Israeli officials said yesterday they may release jailed Palestinians after the death of Yasser Arafat as a "good will gesture" toward the future PA leadership. Sources tell WorldNetDaily the decision comes amid heightened pressure from the U.S. Unnamed senior Israeli officials were quoted by Army Radio as saying the possible prisoner release is "intended to strengthen the moderate leadership within the Palestinian National Authority." The release, they said, is considered favorable to Israeli Foreign and Defense Ministries, but the final decision rests with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Sources tell WorldNetDaily U.S. officials have recently been sending strong messages to Israel indicating the Jewish state should take certain measures, such as prisoner releases, that could strengthen the new Palestinian leadership in a succession phase. Sharon, however, is not warm to the idea. Israel is also considering a host of other "gestures." A foreign ministry paper urges the IDF to go into "defensive mode" and not launch pre-emptive strikes against terrorist organizations for the time being. Other planned moves include further easing restrictions on Palestinian movement and encouraging economic activity. |