The Carter Administration today called on the Israeli government to bring swift justice to the perpetrators of the explosions in four West Bank towns that injured two Arab mayors sympathetic to the Palestine Liberation Organization and seven others, and urged “everyone to exercise maximum restraint.”
The Administration also indicated it has asked the Israeli government to rescind its ban on the circulation in occupied territories of two East Jerusalem Arab newspapers that Israeli officials believe incite the Arab populace there against Israelis.
Regarding El Fatah’s demand for the PLO to reject any Mideast formula offered by governments of Western Europe to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict but urging the PLO to increase military action against Israel and destroy the “Zionist entity” the Administration reiterated that the Camp David agreements form the “proper framework” for reaching “a negotiated settlement.”
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by these terrible acts,” State Department spokesman Hodding Carter said with reference to the explosions as he extended “profound sympathy” to the wounded and their families. He noted “at least one Israeli was injured.”
“Nothing can justify such senseless violence,” Carter said. “We condemn those responsible and hope they will be brought swiftly to justice. In the interest of the peoples of the area we urge everyone to exercise maximum restraint.”
Responding to a question that Arab American organizations are holding the Israeli government responsible for the explosion and the U.S. government responsible for not putting more pressure on Israel, Carter said “The issue now is to bring violence to an end and get on with the negotiations. Senseless acts such as these add enormous burdens to those who are seeking peace.” Carter added, “But the acts must not be permitted to interfere with or destroy what has been achieved so far” for a negotiated settlement. He said that “the violence underscores again the need to move rapidly in the negotiations to resolve the core issues.”
Carter said that he had no information that U.S. nationals will be involved in the explosions’ investigation. He pointed out that Israeli Premier Menachem Begin has said that his government is making a thorough investigation to punish those responsible.
On the question of limiting the distribution of the Arab newspapers, Carter said that U.S. support for the principle of freedom of the press “is well established.” He added: “Beyond that, I want to repeat, we continue to believe strongly that every effort–every effort–must be made to create conditions in occupied territories which foster peaceful rather than violent solutions to the problems there”
When a reporter said his statement seemed to “sympathize with the Israeli government rationale” against the two newspapers, Carter replied: “No, it is in no way intended to.” He said that the statement was “crafted carefully” and that “violence, repression, suppression and all the rest” that call into question the people’s ability to live together becomes an impediment to peace. Carter said the U.S. government made its position “known to the Israelis” but he would not discuss it.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
