David Levy was no stranger to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, having served as minister of foreign affairs from June 1990 to July 1992. On 19 June 1996 Ehud Barak handed over the ministry to Mr. Levy who stressed the key role of the ministry in the conduct of Israels foreign relations. He also sought to alleviate tensions created among Israels neighbors as to the policies of the new government. A number of Arab leaders were calling for an emergency meeting to examine their ties with the new government of Israel. The new minister said there was no need for such a meeting as the new government was committed to the peace process and wished to strengthen it on the basis of mutuality. Excerpts:
As head of a young political party, I might have chosen an economically powerful and influential ministry, so that my party could become larger, stronger and more influential. I had a choice, and I chose to come here, because I believe that this office can truly fulfill the hope shared by many and continue the peace process a process which is not dependent on us alone, but on others as well. That is the chief goal, as I see it. If we succeed when we succeed that will truly be the fulfillment of my longtime wish.
We were here back then, working under great difficulties. Although at the time it seemed like an impossible goal, I insisted that this ministry occupy a central position in the ongoing processes of thought and action, and I gave the ministry back its status. It was inconceivable that this ministry would be without power, or else only serve as a source of information. Ehud has been part of this process and has contributed to it, and I hope that it will continue.
If events develop in an undesirable direction, we will be faced with difficult times. In order for the process to continue unimpaired, it is our primary responsibility to create a calm atmosphere, as this ministry is expert at doing. There are problems, and we must be thoroughly familiar with all the issues at hand and strive for success, because the success of the process is dependent on our own successful actions and cooperation with other relevant parties.
I take this opportunity to address our neighbors regarding the tension, which some are trying to create, which is entirely unnecessary and unconstructive. It does not contribute to the peace process, which is valuable and important to all of us. This process bears in mind the interests of the entire region, not only of a single side.
Tension must be reduced. You are facing a government that wants peace, and is willing to create the atmosphere necessary for negotiation and progress. In order for any such progress to be made, all sides must live up to the commitments they made. If we achieve this, and soon, there will be no need for an emergency conference, which is entirely out of place. I expect this conference, which is to be held presently, to send us a message of peace and to extend a warm hand towards Israel, so that we might work together in cooperation, being fully aware of all that might happen if we do not bear the joint responsibility for the continuation of the process.
I call on you to see the government of Israel as a partner who wishes to advance the peace process. Do not be led by prejudices; do not judge us before we have met and negotiated. Make your contribution not by forcing Israel to defend itself, but by seeing that this process is a partnership. There is no alternative for a joint wish for peace, which is not only a supreme value in the eyes of this government, but also the deep wish of our entire people.