Foreign Minister Shimon Peres told the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee today that he, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer are all in agreement that the razing of buildings in PLO autonomous areas is a policy of the past. Peres explained that the damage to Israel\'s image in the international arena was greater than the security benefit derived from destroying the structures used to launch attacks. Peres added that within a few days, Israel may be able to begin the Tenet countdown to the renewal of Israeli concessions outlined in the Mitchell agreement.
Yesterday, Peres said regarding the razed structures in Rafiah, that if the buildings were used for weapons smuggling, “we must not make any exceptions.”
Prime Minister Sharon refused to confirm or deny Peres\' announcement regarding an agreement between them that no more structures would be demolished. Sharon said merely that Israel would act in accordance with its security needs: \"I know that sometimes it\'s hard to accept that the Jews have the right to defend themselves. But this government will not make any compromise whatsoever -- not now and not in the future -- when it comes to the security of Israeli citizens and the very existence of the state of Israel.\" Regarding the death of Raed al-Karmi, Sharon said that he learned of it on the radio.
Yesterday, Peres said regarding the razed structures in Rafiah, that if the buildings were used for weapons smuggling, “we must not make any exceptions.”
Prime Minister Sharon refused to confirm or deny Peres\' announcement regarding an agreement between them that no more structures would be demolished. Sharon said merely that Israel would act in accordance with its security needs: \"I know that sometimes it\'s hard to accept that the Jews have the right to defend themselves. But this government will not make any compromise whatsoever -- not now and not in the future -- when it comes to the security of Israeli citizens and the very existence of the state of Israel.\" Regarding the death of Raed al-Karmi, Sharon said that he learned of it on the radio.