Israeli Justice Minister Tommy Lapid on Tuesday welcomed the death of veteran Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, telling military radio that it was "good that the world is rid of him". The Israeli army on Thursday imposed a total security clampdown on the Palestinian Territories due to a fear of attacks following the death, military radio announced. "The sun is shining in the Middle East and around the world, as Arafat was not only the leader of terrorism against Israel, but also the founding father of the terrorism that is running rampant around the world right now, including that of Al Qaeda," Mr Lapid said. "All this terrorism is the fruit of Arafat's work, and it's good that the world is rid of him. Without Arafat there could have already been peace in the region and a Palestinian state. The government of Israel will continue with its efforts to reach peace."
Israeli President Moshe Katsav expressed hope that the death of Mr Arafat would allow his successors to open a "new chapter" in their relations with the Jewish state. "The death of Yasser Arafat can constitute the start of a new chapter," Mr Katsav said in a statement. "I hope that the new Palestinian leadership will take a new path with a view to putting an end to terrorism and violence, which would allow a resumption of negotiations," he added. "If this new Palestinian leadership commits to this path, it will find in us a reliable partner aspiring to peace," Mr Katsav noted. "I hope that the Palestinians will quickly know how to overcome their grief, and that their new leaders will act to help them escape the suffering and distress in which they have been plunged," said the president.
Israel's army imposed a general closure on the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Thursday after Mr Arafat's death. The army said it the decision was made following security assessments by the Government. "The IDF (Israel Defence Force) is deploying in order to allow for a dignified funeral ceremony for the chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat," a statement said. |