This government has indicated all along that
it is not capable of dealing with terrorists. We drove a block from
King David Street and saw the action of the bulldozer. We heard
the three shots that destroyed the terrorist. He concentrated his
attention upon the bus. He failed from overturning the bus as it
U-turned into a side street. The terrorist collapsed, after being
shot by a Druze policeman and a Sussiya settler passerby. Some 15
people were injured as two cars were overturned.
Again, terrorists with criminal records were bearing
blue cards for Jerusalemites. The three recent operations were done
with blue card entry. It is almost too late to identify the terrorist
from an Arab worker. The construction throughout the land and particularly
in Jerusalem is often completed using Arab labor. Nevertheless Arab
terrorists, many with criminal records, will use their blue cards
and then bulldozers to attack Jews.
On the previous bulldozer attack in the market
in Jerusalem, as we drove by a half-hour before the attack, the
bulldozer was unattended. The terrorist took the bulldozer and overturned
two busses and smashed three cars. He killed three and wounded 48
before being killed by police and a soldier. The previous incident
was the killing of eight students at the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in
Jerusalem; one was a great grandson of Shapira in our building.
Again, the blue card was an important aid to make the preparation
for a massive murder. Fortunately an army captain dashed into the
Yeshiva Library and killed the terrorist.
In none of these three terrorist attacks were punishments
applied immediately. With previous governments with Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon at the head, the homes of terrorists were destroyed
immediately. These terror attacks stopped immediately. His attacks
were upon the terror leaders on a 24-hour basis. That ended terror
at his time. Now, the weakling leadership accepts terror attacks
and then tries to "respond."
Several ministers insist that we must show our
strength. Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, former chief of staff,
insists upon destroying the house and arresting those who assist
their leadership.
Public Security Minister Avi Dichter states: "I
believe that the homes of these terrorists need to be demolished,
and those who helped them expelled from the city. That is the best
deterrent." Defense Minister Ehud Barak remarks: "This
is a complicated reality, but we are a strong nation." Nevertheless
he did nothing to stop terror. He was approved to the sealing of
the home of the terrorists. To date nothing has been done, except
to wait for the next terror act. Ehud Barak, the former chief of
staff, offers no real solution but presents a line of fear from
Hezbollah, Hamas and even Fatah.
We must change this helpless government now to
face the reality of a possible three-front war soon. Deterrence
is considered to be the only effective tool against east Jerusalem
terror. The Israel Security Agency has arrested some 80 terrorists
in Jerusalem. More arrests will be made. Bulldozers will be recorded
and blue cards inspected for ownership.
A bit of a surprise visit was the appearance of
Illinois U.S. Senator Barak Obama in Jerusalem, a few hours after
this terror attack. In the King David Hotel he stated clearly: "Today's
bulldozer attack is a reminder of what Israelis have courageously
lived with on a daily basis, far too long. I strongly condemn this
attack and will always support Israel in confronting terrorism,
and pursuing peace and security." He added:" I have come
to express my strong commitments to the U.S.-Israel friendship and
to Israel's security, and show solidarity with Israel and its struggles
for peace and against terrorism."
Also he wanted to discuss with Israel leaders "the
grave threat posed by Iran, and Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Finally, let there be no doubt. I will always keep the threat of
military action on the table to defend our security and our ally
Israel. Some times there are no alternatives to confrontation. But
that only makes diplomacy more important." These are very reassuring
commitments, for which we thank Senator Barak Obama very much.
Updated
8/6/08

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