HEADLINES FROM THE HEBREW PRESS

HA’ARETZ 1. Section of his intestines removed in emergency surgery after gangrene discovered. SHARON’S SITUATION WORSENS: CRITICAL BUT STABLE. The deterioration: Swelling in PM’s stomach diagnosed Friday evening; taken for examination in operating room, gangrene discovered in large intestine. The surgery: Sharon was diagnosed as being in life-threatening situation, was rushed to emergency surgery in which 1/3 of his large intestine was removed; taken to general ICU after surgery. Medical condition: Hadassah Director Prof. Shlomo Mor-Yosef – PM Sharon in serious and critical, but stable, situation; his life is not in immediate danger at this stage. The risks: Senior surgeons – PM’s operation yesterday, fourth since he was hospitalized, exposed him to infections and other complications. 2. One year after Christian-Druze riots in Maghar. AFTER DESPAIRING OF ISRAELI ESTABLISHMENT, CHRISTIAN ARAB COMMUNITY TURNS TO VATICAN FOR HELP. HATZOFEH 1. PM Sharon’s condition worsened over Sabbath – doctors optimistic: „LIFE NOT IN DANGER.” PM Ariel Sharon underwent four-hour stomach surgery due to severe damage in his digestive tract. After surgery, PM taken to general ICU, may be moved to neurology ICU. Hadassah Hospital Director: „Sharon’s main problem is unconsciousness, not stomach problem.” 2. PERETZ INTENDS TO INITIATE MEETING WITH ABU MAZEN. Labor Party Chairman says that he wants to see if Abu Mazen intends to take measures to prevent establishment of Palestinian government headed by Hamas that would declare violation of agreements with Israel. 3. PALESTINIAN NEWSPAPERS PUBLISH LIST OF THOSE WANTED BY ISRAEL. 4. KHALED MASHAL: HAMAS INTENDS TO REPRESENT ISRAELI ARABS AS WELL. 5. POLLARD ASKS US COURT TO OVERTURN HIS CONVICTION. MA’ARIV 1. Russian Defense Minister Ivanov makes it clear to Mofaz: „GET USED TO IT, THE WHOLE WORLD WILL TALK TO HAMAS.” Mofaz asked again: Don’t invite Hamas to Moscow. Russian counterpart refused. International front beginning to crack: France also considering holding contacts with Hamas. 2. SHARON’S SITUATION WORSENS. For several hours, PM’s life was in immediate danger. Gangrene discovered in his digestive tract and he was taken for urgent surgery. Current condition – critical but stable. YEDIOT AHRONOT 1. Israel to prevent Russia from transferring 50 armored cars to Palestinians. MOFAZ TO RUSSIA: YOU ARE LEGITIMIZING TERRORISM. Harsh conversation between Mofaz and his Russian counterpart in wake of Hamas invitation. Mofaz going to Moscow. 2. MOMENTS OF DESPAIR AND HOPE. (…). ______________________________ SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS Hatzofeh suggests that reports that the security establishment is considering severing all links between the Gaza Strip and Judea and Samaria after the establishment of a Hamas government in the PA again disproves the contention that the disengagement would enhance security. Yediot Ahronot writes: „The first reof the world – and of many Israelis – to Hamas’s victory in the Palestinian elections was the reof a man who is shocked to meet a predatory leopard in his front yard. The leopard bares its teeth and sharpens its claws but the man says to himself: It isn’t so bad, it’s not a leopard, it’s a big cat. I’ll bring it a saucer of milk because cats like milk. I will pet him behind the ears because cats like being petted. Thus I will domesticate him in the manner that one domesticates cats. But the leopard remains a leopard and cannot change his spots. Getting close to him will end in disaster: The man will be devoured by the leopard in his front yard.” The editors call on the Government to make it clear that it will end the occupation if there is a peace government in the PA and thus persuade the Palestinians to vote Hamas out. Otherwise, the paper warns, „Israel will quickly complete building the wall around its borders and the Palestinians will remain with a predatory leopard in their homes.”