Back to Ambassadorial Speeches - Ambassador Itamar Rabinovich

Ambassador Itamar Rabinovich On WAMU Public Radio's Diane Rehm Show October 19, 1994

MS. DIANE REHM: Is there any doubt that the group Hamas was behind the attack?

AMBASSADOR ITAMAR RABINOVICH: I'm afraid there is no doubt Hamas took responsibility for this publicly in the Gaza Strip and I think it's beyond any doubt.

MS. REHM: The intent was apparently to put pressure on Prime Minister Rabin to halt the peace process. What do you expect its affect to be?

AMB. RABINOVICH: We are determined that the peace process will continue and the only real fundamental response to this type of hostility, belligerence and bloodshed is indeed to bring about a state of peace. But beyond this general statement, certain practical matters will have to be taken -- they will have to be taken on several levels. First and foremost by the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, because the infrastructure of these organizations is primarily in Gaza. Secondly, with regards to Iran which as a state and a government is radiating these ideas and extending excellent support to Hamas and other organizations. And thirdly, on the international level I think that this happened in Tel Aviv, last week in Jerusalem, but a few weeks ago in Buenos Aires and in London and therefore politically, diplomatically, there has to be a concerted international effort against this kind of terror.

MS. REHM: But, in addition, I gather Israeli officials are being quoted as saying that the attack is going to be avenged, and in the words of Israeli President Weizman the government will take extraordinary action to find the roots of Hamas and rip them to pieces. What action do you anticipate might be taken?

AMB. RABINOVICH: In about an hour from now there will be a special meeting of the Cabinet. The Prime Minister was in London. He cut short his visit to London in light of the tragedy, and the actual decisions on these measures will be taken in a matter of two to three hours from now. What I think President Weizman and others Israeli spokesmen had in mind was that some of the targets that I've mentioned earlier to get Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Authority to exert pressure on Hamas and to break their infrastructure in the Gaza Strip or pressure on Iran and other such measures need to be translated from general ideas in to action.

MS. REHM: Well, I do understand about the pressure that is being put on Mr. Arafat, but the question is, realistically, can he stop these acts from happening?

AMB. RABINOVICH: I think that this a case in which the answer (--) cause if Mr. Arafat in his jurisdiction in Gaza cannot take charge of Hamas or other organizations determined to destroy the peace process then there is no point to this peace process. And therefore there has to be a decision, with the bottom line, yes. We estimate that he can do it, that up until now he was toying with the idea that you could reign in from without coopting them. But I think the answer is written in very red letters -- no, and therefore he has to draw the right conclusions. We believe that he has the political power to do it. He needs the political will.

MS. REHM: Mr. Ambassador, What about the concern that the cycle of violence is simply going to escalate further?

AMB. RABINOVICH: I think that this where the statement comes in, when I said to you earlier that the only answer is the peace process. This is the constructive answer to this. At a moment like this, everybody is anguished and angry and everyone attempting to work and where decisive action is required to take place. But all of this in the framework of continuing the peace process. Let us remember, this is meant to disrupt the signing ceremony, the peace treaty with Jordan, to be attended by President Clinton, as well. This must take place because this is the right path.

MS. REHM: You do anticipate that trip by President Clinton will continue to go forward as planned. The question is how safe is it for President Clinton himself?

AMB. RABINOVICH: You know, we of course, that we cannot make decisions or plans on behalf of the U.S. government. These are decisions that will be made by them. I think that we can guarantee the safety for the President. We are determined to continue with the signing ceremony. I think that the character of the ceremony will change, it will be somewhat more somber than originally planned. But regards security we were thinking of 110% effort before, and there will be 120% effort for the President's security next week.

MS. REHM: Israeli Ambassador to the United States Itamar Rabinovich, I want to thank you so much for joining us this morning sir.

AMB. RABINOVICH: Thank you very much for having me.