[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 30 (Thursday, March 7, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONDEMNING THE CAMPAIGN OF TERROR AGAINST ISRAEL

 Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, in a statement last week I condemned 
two terrorist bombings which took place in Jerusalem and Ashkelon 12 
days ago. I did not think that it would be so soon that events would 
bring me once again to this floor to condemn another pair of cowardly 
attacks against innocent people, including young children.
  Today, Israelis are justifiably shocked, disgusted, and angry. To 
bring home just what Israel is experiencing, let me provide a vivid 
comparison. On a proportional basis, the number of people killed by 
terrorists in Israel over the past 12 days would be equivalent to over 
3,000 Americans killed. Imagine what our reaction would be if over 
3,000 Americans were murdered in terrorist attacks in such a short 
period.
  I dare say that our fundamental sense of stability and security as a 
nation would be shaken to its very core. That is what Israelis are 
feeling today.
  As difficult as it is in this moment of grief and anger, we have to 
recognize the motive of those behind these dastardly attacks. Their 
single-minded aim is to end the peace process cold.
  We cannot let them have the satisfaction of that kind of victory. We 
must resist the urge of our raw emotions in the wake of these 
outrageous attacks. We must not discard the remarkable achievements of 
the past 3 years, for that would play directly into the hands of the 
terrorists.
  Last week, I urged that the peace process continue. I believe that 
even more firmly now.
  The terrorists can be defeated through a two-pronged strategy. First, 
there must be intensified efforts to destroy the infrastructure and 
network that are ultimately behind terrorist actions. In that regard, I 
commend President Clinton for offering technical assistance to the 
Israelis and Palestinians in the war against terror. Second, we must 
prove to the terrorists that their actions are not producing the 
desired results. That means moving forward undaunted with the peace 
process.
  Last week, I appealed to the Palestinian majority that supports peace 
to join the battle against terror with renewed vigor because it is 
their future that is most at stake. I renew that call today. If these 
attacks continue, then the Palestinian experience with self-government 
could become a fleeting memory.
  Mr. President, in my remarks today I have used the term ``war''--the 
same term Prime Minister Shimon Peres has used to describe the state of 
affairs between Israel and Hamas. It is an appropriate term to use, and 
unlike many wars this one is a clear-cut conflict between good and 
evil.
  A victory by the pro-peace majority of Israelis and Palestinians 
could lead the way to a thriving, vibrant, and cooperative Middle East. 
A victory by Hamas and its extremist allies on both sides will mean 
conflict, bloodshed, and division long into the future.
  In this war, as in all of Israel's wars, the United States will stand 
by Israel and do whatever it takes to ensure victory.
  Mr. President, Israel has endured much suffering in its short 
history, and it has shown remarkable fortitude in the face of terrorism 
and other attempts to destroy it. The Israeli people have always 
thwarted the designs of those who have tried every means to eliminate 
their country. I have no doubt that they will prevail in their present 
struggle against those who have declared war against Israel, the peace 
process, and, indeed civilization itself.

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