In the wake of the latest series of terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), one of the most vocal supporters of Israel in the U.S. Congress, released the following statement:

"I urge President Bush to abandon any plans he may have for supporting establishment of a so-called "interim" Palestinian state.  While establishment of a Palestinian state, after the end of Palestinian terrorism, with Israeli agreement, and with mutual agreement on borders and security guarantees for Israel may be a part of a solution to the conflict, this is not the time, and the President's rumored plans are not the way.  To establish a state now, interim or otherwise, would be a reward for terrorism, encourage more terrorism as a means to gaining more land, and only increase the odds of war.

The latest episode of murder of Israeli civilians makes even more clear the duplicitous and terrorist role played by Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Authority.  The PA has made no real effort to limit or stop the terror, has itself initiated terrorist attacks, and has attempted to smuggle in arms intended to escalate the terror.

The United States -- indeed all civilized countries -- obviously must comdemn this violence, and strongly support the right of Israel to take whatever measures she deems fit in her own defense."