Posted on 04/04/2002 6:39:07 PM PST by tomahawk
Israeli operations will go on despite Bush demand as Sharon augments right wing
By israelinsider staff April 5, 2002
Advisers to Ariel Sharon say that the anti-terror campaign in the territories will continue despite President George W. Bush's call for Israel to halt the operation immediately and begin withdrawing from the six cities it occupies. While FM Shimon Peres welcomed the decision to send Sec. of State Colin Powell to the region, Sharon strengthened the right flank of his government so that it could survive a brewing revolt by Peres' Labor party.
Sharon did not respond directly to the Bush speech, but a statement released by his office said that negotiations prior to decisive victory over terror, will only strengthen terrorist forces. The statement said that the military operation would continue till a decisive victory over the terrorists and their organizers, and it demanded that the terrorists surrenders and hand over their illegal weapons.
Communications Minister Reuven Rivlin, who spoke to Sharon after Bush's address, said "We accept the part of the speech that explains why Arafat is not a partner for peace, but Israel must continue its military operation to act against terror. It is impossible that the Americans will demand that we will cease action when there is no one else that can do so, and that is also the position of the prime minister."
Fellow Likud Minister Dani Naveh said "we must say no to the United States. We are in a war for our homes, our lives, and our children, and we must continue to act without regard to world opinion until the IDF completes its mission.
Foreign Minister Peres, in sharp contrast, issued a statement in which he "welcomes the American President's commitment to bringing about a ceasefire with the Palestinians, in order to renew the peace process that constitutes a fundamental Israeli interest. We note with satisfaction President Bush's words on the necessity to put an end to terror." He also "welcomes Secretary of State Powell's mission to the region, and we will spare no effort to make it a successful one."
The conflicting reactions from Labor and Likud representatives underscores a growing tension with Israel's national unity government. Today, after a meeting with Sharon, the National Religious Party, a right wing party associated with the settlement movement, agreed to join the government, after more than a year staying outside due to what it perceived to be Sharon's less than resolute stand on security issues.
The party will be led by General Effi Eitam, a charismatic figure and one of Israel's highest ranking religious military leaders. Sharon is also conducting negotiations will David Levy's Gesher Party.
Sharon also met for the first time in many months with party rival Benjamin Netanyahu, the former Prime Minister. While Netanyahu's initial assignment will be to represent Israel before the media, starting with a weekend trip to the United States, there has been speculation that Netanyahu may be a candidate to become foreign minister should Shimon Peres bolt from the government.
But why should I be surprised? This is the same president who campaigned that CFR was unconstitutional and than turned around and signed it into law.
Do you honestly believe Bush would have said ONE WORD he said today if he hadn't talk to Sharon beforehand?
Geez.........get a clue.
Since September the 11th, I’ve delivered this message: Everyone must choose; you’re either with the civilized world or you’re with the terrorists. All in the Middle East also must choose, and must move decisively in word and deed against terrorist acts.
The chairman of the Palestinian Authority has not consistently opposed or confronted terrorists.
At Oslo and elsewhere, Chairman Arafat renounced terror as an instrument of his cause, and he agreed to control it. He’s not done so. The situation in which he finds himself today is largely of his own making. He’s missed his opportunities and thereby betrayed the hopes of the people he is supposed to lead.
Given his failure, the Israeli government feels it must strike at terrorist networks that are killing its citizens. Yet Israel must understand that its response to these recent attacks is only a temporary measure. All parties have their own responsibilities, and all parties owe it to their own people to act.
You're sick of this?
The future Bush memorial will be a permanent giant yellow Slip-N-Slide on the mall.
Do you honestly believe Bush would have said ONE WORD he said today if he hadn't talk to Sharon beforehand?
Geez.........get a clue.
I have three words to say to you about how trustworthy Bush is: Campaign Finanace Reform.
"The Israeli government should be compassionate at checkpoints and border crossings, sparing innocent Palestinians daily humiliation. Israel should take immediate action to ease closures and allow peaceful people to go back to work."
And this:
"Yet, to lay the foundations of future peace, I ask Israel to halt incursions into Palestinian-controlled areas and begin the withdrawal from those cities it has recently occupied."
Arabs already control MILLIONS of square miles of territory... WHY do they need the "west bank so badly?" TO stage continuous military and terrorist operations against Israel... Treaties mean nothing to Islamics. They are encouraged by their "scriptures" to make lying treaties to take territory from the infidels, before putting them to the sword.
Jew haters must never be given any territory from which they can attack israel.... or they will, and it is as sure as sewer water flows downhill.
Well said. Since Bush's speech this morning, and the subsequent stance by Sharon, I am much more confident of the strategy being employed. Seeing as how Powell won't be on the scene until next week, this will shut up the hand wringers, while allowing the Israelis to do what needs to be done.
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