Embassy of Israel Briefing
March 22, 2004

The mastermind of death: An old man in a wheelchair

All terrorism committed in the name of religious extremism is the same, no matter where it takes place, no matter what its name- Al-Qaida, Hamas, whatever.

This morning (22 March), Israel eliminated one of the most prominent practitioners of international terrorism: the founder and leader of the Hamas. This group constitutes a primary element in the fabric of Global terrorism.

The operation against Yassin was not an act of vengeance. It was part of the ongoing Israeli effort to confront terrorism and its sources. The brutal Hamas terrorist campaign is aimed at killing as many Israelis as possible, in the pursuit of the ultimate Hamas goal of bringing about Israel's destruction.

US National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice, in a March 22, 2004 interview with NBC's "Today" show said, "Hamas is a terrorist organization and… Sheik Yassin has himself personally... been involved in terrorist planning."

Whoever is involved in the planning, orchestration, execution or leadership of terrorism must understand that Israel will not sit idly by and wait for the next suicide bomber to appear on the streets of Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. The Government of Israel -like any other government- bears a fundamental responsibility to protect the lives of its citizens from the threat of terrorism.

Hamas has developed extensive ties with other terrorist groups. Due to the support it receives from Iran and Syria, Hamas is able to maintain a complex organizational, financial and operational infrastructure deployed internationally.

The attempt to present Yassin as some kind of 'moderate spiritual leader' is no less ridiculous than describing Bin-Laden as such.

Underneath his supposed clerical garb, Ahmed Yassin was an arch-terrorist, a true pioneer in the ruthless murder of innocents. He was the founding leader of the Hamas, and was personally responsible for its strategy of wholesale suicide terrorism.

Yassin took advantage of his spiritual influence to indoctrinate his followers with a hatred of human life and zeal to commit hundreds of barbaric murders.

While riding on buses, dining in restaurants, shopping in malls, or just walking down the street hundreds of Israeli civilians fell victim to Yassin's cruel policy of hatred.

Yassin distorted lofty religious principles in order to recruit Palestinians, including children and women, to embark upon so-called 'holy Jihad' missions. He encouraged his followers to kill themselves and murder hundreds of Israeli civilians.

Yassin was the dominant authority of the Hamas leadership, and provided direct oversight for the planning, orchestrating and execution of terrorist attacks by the organization.

In this capacity, Yassin personally gave his approval for launching suicide bombers to murder and maim at the discotheque near Tel Aviv's Dolphinarium on June 2001, and the dining room of the Park Hotel in Netanya on Passover eve in 2002. Hamas' numerous terrorist bombings since September 2000 exacted the lives of 377 Israelis and injured 2076 Israeli civilians.

In his public appearances and interviews, Yassin repeatedly called for a continuation of the 'armed struggle' against Israel, and for an intensification of the terrorist campaign against its citizens. On July 7,2003 Yassin encouraged the Hamas' terrorists to attack everywhere in Israeli territory,"We haven't limited the military command, battalions or factions. Response may come anywhere in Israel, exactly as it (Israel) acts against the entire Palestinian territory."

While continuing its counter-terrorist operations, Israel will, at the same time, persevere in its efforts to arrive at a political solution based upon the implementation of the 'Roadmap'. Peace can only be achieved once the Palestinian leadership confronts the terrorists in its midst, and renounces the use of violence as a tool to resolve political disagreements.

Israel has offered the Palestinians hope of achieving their aspirations, and has extended its hand in peace. Yet, it has received only an onslaught of terrorism in return. Today, Israel faces an ever-increasing terrorist threat, and in the face of this threat, Israel will continue to defend itself.

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