TEL AVIV Ñ Israel's military is considering mobilizing its reserves
to facilitate a massive attack on the Palestinian Authority in wake of the
killing of at least 28 Israelis over the last 24 hours.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has convened his Cabinet and
government sources said the ministers are expected to decide on a military
strike on the PA by early Friday, Middle East Newsline reported. The sources said the ministers are divided
over the extent of a campaign against the PA, with the main question whether
PA Chairman Yasser Arafat should be exiled or killed.
For his part, Arafat told a news conference on late Thursday in Ramallah
that he is willing to declare a ceasefire without conditions. Arafat said he
relayed his offer to U.S. peace envoy Anthony Zinni.
Military sources said the General Staff is discussing a partial
mobilization that would include thousands of reservists to help in an
Israeli offensive against PA cities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. They
said the reservists would be required to man roadblocks and protect Israeli
cities. Soldiers from Israel's standing army have been summoned back to
their units.
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz has presented several plans for
Cabinet approval. The plans, military sources said, includes contingencies
for a search-and-destroy operation in every Palestinian city.
The Arab League summit in Beirut has prompted the bloodiest Palestinian
attacks against Israel since June. On Wednesday evening, a Palestinian
suicide bomber blew himself up during a Passover Seder, or ritual meal, in a
crowded hotel in Netanya. At least 24 people were killed by a bomber who is
believed to have entered the hotel dining room disguised as a woman.
On Thursday, a Palestinian insurgent entered the Jewish
settlement of Elon Moreh near the West Bank city of Nablus. The insurgent
burst into a home and killed four Israelis.
The Islamic opposition Hamas movement claimed responsibility for both
attacks.
