Embassy of Israel Briefing
April 9, 2004
Answering Novak's questions

In his April 1 column, Robert Novak asserted the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C., had ''no comment'' regarding various accusations surrounding Israel's security fence. I was perplexed to learn that we had ''no comment.''

Had Novak seriously tried to contact me, I would have told him Israel is proactively resolving issues on the ground that result from the construction of the fence. I would have told him, contrary to his claim, the IDF [Israeli Defense Force] built a special passage to provide access to and from Bethlehem for the Sisters of Emmanuel Monastery. I would have told him Israel did not unilaterally break off negotiations with the church on the security fence, but rather conducts ongoing talks with the nuncio.

Far from having ''no comment,'' actually, I have many. Most important, as Holy Week approaches, Israel is committed to facilitating the free movement of worshippers and pilgrims.

Mark Regev, Spokesman,
Embassy of Israel,
Washington, D.C.