Israeli Cabinet Declares to Kick out Arafat

Although the Oslo peace accords which had laid a cornerstone to Middle East peace had its 10th anniversary Friday, tension between Israel and Palestine are getting even worse.

Accusing Arafat for his responsibility to recent violence Wednesday, Israel decided to remove Palestinian interim government president Yasser Arafat and, on this, Palestinian militant groups warned to carry out retaliatory assaults.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon held an emergency security cabinet meeting Wednesday and it decided to remove Arafat in principle. The AP, however, interpreted that the word, “remove”, makes room for several options: deporting Arafat, capturing him or killing him. Reserving a prompt response, the Cabinet said, “It will act at the time and in the manner that will be decided later on,"

When bombing attacks are conducted in the future, Israel is expected to execute its plan by condemning Arafat as the prime mover.

The decision was made in response to two successive bombings Tuesday that are suspected to have been conducted by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, and killed and wounded, respectively, 15 and 80 Israelis.

Hardliners of Israel are claiming assassination of Arafat publicly and there are even some reports that suggest Israeli special armed forces that aim at arresting Arafat are being trained. The decision was reportedly induced chiefly led by Sharon and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz.

On this, the Whitehouse disclosed that it is doing its best with high-ranking officials to convince Israel to draw back its decision while saying, “It will only provide a greater arena for Arafat.” The BBC, however, noted that the United States has pressured the Israeli government in a roundabout way to remove Arafat.

On the decision of removing Arafat, the Arab countries and the European Union showed their concerns in chorus.

The U.N. Security Council is also planning to review a draft resolution Sunday, which states guarantee of Arafat`s safety and was submitted by Palestinians. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said, “It is not only unwise but nonproductive to expel Arafat.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, however, reputed the claim Thursday, saying, “The international community has no right to say what to do to a country that faces continuing suicide bombing attacks.

Thousands of Palestinian residents had demonstrations in support for Arafat Wednesday and Thursday in front of Palestine government buildings on the west coast of the Jordan River.

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an armed offshoot of Yasser Arafat`s Fatah warned, “We will strike everywhere in Israel without exception, if Israel removes Arafat. The Hamas also warned, “We are ready to protect our right and leader.”

Arafat is rather enjoying this crisis as much attention is paid in and out of the country, the BBC reported.

Emerging before throngs of his supporters, Arafat said, “No one can kick me out. With our blood and souls we will redeem you. To Jerusalem we are going as martyrs.”

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