LAST CHANCE" Israel strives for truce; preparing for Gaza op"

Jun 10, 2008 12:42 | Updated Jun 11, 2008 13:38
Security cabinet rules out Gaza operation for time being
By HERB KEINON

The long-delayed decision whether to accept an Egyptian-brokered cease fire with Hamas or step up military operations against the Gaza Strip came before the security cabinet on Wednesday, and despite reports that a majority of ministers favored tough military action, the decision was to give the cease fire talks more time.

The meeting was preceded by a Tuesday discussion between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, and Defense Minister Ehud Barak in which the various scenarios were reportedly discussed.

IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief Yuval Diskin also took part in that meeting, from which no details were provided.

One government source said that while Olmert and Livni favor stepped-up military action before agreeing to a cease fire, Barak wants to send his top adviser Amos Gilad back to Egypt one more time for additional clarifications before taking action.

Although technically Olmert, Barak and Livni could take action on their own without seeking approval from the security cabinet, the source said that in the current political climate, where whatever decision Olmert takes would be criticized as having been influenced by his legal and political problems, he wanted the decision to have the backing of the security cabinet.

A number of cabinet ministers came out in favor of a widespread action before Tuesday's weekly cabinet meeting, with Construction and Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim, a close Olmert ally, saying "Israel must launch an operation against Hamas," adding that the country could not risk letting the Islamic group rearm itself "before the next round."

Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann advised the ministers at the cabinet meeting (held on Tuesday rather than Sunday because of the Shavuot holiday) against talking publicly about whether or not there would be an operation, saying that the constant discussion on the matter reminded him of how Hassidim "wait for the messiah."

Barak also advocated taking a much lower public profile on the matter.

"When the moment comes, we will act," he said.

"The defense establishment is dealing with it, and the ministers should listen to what is being said about what can, and cannot, be accomplished through the various actions."

Speaking to government ministers about the status of peace negotiations with the Palestinians, Olmert said that progress in the area was critically important now given the proximity of the US presidential elections.

"One thing is certain: This administration is especially friendly," the prime minister said.

"We cannot miss taking advantage of this opportunity. Therefore the element of time holds special importance. We must not lose this. [Things won't necessarily be the same] with the next government."

"We are working with the aim of advancement," Olmert told his ministers. "We don't yet have formal, written documents, but we're working with the intent of making progress towards building a foundation for a solution, within the framework of the time-frame we presented.

"Of course there are arguments, long discussions, but this issue is important for me."

Olmert and US President George W. Bush have both said they hoped that a framework agreement could be reached by the end of 2008.

"We don't know what will happen with the next US government," Olmert told the ministers.

"I am operating on the assumption that every American president will preserve the special friendship with Israel that is built on mutual values and interests."

Olmert said, without elaborating, that there are various mutual commitments with the current administration that may not "roll over" to the next administration.

Turning to the Syrian track, which is expected to resume with indirect talks in Turkey this week, Olmert told the cabinet he would have been happy had the announcement last month of indirect talks with the Syrians been accompanied by an expression of readiness on Lebanon's part to enter into bilateral talks with Israel as well.

"I see much advantage in that." Olmert said.

During the meeting, Olmert also took Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz to task for his comments that Israel might attack Iran if it carried on with its nuclear weapons program, saying that in these matters there is need for a great deal of diplomatic action, "and as little talk as possible."

Olmert said that Iran featured prominently in his talks with Bush last week in Washington, and that there was "understanding, agreement and coordination" on this matter between Jerusalem and Washington.

"Every day that passes we are moving another step forward," Olmert said. "That doesn't mean that in a very short time it will be possible to overcome all the problems, but there are efforts, common thinking, determination, readiness, and agreement on the ways we need to act."


[link to www.jpost.com]