Fighting Fire with Fire

Picking up the chorus, the editors of Hatzofeh wrote in their Dec. 13 editorial: “Arafat explains to the world that he cannot be held responsible for terrorist attacks of this type, that those behind these actions are from abroad. In other words the hapless Arafat announces that he doesn’t control the situation and that he cannot prevent these attacks.”

After the Israeli security cabinet’s decision to label Arafat irrelevant, Hatzofeh’s Dec. 14 editorial declared: “From now on Israel does not see itself bound to the Oslo accord. A pity that the government of Sharon did not arrive at this conclusion from the moment that it took power.” The editors conclude: “If the Palestinians are interested in renewing negotiations with Israel they must disengage from Yasser Arafat’s fetters and designate under him a reliable man who has the power to project his complete mastery over the PA and to ban the terror organizations.... As long as the people of blood run free, Israel has no other choice but to hit the terrorists who are there.”

The commentators at Ha’aretz had a different view of the crisis. Amos Harel (Dec. 13) wrote: “Israel is not pinning any real hopes on the American pressure. PA Chairman Yasser Arafat is not rushing to accede to the American demands. Also, if a temporary remission in terror emerges, the violence will ultimately become stronger, and the next time it erupts, it will be with even greater force. The attacks at the West Bank settlement of Emmanuel and in Gush Katif, which occurred almost simultaneously, confirm this forecast. The 48 hours of quiet that Gen. Zinni requested just two days ago have been forgotten as if they never existed.”

Former deputy mayor of Jerusalem Meron Benvenisti, an author and columnist for Ha’aretz, took a bolder view (Dec. 13): “Humiliating Palestinians at checkpoints is a serious matter, but might be excusable because of the need to crack down on the movement of terrorists. But humiliating, denouncing, and calling for the blood of the national leader, father of their nation, and symbol of their nationhood is another thing entirely. What pressing security need was there in the destruction of the chairman’s helicopters—piles of junk already out of commission—if not the urge to humiliate Yasser Arafat?”

In Yediot Aharonot (Dec. 14) senior columnist Shimon Shefer quoted Foreign Minister Shimon Peres as saying, “Arafat isn’t finished yet.” Peres, the only cabinet member opposed to cutting off contact with Arafat, stated: “It is entirely possible that the military actions against Arafat will make him stronger.”