Posted on 02/12/2003 11:22:58 AM PST by yonif
February 12th, 2003
The IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Moshe Ya'alon said last night (11 February) in an interview aired on Israel Channel 2 that the IDF has thwarted dozens of terror attacks in the past few days, some of them even large-scale. "We realized that the Palestinian terrorist organization intended to try and perpetrate a terror attack before the Muslim Festival of Sacrifice. Following the numerous warnings against those terror attempts it was decided to impose a total closure on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip," said Ya'alon.
Ya'alon spoke of how Arafat stands behing actions that warrant such a high number of warnings against terror attacks: "Arafat never deals with the planning stages of the terror attacks. However, he conveys hidden messages that are translated to a terror strategy. Even now - he has not made any effort to begin talks of a cease-fire. In fact, to my understanding, he is responsible for the failed talks which took place in Cairo."
Ya'alon mentioned that channels are kept open with the Palestinians at all times, both in the field in order to provide humanitarian and economic aid, and in higher levels in order to find leadership and partners who would be willing to take the responsibility for the Palestinian side, while at the same time putting aside the terror."
Ya'alon added that since Operation "Defensive Shield" there have been a number of individuals in the Palestinian leadership who have been trying to bring about a cease-fire. "To the best of my knowledge, the Islamic Jihad is not the only one who wants to see the attempts at a cease-fire fail," said Ya'alon. "Arafat himself wants to see this fail."
Ya'alon commended the Israeli public on how well the people have handled the prolonged state of fighting against the Palestinian terror.
"The first real test a nation and society under constant threat faces, is the test of stamina. The Israeli society has staying power. During the present conflict, the military reserve component, who some expressed doubts about, resumed active service even before the first bullet was fired during Operation Defensive Shield. I claim that this conflict will not end unless the Palestinian side understands that we will not give in to the terror."
As to the upcoming American strike in Iraq, Ya'alon estimated that the strike will commence in a few weeks.
"We are following events in Iraq. However, we need not be involved in this conflict, but we have to assume the worst, that despite the slight chances, we must be prepared," said Ya'alon.
He added that the Anti-Aircraft Unit and the Home Front Command are ready for any possible scenario, although the likelihood of Saddam Hussein launching Scud missiles at Israel is low.
In this regard, Ya'alon said that the likelihood of suicide pilots flying planes carrying biological or chemical into Israeli air-space, was unlikely. "The technological ability exists, however, it will be very difficult for Saddam to perpetrate such an attack," said Ya'alon.
Closer to codespeak for "We ain't afraid to use our nukes"
Even if Allah were God im not going to submit to a mad God.
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