Speaking with visiting German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President Shimon Peres stated that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad needs to make a decision, to either cut off ties with Hizbullah or forget about repeated gestures involving an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights. “He cannot have the Golan on a silver platter,” stated the president, while simultaneously maintaining his close relationship with the terror organization.

He added that if the Syrian leader is truly interested in achieving peace with Israel, he must come to the negotiating table, not via mediators, and not with preconditions.

At present, Syria continues to release statements exhibiting a true willingness to be at peace with Israel, but this is contingent on Israel’s unconditional full withdrawal from the Golan Heights and a return to the pre-1967 borders.

While Peres’ statements are being hailed by many, one should realize the president is already indicating a willingness to consider an Israeli retreat from the Golan Heights.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)