Prime Minister Sharon's Address to the Nation
Monday, December 3, 2001

 

Citizens of Israel,

Firstly, on my behalf and on behalf of the Government of Israel, I
wish to send my condolences to the families of those murdered, and
wish a speedy recovery to the many wounded who remain hospitalized
around the country.

I returned today from the United States after a conversation with
President George Bush. The President asked me to convey to the
people of Israel his deep sorrow and sincere condolences. The
President told me that the United States is a true friend and partner
of the State of Israel. In times of peace, just as today in our fight
against terror, the United States and Israel stand together!

Citizens of Israel,

We have fought many wars - and we have won them all. We have
defeated our enemies - and we have made peace. We have held the
sword - and made the wilderness and desert bloom. We have built
cities, developed industry and cultivated agriculture - we have
transformed the State of Israel into an example and symbol for many
other countries in the world.

We continue this enterprise every day, we will not cease - never!

A war has been forced upon us. A war of terror. A war that claims
innocent victims daily. A war of terror being conducted
systematically, in an organized fashion and with methodical
direction.

If you ask what the aim of this war is - I will tell you. The aim of
this war of terror, the aim of the terrorists, their aids and
dispatchers, the aim of those who enable them to perpetrate their
acts quietly without disturbance, is to expel us from here. Their
aim is to bring us to total despair, a loss of hope, and a loss of
the national vision which leads us - "A free people in our land, the
land of Zion and Jerusalem."

Citizens of Israel - this will not happen!

There is no nation in the world that would have demonstrated such
maturity and stamina, I am proud to be part of this nation. I am
aware of the fact we also face difficulties in other spheres of our
lives; here too, we demonstrate our integrity and strength.

They have already understood that they will not succeed. They have
already understood that our nation is stronger and that our spirit of
resistance is firmer than they ever could have imagined. Therefore,
they continue to slaughter children, youth, men and women, citizens
of Israel and other nations - human beings -just for the sake of
killing, just to murder.

I tell you from here, from Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the
State of Israel -united Jerusalem. I tell you this, you and all
those listening today around the whole world - the blood of those who
will rise up to kill us will be on their hands.

Just as the United States is conducting its war against international
terror, using all its might against terror, so will we too. With all
the strength, determination and resources we have used until today,
and with resources at our disposal.

Do not believe false prophecies and do not be misled by promises of
immediate results. This struggle is not an easy one, this struggle
will not be short. But we will be victorious.

Israel does not start wars. This war of terror, as in the past, has
been forced upon us. We know who has forced it upon us. We know who
is guilty. We know who is responsible.

Arafat is responsible for everything that happens here. Arafat has
made his strategic choices: a strategy of terrorism, in choosing to
try and win political accomplishments through murder and in choosing
to allow the ruthless killing of innocent civilians, Arafat has
chosen the path of terrorism.

For a long time the world has not seen Arafat for what he is, but
recently there has been a significant shift. There are signs of
greater understanding for our position - everyone is discovering the
real Arafat.

Arafat is the greatest obstacle to peace and stability in the Middle
East. We have seen this in the past, are seeing it in the present,
and will unfortunately probably continue to see this in the future.
But, Arafat will not fool this government. This time, Arafat will
not succeed in fooling us.

The Palestinian people must know: They are the primary victims of the
current situation brought about by Arafat.

I tell you now: we will pursue those responsible, the perpetrators of
terrorism and the supporters. We will pursue them until we catch
them, and they will pay the price.

Today, immediately upon my return, I convened an emergency meeting
with all the heads of security establishment. In a few minutes, the
Government will assemble for a special meeting, and will make
decisions on the expansion of the treatment of terrorism.

This is not the place to discuss these avenues. I am certain that
the decisions we must take today require a special assemblage of the
entire Government.

The Government I head is a National Unity Government. We are now in
a time of emergency, and in such times a National Unity Government, a
Government which represents the entire public in Israel, is of
supreme importance.

United we will face all the challenges before us.