In his Washington meeting on Monday with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Defense Minister Ehud Barak made reference to the United Nations Goldstone Commission report, stating it encourages terrorism and terrorist organizations.

Barak was referring to the UN Human Rights Commission investigators, headed by Judge Goldstone, releasing a scathing report against Israel, charging Israel with war crimes and possibly with crimes against humanity pertaining to the IDF’s counter-terrorism offensive in Gaza, Operation Cast Lead.

Israel refused to cooperate with the commission, realizing investigators arrived with their verdict in hand prior to probing facts, failing to address over seven years of rocket-fire into southern Israel from Gaza, targeting civilian population centers.

Regarding talks with the PA (Palestinian Authority), Barak stated both sides must drop mutual demands and a settlement must be comprehensive and mark an end to all disputes. He explained how Israel has relaxed many restrictions on residents of PA areas, removing roadblocks and checkpoints and opening roads to PA motorists.

Regarding the Iranian threat, Barak stressed Israel has not ruled out any options. The two senior officials met privately for 90 minutes and were then joined by advisors and aides.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)