Israeli Cabinet Divided Over Taking Orders From Gen. Dayton

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert touched off division within his cabinet when he said on Sunday that he would consider any recommendations offered by U.S. General Keith Dayton concerning Israeli support of Palestinian forces loyal to Mahmoud ‘Abbas. Such suggestions are believed to include providing the Palestinians with advanced military equipment, a line that most cabinet ministers are not willing to cross. Dayton is the American charged with training and developing ‘Abbas’ fighting forces. Among those ministers who have already voiced opposition to considering such moves is newly appointed Defense Minister Ehud Barak, himself a former prime minister. Ministers opposing the plan expressed fear that such equipment would eventually be used against Israeli troops. Olmert countered by saying the material in question is supplemental equipment such as bulletproof vests, and does not threaten Israel‘s forces even if it falls into enemy hands. The cabinet is also reportedly split over whether to release Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti from prison where he is serving five consecutive life sentences for terrorist murders.