DM Ben-Eliezer: "Path of terrorism will lead Palestinian people to disaster"; PA invests in terrorism, not welfare of Palestinian people
(Communicated by the Defense Minister's Media Adviser)
6 January 2002
The people of Israel, and the whole world, are excited in light of
this brilliant operation. We have named the operation "Noah's Ark".
However, this ark contains destruction and death in its hold, instead
of life and hope.
The fighters of the Navy and Air Force operated to perfection as they
were trained to operate. That is their mission. The defense
establishment expresses its deep admiration for the participants, and
thanks them in the name of all the people of Israel.
Commendations also go to the Israeli intelligence community. Hundreds
of thousands of Israelis are sighing with relief thanks to their
amazing abilities.
I have to admit, it is not an easy decision for the political echelon
to make. We are talking about an operation that was very far from the
shores of Israel with a high degree of danger. We made the decision
because the State of Israel will not accept any limitations upon
itself in the fight against terrorism, not territorial waters, not
air space and not land borders.
The most significant effort to this point, to turn the territories
into a copy of Lebanon, has been foiled. Israel will not allow the
territories to be turned in to a strategic threat.
The weapons that have been captured are not meant to be used in the
struggle against terrorism or to solidify the PA's standing in light
of the threats on its rule. These are offensive weapons meant to be
used in "quality" terrorist attacks that indicate the intentions to
escalate and continue the confrontation. It goes without saying that
this in complete contradiction to all agreements, understandings,
international law and moral norms.
Iran is the #1 exporter of terrorism in the world, and the PA's
decision to align itself with a state sponsoring terrorism proves its
true objective, which is in contradiction to global objectives since
September 11, as well as its declarations of its peaceful intentions.
The path of terrorism will lead to the continuation of suffering in
the region, and lead the Palestinian people to disaster.
I hope that the Palestinian people will open their eyes and see to
where its leadership is taking them, and where they are investing
their money. In our estimate, the ship and weapons cost several
million dollars, and instead of investing that in the welfare of the
Palestinian people, the PA invested it in terrorism. According to a
basic calculation, the cost of the ship and the weapons is equivalent
to the cost of wages for tens of thousands of Palestinian family
heads for a month.
The weapons were meant for the Palestinian Authority. The ship was
purchased by them; the people who organized and participated in this
are from the Palestinian security apparatus.
We are an optimistic, peace-seeking people, but reality slaps us in
the face time after time and reminds us who our neighbors are.
Despite that, we are committed to carrying on and exhausting every
process in the effort to achieve a cease-fire and opening a dialogue
to peace.
We do not have the privilege of despairing of finding a diplomatic
solution.
It has already been said, "with stratagems you will make war", but
with wisdom and patience spirit we will make peace.