Sharon Says Arafat's Truce Call Aims at Influencing Israeli Voters
In a statement on Saturday, Mr. Arafat declared, "Attacks against civilians have severely harmed our cause in the international arena and in Israeli public opinion."

"As the Israeli election date is getting closer," Mr. Arafat added, "we appeal to all our people to practice self-restraint."

Until just a few days ago, the campaign leading up to the Jan. 28 election had seemed lackluster, with Mr. Sharon assured of victory. But suddenly Mr. Sharon and his Likud Party have become mired in corruption charges, and their poll numbers are dropping sharply.
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/13/international/middleeast/13ISRA.html