CITIZENS of Israel: A war has been upon us. A war of terror. A war that claims innocent victims daily. A war of terror being conducted systematically, in an organized fashion and with methodical direction.

The aim of this war of terror, the aim of the terrorists, their aides and dispatchers, the aim of those who enable them to perpetrate their acts quietly without disturbance, is to expel us from here. Their aim is to bring us to total despair, a loss of hope, and a loss of the national vision which leads us - “A free people in our land, the land of Zion and Jerusalem.”

Citizens of Israel, this will not happen!

There is no nation in the world that would have demonstrated such maturity and stamina. I am proud to be part of this nation. I am aware of the fact we also face difficulties in other spheres of our lives; here too, we demonstrate our integrity and strength.

They have already understood that they will not succeed. They have already understood that our nation is stronger and that our spirit of resistance is firmer than they ever could have imagined. Therefore, they continue to slaughter children, youth, men and women, citizens of Israel and other nations just for the sake of killing, just to murder.

I tell you from here, from Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the state of Israel, united Jerusalem. I tell you this, you and all those listening today around the whole world: The blood of those who will rise up to kill us will be on their hands.

Just as the United States is conducting its war against international terror, using all its might against terror, so will we, too. With all the strength, determination and resources we have used until today, and with resources at our disposal.

This struggle is not an easy one, this struggle will not be short. But we will be victorious.

Israel does not start wars. This war of terror, as in the past, upon us. We know who is guilty. We know who is responsible.

Arafat is responsible for everything that happens here. He has chosen the path of terrorism.

For a long time the world been a significant shift. There are signs of greater understanding for our position - everyone is discovering the real Arafat.

Arafat is the greatest obstacle to peace and stability in the Middle East. We have seen this in the past, are seeing it in the present - and will unfortunately probably continue to see this in the future. But Arafat will not fool this government.

The Palestinian people must know: They are the primary victims of the current situation brought about by Arafat.

I tell you now: We will pursue those responsible, the perpetrators of terrorism and the supporters. We will pursue them until we catch them, and they will pay the price.

The government I head is a national unity government. We are now in a time of emergency - and in such times a national unity government, a government which represents the entire public in Israel, is of supreme importance.

United, we will face all the challenges before us.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 14th, 2002 and is filed under quotables.