But not in Israel. In Palestine.

It seems that there is a power vacuum in the PA. The Israeli police gave Gibril Rajub control over Temple mount for a day; He failed to stop violence there. Still, the army transferred to the palestinians yesterday control over Joseph's tomb. They failed to secure it as well. I don't believe that the vandalism was directed from above, but rather that the "popular rage" was allowed to erupt.

The only man who has some authority, Arafat, is old and ill. What will happen after he dies? Seemingly, there is no figure in the PA capable of controlling the mob. Barak, like any responsible person, cannot sign any agreements with the palestinians right now.