Israel Seizes Baragouthi

Israeli forces sieze Tanzim Leader Marawan Bargouthi, and take him to an investigation at the Special Service Facilities.

Bargouthi is considered to be number two in the Palestinian Authority, though his relations with Chairman Arafat have known ups and downs.

In the past, Israeli leaders referred to Bargouthi as a possible partner for peace, however in recent times, the Israelis have gathered mounting evidence against Bargouthi, and have blamed him for actively pursuing terrorism. Israel issued a decree for his arrest. Today, a special unit in the Israeli Army was able to locate him.

Bargouthi himself claimed in the past that the Israeli's have been preparing the ground for his murder He said to Israeli TV several weeks ago: "Sharon knows that if he kills me, the blood of many innocent Israelis will be on his hands".

The Israelis have claimed this is a big victory. Several Palestinian leaders of similar stature, who might have felt safe due to their position, find themselves now in the hot seat."

Gil Eyal PRAVDA.Ru Israel