Jerusalem, 9 May 1996
RESPONSE TO UN SECRETARY'S REPORT ON KANA INCIDENT
(Communicated by Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
1. Israel categorically rejects the findings of the UN report concerning
the incident at Kana.
2. Israel profoundly regrets the loss of human life at Kana and has
thoroughly investigated this tragic incident which was caused, first and
foremost, by the firing of Katyusha rockets and mortars by Hizbullah from
a location in close proximity to the UN position.
We reiterate that the IDF had no intention whatsoever of firing on the UN
position at Kana. Our investigation has shown that the UN position was hit
by artillery fire due to incorrect targeting based on erroneous data.
The IAF drone shown on videotape did not reach the area until after the UN
position was hit and was not an operational component in the targeting of
Israeli artillery fire in the area.
3. It is difficult to understand and highly regrettable that this report
does not condemn Hizbullah for the cynical use of civilians as a shield
for its gunmen, nor does it continue any condemnation of Hizbullah's use
of areas contiguous or in close proximity to UN positions for launching
attacks upon Israel.
4. This inaccurate and one sided report is misleading, runs contrary to
the stated desire of the UN to play a more active role in the Middle East
peace process and undermines its ability to do so.
Israel hopes that the understanding reached between the various sides will
engender the calm and stability necessary to engage the parties concerned
in peace negotiations which are the only way to promote peace and security
between Israel and Lebanon.