Statement from PM Netanyahu

23 March 2011

For immediate release
Statement from PM Netanyahu

(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today (Wednesday), 23.3.11, before
leaving for Moscow, discussed the terrorist attack in Jerusalem:

"This evening, I am leaving for Moscow in order to meet with President
Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin. I will discuss with them a series of
bilateral and regional issues, as well as the search for a peace process
with security and issues that are very important for Israel's security.
Before leaving, I consulted with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Minister
Matan Vilnai, IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz, ISA Director
Yuval Diskin and others. Since the Government was established, we have
set a clear policy on security, the essence of which is a vigorous
response to any attempt to harm Israeli citizens, and systematic and
assertive preventive measures against terrorism. This policy has led to
two years of quiet and security and I think that all Israelis have
learned to recognize, welcome and enjoy the fruits of this quiet, to
walk the streets without fear. The fact is that our southern communities
have returned to normal life, as have residents of the north. This quiet
is a major blessing. Recently, there have been elements that have tried
to violate this quiet. They are trying to test our resolve and the
fortitude of our people. They will learn that the Government, the IDF
and the Israeli public have an iron will to defend the state and its
citizens. We will act vigorously, responsibly and prudently in order to
maintain the quiet and the security that have prevailed here over the
past two years."

ENDS

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