Jerusalem, 21 April 1996
CABINET COMMUNIQUE
(Communicated by the Cabinet Secretariat)
At the weekly Cabinet meeting today (Sunday), 21.04.96:
1. The Cabinet, meeting as the Ministerial Committee on National Security,
was briefed by the IDF Chief of Staff and other senior military officers
on the situation in the north.
2. The Prime Minister and Minister of Defense told the Cabinet that Israel
embarked on "Operation Grapes of Wrath" after it was unilaterally attacked
by Hizbullah, which is operating in coordination with Iran, HAMAS and the
Islamic Jihad, who are working together to destroy the peace process and
to attack peaceful civilians, whether they be in the northern communities,
Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or other places.
The Prime Minister noted that military actions began after a long period
of restraint and unceasing attempts at diplomatic dialogue. He called the
operation a war of no alternative which enjoyed the support of the entire
government.
The Prime Minister clarified that the responsibility for harming the
civilians in Kafr Kana lies with Hizbullah, which carries out its attacks
while hiding among civilians including women and children or among
UN forces. The IDF has made, and is making, extraordinary efforts to
prevent harm to civilians.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Israel has no plans to invade or
conquer territory. Israel was attacked and returned fire. The operation is
a clear act of self-defense, he said.
The Prime Minister stated that it is inconceivable that Israel should
decide on a unilateral ceasefire, and that the government would examine
proposals for a ceasefire if and when they are brought by the American
secretary of state.
3. The Cabinet approved a number of international agreements, as well as
bills on a number of issues.