Following tradition, the prime minister opened the winter session of the Knesset by delivering a political statement. He mourned the death of an Israeli soldier killed by Hamas terrorists in Hebron and five soldiers ambushed by Hizballah terrorists in southern Lebanon. He reiterated his call to Syria to elaborate its position on the meaning and nature of peace with Israel and not to condition progress in its relations with Israel on progress in the other bilateral negotiations. For its part, Israel was ready to withdraw on the Golan Heights, but not from the Golan Heights. It was ready to apply Resolutions 242 and 338 to the Golan Heights and continue talks in the Madrid Conference framework. He called on Lebanon and Jordan to speed up the talks as there were no territorial issues involved and on the Palestinians to respond to Israel's proposals of interim self-government arrangements to go into effect shortly. The Palestinians, for their part, wanted to negotiate the final resolution of the conflict already at this stage of the talks. This demand was unacceptable to Israel. Special mention was made of U.S. loan guarantees. Text:
Mr. Speaker, honored Knesset,
Yesterday was a day of blood. In our war for our right to live here, in the bloody struggle which has not yet reached its end, in the battle between us - who wish for peace and security - and them, the sowers of destruction and death, six IDF soldiers were slain.
Their death came to them at the hands of Hamas and Hizballah, who ambushed them in the alleyways of Hebron and in the hills of southern Lebanon.
In Hebron, a gang numbering three terrorists operated against soldiers at an IDF outpost adjacent to the Cave of the Patriarchs. One of them opened fire, and killed one soldier and lightly wounded another soldier. The terrorists fled in a car bearing local license plates. At the site of the shooting, 18 bullet shells and a leaflet from a faction belonging to Hamas were found. Security forces are investigating whether the gang which operated yesterday in Hebron is the same gang which, a few days ago, opened fire on a military vehicle, wounding a soldier and a woman officer.
In southern Lebanon, a powerful explosive device was activated against an IDF convoy. Five soldiers were killed and five were wounded, most of them seriously. Hizballah has claimed responsibility for the attack.
We have lost six of our emissaries - people of the city, village and moshav, and one member of the Druze community which has made a blood covenant with us; six - each one of whom was a world in himself to his family, and to us.
This is a difficult and painful hour for us all. The history book of the founding and establishment of the State of Israel continues, today, to be written in blood.
At these moments, we are all one family. This large family, the family which has known beautiful days and difficult hours, is today united in the expression of condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones, and in wishing a recovery to the wounded.
Members of Knesset,
I will say no more than this: The IDF and the security branches will pursue and seize the murderers and their leaders. At this very hour, we are operating in Lebanon.
Members of Knesset,
In the name of the Government, I greet the Knesset members on their return to work in the House. We anticipate many more days and many hours of discussions within the walls of this House, as well as penetrating arguments, and -just like the Knesset members - so also the Government hopes that discussions during this winter session, difficult as they may be, will be held in an atmosphere which honors the House. I call on all House members to be worthy of our electorate and of our mission, without relinquishing their positions.
Mister Speaker,
Loss and bereavement, pain and sorrow, have struck our house and the houses of others in recent weeks:
In Amsterdam, scores of Dutch citizens lost their lives in the wake of the El-Al plane crash. I speak for all factions of the Knesset in expressing heartfelt sorrow over the deaths of Dutch citizens in the disaster. Sent from here, in your name, were condolences [their] family members, wishes for the recovery of the injured and [our) participation in the pain of Holland - a true friend of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
We are party to the intense mourning of the families of the crew members and of the wife of the security [officer], and wish to join the many comforters who [feel the] pain of the tragedy along with the El-Al family. El-Al is an airline which bestows security on its passengers and on the entire aviation world. However, to us, it is more than just an airline. El-Al is a national symbol.
The cup of sorrow is still not full: Our condolences [are] also [sent] to the family members whose dear ones died in the many - too many - traffic accidents of recent weeks. Day after day, week after week, we escort to their scores of senseless victims to their final resting places and we refuse to accept their meaningless deaths as the hand of fate. The heart is wrenched at the indifference displayed by the public in the face of the deaths glaring at us every morning. The Government, on its part, is doing - and will do - all in its power to prevent traffic accidents, but the steering wheel leading to unnecessary death is in the hands of the drivers, and the heavy responsibility for their lives and the lives of the passengers is placed upon them.
We will conclude this chapter by expressing our grief and genuine participation in the pain of the families who lost their dear ones at the hands of murderers from Palestinian terrorist organizations and from Hizballah. Our hearts are with you today. Your comfort and our comfort will come in the continuation of the building of the State of Israel -because no knife, no roadside bomb, and no ambush shootings, petrol bombs or stone will move us, and we will achieve our national goals.
In your name, Knesset members, we wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.
Despite the difficulties, despite the murderous acts and the terror, this Government has placed peace at the top of its goals. It is determined to make a serious effort in order to achieve peace with Arab countries and the Palestinians in the territories. From the first moment of its inception, it has acted to try and conclude the era of wars and to bring peace to the country - to us and our children after us. It is said, in our sources: "Seek peace and pursue it" - and we seek peace. We desire it - but not at any price.
Also today, we repeat [our] call for peace - for us and for all Arab nations.
Despite the acts of terror and the disturbances, we continue to believe that an opportunity which cannot be missed has been created. We are continuing negotiations for peace. However, they should know - also in Damascus, in Amman, in every place - that we have learned, through difficult and painful ways and mainly from the Yom Kippur War, that we cannot err. We cannot allow ourselves to make mistakes, since our lives depend on it. We must marshal our steps with caution and wisdom. And we will do so.
The bloody events of yesterday are an additional proof of the supreme necessity for the strengthening of personal and national safety. Therefore, before any decisions are taken and certainly before any signing, the security of the state will stand before our eyes. Only when we have security, will there also be peace.
The basic guidelines of the Government concerning peacemaking with Syria, with the Palestinians in the territories, Jordan, and Lebanon, have been translated into deeds. Already during the first week of the tenure of the Government, the United States secretary of state visited Israel. Immediately afterward, a meeting was held with the Egyptian president. In these discussions and others, arrangements were determined for the rapid resumption of the negotiations, and continuous negotiations were begun with the Arab delegations en route to peace.
Members of Knesset,
A few days ago the State of Israel marked, in pain and sorrow, 19 years since the Yom Kippur War. Years have passed, time has moved on, but the sirens of that bitter Yom Kippur afternoon still reverberate in our ears. It is also a warning siren to us and to those coming after us: During those days - 19 and 20 years ago, at the beginning of the 1970s - Egypt was not prepared or willing for a full and true peace with the State of Israel. Among us, there were many who believed that "Sharm a-Sheikh without peace is preferable to peace without Sharm a-Sheikh." The Yom Kippur War, and the painful and terrible price which Egypt and Israel paid, persuaded the Egyptian president that it was preferable to choose the path of peace. And today, we have peace with Egypt, because we also preferred peace to Sharm a-Sheikh - and a great deal more than that.
Is it correct to say that history repeats itself? Just as Egypt then, so Syria today is unprepared for a full and genuine peace with us. And today, there are those among us who say that all of the Golan Heights is preferable to peace -even if they phrase it differently. Let us state here explicitly: The present Government desires peace with Syria, but is not prepared to repeat the precedent of the territorial price paid to Egypt for peace.
Today, we are conducting talks with the Syrians, the Lebanese, and the Jordanian-Palestinian delegation. The round of talks already began in August and is continuing.
What did we propose in the negotiations with the Syrians?
* The blueprint set by the previous Government on the eve of the Madrid conference has been preserved, but an effort is being made to mold new qualities therein.
We have determined that our goal is an actual peace treaty with Syria.
We have said that Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 are applicable in the achievement of peace with Damascus. The significance of this statement is that we are prepared for the IDF to withdraw to secure and recognized borders. I emphasize: We are speaking of withdrawal on the Golan Heights, not from the Golan Heights.
And yet, we have said - and repeated and emphasized - that this agreement of ours is conditional upon the willingness of Syria for real peace. We will not discuss the location of borders with the Syrians, we will not sketch maps - as long as Syria does not fulfill and live up to at least two conditions:
The first condition: Syria must be willing to sign a full peace contract with Israel including open borders for the movement of people and merchandise; diplomatic relations, including embassies; normalization of relations between the two countries and the two peoples, and, security arrangements.
The second condition: The peace contract with Syria must be able to stand on its own two feet and must be unconditional on developments in the peace negotiations with other Arab delegations.
Up until this moment, as of today, Syria has not expressed a willingness to meet these conditions. And I hereby say to the members of the House that, so long as there is no consent to these conditions in Damascus, the negotiations will continue in accordance with our way and our positions.
Members of Knesset,
Twenty-five years ago, the best sons, emissaries and fighters of the State of Israel drove home a stake on the Golan Heights. They transformed the black basalt rocks into gardens and blossoming plantations. Nothing compares to them. On them and on their shoulders, the State of Israel was built, is being built and will be built.
Also today, we see the residents of the Golan as pioneers walking in front of the camp, as those standing on the front-line in the battle for peace. They are the emissaries of the nation and their position on the Golan Heights is the most important and vital part in the struggle for peace.
As we informed the Knesset during the presentation of the Government, we intend to continue with the enterprise of construction and development on the Golan. We have no intention of ceasing it.
Members of Knesset,
Within the framework of the peace talks in Washington, we are conducting the most complex and complicated negotiations with the Jordanian-Palestinian delegation - on two tracks which are linked together. We view the existence of a joint Jordanian-Palestinian framework positively, with the understanding that there are issues in the negotiations that are related to Jordan and to the Palestinians.
We are offering the Palestinians the establishment of autonomy - or, as they prefer to call it, "ISGA" (Interim Self-Government Arrangements) - within a relatively short period of time. We presented the Palestinians with a series of proposals in order to fill the idea of autonomy in its content and to embark on a new road. And we offered them arrangements and powers that will enable them to conduct their daily lives. We offered them to establish an administrative-executive council, but we will oppose any demand for the creation of a legislative body. We suggest that the body which will conduct the affairs of the Palestinians in the territories will be elected from among the residents of these areas - and by themselves. But we have no intention of imposing elections upon them.
According to what has been decided, in the third year [after] the application of the interim arrangements, the negotiations on the permanent settlement will commence and will be grounded in the rules laid forth in the invitation to the Madrid conference.
We intend to guard Israeli interests well. The responsibility for the lives of the Israeli residents and settlements, and for their security will be in the hands of the State of Israel.
At this stage, there has not yet been any Palestinian responsiveness to our proposals as they are. I fear that the Palestinians are again deluding themselves. Again, they may be hallucinating. Instead of learning from their mistakes over generations, instead of accepting what has been offered to them - or to at least discuss [it] seriously -the Palestinians are still adhering to "everything - or nothing." If it will be this way, if they are not willing to change their positions, they will ultimately remain with nothing. Again, I appeal to them to return to the negotiating table, to the land of reality, before they miss the current opportunity perhaps the last one, for many years.
Regarding Jordan, our aim is to reach a peace treaty based on reciprocity of relations therewith. The negotiations with [Jordan] will be centered around the boundary line, security arrangements, the water question and the content of the relations between the two countries.
In the negotiations with Lebanon, the problems are actually simpler. No territorial problem exists between Israel and Lebanon. There is an internationally agreed upon border, which is also acceptable to us. The main problem with Lebanon, there is no government or regime capable of exercising full control over the sovereign territory of the country.
The political negotiations with the Palestinians are accompanied by the efforts of the various terrorist organizations -headed by Hamas, the other rejectionist fronts and others - which have set themselves the goal of continuing with terrorism and disturbances in order to kill Jews, as well as many Palestinians who do not agree with their path. Their intention is to eliminate all chances to progress toward a solution to the conflict between the Palestinians in the territories and ourselves.
Sometimes, the terror activities and disturbances by terrorist organizations in the territories - in Judea, Samaria, Gaza - and even in Lebanon increase. Within the territories, we are witnessing greater usage of live weapons, explosive devices and petrol bombs.
In the war against terror and terrorist organizations, great successes have been registered by the IDF, the security service, the Border Police and the (Israel] Police. A large number of wanted [persons] and murderers have been apprehended recently. This is an opportunity for us to thank them for the sweat and blood, [their] efforts and contribution to the security of the State of Israel.
Members of Knesset,
From this podium, I want to appeal to the Palestinians in the territories: We want [to achieve] a resolution to the prolonged conflict between us. We want to see an end to all the wars: we want to return all our sons home safely. Do not be mistaken: Parallel to the negotiations with your delegation in Washington, we will act with all our might -within the confines of the law - against all incitement activities and participation in terror [acts] and disturbances. Do not misinterpret our desire and willingness for peace. Do not exploit the fact that we do not treat you as other nations and countries would in similar situations. Do not come to us with charges that you did not understand, that you did not think that it would be this way, that you did not estimate [accordingly]. We are telling you: For 44 years, you have attempted to ignore reality. Look how terrible your predicament is; stop for one moment and think about where you have come to - and believe us: If you continue [with acts of] terrorism, if you continue to pull the trigger, it [will be] unfortunate because your fate will be bad and miserable. We say to you: Consider your deeds well. There is an opportunity; take advantage of it. There is a willingness on our part. You will bear the consequences of your mistakes.
Members of Knesset,
In the effort for peace, our great friend the United States is our partner. Faithful to its path, through all administrations and presidents, the United States wants what is best for the State of Israel - and, for this we are grateful to them.
During the period which has passed since the presentation of the Government to the Knesset, the United States has agreed to guarantee the sum of $ 10 billion in order that we might be able to withstand the heavy burden of immigrant absorption and of providing employment to immigrants from Russia and countries of the CIS. The absorption minister told me this morning that, in the immigration to Israel during the last quarter - from July until September - there has been an increase of 38%. We welcome every immigrant - and await many more.
Mr. Speaker, members of Knesset,
The intentions of Israel are for peace; [they] have instilled great hope in the hearts of Israelis and Jews - in Israel and in the Diaspora - as well as within the Arab world and among members of other nations. A new wind is blowing toward the State of Israel and its policy. We sense an atmosphere of openness and good will surrounding us, and which deserve great appreciation. Again, we are not the "people that shall dwell alone"; not the whole world is against us, and our connections and relations with the nations of the world are becoming closer.
At the same time, we do not forget. Exactly 50 years ago, in October 1942, more than 100,000 Jews were led to their deaths in the extermination camps of Poland. During those days, many other Jews were sent to death by the Nazis and their accomplices in other places within Europe.
Many of us had hoped that, after the shock of the Holocaust, the monster of anti-Semitism - the parent mother of the horror - would not rear its ugly head. And yet, to our sorrow, its ghosts have been resurrected in recent years. And, in different parts of the world, we are witnesses to waves and phenomena of blatant anti-Semitism.
The anti-Semitic phenomena - whose beginnings are in words and in writing, and whose continuation is in violence until murder - [run] across continents and regimes. Those who attempt to erase the memory are broadcasting a message which is terrible to us all. A few days ago, the "Valley of the Destroyed Communities" - an impressive and mute memory to what happened to our people, to a world that was and has perished - was dedicated at Yad Vashem.
Let it also be a lesson for the future. We promise ourselves: Never again. The State of Israel and its immunity are the most daring expression of the realization of this commitment.
Members of Knesset,
The work of the Government has only just begun. We are embarking upon a difficult road and it is not without crises. Its goals are clear: the achievement of peace and security, and, the advancement of the society, the market and the economy. We are working, day and night, in order to achieve the goals we have posted for ourselves.