the Council for Peace and Security
[Translation made by Eric Lee]
The Council for Peace and Security is made up of more than 1,000 individuals, among them a
former
Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), dozens of generals in
the IDF reserves, hundreds of colonels and majors, a former head of the
General Security Service (GSS) and many high-ranking GSS staffers, former
top-level officials in the Mossad, and several former chiefs of police.
When the Council issues a statement, people listen. Even when people
disagree with the Council's views, they listen. Because the men (and few
women) behind these statements are the people who have kept Israel strong
-- and alive -- these past few decades.
A statement
adopted by the Council for Peace and Security, published in yesterday's
newspapers.
1.The Council for Peace and Security doesn't doubt the power of the
Israel Defense Forces and its ability to defend the country's borders and
the residents of the North from within the country's territory.
2.The Council calls on the Government of Israel to take the decision
to
redeploy the IDF along the international border and at the same time
calls
on the public to support the Government in such a decision. The
redeployment will be in accord with UN Security Resolution 425.
3.The IDF will set up and operate a diverse and effective security
system along the Lebanese border which will include technological tools
and
advanced tactics. The Council is aware of the high cost necessary for
this,
but is of the opinion that this is necessary for the security of those
living in, or visiting, the Galilee. And the investment will pay itself
off
quickly in the savings made by stopping ongoing expenses in south
Lebanon.
This redeployment must be given the time needed to be carried out.
4.Israel sees in the Government of Lebanon the factor which must bear
full responsibility for maintaining quiet in the border area and
preventing
all attacks from its territory against Israel. In the event that the
Lebanese government does not fulfill this elementary responsiblity,
Israel
retains for itself the right to act against the Lebanese army and
installations -- with all the means at its disposal.
5.The Government of Israel makes clear to Syria that it will not
hesitate to act against it, if terrorist attacks against Israel are
launched under its guidance or direction, from its territory or from
Lebanon.
6.The Lebanese Government is responsible for the safety and security
of
members of the South Lebanese Army (SLA). Israel will suggest a fair
arrangement and will even be ready to absorb the officers and soldiers of
the SLA, and their families, if these are threatened after the
withdrawal.
The Council for Peace and Security may be contacted at P.O. Box 1320,
Ramat
Hasharon 47112, Israel.
Email: yona@netvision.net.il
