20 November 2000
Statement by PM and DM Barak on Schoolbus Attack
(Communicated by the Defense Minister's Media Adviser)
Further to the Cabinet meeting of November 20, 2000, Prime Minister
and Defense Minister Ehud Barak ordered attacks on several targets
within Palestinian territory in the Gaza Strip, including
headquarters of the Fatah-Tanzim, television transmitters, and
others.
The Israeli government views the Palestinian Authority as responsible
for the fatal attack this morning against a bus carrying children
near Kfar Darom. Those who perpetrated this attack are members of the
Fatah-Tanzim, who are subject to PA authority.
Despite the earlier statement by PA Chairman Arafat, there has been
no halt in firing at Israeli settlements, or in attacks and attempted
attacks - including that carried out by a member of the Palestinian
security forces (on November 18), which led to the death of St.-Sgt.
Baruch Snir-Flum and St.-Sgt. Sharon Shitoubi in Kfar Darom.
The IDF will continue to act with appropriate force against those
responsible for the attacks, and will not be deterred from measures
that will make it clear to the other side that Israel will react
strongly against anyone who harms Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers.