AOL: Welcome to AOL and centerstage Ambassador Rabinovich!

AMBASSADOR RABINOVICH: This has been a very difficult day in the State of Israel. We have sustained another terrorist attack in Tel Aviv. I'm here to respond to your questions and what they mean to us.

Q: I went to Israel for the first time in August and felt so proud to be Jewish. I felt connected to Israelis in joy, now I feel connected in pain. What can American Jews do at this time? I feel like my heart is breaking.

AMB. RABINOVICH: One thing to do, if you planned to visit Israel, you go should go now. It's important that friends of Israel show support for us and show faith that the government of Israel will protect its citizens and visitors.

Q: Why did you declare all-out war?

AMB. RABINOVICH: We declared war because the only way to counter this terrorism to declare an all-out war. If we do the right thing, it will have its effect and morale will rise accordingly.

Q: Is there really something Israel can do to stop these monsters?

AMB. RABINOVICH: Yes - there are quite a few measures that can be done. And the PLO is working to control Hamas terrorism. The U.S. government has indicated its willingness to work with the Palestinians and Israel in this effort.

Q: What is being done about security?

AMB. RABINOVICH: Today the formation of a special command headed by the Director General of the Special Security has been created today. I think the measures will become apparent in the next few days.

Q: I hope the Israeli people will take this as an opportunity to support the Labor and Peres. Any Arab not swearing allegiance to Israel should be deported back to their country. You Israelis have always known who these murderers are and have lacked the guts to destroy them. The Rebbe said 1967 they should be sent back if not wishing to live in peace. Will the government consider resigning prior to the elections in the light of the public's loss of confidence in it?

AMB. RABINOVICH: No.

Q: Shimon Peres has come under a lot of fire by Israeli citizens for declaring war on Hamas. Do you agree with what he is doing?

AMB. RABINOVICH: I don't agree with that premise. He has not come under a lot of fire.

Q: How many lives were lost today and how is the country reacting to so much terrorism in such a short period of time?

AMB. RABINOVICH: At the last count, 12 were killed. There were other causalities [caused by the] Hizbullah in another incident on the Lebanese border. The country is reacting very badly today. The people are very agitated.

Q: Did your government anticipate terrorism by the Hamas?

AMB. RABINOVICH: Yes, this is nothing new. We recognize Hamas for what it is quite some time ago. We've tried to deploy countermeasures, so this attack does not come as any surprise.

Q: Happy Purim(as it may be), my question is: Is it not obvious, that we have been only giving and not receiving? Should we not wait to see how the ENEMY first takes care of a small responsibility before allowing them to assume responsibility for our lives?

AMB. RABINOVICH: In a peace process, part of what you want to do is turn a former enemy into a non-enemy. We have not only been giving, we have been receiving too. I do agree this is a complex process and we have to keep examining it as we go along.

Q: Mr. Ambassador, 4 bombings in 8 days, the opposition to Israeli-Palestinian peace seems overpowering. Any comments?

AMB. RABINOVICH: I agree that is a very severe challenge to the peace process. I believe that with Palestinians and other Arab countries we can overcome this challenge.

Q: Mr. Ambassador, do feel the recent bombings show a desperation on the part of Hamas?

AMB. RABINOVICH: A combination of self-confidence and desperation. Hamas wants to act against Israel at any time even without this peace process. And Hamas will always act against Israel if not stopped.

Q: Is there any way to crack down on suicide bombers except by retaliation?

AMB. RABINOVICH: Yes, this the end product of a long line - the preacher that brainwashes and the network which helps the bomber. It's difficult to deal with the suicide bomber, but there is a way to deal with the network that aided him.

Q: Can we attribute many problems to release of Palestinian prisoners, with no jobs, low self-esteem, and nothing better to do that die as martyrs??? What do they have to lose??? Releasing prisoners is insanity, and these guys are floating around INCITING.

AMB. RABINOVICH: The fact is that suicide bombers are not released prisoners. They tend to be young men in their 20s who have been brainwashed by a specific group of preachers.

Q: Is there fund for family of victims? Address please.

AMB. RABINOVICH: The State of Israel looks after the victims and their families. If you want to contribute to a fund, contact the Israeli embassy. We will find an address and legitimate fund for you.

Q: I am looking at bringing a group of Christians and Jews to tour Israel in March of 1997. How safe is it for an all Canadian group to travel to the Holy Land?

AMB. RABINOVICH: I think when we do what we need to do, it will become safe for any group to visit Israel.

Q: Are you sorry you didn't listen to Kahane's warning....The Arab is a cancer. Either it's cut out....or eventually....it will get you. And you will die. You don't talk to a cancer. You cut it out.

AMB. RABINOVICH: No, I believe and my country as a whole do not believe the teachings of Mr. Kahane.

Q: What precautions is Prime Minister Peres taking to insure his safety?

AMB. RABINOVICH: This is provided by the General Security forces. This has been doubled since the assassination.

Q: I understand the need to exclude the Palestinians from Israel and build a wall. Don't you think that this is reinventing apartheid?

AMB. RABINOVICH: No - apartheid exists when you keep people in an entity with no rights. The Palestinians have rights and have had 3 elections.

Q: Is it likely that Arafat can help diffuse the situation in Israel?

AMB. RABINOVICH: I think Arafat is going to act, because this will himself and his own society. Given his self-interest, I think we can count on him doing what he needs to do.

Q: What do you think will be the effect of these Hamas attacks on the Israeli attitude to the peace process, and their sympathy for the delicate position of Arafat?

AMB. RABINOVICH: I think these attacks are eroding support for the peace process. Most Israelis don't worry about Arafat's delicate position. They believe it's in his self-interest to take Hamas on effectively.

AMB. RABINOVICH: I'm sorry, but I've been called away. I've enjoyed talking with you and am very sorry I must leave now. But I've some important matters to take care of.

AOL: Thanks to Ambassador Rabinovich for his time this evening. Thanks also to the audience, goodnight all!