FM Levy reaction on Palestinian threat of military confrontation

FM Levy reaction on Palestinian threat of military confrontation

Communicated by the Israel Foreign Ministry spokesman, June 20, 2000

Foreign Minister Levy revealed today that over the last few days, the
Palestinian Authority (PA) has released from prison very dangerous people who
carried out terrorist attacks against Israel. Foreign Minister Levy disclosed this
information at the beginning of his meeting with a delegation of the Turkish
Foreign and Defense Committees.

The Foreign Minister stated that this was “a very grave phenomenon.
While the Palestinian Authority demands that we release prisoners with blood
on their hands, it releases dangerous terrorists.”

Foreign Minister Levy referred also to the statement by PA Justice Minister
Fraih Abu Meddain concerning the readiness of the Palestinian Authority to
sacrifice thousands of people in the case of a military confrontation with Israel.

Minister Levy stated that a person who says that he is ready to sacrifice
thousands of people shows disregard for human life.

“One must not say such things. It is the duty of leaders to prevent the
loss of life. Israel will not succumb in the face of such threats and declarations.
We do not want confrontation.”

Levy added, “In the event of a confrontation, we will take the necessary
steps.”

Foreign Minister Levy stated in the meeting that “peace means firstly an end to
thoughts of violence and force, and the Palestinians have yet to internalize this.”