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15 December 2002
Christmas Preparations in the City of Bethlehem
(Communicated by the IDF Spokesman)
The IDF Spokesperson, and the Spokesperson of the Office of the
President of Israel, wish to clarify that contrary to inaccurate
reports and attempts to manipulate the media, there are no
differences between the position presented by the President of the
State of Israel to the Pope and the Secretary of State of the
Vatican, and the position of the defense establishment and the IDF.
President Katsav - after conferring with relevant parties in the
defense establishment - informed the Pope that if the security
situation allows, the IDF will position its forces in a manner in
which religious ceremonies celebrating Christmas can be held. This
decision will be based upon an evaluation of the security situation.
In the event of a security alert, the IDF will not be able to
re-position its forces in Bethlehem.
In any event, the IDF will do everything within its power to ease the
journey of pilgrims visiting Bethlehem on Christmas.
There is no difference between the comments made by the President of
the State of Israel and those made to the Israeli government by the IDF
Chief of the General Staff.
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