Olmert says open to international force in Gaza

[everythingsxen]

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Friday he was ready to discuss Italy's proposal to send international troops to Gaza when he travels to Rome next week for a meeting with the Italian premier.

Italy has floated the idea several times since this summer, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has long called for an international presence in the West Bank and Gaza. Israel, however, has opposed the idea.

Olmert said in an interview ro Italy's RAI Tg1 television news that he is on friendly terms with Premier Romano Prodi and would listen to what he has to say.

"If Italy is prepared that its army will be engaged on a daily basis against terrorist actions of Hamas, the Islamic Jihad and the other terrorist organizations operating in Gaza, this is very interesting news. I want to learn it," Olmert said, speaking in English.

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[Violet_Crumble]

1. Strange how he conveniently forgot the West Bank...

Not...

Let's hope at some point in the future that he gets serious about the calls for an international force in both Gaza and the West Bank and wakes up to the fact that they won't just be there to act as his bully boys, but to stop both Palestinian militants as well as the Israeli military and extremist settlers...

[everythingsxen]

2. I wouldn't say it was forgotten

It is mentioned in the article, but the quotes from Olmert do not mention it, that does not mean that they will not be discussing troops for the West Bank as well.

[Violet_Crumble]

3. That's a generous interpretation...

He specifically mentioned Gaza and specifically omitted the West Bank. I wasn't talking about what the article mentioned - I was talking about what Olmert himself did not mention....

[everythingsxen]

4. and I was simply saying..

that he simply didn't say it, however after actually having the meeting in Italy they may settle on troops for the West Bank.

[Violet_Crumble]

5. I know what you were saying...

..which is why I said that was a generous interpretation...

[newyorican]

6. I'm noticing...

quite a different standard of interpretation (Olmert v. Carter).

Interestingly inconsistent, to say the least.

[everythingsxen]

7. What then does that make your interpretation of it?

Since you seem to be saying that he intentionally did not mention it. I think he didn't mention it because the West Bank is significantly less violent than Gaza, and from what he says, it seems like he is concerned about having a bunch of Italian troops getting killed by terrorists.

[newyorican]

8. I'm so glad...

I wasn't drinking soda when I read that. Not only does it burn the nostrils, it's a real bitch the clean the keyboard.

The West Bank is "significantly" less violent than Gaza?

hoo-boy...

[azurnoir]

9. The article does not say if the Italians

would replace or augment the IDF troops, it could make a difference in how much danger an international force would be in.

[pelsar]

10. hes very clear:

"Are you ready to fight? Are you ready to sacrifice your soldiers? Are you ready to endanger your people the way we expose our people because we have no choice?" Olmert asked, adding that "If this is your policy, then we will discuss it."
________________________

hes simply saying: since the PA cant seem to do it.....and you 'want to try"...it may very well involved fire fights and people will be killed (palestenain civilians as well)...Islamic Jihad i assume wont have a problem killing/kidnapping intls, especially when they're seen "helping the israelis"

at least in gaza if they fail there is a plan B...they can leave and nothing will be for the worse as far as israel is concerned

what would be the plan b for the westbank? (......i know, i know...no answer.....)