INN: Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at 7:00pm began a live televised address to the nation in light of the state of warfare on Israel�s northern and southern borders. He spoke from the Knesset podium during a plenum session.The prime minister stated everything possible was done by Israel to prevent this conflict, including withdrawal to borders recognized by the international community. He added, �our enemies made a mistake, thinking our willingness to pull back and show restraint is a sign of weakness� On both the northern and southern borders, we are situated in compliance with the international community.�

The prime minister stressed the importance of a �strong and stable Lebanese government� to eliminate the terrorist infrastructure. �Iran and Syria continue to �use remote control� referring to their authoritative roles in Lebanon.

Drawing an analogy to the Palestinian Authority (PA), which Israel holds responsible for the safe return of soldier Gilad Shalit, abducted from Kerem Shalom, Lebanon too is responsible for the safe return of soldiers Ehud Goldwasser Eldad Regev, who were abducted from the northern border.

Olmert stated the ongoing military operations will not come to a halt until the soldiers are released, Hizbullah is distanced from Israel�s northern border and the Lebanese army is deployed along southern Lebanon in compliance with UN Resolution 1559.

��we will search for each position and reach each and every terrorist who seeks to harm Israel� Israel will not agree to live in the shadow of rockets and missiles aimed at her citizens.�

��there are times when citizens must realize the harsh realties and say �no more!� to terrorists and terror regimes.�

��there is nothing we want more than peaceful neighbors on our border� but at the same time, we will not permit those who seek to deny our right to live here in our land in peace.�

��only a nation which knows how to defend its liberty is entitled to those liberties and freedom.�

Mr. Olmert praised the IDF and gave his unwavering confidence regarding the abilities of the various branches of the security forces, soldiers and officers, Shin Bet, Israel Police, Firefighters, EMS personnel and members of the government.

Reciting portions of the Prayer for the State of Israel, the prime minister expressed his hope that the government ministers would be given the wisdom and strength to guide the nation through this difficult period.

Referring to his years as mayor of Jerusalem, the prime minister stated he is well equipped to handle the current situation � not a political novice and a stranger to the challenges facing his administration.

Olmert commented on a conversation he had as mayor with then NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, in which the former NYC mayor commented on how well the residents of the capital endure, how they manage to continue with their daily routines despite the ongoing terror � as is the case regarding northern residents today, whom are enduring daily and round-the-clock rocket attacks, but remain firm in the face of a hostile adversary.

��we are not conceding and not afraid since our fight is a just one, a fight of every man and nation, a battle for survival.�

The prime minister mentioned some of the Israelis murdered in the Hizbullah rocket attacks during recent days, stating we are fighting on their behalf, for our right to live in peace, free, in the Jewish Home Land.

��we will not apologize for our desire to live a normal life as free individuals and we will not request permission from anyone for our desire to protect that right, to defend ourselves.�

Mr. Olmert referred to the three hostage soldiers being held by Hamas and Hizbullah, mentioning a meeting with Aviva and Noam Shalit, Gilad�s parents. When they left his office, Noam gave the prime minister his last photo taken of Gilad � and today, the photos of all three remain on his desk, as he glances at them daily as he works in his office, reminded of the mission � to obtain their release from terrorist hands.

�We will do everything in our power to ensure their safe release and bring them back home�There is almost no one who is capable of understanding where you are,� referring to the parents of the three soldiers, �and I give you a hug and strengthen you.�

The prime minister spoke of his keen awareness regarding the burden he carries, the responsibility towards the soldiers, parents and the nation� stating he will continue tenacious efforts towards achieving Israel�s objectives.
The prime minister concluded his almost 30-minmute address by quoting words from Jeremiah the prophet.