National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel
Tel. (248) 557-4540 · Fax. (248) 557-4527 · E-mail: NCLCI@MSN.COM

A STATEMENT FROM
THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP 
CONFERENCE FOR ISRAEL (NCLCI)
ON ISRAEL’S WITHDRAWAL FROM SOUTHERN LEBANON

May 26, 2000

Israel is taking tremendous risks for peace in withdrawing from Lebanon. NCLCI salutes Prime Minister Barak, the Israeli government, the Israel Defense Forces and all Israelis for demonstrating the strength and courage to do what is most difficult.

NCLCI congratulates Israel on its swift and total withdrawal from southern Lebanon. This was not an easy decision for the government or the Jewish people. Withdrawal may be interpreted as retreat. NCLCI does not concur with those skeptics. We affirm with the government of Israel that Lebanon belongs under the control of the Lebanese people and no one else. Lebanese internal affairs should no longer be an Israeli problem; they should be matters of choice for a sovereign Lebanon.

NCLCI commends Israel for its gracious reception of Lebanese Christians, SLA families and others who have recently fled Lebanon, some of whom have been turned away by other nations. We express our profound concern for the lives, safety and rights ­ both human and civil rights ­ for the Christians and other minorities who remain in Lebanon.

NCLCI calls on Syria and Iran to honor Lebanese sovereignty, as Israel as done, by withdrawing and returning Lebanon solely to the Lebanese people so that the country may once again be a vibrant, peaceful nation. All its peoples are entitled to enjoy a normal and productive life, free from all outside interference.

If attacks against Israel continue from Lebanese territory, NCLCI affirms that Israel is fully within its rights in responding by whatever means are appropriate to safeguard the land and people of Israel.