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Source: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/A/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1029920598843
Israel's UK Embassy Responds to British Chief Rabbi
(Jerusalem Post) Douglas Davis - In an interview in the Guardian on Tuesday, British Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks is quoted as saying that the ongoing violence is "forcing Israel into postures that are incompatible in the long run with our deepest ideals." In response, a statement issued by the Israeli Embassy in London noted the following: Israel has been forced to fight for its existence as a Jewish state and to protect its citizens in a war of self-defense. This tragic war, which no other democracy has had to face in recent times, is not of Israel's making and contrary to its wishes. It has been imposed upon Israel by the Palestinian leadership, who rebuffed Israel's far-reaching offer of peace and instead adopted a strategy of indiscriminate terror and virulent incitement. In this war of self-defense, Israel maintains the highest moral ground and adheres to a strict ethical code as a democratic, civic society governed by the rule of law. Any infringements by a few individuals are dealt with accordingly by the judicial system. Those Arab leaders who have renounced violence have reached historic achievements with Israel through peaceful negotiation. Yet the only result of this Palestinian campaign of terror has been to destroy many innocent lives and to shatter families, dreams, and goodwill on both sides. The Palestinians' aspirations can only be addressed through peaceful dialogue. The current national unity government of Israel has repeatedly stated that, once the necessary measures are taken by the Palestinian leadership to end the campaign of terror, it is more than willing to resume negotiations and address all the outstanding issues.