Palestinians clashed with Israeli troops in the West Bank again today over the start of construction of new Jewish homes in East Jerusalem. Following a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv last week, Israel warned that new attacks by Islamic militants were possible and accused Yasser Arafat of giving the green light for attacks against Israelis. Israel demanded that the Palestinian leader crack down on militant groups before the peace process can move forward. Robert speaks with Sa'eb Erakat (EHR-ah-kaht), chief Palestinian negotiator and the Minister of Local Government for the Palestinian Authority, about Israel's accusations. Erakat says that the peace process will slip away unless both sides stop the accustions and counter-accusions. He also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must stop making unilateral decisions if he wants to keep the peace process alive.
Copyright 1997 NPR
