With Egypt as a go-between, Israel and the Palestinians have begun contacts on a Gaza withdrawal, officials said Tuesday. At a meeting with Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for the first time expressed readiness to coordinate a proposed pullback with the Palestinians, even if indirectly or at a low level, according to a senior official. Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who met with Suleiman the same day, also indicated he was ready to deal, saying he would prepare a security blueprint for Gaza by June 15, the official said on condition of anonymity. Palestinians fear Sharon is trading Gaza for a tighter Israeli grip on much of the West Bank. Sharon proposes to evacuate all 21 settlements in Gaza and four small ones in the West Bank. Full Story
About OODA Analyst
OODA is comprised of a unique team of international experts capable of providing advanced intelligence and analysis, strategy and planning support, risk and threat management, training, decision support, crisis response, and security services to global corporations and governments.