Jerrold Kessel: Israeli attack in Gaza

CNN's Jerrold Kessel

GAZA CITY (CNN) -- The residences of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's guards were destroyed here in Israeli air attacks shortly before sunset Monday following weekend bombing attacks in Jerusalem and Haifa, Israel, Palestinian Cabinet member Nabil Sha'ath said.

CNN's Jerrold Kessel spoke with CNN anchor Paula Zahn as the attacks unfolded. The following is an excerpt from the report:

KESSEL: We are understanding that perhaps the target might have been the helicopter landing pad near Mr. Arafat's compound on the seashore of Gaza. This is also the place where the presidential guard of Mr. Arafat is located. There are not yet any accounts of damage or casualties. But it could be, as reports are coming in, that it was some of the helicopters that normally carry Arafat around that may have been the target.

It's not yet clear if this is the start of a broad campaign that the Israelis might have decided on in response to the suicide bombings over the weekend, or simply a one-off action.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon arrived back from the United States after he had met with President Bush on Sunday. He went into an immediate huddle with his top security officials and then may have taken action in response by the plans laid out by the security officials

ZAHN: It's extraordinary to watch this unfold live before our eyes, Jerrold, as you talk. One would expect the Palestinians would have thought this area in Gaza would have been hit. Is there any suggestion they moved their leadership out of there in advance?

KESSEL: No, I don't think that is the case in this instance. Arafat has been in Ramallah over the last several days; he does hop between Ramallah and Gaza, holding various kinds of meetings.

One of the things that we should take into account is, there has been a gathering of momentum in the Israeli political right for at least raising the question of whether Israel should like to target or topple the administration of Yasser Arafat in the wake of those suicide bombings by the Palestinian militants.

That debate is very much waging, and this action could factor into that debate -- whether it's pressure on Arafat, whether they were actually sending a signal or warning that they're going to pressure very hard.

ZAHN: We mentioned that already on board are seven Cabinet members of Ariel Sharon who are suggesting that you topple Arafat. Realistically, how do you topple him?

KESSEL: That's a very good question, and it's the kind of the question that will clearly be put to those ministers who are trying to pressure Sharon to go down that avenue.

Not only is there the question, what do you do? There are the questions, do you pressure him to the extent that he has to go into exile? Do you actually go after him and his leading ministers? What does it mean to topple the Palestinian administration?

Those who are against it in the Israeli government say this is a ridiculous notion because you're not going to wipe out the Palestinian Authority, and if you do, you're only going to get a more extreme power struggle in the Palestinian community, perhaps bringing in those very radicals that you're targeting.

So there is that debate unfolding in Israel.

Those are the two options that the Israeli political system is looking at now. It will be crucial to see which side Sharon comes down on.