(Yediot Ahronot-Hebrew) - Felix Frisch Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said Israel may be forced to accept a ceasefire agreement being formulated between Abu Mazen and Hamas - for a limited number of weeks. Until recently, Israel's security forces strongly opposed any ceasefire, charging that it would enable the terror organizations to rebuild. Sharon told Abu Mazen at their meeting that Israel would agree to a ceasefire of 4-6 weeks. Mofaz emphasized that Israel would not allow a ceasefire agreement to become the basis for a long-term arrangement, and after a few weeks of ceasefire, Abu Mazen will have to show serious efforts in the fight against terror. He said Israel would be willing to accept a ceasefire as the beginning of a process. Mofaz added that Israel will not promise to refrain from activities within Palestinian territory.
2003-05-26 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive