April 11, 2002 -- Distinguished Senators, by adhering to three principles -- moral clarity, strategic clarity, and the imperative of victory -- the forces of freedom, led by America, are well on their way to victory against terror from Afghanistan.
But that is only the first step in dismantling the global terrorist network.
The question many in my country are now asking is this: Will America apply its principles consistently and win this war, or will it selectively abandon those principles and thereby ultimately risk losing the war?
My countrymen ask this question, because they believe that terrorism is an indivisible evil and that the war against terror must be fought indivisibly.
Until last week, I was certain that the United States would adhere to its principles and lead the free world to a decisive victory. Today I, too, have my concerns.
I am concerned that, when it comes to terror directed against Israel, the moral and strategic clarity that is so crucial for victory is being lost.
I am concerned that the imperative of defeating terror everywhere is being ignored when the main engine of Palestinian terror is allowed to remain intact.
I am concerned that the State of Israel, that has for decades bravely manned the front lines against terror, is being pressed to back down just when it is on the verge of uprooting Palestinian terror.
These concerns first surfaced with the appearance of a reprehensible moral symmetry that equates Israel, a democratic government that is defending itself against terror, with the Palestinian dictatorship that is perpetrating it.
The deliberate targeting of Israeli civilians is shamefully equated with the unintentional loss of Palestinian life that is the tragic but unavoidable consequence of legitimate warfare.
The responsibility for civilian deaths in Israel and in Israel's subsequent military action in Palestinian-controlled areas lies squarely with Yasser Arafat.
No one, of course, would dare suggest that the United States was the guilty party in World War II because German casualties, which included millions of civilians, were 20 times higher than American casualties.
So, too, only a twisted and corrupt logic would paint America and Britain as the aggressors in the current war, because Afghan casualties are reported to have well exceeded the death toll of September 11.
The responsibility for civilian deaths in Israel and in Israel's subsequent military action in Palestinian-controlled areas lies squarely with Yasser Arafat.
Israel has not experienced a terrorist attack like the one the world witnessed on that horrific day in September. But in the last 18 months, Israel's six million citizens have buried over 400 victims of terror -- a per capita toll equivalent to half a dozen September 11ths. This daily, hourly carnage is also unprecedented, even in terrorism's bloody history.
Yet at the very moment when support for Israel's war against terror should be stronger than ever, my nation is being asked to stop fighting.
Though we are assured by friends that we have the right to defend ourselves, we are effectively asked not to exercise that right.
Israel must now do three things. First, it must dismantle Arafat's terrorist regime and expel Arafat from the region.
Second, Israel must clean out terrorists, weapons, and explosives from all Palestinian-controlled areas.
Third, Israel must establish physical barriers separating the main Palestinian population centers from Israeli towns and cities.
Done together, these three measures will dramatically reduce terrorism, bring security to the people of Israel, and restore stability to the region.
What has destabilized the region is not Israeli action against Palestinian terror, but rather the constant pressure exerted on Israel to show restraint.
Last week, the government of Israel began to take the second of these vital steps. Rather than bomb Palestinian-populated cities and towns from the air -- an operation that would have claimed thousands of civilian casualties -- the Israeli army is taking on greater risk by using ground forces that painstakingly make their way through the hornet's nests of Palestinian terror...
For seven months, many of the world's governments have rightly supported the war against Afghan terror. Yet after only seven days, their patience for the war against Palestinian terror ran out.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, what has destabilized the region is not Israeli action against Palestinian terror, but rather the constant pressure exerted on Israel to show restraint. It is precisely the exceptional restraint shown by Israel for over a year and a half that has unwittingly emboldened its enemies and inadvertently increased the threat of a wider conflict.
Indeed, I am confident that in time those who would question Israel's actions now will understand that rooting out Palestinian terror today will also make Israel and the world safer tomorrow.
For if we do not immediately shut down the terror factories where Arafat is producing human bombs, it is only a matter of time before suicide bombers will terrorize your cities. Eventually, it is not impossible that these human bombs will supplement their murderous force with suitcases equipped with devices of mass death that could make the horrors of September 11 seem pale by comparison.
That is why there is no alternative to winning this war without delay. No part of the terrorist network can be left intact. For if not fully eradicated, like the most malignant cancer, it will regroup and attack again with even greater ferocity. Only by dismantling the entire network will we be assured of victory.
(26) Shoreh Larian, April 15, 2002 12:00 AM
Eretz Israel is ours by Divine Covenant
I am also impressed by Mr. Netanyahu's comments and would like to request that our leaders who are involved with the media make the following clarification for the people of the world, and the media, who like the sender of below comment (Fdorais@hotmail.com), that we are "Occupiers" or "Aggressors" in our home land, G-d Forbid. As mentioned in the Bible which is held sacred not only by Jews but also by Christians and Moslems, no one can honestly question the Jews' title to the Land of Israel.
According to the Covenantof G-d with Abraham G-d assured Abraham , "Unto your seed I have given this land..." This G-d reaffirmed again before the birth of Isaac, "And I will establish their generations for an everlasting covenant...and I will give unto you and to your seed after you the land of your sojourn, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession."
Indeed in accordance with this covenant G-d led our people out of Egyptian bondage into the promised land, and our people took possession of it and since the time of King David made Jerusalem the eternal capital of their land, long before any of the present-day world capitals came into being. With a brief interlude of 70 years- the Babylonian Exile- our people dwelt in the land of Israel for 1340 years(2455-3828), and even after G-d saw fit to send our people into the present exile and dispersion, there has always , up to the present day , been a Jewish presence and Yishuv in our land, while all Jews throughout the Diaspora have longed and prayed (3 times daily) for our return to our homeland and everlasting possession-"May our eyes behold Your return to Zion in Mercy".
As the Lubavitcher Rebbe mentioned every act of appeasement and concession in the past only has invited stronger pressures to yield to even more rediculous demands, take the Camp David for example. Giving away big chunk of the Sinai Desert, Israel was assured that Egypt would keep these Zones demilitarized, which in reality after 18 months of the signing, Egypt broke its promise. Nevermind the tangible and vital resources such as fortifications, air fields, oil wells; the dismantling of the settlements, etc. all vital to the security of Israel,which was given away for nothing but the empty promises of of establishing communication, Normalization of Relations , exchange of embassadors, all of which could be revoked under one pretext or another.
History repeats itself we are told, and the Genocide of the Jews could take place even in their own land as we are seeing today, and Israel has the right to insure The Security of the 3,000,000. Jews who live there, by whatever means available to her. we out to urge our Christian brothers to march with us in the future protests against the Cruelty that is dealt to us, and must demand in one voice: No more concessions!, No more pressures! , No more Give Aways!.
(25) William Kelly, April 15, 2002 12:00 AM
I agree with Netanyahu. Israel must defend itself against terrorism. Arafat is a terrorist not a statesman nor a peace maker. He is a cold blooded killer, nothing more!!!
(24) Anonymous, April 15, 2002 12:00 AM
American conservative view
What I have to say is the opinion of a majority of U.S. citizens I know.
We are sick of pandering to radical Islamic governments who say one thing yet do or allow another. We know that the major reason the U.S. does this is for oil. Sadly, another reason that the U.S. handles these nations with kid gloves is our radical liberal minority. This minority, through the use of the media, has relentlessly indoctrinated the week minded of our nation with so many politically correct (PC) notions that our leaders are virtually impotent. The media would have us believe that the world is a safe, happy-happy-joy-joy place where there are no 'real' evil people. This has caused many week minded people in our nation to become soft, out of touch with reality, and unwilling to stand up for what is right and take the ridicule that comes with such a steadfast honerable action. Doing the right thing is usually political/career suicide--thanks to our wonderful BIASED, mostly liberal media.
As I stated, the liberals are truly a minority in the U.S., but sadly they are the mouthpiece.
Most of the men I know believe the U.S. should overwhelmingly and completely destroy terrorist entities--and if need be the governments protecting/supporting them. "Wipe them from the face of the Earth" and "nuke them till they glow" were and still are common phrases uttered among citizens.
Unfortunately, the September 11 2001 'attack' on the U.S. is being portrayed as the 911 'tragedy' by our media. It's being very insidiously acknowledged, yet downplayed. I fear it is going to take a nuclear, biological, or chemical attack on the mainland U.S. to awaken us from our liberal stupor and free our leaders from their liberal chains.
Let there be no mistake, though. On that day those that would underestimate us and harm us will surely be wiped from the face of the earth in the blink of an eye.
Let there be no mistake Israel--the U.S. would like to let you loose on these entities and nations of evil. Things will have to get a lot worse, though, first. However, I know that in time our two nations will overwhelmingly prevail.
Please do not use what i've said as a reason to incite hatred of a people or race, as I hate no one. However, the people and governments perpetrating these crimes against humanity deserve no mercy.
Concerning the current request by the U.S. that Israel stop rooting out terrorism--I can only say I am ashamed of the double-standards that we place on your nation.
Thank you
(23) Anonymous, April 14, 2002 12:00 AM
Former Prime Misister Netanyahu has the most clearly defined solution as yet suggested
Former Prime Misister Netanyahu has the most clearly defined solution as yet suggested
(22) Paul Harr, April 14, 2002 12:00 AM
Say what is necessary.
He said what the senators can only listen to. Am Yisrael now knows how the world loves them. America is the last supporting country with a President who does not listen to his senate. I'm glad Netanyahu tried! Only Hashem will save the yidden. Say Tehillim Now and may moshiach come now!
(21) Bracha Weisman, April 14, 2002 12:00 AM
why let Arafat leave the country
Why not use the painfully collected evidence against Arafat to put him on trial. If he is allowed to leave the country he will continue to plot murder, perhaps with even greater freedom or even more funds to do so.
(20) Taz Wilhite, April 14, 2002 12:00 AM
Right on the mark
Mr. Netanyahu is right on the mark with his assessment of the current situation. One point he forgot to mention though, the United States (Bush administration) is still trying to drum up support in the arab world for an assault on Saddam Hussein. In order to get this support, the arab states are demanding that he reign in Israel. It is a classic Catch-22 situation. If he stops Israel, then he tells the Palestinians that their methods of terror are a successful means of negotiating, and it will continue, and if he lets Israel continue their fully justifiable offensive against the Palestinian terrorists, he loses the support of the arab world and in essence loses the "Arab street".
I have had personal experiences from both sides of the fence:
http://aish.com/Israel/articles/My_View_From_Saudi_Arabia.asp
(19) Vicky Mitchell, April 14, 2002 12:00 AM
Netanyahu is right on the money
I continue to be amazed at how articulate and intelligent Binyamin Netanyahu is. I for one am NOT offended by the comparison between 9/11 and the Israeli deaths. I liken it to a Columbine, daily, in a country smaller than the state of New Jersey. Lets get real, folks. Israel is under seige in a way most of us will never have to face, let alone understand. I stand with you, Israel. I can't do much but I "pray for the peace of Jerusalem".
(18) Stan Hannan, April 13, 2002 12:00 AM
Impressed with Netanyahu
I am in the process of reading Benyamin Netanyahu's biogrophy or the second time.I have also watched his many appearances on T V.he is a very articulate and outstanding spokesman for Israel.Is there an address to write to him directly?
(17) Dorais Frederic, April 13, 2002 12:00 AM
I'm sick of hearing that argument !
Mr. Netanyahu does indeed a marvelous job here. But I'm sick of hearing the comparison between America's war on terrorism to the one of Israel. As far as I know, Americans aren't occupying Afghan territories. And I would like to ask Mr. Netanyahu if he really thinks that the current mesures taken by the Israelis will really cointribute tackling palestinian attacks. You have to be very naive to think that there won't be a massive ressurgence of hostile feelings within the arab world.
(16) Charles Johnston, April 13, 2002 12:00 AM
This says it all
Mr. Binyamin Netanyahu has spoken the complete truth about terrorism. I wish that more of my fellow Americans and especially those in the European Union communities could digest the meaning of this message before its too late.
Mr. Binyamin Netanyahu thinks like most of the civilized world thought 50 years ago and that is in terms of "black and white, good and evil" Its time we stopped regarding Palestinian terrorism with the current world view of "militants" and called them what they really are. Lets listen to Mr.
Netanyahu and stop trying to be "politically correct" .
Charlie Johnston, Chula Vista, CA
(15) marry smith, April 13, 2002 12:00 AM
thank you
I just need to say thank you for the clear article.I would like to help you to publish it in other news papers just tell us how. Jews came through a lot and I am sure with G-d help Israel will win.
(14) Bill Waggoner, April 13, 2002 12:00 AM
I am in favor of Israel being supported by the U.S. with their present efforts to abolish terrorism.
Mike Evans, a friend of Netanyahu, spoke to our church mens group this morning five hours before he left for Israel to speak in 35 meetings. We will be one of the 100,000 churches praying for the "Peace of Jerusalem" movement.
(13) Anonymous, April 13, 2002 12:00 AM
Bibi is a genius.
Hopefully All of Israel will unite!!
All Jews, religous and seculiar need to unite and stand together. We WILL prosper if we stand as 1 Nation.
(12) Norman Greenfeld, April 13, 2002 12:00 AM
For years, Israelis, men women and children, were willing to die for their freedom. However, Gandhi-like non-violent resistance does not work when those wouldbe conquerors are not rational. Concequently, for Israel, this is definitely a time for war!
(11) Anonymous, April 13, 2002 12:00 AM
I totally agree
Just like The USA and their alies have rooted out terror in Afghanistan, so should Israel root out terror in their own country. I think that the Islam religion IS TERROR!
(10) Anonymous, April 12, 2002 12:00 AM
WELL SAID!
Netanyahu said what I believe most people wish they could say, if they had the opportunity to do so.
(9) Anonymous, April 12, 2002 12:00 AM
If Only!
If only Benyamin Netanyahu could sit down and speak personally to every person who raises their voice against what Israel is doing trying to defend her citizens : our public relations would look a thousand times better.
The gift of the gab !
(8) Anonymous, April 12, 2002 12:00 AM
IMPRESSIVE!!!!!
Benjamim Netanyahu's speech was very impressive. I went to a speech he gave several months ago and I was so taken by everything he said concerning Israel, terrorism, security, etc. I love how he lays everything out on the line and explains how to take care of this horrible situation. I pray that the Senate paid very close attention to his speech. The USA should continue to stand with Israel and help in every way possible.
(7) Anonymous, April 12, 2002 12:00 AM
thank you
thank you for printing this; the more who read it or hear it, the better
(6) Anonymous, April 11, 2002 12:00 AM
Hooray for Plain Speach!
I had the great good fortune to hear Mr. Netanyahu speak recently and some of what he said that evening is printed here. At the time, I wondered time why he wasn't saying this to the President. I see that he has.
(5) Mathew, April 11, 2002 12:00 AM
Truth is truth
Unfortunately it would seem from the news that your Nation is being cast in the role of the the aggressors.
It also seems a double standard has been implemented and many are backing away from your support.
I do not pretend to know their reasons why, but know this, there a many more that understand and back your actions against the terror.
You must do what you know is right for your future and the future of the children yet to be born.
The good Lord, as in times gone by will see you through this terror.
(4) Harold Brown, April 11, 2002 12:00 AM
Mr. Netanyahu and his speech to US Senate
GO! Mr. Netanyahu. YOU ARE RIGHT!
A Gentile on your side all the way.
NO MATTER HOW CLOUDED IT GETS, NEVER
FORGET A TERRORISTS IS A TERRORISTS
NO MATTER WHAT COUNTRY ( USA, PHILPPINES
BOLIVA, ETC. ETC...).
A THUG IS A THUG.
A BULLY IS A BULLY.
(3) Anonymous, April 11, 2002 12:00 AM
You tell 'em Bibi!
Mr. Netanyahu does a marvelous job in his presentation to the senate. The only thing more I would ask of him is to make sure that his crucial speech is heard by everyone, everywhere. And in addition to all of his great points, all educated, sane people, must be aware of the following. To feel sympathetic toward the Palestinians is not a direct fault -- but to equate innocent Israeli civilian casualties to Palestinians casualties is completely absurd! One is blatant terrorism and the other is the unfortunate, but legitimate consequences of warfare (so that Israel can protect her citizens).
(2) Mary Kabus, April 11, 2002 12:00 AM
netanyahu speech at senate:
This m u s t be translated into other languages and printed in all newspapers - most people have no idea what they're talking about when they discuss Israel!
(1) Anonymous, April 11, 2002 12:00 AM
I support the IDF action to fight Palestinian Terrorists
I am a Christian and US citizen who very much agrees with Israel's actions against Palestine, and with the points you make in this article. I, like most conservative Christians, am NOT deceived by the lies spread by Arafat and his supporters in the Arab community. I wish my government would stop catering to the Arab(OIL) nations at Israel's expense. I continue to pray for Israel's victory." Be strong and courageous, do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9, "...Hear o Israel, you are approachihng your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them,for the Lord your God is the one who goes wiht you, to fight for you against your enemies to save you.." Deuteronomy 20:4