Israeli's are more honest about what they're doing.

Gimel, are you seriously going to defend the liquidation afterwards with "caught in the crossfire"? It sure looks that way.

Like I said, open your eyes. And if you want Arafat killed, say so.

[Gimel]

7. No need to defend

Gimel, are you seriously going to defend the liquidation afterwards with "caught in the crossfire"? It sure looks that way.

I've already stated my position on this and my prdiciton as to the outcome. Arafat will go under his own power and volition, although with some assistance.). No assassination will be necessary.

On edit: Also, you've got the time sequence confused. The assassination of the PFLP leader came after. The other were captured and held in a Jerhico prison, later sent to Gaza, if I recall correctly. I'll find some sources of reference on that.

[tinnypriv]

8. No I haven't

August 27, 2001: PLFP Abu Ali Mustafa liquidated.
October 17, 2001: Rehavam Ze'evi assasinated.

Again, what response did you expect?

[tinnypriv]

9. That was memory, here are the links

http://www.us-israel.org/jsource/Terrorism/hits.html (scroll down)
http://www.us-israel.org/jsource/biography/Zeevi.html

[Gimel]

10. Wanted terrorist

He was more than a political leader. He was wanted for his activities as a terrorist. No equivilence to an elected member of the Israel Knesset.

If government leaders in Israel are assassinated and given sanction by Palestinian supporters, there is no limit. I don't approve of assassinating those who are not involved in terror.