In the second week of the Gulf War, Scud attacks on Israel continued. On 22 January a missile hit Ramat Gan. A two-story home collapsed and many other buildings were heavily damaged 3 died of heart attacks, 96 were injured, 6 of them seriously. In that attack, some 400 apartments were damaged A Patriot missile hit the Scud, but did not prevent it from falling. Israel still refrained from retaliation and won the admiration of the Western world. The next day, a Scud missile landed in the Haifa area, although intercepted by Patriot missiles. There were no injuries but in many apartments windows were smashed. Israel and the United States continued to share intelligence, but the U.S. refused to give Israel IFF Codes (Identification Friend or Foe). The German foreign minister arrived in Israel for a brief visit and after inspecting the site of the Scud attack in Ramat Gan, held a press conference with Foreign Minister Levy, summary of which follows:
The foreign ministers of Germany and Israel yesterday (Thursday), 24.1.91, met to discuss the Gulf War and its implications for German-Israeli relations. Foreign Minister Levy drew attention to conditions of fife in Israel while under attack from Saddam Hussein, noting that diverse German contributions have aided the development of Iraqs arsenal. Foreign Minister Genscher admitted that Germany bared responsibility for much of the Iraqi weaponry, while indicating that Germany has been legally preventing German companies from arming Iraq since the two foreign ministers met in August.
Mr. Levy said that Germany had provided Iraq with both chemical ability and nuclear know-how, and consequentially, Israel has been intimidated and threatened. Israelis with scars from the Holocaust are currently in sealed rooms, fearing the very gas they believed they had forever left behind in the concentration camps.
Germany has strong historical and moral reasons for ensuring the survival of the Jewish State. This does not involve Israel's accepting a cheque, for Israel has not approached Germany with its hands out. Fair treatment from the international community is needed. When only the Arab countries receive assistance from Europe, Israel voices its dismay, claiming policies must be just.
Presently, as a result of Saddam Hussein's aggression against Israel, the country has been affected in all dimensions. Whether assistance is given or not, Israel must protect those who 50 years ago experienced the results of the intentions which the Iraqis garner today, and defend itself - accordingly. When it is decided that retaliation is necessary, action will be taken because the people of Israel have faith in its government.
President Bush confirmed that the allied aim is to eliminate the threat of Iraq to the world. Now, Israel is being understood by others. Suddenly, the existential threat Israel faces is being perceived as genuine.
Foreign Minister Levy concluded by summarizing his talks with his colleague, Foreign Minister Genscher. Levy praised Genscher for his statement that Israel, when attacked, should not be required to provide information to anyone on how to defend its citizens. The presence of the large German delegation indicates Germany's will to work with Israel and that Israel's dilemma, having to face animals who destroy human beings using the most advanced weapons even against its own population, is understood.
Mr. Genscher explained that the German delegation's arrival in Israel at the present time shows unequivocal support for Israel. Germany feels a sense of historical and moral responsibility towards Israel. In August, when the meeting was held with Foreign Minister Levy, few others in the international community shared an understanding of Saddam Hussein's potential, all of which has come to fruition. The existence of Israel is identical to Germany's very own, and all the attacks on Israel have been shocking.
Iraq has violated its own sovereignty, and infringed upon Israel's. The new united Germany stands with the allies in implementing international law in accordance with the United Nations resolutions. A military role is not a necessity for supporting the allied position.
Attempts to tighten foreign trade acts in Germany, in order to prevent violations, as have occurred with Iraq, have been made and will continue. Any Germans remaining in Iraq and participating in the development and production of arms are acting illegally and Germany will do its utmost to enter into proceedings against these individuals.
German anti-war demonstrators must be more specific about an individual breaking peace. Saddam Hussein broke peace by invading Kuwait. Currently, his intentions are merely to extend the war, including Israel in the battle. The anti-war demonstrators should be demonstrating against Saddam Hussein.
In response to the final question posed to the speakers, Foreign Minister Genscher said that legislative measures will likely be taken against the PLO, whose unwavering support for Iraq has not gone unnoticed.