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Weekly Cabinet meeting 18.9.2002 |
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Weekly Cabinet meeting 18.9.2002 |
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| (18/09/2002) |
At the weekly Cabinet meeting today 18.9.2002:
1. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon praised Foreign Minister Shimon Peres'
visit to the US and defined it as successful regarding the political
meetings he held, during the course of which he presented the
government's position, and from an information point-of-view.
Prime Minister Sharon noted that Foreign Minister Peres met with Vice
President Richard Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell and National
Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice, as well as with 30 foreign ministers.
Defense Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer discussed the Iraqi threat in
light of the possibility of an American attack on Iraq.
Defense Minister Ben-Eliezer said that it is for the US to decide on
this matter according to its own considerations. Israel respects the US
administration's decisions and while Israel identifies with the US
intention to strike at one of the key factors in the "axis of evil in
the Middle East", Israel has no direct role in this conflict and has no
intention of playing such a role unless the issue is forced by an Iraqi
attack.
Defense Minister Ben Eliezer added that there are no grounds for panic
in light of the possibility of an American attack on Iraq and any Iraqi
attempt to act against Israel; similarly, descriptions of the Iraqi
threat should not be exaggerated. Regardless of what the US will do to
meet this threat, the State of Israel is well prepared to meet it.
Israel has an efficient Home Front Command, Arrow missiles that provide
it with an effective 'umbrella' to intercept a missile attack, and an
excellent and capable air force, which can block any attempt at aerial
aggression. Israel has vastly improved the ability to protect its
population; no citizen will lack an effective gas mask.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, Defense Minister Ben Eliezer commented
on Israel's continued operational activities which are successful in
foiling and preventing the vast majority of attempted attacks.
Defense Minister Ben-Eliezer said that Israel is closely monitoring
actions in Lebanon to divert the waters of the Hatzbani River and said
that Israel is giving an opportunity to US mediation efforts. The
Defense Minister emphasized that while Israel is not interested in
escalating the security situation in the north, it is not prepared to
countenance regional projects in southern Lebanon which would strike a
severe blow at Israel's water supply and create a negative precedent.
ISA Director Avi Dichter briefed the Cabinet on ongoing security matters
and issues connected to the state of the Palestinian Authority. In
addition, the ISA Director related to the involvement of Israeli Arabs
in terror attacks against the State, and attacks suspected to be carried
out by Jews.
Prime Minister Sharon in relating to Jewish terror said, that he had
discussed the matter with the ISA and directed them to increase their
activities to locate the perpetrators whose actions are morally
repugnant and likely to create a difficult situation for Israel.
Prime Minister Sharon emphasized the need to do everything possible to
stop the attackers.
3. Prime Minister Sharon announced that the committee headed by the
Minister of Justice to investigate the issue of parents of lone soldiers
from the former Soviet Union reached the conclusion whereby they will be
able to, through a gradual process, receive Israeli citizenship.
Prime Minister Sharon said that this solution will be enacted in
legislation.
Prime Minister Sharon directed those responsible, that until the
legislation is passed, the Interior Ministry will act according to the
above conclusions and parents of lone soldiers, who meet the criteria
set out by the ministerial committee, will not longer be ordered to
leave Israel.
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