Analysis: Sharon's calculation

By James Reynolds BBC correspondent in Jerusalem

Ariel Sharon's message is clear.

Mr Sharon seems to have carefully calculated the Syrian raid

At a memorial service held to mark the 30th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war, Israel's prime minister said his country was ready to hit its enemies any place and any way.

Senior political sources here stress that Israel is now prepared to carry out further strikes beyond its borders.

When taking decisions, the Sharon administration always bears in mind two vital factors: will the Israeli public approve and will Washington object?

Looking at the strike in Syria, it seems that the Israeli people liked it and that Washington did not mind.

Right now, the American and the Israeli governments share a similar world view.

In particular, they both have the same definition of terrorism and of what is allowed in the name of self-defence.

So, the argument goes, if George W Bush can strike an enemy state after his country has been attacked, then so can Ariel Sharon.

Sources here say that Israel's strike in Syria would not have come as a surprise to Washington.

Arafat safe - for now

But on one matter right now there is a difference of opinion between Washington and Tel Aviv.

Many Israeli ministers are calling on Ariel Sharon to implement the cabinet's decision to remove the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, but sources here understand that Washington objects.

And since that is the case, few expect Israel to try to go in and get Mr Arafat - for now.