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U.S. Policy to Israel Won't Change
(Jerusalem Post) Nina Gilbert - The U.S. is expected to continue its "friendly policy" toward Israel under any administration, IDF Intelligence Branch chief Maj.-Gen. Aharon (Farkash) Ze'evi told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Tuesday. If Arafat exits the scene, however, the U.S. may use the opportunity to "balance" its policy in the region, including seeking to get Israel's unilateral disengagement plan into the road map, Ze'evi said. Arafat, hospitalized in France, won't choose a successor or give away powers, according to the IDF's intelligence assessment. As long as Arafat can function, he will continue to make an impact and give orders. Arafat's death could lead to a shakeup of the old Tunisian leadership and give a chance to a new generation, he said. During this period, terror will continue since the groups will still have motivation and capabilities. Mahmoud Abbas, the former PA prime minister, was likely to take over the PA after Arafat. Current Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei recognizes Abbas as the more senior figure.