Reply #14: We warned of prison attack, says Israel

[Englander]

· UK and US told what to expect if they pulled out
· Angry Palestinians allege collusion in 'crime'

Chris McGreal in Jerusalem
Thursday March 16, 2006
The Guardian

Days before Israel's military assault on Jericho prison it warned Britain and America that it would seize Palestinians held there under an international agreement for killing an Israeli cabinet minister if the two countries withdrew their monitors.

Dov Weisglass, the most influential of the Israeli prime minister's advisers, told Britain and the US last week that it would be better for international supervision at the prison to continue. But he said that if they carried through a threat to pull out British and American monitors because of "security concerns" then Israel would act to bring the wanted men to justice.

The last of 11 foreigners kidnapped by Palestinian groups in response to Israel's destruction of the prison with tanks, bulldozers and missiles were released yesterday as relative calm returned to the occupied territories.

But there remained anger and suspicion among ordinary Palestinians and their leaders that Britain colluded in the Israeli attack to seize Ahmed Saadat, accused of masterminding the 2001 assassination of Israel's tourism minister Rehavam Zeevi in a Jerusalem hotel, and five other Palestinians held in the Jericho jail under international supervision.

British sources said yesterday the monitors were withdrawn after a "specific and credible threat" earlier this year against their lives. The sources said it was the most serious of concerns that included fears of roadside bombs, kidnappings and being caught up in a riot inside the jail.

>snip

Timeline

· March 8
US/UK write to Palestinian leader saying they will withdraw monitors unless concerns are addressed.

· March 9
Israel says it wants monitors to stay but if withdrawn it will capture men wanted for killing Israeli minister. UK and US tell Israel monitors will withdraw, but do not specify time.

· Weekend
British consul calls Palestinian leader four times seeking commitment to act on the UK and US warning.

· Tuesday
UK monitors pull out of Jericho jail without telling Palestinians. Minutes later Israeli troops move in.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,1731814,00.html