Jerusalem, 25 May 2000
Prime Minister Barak at Cabinet Meeting
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Prime Minister Ehud Barak at yesterday's cabinet meeting
(Wednesday) 24.5.2000, opened the meeting by expressing his great
appreciation for the stamina of the IDF soldiers and commanders
in Lebanon, noting their determination, wisdom and orientation
characterized their action under very difficult circumstances.
IDF operations enabled the government to take the decision to
bring the boys home.
The Prime Minister told the ministers of his visit to Zarit and
his meeting with soldiers who had just left Lebanon. He stated
that he believes that the situation would settle down, even if
there are a few incidents, which will bring security and a normal
daily routine to the residents of the north.
He stated that Israel places responsibility for quiet in southern
Lebanon on the Lebanese and Syrians governments, and that any
firing on IDF soldiers or civilians within Israel's borders would
be considered as an act of war which would be met with
appropriate action.
The Prime Minister said that the international community is aware
that the withdrawal was carried out on the basis of United
Nations Security Council Resolution 425 with all that this
implies for the legitimacy for any necessary Israeli act of
self-defense.
The Prime Minister told the cabinet of his meeting with bereaved
families who expressed their thanks for the withdrawal, and his
deep regret that the withdrawal came too late for their sons. He
stated that Israel would continue to use all necessary means to
locate its POWs and MIAs whose fate is connected to the tragedy
of Lebanon, and bring them home.
The cabinet appointed Minister for Jerusalem Affairs Haim Ramon
as the minister responsible for handling matters related to the
SLA.