DM Mofaz: Israel to Retreat if PA Not “Peace Partner”
Excerpts;
“Regarding relations with the Palestinians, Mofaz said that if it becomes evident that there is no peace partner, Israel must ‘take fate into her own hands.’”
“Such a move, he added, would include a withdrawal to defensible borders while strengthening West Bank settlement blocs, demilitarization of Palestinian areas, and protecting a united Jerusalem. To do so, U.S. and international backing will be needed, he said, and added that he believes that such a move would be widely supported by the Israeli public.”
Commentary;
Unlike Ehud Olmert’s recent pronouncement (subject to change without notice and as early as his upcoming speech before The IPS and the Herzliya Conference); “There Will Not be Another Disengagement”, Lame Duck Defense Minister Mofaz is now playing “Trial Balloon Man” for Olmert, just as Olmert did for Sharon. In short, if Heaven Forbid Kadima wins the election and Olmert (ranked 37 in Likud during last elections) becomes Prime Minister, Israel, the Jews would be in mortal danger! MB
Shalom: Israel Now Closer to Arab, Muslim Nations
Excerpts;
“Likud MK Silvan Shalom, speaking at the 6th Annual Herzliya Conference, said that Israel was making progress in building relations with “moderate” Arab and Muslim countries. “
“Shalom said that during his term as foreign minister, he had met with more than 10 Arab and Muslim leaders, including an informal meeting with Pakistani President Parvez Musharraf in Turkey.“