'The day after' Arafat dies - not just an IDF game

Haaretz ^ | 3/5/2004 | Amos Harel

[yonif]

The Israel Defense Forces recently conducted a simulation "war game" about what would happen the day after Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat passes away.

The exercise examined several possible scenarios and how Arafat's death - by natural causes - would influence the domestic situation in the Palestinian Authority and its relations with Israel. The Central Command exercises involved senior officers; apparently, the General Staff will continue where the Central Command officers left off.

Security sources told Haaretz that the exercise was not the result of any new information about the state of Arafat's health.

Last fall there was speculation about the 75-year-old's health after he appeared to be fatigued and gaunt, but after medical treatment he seemed to be feeling fine.

The army regards "the day after" as a "new chapter" in PA - and Palestinian - history. The assumption is that everything that will take place - the funeral, the mass demonstrations, power struggles for the leadership - will lead to a change in the Palestinians' strategic relationship with Israel.

The exercise included issues like where the funeral would be held, the route it would travel, the possibility of violent demonstrations, loss of control by the PA, and attempts by the Hamas to forcibly grab power in Gaza.

There is also growing speculation in the PA about what happens on the day after. Channel 2 reported this week that Arafat wants a crypt for himself on the Haram al-Sharif, the Temple Mount, where there are graves of many past Palestinian leaders.

[yonif]

Ping.

[American in Israel]

A serious thing, as the Arabs of Palestine tend to vote with C4.

[rogue yam]

I think the Israelis are just waiting for him to die. You can't work with him. You can't work with any other Pali so long as Arafat is alive. So you might as well just batten down and wait him out. When he dies there will be a mad scramble among the Palis for cash and position and then (I think) a huge civil war. I say chill some beers, pop some popcorn and enjoy the festivities. When the worst of the worst are almost all dead, send in the IDF to wipe out the remnants. Then see if those Palis left alive have learned anything.

[thoughtomator]

like the quickest route to Egypt

[KangarooJacqui]

The Israel Defense Forces recently conducted a simulation "war game" about what would happen the day after Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat passes away.

I'm sorry, but my first reaction to this was "Yee-haah!"

[Prodigal Son]

That old bastard has got to be kicking it soon.

It's good that the IDF is preparing for this but I never doubted they would have been.

[AdmSmith]

The question is: Who will take care of the money that Arafat has hidden, and is used to purchase loyalty and other things...?

When he passes away there will be an acute shortage of money for the Palestinian Authority to pay for the day-to-day expenses. Hamas will probably try to use their money instantly, and this must be prevented.

[Caipirabob]

Send them all back to Lebanon, already.

[Piranha]

What is C4?

[Mackey]

C-4 is plastic explosive. It's powerful, versatile and easy to work with.

[American in Israel]

C4 is Military plastic explosive. The Pali's use it in bombs.