Lloyd Bentsen: “for the fourth time in 9 days, a savage suicide bomber has attacked the people and the state of Israel, seeking to…”

“for the fourth time in 9 days, a savage suicide bomber has attacked the people and the state of Israel, seeking to terrorize its people and destabilize the Middle East peace process. The latest bombing, outside Tel Aviv's largest shopping mall, struck a crowded center filled with families and many children dressed in costume for the Jewish holiday festival of Purim. At least 12 were killed and 120 wounded in yesterday's bombing, only 1 day after a bus bombing in Jerusalem killed 18 people. The latest terrorist attacks bring the death toll of this 9-day siege to 59. The United States and the world must stand with Israel in this time of crisis. The actions of Hamas, the militant Moslem group which has claimed responsibility for these bombings, should not be tolerated. We cannot allow these terrorists to undermine the peace process and reverse the tremendous progress that has been made. More importantly, we must do all we can to stop these terrorist attacks and all who would support them militarily and financially. Israeli President Shimon Peres reiterated yesterday that Israel would not surrender to terrorists, and I have no doubt he will bring the nation's full weight to bear on Hamas and their allies who would threaten the very existence of Israel. I am pleased that President Clinton has moved swiftly to assist Israel in its efforts to battle this deadly wave of terrorism.”