4 Palestinians on trial over U.S. convoy killings
Gaza Strip on Saturday on charges of involvement in the killing ofIMEMC & Agencies, February 8, 2004 Four Palestinians were put on trial at a military compound in the Gaza…
Separation Wall, Possibly Shortened by 100Km
separation wall will be shortened by moving it westward toward theIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 8, 2004 A senior Israeli official source said Saturday that the route of the separation…
Jihad Vows Revenge After Army Missile Killed 2 in Gaza
assassination of Aziz Shami, a leader in Alqudus Brigades, theIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 8, 2004 Mohammed Al-Hindi, a prominent Islamic Jihad leader, called the assassination of Aziz Shami, a…
British Report: `“Malnutrition in WB Close to one in Africa
A report released by British Parliamentarians, based on statistics and researches conducted by Charitable Organizations and its observations in the Palestinian territories showed that the bad malnutrition in the West…
PA Forms a Committee to Investigate Gaza Shooting
attempt, saying that a scuffle erupted as Jabali and his deputiesIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 7, 2004 A senior official Palestinian source, denied any assassination attempt, saying that a scuffle…
Hezbollah: 2nd Swap to Include Lebanese, Arabs, and Iranians
General of the Lebanese Hezbollah party Naem Qassim confirmed thatIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 7, 2004 In an interview with the Saudi Newspaper Alwattan, Deputy Secretary General of the Lebanese…
Anan: land for peace is not just Gaza
to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on his plan to withdrawIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 7, 2004 UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan told reporters Friday that he spoke to Israeli Prime…
Preparations for a Referendum begun Despite Opposition
office chief has begun to prepare for a national referendum onIMEMC & Agencies, February 7, 2004 Israeli Radio reported Saturday that Dov Weisglass, PM Sharon’s office chief has begun to…
Sharon, Still a Suspect
Minister Sharon for the second time, on Thursday, that there isIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 6, 2004 8:34 Senior Israeli police officers believe that after questioning Prime Minister Sharon for…
Right Wing, Sharon Should Leave, Settlements Should Stay
considered the evacuation as running away from Gaza and a “victoryIMEMC & Agencies, February 6, 2004 9:10 The extreme right wing severely slammed Sharon’s withdrawal plan and considered the evacuation…
The Iranian Foreign Minister Khamal Kharazi accused Israel of keeping the four Iranian diplomats cap
Israeli sources said that Israel accepted to try to trace information over the fate of the four missing Iranian diplomats although they might have been killed by the Phalanges who…
U.S. Cautiously Welcomed Disengagement Plan
sypport, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said Thursday that heIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 6, 2004 In a move that is viewed as reflecting worries rather than signaling sypport,…
Few days after he presented his plan to remove Gaza Settlements, Sharon demanded the approval of the
An official source in the Israeli Prime minister Office said that as the previous U.S. administration had agreed that major settlement blocks would be included within Israel as part of…
Delegates Failed to Set a Date for Qurei-Sharon Meeting
Sharon’s office and his Palestinian counter part Hasan Abu LibdehIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 5, 2004 12:45 The meeting on Wednesday between the head of Israeli Prime minister Sharon’s office…
Police to Investigate Sharon on Bribery Charges
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s office in West Jerusalem to questionIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 5, 2004 Police investigators will arrive early Thursday morning at Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s office…
EU, Challenges ICJ Authority, But Critical of The Barrier
separation wall and cited an official condemnation in its briefIMEMC & Agencies, February 5, 2004 The European Union expressed a serious criticism of Israel’s separation wall and cited an official…
Iranian FM in Lebanon for Talks Over 2d Stage Swap
Kharazi is going to take part in the preparations for the secondIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 5, 2004 On a two-day visit to Lebanon, the Iranian Foreign Minister, Kamal Kharazi…
Sharon’s Plan Could End Likud’s Ruling Legacy
interview with Haaretz, declared his intentions to remove all JewishGhassan Andoni-IMEMC-Analysis, February 4, 2004 Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon created uproar as he, in an interview with Haaretz, declared his…
Summit; Likely In A Week
with his Palestinian counterpart, Hassan Abu-Libdeh, today inIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 4, 2004 Israeli Prime Minister’s chief of staff Dov Weisglass is to meet with his Palestinian counterpart, Hassan…
Would the Road Map Survive Sharon’s Disengagement Plan?
Palestinian side, US administration circles had no doubt that theGhassan Andoni-IMEMC-Analysis, February 4, 2004 Even when the American broker focused blames mostly at the Palestinian side, US administration circles had…
Sharon Intends to Remove 17 Gaza & 3 WB Settlements
Haaretz columnist Yoel Marcus that he gave the orders to plan forIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 3, 2004 Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Monday in an interview with Haaretz…
Five Killed as Army Increase Operations
and 12 arrested during army operations in Palestinian areas onIMEMC Staff & Agencies, February 2, 2004 Five Palestinians were killed, 22 wounded – including 7 children – and 12 arrested…
ICJ Hearing Likely to Proceed Regardless of Growing
Israeli officials are worried that the hearings in the ICJ areOpposition IMEMC & Agencies, February 2, 2004 Israeli officials are worried that the hearings in the ICJ are likely to…
Army killed a Hamas operative in Bethlehem
Israeli soldiers were wounded during an invasion into Aida refugeIMEMC & Agencies, February 2, 2004 One Hamas’s operative was killed, while five Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers were wounded during…
Budrus, a Story of a Proud Peaceful Resistance
Every morning, even before sunrise, Ahmed Abdul-Rahim, 45, a villager from Budrus, west of the city of Ramallah, used to work in his olive grooves at the western outskirts of…
Army Raids Bethlehem Again
again in less than 24 hours of pulling out. Local sources reportedIMEMC & Agencies, February 1, 2004 Before dawn on Saturday, more than 50 soldiers raided Bethlehem again in less…
Al-Aqsa Brigades leader: `“We have several surprises for the occupation`
Hashim Abu Hamdan, 24 years old, from Balata refugee camp in Nablus north of the West Bank, who is wanted to the troops for more than two years, said in…
Friday Army Operations Inside Palestinian Areas
and the Gaza Strip, on Friday, 3 Palestinians were killed, nineIMEMC & Agencies, January 31, 2004 8:33 As a result of army operations in the various areas of the West…
Despite Objections to Separation Wall, UK Joins Israel in Objecting
Britain joined Israel in objecting the authority of theICJ Authority IMEMC Staff & Agencies, January 31, 2004 Britain joined Israel in objecting the authority of the International Court to rule…
Troops Invaded Bethlehem
security officers to abandon their positions at all check postsIMEMC & Agencies, January 30, 2004 Before Dawn Friday Israeli Army officers ordered Palestinian security officers to abandon their positions at…
UN Security Council ME Dilemma
closed door negotiations failed to approve a press statementGhassan Andoni-IMEMC-Analysis, January 30, 2004 UN Security Council diplomat said Thursday that three hours of closed door negotiations failed to approve a…
Both Al-Qasam and Al-Aqsa Brigades Claimed Responsibility for
The Fatah-related Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed responsibilityJerusalem Bombing IMEMC & Agencies, January 30, 2004 The Fatah-related Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed responsibility for the Jerusalem bus bombing, which took the lives…
Swap of Threats Followed Swap of Prisoners
Israeli Soldiers arrived in Israel, 31 released prisoners ofIMEMC & Agencies, January 30, 2004 After Israeli Businessman Tennenbaum and the bodies of the three Israeli Soldiers arrived in Israel, 31…
As Peace Efforts Resumes, Army Killed 8 in Gaza
bulldozers crossed the Tancher route and penetrated about aIMEMC & Agencies, January 29, 2004 Wednesday, at around 4:30 A.M. soldiers accompanied by armor and bulldozers crossed the Tancher route and…
10 killed and 50 wounded in Jerusalem bus bombing
a bus in West Jerusalem. Israeli sources mentioned that 10 peopleIMEMC & Agencies, January 29, 2004 A bomber detonated explosives he carried on his body in the back of a…
First stage of the Swap Deal is In effect
and the Israeli Businessman, Elhanan Tennenbaum landed in Cologne,IMEMC & Agencies, January 29, 2004 A German air force plane carrying the bodies of the three soldiers and the Israeli Businessman,…
13 Palestinians killed in Gaza after truce talks in Ramallah
Wednesday in Gaza. Two of them were killed near Netzarim SettlementGeorge Rishmawi & Agencies, January 28, 2004 Israeli Army Radio reported that 8 Palestinians were killed Wednesday in Gaza. Two…
What Caused Nassrallah to Sign the Prisoners’ Swap Deal?
Nassrallah, braved the crowd of international journalist with aGhassan Andoni-Analysis, January 27, 2004 In a move that contravened Hezbollah rhetoric, leader Sheikh Hassan Nassrallah, braved the crowd of international journalist…
Prisoners ‘ Swap; Many Disappointed, Few Happy, All are waiting for
The family of Tennenbaum reacted Monday to the prisoner’s swap deal,Stage II IMEMC & Agencies, January 26, 2004 10:16 The family of Tennenbaum reacted Monday to the prisoner’s swap deal,…
Prisoners Swap Deal
swap prisoners. This deal, the third of its kind done through GermanIMEMC & Agenecies, January 26, 2004 11:03 Through a German Broker, Israel and Hezbollah have finally agreed to swap…
Release of Key Prisoners Unresolved in Israel-Hezbollah Exchange
on Monday, as the negotiations for the German-mediated,IMEMC & Agencies, January 26, 2004 17:01 Israeli soldiers began exhuming the bodies of 59 Lebanese militants on Monday, as the negotiations for…
The Barrier, a Two Edged Sword
and the extreme right wing Zionists to stand together against theGhassan Andoni-IMEMC-Analysis, January 24, 2004 To the first look, it sounds strange for the Palestinian Authority and the extreme right…
A Broker or an Enemy
failed to address the Middle East peace efforts. Not a singleGhassan Andoni-IMEMC-Analysis, January 23, 2004 U.S. President George Bush, in his State of the Union Address, failed to address the…
British MP, Jenny Tonge: `“I understand the desperation of the
Jenny Tonge, a British parliamentarian said yesterday that if shebombers†Saed Bannourah, Op-Ed, January 23, 2004 Jenny Tonge, a British parliamentarian said yesterday that if she were a Palestinian, she…
Settlers erect illegal outpost less than 24 hours after being
It just took some hours after the army demolished the illegaldemolished by Israeli troops IMEMC & Agencies, January 21, 2004 It just took some hours after the army demolished the…
Israel attacks Southern Lebanon, admits bulldozer entered Lebanese
Israel Air Force fighter planes struck at targets in southernterritory IMEMC & Agencies, January 21, 2004 Israel Air Force fighter planes struck at targets in southern Lebanon early Tuesday evening.…
Jordan disregards Sharon’s warning regarding its involvment against
Israeli PM Ariel Sharon reprimanded Jordan for its activethe Wall. IMEMC Staff, January 20, 2004 15:42 Israeli PM Ariel Sharon reprimanded Jordan for its active involvement in the upcoming hearing…
Changes of the Wall’s Route, what is behind?
constructed and will consider a change on some of the plannedIMEMC & Agencies, January 19, 2004 17:07 The Israeli government to examine changes of some already constructed and will consider…
EU Warn Israel against Targeted Killings
Sheikh Ahmed Yassin is ‘Marked for death’, The European Union calledIMEMC Staff & Agencies, January 17, 2004 After a top Israeli official warned that Hamas Spritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin…
Lapid; Separation Wall, In Its Current Path, Is Not Defendable
Israel as the International law of justice is getting ready to lookIMEMC & Agencies, January 17, 2004 10:05 Israel TV channel 2 reported Friday that concerns are mounting in Israel…
British ISM Activists Tom Hurndall dies last night of his wounds
Tom Hurndall, a British Peace Activists died last night in Londonsustained for 8 months. IMEMC Staff, January 14, 2004 9:39 Tom Hurndall, a British Peace Activists died last night in…
Sharon: ‘We never said that we will withdraw to the 1967 borders’
spoke two days ago in a press conference saying that Israel neverIMEMC & Agencies, January 13, 2004 Once again, Sharon throws another statement to the press when he spoke two…
Political chaos in the Palestinian territories
establishing a bi-national sate. Such a declaration made by a seniorNaser Laham, Analysis, 12:59 Palestinian PM Ahmad Qurie suggested in an interview with Reuters establishing a bi-national sate. Such a…
Bi-national State, When Dreams Come True
scenario to defeat dreams. Even if Israel withdraws from the holyAwni Mashni-Op-Ed A two state solution is merely sharing the defeat ness and a scenario to defeat dreams. Even if…
Bi-national State versus Unilateral Disengagement
Palestinians would pursue a bi-national state and demand the sameGhassan Andoni-IMEMC- & Agencies Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei said Thursday that Palestinians would pursue a bi-national state and demand the…
The Palestinian Council for Peace and Justice issued Wednesday its monthly report concerning the arm
Said Qassem, 30, and Saleh Talhami, 37 were killed as soldiers fired a missile at a residential building in Ramallah.According to the research findings, 12 residents were assassinated, 634 were…
Expanding settlers’ Outpost Slated for Dismantling
Moshe Kiblanski signed an order to dismantle a settlers’ outpostIMEMC Staff & Agencies, Jan, 3 2004 The Israeli Military Commander of the middle region in the West Bank Moshe Kiblanski…
Another Truce Attempt by the Egyptian Diplomacy
Ramallah with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and other seniorGeorge N. Rishmawi, IMEMC, Jan, 2, 2004 Osama Al Baz, top aide to Egyptian President, held talks Thursday in Ramallah with Palestinian…
Army Admits the Unprovoked Shooting of UK Peace Activists
suspected of shooting the British peace activists Tom Hurndall inIMEMC Staff & Agencies Israeli Military Police arrested and questioned the soldier suspected of shooting the British peace activists Tom Hurndall…
The Black Hole in Truce Efforts
truce agreement, demanding for the Palestinian Authority to disarmGhassan Andoni-IMEMC-Analysis The government of Israel constantly refused to be a party to any truce agreement, demanding for the Palestinian Authority to…
The Same Game, the Same Players
Minister Shaul Mofaz both signed the order, paving the way for theGhassan Andoni-IMEMC-Analysis, December 30, 2003 On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz both…
A Middle East Free of WMD
Council to convene Monday to discuss the proposal, submitted by theGhassan Andoni-IMEMC-Analysis, December 29, 2003 The Syrian ambassador in the United Nations called the Security Council to convene Monday to…
Hundreds, in Tel Aviv, Protested the Shooting of Peace Activists in
300 demonstrators gathered late Saturday opposite the DefenseMasha IMEMC Staff & Agencies 300 demonstrators gathered late Saturday opposite the Defense Ministry building in Tel Aviv, to protest the shooting of…
Soldiers used live ammunition against peace activists close to the Palestinian village of Masha . Gi
Army sources admitted that one high velocity bullet was fired ‘in accordance with regulations,’ and claimed that Na’amati was wearing a mask when he was shot. Later on, army said…
Around 18:20 , on Thursday, Said Hanani, 18, from Beit Furik, near Nablus , detonated an explosive b
The wounded were evacuated to Beilinson Hospital and Tel Hashomer Hospital in Tel Aviv.The huge explosion, which reduced the bus stop to a skeletal frame, took the lives of four…
Despite Tight Siege and Lack of Tourists, Bethlehem Celebrates
Around 1:00 p.m., Patriarch Michael Sabah arrived at manger squareChristmas IMEMC Staff & Agencies, December 25, 2003 Around 1:00 p.m., Patriarch Michael Sabah arrived at manger square triggering Christmas celebrations…
A Plan Born Dead
both Palestinians and settlers. Settlers, wo stand on the fore frontGhassan Andoni-IMEMC-Analysis, December 22, 2003 Sharon, as he presented his “disengagment plan†trigered fears among both Palestinians and settlers. Settlers,…
To Save Civilians The Agonies of The Crisis
The Israel army ‘ Military Intelligence (MI) division believes that over the last 100 days, Hamas has refrained from carrying out terror strikes against Israeli civilians west of the Green…
Sharon Phrased His Current Policy as a New Plan
language mostly directed towards Palestinians. In reality, heGhassan Andoni-IMEMC-Analysis, December 20, 2003 Finally, Sharon spelled his, long waited for plan, in a threatening language mostly directed towards Palestinians. In reality,…
Sharon’s Plan: Relocation of Few Settlements, Disengagement from
Addressing Thursday Hertzilya conference, Israeli Prime MinisterPalestinians Ghassan Andoni-IMEMC & Agencies Addressing Thursday Hertzilya conference, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon warned Palestinians that he ‘do not intend to wait them…
NEW Round of Truce Talks
arrived Tuesday afternoon in Gaza Strip for meetings with the headsIMEMC Staff & Agencies, December 17, 2003 An Egyptian security delegation, headed by General Mustafa Buhairi, arrived Tuesday afternoon in…
A Summit Designed To Help Sharon & Bush
The U.S. administration is applying pressure on Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei demanding that he drops his pre-conditions for a summit meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Palestinian sources…
Deceptive Imaging, a Media Played Game, This Time by Haaretz
the following headline “Palestinians mark ‘black day’ of SaddamGhassan Andoni – IMEMC, December 15, 2003 In its electronic edition on Monday Decemebr 15, Haaretz published the following headline “Palestinians mark…
Bush Warns Israel against Unilateral Steps
to take actions that would make it harder to create a PalestinianIMEMC Staff & Agencies, December 13, 2003 U.S. president George Bush warned Friday Israel to ‘be mindful’ not to…
Readings in Bir Zeit University Students’ Council Elections Ghassan
administration decided to run elections for the student’s council inAndoni –IMEMC- Analysis, December 12, 2003 For the first time in 3 years students and the University administration decided to run…
Separation Wall, a Typical Mixture of Security and Aggression
of Justice issue a legal advisory statement concerning theGhassan Andoni – IMEMC-Analysis, December 12, 2003 The UN General Assembly voted to demand for the International Court of Justice issue a…
Resistance attack Settlers, wounding 7, one seriously
“Bratslav Hasidic Sect†were wounded while heading towards Joseph’sSaed Banourah-IMEMC & agencies, December 12, 2003 Today (Friday) in Nablus seven settlers from an extreme sect called “Bratslav Hasidic Sect†were…
Cairo Meeting Failed to Produce a Truce Agreement, but
Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei left Cairo after a lastDiscussions Would Continue IMEMC Staff & Agencies, December 8, 2003 Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei left Cairo after a last minute…
Palestinian Factions Agreed to Restrict Resistance to Military
A crisis that threatened to explode the Cairo talks ended with aTargets IMEMC Staff & Agencies A crisis that threatened to explode the Cairo talks ended with a compromise after…
Truce Talks Ongoing, IJ Wavers, Israel Still Not Interested
Cairo, were described as fruitful and important. According to MaherIMEMC Staff & Agencies 8:38 The talks, held by the various Palestinian resistance groups in Cairo, were described as fruitful and…
12 WB Residents Expelled to Gaza
for various periods without being trialed, were brought Thursday toIMEMC Staff & Agencies, December 5, 2003 12 residents of the West Bank, who were administratively detained for various periods without…
13 Palestinian Groups Start Today Truce Talks in Cairo
sponsored by the Egyptian government. Representatives of variousIMEMC & Agencies, December 4, 2003 13 Palestinian groups are meeting Thursday in Cairo for talks sponsored by the Egyptian government. Representatives of…
Sharon Trapped in the Political Vacuum His Government Created
operations inside Palestinian areas prior and during the signingGhassan Andoni-IMEMC-Analysis, December 3, 2003 It might not be accidental that army escalated its military operations inside Palestinian areas prior and during…
Israel’s unholy wall
‘IN REALITY, the Holy Land doesn’t need walls, but bridges,’ said Pope John Paul II. Kofi Annan has strongly criticized Israel’s separation barrier. The UN General Assembly voted to condemn…
Trading Refugee Rights with Sovereignty over Holy Sites
presented a great success to the initiators. Not only the level ofGhassan Andoni – IMEMC – Analysis, December 2, 2003 No doubt that the ceremonial launching of the Geneva accords…
Arafat Offered Verbal Permission to Allow Fatah’s Delegation to
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat ended an internal conflictTravel to Geneva Ghassan Andoni – IMEMC, December 1, 2003 Palestinian President Yasser Arafat ended an internal conflict around Palestinian participation in the…
Annan: Separation Wall Is a Violation to International Law
Annan said Friday that the continued construction of the separationIMEMC Staff & Agencies, November 29, 2003 In a report to the UN General Assembly, UN Secretary-General Cofi Annan said Friday…
UN & Int’l Agencies Warn To Halt Activities Due to Closure Policy
territories recently warned Israel that they may stop their activityIMEMC & Agencies, November 28, 2003 The heads of UN and international agencies operating in the territories recently warned Israel that…
Sharon Unilateral Positive Package Turned into Threats
on Thursday, Palestinians, saying ‘you do not have unlimited time,IMEMC & Agencies, November 28, 2003 Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon threatened, in a news conference on Thursday, Palestinians, saying ‘you…
Cuts in Loan Guarantees, a Dangerous Compromise
security Advisor and the Israel Prime Minister envoy, the AmericanGhassan Andoni-IMEMC-Analysis, November 27, 2003 At the end of a series of meetings between the U.S. national security Advisor and the…
Labor Approves Withdrawal to June 4, 1967 Borders
Monday, finalized the guide lines of the party’s political plan toIMEMC Staff & Agencies, November 26, 2003 Labor party political council, in its meeting in Tel Aviv, on Monday, finalized…
U.S. Cuts $289.5 Million from Lawn Guarantees
Prime Minister Office, and Condoleezza Rice, U.S. National SecurityIMEMC Staff & Agencies, November 26, 2003 In talks held Tuesday between Dov Weisglass, Bureau chief of Israeli Prime Minister Office, and…
PA Warns; Sharon Intendeds to Escape Road Map Obligations
of unilateral steps is a political maneuver to escape obligationsIMEMC Staff & Agencies, November 25, 2003 Palestinian President Yasser Arafat said a Monday that Sharon’s hint of unilateral steps is…
Sharon Scored PR Success without Presenting a Substantial Plan
Labid, who demanded a cabinet decision on a new fence route that isIMEMC Staff and Agencies, November 24, 2003 Responding to a proposal from the side of Justice minister Tomy…
Three More West Bank Palestinians transferred to The Gaza
Ahmed al-Mushkah, 27, from Jenin, Alla Hassuna, 28, from Nablus andReservation IMEMC Staff & Agencies, November 24, 2003 Ahmed al-Mushkah, 27, from Jenin, Alla Hassuna, 28, from Nablus and Samer…
Rather Than Providing Security, Separation Wall Became a Security
Gunmen shot dead Saturday evening two guards stationed at theHazard IMEMC Staff & Agencies Gunmen shot dead Saturday evening two guards stationed at the separation wall construction site in the…
Army Killed Two Palestinians, Including 10-Years-Old Child
Army source said Saturday that a Palestinian, claimed to be armed, was shot dead near the security fence in the Gaza Strip. Army said that an army patrol found the…
Thousands in Gaza Protest against Geneva Accords
to protest against Geneva Accords. The gathering, the first sinceIMEMC & Agencies, November 22, 2003 Thousands gathered Friday in Jabalya Refugee camp in the Gaza strip to protest against Geneva…
Despite Tight Closure, 200,000 Joined Holy Friday Prayer in
Starting Thursday morning, Army, police, and security forces tightened the closure around Jerusalem and security measures inside the holy city, especially around Al-Aqsa mosque compound. Thousands of local residents, mostly…
PMO down Played Reports on Plans to Evacuate WB Settlements
Channel 2 TV report, which stated that Sharon plans to evacuate aIMEMC & Agencies, November 22, 2003 Israeli Prime Minister Office down played the significance of the Channel 2 TV…