Foreign Minister Shimon Peres used his address to the United Nations General Assembly yesterday to applaud Yasser Arafat's Fatah terror organization. Peres praised Fatah's recent call to establish an independent "State of Palestine" based on democratic principles with respect for human rights, civil liberties and a market economy. Peres said, "We look upon these words as a first dawn of a different season. We hope it is spring."
Peres failed to condemn Fatah and its branches for perpetrating the majority of terror attacks against Israelis since the start of the Oslo War two years ago. Just last week, Fatah leaders rejected a rough draft of a proposal calling for an end to their campaign of violence against Israeli citizens. Even the rejected draft did not rule out attacks against civilians within Yesha (Judea, Samaria, and Gaza) or against soldiers.
Later in his speech, Peres seemed to criticize the defensive measures used by the IDF to combat the Palestinian threat. "While fighting terror, let's not fight people. While seeking freedom, let's not extend subjugation," he said.
Peres went on to send a message to Lebanon, advising Israel's northern neighbor not to allow the Hizbullah terror organization to "destroy its own country." He also called on Lebanon to free Israeli prisoners and prisoners of war.
Peres failed to condemn Fatah and its branches for perpetrating the majority of terror attacks against Israelis since the start of the Oslo War two years ago. Just last week, Fatah leaders rejected a rough draft of a proposal calling for an end to their campaign of violence against Israeli citizens. Even the rejected draft did not rule out attacks against civilians within Yesha (Judea, Samaria, and Gaza) or against soldiers.
Later in his speech, Peres seemed to criticize the defensive measures used by the IDF to combat the Palestinian threat. "While fighting terror, let's not fight people. While seeking freedom, let's not extend subjugation," he said.
Peres went on to send a message to Lebanon, advising Israel's northern neighbor not to allow the Hizbullah terror organization to "destroy its own country." He also called on Lebanon to free Israeli prisoners and prisoners of war.