Olmert's Clarification (sort of)

PM Olmert Speaks MK Effie Eitam

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke this evening (Wednesday), 2.8.06, with MK Effie Eitam regarding remarks that were attributed to the former in foreign news agencies[IMRA: please see below]. The Prime Minister made it clear to MK Eitam, who protested to him on behalf of broad right-wing circles, that he (the former) is engaged exclusively in conducting Israel's struggle in the north and the south. Prime Minister Olmert said that the war is the result of an attack initiated by Hizbullah against Israel and is entirely unrelated to future diplomatic moves in other arenas.

On Tisha B'Av when we recall the destruction [of the Temples], the complete unity of the army and the home front must be maintained in order to succeed in this harsh war.

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In an interview with The Associated Press......

"I'll surprise you," Olmert said. "I genuinely believe that the outcome of the present (conflict) and the emergence of a new order that will provide more stability and will defeat the forces of terror will help create the necessary environment that will allow me ... to create a new momentum between us and the Palestinians."

"We want to separate from the Palestinians," he added. "I'm ready to do it. I'm ready to cope with these demands. It's not easy, it's very difficult, but we are elected to our positions to do things and not to sit idle."

(Kippah tip: IMRA)