Jerusalem, 7 July 1997
DEFENSE MINISTER SPEAKS ON CURRENT SITUATION IN LEBANON
(Communicated by Defense Ministry Media Coordinator)
Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai spoke yesterday evening, Sunday,
6.7.97, on the situation in southern Lebanon to an assembly of national
union leaders gathered in Bat-Yam.
Minister Mordechai told them, "we are fighting a continuous and harsh war
in Lebanon, and this evening we lost Major Nadav Milo, as he stood at the
head of his troops. I am full of appreciation for the commanders and
soldiers who are carrying out vital, hard, and demanding operations in
Lebanon against the Iranian-supported terrorist organization, Hizbullah."
He added, "I am searching for, and will continue to search for, a way to
bring about progress, even if partially, in the situation in Lebanon. I
will spare no effort in this, and believe me, I have no illusions, and I
don't care if people criticize me on this, I have a deep responsibility to
the soldiers in Lebanon and to their necessary operations, which impose
upon me the responsibility, as Defense Minister, to search for any
possible solution."
"My heart is with the mothers who deal with IDF operations in Lebanon, and
I say to them in all sincerity that my concern for the well being of our
young men is no less than that of the mothers and fathers, yet there is no
serious member of the security establishment who would agree to a leave
Lebanon without an agreement."
"I am happy that for some time now the residents of the north have been
living regular lives people are working, children are safely attending
school, and tourism is flourishing. We have no interest in Lebanon apart
from the defense of our citizens. Today, and everyday, we say, to all the
nations of the world: Help the people and government of Lebanon to detach
themselves from the Syrian bear-hug and to take responsibility for events
in Lebanon."