Reported from Jerusalem…
1. FENCE REMAINS CONTENTIOUS… U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell reiterated the Bush Administration’s intent to continue to pressure Israel on the issue of the security fence after it appeared that President Bush had softened his opposition. Following a meeting between Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Sharon in Washington on Tuesday, media reported a reduction in tension based upon the President’s statement and Sharon’s report that he told the American leader that the fence project would continue. One day later, Israel’s Defense Ministry announced that the first 128-kilometers (79.5 miles) were complete and Secretary Powell said that there are other sections to build and the pressure will continue. The United States and the United Nations are in agreement with the Palestinian claim that the fence creates de facto and unilateral borders between Israel and the Palestinian areas and creates hardships for Palestinians. Israel insists that the fence is necessary in order to prevent infiltration by suicide bombers. Sharon also faces internal opposition to the fence from Israel’s political right wing.
2. NO DEAL YET ON TURNOVER OF NEXT TWO CITIES… Israel and the Palestinians remain unable to reach agreement on the turning over of two more cities presently under Israeli control. The main stumbling block appears to be the Palestinian insistence that Ramallah be one of the next two, while Israel is offering to withdraw from Jericho and Qalqilya if Palestinian forces take over security responsibilities there. Ramallah is considered the de facto Palestinian capital and Yassir Arafat’s office compound is located there. Israel claims that the Muqata’a, as it is known, is being used by Arafat to harbor wanted terrorists. They also claim that terror attacks are orchestrated from there and terrorists are even dispatched from the compound and return there after their missions. It has been suggested that Israel might add another city to the offer if the impasse continues. The negotiations are being conducted by Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and Muhammad Dahlan, the Palestinian Authority’s security chief. Dahlan has rejected outright Israel’s demand to dismantle terrorist infrastructures and to arrest terrorists.
3. POLICE CLOSE TEMPLE MOUNT TO NON-MUSLIMS IN RESPONSE TO ARAB THREATS… After less than one month since Israeli police allowed visits to the Temple Mount by Christians and Jews to resume, they have again been banned, citing Arab threats of violence. In response, one deputy minister from Ariel Sharon’s Likud Party threatened to organize trips to the Temple Mount by Members of Knesset beginning on Wednesday. MKs have immunity from prosecution and would therefore be able to circumvent the police order.
4. SYRIAN STRONG MAN UNABLE TO CONTROL TERROR… Israel Radio is reporting that American officials told Prime Minister Ariel Sharon that Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Asad is unable to control the operations of terror organizations operating in Syrian-controlled territory in South Lebanon, or to stem the flow of money and weapons from Iran. According to the report, much of the power in Syria is being wielding by former aides to Hafez Al-Asad, the current ruler’s late father. The report claims that this cadre of advisers is exploiting Bashar’s inexperience and usurping control.
5. SOME ECONOMIC NEWS IS COMING UP ROSES… Israel’s cut flowers and ornamental plants industries have experienced sharp growth in the past two years. Cut flowers showed an increase of 52% and ornamental flowers 87%. According to Globes financial newspaper citing figures provided by the Farmers’ Federation of Israel, revenue from these two industries ($272.2 million) now makes up 8% of Israel’s total agricultural output. The nation’s biggest sellers are roses, Baby’s Breath and carnations.