A Tel Aviv district court judge is assassinated. It doesn't look like terrorism (although a palestinian terrorist group has naturally claimed responsibility). But it's caused a major shock. And some slightly hysterical reactions.
Update: As usual, Shai has some particularly insightful comments on this story.
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That very popular soap opera out of Ramallah, "As the Worm Turns," continues to develop new subplots. No one seems to know who's in charge of the Gaza security services but official palestinian sources are claiming that Arafat orchestrated at least some of the kidnappings over the weekend. Meanwhile (same story), Muhammad Dahlan has abandoned any pretense as to his own ambitions.
Dahlan has rejected appointments by Arafat, since he no longer works for the Palestinian leader. Instead, he is focusing on rebuilding Fatah in Gaza and extending his influence over the movement. PA officials have complained that Fatah is in a chaotic and lawless state.
Dahlan believes that elections and reorganization will transform Fatah into a strong political movement.
Dahlan is also trying to prepare the ground for an IDF withdrawal from Gaza. A Palestinian official said this will help Dahlan prepare for his political future.
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Lost in the dramatic developments of the last few days was this story:
A Hamas suicide bomber stood at the entrance to a popular Jerusalem restaurant last Sunday night and decided not to attack it, it was released for publication by security officials this Sunday morning. A week later, the 'bomber who walked away' died in a gunbattle with Israeli Police officers who had tracked him to his Hebron home.
According to reports, on July 11, 2004, Malek A Salem Nasser A-Din, 41, of Hebron, a senior member of the Hamas and the potential suicide bomber, was transported to the entrance of the 'Caffit' restaurant on Emek Refaim Street in the city's trendy German Colony neighborhood. He was smuggled into Jerusalem in an area where the security fence has yet to be constructed.
So much for the "lull."
