Doing a splendid job exhibiting an air of calm, leaving his police investigation woes behind, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday night addressed the Jerusalem Facing Tomorrow Presidential Conference held in the Jerusalem Convention Center – Binyanei Ha’uma.

Mr. Olmert opened by explaining that a number of hours earlier, he and Defense Minister Ehud Barak shared with US President George W. Bush their concerns and realities vis-à-vis the “complexities and sensitivities” of life for so many Israelis in southern Israel.

“What happened today is entirely intolerable and unacceptable. The government of Israel is committed to stop it and we will take the necessary steps so that this will stop.”

“It is an honor and a privilege to address such honored guests and participants, particularly with a special friend, President George Bush.”

Olmert thanked President Peres for arranging the conference, praising him for his efforts, calling on the audience to save their applause regarding Mr. Peres for the end, and then “give him a big hand.”

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)