Posted on 12/15/2002 5:47:29 AM PST by Israel Insider
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced at this morning's cabinet meeting that Israel would not allow Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat to attend Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Moshe Yaalon said the army would not withdraw from the Palestinian city before the holiday, contradicting President Moshe Katsav's promise to the Pope in their meeting last week.
Sharon made the decision to ban Arafat from Bethlehem for security reasons, media sources reported. Last year Israel also prevented Arafat, a Muslim, from traveling to Bethlehem for Christmas celebrations. Bethlehem, the traditional site of the birth of Jesus, is a Palestinian town that is roughly half-Christian and half-Muslim.
Sharon told the cabinet that if Arafat did find a way to get to Bethlehem, he would have no hesitation to order security forces into the Mukata government compound in Ramallah to apprehend Palestinians suspected of involvement in terror who have taken up refuge inside, ynet reported.
Already last week, Sharon's adviser Raanan Gissin said Arafat "going to stay put. We're not going to let Arafat go to Bethlehem."
You must be from France. Israel is a great asset to us Americans.
Yep, Arafat signed a treaty that he would stop terrorism If the Jews gave him complete control of Bethlehem. It is part of the land for peace hand over in the Olso accords. It is now one of the top 10 terrorist producing citys.
Not too bad if that is all you disagree with me WRTO:
Why can't Israelis think beyond their nose? They have been telling us over and over, he is irrelevant. Have they thought about crucifying him? Maybe they could send in some US provided Cobra gunships and knock out his toilets and lights, so he can have another candlelight broadcast to the world, via CNN! Israel is a liability for us, and they don't know how to sit on the sidelines.
Right... they are agitating for their own benefit, and maybe just internal benefit. How does announcing this Banning hold back any legions? Get real.
Well, let's take another look....
Why can't Israelis think beyond their nose?
This is a question - nothing to disagree with. The answer is, some can, some can't...just like some people all over the world.
They have been telling us over and over, he is irrelevant.
No disagreement here - it's the truth.
Have they thought about crucifying him?
This is a question - nothing to disagree with.
Maybe they could send in some US provided Cobra gunships and knock out his toilets and lights, so he can have another candlelight broadcast to the world, via CNN!
This is a suggestion, albeit not one that makes any sense. Still, difficult to disagree with a suggestion.
Israel is a liability for us,
This I dealt with.
and they don't know how to sit on the sidelines.
Since they DID sit on the sidelines during the Gulf war, I have to assume that you're from France and have a different view of reality than us Americans.
Conclusion - I actually disagree with two of the three points you tried to make. One of your points is absolutely true, one is questionable depending on your point of view, and one is absolutely false. Still think it's "not too bad"?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.