Prediction Confirmed — Olmert: Realignment Definitely Not Dead…. Read My Lips: I’m Ready for Territorial Compromises…

Commentary;

As predicted on this Blog, here, here, here, here, here and more: The two reports below, including the chilling Newsweek-Washington Post interview with prime minister Olmert ought to be food for momentum to build among those Jews who look at their fellows as brethren and who passionately love this holy land, Eretz Yisrael. Does it get any more obvious, any more black and white than this? And those who care had better make an all-out effort to enlist the Chareidim, even over the Chareidi politicians, those self-proclaimed “gatekeepers” who guard the “gedolim” from the full story like Bernie tended goal. They, the masses of Chareidim need to absorb and intellectualize that the fight against convergence is AT LEAST AS IMPORTANT as confronting the gay display! MB

Olmert: Convergence Plan Still Exists, Must be Reevaluated (Haaretz)

Excerpts;

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said in an interview published Saturday that the inclusion of Yisrael Beiteinu Avigdor Liberman to the coalition would not change government policy, and that he was still open to the prospect of a territorial compromise with the Palestinian Authority. He also likened the threat posed by a nuclear Iran to that of Nazi Germany, and warned that Iran “must start to fear.”

In the interview with Newsweek-Washington Post, Olmert said he still intended to implement his convergence plan of evacuating certain West Bank settlements, but that the plan had to be reevaluated.

“After the fighting in Lebanon, and also the failure of the Palestinians to cope with continued terrorist actions, I have second thoughts about the ability to accomplish the two-state solution through realignment,” he said. “It is definitely not dead but it has to be reexamined.”

Olmert said he still believes in the need for serious dialogue with the Palestinian Authority, “toward the implementation of the vision which I share with President Bush.”

When asked about his perception of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, Olmert replied, “He personally has shown consistently his opposition to terror and his discomfort with Hamas techniques. But it is incumbent upon him to do more than just say how uncomfortable he is with Hamas.

Olmert said this summer’s month-long war between Israel and Hezbollah underscored certain shared interests between Israel and moderate Arab states.

“I’m very impressed with the performance and policies carried out by the King of Saudi Arabia. And the leaders of the [United Arab] Emirates… In the past, the Saudis have expressed some ideas about a possible solution in the Middle East,” he said.

“At the end of the day, Iran and the axis of evil made by Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas is of great danger not only to Israel but to some moderate Arab countries,” he added.

The prime minister expressed hope that with the joint efforts of Israel and the United States on one side, and moderate Arab countries on the other, moderate elements within Palestinian society such as Abbas could be strengthened.

When asked how he would respond to U.S. request to release Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti from prison, Olmert responded, “I am ready to release many, many prisoners… Hamas’s extreme inflexible attitude prevents the prisoners from being released because they refuse to let us have our soldier [Cpl. Gilad Shalit]… Hamas is not really interested in the well-being of its prisoners. They want to topple Abu Mazen at any cost.”

Asked about the effects of the Lieberman’s inclusion to the governing coalition, Olmert said the government’s policy would not undergo any major changes.

“The policies of this government are not going to be changed and you can read my lips: I’m ready for territorial compromises, and I haven’t changed my mind,” he said.

Olmert also likened the threat posed by Iran achieving nuclear weapons technology to that of Nazi Germany.

Olmert also expressed his support for U.S. President George W. Bush, saying, he trusts his moral integrity, moral commitment and determination.

“Bush is the last person on Earth who needs to be reminded of what should be done to stop Iran,” he said.

When asked whether he was considering a military option, Olmert replied, “I think my words were clear enough.”

Asked for clarification, he said, “It is absolutely intolerable for Israel to accept the threat of a nuclear Iran. I prefer not to discuss the Israeli options. Israel has many options.”

The prime minister also characterized the war with Hezbollah was a success.

“I think Israel had a strategic, military and political success. Unfortunately, before the war, we lacked what we thought we had — deterrence. They were not afraid of starting a fight with us because they thought our reaction would be entirely different. Now if you ask [Hezbollah leader Hasan] Nasrallah if he would want to repeat it, I’m sure his answer would be definitely not,” he said.

He added that he had learned from various sources that Hezbollah was close to total surrender, and that the presence of the Lebanese army in the south of the country, along with a bolstered international force, is “very significant,” creating “a different reality” to that which existed before the war.

Olmert also expressed skepticism on the prospect of negotiations with Syria.

Asked about his reaction to Syrian President Bashar Assad’s muted calls for holding peace talks, Olmert said, “If Assad was serious, he would have stopped his total support of Khaled Mashal, the man directly responsible for daily terrorist actions against Israel. Assad doesn’t show any sign that he’s ready to do this.”

“I don’t expect my enemies to be wonderful guys,” he added. “But I want them to come with clean hands when they come to negotiate. Bashar Assad doesn’t come with clean hands. When he comes with clean hands, I will talk to him.”

For additional Background, click Olmert: ‘I’m Ready for Territorial Compromises’, by Tovah Lazaroff (Jerusalem Post)

Excerpts;

Before leaving for Washington on Saturday night, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert reaffirmed his commitment to territorial withdrawal from Judea and Samaria.

According to a government source, Olmert might be willing to give up 90 percent of the West Bank. The source added that this scenario would only be implemented if the Palestinians completely halt terrorism.

Speeches Olmert gave on Thursday in which he spoke of the unique and substantive offers he would make to the Palestinians if they relinquished terror and recognized Israel, have raised expectations for his Washington trip.

Also, click on Former Deputy Israeli National Security Advisor: Policy Improvised Based on political Survival Considerations

Ayalon Calling for Expulsion of Families in Judea and Samaria