    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [February 25, 1996]
    [Page 336]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Terrorist Attacks in Israel
    February 25, 1996

        On behalf of all Americans, I want to extend my deepest sympathy and
    condolences to Prime Minister Peres and the people of Israel. Our
    prayers are with them at this terrible moment, especially the families
    and friends of those killed and wounded in Jerusalem and Ashkelon.
        These brutal acts of terror, which once again have taken the lives
    of innocent Israelis and at least one American citizen, offend the
    conscience of the world. They must not only be condemned; they must be
    brought to an end. The enemies of peace have once more attempted to turn
    back progress toward a new Middle East in which Arabs and Israelis may
    live in peace. But they have not and will not succeed. Their dark vision
    is of the past, not the present; of violence, not hope for a better
    future.
        At this tragic moment, the U.S. stands alongside Israel and with all
    the peacemakers, as together we continue our work for a comprehensive
    and lasting settlement for all the peoples of the Middle East.