AIPAC New Leadership Summit
December 4, 2001Thank you, Jeff, for the warm introduction. And thank you for all of your work on behalf of the New Leadership Network.
I also wish to thank each and every one of the "new leaders" here today, for demonstrating your dedication to Israel and your unwavering commitment to our future.
Israeli history tells us that we are only as strong as the next generation. It is now up to all of you to sustain Israel's vitality through action, advocacy, and your ongoing support.
For five decades, AIPAC has stood by Israel as our voice in Washington; our most dependable partner and friend.
On behalf of the State of Israel, I would like to thank you for making AIPAC what it is today. Your work is unparalleled in its impact, vision, and scope. AIPAC represents the forefront of U.S.-Israel ties.
Congressman Lantos, AIPAC members and staff, dear friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I address you today, as the tragic events of Saturday and Sunday's bombings still resonate within our minds.
It is with deep pain that we mourn the loss of twenty-five innocent lives, and pray for the hundreds wounded. Many of whom, are still struggling to survive.
The victims of the Jerusalem and Haifa bombings were all innocent civilians, enjoying life in Israel. Shopping in Jerusalem, eating in a cafe, or riding the bus to work. They were young and old. Israeli, Arab, and American. Jewish, and Muslim alike. All killed or wounded by indiscriminate acts of terror for which there is no excuse.
These attacks come at a time when Israel and the United States were making every effort to end the fourteen months of Palestinian violence, incitement, and empty promises of peace.It is clear that after Camp David, the Palestinians made the strategic decision to use terror as a means of attaining what they failed to achieve through negotiations. This, despite the fact that Israel accepted- as a basis of negotiations- American proposals that would have led to a Palestinian state.
By refusing these proposals, and making terror his strategic choice, Arafat clearly demonstrated that it is not a state next to Israel that he desires. It is a state instead of Israel. This is something he will never get.
Arafat has not prepared his people for a future of peace. Rather, he has prepared them for war. This is most evident when considering that Palestinian schools, day camps, and textbooks are all utilized as channels for spreading hate, and negating Israel's right to exist.
At the same time, the Palestinian media is used to spread messages that glorify suicide bombings, and encourage the use of violence against innocent people as a means of achieving political aims.
It is within this atmosphere that young Palestinians are taught to kill Jews and hate Israel.
It is within this atmosphere that suicide bombers emerge, and commit acts of terror such as those of the past week.
And, it is within this atmosphere that the Palestinian Authority condones and harbors the terrorist networks operating openly under its control.
Despite promises and commitments, Arafat has repeatedly failed to dismantle terrorist infrastructures or punish perpetrators of violence. On the contrary, he has encouraged, promoted, and aided their efforts.
This is most evident in his refusal to punish criminals, or re-arrest known terrorists, including the masterminds of the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem bombings this summer, and the murderers of the late Minister of Tourism, Rechavam Ze'evi.
Even in the aftermath of this week's bombings, the arrests made by the Palestinian Authority were a mere show. By refusing to arrest the most dangerous echelon of terrorists- as defined by both Israel and the United States- Arafat has demonstrated a complete unwillingness to comply with Israeli and American demands.
Israel and the United States have agreed that Arafat will be judged only upon his actions, and of course results. These results are long overdue, and Arafat's time is up.
Some have questioned Arafat's ability to curb the violence. He has proven time and again- it is not a matter of ability. It is a matter of will.
It is clear that Arafat chooses the path of violence when he feels it serves his interests, and restrains terror when he thinks it will bring him closer to his goals.
In failing to fulfill his basic obligations to peace, Arafat bears the ultimate responsibility for the loss of innocent lives.Abba Eban once said, "men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all alternatives."
Arafat must realize that he has exhausted the use of terror, as an alternative to peace. He will now pay the consequences for his unwise actions.
We have continually demanded that he uproot the terror that has infested his society, end the incitement that fills his media, and dismantle the terrorist organizations operating under his control.
Unfortunately, we no longer have any expectations that he will follow through on our demands. Therefore, Israel is left with no choice but to take action against Palestinian terror, to defend its vital interests, and protect its citizens from harm.
This is not only a policy decision. It is a humanitarian necessity, and a basic security obligation of the state.
These issues were discussed between Prime Minister Sharon and President Bush during their meeting on Sunday. In a clear demonstration of support, the White House expressed its full commitment to Israel's right to defense and other security needs.
This mutual understanding serves as a testament to the strong and abiding relationship between Israel and the United States. A relationship built upon trust, common values, and shared interests in the region.
This message of solidarity has been an essential pillar of the Bush Administration's policy in the Middle East, demonstrated by the American departure from Durban, and their boycott of this week's Conference of the High Contracting Parties of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The Administration's refusal to invite Arafat to Washington, the American veto of anti-Israel resolutions in the UN Security Council, and a pro-Israel letter recently signed by eighty-nine Senators have all underscored the strength of our special bond.
This bond is re-affirmed by both Houses of Congress, and for this we are extremely grateful to Senators and Representatives alike.
Just as the U.S. has stood by Israel in its times of need, Prime Minister Sharon has pledged that Israel stands hand-in-hand with America in its international war on terror.
America's victory is a necessity to the United States, but it is also of vital importance to Israel. In an effort to aid American efforts, Israel has pledged its willingness to provide airfields, ports, and military installations. Israel has also offered to contribute all intelligence and technology that may advance American anti-terror operations, and the Administration has expressed its deep appreciation for our collaboration.
As victims of terror, Israel and the United States are forever partners in the pursuit of security and peace. With the united efforts of our two great nations, we will overcome the challenges that lie ahead. And in the end, we will prevail.
It is this message of partnership and unity that I urge you to take to the Hill today.
Again, I wish to thank you for your solidarity with Israel and your demonstration of support.
