(Ynet News) Alex Fishman - Israel's takeover of the Jericho prison last Tuesday marked a new strategy in Israel's dealings with a Hamas-controlled Palestinian entity. The operation's effect on PA leader Mahmoud Abbas did not interest anyone. Defense officials sense that Israel is headed for an unavoidable clash with the PA. They are not certain whether it will happen in May, June, or July, but they know it will happen. Unilateral moves will become the name of the game. There will be no dialogue with the other side. Palestinian police at the prison, closely monitored by Israel throughout the operation, showed a clear lack of desire to fight back and die. IDF officials are already feeling the declining level of dialogue with their Palestinian counterparts. The two sides still talk, but the Palestinian willingness to uncover explosive devices and prevent terror attacks is evaporating. Meanwhile, external forces are pushing the Palestinians to resort to violence. The Syrians, Iranians, and Hizballah are pressing the Islamic Jihad and Fatah to carry out attacks.
2006-03-20 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive