War Against Israel --Jan. 24, 2002

Islamic fanatics have threatened "all-out war" against israel. I say, "let it come." It's better than the war of attrition the so-claled Palestinians are conducting against innocent Jewish civilians.

Their henchmen shoot and kill people at bus stops, murder brides at their wedding receptions, assassinate children and daily prove they have no interest in peace and co-existence. Their objective is now, and always has been, the elimination of Israel as a nation-state and the eradication of Jews as a people.

For too long, the United States has tied Israel's hands. Now it's time for Israel to fight back. Yasser Arafat must be eliminated from the region and returned to exile in Tunisia.

Arafat has repeatedly demonstrated he doesn't want an independent state alongside Israel. He prefers a state without Israel.

So let the next war begin and may it end like all the others: With a swift Israeli victory and this time with leadership on the Palestinian side that will make peace and not war, if that is possible.

I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.