Reply #53: An option

[Gimel]

Ehud Olmert is a former Mayor of Jerusalem, who sometimes speaks without authority. As a deputy PM, although not acting in that capacity, he gave a radio interview. Within the context of the interview, he stated that killing Arafat was an option. Without seeing a transcript of the interview, we don't know how the statement came about. The entire world seems to have over-reacted to this.

The debate in the Knesset is about expelling him, not killing him. If he were again in exile, would the situation be improved? That is the question. Clearly he is impeding the Peace Process. Israel will not implement the steps of the Road Map, (it's obligations on the Gush Shalom site are without giving the context of the entire Road Map) until the terrorist organizations are totally dismantled. One step at a time is needed to progress. Not only did GS repeat an obligation twice (8 and 10) they have failed to mention the PA obligations, the dismantling of the terrorist organizations is an initial step. Without the completion of step one, no further steps on a journey can be taken.

The finger-pointing at Israel has become a habit, and one that serves their reputation. This time they are wrong.