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Analysis: Operation Muqata 2
(Ha'aretz) Ze'ev Schiff - Israel justified its operation because of Arafat hampering any effort to further the cease-fire or to initiate reforms that might undermine his status as the leading Palestinian. Defense sources say Arafat chastised those in the PA leadership who sought to gain an understanding with the Hamas in the Gaza Strip for an end to the firing of mortars against Israeli targets. He also tried to undermine the quiet established in Bethlehem and all efforts by Interior Minister Abd al-Razek Yihiye for a general cease-fire. These obstructions are meant, say the security sources, to prevent any internal discussion in the PA regarding the continuation of a violent confrontation with Israel.