Statement by
Ambassador Ron Prosor
During 3rd review of the United Nations
Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy

Mr. President,

At the outset, let me thank you for convening this review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.  I would also like to commend Canada’s Permanent Representative and delegation for skillfully facilitating the negotiations of the draft resolution of the Third Review of the UN’s Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

I would also like express Israel’s deep appreciation to the many individuals inside the UN who work tirelessly to combat terrorism. I know that many of your successes may not rise above the public’s radar screen. Let me assure you that they do not go unnoticed.

Mr. President,

This forum has a solemn responsibility. We are tasked with producing a clear-eyed assessment of the international community’s response to terrorism — perhaps the single greatest threat facing the world today.

Several principles should guide this discussion, as we evaluate what has been accomplished, and where the international community is lagging behind.

We cannot substitute words for action. And we cannot expect wishful thinking today to prevent devastating consequences tomorrow.

One thing is clear. If we do not take the next steps in advancing our collective efforts, the terrorists certainly will.

The UN’s Global Counter Terrorism Strategy provides a basic framework for confronting terrorism. It was carefully crafted to provide a comprehensive plan addressing the various aspects of terrorism. Israel stands behind this approach. We believe strongly that all four pillars of the Strategy must be implemented with equal determination, as was envisioned when the strategy was created.

The Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of the strategy offers helpful recommendations for improving the UN’s efficiency on this issue. Israel welcomes the debate on his suggestion to create a UN counter-terrorism coordinator. Such an appointment must be considered carefully. We must ensure that it does not duplicate the functions of existing structures and translates into genuine improvements on the ground. We should be wary of mistaking process for progress.

Mr. President,

Each and every victim of terrorism has a face and a family; a name and a story. They are people like us.
In all corners of the world, the voices of the victims should ring louder than the deadly siren song of terrorists.  Israel greatly appreciates the priority that the Secretary-General has placed on victims of terrorism. Victims’ stories can help prevent those at risk of joining the ranks of terrorists. They can compel communities to move from indifference to action.
The Secretary-General’s report notes that a range of UN entities are working today to counter radicalization. This is important, but much more must be done.

For years, Israel has warned of the unmistakable link between incitement and terrorism.  Terrorism does not begin with an attack on a bus or café.  That is how terrorism ends.

Terrorism begins with words and thoughts of hate. Terrorism begins when individuals dehumanize others and glorify martyrs. It begins when the world stands by as extremists create a culture of death.  Unfortunately, today – in too many parts of our region – the next generation of children is being taught hate instead of peace, and violence instead of tolerance.

The international community has a clear duty to prevent this incitement in mosques, schools, media and elsewhere.  Just as States have an obligation under the Global Strategy to bring terrorists to justice, we must also pursue those who build the foundations of terrorism by teaching children to hate.

Mr. President,

States that sponsor terrorism should find no refuge in these halls.

One nation stands above all others as an active supporter of terrorism. Iran is the central banker, primary sponsor and chief trainer of terrorists – from Bangkok to Baghdad; from the Gaza Strip to the Washington Beltway. Iran sits on Bashar al-Assad’s advisory board, guiding him on how to butcher the Syrian people more efficiently.

In the civilian villages of southern Lebanon, it has helped the Hezbollah terrorist organization to build up an arsenal of more missiles than most conventional armies. In Gaza, it is arming Hamas with the advanced rockets that continue to rain down on Israeli civilians, day after day. In the last week alone, more than 125 rockets have been fired into Israeli cities, homes, and schools.

On Tuesday, Iran’s Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi spoke to senior UN officials at an event in Tehran supposedly dedicated to the issue of illicit drug trafficking.  He said that the teachings of the Talmud – one of Judaism’s holiest books – are responsible for "inciting global drug trade and addiction in a bid to annihilate non-Jewish communities.” He added that gynecologists around the world kill “black babies” on the orders of the “Zionists”.

These vile anti-Semitic statements are outrageous.  They defame the Jewish faith, the Jewish State, and the Jewish people. They should bring immediate condemnation from all corners of the United Nations. I call on all responsible members of the international community to speak out immediately, forcefully, and unequivocally against Iranian anti-Semitism and hate.

Some countries in this hall have condemned these appalling anti-Semitic rants. There are many more who have failed to do so until now. History shows that words can kill. And there are some times when silence is not an option.

The international community must send a clear message to Iran and other states that sponsor, incite, and support terrorism. We cannot allow them to place deadly tools into the hands of terrorists, or to offer them safe havens from which to operate. In this regard, CTITF must intensify its efforts to advance technical assistance and raise awareness at the national level, which allows for the designation of terrorists, terrorist organizations, and those who support them. This work is critical for removing any legal void or ambiguity in confronting this plague.

Israel is on the front lines in the fight against terrorism. This is not by choice, but by necessity. Since our inception, we have had to struggle — day after day — against terrorists that brutally target our civilians, while acting to preserve our democracy and rule of law.

This is a unique challenge. As Israel’s Supreme Court wrote in a famous ruling, “This is the destiny of democracy, as not all means are acceptable to it, and not all practices employed by its enemies are open before it. Although a democracy must often fight with one hand tied behind its back, it nonetheless has the upper hand.”

As a party to the core UN conventions on terrorism, Israel has enacted effective legislation to implement its international obligations pursuant to these instruments. We are committed to working at the international, regional and bilateral level to confront terrorism wherever it rears its head. Over many years, we have developed a unique body of knowledge and capabilities in this field. Through our ongoing technical cooperation and support of projects, including through UN agencies, we are sharing our expertise and contributing professionally to global counter-terrorism efforts.

Mr. President,

The words spoken here today are only as meaningful as the political will that stands behind them. The global strategy on terrorism can be only as effective as the support that it receives from the nations in this hall. The great threat posed by terrorism calls for more than the international community’s best efforts. We have no other choice but to succeed.
As Winston Churchill once said, “It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we must do what is required.”

Thank you, Mr. President.