Damascus Media Reaction: Israeli Operations in Lebanon,

UNCLAS DAMASCUS 003481 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR PA, NEA/ARN, INR/IC/CD, INR/S:STHIBEAULT AND JMCCARTER, VOA NEWS CA, NEA/PPD:CBOURGEOIS, DBENZE AND AFERNANDEZ, IIP/G/NEA-SA RWINCHESTER WHITE HOUSE FOR NSC CENTCOM FOR CCPA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR PREL KPAO OPRC SY SUBJECT: Damascus Media Reaction: Israeli Operations in Lebanon, Palestinian Territories (7/14-17) ¶1. Summary: Syrian papers focused on the tense situation in Lebanon. All papers reported a statement by Hassan Nasrallah, Hizbollah's Secretary General, saying that the resistance is ready for "an open war" against Israel, announcing that the resistance fighters had set fire to an Israeli warship off the coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war. We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond Haifa." Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it. Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their struggle against the aggression. They called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian territories and the neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab- Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the comprehensive peace process in the region. The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Ekmeleddin Ihsan Uglo, has strongly condemned the Israeli aggression against Lebanon, stressing that such an act violates all human laws. In an urgent message sent to the UN Secretary General, Ihsan Uglo expressed deep regret over the SIPDIS dangerous escalation in Lebanese territory. He called on Kofi Annan to consider the Israeli raids on Lebanese civilians as a factor that would undermine all the efforts that have been made to find a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict and to the Palestinian tragedy. He called on Annan to intervene and put an end to the current escalation of Israeli killing, which is shedding the blood of Lebanese civilians. Spanish Premier Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has called on Israel to halt immediately its aggressive acts in Lebanon and Gaza. In a broadcast interview on Friday, Zapatero said that there is a difference between a full counter-offensive against Lebanon and legitimate defense, expressing regret over the military escalation that is setting us back scores of years. He expressed the belief that Israel is wrong in its full response on Gaza and Lebanon, which will lead to fuelling up violence in the Middle East. Zapatero called for a return to the spirit of the Madrid Conference on the Middle East, and called upon the superpowers to be firm toward Israel. Headlines reported that President Asad received a telephone call from Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi which also focused on the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war. We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond Haifa." Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it. Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their struggle against the aggression. They called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian territories and the neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab- Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the comprehensive peace process in the region. End of summary. ¶2. Selected Headlines: "A new Qana massacre in Marwahin. Israel's terrorist war-machine perpetrates hideous massacres in South Lebanon. Israel shells ports and the southern suburbs. The national resistance strikes deep in Israel. AL SecGen Mousa announces death of the peace process" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16) "President Asad confirms to President Lahoud Syria's solidarity with Lebanon and that Syria places its capabilities at Lebanon's disposal" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16) "A Syrian official source denies that any Syrian military posts have been exposed to any Israeli shelling or attack" (Government- owned Tishreen, 7/16) "The People's Assembly denounces the Israeli aggression, confirms full solidarity with Lebanon and the resistance, and calls for adoption of deterrent Arab and international measures against Israel" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16) "Foreign Minister al-Mouallem warns against any Arab statements that might serve Israel in its aggression: We proved to the world that Israel is rejecting and evading peace requirements. Arab Foreign Ministers call on the international community to coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war. We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond Haifa." Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it. Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their struggle against the aggression. They called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian territories and the neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab- Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the comprehensive peace process in the region. shoulder responsibilities" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16) "The Pentagon plans to strengthen the Israeli strategic fuel storage for warplanes" (Government-owned Tishreeen, 7/16) "Angry reactions to the Israeli aggression on Lebanon; Spanish PM Zapatero: Let's stop this madness immediately" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16) "Germany stresses Syria's important role and warns against the dangers of a regional war" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16) "Islamic Scholars Assembly denounces targeting of mosques in Iraq. Two American soldiers killed in al-Sader city. Clashes continue in Baghdad" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16) "An Open War; Nasrallah: Victory is coming.... An Israeli warship is sinking. The Lebanese Resistance repels attacks; Israel escalates aggression against civilians and public facilities in Beirut, Bekaa, and Southern Lebanon. Nasrallah: We will not be the only ones to pay the price. Ha'aretz refutes the Israeli army's report: The Israeli warship sustained immense damage" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/15) "President Asad receives a phone call from Italian PM Prodi; Talks focus on the Israeli attack against Lebanon" (Government- owned Tishreen, 7/15) coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war. We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond Haifa." Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it. Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their struggle against the aggression. They called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian territories and the neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab- Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the comprehensive peace process in the region. "President Asad discusses the situation in Palestine and Lebanon in a phone call with Ahmedinejad. Ahmedinejad: We stand by Syria and support her in the face of all campaigns of pressure" (Government-owned Al-Thawra, 7/14) "The US vetoes a UNSC resolution denouncing Israeli offenses. 48 Lebanese martyred by Israeli aggression, 10 from the same family; Hizbollah targets military sites, airports and Zionist settlements. Extensive denunciation of the Israeli aggression and Annan seeks a cool-down" (Government-owned Al-Thawra, 7/14) ¶3. Editorial Block Quotes: -------------- "From Silence to Conspiracy" -------------- Isam Dari, an editorialist in government-owned Tishreen, editorialized (7/15): "This is not the first time in history that horrendous massacres have been committed against civilians in our region under the political cover of the superpowers which claim to be defending human rights, freedom, security, and stability in the world.... "The pictures of the dismembered bodies of children, who watered the Lebanese soil with their chaste blood, did not awaken the sentiments and consciences of the free world. On the contrary, the US President blessed the criminal killers and announced that Israel has the right to defend itself and blamed Syria for the continuing Israeli crimes in Gaza and Lebanon.... coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war. We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond Haifa." Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it. Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their struggle against the aggression. They called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian territories and the neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab- Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the comprehensive peace process in the region. "Killers of children, who violated human rights in Abu-Ghraib and Hadithah and who provided protection for those who massacred a family after raping one of its members, are unable to blame killers of children in Palestine. The two are strategic allies in evil and aggression and are committing the same deeds...." -------------- "Self-Restraint" -------------- Dr. Nadiya Khost, an op-ed writer in government-owned Tishreen commented (7/15): "Eighteen Palestinians and 47 Lebanese civilians, including entire families, were killed in one day. Nonetheless, the Lebanese and the Palestinians were asked to exercise self-restraint.... "In this bloody carnival, the world's masters and their Israeli allies, who are acting on their behalf, exhibit their bloody achievements.... This carnival is intended to make us accept the systematic massacres in Iraq, Palestine, and in Lebanon today, thank the war criminals who have become heads of state, applaud the racist Bolton, warn of the tolerant Hasan Nasrallah, believe that Arab martyrs are terrorists and that the Israeli Apaches are peaceful pigeons and the F-16 war jets are only toys to entertain children...." -------------- "Captive Soldiers and Hostage Positions" -------------- coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war. We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond Haifa." Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it. Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their struggle against the aggression. They called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian territories and the neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab- Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the comprehensive peace process in the region. Ahmad Hamadeh, an editorialist in government-owned Al-Thawra, commented (7/14): "The identical positions by Washington, that blatantly and unreservedly supports Israel and promotes its aggression against Lebanese and Palestinians, and the UN, which is supposed to be just, objective, and in harmony with international law, raise more than one question about the role of the international organization in achieving world peace and security.... "What prompted this comment was a statement made by UN SecGen Kofi Annan on the capture of the two Israeli soldiers by Hizbollah. As soon as news agencies and world TV stations reported the news, the White House issued a statement condemning the operation and demanding their immediate release. Likewise, as soon as the White House spokesman finished his remarks, UN SecGen Kofi Annan hastened to take the same stand, demanding that the Lebanese resistance immediately release the two captured soldiers. The EU followed suit, using almost the same words.... "The UN has failed to issue a statement demanding the release of thousands of Palestinian, Lebanese, and other Arab prisoners held in Israeli jails. Likewise, the United Nations has failed to issue a statement demanding a halt to Israel's barbaric attacks against innocent civilians in Gaza and southern Lebanon, as if the international organization has turned into a mere hostage to US stands, wishes, and interests." coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war. We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond Haifa." Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it. Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their struggle against the aggression. They called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian territories and the neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab- Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the comprehensive peace process in the region. "How long will the world continue to turn a blind eye to Israeli crimes...?" -------------- --- "Aggression against Gaza, a Desperate Attempt to Abort the National Palestinian Plan" -------------- --- Adil Sawahah, in an op-ed in government-owned Al-Thawra, said (7/14): "The governing Israeli elites have never abandoned their opposition to any permanent peaceful settlement with Palestinians, or with neighboring countries, for that matter.... The successive Israeli governing elites have always remained hostage to the Zionist enterprise, which is based on emptying the Palestinian territories, dissipating the Palestinian people's energies, and paralyzing them. This is achieved only through incessant pressure on these people to evict and displace them, and by robbing them of their nationalist leaders who seek to achieve Palestinian national goals and aspirations. "As appears in Zionist documents and archives, keeping the Palestinian people without leaders or elites that seek to realize the Palestinian dream, is a strategic objective. "This has been evident since the signing of the Oslo accords and coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war. We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond Haifa." Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it. Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their struggle against the aggression. They called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian territories and the neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab- Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the comprehensive peace process in the region. the death of the late Palestinian President Yasir Arafat. The same is now happening to the Palestinian Government following the arrest of some of its members. This explains the Israeli attacks on the Palestinian infrastructure. "The Zionist plan targets the Palestinian Government to prevent it from forging ahead toward the achievement of an independent state and to eliminate the Palestinian people's national plan." Seche