Izraeli PM Netanyahu’s Remarks at the Start of the Weekly Cabinet Meeting
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting this morning (Sunday, 16 December 2012):
„First, I would like to express my shock and that of the Government of Israel, and – I am sure – that of all Israelis – over the awful massacre that took place at the school in Connecticut<www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2012/Israeli_leaders_condolences_+American_people_15-Dec-2012.htm >. I send condolences to President Obama, to the bereaved families and to the American people. Who like us in Israel is familiar with massacres of children and innocents? I pray that the families and the American people find the strength to overcome this terrible tragedy.
Over the weekend, Hamas held festivities and demonstrations in Judea and Samaria to mark 25 years since it was founded. With the approval of Abu Mazen, they called for the destruction of Israel and the expulsion of Jews from Jerusalem and from every point in the State of Israel. We have been here in Jerusalem<www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/jerusalem%20capital%20of%20israel/ >, not for 25 years; we have been here in Jerusalem for 3,000 years. We have been in the Land of Israel for close to 4,000 years. We have a strong and steadfast national will, the continuous historical consciousness and strength of soul of a people that has struggled for its homeland and knows how to maintain its state.
Last night, I lit the eighth Chanukah candle<www.pmo.gov.il/English/MediaCenter/Events/Pages/eventwall151212.aspx> from the closest possible place to the spot where the miracle of the jar of oil<goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Tourist%20Information/Jewish%20Themes/Holidays/Pages/Chanukah.aspx > occurred, I actually touched the Western Wall. I said it there and I say it here: The Western Wall<english.thekotel.org/ > is not occupied territory. The Western Wall is ours; it symbolizes the foundation of our existence here for thousands of years. We will stand steadfast in the face of all those who want to expel us from here. The State of Israel, Jerusalem and the Western Wall will remain ours forever.”
