Shimon Peres: Rabin's example teaches us Israelis that the settlements must go

Every year we return to the Knesset to commemorate a prime minister, the only one in the history of the State who was murdered by a fellow Jew. Yitzhak Rabin – may his memory be blessed – died 13 years ago as a result of a methodical campaign of hate, incitement and instigation.

Today, the incitement is not reduced; the instigation has not decreased; the hatred has not dissipated. Israelis strike Palestinians as they harvest their olives – and no one puts a stop to it.

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Young Israeli citizens, gripped by messianic dreams which have no basis in the reality of our lives, beat our soldiers, break their bones, threaten their lives – and no one stops them. And now the decisive moment is growing close. We are standing at its threshold.

This decision will be difficult and painful. But the government must tell the truth, and this truth, unfortunately, will obligate us to rip away many portions of the homeland. This decision, when it is made, will not be an indictment against the settlers, the vast majority of whom are not violent but rather an integral part of a dedicated, loyal public which loves the land and builds it up.

There were moments, which we were all party to, during which we desired with all our hearts to leave our indelible mark on that land. I too was party to it. We thought we could succeed in having a country which was Jewish, democratic, decent, violence-free, one which welcomed and embraced its neighbours within the borders of our sovereignty.

It will not work. It is already not working. It claimed a price we do not have the moral strength to bear. And so I have the duty to appeal to the builders and settlers and say with great respect and appreciation that you too must search your souls and reach a decision.

Not due to conflict and strife, not due to the rift which will tear the most sensitive fabric of our agonising society, but rather as a result of inevitable acceptance, as a result of noble understanding – that this is the only way.

For what is the significance of these memorial ceremonies in honour of Yitzhak Rabin if they do include the understanding that we cannot assist – under any circumstances, in any case – in the creation of an atmosphere that regresses to those dark days?

From an address to the Knesset by Israeli President Shimon Peres