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CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS DENOUNCES THE BARBARIC TERRORIST MURDER THAT KILLED FOUR ISRAELI CIVILIANS
PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY MUST CEASE HONORING TERRORISTS
New York, August 31, 2010 … Leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issued the following statement about the terrorist attack near Kiryat Arba earlier today.
“We are outraged and deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack that claimed the lives of four innocent people and left 10 children orphaned. Hamas has proudly taken credit for this brutal and inhumane act. The government of Israel must take the steps it deems appropriate to protect its citizens. The international community must stand behind Israel and take decisive steps to end Hamas’ reign of terror. The international condemnations of Israel for measures to defend its borders and citizens, a right accorded every other nation, only encourages the terrorists. The UN and the international community must hold to account those who aid, abet and supply terrorist organizations. The discovery in recent days in the Sinai of huge quantities of weapons destined for Hamas, including hundreds of Strela anti-aircraft missiles underscores the urgency for decisive action. While the Palestinian Authority has condemned the attack, saying it harms Palestinian interests, they cannot continue to honor those responsible for terrorist attacks, declaring them shahids and allowing the incitement against Israel and Israelis to continue. The glorification of murderers will only encourage others to emulate them,” said Conference of Presidents Chairman Alan Solow and Executive Vice Chairman Malcolm Hoenlein.
“As the talks in Washington begin – and they should go forward – security must be the priority issue. Such bloodshed will only assure the failure of the negotiations. We know this is the terrorists’ intent and they should not be rewarded, but their threats of continued violence cannot and must not be ignored,” said Solow and Hoenlein. “We express our condolences to the families of the victims and all the people of Israel.”
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News Resources - North America, Europe, and Asia:
Netanyahu and Abbas Begin Direct Mideast Peace Talks - Helene Cooper and Mark Landler
Israeli and Palestinian leaders were to open direct peace negotiations Thursday in Washington following a White House dinner Wednesday where President Obama vowed to do everything within his power in the next year to achieve a comprehensive agreement. Prime Minister Netanyahu, turning toward Palestinian President Abbas, called him his "partner in peace." "The Jewish people are not strangers in our homeland, the land of our forefathers," he said. "But we recognize that another people share this land with us. And I came here today to find an historic compromise that will enable both peoples to live in peace, security and dignity." (New York Times)
See also Israeli Peace Effort Rests on Netanyahu - Ethan Bronner
"The prime minister is much more optimistic than I am," said one of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's top aides. "He has made an internal calculation that he is ready to make an agreement."
Netanyahu has often said that he has three requirements for a deal. The potential for mass smuggling of rockets and other weapons into the Palestinian state must be avoided, Israel must be recognized as the state of the Jewish people by the Palestinian leadership, and the accord must declare a complete end to the conflict.
After Tuesday's murder by Hamas of four Israelis, Netanyahu's focus on the need for security may carry more weight.
Speaking in the White House on Wednesday, Netanyahu said it was crucial that any land Israel turned over for a Palestinian state would not become a "third Iranian-sponsored enclave aimed at the heart of Israel." (New York Times)
See also Remarks by President Obama after Bilateral Meetings Wednesday (White House)
Netanyahu Rules Out Extension on Settlement Freeze
"It is impossible to take the issue of settlements in the West Bank, which is an issue for the permanent agreement, and deal with it separately at the beginning of the direct talks," a statement from his office quoted Prime Minister Netanyahu as telling Secretary of State Clinton during their meeting on Tuesday. "Israel does not condition its participation in the talks on the Palestinian Authority regaining control of the Gaza Strip or rehabilitating West Bank refugee camps to find a solution for refugees outside Israel's borders," he said. "We are not looking for excuses to stop the negotiations. The opposite, we came here to find a real solution without preconditions." (Telegraph-UK)
See also Poll: Israelis Oppose Continuing Settlement Freeze
A poll of adult Israelis conducted for Channel 10 News and broadcast on September 1 asked:
Should construction in the territories be renewed?
Everywhere 39%, Only in settlement blocs 25%, Continue freeze 21%.
Is Abbas serious in his intention to reach peace?
Yes 23%, No 60%, Don't know 17%.
Is Netanyahu serious in his intention to reach peace?
Yes 51%, No 34%.
(Israel Channel 10-IMRA)
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Read today's complete Daily Alert »
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Statements, resources and articles about the flotilla and the IHH, and Congressional letters supporting Israel
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Download a copy of the ad placed in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post in commemoration of Yom Yerushalayim.
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Information and resources on Iran, the September 2009 events and advocacy tools.
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UnitedagainstnuclearIran.com
Top news, commentary, analysis, official documents, and reference materials on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Stay informed on the most serious threat facing the Jewish people.
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