Jerusalem - Palestinian officials yesterday criticised remarks attributed to Israel's army chief that his country was ready to use tanks and helicopters if necessary to put down expected Palestinian violence.
Israeli chief of staff Gen Shaul Mofaz told soldiers last week: "Anyone who hurts Israeli soldiers will be hurt. The open fire instructions are clear. And if we need tanks, tanks will come. And if we need combat helicopters, combat helicopters will come."
A senior Palestinian official said Palestinian President Yasser Arafat summoned US and European consuls to protest at Gen Mofaz's remarks and said Mr Arafat believed Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak did not intend to implement peace agreements and was just wasting time.