(Jerusalem Post) Nina Gilbert - IDF Intelligence Chief Maj.-Gen. Aharon Ze'evi told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Tuesday: The construction of a large engine workshop that has been detected in Iraq could signal preparations for the launching of ground-to-ground missiles, but Iraqi missile capabilities are "limited." An Iraqi attack on Israel via aircraft is also a limited possibility, but the Israel Air Force is well prepared to meet this threat. Arafat is continuing to finance the Fatah and Tanzim groups and is trying to block any reform or cease-fire efforts. Arafat sent low-ranking PA officials to Cairo with the Hamas to discuss a cease-fire instead of a senior figure who could have reached an agreement. While the U.S. is determined to impose change in Iraq, either by replacing the regime or dismantling its non-conventional weapons capabilities, Iraq is itself determined not to give up these capabilities because it aims to become a regional power. Iraq is making preparations to thwart a U.S. ground offensive.
2002-11-15 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive