Statement on Discussions with Israeli Defense
Minister Yitzhak Rabin
(June 28, 1988)
The President, the Vice President, and other top officials
have met with Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin over the past 2
days. The President noted that Israel and the United States will soon
sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the joint development of
an antitactical ballistic missile (ATBM) which will be able to deal
with ballistic missile threats. The U.S. contribution will be approximately
80 percent and that of Israel 20 percent. This joint development is
an outgrowth of research on SDI.
The President expressed his concern about ominous new
military developments in the region. In particular, he called attention
to the proliferation of ballistic missiles and chemical capabilities.
He observed that such capabilities could change the military situation,
making any future war far more costly, difficult to control, and dangerous.
Both the President and Vice President emphasized in their meetings with
Defense Minister Rabin the need for international efforts to stop this
proliferation. They also stressed that these trends put a premium both
on continuing U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation and energetically working
for peace in the area.
The President paid tribute to what Defense Minister
Rabin has done to strengthen Israeli capability for self-defense. Defense
Minister Rabin has also done much to develop our strategic partnership
and give it substance. He has recognized realistically what Israel can
develop on its own and in partnership with the United States.
The President and Vice President reaffirmed America's
commitment to Israel's security, noting that Israel could never be fully
secure without peace. Realism and a willingness to nurture, rather than
reject, possible opportunities for peace are essential, as is a climate
that makes negotiations possible. While Israel should not be expected
to make concessions under the threat of violence, the preservation of
order in the territories must neither provide a justification for civilian
lawlessness nor act as an excuse for avoiding political discourse with
the Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza. Neither should violence
nor controls on violence become ends in themselves, making a political
solution more difficult.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |