PM likely to present plans for diplomatic peace effort

You asked, ``How is it different this time?`` Perhaps, it`s not or, perhaps, this time the Israeli Government really wants to negotiate a peace and won`t be manufacturing excuses to avoid it. Perhaps, also, this time the US, trying to re-establish its reputation for fairness and for respecting sincerely different philosophies of life, will make an earnest effort to promote peace.

And let bygones be bygones. It is not that Olmert is a weaker leader than before. It is that Israel has far more difficult circumstances than before. Israel has an image of a pariah state in the world nowadays where it was a sympathetic pioneer state 50 years ago. Israel has the whole world against it except a zionist lobby in the US where it was the other way around 50 years ago. Israel better accept any outcome for peace now before the windows of opportunity shut on it and it will destroy itself with the inhuman state that it has gotten itself in.

Olmert's rhetoric since the end of the recent Israeli-Hizbolloh conflict confirms that Israel lost the battles militarily, economically and psychologically. On a daily basis, Olmert pleads for peace and offers unilateral concessions. He cannot lead and acts like a pallbearer at Zionism's funeral. Innocent Israelis die and are maimed by Katusha rockets while emperor Olmert fiddles melodies of accomodation, appeasement and acceptance of terrorist demands. Where is the Israel of yore,of Ben-Gurion, of Dayan, of Herzl, of Golda, of G-d?

First, I must make it clear that I am not speaking for Kathy. Second, I agree that the unilateral withdrawal was a mistake. Nevertheless, that is the past, and what was done, cannot be undone. It is preferable to concentrate on the present. That is my opinion, for whatever it's worth.

What a great idea! Privilegesfor the enemy, and terror attacks on my citizens! Terrific!!!!

"Whether it was wrong to leave Gaza after the Palis had elected a new Prime minister, or whether it was wrong of Israel to give the keys of the city on a platter as you put it." (Kathy) You obviously misread me. The idea I tried to express is this one: We left Gaza. That could have been a very positive step. Gaza is not Israel. Some, among us, believe it is Jewish territory. Fine. I see no point in disputing that. It does not make of Gaza an Israeli territory. We never annexed it, like our leaders thought necessary to do with the Arab part of Jerusalem. We had no business to be there, except ruling over a foreign population which, with the time, grew more and more impatient to see us leaving, and was showing it with more and more violent means. "Question: You have said that the settlements in Gaza were a historic mistake." "I believe so. THEY ARE A MISTAKE, because having thousands of Jewish settlers among millions of Palestinians is a mistake, and we will not stay in Gaza forever." That was former Chief of staff Shaul Mofaz, then Ariel Sharon's Defense Minister, answering Newsweek's Lally Weymouth, in May 2004. See: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5039340/site/newsweek/

Now comes the part about how we left, and how we should have left. I said leaving Gaza could have been a positive step. The way Sharon chose to do it, is what made this step such a desastrous one. Not because it came "after the Palis had elected a new" President [and not a new Prime minister, as you said] just six months earlier, but because it has been done as an UNILATERAL move, in other words, without having entrusted the keys of the city to anyone, without asking for anything in return. That is why I said that was tantamount to offering the Gaza Strip on a plate, to the more fanatical of our ennemies. That is the sin Ariel Sharon has committed against his country.

Howdy Lebanese; I looked up Abu Sufyan and it appears that he did not reject the Treaty of Hudaybiyya. It was violated by the tribe of Banu Bakr (allies of the Quraish) who attacked the tribe of Banu Khuya'a (allies of the Muslims). The principles didn't seem to have much to do with the unraveling of the ceasefire. The same sort of thing could easily happen in this case. I doubt if the PA or Israel would want to violate the ceasefire, but there are dozens of extra-governmental armed militant groups on both sides who could very easily light the fuse again. Remember that WW I was started because some Serbian nationalist assassinated the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Ferdinand and sucked half the world into a war that nobody wanted.

There will always be two opposing group from both camps. One group will want peace and the other group will prevent peace for their own hidden agenda. Will this ceasefire hold? Most of us are hoping it will but then again....I believe it is just an illusion but let's continue to believe peace will previal and this is a good start from both sides.

Military coup is out of the question. This is not South Ammerica or one of the Arab countries. A politcal upheaval is called for. Throw out the inept and idiotic triumverate from Kadima. Actually the party should be called "Ahora". Give Abbas 72 hours to bring his end under control or the IDF goes back in for a devestating blow. No mercy given. It's war, not playtime. At present the PA is using the break (I won't call it a ceasefire as long as they firing Kassam's) to resupply. The next round, and there will be one, will be more intensive and destructive to the IDF and Israel. Kassam's are fired at random targets, Israel must retaliate randomly, in the general area rockets are fired from. Civilians may be involved, so what! Israeli civilians are also involved. Get the biggest bang for the buck-shekel, round & round she goes, where she lands, nobody knows, just like the Kassam's

i hope this is good news for the future. maybe this can be settled afterall. peace is the way

So the others can deny taking part in terror activities against Israelis. Nothing new in their dealings. 'Army of Islam' rejects cease-fire between Israel, Palestinians Published: 11.26.06, 23:03 The Army of Islam, one of the three Palestinian groups involved in the kidnapping of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in June, has rejected the cease-fire reached between Israel and the Palestinian Authority Saturday evening. ?The Army of Islam does not recognize the truce. We warn whoever prevents us from fighting the Jews?, a statement from this almost unknown group writes. (AFP)

you'd better read (again) the Hamas Charter! Then, keep both eyes open....

do you know something the IDF doesn't know?

Lebanese Look at your possition first.The rooster is up and trying to topple your governement in your neck of the woods and he caused the destroyed Lebanon.That Nastinasrallah,or perhaps you are a devoted folower of his? I sent you a post hours ago,it didn't come out.Perhaps by tomorrow eh? Time to get rid of that Syria's limpet who is attached not only to Hez'but also to Syria,Emile Lahoud!Ay Lebanese therein lies the problem of Lebanon.Nevermind about us in Israel,we can deal with those scum we have had to do so since the 2000.And the latest one with the help of Iran for which Nastinasrallah would have never been able to manage it on his own.He had Iran,and syria as proxis,and I hope he disappear into the bottom of the pit of hell.He caused your problems.But then I blame Siniora too for his weakness and inefectiveness and resting on his laurels for so long. Murder one,Hariri,murder 2 journalist,Murder three GEMAYEL.And more to come. Haarets this is for Lebanese # 91.

I agree with you that some solution to the qassam rockets being fired into Israel needs to be found, and likewise the retaliation into Gaza and the inevitable death of Palestinian Arabs in Gaza. What is interesting to me is that it appears that the Palestinian Authority can control the launching of the rockets into Israel. We were being told that the Palestinian Authority is weak and incapable of controling the Israel-Gaza border. Since the withdrawal from Gush Katif, the Palestinian Authority has done nothing to police its side of the border until now. While I am still skeptical, I can only wish that the Palestinian Authority has finally come to grips with its responsibilities. No country can tolerate rockets being fired from across the border into its sovereign territory, even if the rockets are called "crude" and even "firecrackers." I believe that if the rockets stop, the retaliation into Gaza will also stop.

The cease fire is a good start but must be followed by an accelerated steps toward a final agreement that garantees the Palestinian rights. Otherwise, it will fail.

"The Pals wanted Israel out of Gaza." (KUTW) That is only a part of the truth, which means it is not true at all. The Pals wanted and are still wanting us out of the territories we captured in June '67. "Israel is out of Gaza. Why do they (the Palestinians) now attack? (KUTW) It is as untrue to say "the Palestinians attack", as it would be to say, "the Israelis want to transfer all the Palestinians out of Eretz Israel." You are mistaking the part for the whole: Those who are firing Qassams from the Gaza Strip are not THE Palestinians, and those Israelis who go to pray on the tomb of the slaughterer Baruch Goldstein are not THE Israelis. "(Is it) because it was unilateral ?" (KUTW) Yes, it is because the IDF has been withdrawn following an UNILATERAL decision, in other words, without asking for anything in return. You said it yourself, in your own words: "The pals have no obligations to meet."

"We now have international countries on our side." (JewishHeart) JewishHeart is talking nonsense. The international community will never be on the side of a state which is, after 40 years, still investing all its energy, all its resources and military might, on forcing illegal settlements populated by religious fanatics, on a neighbour stateless people.

John dear man Yes! hundreds of Israeli Jews are on relief if they can get it that is.But then you omited this fact in your skewed response.Ignorance is bliss it seems to me... Get a life

Dear angry canadian While it is a good idea,you are mistaken.Those kassams are effective and they do hurt,maim and even kill you see.And since Israel is a more "moral" country we do not indulge in this sort of tactics.But I take your point,and were I in power I would not hesitate to take your advice,and do it PRONTO!They would deserve what they get.Israel is too soft,and world opinion is a always on their minds.I say:To Hell With World Opinion!They do not have to endure this. A reminder,can you credit it,when the IDF decides to arrest a terrorist by destroying the house he is hiding in,they announce it to the occupant to vacate the place in advance to avoid civilians casualties.Now isn't this far too kind a gesture?I mean which country in the whole wide world would go to such lengths and be so kind when these SCUMBAGS are ready to kill more and more.Quite frankly I just give up on our Israeli leaders and wish they would think of their citizen's security first and foremost..

they're very stubborn.... they don't want peace....thought palestine is theirs.......... to all palestinians---the term "palestine" had bad meaning according to romans.if i were you i would change palestinian to "jordanian"....oops,jordanians won't agree with it......... ....king abdullah of jordan(the grandfather) said, palestinians and jordanians were just the same.

Olmert said Sunday during a visit in the Negev that "the State of Israel is so strong that it can allow itself some restraint in order to give a chance to a cease-fire." There are so many Jews here now that I don't give a shmutz about, I can afford to lose a bunch of them as long as I can continue to get paid for this cushy job and not have to worry that Hizbullah or the Palestinians might try to kill me....

- What Olmert is waiting for? - How many QASSAMS should fall before HALUTZ will allow to respond? - Do Olmert, Peretz, Halutz UNDERSTAND that they don't protect Israelis? - BIBI and Lieberman would be much better choice than "diplomatic trio" Olmert, Peretz, Halutz.

I think that the IDF should not listen to Chief of Staff Dan Halutz and fire at the qassam operatives. Moreover the people of Israel should demand that Olmert create a majour military offensive in Gaza to stop the rockets or they should threaten to kick him out of office. Also i think a military coupe would be nice to get that incompetent government out ASAP!

Zeev Make up your mind one way or another.Whether it was wrong to leave Gaza after the Palis had elected a new Prime minister or whether it was wrong of Israel to give the keys of the city on a platter as you put it. What is the difference Zeev? Gaza was given away and it should never have happened.We had our settlers there by the grace of the various leaders for the past 40 years,and they were in a strategically well placed position and acted as a buffer to Israel proper! Once the Government decided it was time to relinquish it what happened? The terrorists used it as a launching pad and the resulting of kassams are the result.We didn't have this problem when the good settlers(who by the way were mostly secular and not mad)there things were reasonably calm.Think again Zeev... p/s Haaretz this is for Zeev #274

...But the only side that implemented is is IDF.On the Order of the day IDF withdrew from Gaza.IDF ceased fire. Palestinians Did Not! 9 Qassam rockets hit Sderot since 6AM when ceae fire was to start. From this side of the ocean it looks quite probable that Hams and AlAqsa,Islamic Jihad and Popular Resistance Committee felt pushed with their backs to the wall. So Hanyie and Abbas "negotiate a ceae fire" and the idiot Olmert signes it. The PA terrorists are now replenishing their arsenal thorugh Rafah corsing and tunnels. Our current government is a bunch of impotent shmocks. Watch them cave in and evacuate WB without any rea peace agreement. For the first time in my life i fear for Israels demise unless leaders with guts and brains replace Olmert/Peretz, Halutz Troyka and their stable of ignorant ministers. The clock is ticking against us jews. Next war i will have to volunteer back into Zahal to defend our country

They are waiting on Iran's commands that will soon come. Iran waits: 1) If Israel will attack its nuclear facillities to retaliate with these & Hizbullah. 2) They might use them in the second stage of their nuclear dream, in case that Israel would be so naive and not attack first.

While most of Israel and the Territories slept last night, the headline was about a future ceasefire, an end to the killing on both sides of the Gaza border. The headline has changed some since then but, I still don't think an end to the killing is a bad thing. The more apt analogy would be about when the US is trying to disengage from Iraq and some of the deals we will have to make to end the fiasco there. A perpetual state of war benefits no society.

How was that demo? Have not forgotten you. Will mail your stuff tomorrow. Thanx Gabe

Please see my post #157. I believe you are on the right track, but your 20 year time frame is way too long. Also you need to spell out what land you are referring to. No self respecting Palestinian is going to wait 20 years for some vague promise of land for peace. You would be asking them to trust the government of Israel's humane intentions which is, shall we say, a wee bit naive. Promise to give them what they say they want; 1967 boundaries, East Jerusalem...and monetary compensation in lieu of the "right of return"...but make it conditional on the dismantling of militant groups, weapons smuggling, etc. which needs to last for five years.

Guy, I would think that, as a resident of NYC, you would be quite aware that the citizenry can feel safe only if the government has the power to control violence - so why are you finding excuses for the Palestinian leaders? As for some of you other people - why do people keep referring to the Israelis armed forces as the fifth strongest in the world? That is just not true. Just go on-line and google it. It is not even the fifth strongest in the region. And to the person calling him/herself Kooskoos - why do you want to identify yourself as a teeny, tasteless, inert grain of wheat? Maybe because your posts are pretty much like that?

It says that the PA is deploying a 13,000-person security force in the Gaza to prevent qassam fire. The Olso Accord limited the PA security forces to 30,000 TOTAL i.e. in both the Gaza and in the West Bank. There is NO WAY that Abbas can deploy a uniformed force of 13,000 in the Gaza, because he would not have that many uniformed security troops to spare. Or do you think that the IDF threw open the barriers and allowed them all to travel from the West Bank to the Gaza? A force of 13,000 in the Gaza WILL require the deployment of non-uniformed irregular militia. To pretend otherwise is naivety of the highest order. Do you think the PA has an extra 13,000 uniforms in storage for this exact scenario? Personally, I think they would have other, higher priorities. Paying wages, feeding people, keeping their hospitals going. That sort of stuff.

"Iran will use your post as a reason why they should pursue nukes and why the world should continue in its refusal to "sanction" Iran for the same". I had no idea the Mullahs read "TalkBack". I'm going to have to watch what I say about the "Supreme Leader".

Yes, of course, next to Syria, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, Israel looks like a democracy, but if you take Israel and stick it right between the U.S. and Canada, it's obvious what a corrupt system and evil politicians we have, were we allow a PM with an approval rating less than 20% to remain in power. I don't even think Bush has a lower approval rating than Olmert. I do think that Israel lost the war against Hezbollah because of this buffoon of a leader. Israel lost against herself, not the Arabs. We could've easily destroyed Hezbollah and Hamas, and even gotten our boys back. But we stop just because a couple of civilians got hurt. Well, what about our civilians in the north? We should never have invaded Lebanon, but instead blindly fired rockets back at Lebanon, just a hundred times more. Who would've ran out first? We know that during that month of fighting, Hezbollah fired off a third of their Katyusha arsenal. We could've easily endured another two months.

That's a bad joke. And the Kassam's continue!

Again, you're totally out of touch with reality. Abbas assured one and all that all the factions had signed on to his ceasefire plan. Islamic Jihad, Hamas & Abureish haven't. They're still firing rockets into Israel. If these people love their children as much as you claim, they wouldn't teach them hate in grade school and use them as human shields. Your statements aren't facts, they're oversimplified propaganda and lies.

Adrian hello I was of course being facetious.Not though in welcoming you of course.That was genuine. Well,you came and you sow.Not much to jump and sing about.What charade it all sounds and certainly is. I must away for a bit,and see what is transpiring at JPost. So, see you later...

If you've never read of massacres in Israel perpretrated in Israel. So stop with your lies and drop dead.

I THINK HE IS A 9 ONLY A EVIL PERSON WILL WATCH HOW HIS PEOPLE GETING KILLED AND DO NOTING.

Will these Palestinian security forces now be called "the Israel Defense Forces" since the IDF Chief now orders his Israeli troops not to fire on the Qassam crews so that they are no longer allowed to actively defend their country.

The ceasefire is probably olready over. Militias are already opting out of it--claiming freedom of action unless Israel immediately ends operations on West Bank and other conditions will follow, while Jihad, according to reports rejects any ceasefire and Hamas rejects any enforcement of it by the PA.

THE HOLY QURAN SAYS ABOUT THE SAME THING CHAPTER 17 , VERSES 104 AND 105

Hey Margie Did you like the title.Because that is what it is. They are not only SCUMBAGS,THEY ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE SO. No amount of appeasement,no compromise with people who are bent on our destruction.That is their ultimate goal.But,they can wait till hell freezes over.Israel is here to stay,while they will rot in hell and damnation for ever and ever... You may disapprove of my comments perhaps eh?but,I don't give a hoot.Never have and never will...

indrajaya, you are wrong! Israel has mdae many deals for peace and cease fires , always broken by the false Muslems! READ YOUR HOLY QURAN SURA 17 VERSES 103 TO 106. MOHAMED SAYS THE TRUTH! SO HELP ME ALLAH

WE DO NOT SEE YOU LIVING IN THE AREA OF PAL.??????NOT SAFE ENOUGH FOR YOU AND YOUR....FAMILY???????

Does anyone think that the United States or Russia or China or Japan or England or France or Germany or Spain or Canada or Iran would let rockets be fired at their nation's cities and towns and react with PATIENCE and RESTRAINT and order their military not to fire back? Next the Prime Minister will order the Israeli Soccer Team not to score goals and the Israeli Basketball Team not to shoot at the opposing teams baskets. This stategy has not been tried before and might work.Personally,I think they should move the Knesset and Defense Ministry to Sderot and then let's see if they are as brave as the schoolchildren who have to live there. This government's leadership? You couldn't make this stuff up , it's just too insane.

Ben You are a comedian for sure,but I honestly laughed because it was appropriate.As if we would fall for such a pantomime that is happening over there eh...

Lebanese Nevermind about us having patience,or not look to your Nastirallah who vowed to destroy and topple your government,and take over yuour country? But perhaps this is what you really want and you are his follower hmmm?? Change of subject.I am amazed at the Lebanese crowds coming not only to this Zionist talkback site,but also all over the other ones.Like Ynet,Arutz Sheva? but I will have to go to the last one,because I am not certain you'd be welcome there. But,you never know they might at that too.We have to keep an EYE ON YOU LOT and see what you are up to...

-Pirkei Avot Nice to see you trying to overcome the knee jerk anti-Israel urges. Next step if Pals break ceasefire try to admit it.

You know what good this "hudna" will do? Palestinian terrorists will smuggle more weapons and exploseive into Gaza. And then quassams, perhaps improved ones, will start raining in again. They'll find a pretext.

What kind of order is this? Do they want more deaths and destructions on the Jewish people in Sderot?

Reading Gabe's post, congratulations for your initiative. I wish you, and your participants every success. Peace to you all!

What cease fire te pals are still firing rockets while the IDF has been ordered to not respond.. Oh wait the plas are excused from violations right????

hey dave Did you say a CLOWN? I wouldn't even trust him behind a cage in a ZOO!!!

Johnny Have you been asleep or what.Nevermind the 24 hours,they didn't even wait 24 minutes,and began with the rockets on Sderot.House damaged and will have to go and read some more... I'll keep you posted if my despair does not overwhelm me...

Fail me totally. Are the Israeli leaders fooled again??? Are they demented? Are they on some doppy trip or what???

Get clobbered and while they fire the qassams the IDF will just have to twiddle their thumbs. Is that what you would do if you were attacked by,say--Mexicans,or the Koreans?Good and twiddle your thumbs and not retaliate? Amazing response Mark.I am surprised at your attitude,not to mention our garbage spewed by Olmert.Let's just dance and sing a song of six pence...

They ALL routinely have non-uniformed men around them.Any excuse to pick a fight with Israel? Do not let reality get in the way. The Pals have got a uniformed security force.

Why do you want the Pals to attack Israel?

Headline: IDF chief tells troops not to fire on Qassam crews. What if a Qassam crew that could have been destroyed continues to fire and hits a school filled with children. What excuse would Olmert and company use to avoid blame for these deaths? How can the people of Israel tolerate such leaders?

THIS IS STUPID, TERRORISTS WILL REARM AND REGROUP. Next attacks will be deadlier.

read any media reports lately.? As Hisbula tries to take over Lebanon be sure to preach to them about restraint. They love women telling them what to do almost as much as they love pollytheists.

"Have a look at the security forces that surround Olmert when he goes anywhere. Not too many uniforms on those guys either." Politicians all over the world get escorted by non-uniform wearing (secret) POLICE officers,not military troops.

"You are the only one I have known who holds the very bizarre idea that it is immoral for a state to leave a territory that was considered occupied." (C.J. Kohn) You are once again putting in my mouth ideas I never expressed. Which, knowing your ways, does not surprise me too much. I never speak from a moral point of view, and I never said it is wrong to leave an occupied territory. What I said, is it was wrong for Israel to leave the Gaza Strip as an UNILATERAL move. "You claimed that attacks from Gaza after disengagement were justified ..." (C.J. Kohn) I call this a lie. I have never claimed such an idiotic thing. "Syria fights through its proxy, Hizbollah." (C.J. Kohn) I know that. This is exactly what I meant, when pointing to the fact that no Qassams are fired from Syria. And the reason the Syrian leaders are not allowing anyone to fire Qassams from their territory, is that they know perfectly well the price it would cost them. Not so with the Qassams launchers from Gaza, for only a Palestinian leader can rein in Palestinian terrorists, provided, of course, he is ruling, like the Syrian leader is, over an independent state, whose soil is free of foreign settlements forced on him by a foreign occupation army. You are the only one I have known to whom the same thing has to be explained so many times.

"We now have international countries on our side." (JewishHeart) JewishHeart is talking nonsense. The international community will never be on the side of a state which, for already 40 long years, is investing all its energy and resources into forcing its illegal settlements on a foreign and still stateless people.

I'm all for these forces there to respect a cease-fire but where were they until now? Until now all we ever heard was it is impossible to control, and Israel shouldn't react with disproportionate force when something happens yadi yada. So, are they able to control qassams or not? If they are, then we see very clearly that the PA campaign to fire qassams on to Sderot from the minute Israel disengaged from Gaza was a calculated tactic that served only to keep the fires stoked, ultimately backfiring and plunging Gaza into this past years chaos. Are the 13000 "security forces" the same guys who have been firing qassams for the past year? We'll soon see by virtue of the ceasefire holding or not.

those guarding olmert operate in his immediate area. IDF is uniformed when deployed at borders and on streets as are regular police. secret service protect my prez in suits and not in military or other uniforms so whats your point? are you saying that PALS dont have uniformed police to deploy at border? or are they scared to do their job. those in the photo look like hamas operatives who pretty much are there to scary other militants. will be fun when they start shoot each other. you wathc it will happen.

Peace is destruction of evil and embrassing good. Here's how you make real peace: For every suicide bombing or kassam rocket that lands in Israel, whether it kills people or not, immediately fire one hundred LAR-160s into Gaza. I promise you that terrorism will halt promptly. See, all you fakers and talkers out there, especially you SHALOM ACHSHAV activists, I'm a real man of peace. You guys are murderers. Pacifism kills.

In 1973, Israel hadnt attacked Egypt but this country was prepared to attack Israel. You forget the Pals attack Israel and the blockades is a consequence of this. It doesn?t matter what it happens. You will always blame Israel.

National Security Force (Quwat al-Amn al-Watani). As the largest security service, with more than 14,000 officers, the National Security Force (NSF) is responsible for most of the missions along the borders of "Area A" (see map, p. 26) and inside the cities. Among these missions are the Israeli-Palestinian Joint Patrols (JPs), guarding checkpoints on the cities' outskirts, and participating in other general security-related missions. The NSF recruited most of its officers from the Palestinian Liberation Army (PLA) and gradually added increasing numbers of local recruits. Gen. Nasr Yusef formerly commanded the NSF; its current commander is Saeb Ajez. This branch was first officially included in the GSS (as "Public Security") in the May 1994 Cairo Agreement (see Appendix II).-- Civil Police (al-Shurta Madaniyya). The Civil Police, also known as the Blue Police, is the main law enforcement tool in the PA. Like the NSF, it was one of the original branches of the GSS mentioned in the Cai

Hi Clickfool, Thanks for reading my post. I agree with you. PM Olmert has made plenty of mistakes. He is no Winston Churchill. And I mean no offense to you and the other English by mentioning the two in the same breath. Of course few leaders are great. That's why the great ones stand out, are remembered, and are longed for decades after they are gone. Still, I'm happy PM Olmert is willing to make sacrifices for peace. That shows maturity because it's impossible to reach a lasting peace without making sacrifices. That's a hard message for some to hear, but it is the truth. Did you know that lemon is the central ingredient in lemonade, a wonderfully refreshing drink on a hot day? Perhaps, PM Olmert will surpise us all. Peace.

Will you blame on Israel the breaking sieze-fire by Palestiian side? Look, even Abbas recognized that Palestinians were the violators of the seazi fire! What is your attitude, traditional israel-Bashers: Clickfool, Doris-"Dutch"-Cadigan, Natallie Durson, Marilyn from Australia and others?

Peter how would you feel if aborigines had the right to move jews from land down under.How would you feel if they treated you in there home land the way jews treat palestinians in israel and west bank.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/788895.html Are we forgetting about Jewish lives? The terrorists target schools - and they want to kill Jews. They don't care if they kill children. Israel, on the other hand, targets terrorists. Unfortunately, terrorists use civilians as human shields. The war crimes are what the terrorists are perpetuating.

1. "In 1973, Israel attacked Egypt because of..." The Yom Kippur 1973 war was a surprise attack by Egypt. Back to your Books! [Did you confuse it with 1967, when Nasser violated cease fire agreement, ordered UN troops out and moved his army into Sinai; and blockaded Eilat, all in violation of UN/US brokered 1957 agreement?] 2. "Israel currently has control of all trade routes to Gaza." No, it does not on Gaza-Egypt border. Egypt and EU observers have.

You are right. The deployment can be dangerous. Why do you know they wont assist the terrorists? Have the troops been deployed with the intention of creating confusion?

Have a look at the security forces that surround Olmert when he goes anywhere. Not too many uniforms on those guys either. You can't have it both ways; Israel insists that the PA are not allowed an army. If they are not allowed an army then they have to use irregular forces.

Only terrorists homes are demolished. In addition, lots of money has been donated by many governments to rebuild Gaza. However, the Gazan government has decided to use the money to destroy Israel or pocket the difference. That is not Israel's fault - but lack of judgement on the part of Gazan leaders.

Score one for the courageous. Blessed are the peace-makers. Blessed are the enemies of death, of poverty, of malnutrition, of ignorance, of greed, of ego mania, of the desecration of the land, of crushed spirits, of fear and of hatred. ``Who is a true hero? He who turns his enemy into a friend.'' Avot d'Rabbi Natan, 160 CE (?)

Prophecies from Torah written thousands of year ago stated that the land would become uninhabitable when the Jews left it. Mark Twain who visited the land in the 1800s described the land as malaria infested swamps. Today, the Jews have returned and the land is fertile again. The Torah also says "he who curses Israel will be cursed, and he who blesses israel will be blessed".

The Gazans kidnapped Jews...not the other way around. The Gazans are occupying land that G-d promised to Abraham. In addition, Israel has a superior claim over the land...including historical and archeological evidence. What evidence do you have?

Your history is incorrect. There has always been a Jewish presence for 3,000 years. Even after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the beginning of the exile, Jewish life in the Land of Israel continued and often flourished. Large communities were reestablished in Jerusalem and Tiberias by the ninth century. In the 11th century, Jewish communities grew in Rafah, Gaza, Ashkelon, Jaffa and Caesarea. The Crusaders massacred many Jews during the 12th century, but the community rebounded in the next two centuries as large numbers of rabbis and Jewish pilgrims immigrated to Jerusalem and the Galilee. Prominent rabbis established communities in Safed, Jerusalem and elsewhere during the next 300 years. By the early 19th century — years before the birth of the modern Zionist movement — more than 10,000 Jews lived throughout what is today Israel.1 The 78 years of nation-building, beginning in 1870, culminated in the reestablishment of the Jewish State. Israel's international "birth certificate" was validated by the promise of the Bible; uninterrupted Jewish settlement from the time of Joshua onward; the Balfour Declaration of 1917; the League of Nations Mandate, which incorporated the Balfour Declaration; the United Nations partition resolution of 1947; Israel's admission to the UN in 1949; the recognition of Israel by most other states; and, most of all, the society created by Israel's people in decades of thriving, dynamic national existence.

They have not done it in spite that the attacks from among them put them in danger. I see you you feel like having ?war? with me.

They believe in a phased destruction of Israel. No peace agreement will work. Terrorism must be eradicated...If not, the terrorists will capture our land piece by piece. That is what they really mean by the word "peace" - "pieces".

Margie do not kid yourself so that you can sleep better. You and your ilk are responsible for Thousands of Israeli and Jewish victims of terror worldwide. In your zeal to apologize for the Arabs you have forgotten who you are. You brought us Oslo with all those deaths, You brought us the second intifada by your defense of Arafat (may he rot in hell). You brought us the wonderful Lebanon withdrawal and the inevitable Lebanon 2. You brought us the Gaza abandonment and the Qassams that followed. You still sympathize with the Gaza Human shields on the site you co-founded and believe that they are misunderstood innocent souls and have no clue about Hebron or the Mufti and we must understand their culture. I am just FUMING at your COLLABORATION with these Rats, Vermin and Murderers. If you want to make a change go to Ramallah and set up an Arab Salaam site: otherwise just sit in the UK and keep quiet and let real Jews handle this.

look at the photo of the "palestinian security forces standing guard". why arent hey in uniforms?? how do you tell them from yoru average joe or terrorists?? how do you expected IDF to tell who is security and who is terrorists in the northern border? this is a shame truce and will break. also why werent the 13000 security personal deployed right away when irael pulled out of gaza? where they all in the backroom smoking diddling their thumbs??

Before the disengagement, the Pals attacked Israel because of the ?occupation?. When Sharon announced the withdrawal, hamas reassumed the qassam launchings and was already asking for more. It seems that the pals have no obligations to meet and that they are always right to attack Israel. Abbas was doing nothing to prevent the launching of qassams and the terrorists attacking inside Israel proper, not was he persecuting the terrorists. The point is the pals wanted Israel out of Gaza. Israel is out of Gaza. Why do they now attack because it was unilateral? By the worst of your enemies, do you mean Hamas?

Big difference. Israel now gets loan guarantees - in exchange for products that Israel must purchase in the US. Israel has been building its economy and has billions of dollars in investment money. The Gazans get direct aid. Have no idea if there is any investment in Gaza. The Gazans are living on "welfare", with approx 50% unemployment.

Gilad Shalit is not forgotten, see Post 1. His imprisonment is an issue to still be resolved. This cease fire, if it holds can do a lot towards getting him home along with the PA legislators and all the Palestinians held in "administrative" detention. There's a whole wave of other unresolved issues, but stopping the killing in Gaza and Sderot is the best place to start. Next should be a similar cease fire in the West Bank.

?Palestinian Authority security forces began deploying along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel on Sunday, in order to prevent Palestinian militants from firing Qassam rockets at Israel in violation of a newly implemented cease-fire.? Where were those ?security forces? (and they?re 13.000 men!) before?Guess what,they were playing card games.. ?Three Qassam rockets hit Israel in the first few hours after a truce between Israel and Palestinian militant factions in the Gaza Strip went into effect, causing no damage or injuries. Hamas and Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility.? What exactly changed after the truce came in effect? And how long does it take for all the ?militants? (terrorists,in fact) to get informed about the truce? ?Contacts were made with the political leaderships of the factions and there is a reaffirmation of the commitment of what has been agreed to, Haniyeh said.? Who rules in Palestine,the ?factions? or its (democratically elected) government?

first of all i don't know where haaretz got that #, there is no way they have 13,000 members in their security forces patroling the gaza border, since most of the men in Gaza either belong to hamas, jihad, al aqsa, and any other euphamisim that means destruction of israel. As usual the news agencies are playing dumb and they make the palastinians look like the peace makers. Since the cease fire there have been 10 qassams fired to israel.... maybe hamas and abu mazen need to look up the definition. this is a rediculous week long cease fire.....

more NONSENSE FROM NATALLIE US ELECTIONS SHOW NOTHING AT ALL AS THE MAJORITY DONT EVEN BOTHER TO VOTE !! NO DOUBT THE NEXT PRESIDENT WILL TAP YOU FOR ADVICE ON USA POLICY ??

In case you forgot, Israel left Gaza last year. What you also must have forgotten is that Hamas et al are out to destroy Israel. This is war. Therfore, for security reasons, Israel must keep its borders on watch. In addition, the Gazans were given hothouses for free - and they destroyed them. The PA is not interested in making economic agreements with Israel or anything that would help their people. Rather, they have chosen war. The Gazans have to look in the mirror...It is not Israel who is causing their misery...but Gazan leaders. Have you forgotten also that Arafat stole $6 billion of his people's money?

No summer there.

But if someone like you Kim wishing them hell and death for their children then they won't, its simple you see.

Howdy Lebanese; Actually, the name "Palestine" originated with the Romans circa 132 A.D. and not with the British. Before that, it was known as "Judea". The Romans changed the name of their province from Judea to Syria Palaestina in order to humiliate the Jews who were revolting against the benefits of the Pax Romana. The word "Palestine" is derived from "Philistines" who were sea people of Greek ancestry (probably from Crete or other Aegean islands) and who were defeated by the Egyptians at the mouth of the Nile and who subsequently settled in the coastal areas of the Gaza Strip and Israel. It's kind of ironic that the Arabs living in the Holy Land would adopt a name for themselves which refers ultimately back to the Greeks.

To all those scoffers from overseas who try to influence our foreign and military policy ... from 'out there', I assure you that we are not naive. We know that the islamists prepare our destruction and we also know that when they bring to us their ultimate demands of the '67 lines and return of the refugees to their homes in the 'green line' and we reject these demands the fighting will start all over again. Both sides are vying for international support. and the people of Sderot need a breakso let's see what happens.

You funny, you

Don't worry so much, your hair will turn grey and you'll wind up tearing it out by it's roots. The French may have permission to fire at IDF aircraft, however, it remains to be seen if they have the balls. France hasn't performed too well in a couple of world wars & Indochina as a matter of fact, she's not doing too well with her homegrown Muslims. The most important gear in a french tank is the reverse.

Olmert has instructed IDF to restrain itself in returning Kassam fire. Abbas had "GUARANTEED" that all Palestinian factions agreed. Hamas is continuing to fire Kassams. If Abbas were selling felafel he couldn't guarantee the delivery of a sandwich.

Hey Nut Case, Firstly, Jews have never lost their dignity. Hitler lost his. Jews collectively have lost many of their lives but they kept their dignity. Secondly. Where do you get off deciding whose home is where. "NUT" is a very appropriate for you.

I cannot recall anywhere in the Torah wherein it states this assertion about a single grain of sand. Therefore I suspect that you either made it up or you are parrotting someone else's words like an unthinking monkey. That said, Israel has the potential to be the best thing that ever happened to the Middle-east. The standing of the individual; the rule of law; the value of life and the technology to prosper could be the source of rebirth of the whole region. Unfortunately, it must first be the source of jealousy of the whole region. Greed from without has attempted to destroy Israel. Let us hope and pray that greed from within doesn't finish the job.

"Why was it wrong for Israel to leave Gaza?" (KUTW) You surely have read my post (#167) too fast. I never said it was wrong for Israel to leave Gaza. What I said is that it was wrong for Israel to leave Gaza as an UNILATERAL move, under the most foolish excuse nobody had been found worthy enough to be entrusted with the keys of the city, while publicly humiliating the man the Palestinians had elected to be their President, just six months earlier. Why was it wrong for Israel to leave Gaza THIS WAY? Because doing it this way, was tantamount to delivering Gaza on a silver plate, to the worse of our ennemies.

The truth shall set you free!! First, the promise to Abraham which by common recognition engendered the Jewish claim to the land of Israel did not occur anywhere near "the beginning of time." Second, at that time, Abraham was not "Jewish" nor was there any such thing as Jews. There was no "Mosaic Law." There was no Torah; no tribe of Judah from which the name of Jew and Judaism originated. There was just Abraham and Hashem. After several thousand generations and untold mescigenation, it is likely (mathematically speaking) that more than half the population of the world is related to Abraham. They cannot fit in Israel. Later Hashem promised the land to Jacob aka Israel. Does that mean the promise to Abraham was terminated. Not if one believes in the eternity of the divine promise. Note significantly that the promise was made to Abraham and his DESCENDANTS not his HEIRS. Therefore, both Isaac and Ishmael are included. It raises a sticky wicket to stake a legal claim on that.

Media reports state, France has given it's contingent of Peacekeepers in Lebanon permission to fire on threatening IAF!

Stop being a hypocrite and saying that Iran wants nukes because of some posts on Haaretz. Iran wants nukes because it has been their national ambition for quite some time. Iran wants to be able to control the flow of oil throughout the ME. Iran's ambitions have nothing to do with the Palestinians. The Guardian Council is made up of Shia fanatics, and all they care about is spreading their dominance and conquering Jerusalem.

Olmert is a lemon, Timothy. Lemons don't ripen.

So, who is this Gilad Shalit? I did not see his name not once in this article, not until post#215. I seem to recall that he did have something to do with what has gone on here or is he just another forgotten name, another of the myriad of unresolved details that are footnotes of the 58 years of war, misery and not a single shread of progress towards peace. The idea of wiping Israel off the map is as mainstream today as it was 58 years ago. I agree with Anwar Sadaat - the state of no war / no peace cannot continue. It is a false hope that accomplishes nothing but allowing massive arms smulggling through tunnels to continue unchecked.

Howdy Lebanese; If what you say is true (and I'll have to check that out later), then Abu Sufyan was an idiot. Let's just hope that PM Olmert and PM Haniyeh aren't idiots too. This ceasefire is hanging by a thread and one false move by either side will trash it.

pali agenda is jihad:getting rid of Israel and conquering the whole planet...

You are the only one I have known who holds the very bizarre idea that it is immoral for a state to leave a territory that was considered occupied. Israel has no obligation to help build up Gaza. It is totally false that the PA government is not responsible for what is going on in Gaza. You forget that Gaza and the West Bank were under the control of different sovereigns before 1967, and the two entities never comprised a state. Your claim that attacks from Gaza after disengagement were justified because the WB has an IDF presence has no legal justification whatever. Your claim that there are no attacks from Syria is based on a lie. Syria fights through its proxy, Hizbollah. As for Jordan and Egypt, Israel has peace treaties with both. If Hamas wants to control Gaza, they can. If they can't, then they should resign from the government. The Palestinians do have a government, and it was freely elected.

"Tove Johansson from Stockholm walked through the Tel Rumeida checkpoint with a small group of human rights workers (HRWs) to accompany Palestinian schoolchildren to their homes. They were confronted by about 100 Jewish extremists in small groups..." It's a shame that Palestinian school children have to go and back to school accompanied... It's a shame, and a big act of cowardize what made to Rachel Corrie ... ( remember ). It's a shame that people suffering displacement/exile by 80 % of their population ( the biggest in the World ) be considered as main responsibles of the actual state of things. It's hard to beleive that in a case of such desproportion as between Israel and Palestine is, Palestinians be at the very origin of the conflict. Never in History it has been as such. I honestly think that Israel must rethink about his past, and give unilateral steps towards peace in the region.And...yes,I know the land,& think mainly according with what I see( not papers and so on..)Shalom

Nothing less then a Technologycal advancment will bring Peace to Sderot, this is our testing groung of things to be. Idf will not rely on "Pals" to police themself anyway. But a total removal of muslims from our land will bring us true pride in our nation.

you fail to mention the fact that the arabs said "no" in 1947 and "no" again in 2000 they could have had most of what they wanted....they chose war (negotiation may have been a better idea ?) Every time Israel extends its hand, Israelis are met with suicide bombers etc....

cause you already accepted it. "In the Gaza Israel has murdered 400 people in the last few months -" It is the evidence that Pals can only understand the language of power. Only the hardly beatened people wants to stop nothing else. So they are going to violate no matter what you say when they fell better than to day. History shows us that. It is easy from Austrilia to want the Gazans to continue to send Qassams, while you are not paying nothing when they fight. Do you accept the truce or not? Aby Aby

Howdy Canadian; Shooting back with inaccurate Qassam-style rockets would be considered to be a war crime because their accuracy is so bad that it is impossible to distinquish between civilians and combatants. Israel can do a lot better than that. I just heard on the news (or maybe it was the Military Channel) that the U.S. has developed a new self-propelled MRLS (multiple rocket launch system) which can fire extremely accurate guided rockets from 20 mi. away. The Army officer interviewed claimed that if you wanted to put a rocket through the livingroom window of Apt. "C" on the 6th floor of an apartment building, then you could do it. I'm sure that Israel has the capability of producing something similar if she isn't working on it already. Then, if the Gazans fire a Qassam at Israel, then she can return a guided rocket and blow up the IJ office in Gaza City or something. The only drawback is that one needs accurate targeting information beforehand and that's a job for spies and info

Danny, thank you very much for your post. I always read your posts, and I appreciate your support. I remember about your wife, and send her my warmest regards. I hope that your sister is doing better, although I must say that with Parkinson's she has a battle facing her. I am extremely busy, but I always look out for certain people who I know are good internet friends. I know that you are a very unusual person. May Hashem bless you and yours, and all those that you love.

praying for peace , does anyone really want war . i have no idea why someone would think the adminastrations of the usa have wanted war since the ending of world war 2 ??? i think the media may provoke war . have you ever seen a the news say something nice . that cease fire is holding. no they will say anything to provoke it . i saw picture of man throwing a rock before i read this story . evil is at work but its not USA . EMBRACE PEACE

Dubious claims you said? Then how about more than 3000 years of continious Jewish presence in Israel? Modern Israel is only half the size of historical Israel, so we really haven't claimed all of the land. It's rather your claims thar dubious, since the real Palestinians are not Arabs, but a non-Semitic people that died out a long time ago, just like the canaanites. And regarding your Israel hatred: yes, it is anti-Semitism. All anti-Semites think their anti-Semitism is diffrent, but you're just the same ignorant, evil, morally bankrupt a-holes that have bullied Jews for millenia.

1. "In 1973, Israel attacked Egypt because of..." The Yom Kippur 1973 war was a surprise attack by Egypt. Back to your Books! [Did you confuse it with 1967, when Nasser violated cease fire agreement, ordered UN troops out and moved his army into Sinai; and blockaded Eilat, all in violation of UN/US brokered 1957 agreement?] 2. "Israel currently has control of all trade routes to Gaza." No, it does not on Gaza-Egypt border. Egypt and EU observers have. How about coming up, for a change, with WRONG facts IN FAVOR of Israel? What related courses do you take?

Actually, I find the name quite appropriate, but it wasn't the British that gave the territory the name palestine, it was the Romans over 2000 yrs ago that named it. peace Reb Bahir

Anyone here can explain to me how does Haaretz censorship work? I see offensive post published and i see much less offensive post blocked. Anyone has a clue?

"Let Israel start building its own Qassams. Instead of sending in Tanks every time a rocket is fired from Gaza, simply send one back. Sure, they`re inaccurate and not particularly effective... but perhaps if random Palestinian homes get hit every day by these homemade rockets, the world will start to understand how deadly they truly are?" You must not be keeping abreast of what Gaza looks like after 30 years of occupation. The bulldozers on the ground and the brave IAF from the air have levelled plenty of homes. Yet the Palestinians came coming back, firing their (for-now) premitive Qassams. Can't you see? The Palestinian have nothing more to lose but their dignity. The mighty Israeli force will never bring them down to their knees (learn from the Vietnam lesson, and now Iraq). The only solution is peaceful co-existence in which Israel abandons its ambition to grab land and enslave Palestinians (or kick them out per that minister guy Lieberman's declaration).

"Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday that Israel would display "patience and restraint" in the face of Palestinian violations of a cease-fire that went into effect earlier in the day." I support PM Olmert's willingness to give peace a chance. And I find it uplifting to see PM Olmert growing as a man and a leader. May this type of growth become contagious. Enjoy the peace.

the question is, why couldn't they bring themselves to doing it earlier, before hundreds of their people lost their lives, many more have been injured, people have been affected by lack of sufficient amount of food, and Israelis on the other side of the border have had to be terrorised? They seem to never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity, never!

The Prophet (PBUH) didn't break the truce, Abu Sufyan told him he no longer wants it. Abu Sufyan was the on the Makkan side.

yes, we have lots of marijuana here......so ? We will give up our marijuana here if you will stop your incitement and crimes against the jews (and christians)

This was later, when hamas won the elections and this gang refused to recognize Israel. It happened at the same time as Europe impose sanctions on the PA.

sorry but Israel has every right and duty to protect her people. Pretty good intellegence-you got to admit ! When you play nasty with the jews, you will get burned.

What I dont understand is why the pal people dont do anything to stop all this nonsense, which turns against themselves.

This cease-fire is a good test of how well the PA can control its side of the border. It can be a model of trust for a two-state solution.

If u don't like the name Palestine tell that to the Brits, when the came to the region, the partitioned Syria and give the name "Palestine" to Palestine.

The Israelis have not been living on relief. One thing is to have loans and a different matter is to get aid in exchange for nothing. Besides, the PA has been receiving huge amounts in aid. If they had worked and invested the aid in development, they wouldn?t need to live on relief.

To Mecca and Medina. THEY MUST NOT KNOW PEACE. US JEWS, we don't need Peace. People are killed becouse of "Peace", our land is stolen becouse of "Peace". We don't have our dignaty becouse of "Peace", Hitler came to power becouse we gave you "Peace" You will not know Peace till our TEMPLE AND LAND is libirated, so we can reagin our dignity.

Not US, not UN, not Russia. Stay with us and you will live, go against and see the "Paradise", stay nutral and muslims will get your family, will get your soul, and will get your land.

You are assuming the pal point of view, as it seems. So could you tell me why was it wrong for Israel to leave Gaza?

Deep in there hearts they and the rest of the world know this symple truth, and if they will not come to the grips wiht this reality, more and more of them will be seeing the "Paradise" This land was always a jewish land, from begining of time till the end of time, this fact is as old as the creation it's self. Regardless of this stupid political game is, the result will always be the same. BEFORE CANAN, AND AFTER CANAN. BEFORE ROME AND AFTER ROME. BEFORE SLALDIN AND AFTER SALADIN. BEFORE BRITS AND AFTER BRITS. BEFORE "PALESTINE" AND AFTER PALESTINE. TILL THE END OF TIME.

How long do you reckon the Israelis will be able to resist their addiction to the targeted murder of Palestinians from the air? By the way, are the Chrisitans anything to do with the Mothedists, Evelyn?

Then I guess Israel will never live in peace. Let the cycle continue.

You are a nut job based on your response. Israel will NEVER live on all the Arab land you espouse; who is gonna move them, you? And what do you think the response of other Muslims, including Pakistan, will be to such madness? Posts such as yours is what is causing Iran and others to seek nukes for MAD deterrence.

You need to smell something to wake you up. Vancouver the drug city of Canada.

There will be a Pals state, my friend, the world will demand it. You are the thief, the occupier, not those there before you. Storm clouds are gathering, my friend, US can't protect its petulant child anymore in its outlandish demands; US will deal with axis of evil to get out of Iraq and NO ONE will stand idly by while Israel causes interruption in the flow of oil to the world based on your madness, do you get it? Something has got to give here, and take some guesses as to what that might be. US will look out for its own interest in the end.

Can't diagree with anything you said in your post, Gloomy Shlomo. No argument. But,please! Don't knock it! Even the smallest step in the right direction is progress. Cheer up! Hope for the best! Take breath of fresh air! Have a cool glass of lemonade!

"You are a murderous, immoral organization. Your word is worthless, and you have no honor. You are a disgrace to all those who treasure human life and human rights." The Israelis treasure human life and human rights, Cippy? My cat, sitting alongside me, read your message and fell off her chair laughing.

Iran will use your post as a reason why they should pursue nukes and why the world should continue in its refusal to "sanction" Iran for the same. With that kind of attitude, every gov't in the ME will need one to keep the peace based on mutually assured destruction. What a piece of work.

My oh my, the Arabs/Pals are the invaders; what delusional drug are you on to come up with that; well, the Pals/Arabs aren't going anywhere; you will not inhabit all the land you claim is yours based on dubious 2,000 year old claims--why not give America back to the Indians, you moron. No wonder the world is against Israeli madness; it's not antisemitism; it is the reality that your view and position is pure baloney. Get it?

The palestinians cannot hold fire...It is a foreign concept to them

What's the matter, Dave? Nothing much on US television? Do you enjoy a bit of military action against the Palestinians on CNN? Does it keep the boredom away in between watching car racing and wrestling?

What should be the response to Israeli kidnappings in Gaza and Lebanon; seems to me that what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. You apparently don't see it that way; I see from your post that you are one of those who wants to kill and maim your neighbors with US hardware and then shout I am a victim. The underlying problem is the OCCUPATION AND CONTINUING THEFT OF PAL LAND. Your "merciless" reprisal behind baloney, 2 kidnapped solders, a fact both Leb & Israel engaged in routinely, was a pretext for taking on Hez (you lost) on the way to Iran. Israel miscalculated and simply bombed Leb back into the stone age---NO ONE but US agreed with your madness. Israel IS A DANGER WITH NUKES based on Leb. And the world doesn't buy the Iraq line to go to Iran.

Here's a crazy idea...Clearly the Palestinians have no intention of respecting the cease-fire that they themselves proposed. Yet every Israeli incursion into Gaza to halt rocket attacks is labeled a war crime. Here's a new strategy...Let Israel start building its own Qassams. Instead of sending in Tanks every time a rocket is fired from Gaza, simply send one back. Sure, they're inaccurate and not particularly effective... but perhaps if random Palestinian homes get hit every day by these homemade rockets, the world will start to understand how deadly they truly are?

Islamic Jihad and Hamas have officially taken responsibility for the attacks. I agree with you that the attackers do not want peace. Unfortunately that is the movement called Hamas and Islamic Jihad, not just an isolated few. In response, Israel has used restraint, to allow Abbas to curb the violence. I pray that he is successful, for if not, Israel must respond in self defense. I pray for peace in the Middle East. Reb Bahir

Insteaad of sending troops into Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon, etc, has Israel ever considered firing rockets back at these fiends each and every time they fire a rocket into Israel. Certainly would save the government enormous sums of money.

Harry, I'd like to thank you for your words of support. It seems like balance doesn't get a good showing here, and it is helpful to know there are others out there who may be thinking along the same lines as I am. KUTW, I likewise appreciate your response. I fully agree with you that this is a forum for people to express their opinions. And I also appreciate the polite and respectful manner in which you did so. However, it is often very disheartening to see words like "traitor", "idiot", "self-hating whatever" thrown around like so much confetti. The talk back shows how much emotions and reactions still rule a great number of people, and unless we all (en)lighten up just a bit, nothing whatsoever will change for the better. I've come to the conclusion that as bad as most of the no-vision politicians are out there, we would be in an even worse mess were some ideas on the Talk back to be implemented. Anyway, peace to you both, and everyone in the world.

Well done, Abbas! Shalom/Salaam/Peace

Howdy Shlomo; You're right--a ceasefire is not a peace agreement. I hope that this ceasefire lasts, but there's a lot of things that can go wrong. The conditions for the ceasefire are too vague. It would appear to apply only to the Gaza Strip so what happens when a firefight breaks out in the West Bank? It also seems to be confined to the withdrawl of IDF forces in Gaza and the cessation of Qassam rocket fire with no mention of suicide bomber infiltrations, cross-border incursions, or arms smuggling. Israel will honor the ceasefire up to a point, but what about all the rogue elements on the Palestinian side who would just love to sabotage any moves toward peace? The Arabs have not had a very good history with respect to ceasefires ever since Mohammed (PBUH) set a precedent by coming to an agreement with the Meccans (when he was outnumbered) and returned later (after raising a larger army) and clobbered them.

God bless you for your post #62! Shalom/Salaam/Peace

When will this ever stop. The media needs to be pressured to film the terror that the arabs have cause Israel. INstead, the media is censored and manipulated by the arabs bullying and threats to mask what realy is going on. What that is is nothing but propaganda and bs. The world and all the true followers of the muslim religion and values must untite to condemn the evils, hate, and countless acts of sheer terrror to the innocent. ceasefires are only step 1 of the arabs 10 part plan to retake the land of israel, the home of the jews.

Aggression, according to Israel's own standards (and the world's) includes blockades and closures and control of land, sea and air access. In 1973, Israel attacked Egypt because of the closure of certain trade routes; not all trade routes but some. Israel currently has control of all trade routes to Gaza. This is surely aggression. To remove this aggression is to risk increased smuggling of arms and foreign militants, including Al Quaida, further destabilizing the region. How can they make such an agreement that they can not possibly hope to keep. It is impossible for Israel to keep to the agreement of cessation of all aggression. Obviously a DUMB agreement. They will be eventually caught in a lie by the international community and look like a villain again. How could Olmert let this happen again?

Why has the IDF stopped the search for Gilad Shalit if indeed it ever did this?

I am afraid that you have been reading revisionist history. Jews have been in Israel for over 4000 years. 3000 years ago, we were a nation. We were throw out by the Romans, who conquered us and massacred us, slaughtered us and exiled us. And yet there has not been a moment when some Jews did not remain. The Romans re-named the land after our worst enemies, who we called invaders (the Hebrew is Paleshet which became Palestine). In 1967 when Israel took back the West Bank and Azza, we offered to return it to Jordan and Egqypt in return for peace. 30 years later we offered it to Arafat (95%) and it was rejected. Offer us peace and see how giving we can be. As to killing prophets we did not kill our prophets, nor anyone else's. I pray that you will read more than just the revisionist myths and "The Big Lie" and offer compassion to BOTH SIDES. May there be peace soon and in our times Reb Bahir

I certainly don't know about you but I, for one, strongly believe that the greatest honor history can bestow is that of a peacemaker... So, are you a "Jewish/zionist" peacemaker, manijeh? From reading your posts, I honestly doubt that very much and that, to me of course, is the ultimate of shame!!! Al-Salaam Alaikum! May peace be upon you and all! A proud Palestinian

Isreal has sucked 105billion tax dollars out of the U.S.Whois on relief?

It will continue to be this way. Palestinians will continue to attack us like they have for the last 3000+ years. Flies and insects will continue to bug us. Mice and rats will continue to eat our foods. Bacteria and germs will continue to attack our bodies. We need to accept that reality and work around it. There is no cure all solution. It is better than the concentration camps and gas chambers, which we pray will never happen again! The miracle of Israel has a price well worth it.

While i disagree with many of your premises, I agree with your call for a truce. I hope that both sides will war with words, that rhetoric will replace rockets and that finally a peaceful process will lead to a middle east that can be a light to all nations on the road to a world filled with Adonai/Allah's greatest gift, that of Sal'am, Shalom, peace. Blessings of all the prophets be upon us. Reb Bahir

Cease fires like any other "diplomatic' initiatives are not the consequence of anyone's wishfull thinking, not Israel's, Palestines', nor mine. They are th product of national self interests. These are pretty clear here - Gaza cannot withstand more brutalisation -my language for our persistent use of massive force against an alienated overpopulated area whose resdients would cut to ribbons any IDF ground force that wasn't large enough to terrify them into submission. But is that our aim? Are we merely out to destroy the Palestinians or do we want a long term settlement? My fears -which I partly share with you in terms of Palestinian rearmament - include a quick Olmert PR victory - 'we said nothing happens until they stop rocketing us'.But what follows? So far we may have won a small PR victory for not retaliating. Shalit is not home. Is this just "short-termism", more management without vision? PS Please don't use capital letters -it feels like you're shouting.

Palestinians don?t want peace or any thing looks like it. No one will ever support Israel or give shit when Jew got hurt on land of Jewish people. Arabs stinky politics and instant lies covered with disgusting righteousness will do no good for Jewish nation: Good Jews, bad ones, for any sort of our people of any kind. So it?s time for strong Jewish leader, not some sorry ass leader to send appropriates message to garbage that is trying to diminish our existence or humiliate, or vilify. Non-Israeli Jews like my self fill the same pain for the nation. Lucky ones know noting about it (if there is any) I wish my kids would newer know I WISH. So f-k the opinions it?s time to act for live not for opinions. Long live Israel!

I trust my people because I think all of them wants this to stop. Bothsides fed up.

Ever been to Israel. Read the news ever? Israel made a deal with Arafat. He incited violence among the Palestinians. There was a day in which Israelis and Palestinians gambled together at Palestinian casinos but those days are over. Israel was attacked by HAMAS and Islamic Jihad. Barak offered a major deal to Arafat who rejected it. Israel gave up land again and again only to be fired upon or watch in horror as anothe Palestinian blows up more people in Netanyha near Turkem. There were many people in Sderot killed over the years from Kassams. Just last week 2 people died. and before that a grandfather and his grandson were killed so you do not have the whole truth. Too bad the world doesn't care as much when an Israeli dies or starves. Oh lets not forget the moisture farms the Palestinians destroyed EU bought for them to grow food. Stupid Palestinan thugs they cause their own starvation!

I think that you should re-read the information. Hamas and Islamic Jihad have already admitted responsibility for the rocket attacks. If they admit responsibility, then blame seems appropriate. Blessings to our peoples, may we learn to live in peace Reb Bahir

In truth, manijeh: For one to attain to interior peace, one must be willing to pass through the contrary to peace... Such, by the way, is the teaching of the Sages, no??? ;) Remember, dear: Ignorance is NOT innocence but SIN. Have a nice day! Masoud / A proud Palestinian.

Indeed a Little strategy wouldn't hurt: Maybe 20yrs of peace first at least gives Israelies and Palestinians a chance at real peace. The Palestinian generation will have 20years to heal as will the Israelis. Also the Israelis could spy on the Palestinians to make sure they stay disarmed. Meanwhile Israeli population expands and economy and education can grow strong and large. Technology improves. Military becomes stronger. Now that is a strategy. It is also good to just keep PA disarmed and ignore if their war machine continues. Israeli population, Economy and Technology grows Also encourage more children in families in Israel.It can't hurt!

Howdy Dutch; Israel has a GDP of $153 billion and a population of 7 million. The U.S. provides Israel with $1.8 billion/yr. in military aid (which must be spent in the U.S.) and $1.2 billion/yr. in economic aid. She also receives about $1.5 billion/yr. in private donations from around the world. The Palestinian Territories have a GDP of $2.6 billion and a population of 4 million. Up until recently, the PA was receiving $2 billion/yr. in foreign aid from various sources (mostly from the UN, the EU, and the U.S.) Since Hamas is an internationally recognized terrorist organization and in charge of the PA, the money for the Palestinians must be funneled through UNWRA and various NGOs (like the Red Cross) and not given to the PA directly. In other words, the Palestinians are much more dependent on foreign aid than the Israelis are.

Even if the ceasefire works. Israel is doomed. Why because they allowed their PM to give up Land for Peace. This strategy has been proven not to work. I propose Peace for land. Let the PA show Israel 20+years of Peace and then after trust is re-established between peoples only then do you deal the land. During this time Israel should spy on the Palestinians to make sure they are truly disarmed. Only then will you have a chance at peace. If Omert proceds with his ghastly West Bank plans Israel will be doomed to the potential of kassams raining down accross all of Israel and surrounded. Israel now is in a position of power. Too bad Omert would put Israel in a position of sympathy because the barrage of rockets and maybe later tanks will break any would be peace and surely destroy Israel. Omert is both foolish enough and capable to start implementing his plan if the Palestininas let him and that would be a crime against Israel. Omert has no strategy even though ...

Klaudia, I would not be so sure. Olmert, Peretz and Livni are thinking only about Olmert, Peretz and Livni. We know that investigation about financial irregularities concerning Olmert are under way. Just returning from Israel I can tell you, that this government is letting the people staying near the Gaza Strip living under some kind of a Russian roulette system. Never in history did an Israeli government take so little care about the security of its citizens. To agree to another ceasefire while allowing at the same time the enemy to introduce tons of weapons as well as terrorists from Iran, Hizbullah and Al-Qaida into Gaza is nothing but an invitation to attack and kill the civilian population of Israel in the future. And it is hard to believe, that a sane leader of Israel would do this, whatever his political compass might be.

Masoud i can not thank you enough. may be it is true. may be there are some palestanian who believe in peacefull coexistance. shalom it means peace

I can't speak for other American's on this forum, but for me the reason I think Israel should keep the offence going is based on a few words. those being: "You are the best community that has been raised up for mankind" "Israel will rise and will remain erect until Islam eliminates it as it had eliminated its predecessors." "The time will not come until Muslims will fight the Jews (and kill them); until the Jews hide behind rocks and trees, which will cry: 0 Muslim! there is a Jew hiding behind me, come on and kill him! This will not apply to the Gharqad, which is a Jewish tree (cited by Bukhari and Muslim). Anyone who didn't know where those words come from read the Hamas charter. As long as Hamas has this charter why would you stop fighting?

In exchange, Olmert will have a chance to extend his tenure for a few weeks, and to siphon a few more shekels from the treasury.

massoud the problem is not Israel. You and your people are the problem. Every piece of land you have ever lived on you turn into a cesspool. Never do you develop anything or move toward progress. All your blame is on israel and the jews. If your freekin leadership (if you can call them leaders) had agreed in 1948 to peacefully coexist with israel, these past almost 60 years would have been one of PROSPERITY for your people. But you have ALWAYS chosen violence and terrorism and your idiotic hamas "leaders" will again guide the palestinian sheep into misery and the next conflict will be without the gloves on. It is very interesting that none of the arab countries with maybe the exception of jordan does not accept the pals as citizens...Nobody wants you and your problems. Some compassion for your misery...eh. wake up to the reality of what could be. Real peaceful coexistence wit Israel and a disarmed pal state would bring a 1000% change of life. Cease fire... maybe a week

we will only see peace in middle east the day Arabs decide hating jews is not more important then loving their children and each other. until that happens don't bet on peace in middle east.

they break the ceasefire and you still hold it??!?! why?? there is no excuse to not respond to the attack even if its a matter of taking out 3 buildings and then feel free to start over.

This is the direction things are headed.

It isn't enough to talk about peace; we must all must believe in it; and it isn't enough to believe in it; we must all work at it. Please, let us all remember that peace and justice are two sides of the same coin and that peace and friendship, with all mankind, is the wisest of policies, and oh how I wish we all may be permitted to pursue it. Salaam/Peace/Shalom on earth. A proud Palestinian

There is real promise with a cease fire. Don't just call on the militants to stop. You must send your own Interior Police to Stop them. DON'T BLOW THIS. STOP THEM YOUR SELVES.

I agree with you 100%б, Emad Moussa, I also never heard about Palestinian Army that would fight Israel, like UK (where you live) fought their enamies in the past, like any other country would fight their enamies. Instead, you and I hear all the times that different Palestinians groups attack Israel civilians, and then they try to hide within their civilians areas. This is a very different type of war, and you, because you live in UK, know how this war is called. It would be interesting to see if Palestinians, would have the army that you would like to hear about.I honostly would wish they would. Then we would have a real truce between Israel and Palestinians within a several days.

This truce even if holds doesn't mean that the peace talks are about to begin. Israel must insist on implementation of prior agreements before agreing for talks. And the most important is complete control of the PA over the firearms, i.e. no military wings, no street gangs, no bearing arms on the street and no stockpiling guns in cellars. One authority, one foreign policy, one control over the firearms. Any negotiations when the terrorist private armies bear arms would mean disaster, just as 2000 talks resulted in disaster for this exact reason. No matter who talks with Israel -- he is in no position to compromize if he knows for sure, that there are private armies which wouldn't agree for any compromize, kill him and overthrow regime. Such talks are doomed. And when the talks fail -- the new round of war would begin. Therefore, the truce, even if it holds (which is doubtful) can only be seen as first slight step toward disarming the private armies as PA promissed not once.

in this land of our glorious Kings, in this sweet land of milk and honey. This discusting development of islamic occupation will never be permited again.

If nothing changes the ball is in the Palestinian court and this time in their court alone. Like you and unlike most rightists I do hope they don't miss the opportunity. If they do miss it then it is clear, even to me, that nobody can blame Israel for the consequences. May peace prevail.

this "people" need to go home where they may live in Peace, they know it and we know it. There is no half measures, there place is in Mecca and Medina and not in the land of Israel and Judah.

don't believe in the signature of a muslem arab, or his promise. SHARIAT tell them that they can always go back on their promise.it is called KHIAREH GHAN. that is why you rarely find an honarable muslem arab.

Olmert should spare us the hypocrisy about Israel's patience and restraints. During the last two years while the Israeli forces violated the cease-fire daily made at Sharms the Palestinian factions observed it for the most part. Dutch

...I agree with your grim assessment , with one small exception. Olmert and his administration are acting in the best interests of the enemy, BUT they are not foreign agents..... they are merely leftists doing what leftists do best.

This was a 100% another invatation for the army to go back policing our lands in Azza.

and anyone who is helping the spread of "Palestine" is a criminal, even Peretz is not above the law.

and will never be a "palestinian state", it is illeagal and imoral. Any plot to divert attaention from the real problem of islamic occupation will not work and must not work. No one needs 13000 islamic arm policemen who are illeagal occupiers of our lands. Go home where you came from: Mecca and Medina, and stay home.

"Israel has at least shown that we are willing to try peace and not just winning a war." Only when Israel stops expanding settlements in the West Bank and removes the wall barriers that are aimed to convert Palestinian communities into ghettos will Israel show the rest of the world that they are genuinely trying for peace. Gaza and the West Bank are one entity, not two!

Islamic occupation in Kneset, on the Temple Mount, in Wadi Ara, Downtown Nazareth, Azza, Judea and Samaria. Look at the truth in the eyes and do somthing about it.

Palestinian terrorists need a break time to re-arm themselves for the next attacks, lay down some land mines, build some bunkers, and plant some IED's like Hizbollah did in Lebanon. They were also afraid Israel would send in the IDF to re-take control over Gaza. The solution? Fool Israel and the rest of the world with a temporary cease-fire. Then get ready for the next round of terror. Enough of the games. Israel needs to re-take the Philadephi Corridor and take control over the northern Gaza strip.

Yes, Emad, You are dissapointed, that Ben Gurion Airport is still not under Pal's fire, you are waiting for massacres in Sderot as in any other our city. You want us to starve and finally not exist. Be shure, If Pals COULD, they would do all this as they linched our sodiers, as they played football with the heads of our killed boys. The only reason the palistinian people suffers so much, is that instead of building it's country, they invest all their efforts to destroy us.

"The pals have been living on relief for almost 60 years. And maybe this is the problem. Since they know they can live on humanitarian relief, no matter what they do, they don?t try to change the situation". Kim, Make that the Israelis too. They have been living off the goodwill of the American tax payer for 60 years and expect things to remain the same too. Dutch

Totaly wrong moove, and will only serve as another time out for the illegal islamic entity in Gaza to arm themself, it is nothing more then a circus trick. The muslims who are presently in the land of israel are invators, they have no roots here and no rights here. Everyone knows that what Saladin started will not last, becouse there ideology is wrong and based on killings and rape. The only arabs that will leagaly will be permited to stay, are the people who deep in there hearts would like to become jews, and will be converted. They need to remove themself from the Temple Mount, to end the longest occupation of humanity.

The entire Middle East is descending into barbaric chaos. Anyone who expects Palestine to be an exception is delusional.

Yes, let's hope the cease-fire will hold this time. Have a nice day.

It happens that I dont believe the Arabs since, so far, they have demonstrated their word and their accords are worth nothing . But it happens that, if you are for Israel, some people don?t reply to you with arguments but with calling names. This makes me think that some people?s interest is not arguments but to make Israel responsible for everything regardless of the facts and try to de-legitimate its self-defence. This is my personal opinion, of course. Even if I am outside the arena, I can have an opinion. I thought everybody could express their viewpoints on these talkbacks.

"PA security forces began deploying along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel on Sunday, in order to prevent Palestinian militants from firing Qassam rockets at Israel"... (Militants is Haaretz' name for terrorists). Sooo! How nice! Shouldn't they have deployed those forces already 6 years ago? Maybe also along the Egyptian border too, to prevent the tunels? Just imagine how would the situation look now, if they did this then, seriously and efficiently. Just imagine. Six years wasted.

Is to honor the cease-fire WHILE it is honored by the Pal factions (all of them), but Israel still needs to keep up the pressure for Shalit. This may be the perfect opportunity to move the soldier and Israel must do everything to keep it from happening. Since Israel laughed at Meshal's ridiculous demands for Shalit, there is no doubt that he will try to raise the stakes by moving him out of Gaza. Keep the over flights, maneuver the satellites, and be ready to attack in 1 sec. if they see Shalit. Getting him back, and not the comfort of our Gazan enemies, is our main purpose!

Is that possible that you don't know why ? KUTW go back to history books,from the Ottoman era till today,then you will understand why . it's useless to ask the talkbackers to tell you the reasons . get informed please . go in Peace

"Israel left Gaza so the pals could start building a state." (KUTW) I call this a cheap propaganda lie. First, because it has never been the Pals intend to build a state in the Gaza Strip only. Second, because had the Israeli decision-makers really wanted the Pals to start building a state, they would never have left Gaza unilaterally, under the most foolish excuse nobody had been found worthy enough to be entrusted with the keys of the city, not even the man the Palestinians had elected to be their President, just six months earlier.

It is the duty of the PM of Israel to protect the citizens of the state. During the Lebanon war, the North of Israel has been abandoned by the Olmert troika, which let rebuilt Hizbullah under the very eyes of the hoax called UNIFIL to a degree, that the proxy of Iran and Syria will overthrow the Siniora government in Lebanon and will be a mortal threat to all Israelis living in the North in the future. In the SW the Olmert troika abandoned the people of cities like Sderot, whose children were evacuated to Eilat, and agreed equally to a shameful ceasefire that will only allow the proxy of Tehran and Damascus to rearm and to shell Israel in the future. It is no wonder that at least 13 Qassams were launched after the declaration of the hoax called truce. In every democratic country, a government that is working so vehemently against the security of its citizens, faces legal action for high treason.

This isn't the first cease-fire Israel has made with Pals. History is rife with them, and of course, rief with Pals breaking it on some technicality. Hamas made a hudna with Israel, which was a "Catch-22" meaning a no-win. The other factions were allowed to attack Israe, but a response to them specifically caused Hamas to call off the Hudna. A very ingenious plan, no? There were agreements to hand over major WB towns to the PA to police, if no terror bases exist there. The PA agreed 110%, within a week, IJ and Hamas moved in to build weapons and launch attacks. Even Arafat said that Oslo Accords were to appease the world, but he still wanted all of Israel. So, for Israel to take on a cease-fire agreement is huge, considering the lack of principals and morality on the other side. I wonder if the Indonesian gov't feels the same with the rebels that break their agreements constantly.

and assorted old chappies.? Tally ho,Oop laads.

Palestinian terrorists love to play the shell game - the game of hiding something under a shell, and moving the three shells around to confuse you. Where is it, where is the cease-fire? I feel like I'm back in history. Just as Hamas made a Hudna before, it not only allowed others to act on their own, but gave resources in order to do it in THEIR name. Here we have again - the word of a Palestinian (which is worth the weight of the toilet paper is printed on) that ALL factions agree to a cease-fire. Lo and behold, a group says they never agreed. So are Palestinians liars or just love violence? Why not both! In the past, if the IDF were to hit IJ, Hamas would call the cease-fire over. So, IDF do take this time to re-arm, re-train, re-calibrate, and re-assess the targets of Hamas during this cease-fire. If it lasts, then we know the Pals want peace, and we're all happy.

Very well said Brian. Unfortunately people who are not directly effected by the situation tend to view it as a hight school football game.

Lebanese writes " All kinds of fire must cease and peace negotiations must start. The ball is in Israel`s yard." That's it huh? Ball is in Israel's court and your brethern can now just sit and wait, for what? Suggestion Hamas should grant the former Gaza settlers citizenship, and let them rebuild looted greenhouses, and thereby recreate over 4000 jobs. That would be putting ball in Israels court. But you and I know that can't ever happen cause Gaza's only three Industries are war, smuggling and releif fraud. Only Arabs left in Gaza are war junkies, this truce isn't about social welfare, industry, or business, it's a pause in an unfavorable battlefield situation. When the addicts, who run Gaza, have gotten there military fix they'll return to their high of war. Basically there isn't any ball or any court here, all you can say is the missile crews, and gunmen are in temporary rehab, waiting for better, stronger stuff to come in.

It's definitely time for Rabbi Yossef Dayan to gather witnesses for another Pulsa DiNura. Olmert is the best politician the Palestinians have at their disposal....weak and disgusting creature that he is. Iran and Syria must be secretely depositing huge sums of money into his Swiss Bank Account, and so far he's been worth it. How is it possible that anyone could spend that much time around Ariel Sharon and come away from the experience so cowardly?

There are a number of similarities with the Lebanon war, and I will mention a couple below, but let us deal with the present first. The cease fire is a good thing, PROVIDED that the time is used for diplomatic progress. No diplomacy will bring an end to this, and with the Pals being better armed due to unceasing smuggling. Moreover, a continuation of the war situation in the West Bank will also bring an end to the cease fire. As happened in the past, when Islamic Jihad people were assassinated in WB, they responded with Qassams in Gaza (because that's where they have more assets). The temptation will be too great. Same is true in Lebanon: Quiet was restored after Hizballah showed its capability. But they are already saying that they will attack again if their claims are not settled in Shabaa. Undoubtedly to be expected. The solution for Lebanon is also diplomacy, with Syria. Earlier similarities with Lebanon: 1. There was a cease fire with Hamas, which Israel broke by assassinating a high Hamas official. This started the war. Shalit was kidnapped and there was more war. In Lebanon, Hizballah attacked military targets, as it was doing on occasion, Israel responded with civilian targets and started an unnecessary war. 2. War tactics similar, destroy civilian infrastructure to pressure the government. Did not work. 3. Unattainable goals, destroying Hamas and destroying Hizballah. And returning the captive soldiers. (Shalit would have been killed even if located.) 4. Result of wars: the adversary shows he has muscle to deter Israel, Israel losing much of its pre-war deterrence.

Gaza itself is not a jail, since Gazans come and go freely out of the Rafah border. Is it considered a jail because monitors sometimes stop the transfer of huge amounts of cash and explosives? Gazans themselves created their situation. Israel left them with the most advanced green houses in the world, and they destroyed half of them. Israel warned them of over-using the aquifer, and as part of Oslo supplies many cu. tons of water to them - they still drilled and now the water is all salty - ruined forever. Israel built the Erez Ind. area where both Gazans and Israelis could put businesses and work. Pal terrorists targeted this potential peacemaker more than a dozen times, usually killing Pals as a result. So I ask you - if they so much want peace and prosperity, why does it not come from the inside? It's like a fat woman blaming McDonalds because she can't stop eating!

Once again I offer the only plan that has the potential to achieve peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Israel agrees to return to the 1967 boundaries and to an international plan for monetary compensation to Palestinian refugees. These actions, however, do not occur until the end of a five year period in which all Palestinian groups not only have agreed to disarm and accept Israel, but have disarmed and stayed disarmed in a way which is verifiable. If the Palestinians agree to these terms, Israel can start showing its good faith by gradually dismantling settlements; but it reserves the right to defend itself if the militants do not abide by the agreement (including arms smuggling). This is a rational course for people WHO ARE SERIOUS ABOUT PEACE...I don't expect it to happen any time soon given the weak leadership and the power of the extremists in both camps. Many prefer emotional gratification over helping their kids and grand kids have a life.

Having called France, the most hostile country to Israel in Europe, to protect Hisbullah during its rearmament at Israel’s Northern border, Olmert is now letting Hamas to build a new Lebanon situation in the SW. No Israeli leader can be as insane as to give in to a truce without stopping the flow of arms into Gaza. Because this means thousands of rockets directed against Israel’s civilian population from Gaza in the future with the explicit encouragement of the Israeli PM. What Olmert is doing is to work for the interests of Tehran. The mullahs will decide about the right time to send thousands of rockets against Israel. The Iranian minister for the realization of nuclear weapons Larijani said yesterday, that Israel would not attack Iran, as long as Olmert is in power. Only one conclusion is possible from all the evidence: Olmert is working for a foreign and hostile country.

...really should be updated to - Beware Arabs Bearing Peace Treaties. How many times has Israel been down this path before ? Has it worked ? How is it different THIS time ? But some people on this forum are busy pretending that Abbas really does have control, that this time the Pals will be honorable, that this time the peace will stick. Where can I buy a set of the rose colored glasses you people look at reality through ? Was there a sale somewhere?

Glad to know you are praising the cease-fire. I agree with you that Abbas should prosecute those who attack Israel. This has been a part of the problem. Far from prosecuting them, the pal authorities have been supporting those attacks. It the pals would have done it a long time ago, the problem would have been over then. Many thanks for your nice words and consider you were hugged. But the situation in the ME has nothing to do with my skin and my heart.

Hope both sides will be serious and mean the ceasefire to start peace talks, after peace is achieved between the two sides, no justification for violence will be accepted.

Paul, not one rocket ever flew out of Gaza that the top Palestinian Leadership wasn't completely aware of and in complete agreement with, before the fact. This myth of splintered factions operating apart from the Leaders, is a Muslim trick and terror tactic. Don't be fooled by their media spins and future lies. If you cannot trust their 64 year old Grandmothers, why would you trust their young men?

Olmert is a monkey in PM suit . The cease-fire , was again , like all the agendas , manupulations and propaganda are coming from Palestinian criminals headed by Abbas and Hanieia criminals and fully supported by insane Israeli government , that had nothing left to show anybody , but their own personal interests and agendas --just like Peres and his Jew Hating supporters from Meretz prescribed.Haaretz could tell you all about such virtues...

Seems Messaoud thinks this truce is just a pause in the Gaza mayhem, so he sugguests freeing the "inmates" of Gaza so this momentary truce will last just a few moments longer. Ever heard of a prison riot where the inmates were freed during a lull in the rioting? I'd think the "imprisoned" Pals would need to prove they are for lasting peace, not the Israelis, and if things are "prison bad" in Gaza, all the more reason for Pal leadership to step up and work for a lasting peace. Pal fate is in Pal hands, and they need to understand that the Islamic audiance whom they constantly play to, and whose approval they desperately seek, is willing to fight to the very last drop of their blood. Hey anybody see that 10 mile long Islamic World medicine and food convoy,that's trying to enter Gaza, from Egypt? Nah, me eigther. But I did hear the Persians and Syrians were sending in the very best Shahid Vest Explosives money could buy.

I wish both sides the best and pray for a lasting peace.

"Even though good news but it is still funny calling it a `truce` or `cease-fire`. I don`t see two armies fighting...never heard of Israeli hors de combats, never heard of Palestinian airstrikes on Tel Aviv, never heard of Palestinian siege over Ben Gurion airport, never heard of Israelis starving, never heard of Israeli daily death toll, never heard of massacres in Sderot...never...never...never...then what"! This is true, but it is not because Hamas, Islamic Jihad, etc dont WANT to do all of the above...it is simply because they do not yet have the capacity.