The following is a summary of an interview given by the defense minister in which he dealt with domestic security after the killing of three Israeli soldiers in Israeli territory (later it became evident that they were killed by Israeli Arabs), on the situation in Lebanon and on Israel-America relations. The Likud charged that the United States was withholding the loan guarantees and thus interfering with the elections in Israel. Text:
On the question of what must be done in order to reduce the dimensions of the phenomenon whereby terrorists/ knife-wielding [attackers] have succeeded in implementing their schemes, the Defense Minister replied that the resident of Kalkilya who, last week, stabbed Soviet immigrant Genia Friedman to death - and who stabbed and wounded other people - was impaired by an [IDFJ Master Sergeant who drew his weapon and fired on the [terrorist]. This, in the opinion of the Minister, is the correct response. It is deterring and it is a direct consequence of the order given a few months ago - according to which IDF personnel, officers and Master Sergeants must carry their weapons at all times and in all places, in order that there will be an immediate, on-site response to (attackers] with knives who attempt to kill (persons].
In answer to the question of whether the Defense Minister intends to change the orders regarding the opening of fire in the territories and render them stricter, the Minister said that he does not think we have a problem with the orders governing the opening of fire.
When asked whether there is a chance to halt the escalating cycle of domestic terror, the Defense Minister responded that, from his perspective, the matter was not been closed with the creation of an investigative committee -headed by Major-General Tamari - of the GaVed attack. An investigation is required so as to clarify the sub-surface reasons which brought about this situation. Arens also said that he will conduct a number of discussions on this subject in order to ascertain the roots of the problem. As to the terrorists, the Minister said that we are doing - and will do everything [possible] in order to apprehend the Galled murderers, as well as those who follow in their path. The Minister also believes that we will be successful [in this endeavor].
As to how the Defense Minister would summarize the last week of combat in Lebanon, Arens said that the IDF did what it was required to do - and that it relayed the messages which brought all the hostile elements in Lebanon to the conclusion that there are rules from which it is better not to deviate. The Minister added that the cessation in the firing of Katyushas is not an insignificant accomplishment for the security policy of Israel.
Regarding the depth of the security zone, the Defense Minister related that - at the moment - he is not thinking about changing the situation. He also said that we have also managed to clarify the game rules with the security zone [remaining] as it is.
With respect to the current status of efforts to [achieve] the release of Ron Arad, the return of the bodies of Alsheikh and Fink and the clarification of the fate of the three MlAs from Sultan Yaakob, the Defense Minister responded that -to his sorrow - we have nothing new [to report] in this area. The Minister added that we hope, and are operating with the assumption that Ron Arad is alive.
In regard to the guarantees, Arens said that he finds it difficult to believe the American administration wants -intentionally - to interfere in the Israeli election campaign. The Defense Minister also noted that we are dealing with a humanitarian matter and, therefore, the positioning of political conditions is not appropriate with the American psyche.
To the question of whether the State of Israel is better prepared - today - to defend its civilian home front and to protect itself against non-conventional weapons, the Defense Minister answered that it is difficult to give a meaningful response [to such a query], but it is possible to say that, in general, we are on the right track. Arens added that the "Arrow" [missile] is not yet operational, but the developmental efforts are continuing.