United, we could have put down Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's month-long war of attrition. United, we could have averted the terrorizing of tens of thousands of residents of Gilo and many other settlements. United, we could have prevented the cruel lynchings. An emergency government was meant to prevent this war of attrition from deteriorating into an all-consuming conflagration. Arab states are gathering.
Threats rain down from every quarter.
Despite its military and economic power, Israel appears weak - and this is extremely dangerous. The wave of antisemitism sweeping the world is another outcome of Israel's apparent weakness, and this too is our responsibility. A cohesive emergency government would have regained personal security for Jews throughout the world. This can, and must, change. I explained in detail to Barak what he should do and how he should act to avoid escalation.