<
--------------
STRATFOR.com
--------------
THE INTERNET SOURCE FOR GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE
If it’s in the news, it’s too late...
Israel Preparing for Drawn-Out Campaign
March 29, 2002
Summary
Israel stepped up military operations in the West Bank March 29 in response to devastating Palestinian suicide bombings this week. However, although the actions appear similar to earlier Israeli sweeps in the occupied territories, the government's decision to mobilize thousands of reservists indicates a substantial increase in the scope and length of the operations.
Image Credit: l'Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Analysis
Israeli tanks and troops rolled into the West Bank March 29 in the start of what appears to be the beginning of a protracted military operation against the Palestinians. Israeli military personnel are currently occupying Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Ramallah compound, and although five Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were killed during the siege, Arafat was unhurt.
Israeli tanks smashed their way into the compound.
Image Credit: The Associated Press.
The failure of the Arab summit and a suicide bombing on the eve of Passover this week have crystallized Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's belief that military operations are the only way to deal with the Palestinian conflict. A decision March 29 to mobilize Israeli reservists strongly suggests that the subsequent military actions will be much more extensive that what we have seen thus far.
The summit in Beirut March 27-28, ostensibly to discuss the recent Saudi-led Israeli-Palestinian peace proposal, was not a proud time for Arab nations. Much of the leadership didn't even show up, including heavyweights such as Egypt's Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah. A walkout by the Palestinian delegation added to the disarray while a reported medical emergency for Saudi Prince Nawaf essentially brought the substantive portion of the summit to a close almost before it began.
(The Rest of the Story)
(c) 2001 Stratfor, Inc.
Related Stories:
* Two Palestinians killed, vast detention campaign, Sharon prevents Arafat from the summit
Arabic News.com
Wednesday, March 27, 2002
* Palestinian Leader Says He’s Ready for Cease-Fire, But Settlers Attacked
ABC News
Thursday, March 28, 2002
* Arafat's compound occupied by Israeli troops
Reuters, Ltd.
Sunday, March 30, 2002
* Arafat cornered by Israeli forces
The BBC
Saturday, March 30, 2002
Dan
Israel Preparing for Drawn-Out Campaign . . .