Since the shelling of Beit Hanun that ended in 19 civilian deaths, including those of women and children, Israel's political and diplomatic establishments have been busy deflecting condemnation and thwarting diplomatic initiatives.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Israel's envoy at the UN Danny Gillerman harshly attacked a UN General Assembly resolution to dispatch a team to investigate the tragic incident. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni sharply criticized a Spanish-French plan that proposes a cease-fire and an international force to monitor its implementation. At the same time, senior Israeli spokespeople are calling on UN members to join in a battle of the Titans against Iran's nuclear program.

In light of the continued Qassam fire, which has killed a Sderot resident and critically wounded several others, the government and the army are becoming increasingly aware that the key to breaking the cycle of violence does not lie in the strength of Israel Defense Forces firepower in the Gaza Strip, or even in the scope of ground offensives in Beit Hanun. More and more ministers, many from Kadima, are calling for a search for a solution via diplomatic channels.

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Already a few weeks ago, Housing Minister and acting Justice Minister Meir Sheetrit called on Olmert to announce immediately his willingness to negotiate with the Arab side on the basis of the Arab League peace initiative and the 2002 Saudi Arabian plan.

Environment Minister Gideon Ezra yesterday recommended that Israel declare a unilateral 10-day cease-fire in Gaza and work to fortify moderate forces in the territories. Livni proposes talking to the Palestinians about an interim arrangement that would allow the establishment of a Palestinian state in temporary borders based on Stage B of the road map.

The premier, who went to Washington empty-handed and returned with no news, does not make do with rejecting ideas for defrosting the deep freeze in the political arena. Olmert, who with the end of the second Lebanon war eulogized the convergence plan and has not presented any alternative, criticized colleagues in yesterday's cabinet meeting who raised initiatives for public discussion. He accused them of irresponsible behavior, explaining that they are "members of cabinet, not the debate team."

The prime minister's contribution to efforts to extricate ourselves from the dead end was yanking the rug out from under the developing Palestinian government before it even came to be. "What is developing there is not a government of experts, but a political agreement that serves Hamas and Fatah," Olmert snapped.

Olmert should listen closely to Livni, who warned at the cabinet meeting that without an Israeli political initiative, the regional "political vacuum" would continue to invite initiatives from other nations that are not in Israel's best interests.

It is not just the policymakers' obligation to make political proposals. It is the public's right to know where it is being led.