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Jeremiah 6:14	Further Study
Ezekiel Chapters 38 & 39	Further Study
Daniel 9:27	Further Study
Zechariah 12:2-3	Further Study
1 Thessalonians 5:2-3	Further Study
Revelation 6:3-4	Further Study

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Current Events

White House Rebukes Israel for Raid

July 24, 2002 - In a communication to the Israeli government, President Bush objected to yesterday's attack in Gaza as "heavy-handed."

When pressed later in the day on whether the president considered the Israeli air strike early Tuesday as self-defense against terrorism, [White House spokesman Ari] Fleischer replied:
"This is an instance in which the United States and Israel do not see eye to eye."

Source:NewsMax

Also: Israeli president questions Gaza strike - BBC

Explosions destroy Palestinian HQ in Hebron

June 29, 2002 - A Palestinian headquarters building in Hebron was destroyed by Israeli forces after a four-day stand-off with wanted militants inside. The action was part of the Israeli response to the recent spate of terrorist activities that killed 26 Israelis in Jerusalem last week.

The Israeli military is now in control of seven of the eight major West Bank cities.

Source:CNN

Arafat to Run Again in January

June 26, 2002 - An aide of Yasser Arafat says that he will run again in January for the top spot among Palestinians. President Bush has called for new leadership if the Palestinians ever want to have a separate state.

Source:ABC

Bush Calls for 'New and Different' Palestinian Leadership

June 25, 2002 - In a major policy speech about Mid East peace, President Bush held out the hope for a temporary Palestinian state, and a permanent nation within a few years, but only if their chosen leaders will find ways to stop the violence first. He said that current Palestinian authorities encouraged terrorism.

"This is unacceptable. And the United States will not support the establishment of a Palestinian state until its leaders engage in a sustained fight against the terrorists and dismantle their infrastructure."

Source:Fox

Text of the President's speech

Here are the last two paragraphs of the speech:

This moment is both an opportunity and a test for all parties in the Middle East: an opportunity to lay the foundations for future peace, a test to show who's serious about peace and who is not.

The choice here is stark and simple, the Bible says, "I have set before you life and death, therefore choose life." The time has arrived for everyone in this conflict to choose peace and hope and life.

Palestinians blast Bush speech - BBC

Arafat to appeal for halt to suicide bombings

June 20, 2002 - The Palestine news agency WAFA has released a written statement by Yasser Arafat asking Palestinians to stop the suicide bombings.

In the statement, Arafat said that attacks on Israeli civilians "must be halted completely." Arafat said the attacks provide a pretext for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to launch military strikes against the Palestinians.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Israel to take over additional Palestinian territory after each suicide attack

June 19, 2002 - Cabinet resolves to change its response to 'murderous acts of terror'

Prime Minister Sharon's cabinet has issued a statement about a tougher policy against suicide attacks.

Additional acts of terror will lead to the taking of additional areas. As a result of yesterday's murderous act of terror in Jerusalem, Israel will shortly take PA territory ...

"These areas will be held by Israel as long as terror continues."

Source:Jerusalem Post

19 Dead, 52 Wounded In Suicide Bus Bombing In Southern Jerusalem

June 18, 2002 - A crowded public bus with many school children aboard was the latest target of a suicide attack in Jerusalem.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Note: This is the 67th suicide bombing in Israel, and the deadliest in Jerusalem since President Bush took office. - SFGate.com

Young Palestinians wild for `martyr' necklaces

June 18,2002 - Palestinian children are less interested in Pokemon cards now, and more interested in having necklaces that feature their new heroes, suicide bombers! One fourteen-year old boy explains:

"I used to have plenty of Pokémons — my school bag was half full of them... I threw them all away. They're not important now. The pictures of martyrs are important. They're our idols."

Source:Toronto Star

Arafat stole $5.1 million foreign aid

June 15, 2002 - According to the Arab daily newspaper, Al-Watan, Yasser Arafat has pocketed $5.1 million aid money intended for poor Palestinians, and invested in stock for a concrete company that will profit from rebuilding after Arafat's war!

Source:WorldNetDaily

Source: Sharon Open To Palestinian Statehood Declaration

June 13, 2002 - President Bush, Secretary of State Powell, and Israel's Prime Minister Sharon are all weighing various alternatives to get the peace process back on track. Powell had mentioned the possibility of a "temporary" state of Palestine, though President Bush was not ready to agree to it. Sharon did not feel it was out of the question.

"He was open to the statehood declaration as one of the phases. Not immediately of course. First there needs to be a cessation of violence and terror," the source added.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Bad chemistry: Bush, Mubarak disagreed on almost everything

June 12, 2002 - A meeting between President Bush and Egypt's President Mubarak did not go well according to observers. There apparently was not a friendly atmosphere of discussion but, as one person said, "They were talking at each other rather than toward each other." They disagreed on a variety of important issues, including:

... how to end the Israeli-Palestinian war, the role of Israel in the Middle East, the need for Palestinian reform and Egyptian support for an American attack on Iraq.

Source:Times Tribune

Car blast kills 17 in Israel

June 5, 2002 - Another suicide bombing has apparently taken place at Megiddo in Northern Israel. This time the explosion caused a bus to burn, trapping people, including soldiers, inside. Two groups have claimed responsibility. They are Islamic Jihad and the Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has convened his security cabinet, and correspondents say that a military response seems inevitable.

Source:BBC

Sharon Not Impressed With PA Reforms

June 3, 2002 - Pressure is on Israel from all sides to restart talks with the Palestinians, but so far, Israel is not ready to trust Yasser Arafat.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon insisted on Friday that even with a new paint job, the PA under Yasser Arafat is still the same old Trojan Horse that will use areas under its control to strike at the heart of Israel.

Source:Worthy News

U.S. concludes Israel's military cannot defeat the Palestinians

May 16, 2002 - Pentagon officials commented on results of Israel's military response, which, they said, failed to deliver a strategic blow to either the Palestinian Authority or the opposition Hamas and Islamic Jihad. There were tactical successes, but their assessment is that this struggle will not be won by military means. A political solution must be found.

Source:World Tribune

Sharon: There can be no peace with a corrupt terrorist regime

May 15, 2002 - Two days after Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's political party voted against the establishment of a Palestinian state, Sharon called for continuing peace talks, but with a "different Palestinian Authority."

He said for peace talks to start, the PA must halt violence and incitement and undergo basic structural reforms in all areas, including in security and justice. "There can be no peace with a corrupt terrorist regime," he said.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Also see: Arafat commits to Palestinian reform - BBC

Israel readies harsh response to blasts

May 8, 2002 - After a lull in the suicide bombings in Israel, and while Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was meeting with President Bush, another bomber destroyed himself and 16 Israelis at at a Rishon Letzion pool hall. Sharon left the U.S. early to plan a large-scale retaliation in the Gaza area, and possible expulsion of Yasser Arafat.

Source:MSNBC

Bethlehem deal in sight

May 6, 2002 - Reports from Israel indicate that a deal is in the works to end the stand-off at the Bethlehem Church of the Nativity. The Pope's special envoy Cardinal Roger Etchegaray and a group of foreign mediators brokered the plan, which would send about 40 Palestinians who are wanted by Israel will be sent either into exile in Italy or into custody in the Gaza Strip. If the plan succeeds, Israel will be able to withdraw its military from Bethlehem just in time for the meeting between President Bush and Israeli premier, Ariel Sharon.

Source:BBC

Israel Lists Demands for UN Mission to Jenin

Apr. 30, 2002 - Israel is still working on groundrules for the UN investigation at Jenin. They are concerned about the qualifications of the people who do the investigation, and about the terminology that will be used. They want references to "terrorism" included, and want the team to report "findings" but not draw "observations" or conclusions. Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said:

"Faced with a relentless battle against terrorism on the one hand and wishing to cooperate with the international community on the other, we are obliged to ensure that our very basic interests, and those of our military and security servicemen, are fully protected," Peres said.

Source:Reuters

Israel fears UN Jenin mission may be "setup to accuse Israel of war crimes"

Apr. 24, 2002 - Israel has postponed allowing a U.N. fact-finding team into the Jenin area, fearing that it is a "setup to accuse Israel of war crimes." Their concern is based on the composition of the team, and statements by U.N. Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, that indicate that the team would go beyond Jenin in its investigation.

Source:Israel Insider

Senate Resolution Backing Israel Introduced

Apr. 23, 2002 - A resolution has been introduced into the Senate decrying suicide bombings, and acknowledging Israel's right to defend itself. The resolution has bipartisan support.

Source:Yahoo/ Reuters

Israel to cooperate with UN fact-finding mission in Jenin

Apr. 21, 2002 - Israel has agreed to cooperate with a fact-finding team from a United Nations. The group will investigate what happened during the IDF's battles in the Jenin refugee camp. Israel says it has nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Israel lost 23 soldiers in the fight. Arab casualties were about 45. The facts will show that it was not a massacre.

Source:Israel Insider

Thousands of Americans rally in solidarity with Israel

Apr. 16, 2002 - A march, organized in just one week by Jewish leaders, gathered an estimated 100,000 American Jews in Washington DC for one of the largest pro-Israel rallies ever held in the United States. Former Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was one of the speakers. The message of the rally was that Israel has a right to defend herself against terrorism.

Source:Israel Insider

Powell hails progress in Mid-East talks

Apr. 16, 2002 - Secretary of State Powell says he believes progress is being made in his efforts to bring peace in the Middle East. He plans to meet again with Prime Minister Sharon of Israel today, and again with PA Chairman Arafat tomorrow. Israeli forces are slowly pulling out of West Bank areas, and US/ Palestinian negotiators are working on a joint statement condemning suicide bombings and endorsing a Palestinian state. Powell also hopes to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak before leaving the area.

Source:BBC

PM proposes Mideast peace summit, says U.S. accepts idea

Apr. 15, 2002 - Israeli Prime Minister Sharon proposed an international peace summit, hosted by the U.S.

"I said we are ready to have a regional conference in which a number of countries would participate - Israel, Egypt, the Saudis, Jordan, Morocco and Palestinian representatives. It doesn't have to be limited to these."

Source:Ha'Aretz

Arafat condemns Jerusalem suicide bombing

Apr. 13, 2002 - Finally, a short statement by Arafat's group has been issued, stating that they were opposed to "all terrorism against Israeli and Palestinian civilians." Colin Powell then said he would meet with Arafat on Sunday.

Source: Ha'Aretz

This is Arafat's last chance - US official

Apr. 12, 2002 - Secretary of State Colin Powell is scheduled to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today, and then see Yasser Arafat tomorrow. According to a senior administration official, Powell will warn Arafat that the United States will sever ties with him unless he renounces terrorism

Source:Jerusalem Post

Netanyahu speech before the US SENATE

April 11, 2002 - In a speech to the U.S. Senate, former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reminded the United States of our President's words when he took a bold stand against terrorism.

‘No distinction will be made between the terrorists and the regimes that harbor them.’

He explained that Israel's situation, forced on them by terrorist activity, is the same sort of thing that forced the US into battle in Afghanistan.

Source:Netanyahu.org

UN, U.S., Russia and EU issue joint call for Israeli pullout

Apr. 10, 2002 - UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan issued a joint statement for the UN, The United States, the European Union and Russia urging Israel to withdraw from Palestinian areas immediately and calling for a cease-fire by both sides.

Source:Ha'Aretz

Fierce fighting in West Bank town

April 9, 2001 - While Israelis pull out of some West Bank areas, fighting has increased in the town of Jenin, where there are reports of heavy casualties on both sides.

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ofer Gendleman, told the BBC that 10 Israeli soldiers had been killed in the past 24 hours.

Source:BBC

Arafat 'teams up with Saddam to plot attacks'

Apr. 8, 2002 - An aide to Yasser Arafat has reportedly met with Saddam Hussein's General Intelligence Agency to plan joint attacks with Iraq in case of American strikes on Baghdad. The Palestinians identified potential targets and provided blank passports from various Arab countries for use by Iraqi terrorists.

Source:News Telegraph

Also: Saddam vows to defeat U.S. if attacked, rejects U.S. criticism over donations to families of suicide bombers - New York Times

Worst-Case Scenario

Apr. 6, 2002 - This TIME article by Edward N. Luttwakshows how the crisis in Israel could result in mass demonstrations in surrounding Arab countries, forcing their leaders to attack Israel. The situation could easily spiral into a conflict that is beyond their control.

Source:Time Magazine

U.S. envoy meets besieged Arafat

Apr. 5, 2002 - Anthony Zinni, U.S. Envoy, was allowed a 90 minute meeting with PA Chairman Yasser Arafat. Zinni was the first senior official to speak in person with Arafat since the Israeli seige of Palestinian Authority headquarters began eight day ago. The meeting was apparently a response to a stern message by President Bush Thursday in which he demanded that Israel halt its incursions, and announced that he was sending Secretary of State Colin Powell to the area again next week.

Bush also accused Arafat of not confronting terrorists, and said his difficult situation was largely of his own making.

Source:MSNBC

Sharon seeks OK from Bush on Arafat

Apr. 3, 2002 - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has received U.S. support for his actions to this point, but he would like President Bush to give him the green light to make the next move against Arafat himself. The PA Chairman has been isolated in his headquarters, now occupied by Israeli forces, but there is concern that his situation will make him a martyr in the eyes of the world.

Source:Geostrategy Direct/ WorldNetDaily

Bethlehem church under siege

Apr. 3, 2002 - About 100 Palestinian Authority soldiers have taken refuge in the Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, the site of the birth of Christ. Israeli tanks and soldiers have the church surrounded.

Source:BBC

Israeli intelligence: Arafat approves 30 new suicide missions

Apr. 2, 2002 - According to Israeli intelligence sources, PA Chairman Yasser Arafat has approved 30 new suicide missions against Israeli targets - and is responsible for training and equipping the martyrs to use their equipment and evade detection by Israeli forces.

Source:World Tribune

Sharon weighing Arafat exile

Apr. 2, 2002 - Yasser Arafat has been effectively isolated in his headquarters, now occupied by Israeli forces, but the Israeli government is considering the possibility of allowing him to leave the country. If he does leave, he will not be allowed to return.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Congress Considers Yanking Arafat Visa

Apr. 2, 2002 - There is growing support in Congress for the idea that Israel's fight is like our own War Against Terrorism. A measure proposed by Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.. would block Yasser Arafat from entering the U.S., and might even seize PA assets here.

Source: Fox

Sharon declares 'war against terrorism'

Apr. 1, 2002 - Two more suicide bombers have killed at least 14 people in Israel during the past day. Israeli troops continue their occupation of West Bank areas. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon explained their position in a national TV address:

"Citizens of Israel, the state of Israel is in a war -- a war against terrorism. It's a war that has been imposed upon us. It is not one that we have chosen to undertake. It is a war for our home."

Source:CNN

Anti-Israel protests intensify across Arab world

Apr. 1, 2002 - Massive protests against Israel have been conducted in Egypt and Jordan. Even moderate Arab nations, like United Arab Emirates are calling for UN enforcement of its resolution calling for Israel to withdraw its troops.

Source:Ha'Aretz

Also: Thousands march in Baghdad in support of Palestinians - The Times of India

Israel traps Arafat in ravaged HQ

Mar. 30, 2002 - Israeli forces have destroyed seven buildings and have occupied the building where PA Chairman Yasser Arafat is staying. He is confined inside one floor of his headquarters without electricity, but still remains defiant. The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution asking Israel to withdraw from Ramallah.

Source:BBC

Israeli troops enter Arafat headquarters

Mar. 29, 2002 - Following another suicide attack in a Jerusalem Mall, the Israeli government held an emergency meeting, and decided to act now to destroy the terrorist infrastructure of the Palestinians. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon declared Yasser Arafat the enemy, and Israli tanks attacked Arafat's headquarters.

Source:CNN

Arafat: 'I hope I will be a martyr'

Mar. 29, 2002 - While Israeli forces were attacking his compound in Ramallah, Yasser Arafat was on the phone, giving interviews and seeking assistance from others. To Al Jazeera television, he said:

"I hope I will be a martyr in the Holy Land. I have chosen this path and if I fall, one day a Palestinian child will raise the Palestinian flag above our mosques and churches."

Source:CNN

Peace Plan, Passover Massacre, and Preparation for All-Out War Mar. 28, 2002 - The following news summaries illustrate the desparate situation in Israel. While Arab nations unite to call for peace concessions that would severely weaken Israel, a Hamas suicide bomber kills 20 people at a Passover celebration, and both sides are facing the lilkihood of all-out war. Arabs adopt Mid-East peace plan Mar. 28, 2002 - Despite the absence of several key players, the Arab Summit, meeting in Beirut, has unanimously adopted their proposal for an Israeli/ Palestinian peace plan. As expected, it called for Israel to make deep concessions, withdrawing from land seized in 1967, including the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. It would also expect Israel to allow Palestinian refuges to return. The capital of Palestine would be East Jerusalem In response, Arab states would grant a peace treaty, considering the Arab-Israeli conflict over, and establish normal diplomatic relations with Israel. Source:BBC Twenty dead, 100 hurt in suicide bombing in Netanya hotel Mar. 28, 2002 - A suicide bomber attacked Israelis during a Passover meal at the Park Hotel in Netanya, killing himself and at least 19 Israelis, and injuring over 100 others. The Hamas took responsibility for the attack. Source:Ha'Aretz PA evacuates military installations anticipating IDF attack Mar. 28, 2002 - Israel is running out of patience. They have cooperated with the cease-fire proposals of American peace envoy, anthony Zinni, but there have been ongoing attacks by terrorists. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sayd that what happened in Netanya is likely to cause them to re-evaluate their policies. Earlier statements indicated that if the current push for peace fails, Israel will undertake a full-scale assault against the Palestinian Authority. Sensing that danger, the Palestinians have evacuated all military installations in Ramallah and other West Bank areas. The sources added that Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat told his aides that he feared for his life, because Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was showing signs that he wanted to harm him personally. Source:Ha/Aretz Arafat to lead 'all-out war'? Mar. 28, 2002 - Israeli intelligence sources say Iran, Iraq, and Syria pledged full support to Yasser Arafat if he decides to scuttle peace efforts and engage in all-out war against Israel. Source:WorldNetDaily

Arabs set conditions for Mid-East peace

Mar. 27, 2002 - Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah introduced his peace plan at the Arab summit in Beirut, Lebanon.

As expected, he said that the Arab world would offer Israel normal relations if Israel pulled out of all Arab land it occupied in 1967.

Key Arab leaders were absent from the meeting, including Yasser Arafat, who was not allowed to leave Israel. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah II both decided not to attend at the last minute.

Source:BBC

Saudis to present plan to Arab summit even without Arafat

Mar. 19, 2002 - The Arab Leage will meet next week to discuss Saudi Arabia's proposed peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians. It is not clear whether Yasser Arafat will be allowed by Israel to leave the country to attend the summit. The plan will be presented whether or not he is in attendance, and it is expected to be approved by the conference.

Source:Ha'Aretz

Army withdraws from most PA areas

Mar. 16, 2002 - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon lifted Israel's three-day occupation of Ramallah, and withdrew from most other occupied areas in preparation for renewed peace talks with U.S. peace envoy, Anthony Zinni.

Source:Ha'Aretz

Israel may accept U.S. call for truce before weekend

Mar. 15, 2002 - Experts are hopeful that a cease-fire will be declared today between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. If it does happen, it will go into effect at the beginning of next week, and will pave the way for renewed discussions about implementing the Mitchell Commission's recommendations, which include a settlement freeze. The cease-fire is expected to coincide with the arrival of U.S. peace envoy Anthony Zinni.

Source:Ha'Aretz

UN backs Palestinian state

Mar. 13, 2002 - For the first time, the United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution calling for a separate Palestinian State alongside Israel, and the proposal came from the United States!

The Palestinians praised the move, while Israel said it welcomed a "balanced" resolution

Source:BBC

Israel in massive new offensive

Mar. 12, 2002 - At the same time that Israel is allowing Yasser Arafat freedom to move from Ramallah, and Prime Minister Sharon is saying they will negotiate for peace while terrorism is still going on, Israel has mounted its greatest ground offensive in 20 years. They have invaded the Gaza Strip with thousands of troops, dismantling the terrorist infrastructures, such as bomb-making factories, and taking hundreds of prisoners.

Source:BBC

Mid-East sees bloodiest day

Mar. 9, 2002 - Yesterday's battles brought the highest death toll since the Palestinian uprising began 17 months ago. with at least 45 casualties. The escalating spiral of violence has resulted in a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon that he would drop the demand for a week of peace before restarting peace negotiations.

The fighting erupted just after US President George Bush announced he was sending his peace envoy Anthony Zinni back to the region.

Vice President Dick Cheney is also due to visit the area on Sunday.

Source:BBC

Zinni returns to region next week

Mar. 7, 2002 - President Bush is sending US special Middle East envoy Anthony Zinni back to the Middle East to try once again to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians. President Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell have both voiced criticism of Israel's current strong military retaliation.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon praised Bush for sending Zinni, saying he hopes the visit will succeed in bringing about the implementation of the Tenet agreement, which calls for an end to violence.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Sharon: We'll hit PA until it begs for mercy

Mat. 5, 2002 - After a night of strong retalliation, Prime Minister Sharon expressed the view that the Palestinians will not be willing to talk until they are convinced that terrorism will not prevail. After a weekend in which 22 Israelis were killed by terrorists, the Israeli Air Force responded by attacking PA headquarters in Gaza City, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, firing missiles at a military intelligence building only 10 meters from PA Chairman Yasser Arafat's office in Ramallah.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Bush, Mubarak to Hold Urgent Middle East Talks

Mar. 5, 2002 - President Bush meets with Egypt's President, Hosni Mubarak, today to discuss the need for peace in the Middle East. Mubarak thinks the Saudi proposal would provide a fresh iniative for the process.

Source:Yahoo: Reuters

Peace With Israel Would Be Temporary

Feb. 2, 2002 - In the light of the Saudi Arabian peace proposal, the teachings of Sheikh Abdel Aziz Bin-Baz, the mufti of Saudi Arabia, are interesting. A month ago he had handed down a religious ruling that Islamic law does not rule out peace with Israel. Now, because of pressure from Islamic extremists, he has explained it this way:

"peace with Israel is permissible only on condition that it is a temporary peace, until the Moslems build up the [military] strength needed to expel the Jews."

Source:IMRA - Shlomo Gazit, The Jerusalem Post February 14, 1995. Page 6

Bush endorses Saudi plan for Mideast peace

Feb. 26, 2002 - White House spokesman AI Fleischer said that President Bush called Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia to express his feeling that the Saudi proposal for restarting peace talks was welcome. He did not discuss details, but said that face-to-face meetings between any of the regional parties would be beneficial.

Source:Nando Times

An important Saudi initiative

Feb. 26, 2002 - A proposal by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince could bring a break-through in the struggle in Israel.

... in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from the territories and the establishment of a Palestinian state, Arab states would sign peace treaties with Israel and conduct normal diplomatic and commercial ties with the Jewish state.

The withdrawal would be back to the borders before the 196 war. Israeli leaders are taking a serious look at the idea.

Source:Ha'Aretz

Also: Arafat said to endorse Saudi plan

Note: This proposal would leave the Temple Mount in Palestinian territory. Arafat only sees Israeli sovereignty over the Western Wall (Wailing Wall - outside the Temple Mount area).

Sharon unveils buffer-zone plan

Feb. 23, 2002 - Israel's prime minister, Ariel Sharon has pledged to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians in a two-phased plan. The first phase will be erection of physical barriers between Israelis and Palestinians. Once actual fighting between the two sides has ceased, negotiations can be conducted to determine the final borders for Israel and the Palestinians.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Bush: We'll keep the pressure on Arafat

Feb. 8, 2002 - After a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, President Bush said that the U.S. was very disappointed with Yasser Arafat, since he claimed to be doing everything possible to stop terrorism while he was involved with importing a ship-full of arms from Iran.

Bush said America supports a Palestinian state that comes about as the result of negotiations and that recognizes Israel’s right to exist.

Sharon said that Arafat was an obstacle to peace. The president promised to keep the pressure on Arafat.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Iran warns Israel against attacking nuclear plant

Feb. 6, 2002 - In 1981 Israel destroyed an Iraqi nuclear power plant that was under instruction. Now Iran is building one, and warns Israel not to risk doing the same thing to them. Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani said that Iran was much bigger than Iraq, and

"If Israel carries out any military action against Iran, it will face a response that will be unimaginable to any Israeli politician,"

He did add that he was not referring to a nuclear response.

Source: Jerusalem Post

U.S. making final break with Arafat?

Feb. 2, 2002 - According to DEBKAfile information, the Bush administration has decided to make a final and irreversable break with Yasser Arafat. Arab nations have been notified that the U.S. no longer considers Arafat the Palestinian people's representative leader. The decision is based not only on the attempted arms import from Iran, but on extensive links between Arafat and a variety of terrorist organizations for many years.

Source:WorldNetDaily

As his pawns fall, Arafat faces checkmate

Jan. 24, 2002 - Little by little, Yasser Arafat has lost the support of world leaders, and is now physically boxed in, with Israeli troops inching closer and closer. His situation looks like a chess game that is about to end. Even Shimon Peres, Israel's former Prime Minister who made major concessions to Arafat, has now warned him that his survival is at stake.

"If he doesn't stop the terror, the terror will stop him. That's why we ask Arafat to be a leader," he said yesterday

Source: News Telegraph

Al Qaida moving into Gaza, may join fight against Israel

Jan. 24, 2002 - According to Israeli military sources, remnants of Osama bin Laden's Al Qaida group are steadily arriving in the Gaza strip, and are considering making that area their new headquarters. One of the most ominous aspects of this development would be the introduction of nonconventional weapons into the struggle.

The sources said Al Qaida agents might have already transferred weapons of mass destruction technology to such Islamic insurgency groups as Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Source: World Tribune

Arafat: Willing to Die a Martyr

Jan. 22, 2002 - Israeli forces have prevented Yasser Arafat from leaving the city of Ramallah since early December. He claims that he is willing to die a martyr in the fight to establish a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Source: Washington Post

See also:Arafat girding for last battle? - WorldNetDaily - DEBKAfiles Intelligence report that he is preparing for his biggest battle and his last heroic stand.

U.S. to Lebanon: Hezbollah second on most-wanted list after Al Qaida

Jan. 15, 2002 - The Lebanese government has been warned that the U.S. considers Hezbolla the second organization on America's most-wanted list, immediately following Al Qaida. The Al-Hayat newspaper reported the news.

The paper also said that the United States possesses information confirming the connection of Iran and the Hezbollah to the weapons ship Karin A, caught by Israel in an attempt to reach Palestinian territory on January 3.

Source: Ha'Aretz

'Compelling evidence' Arafat knew of arms

Jan. 10, 2002 - Israelis have presented what they consider is compelling evidence that Palestian Chairman Yasser Arafat was aware of the shipment of 50 tons of arms from Iran to Gaza. The ship, which was intercepted by Israeli Armed Forces, included Katyusha rockets, rifles, mortar shells, mines and a variety of anti-tank missiles.

Source:CNN

Sharon: Arafat is our 'bitter enemy'

Jan 7, 2001 - An arms freighter, the Karine-A has been intercepted by Israeli armed forces. It was bound for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. Standing in front of the ship, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that Yasser Arafat is Israel's "bitter enemy."

"I have decided that in the very near future we will hold a strategic discussion in the cabinet regarding our relationship with the Palestinian Authority, which is entirely infected with terror," he said.

Source: Jerusalem Post (Story no longer on line.)