On 20 May, an Israeli soldier shot and killed seven Arab workers on a road near Ashkelon. He claimed that this was to avenge killing of Jews by Arabs. The prime minister expressed his shock at the killing of innocent civilians, and expressed the hope that the cycle of killing will end He also discussed unrest in Jordan, where King Hussein was crushing resistance coming from Islamic fundamentalists. The prime minister confirmed that Israel promised Egypt that it will not pre-empt against Iraq or Jordan. This message was conveyed to Jordan by President Mubarak. Excerpts:
Mr. Shamir: I am very sad, saddened that seven innocent people were killed, who had come to work in order to support their families and instead were murdered, through no fault of their own. I am saddened that this may serve as fuel for those who fan the flames of hatred who constantly try to escalate the enmity and increase violence, and they can now ride this wave and exploit the innocent blood that has been spilled so that more blood will be spilled. I am saddened that such things can happen in the State of Israel, that peaceful bystanders engaged in their day to day activities can be killed in such a brutal manner. I think that we must do everything to prevent such incidents from recurring. I think that the entire Israeli public is shocked by this crime. They are concerned by it and want with all their hearts that such things not happen in our midst.
Q: As Minister of Defense, do you think that this will lead to an escalation in the situation in the territories?
A: Unfortunately, this can happen. People who hear of it, their first reaction is revenge as far as we know this public. I turn, however, to their reason, not to take this path - the path of revenge and retaliation to response, etc. This path can only bring tragedy, both for Jews and Arabs. These tragedies benefit no one. I take this opportunity, this very sad opportunity to appeal to the Arab public, living in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, [to ask them] to consider [the matter] very carefully and they will reach the conclusion that it is in all our interests to ensure quiet, calm, non-violence. We all know that the only way open to all of us is that of negotiation and we must follow it. I would also like to express my personal condolences and those of the Government to the bereaved families, who were struck such a hard blow.
Q: The matter of assistance to the families of those murdered arose at today's Cabinet meeting. Were specific suggestions made?
A: We did not go into details because the incident was very fresh and all of the ministers who spoke expressed their shock, but is not inconceivable that we will also follow this path.
Q: After the fact, do you think that the security forces were sufficiently organized to protect Arab laborers from the territories, who come to work in Israel?
A: The security forces do their best. They cannot protect everyone everywhere. These are not things that happen on a daily basis.
Q: Are reports that Israel promised Egypt that it would not carry out a pre-emptive attack against any Arab country correct?
A: This is not a method of commitments. We said at that opportunity about a month ago, when someone accused us that Israel is preparing attacks on Arab countries - on Iraq, on Jordan - we told the Egyptian government that this is not correct. Israel is not preparing or planning attacks against any of the Arab countries.
Q: What was Egypt's interest in making this announcement yesterday.?
A: It surely relayed what it received from us. And perhaps, the intention of moderating, calming.
Q: Do recent events in Jordan point to a weakening of King Hussein's position?
A: I do not want to interfere in the internal affairs of Jordan. It is natural that we take an interest in everything that happens with our neighbors. Jordan is a very close neighbor, and we are interested that in the Kingdom of Jordan, calm, tranquility and stability should prevail.
Q: Is Israel worried by a weakening of Hussein's position?
A: I will not say that we should be involved in internal Jordanian affairs. However, if there will be a request, we shall respond sympathetically, maintaining the same aim I mentioned, that we are interested in peace, calm and stability, in all of the countries neighboring us.
Q: Do you mean a request from Jordan? What kind of request?
A: I am not inviting any requests. But I will say that this Israel's interest.