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CNN Saturday Morning News

Israelis May Not Launch Attack in Gaza

Aired May 11, 2002 - 07:06   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Turning now to the situation in the Middle East, Gaza now the focus.

Our Wolf Blitzer reports on an anticipated Israeli offensive there.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WOLF BLITZER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There are indications the Israeli military may be having some second thoughts about launching a quick and large-scale retaliatory strike against suspected Palestinian targets in Gaza.

The defense minister, Benjamin Ben Eliezar, went on Israeli television Friday night to disclose that the Gaza operation had been delayed. He cited what he said were leaks by Israeli cabinet ministers to the news media.

But other Israeli officials insist a delay is not the same as a cancellation.

In Rome for meetings with Italian officials, Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres promised the operation would be limited in scope.

SHIMON PERES, ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER: We didn't have the -- any intention to conquer Gaza or something like it, but really to reach points where we have sent (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

BLITZER: But there's already some debate within the Israeli military and intelligence establishment over the expected Gaza operation. For one thing, critics say there's still no conclusive evidence the Palestinian suicide bomber, who killed 15 Israelis Tuesday night and injured dozens of others, came from Gaza.

There's some indication he may actually have come from the West Bank, where the Israeli military recently wrapped up a month-long incursion.

There's also concern that any Israeli operation in Gaza could result in numerous civilian casualties, given that the Palestinian refugee camps there have some of the highest concentrations of people anywhere in the world. Beyond that, Palestinians in Gaza are clearly prepared to fight. They've had time to establish strong defenses, including, Palestinian sources say, an extensive complex of explosives and booby traps. Israeli military planners fear heavy Israeli casualties.

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, meantime, attended Friday prayers in Ramallah even as he's come under enormous pressure from the Bush administration to clamp down on terrorism, end corruption in his Palestinian Authority, and impose democratic reforms.

Arafat welcomed the end of the Bethlehem standoff.

YASSER ARAFAT, PRESIDENT, PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY: But what had been achieved is a really important step.

BLITZER: Wolf Blitzer, CNN, Jerusalem.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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