| Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Speech at the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations |
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19/02/2004
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Welcome to Jerusalem. I hope, as always, that you will enjoy your stay here in Jerusalem, the capital of the Jewish people now and for 3000 years, a city where, besides a very short period just a few years Jews never stopped living here.
I know sometimes we see all of Israel's problems as political, believing that once a solution is found to Israel's problems with its neighbors, other issues on the agenda will disappear.
I do not believe so. We have other challenges that must be solved the economy, educating our young generation, encouraging Aliyah, and when I speak about encouraging Aliyah it is not only encouraging, but with regard now that is the government's first priority is to make an effort that in the coming 12, 15 years another million Jews from all around the world will be moving to live in Israel. The future of Israel depends, first of all on Aliyah. And if to continue with the problems we are having: the struggle we face against the anti-Semitism and anti-Israel campaign around the world.
Like all Israelis, I long for peace.
I know that usually generals are suspected to love wars. Myself, I have been portrayed many times in the past as a general that was looking for wars.
(And I would like to say something personal: I participated in all the wars of the State of Israel. I went through the ranks from corporal through general. I had the privilege to command the best units and formations of the Israeli Army, from the Commando Forces, Parachute Corps, very large-scale armored units and formations. And I had the "privilege" to see all the horrors and fears of wars. I saw my best friends being killed. I was badly injured twice, and I felt those terrible pains in hospitals. And I had to take decisions of life and death, of others and of myself. Therefore, I believe that I understand the importance of peace better than many of the politicians that speak about peace, but never had that experience that I had.
But I believe that peace should provide security to the Jewish people, and the one tiny, small country that the Jews have, and that is Israel (very small country, but a country with many talents and courageous people). But as I said, very, very, tiny, tiny small country. But it is the only place where the Jews have the right and capability to defend themselves by themselves. And that we have to preserve. And I mentioned that many times, and I can repeat it now Israel is ready for genuine, durable, real peace to make painful compromises.
I mentioned painful because we speak about the "cradle of the Jewish people" where the Jews were born as a nation 4000 years ago. But there is one field where we are not going to make any compromises - not now and not in the future when it comes to the security of the Israeli citizens and the security of the State of Israel.)
I think it is very important to take all steps to solve the conflict with the Palestinians. However, with all other challenges I mentioned, if the Palestinians do not make a similar effort (by now they have not done anything to this direction) we will not wait for them forever.
Nine months ago my Government approved the "Roadmap" to peace, based on President George Bush's vision. This is a balanced program for a step-by-step progress towards genuine peace, to which both Israel and the Palestinians are committed. A full implementation of the program is the best way to achieve a viable peace.
The concept behind the President's vision is that "only security will lead to peace". Without full security, including the dismantling of terror organizations and stopping violence and incitement, it will not be possible to achieve genuine peace, a peace for generations.
The opposite concept, where the very signing of a peace agreement will produce security out of thin air was tried in the past, and failed. This will also be the case with any future plan based on this idea. There will be no peace before the ending of terror and incitement.
A full and complete implementation of President Bush's vision will at the end of the process lead to peace and quiet.
We have no interest in governing the Palestinians. We want them to govern themselves. I still hope that the Palestinians will abandon the path of terror and bloodshed. As a matter of fact, by now, we do not see even the slightest signs they have changed their strategy of terror. Then, we will be able to move together towards achieving real and lasting peace.
However, we must be realistic, and prepare for the option that the current situation, in which the Palestinians do not implement their part of the President's vision, will continue. This will create a security and political vacuum. In that case, Israel will take the unilateral security step of disengagement from the Palestinians.
The purpose of the "Disengagement Plan" is to guarantee maximum security and minimize friction between Israelis and Palestinians.
This will include the redeployment of IDF forces along new security lines and a relocation of some settlements. Security will be provided by IDF deployment, the security fence and other physical obstacles. These steps will increase the security of the citizens of Israel and make it easier for the IDF and security forces to do their difficult work.
Obviously, the "Disengagement Plan" will leave the Palestinians with much less than they would have if they had followed the requirements of the Roadmap.
Israel will speed up the construction of the security fence - an effective shield against suicide terrorism. The fence has already proved to be effective in preventing terrorist attacks and in saving lives. There is no better example of the cynicism of the world, than the decision to hold political discussions at the International Court in the Hague discussions against the fence that will save human lives.
As I already stated in the past, the steps that Israel will take in the "Disengagement Plan" will be fully coordinated with the United States.
Today, I held a long meeting with a team of senior American officials to discuss the "Disengagement Plan".
We will continue these talks in the near future, until my upcoming visit to Washington DC. Our strategic relations with the United States have never been stronger. We continue to hold serious dialogue on all the issues on the agenda.
I believe that President Bush and the U.S. Administration are very sensitive to Israel's needs, are committed to its security, and understand Israel's right to defend itself.
I would like to stress: the "Disengagement Plan" is a security measure and not a political one. The steps that will be taken will not prevent the possibility of implementing the President's vision and reaching an agreed settlement, if and when there is a reliable partner on the Palestinian side.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In the past three years, the Palestinian terrorist organizations have put us to a difficult test. Their plan to break the spirit of Israeli society has not succeeded. The wonderful assistance and solidarity of our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora also strengthened our spirit, and proved that we are not alone. We thank you for that and for your determined effort to fight the new wave of anti-Semitism around the world.
And of course, I regard your visit here now as a very, very important and strong sign of solidarity, which we always needed, but I believe now we need it more than ever. I would like to thank you for that.
Let us not be fooled. Any path will be difficult, with many problems, and we must act with wisdom and responsibility. I am confident that, just as we have managed to overcome our challenges in the past, we will succeed today, with G-d's help, in achieving peace, security and prosperity in our homeland.
Thank you.
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