APN Condemns Extremist Violence In Israel, West Bank

 

APN Press Release October 21, 2002

 

 

Washington, D.C.—Americans for Peace Now (APN) today condemned this afternoon’s terrorist bus bombing in Israel and the recent displays of violence from extremist settlers who have attacked Israeli security forces trying to enforce the law against illegal settlement outposts. APN’s mission is to enhance Israel’s security through peace and to support the Israeli Peace Now movement.

 

“APN condemns the Palestinian terrorist attack on an Israeli civilian bus this afternoon near Hadera,” said Debra DeLee, President and CEO of Americans for Peace Now. “There is no excuse that could possibly justify such an abhorrent act of violence against innocent people. It is incumbent on all Palestinian leaders who can exercise authority in the occupied territories to do their utmost to prevent such attacks from taking place and to punish those responsible for carrying them out if they are successful.

“Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility for today’s terrorist attack, which should remind everyone in the region that peace and security are constantly threatened by extremists who will not hesitate to use violence in order to achieve their ends.

 

“It should also serve as a wake-up call to extremist settlers and their supporters who have stooped to using unprecedented levels of violence against Israeli security personnel sent to enforce the law through the evacuation of illegal settlement outposts. The establishment of such outposts is a clear violation of Israeli law. This crime is only compounded when thugs resort to physical violence and verbal abuse directed against Israeli security officials. The Settlers Council, the “hill youth,” and settler rabbis need to remember that Israeli officers and police work hard to protect them and all Israelis from terrorism and other external threats—a task that is only made more difficult if they also are forced to combat extremists in the settlement movement.”