[IMRA: Israel can defend itself but...]

Daily Press Briefing
Sean McCormack, State Department Spokesman
Washington, DC
June 26, 2006
www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2006/68314.htm
...

QUESTION: Do you have any comment on the growing tensions in the Gaza strip
area, particularly following the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier? And also,
the Israelis have said that reprisals could include a reinvasion of Gaza. I'd
wondered what the U.S. response was.

MR. MCCORMACK: Well, first of all, what we would -- we would urge the
immediate release of this IDF soldier who was -- who was taken in an
incident that we condemn. And what we would urge is that all sides exercise
restraint and avoid steps which further escalate the situation. As we have
said all along, it is the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority
government to stop all acts of violence.

For our part, we have been in touch with a number of different interested
parties in the region to try to resolve the situation. Secretary Rice has
over the weekend spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Livni. She spoke with
President Abbas. Our ambassadors in Egypt and Israel have been in contact
with government officials. Our Consul General in Jerusalem, Jake Wallace,
has been in touch with President Abbas's office on the matter. So there are
a lot of different parties working to resolve the issue, but bottom line, we
call upon this individual to be released immediately.

QUESTION: And what's your view of Israel's threat to reinvade Gaza if it's
not --

MR. MCCORMACK: I would just reiterate what I said before: We urge both sides
to exercise restraint and avoid steps which further escalate the situation.

Yes, Elise.

QUESTION: Can you expand on the conversations that the Secretary had with
Foreign Minister Livni and President Abbas? I mean, obviously to exercise
restraint, but particularly on the Palestinian side did she put any pressure
on President Abbas to use his influence to help get -- secure the release of
this soldier?

MR. MCCORMACK: I wouldn't characterize it as pressure. I think President
Abbas wants to see this individual released and certainly the Secretary
reinforced that idea as well.

...
(The briefing was concluded at 1:15 p.m.)

DPB # 106

Released on June 26, 2006