Israeli commandos know how to expel Yasser Arafat – because they’ve been practicing his abduction for more than two years.
Security sources first confirmed the mock raids last fall – and revealed that an elite unit had been ordered on standby, ready to grab Arafat on a moment’s notice, at least three times.
Here’s how the abduction could work, based on Israeli sources:
A massive tank raid, probably at night, would surround Arafat’s West Bank compound, known as the Mukata, where he’s been holed up for 20 months.
Israeli drone planes, which regularly fly overhead, have determined the 74-year-old Palestinian leader is more or less confined to one building.
To overcome heavily armed bodyguards, the commandos may pump gas into Arafat’s building – then sweep inside in a split-second “hostage-rescue” scenario like the raid on the airport in Entebbe, Uganda, in 1976 that freed Israeli hostages from a hijacked jet.
Once captured, Arafat would be flown by helicopter to a deserted “deportation site” in North Africa, possibly Libya.
Israeli radio reported yesterday that after a series of terrorist attacks in March 2002, the commando unit was ordered to be ready to carry out the Mukata raid – and was “very close to Arafat” – but the final order was never given.
Plans to grab the Palestinian were revived the night of a Tel Aviv bombing last September but Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was talked out of it by Cabinet ministers.
But some analysts say Arafat – who said Thursday “they will have to kill me” – could die in an abduction attempt, inflaming the Arab world. With Post Wire Services
Arafat’s fate
If killed
Guarantee new leadership in the Palestinian Authority.
Deter other Palestinian leaders from pursuing terror.
Anger the U.S., draw worldwide condemnation, and increase likelihood of terror.
If expelled
Demonstrate that Israel handled his fate in moral way, allowing him to live.
Create an opening for a moderate Palestinian leader.
Elevate Arafat’s by giving him a starring role he enjoys: victim.