April 9, 2002
IDF has completed its mission in the PA-controlled towns of Kalkilya and Tulkarm

1. Today, as Israel marks Holocaust Remembrance Day, and amid an unprecedented resurgence in antisemitism throughout the world, it is incumbent upon us to be aware of the terrible consequences of blind hatred. Israel calls upon the international community to fight antisemitism in an uncompromising manner, before it spreads unrestrained, and the world finds itself facing a new catastrophe.

2. The IDF has completed its mission in the PA-controlled towns of Kalkilya and Tulkarm, and it has withdrawn from these areas, in keeping with the understanding reached between Prime Minister Sharon and President Bush. The IDF has no interest in remaining in Palestinian towns any longer than necessary.

3. Israel expects the Palestinian side to carry out its obligations. Five days have elapsed since President Bush demanded that Arafat address his people in Arabic, and publicly reject terrorism. We are still waiting for this to happen.

4. The IDF is operating in Jenin in order to eradicate the terrorist infrastructure, restore order, and re-establish security and calm for Israel's citizens. Israel has no interest whatsoever in harming the Palestinian civilian population. Nevertheless, the IDF is confronting heavily armed terrorists in civilian clothes, who are firing and detonating explosive charges against Israeli forces at every turn. The terrorists are responsible for considerable damage, and have inflicted a large number of IDF casualties.

5. Israel has no objection to a meeting between US Secretary of State Powell and Arafat. It should be remembered, however, that Arafat is the Godfather of Palestinian terrorism. He supports, finances and encourages terrorism, and in doing so, has violated all the promises he made to Israel, the Americans and the European Community.

6. Israel accepts the proposals presented by General Zinni, which are based on the Tenet work plan. The first stage of the Tenet plan calls for the implementation of a ceasefire, to be followed by a renewal of the diplomatic process. Those parties who are currently working to secure quick political gains for the Palestinians are unwittingly handing a prize to the terrorists. These efforts will not bring about a ceasefire, but only encourage an escalation of the terror.

7. Noteworthy is Prime Minister Sharon's declaration yesterday in the Knesset, that if a responsible Palestinian leadership should arise, it will find Israel's hand extended in peace and reconciliation.