Israel's Idea of Peace?

21 September 2007

Bethlehem – Ma'an – Israeli transport minister, Shaul Mofaz announced on Friday that expected Israeli military attacks on the Gaza Strip "will come sooner or later."

He also said there will never be a lasting solution with the Palestinians.

Israeli media sources reported that Mofaz said, "The day will come when Fatah and Hamas embrace each other at the same time as rockets still land on Sderot and the Kibbutzes neighbouring the Gaza Strip and the soldier Gilad Shalit is still a prisoner in Gaza. It has today become clear that a large-scale military operation will happen sooner or later."

In response to Deputy Prime Minister Haim Ramon's plan for withdrawing from parts of the West Bank and dividing Jerusalem, Mofaz said, "Jerusalem is not a real estate deal, and no one regardless of his position has the right to divide Jerusalem. We have to know that a lasting resolution with the Palestinians means that Israel gives concessions to the Palestinians but Israel shouldn't seek a lasting resolution with the Palestinians now as the time is not suitable and we have no guarantees that Palestinians will be committed to their promises in any agreement that would be signed with them."