It is a difficult, complex but very important process for Israel, but will be implemented as the Cabinet and the Knesset decided, |
It is an old project launched by Ariel Sharon when he was housing minister nearly 15 years ago, |
It is clear that if the Palestinians do not begin to take vigorous action against terrorism, Israel will be compelled to step up military activity that is designed to protect the lives of Israeli citizens. |
It is clear to all that Israel can no longer be expected to make political concessions until there is proven calm and Palestinian government reforms. |
It is important to hold talks, but we cannot attend the meeting without adequate preparation, |
It is important to remember that political concessions which will be made in the future -- as those made in the past -- are irreversible. |
It is important to understand that Yasser Arafat is making every effort to undermine [Abbas], ... Arafat should be removed from any position of involvement. |
It is in Israel's interest not to govern the Palestinians, but for the Palestinians to govern themselves, ... the opportunity to renew direct negotiations according to the steps of the road map. |
It is not for nothing that the Palestinians are struggling against the fence. They know full well that the completion of the fence will make it very difficult for them to continue perpetrating acts of murder. |
It is now the Palestinians' turn to prove their desire for peace, |
It is out of strength and not weakness that we are taking this step. We tried to reach agreements with the Palestinians which would move the two peoples towards the path of peace. These were crushed against a wall of hatred and fanaticism. The unilateral disengagement plan, which I announced approximately two years ago, is the Israeli answer to this reality. |
It is the first time that a party that is in power, that (still) has more than a year to lead the state, is ready to relinquish power because of the personal ambition of one of its former minister`s, out of hatred and a desire for revenge, |
It is true that this is not a shining path which will lead us to instant, magical solutions, but I am certain that only by going forward in this direction -- step by step -- will we be able to achieve security for the Israeli people, and reach the peace we all yearn for, |
It seems that there is a positive approach [by Palestinians] regarding the war on terrorism and advancing the diplomatic process, |
It was a difficult day, ... This battle is a battle for survival of the Jewish people, for survival of the state of Israel. |