JERUSALEM (September 12) - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon held consultations last night with Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, and top security officials to analyze the attacks in the US and consider the ramifications for Israel.
Ra'anan Gissin, a senior aide to Sharon, said last night's meeting was meant to assess the situation and take "all the necessary precautions."
Regarding calls for Israel to act militarily against Palestinian terror immediately, while the world is horrified by the terror acts in the US and its attention is diverted, Gissin said that the "war against terror is not one or two acts, it is a long and arduous war. Even exploiting an opportunity will not give any assurance that the reign of terror will end."
Gissin added, however, that there will now be "more sympathy in the world toward the idea that proactive activity is needed against terror, behind the leadership of the US."
Asked if he is concerned the attacks could boomerang against Israel - with the US public saying that, if it were not for America's support of Israel, this terror would not have been unleashed - Gissin said he believes the battle will be viewed as one "between civilizations, between the good and bad, between the civilized and uncivilized."
He said he believes the Americans will realize that the attacks in New York and Washington were not aimed at Israel, "the little Satan," but rather "the big Satan, and all that it stands for."
Sharon spoke immediately after the attack with US Ambassador Dan Kurtzer to express his sadness and offer his condolences. He told Kurtzer that "Israel is willing to help in any way possible." Ben-Eliezer, meanwhile, approved the dispatch of IDF rescue units to the US if they are requested.
Ben-Eliezer issued a statement saying "that extremist Islamic terrorism is the main threat facing the nations of the free world today, since its goal is to destroy everything connected to the values shared by democratic governments and western societies."
Peres also offered the US government Israel's aid and rescue assistance. He said that "Israel is following the developments with deep concern and prays for the well-being of the American people. Israel grieves at this tragedy of unimaginable proportions."
At a meeting in Tel Aviv with reporters, Peres was asked about Israel's preparedness in case of similar attacks. He said the fear of this type of attack was the reason that Israel downed an unidentified plane that flew into its air space a few months ago. "Israel's radar eye is open 24 hours a day," he said. "We have smaller air space. It is impossible to compare us to the US."
Peres said the attack shows that the "the problem [of terror] is not limited to Israel, but is spread throughout the whole world. We know of countries that are centers for terror and they have to be told either to destroy the terror centers, or be declared countries that harbor terror, with all that comes with that."
He said the attacks show that "even if you have an army, fleet, tanks, artillery - it doesn't provide an answer for this type of war, where the enemies sail above the states, over the border. They have no uniforms or identification cards. For this war you need different strategic and tactical preparations." Knesset Speaker Avraham Burg issued a statement on behalf of the Knesset expressing sorrow for the "shocking national tragedy caused by the evil terror attacks" and mourning the loss of innocent lives.
The Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, ordered its legations around the world to operate on skeleton staffs, concerned they could be targeted.
The ministry also set up a situation room at its embassy in Washington and consulate in New York, as well as the ministry in Jerusalem, to provide information to Israelis worried about relatives or friends in New York and Washington. The numbers in Washington are: (202) 364-5427, 364-5550, and 364-5440; the numbers in New York are: (212) 499-5460/61/67/68/69/70/77/78. The Foreign Ministry's number in Jerusalem is 530-3343/555.
Click Here to order a one-year subscription to The International Jerusalem Post for only $39.95.
Mishkenot Caspi
A whole different outlook on Jerusalem
Mishkenot Caspi is a unique architectural accomplishment - a dream of perfect life at the highest possible standards. This could be your last chance to secure a unique property in the heart of Jerusalem. Click here...
