NEWS: Sharon Threatens Arafat & Nasrallah; Targets for Assassination

Before this morning's standoff at the Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound, Israel's prime minister Sharon stated that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah could become targets for assassination.

In an interviews published today, Sharon made his most direct threats against the leader of the PLO and Lebanese guerrilla forces. His threats were supported by his vice premier Ehud Olmert and Israel's army chief, Lt. Gen. Moshe Yaalon, who made veiled threats against Arafat and Nasrallah last week. However, security officials said at the time there were no plans to target the two.

Sharon Threatens Arafat, Lebanese Guerrilla Chief, Saying They Could Become Targets for Assassination
Police Storm Disputed Jerusalem Holy Site, Tense Standoff With Thousands of Worshippers Ensues
"We need to get out of Gaza, not to be responsible any more for what happens there," Sharon told Maariv. "I hope that by next Passover we will be in the midst of disengagement, because disengagement is good for Israel."

The prime minister told Yediot that after the withdrawal Israel would consider cutting off water and electricity to Gaza if attacks against Israelis continue.

Asked by Haaretz whether Arafat and Nasrallah are targets for assassination, Sharon said: "I wouldn't suggest that either of them feel immune ... Anyone who kills a Jew or harms an Israeli citizen, or sends people to kill Jews, is a marked man. Period."

Sharon told Maariv that Arafat "has no insurance policy." Sharon added that "today, everyone knows Arafat is the obstacle (blocking) any progress."

Palestinian officials said they are taking Sharon's threats seriously. "With these threats, Sharon is threatening the future of the peace process in the region," said Arafat aide Nabil Abu Rdeneh.

A spokesman for Nasrallah declined to comment.


[Edited on 4-2-2004 by worldwatcher]

yep i'll edit

[Edited on 4-2-2004 by worldwatcher]

Before deleting, worldwatcher, could you please copy your article as a "follow-up" to the story?

It has a lot more information and also the comments of Sharon.

GOOD WORK!