Jerusalem, 10 August 2001
Briefing following Israeli Cabinet Meeting
(Communicated by the Cabinet Secretariat)
Following tonight's Cabinet decision, the Israeli Defense Forces
(IDF) and the Israeli Police carried out a number of military and
administrative activities whose purpose was to deter the terrorist
elements and to push the Palestinian Authority into fulfilling its
duty and acting to stop the violence. Israel has acted according to
the basic rules of self-defense, and is not willing to see its hands
tied in the face of the terrorist threats.
Israel demands that the Palestinian Authority fulfill its commitments
to stop and prevent the terrorism. To Israel's sorrow, the PA has not
fulfilled this mission. Moreover, elements under the PA's direct
authority are involved in terrorist activities.
Israel had given the Palestinian Authority the names of the
terrorists involved in the recent terrorist attacks, including the
horrendous attack in Jerusalem. The PA took no action to stop the
terrorists. Israel invoked its right to protect the well being of its
citizens, and will continue to do so as long as the PA does not
fulfill its duty.
It is clear now to all how vital the preventive interceptions are.
This line of activity has saved the lives of many and if it had been
successfully carried out yesterday, the terrible disaster in
Jerusalem would have been prevented.
Israel expects the international community to clarify, more
adamantly, to the PA that without an end to terrorism, violence and
incitement, it will be impossible to implement the Mitchell plan nor
will the renewal of the peace negotiations be possible. Israel will
not negotiate under fire.
Israel is interested in seeing the Mitchell plan started up, however
this step is possible only if the fight against terrorism will be
successfully carried out, without any compromises.