Embassy of Israel Briefing
October 16, 2002

The Prime Minister opens every new Knesset session by reviewing the current situation. The winter session of the Knesset commenced on Monday, October 14 and Prime Minister Sharon addressed the internal and external threats that Israel currently faces.

Enclosed are excerpts of Prime Minister Sharon’s speech that highlight two pressing external threats- Palestinian terror and weapons of mass destruction.

Sincerely,

Moshe Fox
Minister of Public Affairs
Embassy of Israel, Washington DC

Prime Minister Sharon Speech to the Opening Session of the Knesset

October 14, 2002

We all strive to end the terrible, bloody conflict with the Palestinians. We can - we can - achieve peace.

But will the present Palestinian leadership want to abandon their scheme to eliminate Israel, and instead, chose to live with us in peace?

Even a Palestinian child knows the real answer in his heart: the bands of terrorists and murderers that have taken over the lives of the Palestinians with the encouragement, agreement, and at the initiative of the Palestinian Authority that controls them, do not want peace - not for us and not for the Palestinians. They are an obstacle to peace. In order to reach peace, their murderous regime must be removed and replaced with one of peace.

This is the truth - even if it is bitter. This is reality - even if it is harsh. Too many times we have buried our heads in the sand. No more.

From here, at this Knesset podium, I call on the Palestinians, and say to them: Your terrible pain is unnecessary. Your sacrifices are unnecessary! The blood you have spilled has been spilled in vain. Say: "Enough!" Change the regime of tyranny that leads you from defeat to defeat, from disaster to disaster.

I believe that every Palestinian knows the truth. I believe that there is a real chance that the coming year will be a year of change. I believe that the hand we extend in peace will not be ignored forever. I believe that our Palestinian neighbors will, of their own accord, reach a moment of historic change in their relationship with the State of Israel. I promise you that this government will monitor of every sign of change, and will know how to use every opening or even hint of change in order to realize the hope of generations, and to make peace.

Members of Knesset,

The threat to the security of the State of Israel does not stem only from the conflict with the Palestinians. It also stems from the existence of dark regimes in our region that make every effort to arm themselves with weapons of mass destruction, in order to bring about our elimination.

Israel does not face the foreign threat empty-handed.

I hear the voices of alarm reverberating in the media, I see the headlines of fear. I hear the reports of anxiety. Anyone observing us from the outside would think that we are being led like lambs to the slaughter.

From here I would like to address all the citizens of Israel, and tell them: Do not be afraid. There is cause for concern, but Israel is prepared and ready for any scenario that our enemies are planning. There is no cause for panic or for the talk that creates it. We must stay united, act together, quietly, determinedly, and responsibly,

and do whatever is necessary.

The threats of mass destruction and mass terror are not only directed at us. The United States, the leader of the free world, is determined to uproot this threat and to neutralize it. Israel is part of the free world, an ally of the United States, and we welcome its leadership in the struggle against the forces of evil.