In his appearance before the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee on Monday, perhaps his last as prime minister, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stressed the need to reach an agreement with the PA (Palestinian Authority), the sooner the better.

Mr. Olmert stated with an air of authority “the price we must pay today will be far less than the price in the future,” urging all involved to reach an agreement with the PA today. Olmert added that failure to realize a deal is inevitable and necessary will bring us to an existential threat with Israel’s neighbors.

Regarding PA demands for the so-called right of return of Palestinians, the prime minister stated emphatically that he will never agree to the return of the refugees to Israel. He stated “we are willing to be part of a compensatory formula,” but warned the “problem cannot be solved at Israel’s expense.”

The prime minister added he believes that there is still time to make good on the Annapolis understanding, to reach an agreement by the end of 2008. “A basic understanding in three areas can be reached; borders, refugees and security”. Olmert stressed however that all of this is dependent on the implementation of the Roadmap Plan and the elimination of the terrorist infrastructure.

Regarding Syria, he stated, “We are on the correct path. The effort is worthwhile despite the price we will be compelled to pay.” Upon completing his presentation to the committee, Mr. Olmert stated he would be back, perhaps as a former prime minister – he did not elaborate.

MK (Likud) Dr. Yuval Shteinitz, a former chairman of the committee, stated that we should say “goodbye” and not “see you soon,” explaining the prime minister during his two-year tenure made a mockery of the committee and his tenure in office could be characterized as a period that seriously compromised security interests.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)