Israel: April 4, 2002

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Israel released documents showing a close working relationship between the Palestinian Authority and terrorist groups. The Palestinians and their allies said these were forgeries, but if the Israelis can come up with enough of these documents, the evidence will be difficult to deny. Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has so far refused demands from Americans, Israelis and everyone else to call for an end to terrorist attacks in Arabic. Arafat is willing to say it in English, though. The US president called for Israel to withdraw (but didn't say when) and the Palestinians to stop the terrorist attacks on civilians. Since the US is Israel's major ally, they have to listen. The American secretary of state will visit Israel next week. But if the the Palestinians do not stop their attacks on Israeli civilians, the US will likely step back and let the Israelis defend themselves.