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Gates praises Israelis' resilience

US secretary of defense visits Israel amid rocket fire from Gaza Strip, condemns deadly Jerusalem terror attack

US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates arrived in Israel Thursday in the backdrop of rocket fire

on south Israel and following the terror attack in Jerusalem which killed one woman on Wednesday. 

 

Gates held a joint press conference with Defense Minister Ehud Barak outside Defense Ministry offices in Tel Aviv. A Grad rocket exploded in northern Ashdod shortly before Gates landed in Israel.

 

During the press conference Gates condemned the Jerusalem terror attack and rocket fire from the Gaza Strip.  

 

He praised the Jewish people's resilience and stressed Israel has a right to "bring justice to the perpetrators of these repugnant attacks."

 

The defense secretary stated the US's commitment to Israel was unshakable and noted the government aims to guarantee Israel's military capabilities.

 

Gates is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres as well as Palestinian leaders. He stated his message to both Israeli and Palestinian leaders is to promote the two-state solution.

 

Barak addressed Gaza rocket fire and said Israel does not want to become a victim of its own decisions and therefore is carefully considering its retaliation, but stressed there will be a response. He noted calm cannot be restored without the occasional use of force.

 

The defense minister said he will be discussing developments in the region and the war against terror with his US counterpart. He stressed Israel will not let terror rear its head again.

 

Having recently visited Egypt, Gates said he believes leaders in Cairo are committed to the peace treaty with Israel. He noted they share Israel's concern over the smuggling issue and said he offered the US's help.

  

Referring to recent unrest in Syria, Gates said Damascus should learn from Egypt and allow citizens to carry out a democratic revolution. Barak said Israel will be open to negotiations with Damascus when the Syrian government is ready, but stressed this was up to Syria.  

 

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 03.24.11, 16:34
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