Posted on 12/04/2006 9:36:31 AM PST by Alouette
PM meets with youths in Nahariya, explains why Israel ended war before kidnapped soldiers were returned, says 'better they sit in captivity a little longer than more dead soldiers'
Ronny Sofer Published: 12.04.06, 19:16
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert sat down on Monday with high-school students from the northern city of Nahariya and answered some tough questions about the war.
"We didn't know if they were alive and it is preferable that they spend a little more time in captivity than having more soldiers die," said Olmert when asked why Israel ended the war without receiving kidnapped soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev back.
The question came from an 11th grader who studies at the 'Amal' school in Nahariya, Ehud Goldwasser's alma mater.
Olmert gave it particular consideration: "What were we to do? Keep fighting and turn dozens of families into bereaved ones? Do this so that they, and I hope that they are alive, will spend a little less time in captivity? So they will spend a little more time in captivity."
"We are working relentlessly for their release, day and night. I'm in contact with the captives' families, but I don't think that I should have risked dozens of fatalities and bereaved families, because on the 14th of August I couldn't bring them back," he stated.
The students were invited to meet the prime minister after he received their letters to him on the matter of the kidnapped soldiers. Eden Brumer, a student who attended the meeting, said: "The prime minister told us that like in every war a lot of mistakes were made and that he is aware of this. He sounded very confident and said that Israel is prepared for any emergency situation that may arise."
'Don't hang false hopes on ceasefire'
From the high school in Nahariya Olmert left for a Kadima party meeting, during which he warned that the current political situation created by the ceasefire does not necessarily constitute a chance for dramatic change.
The PM further said that "the basic facts are known and that false hope should not be hung on them nor should premature fears be planted. Hamas has lost 400 of its men since June, which is a heavy blow to them. It cannot be said that we forced this restraint on ourselves. Having said this, there is a new situation, one which may be short-lived but it is without a doubt positive."
"Once Israel responds however, this ceasefire will be over. It may come to that but we must not allow ourselves to be dragged into it. Israel will always have the possibility to respond. The international supports this move, but we will not allow a situation where Israelis are in danger just for somebody's smile. If, heaven forbid, we reach a situation were the ceasefire is ended – the international community will treat the matter differently than if we hadn't acted as we have," he added.
Attila Somfalvi, Ilan Marciano and Moran Rada contributed to this report
Warning! This is a high-volume ping list.
In Israel today, testicles are optional equipment. Ol'Merde took a pass.
Is he mad? How do you get to be grown up and think that that's the way to fight a war? Did he study in the US? I can't think of another way he could have gotten so dumb.
Then why start a war in the first place?
He should be in a straight jacket in a padded cell.
If I have a thistle plant in my yard I can either ignore it or kill it. Removing it is a nuisance. If I don't have my gloves on my hand will be hurt, I might not get 100% so it has a chance to grow back, I'll have a bare spot in my yard where it used to be and I have better things to do anyway. However, it has to be removed even at the cost some trouble. If I allow it to grow it will spread. Olmert has poked at the thistle a little and then decided to let it grow.
The game of life is hard to play I'm gonna lose it anyway The losing card I'll someday lay so this is all I have to say. That suicide is painless. It brings on many changes and I can take or leave it if I please.
GET OUT OF BIBI'S HOUSE!!!!
Is Olmert implying the war was over kidnapped soldiers?? - Tom
Good night, nurse already - the man is off his rocker! Chamberlain and Daladier look like Dobermans in comparison. Sheesh, if I had to choose between being a captive of Hamas/PLO/Fatah/Hezbollah and being dead, I'd rather be six feet under. I honestly wonder if the kidnapped soldiers are still alive.
Olmert is the epitome of rationality compared to the citizens of Israel who don't march on the Knesset and demand that they drag him out by his heels.
To Olmert, the Lawyer-Jellyfish, "NEVER AGAIN" refers to 'survival', not Holocaust.
What do you suppose the results would be if Israel had a ballet measure to turn over their state to the Palies in return for the "right" to continue living there under Dhimmitude?
High volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel, WOT
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Maybe he should offer to exchange himself.
"Those who sacrifice honor for peace shall ultimately have neither." Ditto liberty.
If Israel doesn't get rid of this appeasement lawyer they deserve whatever happens to them.
GET OUT OF BIBI'S HOUSE!!!!
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Olmert reformed his coalition on October 30, 1006. He now has 78 votes out of 120 votes in the Knesset.
I regret to say he's not going anywhere.
Ain't that the truth!
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