An official statement released by Prime Minister Sharon\'s office last night stated the following:
\"...Over the past three days, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has kept Prime Minister Ariel Sharon apprised as to the timing of the American offensive, and the appropriate coordination took place. President George W. Bush called Prime Minister Sharon this afternoon to update him on the offensive... Prime Minister Sharon offered President Bush, the American People and the forces in the field his best wishes, and offered any assistance that might be required in addition to the assistance already given.
\"It is important to remember this evening that the war against terrorism was, and continues to be, the State of Israel’s war. Israel has provided, and will continue to provide, assistance to the nations of the free world in any way they may require in the struggle against terrorism. Israel has provided, and will continue to provide, assistance, but Israel is not participating in the offensive.
\"Israel has taken all the necessary steps to maintain the security of its citizens.\"
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said today that Israel would keep a \"low profile\" during the American offensive in Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Peres went a bit further, however. Speaking with CNN, Peres said that Israel would even make diplomatic concessions to the Palestinians in order to ensure the success of the international struggle against terrorism. Prime Minister Sharon said this past Thursday night, \"I call on the Western democracies, and primarily the leader of the free world, the United States: Do not repeat the dreadful mistake of 1938, when enlightened European democracies decided to sacrifice Czechoslovakia for \'a convenient temporary solution.\' Do not try to appease the Arabs at our expense - this is unacceptable to us. Israel will not be Czechoslovakia. Israel will fight terrorism.\"
\"...Over the past three days, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has kept Prime Minister Ariel Sharon apprised as to the timing of the American offensive, and the appropriate coordination took place. President George W. Bush called Prime Minister Sharon this afternoon to update him on the offensive... Prime Minister Sharon offered President Bush, the American People and the forces in the field his best wishes, and offered any assistance that might be required in addition to the assistance already given.
\"It is important to remember this evening that the war against terrorism was, and continues to be, the State of Israel’s war. Israel has provided, and will continue to provide, assistance to the nations of the free world in any way they may require in the struggle against terrorism. Israel has provided, and will continue to provide, assistance, but Israel is not participating in the offensive.
\"Israel has taken all the necessary steps to maintain the security of its citizens.\"
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said today that Israel would keep a \"low profile\" during the American offensive in Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Peres went a bit further, however. Speaking with CNN, Peres said that Israel would even make diplomatic concessions to the Palestinians in order to ensure the success of the international struggle against terrorism. Prime Minister Sharon said this past Thursday night, \"I call on the Western democracies, and primarily the leader of the free world, the United States: Do not repeat the dreadful mistake of 1938, when enlightened European democracies decided to sacrifice Czechoslovakia for \'a convenient temporary solution.\' Do not try to appease the Arabs at our expense - this is unacceptable to us. Israel will not be Czechoslovakia. Israel will fight terrorism.\"