Prime Minister Ariel Sharon addressed the AIPAC conference in Washington yesterday, and said, \"Jerusalem belongs to all the Jewish people - we in Israel are only custodians of the city… Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, the holiest site to the Jewish people, is something you should stand up and speak out about. Jerusalem will remain united under the sovereignty of Israel - forever.\" [He neglected this last sentence in his first speech as Prime Minister in the Knesset two weeks ago.] Sharon\'s aides in Washington say that he will make a similar declaration when he meets with US President George Bush this afternoon.
The Prime Minister also said, \"I stand before you today first and foremost as a Jew. This strong Jewish identity is a central theme in my life and will be in carrying out my responsibilities as Prime Minister. I want to work to strengthen the relationship between Israel and Jews all over the world. I have established a National Unity Government to unite the people of Israel, but unity among Jews is vital worldwide. Unity is our source of strength…\"
Sharon continues to support the Administration\'s position that Arafat not be invited to Washington until he calls off the violence against Israel. Elements in the State Department, however, are reportedly claiming that it is better to maintain a dialogue with Arafat and invite him to Washington rather than leave him \"out of the loop.\" The Israeli position is that Arafat will be more likely to put an end to the violence if he has something to gain thereof.
The Prime Minister also said, \"I stand before you today first and foremost as a Jew. This strong Jewish identity is a central theme in my life and will be in carrying out my responsibilities as Prime Minister. I want to work to strengthen the relationship between Israel and Jews all over the world. I have established a National Unity Government to unite the people of Israel, but unity among Jews is vital worldwide. Unity is our source of strength…\"
Sharon continues to support the Administration\'s position that Arafat not be invited to Washington until he calls off the violence against Israel. Elements in the State Department, however, are reportedly claiming that it is better to maintain a dialogue with Arafat and invite him to Washington rather than leave him \"out of the loop.\" The Israeli position is that Arafat will be more likely to put an end to the violence if he has something to gain thereof.