Palestinian Authority Chairman, Yasser Arafat's political status has strengthened as a result of his being isolated during the Israeli offensive in the West Bank, Israel’s Military Intelligence chief Major General Aharon Ze'evi (Farkash) told the the Israeli parliament (Knesset) Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Tuesday.
Arafat is now perceived by Palestinians and many around the world, particularly in Europe, as a positive symbol, Ze'evi said. In contrast, “Arafat's standing has been badly tarnished in the United States, Egypt and Jordan,” he was quoted as saying by Haaretz daily.
Ze'evi said Arafat is vowing to attain his goals "dead or alive." The intelligence chief said conveyed the Palestinian leader can put an end to “terror” but lacks the motivation to do so. Arafat has strategically chosen to continue with a violent jihad to achieve his ends, Ze'evi stated.
Arafat never stopped controlling events on the ground while he was held captive in his Ramallah compound, Ze'evi asserted. The PA leader wants to internationalize the dispute and believes he is close to attaining this strategic goal, he assessed. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
