Olmert: The “convergence” plan was a vehicle to accomplish a vision shared by President Bush and myself–this is a two-state solution.
After the war, and the failure of the Palestinians to cope with continued terrorist actions, I had second thoughts about my ability to accomplish the two-state solution through realignment. One thing I can promise: under no circumstances am I going to withdraw from the need to engage in a serious dialogue with the Palestinians. The Palestinian issue is on the agenda. There is no way we can ignore it. We have to find the best partner–a lot depends on the Palestinian leadership.
He has consistently shown his opposition to terror and his discomfort with Hamas. But it is incumbent upon him to do more than just say how uncomfortable he is with Hamas. He hasn’t yet shown enough determination to put down this government of terrorists and to reduce the influence of Khaled Meshaal, who controls the Palestinian government from Damascus.
If Hamas will formally accept Israel’s right to exist, end all terror against Israel, and recognize the [prior] agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, then I’ll be ready to sit with such a government, even if it includes Hamas representatives.
I made it clear long ago that I am anxious to open up a new dialogue with Abu Mazen, and for that purpose I’m ready to release many prisoners. Hamas’s inflexible attitude prevents the prisoners from being released because they refuse to let us have our soldier [captured Cpl. Gilad Shalit]. Hamas is not really interested in the well-being of its prisoners. They want to topple Abu Mazen at any cost.
I made it clear that the policies of this government are not going to be changed, and you can read my lips. I’m ready for territorial compromises, and I haven’t changed my mind.
President Ahmadinejad is a man who is ready to commit crimes against humanity, and he has to be stopped. My position is clear. If there can be a compromise that will stop Iran short of crossing the technological threshold that will lead them into nuclear capabilities, we will be for such a compromise. But I don’t believe that Iran will accept such compromise unless they have good reason to fear the consequences of not reaching a compromise. In other words, Iran must start to fear.
I think that Bush is the last person on earth who needs to be reminded of what should be done in order to stop Iran. If there is one person I can trust, it’s him.
It is absolutely intolerable for Israel to accept the threat of a nuclear Iran. I prefer not to discuss the Israeli options. Israel has many options.
I think Israel had a strategic, military and political success. The presence of the Lebanese army in the south [of Lebanon] together with a robust international force is very significant. It is not ideal. There is a lot that ought to be done and will have to be done by the international force.
I would be happy to negotiate with Bashar Assad if he stopped his support of terror and of Hizbullah. Bashar Assad doesn’t show any sign that he’s ready to do this.
