MFA Dir-Gen Abramovich rejects Holmes statement on "circle of violence"
(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
18 Feb 2008

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General Aaron Abramovich met
today in Jerusalem with John Holmes, UN Under-Secretary-General for
Humanitarian Affairs, who is currently visiting Israel and the Palestinian
Authority.

D-G Abramovich rejected out of hand Mr. Holmes' statement yesterday in
Sderot, in which he described the situation prevailing between Israel and
the Palestinians as a vicious "circle of violence". D-G Abramovich stressed
that "the use of expressions such as these creates an analogy between the
terrorists and those who are defending themselves against terror." He
further emphasized that Mr. Holmes' remarks do not serve the interests of
peace, as they may unwittingly encourage terrorists to believe that the
international community will exert pressure on Israel, instead of dealing
with the roots of the violence.
D-G Abramovich clarified Israel's policy regarding terrorism that targets
Israeli civilians, characterized by constant, indiscriminate firing of
Kassam rockets and mortars at Sderot and settlements in the Western Negev,
smuggling of arms, ammunition, and terrorists into the Gaza Strip, and the
unceasing efforts by terrorist organizations to carry out attacks against
Israel.

D-G Abramovich expressed his clear expectations that the UN and the
democratic countries, some of which face similar challenges from extremist
elements, to support Israel in its struggle against terrorism and against
organizations that deny its right to exist.

Israel will continue to cooperate with UN agencies operating in the region,
in accordance with policy determined by the Israeli government.