Defense minister says that 'every war creates opportunities for wide-scale diplomatic process'; calls on Israel to renew talks with Palestinians, prepare for contacts with Damascus Vered Luvitch Defense Minister Amir Peretz said that "every war creates opportunities for an extensive diplomatic process," and that "we need to hold negotiations with Lebanon and lay the groundwork for negotiations with Syria." Peretz made the statements during a Bar Mitzvah party for 65 IDF orphans that was held in Tel Aviv. Peretz said: "I'm certain that our enemies understand they cannot defeat us. I plan to do whatever I can to restore the...