Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told parliament members Monday afternoon that the army would continue to attack armed Palestinian groups. "The last few days provided us with reminders of the region's dangers," he said, mentioning a recent suicide bombing which five Israelis were killed and threats made by Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadenijad to "wipe Israel off the map."
"The call of the president of Iran saying he wants to wipe out Israel from the map expresses what many in the region want but are afraid to say aloud," Sharon told legislators.
"Their murderous intentions are expressed daily in terror attacks like the ones we saw in the past week," he said.
“The terror masterminds from Iran and Damascus, from Gaza and Jenin, do not need reasons or excuses, but only opportunities,” Sharon stated in a speech aired live by Israel Radio.
“In the face of this reality Israel will continue to protect itself and hurt the terrorists. We have no choice. We will continue to build the (West Bank) security fence with no political, practical or budgetary problems."
"The demand for the Palestinians to wage a real war on terror cannot be circumvented," Sharon added. "Israel has already proven its readiness to make painful concessions. Now, we demand to see real action by the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian people on the road to genuine peace."
