Israel & Terrorism
John Kerry Defends Israel's Security Fence
February 26, 2004
In this edition of NJDC's News Digest:
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry this week -- in a statement condemning the Sunday terror attack in Israel -- defended Israel's construction of a security fence, noting that "Israel has a right and a duty to defend its citizens. The fence only exists in response to the wave of terror attacks against Israel." Senator Kerry added that the International Court of Justice in the Hague "does not have and should not accept jurisdiction over this case. Israel's security fence is a legitimate act of self defense."
The full text of Senator Kerry's statement can be found below.
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For Immediate Release
February 23, 2004
JOHN KERRY STATEMENT ON YESTERDAY'S SUICIDE BOMBING IN JERUSALEM
The following statement was issued today by John Kerry in response to yesterday's suicide bombing in Jerusalem:
"Today brings sad news of yet another horrific suicide bombing yesterday in Jerusalem. I know every American joins me in expressing condolences to the victims and their families, outrage at the tactic, and condemnation of those who perpetrate, aid and abet these acts of terror.
"It is ironic that this act of terror takes place on the eve of consideration by the International Court of Justice of Israel's security fence. The Court does not have and should not accept jurisdiction over this case. Israel's security fence is a legitimate act of self defense. No nation can standby while its children are blown up at pizza parlors and on buses. While President Bush is rightly discussing with Israel the exact route of the fence to minimize the hardship it causes innocent Palestinians, Israel has a right and a duty to defend its citizens. The fence only exists in response to the wave of terror attacks against Israel.
"Yasir Arafat's support for terrorism has already rendered him unfit as a partner for peace. If there is to be any progress toward peace, the current Palestinian leadership can and must crack down on the terror and stop teaching the hate that fuels it."