YouSaid · the spoken record

Shalev

lines on the record: 171
first: 2008-09-26
most recent: 2010-07-21
sittings or episodes: 21
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Before concluding, my comments today would be incomplete without expressing our ongoing deep concern that Gilad Shalit has remained deprived of his most basic human rights, including any visit from the Red Cross, for more than four years. Israel expects the international community to do all in its power - more than has been done thus far - to bring about the swift release of Gilad Shalit. Peace is not merely a signed document. It is a set of values that allow us all to live our lives in security and with hope - Israelis and Palestinian alike.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“Beyond Gaza, we have worked with the Palestinian Authority to build a flourishing economy in the West Bank. The second principle is that we must look towards a definitive end to the conflict that involves mutual recognition. A request that Israel recognize a Palestinian State as the nation-State of the Palestinian people must be met with an acknowledgement that Israel is the nation-State of the Jewish people. Through such mutual recognition, we can take tangible steps towards promoting coexistence, eliminating incitement and combating terrorism. Through such mutual recognition, courageous decisions can be made for the sake of peace. Through such mutual recognition, we can speak with each other, not past one another or through intermediaries.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“The Security Council has repeatedly and clearly stipulated that this terrorist organization must disarm and disband. As we seek a way forward, certain basic principles must emerge. The first is security. Israel's security will never be compromised by us. We must all recognize that since the advent of peace talks, the threats facing Israel have grown more diverse and dangerous: the rockets of Iranian proxies Hamas and Hizbullah, global terrorism and the pursuit of nuclear weapons by Iran. In direct negotiations, we stand prepared to take political risks for peace. We have taken a major step with respect to Israel's policy towards the closure of Gaza. As we heard from Under-Secretary-General Pascoe, all goods that are not weapons or materiel for warlike purposes are now entering Gaza.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“At the same time, this terrorist group continues to place increasingly sophisticated and deadly weapons within villages, adjacent to schools, hospitals and civilian homes. This is a blatant violation of international law and basic dictates of humanity. Just as alarming, recent confrontations in southern Lebanon between the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and so-called Lebanese civilians reflect Hizbullah's efforts to redeploy its forces and further harass and assault the critical work of UNIFIL. These most recent clashes against UNIFIL are a direct violation of resolution 1701 (2006) and a challenge to the members of the Security Council. In this respect, Israel commends the Security Council for meeting on 9 July to address these most recent confrontations. Hizbullah's provocations must not go unanswered by the Council.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“Pascoe, the phenomenon of flotillas to Gaza is not conducive to efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East. Indeed, in this respect I wish to share with the Council Israel's deep concern regarding new reports of yet another flotilla departing from Lebanon to the Gaza Strip. We call upon the international community to exert its influence on the organizers of this provocative action. We also call on the Government of Lebanon to demonstrate its responsibility to prevent this from happening. In Lebanon, the terrorist organization Hizbullah continues to build its military infrastructure and embed it into the civilian population. Transfers of sophisticated weapons from Syria and Iran to Hizbullah systematically violate the arms embargo.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“Despite this important work and progress towards direct negotiations, there exists a dangerous phenomenon in our region. So-called activists, under the guise of humanitarian aid, support terrorist forces in our region, particularly in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The organizers of such efforts in Gaza - with the cooperation of Hamas and others who oppose peace - are fully aware of the internationally recognized and unimpeded channels for delivering aid to the Gaza Strip. They are aware of the good offices available to them if they truly desire to assist the people of Gaza. Yet these provocateurs seek nothing but confrontation. They choose violence, escalation and instant media headlines in an effort to delegitimize Israel. As we just heard from Mr.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“In anticipation of such direct talks, our partners and our neighbours have an essential role: to embrace the language of peace and coexistence and to reject one-sided narratives. And so I ask, how many times in this Chamber have our neighbours recognized Israel's right to exist as the homeland for the Jewish people, or condemned Hamas terrorism and violence against Israeli civilians, or spoken out against those who call for us to be wiped off the map? Not once. The silence is deafening. As we seek a way forward in our region, we applaud the important work of Senator George Mitchell on behalf of United States President Barack Obama. Senator Mitchell works to achieve our shared vision of two States living side by side in peace and security, one Jewish, one Palestinian.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“Madam President, allow me to commend you for your able stewardship of the Security Council this month. Let me also thank Mr. Lynn Pasco, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for his informative briefing. Almost two years ago, I came to New York to represent the Israel that I know and love: a vibrant, democratic State that shares the noble values enumerated in the Charter of the United Nations. That is precisely why I have sat in this Council time and again to declare Israel's commitment to peace. For words are the father of action; declarations of peace are the precursors of peace. Hence, Israel calls for direct negotiations between us and the Palestinians - no preconditions, no delays. With Jerusalem and Ramallah only 10 minutes apart, direct negotiations are the only path to bridge the existing gaps.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“Unfortunately, hatred and violence are taught to children. Yet we can - we must - undo the teaching of such destructive ways so that all children will become contributing members of a global, tolerant society.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Many children across the region, and in particular generation after generation of Palestinian children, have been taught to deny Israel's legitimacy and to hate and kill Jews. Such incitement is only one element in a determined effort by many in the region to indoctrinate children to take up arms. Although examples abound, I wish to share only one with this Council. A Hamas magazine for children reads "Oh, our Aqsa [Mosque], we shall return; we are soldiers of God's religion We will rejoice at the victory and kill the Jews by the sword". We tend to focus our energies primarily on the conscription and use of children in hostilities. It is no less important that we effectively and more comprehensively deal with the brainwashing of children who are taught to glorify terrorism, martyrdom and anti-Semitism.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In addition, one abhorrent practice of Hamas is to gather civilians - notably children - to the location of a pending strike by the Israel Defense Forces on terrorists or weapons facilities, in the knowledge that Israel will refrain from intentionally attacking civilians. 14 While the incidents I have just described require the attention of this Council, the broader context in which children are used in armed conflict by terrorists must also be addressed. In this respect, the incitement of children is no less dangerous than terrorism, as hateful education fans the flames of conflict. Let me be clear - inciting children today provides them with the foundation for becoming the terrorists of tomorrow. Accordingly, the international community has a duty to prevent such incitement in schools, camps, houses of worship, the media and elsewhere.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Given the abundance of accounts and documentation of such incidents, we strongly encourage future reports of the Special Representative to further elaborate on this aspect, rather than mentioning it in passing. One such well-documented incident took place just weeks ago when approximately 30 gunmen attacked and set fire to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) recreational facilities dedicated to use by children. The attack not only undermined the work of UNRWA and was condemned by the Secretary- General, but according to the UNRWA Director of Operations in Gaza it was also "an attack on the happiness of children".”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We therefore urge the Office of the Special Representative to give greater attention to the invaluable process of carefully documenting and vetting the various sources of the information it receives and uses in its reports, especially those aspects that rely heavily on uncorroborated allegations. While we hope for and work towards peace, our region remains filled with dangerous threats against children from terrorists and extremists. We welcome the mention of Israeli children who have been victims of armed conflict - a sad reality that Israeli children have had to live with. We also take note of the instances of the exploitation of children and their use as human shields by the Hamas terrorist rulers in Gaza.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Israel follows with interest the important work of Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. The attention she has paid to children in specific situations of conflict, as well as that paid by the Security Council Working Group through its reports and communications, has the potential to rein in the most egregious practices of armed groups. We note the reference in the Secretary-General's report to Israel's concern that more information should be provided in order to enable the appropriate authorities to investigate and respond substantively, where appropriate. However, the continued reliance on allegations lacking supporting detail continues to undermine the credibility of the report.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In nearly every region affected by conflict, scores, hundreds, and even thousands of children conscripted into armed groups have been released. In many other situations, action plans have been developed and should be implemented without delay. Unfortunately, for the hundreds of thousands who remain trapped in armed groups, valuable time is being lost. All those who exploit minors in armed conflict must cease this practice and immediately release the children in their ranks. We further urge sustained international support for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts so that children can hope for a future outside of combat. In addition, the increased deployment of child protection advisers in peacekeeping missions could serve as an additional tool for monitoring and defending the interests of children.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Finally, I also wish to offer my personal thanks to Ms. Manju Gurung for appearing before this Council and sharing her experience with us. Her testimony awakens us all to the necessity to act decisively on the issue of children in armed conflict. Since this Council last debated this issue, significant advances have been made in the protection of children in situations of armed conflict, including the adoption of resolution 1882 (2009), expanding the scope of the annexes of the Secretary-General's reports. Additionally, for the first time, a Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict is coordinating the activities of the United Nations on this issue. The recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/181) highlights progress in other areas, as well.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“At the outset, allow me to congratulate the delegation of Mexico on its stewardship of the Council this month and to thank it for convening this very important debate. I also wish to thank Her Excellency Secretary of Foreign Affairs Patricia Espinosa Cantellano for her presence here earlier today. I also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy; the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Atul Khare; and the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Hilde Johnson, for their informative statements and their commitment to this important issue. I also wish to commend the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict for its important work and the Permanent Representative of Mexico for his able guidance as Chair of the Working Group.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Israel, for its part, will continue to actively engage in the work of the Council's counter-terrorism Committees and to fully support their work.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“The international community must continue to seek and implement measures that keep the world's most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the world's most dangerous individuals. It has an obligation to address in a proactive and decisive manner the threat posed by the transfer of weapons and capabilities by some Member States to terrorist organizations, including in our region, where the danger from the continuous smuggling of arms is increasingly clear. This support, which constitutes a violation of numerous Security Council resolutions, undermines the stability of our entire region. We in Israel are all too familiar with the horrifying toll that terrorism exacts. The struggle against this plague will require our joint will, effort and action. We appreciate this opportunity for dialogue and an exchange of views.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“Israel fully supports resolution 1540 (2004) and the subsequent renewal of its mandate. Israel believes that it is critical to continue to develop international standards against the use and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Nuclear terrorism and radiological substances in the hands of terrorists represent a grave global threat and a concern to us all. Export control systems and appropriate national counter-terrorism legislation are critical elements in the overall effort to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related dual-use items. Israel further believes that, in order to enhance the dialogue among Member States and the 1540 Committee, it would be extremely helpful to receive periodic briefings by the Expert Coordinator of the work of the Committee.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“Israel welcomes the progress towards promoting clear and fair procedures concerning the inclusion of individuals on the consolidated list. Israel encourages efforts to ensure due process guarantees in the process of listing and de- listing terrorist groups. In this regard, we welcome in particular the adoption last year of resolution 1904 (2009) which, among other things, created the post of an ombudsperson to address key aspects of due process and human rights concerns. We hope that a professional, competent individual will be appointed to this important post. We further welcome the decision of the Council to make accessible a summary of the reasons for listing and to conduct a review of all names on the consolidated list in order to ensue that it is updated and accurate.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“Through our unique and tragic experience in this field, which has developed over many years, Israel has willingly shared its best practices with other interested parties, and we are constantly considering ways to strengthen our technical cooperation. At the same time, however, I wish to emphasize the overarching goal of the work of the CTED, beyond the valuable aspects of technical assistance and capacity-building. As reinforced in Security Council resolution 1805 (2008), the crucial role of the CTED remains first and foremost to ensure the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and to support the Counter-Terrorism Committee in the fulfilment of this task. The Al-Qaida sanctions Committee remains an important part of the efforts to isolate terrorists and their means to inflict harm.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“Regarding the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), I should like to commend Mr. Smith for his able leadership. We appreciate his ongoing dialogue with Member States, as well as the informal briefings on current affairs, which are an effective and valuable tool. Israel supported the adoption of resolution 1805 (2008), which extended the mandate of the CTED, and is further encouraged by the professional dialogue between Member States and the CTED related to the Preliminary Implementation Assessments. We also welcome the finalization of the technical guide that will serve as a road map for the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). Israel's strong commitment to confront global terrorism has led it to strengthen its professional cooperation with the CTED.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“In certain parts of our region, we witness safe haven given to terrorists, the transfer of weapons to terrorist organizations and the growing incitement to terrorism. Most alarming in this regard are the Member States of this Organization that support, harbour, finance, train, transfer and smuggle terrorists and weapons in our region. The most dangerous terrorist organizations threatening Israel's security are Hamas in the South and Hizbullah in the North. In this regard, we emphasize the pressing need to address the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), in particular, as well as other relevant resolutions, beyond the mere obligation of State reporting. In addition, we believe that no counter- terrorism strategy is complete unless it addresses the issue of incitement.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“Thus, we are reminded time and again that terrorism is a global and vivid threat that transcends boundaries and nations. The international community, and the United Nations in particular, have a crucial role to play in coordinating counter-terrorism efforts. The response to those providing safe haven to terrorists should be unequivocal. Sponsoring terrorism and permitting terrorist groups to act with impunity from one's territory are not among the prerogatives of sovereignty. A State that is unwilling to deal effectively with such activities must be held accountable for its deeds. A number of United Nations treaties already provide a legal framework to address this threat. What remains to be seen is sufficient political will. We Israelis know first-hand the devastation of terrorism.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“I thank you, Madam, for having convened this important debate on counter- terrorism. I express my thanks, too, to the Chairpersons of the counter-terrorism Committees for their professional work and for their informative briefings this morning. Close cooperation and coordination among all three subsidiary bodies in the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force are of the utmost importance, and we encourage the Committees to continue providing more frequent informal briefings to Member States as part of their growing effort to provide for transparent engagement with their work. Less than two weeks ago, a car bomb was planted in the heart of Manhattan in a failed attempt to kill scores of innocent civilians. Earlier this year, the people of Russia witnessed the terrible toll of suicide terrorism.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“The Iranian threat, the menace of terrorism, the transfer of weapons to terrorist groups, the incitement and hatred taught to Arab children: these are the true dangers facing the situation in the Middle East and the question of Palestine. All in the region have a right to live without threats, and all in the region have the responsibility to confront these dangers. If those in our region recognize the relationship between rights and responsibilities, we will then be standing at the threshold of a new era for peace in the Middle East.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“Recently, Syria supplied Hizbullah with long-range missiles in an overt violation of resolution 1701 (2006). By doing so, Syria actively threatens the fragile stability in the Middle East. Yet the most alarming danger is that Iran continues to pursue nuclear weapons capabilities, while mocking the diplomatic overtures of the international community. Such behaviour endangers not only our region, not merely a specific group of countries: it endangers us all, and this is recognized by all. The Council therefore has an obligation to translate this consensus into timely and effective action. To use the words of a great poet, "If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well it were done quickly" (Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act 1, scene 7).”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“In fact, such measures provide significant safeguards and due process protection for existing legislation; they do not extend beyond it. Let me be clear: these measures apply only to unlawful infiltrators in the West Bank and do not apply to other residents of the area. Let me turn to the greatest danger facing the Middle East and the world: Iran. Iran continues to threaten to wipe Israel off the map of the world while denying the Holocaust and reigniting anti-Semitism. At the same time Iran supports terrorism and violence against Israel and Jews far beyond the Gaza Strip. In Lebanon, the Hizbullah terrorist organization continues to amass arms from Syria and from its Iranian patrons, with the active consent and support of Syrian authorities.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“In another disturbing event, a town square adjacent to Ramallah was renamed in honour of Dalal Mughrabi, a leader in one of the bloodiest terrorist attacks against Israel, the Coastal Road massacre, in which 38 Israeli and American civilians were murdered. Given that the Road Map for Peace explicitly states that all official Palestinian institutions must end incitement against Israel, what message does the Palestinian Authority send by publicly honouring terrorists? At this point, I would like to respond briefly to concerns that have been expressed regarding recent measures relating to the prevention of the illegal infiltration of individuals into the West Bank. These concerns reflect a misunderstanding of the effect and purpose of those measures.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“The complicated situation in Gaza is also a result of Hamas's ongoing imprisonment of Gilad Shalit who is denied his human rights, including access to international humanitarian personnel. Beyond Gaza, the West Bank offers an alternative future. As a direct result of Israeli-Palestinian economic and security cooperation, life for Palestinians and Israelis continues to improve. However, obstacles remain. Violence and terrorism are ever-present challenges. Israel is deeply dismayed to see a street in Ramallah named in honour of Yehiye Ayash, a Hamas terrorist-mastermind responsible for the murder of hundreds of innocent Israeli civilians: men, women and children.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“In 2009 alone, 738,576 tons of humanitarian commodities were transferred to the Gaza Strip and more than 100 million litres of diesel were delivered to the Gaza power station; 10,544 Gazan patients and their companions received medical treatment in Israel. These numbers reflect only part of the humanitarian aid provided to the people of Gaza. Yet Israel is still a convenient scapegoat for the situation in Gaza. However, the truth remains self-evident. The complicated situation in Gaza is a direct result of the Hamas terrorist occupation. The complicated situation in Gaza is a direct result of Hamas's continued rejection of the obligations laid out by the international community, namely: recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept previous agreements.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“Throughout February and March, a wave of Qassam rockets and other terrorist attacks exposed the civilian population of southern Israel to serious threats and imminent danger. As a result of these attacks, one agricultural worker in Israel was killed, while dozens of civilians were injured. Only yesterday, the Israel Defense Forces discovered terrorists planting explosive devices along the Israel-Gaza border. Given this reality, Israel will exercise its right of self-defence, pursuant to international law. Israel will never fail to fulfil its obligation to protect the people of Israel. Israel appreciates the efforts of the international community for the support of humanitarian work in Gaza. We maintain close coordination with the Secretary-General and relevant United Nations bodies for the supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“Israel is hopeful that the proximity talks will serve as a stepping stone towards the resumption of direct, bilateral peace negotiations. Only through such negotiations can we hope to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. Yet the success of such talks - and their transition into direct negotiations - depends upon all in the region taking confidence-building steps. The Hamas terrorist rulers of the Gaza Strip maintain Gaza as an epicentre of terrorism. With support, financing and arms from Iran, Hamas brutalizes its own people while launching deadly attacks against Israeli civilians. On 1 April, across the Egyptian-Gaza border in Sinai, a massive quantity of weapons destined for Gaza was uncovered.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“These two days of remembrance shed light on our people's unending struggle to build a homeland for the Jewish people, a free, independent and democratic State. Such solemn days signal our desire to live in peace, prosperity and cooperation with our neighbours. Yet in the pursuit of peace in the Middle East, all parties must realize that they have not only rights, but obligations as well. The Palestinians and the wider Arab world must show, in both word and deed, that they too are committed to the peace process. They should demonstrate their will not only to demand rights but also to accept responsibilities. They must take tangible steps to combat terrorism, to put an end to incitement, to engage in direct negotiations and to begin a process of normalization with Israel.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“Let me thank you, Mr. President, for your stewardship of the Security Council. I would also like to thank Mr. Pascoe for his comprehensive briefing. At the outset, I wish to express the deepest sympathy of the people and the Government of Israel regarding the recent tragedy in which the Polish President and the members of his delegation lost their lives in a plane crash. May the nation of Poland know no more bereavement. This debate occurs between two important days in Israel. On Monday, Yom Ha'Shoah, we commemorated the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. And next Monday, Yom Ha'Zikaron, we will commemorate our soldiers who have fallen in war and all Israelis murdered by terrorism. Only after these two remembrance days can we put our hearts into celebrating our Day of Independence.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“In the face of such global threats, the international community has the responsibility to support those who act responsibly and to isolate those who do not. Governments and other forces must act boldly and seize the window of opportunity before us. In doing so, we will uphold values that lead to peace, justice and reconciliation. I wish to conclude on a separate, most solemn note. Today marks the sixty-fifth anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps. Today, we remember and honour those who struggled, those who perished and those who survived the unmatched evil of the Holocaust. As the international community reflects on the lessons of the attempt to destroy an entire nation, we must pass the torch of remembrance to generations to come. That is not only our responsibility to the past.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“Terrorism in our region is fuelled by the flow of illegal arms. Such weapon smuggling - or should I say transfer - reflects a menacing pattern by two particular Member States that use terrorist proxies to sow violence and endless bloodshed. The continued supplying of arms to Hizbullah across the Syrian- Lebanese border is a gross violation of the arms embargo, as well as of other Security Council resolutions. Israel calls upon the Security Council and the international community to remain actively seized of those matters in United Nations debates, reports and documents, for the Governments that fuel terrorism in our region represent not merely an Israeli problem, not merely a Middle Eastern problem. They represent a global problem.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“In Lebanon, on 26 December 2009, near Al-Khiyam, south of the Litani River and only one kilometre from the Israeli-Lebanese border, the world witnessed the discovery of nearly 300 kilograms of sophisticated explosives, planted in close proximity to civilian infrastructure. That event, along with the explosions in Tayr Filsi and Khirbat Salim in 2009, highlights the dangerous pattern; Hizbullah remains active in southern Lebanon. Such manifest violations of resolutions 1701 (2006) merit serious attention and must be addressed in future reports of this Council. In the face of those challenges, I extend Israel's gratitude to the positive role played by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, in particular its outgoing Commander, General Graziano. I wish the new Commander, General Asarta, much success.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“Hamas continues to smuggle large quantities of weapons into Gaza. Earlier this month 20 mortars and rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel, including a Katyusha rocket that landed south of Ashkelon, a city with a population of over 100,000 Israeli citizens. Where are the concerned voices for peace in the face of such hatred, such smuggling and such attacks? Unfortunately, this silence is all too familiar when Israeli civilians are under terrorist attack. So let me state here clearly, as I have stated in numerous letters of complaint to the Secretary-General and to this Council, that the firing of any weapons from Gaza at Israeli territory will be met with a strong and immediate response.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“In that respect, Israel salutes the relentless efforts of the United States Administration and of Special Envoy Senator George Mitchell to help facilitate the relaunching of peace negotiations. In a region where threats are many, the international community should confront the real challenges to peace and security, namely, the threat of extremism, the danger of nuclear proliferation and the plague of weapons smuggling and terrorism. In the Gaza Strip, the terrorist Hamas regime continues to hold hostage Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit, in contravention of his most basic rights. Hamas fails to acknowledge previous agreements. It fails to reject violence and it fails to recognize Israel. Less than a week ago, Hamas leader Khaled Mashal proudly announced that Hamas "will never recognize the Zionist entity".”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“To that end, Israel instituted an unprecedented policy of restraint throughout the settlements of the West Bank. That measure is the latest demonstration that Israel is prepared to take difficult steps for peace. We should ask the Palestinian Observer why the Authority that he represents refrains from accepting our outstretched hand to negotiate an historic peace. In the past year, given the improving security situation across the West Bank, Israel helped facilitate considerable economic progress and growth. In that unique environment, Israel calls upon the Palestinian Authority leadership to recognize the possibility of peace and to return to the negotiating table.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“I wish to ask if such meetings can promote peace. The Council should hear more about both sides of the conflict, where both sides have rights but all sides also have obligations. History shows that nothing substitutes for negotiations between the parties. That was the road to peace in our region - the road of President Sadat and Prime Minister Begin, the road of Prime Minister Rabin and King Hussein. Peace then was the result of direct negotiations between the parties, not of meetings of this Council, important as it is. The only way towards peace is that we, Israelis and Palestinians, engage in serious and honest bilateral negotiations to settle the issues that divide us. I reiterate here a message that my Government has stated again and again: Israel is prepared to immediately commence direct peace negotiations.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“At the outset, I Wish to express the condolences of the people and Government of Israel to the people and Government of Haiti, as well as to the United Nations community and to all those who lost family, friends and colleagues in the recent tragic earthquake. Israel is humbled to have provided its assistance to the global relief effort, and grieves for those who were lost and those who suffer in that catastrophe. We are gathered here for yet another debate on the situation in the Middle East, as we are with regular frequency. While the work of the Council remains important, I wish to ask if we engage with equal frequency on other pressing global matters. I wish to ask if brief briefings - such as we have just heard from the Secretariat, partial and, unfortunately, unbalanced - serve our joint mission to advance on the road to peace.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“As today's debate discusses the protection of civilians in armed conflict, the international community must be aware of the grave reality of modern warfare, namely, terrorism. Terrorism turns civilians in armed conflict into targets, shields and weapons. We must not let terrorism turn civilians into victims.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“It describes, in a comprehensive manner, the context of the operation, Hamas actions and the response of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), as well as subsequent investigations into the operation. As the report shows, given the complex environment of urban warfare, Israel's actions during Operation Cast Lead reflected those of an army committed to the principle of the protection of civilians. Colonel Richard Kemp, the former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan and a recognized expert in the field of warfare in conditions similar to those in Gaza, stated unequivocally that the IDF did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“During Operation Cast Lead, while Hamas intentionally launched attacks on civilians from within civilian areas, Israel took extraordinary measures in its response to protect all civilians. This included placing more than 165,000 phone calls to warn civilians of pending attacks so that they could find refuge elsewhere. It included dropping nearly two and-a-half million leaflets asking civilians to avoid particular areas and buildings used by Hamas terrorists. Those actions reflect only part of Israel's extensive efforts to protect civilians in armed conflict. They, among other measures, are discussed in great detail in a publication by the Israeli Government. Published some months ago, this report addresses the difficult realities that Israel faced during Operation Cast Lead.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“It is a reality in which, only one week ago, the terrorist Hamas entity that rules the Gaza Strip fired a rocket with a 60-kilometre range, thus threatening Israel's major population centres. It is a reality in which Iran, the region's greatest sponsor of terrorism, stands in manifest violation of this Council's resolutions. Only last week the cargo ship F rancop was found to be illegally carrying hundreds of tons of Iranian weapons likely to be used against Israeli civilians. In light of this threatening reality, Israel, as a democratic State and in full conformity with its international obligations, seeks to protect civilians while it pursues terrorists who hide among them.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Asymmetric warfare, a new, complex phenomenon that the international community has yet to address effectively, takes a heavy toll on civilians on both sides of any armed conflict. Today's debate, therefore, must not ignore the reality of terrorism. It is a reality in which terrorists intentionally draw civilians into armed conflict. It is a reality in which terrorists use civilians as shields while they store weapons in and launch attacks from densely populated areas, from schools, mosques, civilian structures and homes. It is a reality in which terrorists build military infrastructure in civilian villages as they harass and threaten United Nations peacekeeping forces.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“This year marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1265 (1999) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Since then there has been considerable progress in addressing this vital issue. Israel welcomes the latest joint study by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, particularly the case studies regarding United Nations missions in the Sudan, cote d'Ivoire, Darfur and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As we move forward, clarity of mandates, accurately understanding the threat to civilians, and providing genuine guidance and planning will allow the Council and the forces it employs to serve in an even more effective capacity. We understand that many unresolved issues regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflict remain before us.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source