"That could help Arafat make a statement more acceptable to Israeli public opinion," the official said.

Israeli opinion is now closely divided over the future course of Palestinian autonomy.

Israeli opinion, in particular, is on the move.

In doing so, they at first responded to, and then went on to lead, a dramatic change in Israeli public opinion.

Time and again, though, the President hammered at a single point: Israeli public opinion.

"We signed the paper only to satisfy Israeli public opinion," he said.

"I consider this the first step in an attempt to destroy my plan to change Israeli public opinion," he added.

And if there is a violent clash and people are hurt, Israeli public opinion could easily turn against the government.

But, he said, "we've seen Israeli public opinion very flexible when legitimate leadership makes an effort to lead it in that direction."

There is no doubt the suicide bombers had an effect on Israeli public opinion.