PM Sharon: Palestinian education and propaganda are more dangerous to Israel than their weapons

The Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, spoke yesterday evening [18Nov 2004] about his expectations of a new Palestinian leadership. Here are some excerpts from his speech. The full version is available on this link.

“…what will happen tomorrow? What will be the test of the Palestinian leadership? I will give you one example: we must not relinquish the demand for the collection of weapons and dismantling of terror organizations. But, of course, this is a much more complicated process."

At the same time, there are two demands which are under the direct control of the new leadership and which must be carried out immediately. The true intentions of the new leadership will be revealed and examined in light of their action or inaction with regard to two primary tasks which can be easily and immediately carried out:

(a) Cessation of the virulent propaganda and ongoing incitement in the Palestinian television and media. (b) Change and transformation in the Palestinian education system, cessation of the incitement and demonizing of Israel, Israelis and Jews; replacement of inciting textbooks and a ban of all lessons, plays and children’s summer camps which incite against Israel.

The venomous propaganda in the Palestinian media and education system is the root and foundation of the expansion of the suicide terrorism phenomenon. The Palestinian education and propaganda are more dangerous to Israel than Palestinian weapons. These two important tasks – even prior to the full implementation of the first phase of the Roadmap – will be the test which will show the intentions of the Palestinian leadership. Is it headed toward a future peace? Or is it headed toward war and terrorism?

I used this example to show that I do not intend to waste time, and it is my intention to explore every avenue – once the new Palestinian leadership is ready to begin contact – to start advancing our relations with the Palestinians…".

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