Remarks by a high-ranking Israeli government official give voice to a policy option that has been widely implied but not discussed openly – the possible assassination of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Last Thursday, Israel’s security cabinet decided in principle to “remove” Arafat. Implicit in the decision was what that might mean. Arafat has made it clear he will not go quietly into exile, and he talks of becoming a martyr. Now, Israel’s vice prime minister, Ehud Olmert, has enunciated darker options under consideration: “The question is: How are we going to do it? Expulsion is certainly one of the options, and killing is also one of the options,” Olmert told Israel radio, according to reports in the New York Times.

Israel approaches a dangerous line. To cross it would be devastating. The forced exile of Arafat would lead to unremitting violence. Even worse, his assassination would ignite a conflagration, thrusting the Middle East into an escalating spiral of murder, death and destruction.

Arafat has been isolated in his Ramallah compound for more than a year. No doubt, his influence is still felt throughout the Palestinian power structure, and he is in control. His ties to terrorists who blow up buses, pizza shops and discos, targeting Israeli civilians, are strong.

Despite some hopeful early signs of a power shift, attempts by the United States to marginalize Arafat have failed. He may well be a hindrance to peace, but threats against him have only given him strength. Deserted just days ago, Arafat’s compound is now the site of daily demonstrations, even a marching band and folk dancers. Protesters as far away as Indonesia – carrying signs in English, aimed at an American audience – have rallied to his defense. Israel’s threats have only pushed the Palestinians closer to Arafat. He is stronger now than before.

The opportunity to promote more moderate leadership is slipping away, hastened at the point of a gun.

When Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was elected, we were hopeful that this former general and hawk would be able to broker peace, putting aside his own tarnished and violent past. It took President Richard Nixon to go to China, the thinking went, so perhaps Sharon could negotiate peace. That has not happened.

Terms for a two-state solution have been worked out and majorities on both sides favor that outcome, but their leaders hold to the dream that they can impose their will on the other. And so, the war continues.

It is not for Israel, or the United States, to determine who will lead the Palestinians. Attempts at coercion have failed and will fail.

To assassinate a foreign leader, even one as dangerous as Arafat, while he is under virtual house arrest by occupying forces in the West Bank is an affront to the rule of law and an affront to the people of Israel. This type of blood politics weakens the foundation of a democratic society.
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