A RACING BULLDOZER

To increase "trust," armed Palestinian guards allowed into Sharon's office (Ellis Shuman??May 21, 2003, Israeli Insider)

In an exceptional move, armed Palestinian guards accompanying Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Mazen were allowed into the office of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon when the two leaders met in Jerusalem on Saturday night, ynet reported exclusively today. Politicians called for the head of the Shin Bet security service to resign as a result, but others said this was a necessary step to build trust between the sides.

According to the strict security measures that the General Security Service (GSS - Shin Bet) enforced after the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, the Prime Minister's Office is considered a "sterile area" and no one except for the guards in the Personal Protection Unit of the GSS are permitted to carry weapons in it. [...]

"I am shocked at the report and call for the head of the Shin Bet to resign," said MK Yehiel Hazan (Likud), in response to the ynet report. "Based on the bad experiences we have had with the Palestinians, I don't see Abu Mazen as trustworthy, and certainly not his guards."

But MK Ehud Yatom (Likud) said allowing the armed guards into Sharon's office "was a correct step to build trust and clear the air. Armed Israeli security guards are also allowed into President Bush's quarters," he said.

Mr. Sharon is well out in front of the hawks--in Israel and in America--who can't bring themselves to believe he's serious. They'd better catch up fast, because, regardless of the stale rhetoric the government feels compelled to offer after terrorist acts, he's going to deliver a Palestinian state whether
folks are ready or not. Posted by Orrin Judd at May 21, 2003 9:02 AM