Last Friday when a U.S. attack seemed likely, the security cabinet held a special meeting to discuss the crisis. At the meeting, Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon said Israel knew how to defend itself. Still, he downplayed the threat to Israel. I think we have to continue to lead our normal lives. I would like to encourage tourists to come.
Life is normal.
Palestinian officials, who had urged the United States to exhaust diplomatic efforts and avoid military action, were also pleased with the outcome. The Palestinian Authority, Erekat said, feared that widespread popular support for Saddam in the event of U.S. military action could put Arafat in a difficult position with the United States. Still, Erekat called on the United Nations to lift the sanctions imposed on Iraq after the 1991 Gulf War. Mohammed Najib and Arieh O'Sullivan contributed to this report. All rights reserved.