Statement by Prime Minister Shamir on the Conclusion of the Gulf War

During the sixth and-final week of the Gulf War, three missiles were fired at Israel, one on 23 February and two on 25 February. The three landed in unpopulated areas of Israel and caused no damage or casualties. Five days after the ground operations against Iraq began, the war was over and the prime minister expressed Israel's relief at its conclusion. Israel wanted the ceasefire to include an end to missile attacks as well as the elimination of the missile launchers and the non-conventional weapons stockpiled in Iraq. Mr. Shamir expressed the hope that an opening will be made towards peace with the Arab states. Text:

1. Prime Minister Shamir, on behalf of the government, commended the allied forces headed by the U.S. upon their victory in their just war against Iraq, in which its aggressive tyrant was defeated.

2. We send warm greetings to the leadership of the allies, headed by U.S. President George Bush, and to the soldiers who fought and were victorious. We send our condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

3. The State of Israel was unwillingly involved in this war due to Iraqs heinous missile attacks against it, which forced the State of Israel and its citizens into an emergency routine, with all its ensuing psychological and physical implications, for the duration of the war.

4. In light of what has been said, the State of Israel is very interested in the war's outcome and the ensuing developments in the Middle East, whose defense, economic and political complexities are now seen by many countries in the world, not only at the diplomatic level, but also at the personal level.

5. The [future] cease-fire should first of all clearly include an end to the missile attacks, as well as elimination of the missile launchers and the non-conventional weapons stockpiled in Iraq.

6. We hope that in addition to the elimination of the Iraqi despot, an opening, God willing, towards peace with other Arab states in addition to Egypt, win come.

7. On the festival of Purim which commemorates the downfall of an ancient enemy who sought to destroy the Jewish people, comes the defeat of a modem enemy who sought to destroy us and other nations.

Source: Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs