Would the U.S. run to Germany and other countries for support if they feel they're doing the right thing? Only a pathetic gutless leader who has no self-confidence needs approval.

At the same time seek ,Hizbullah's,and Iran's Support. Is Olmert running for the biggest disaster that Israel has ever produced.

Where is your pride, Olmert? Are you a Jew? Maybe next thing you'll ask Muslims and Arabs to support the much needed operation?

Of all people in the Universe, we need the Germans to tell us whether we have a moral right to fight for ourselves? I think this is a new low for Olmert. If you feel the war is justified, then fight it. If war is not justified then Hamas is just in its shelling of Sderot. In such case we should just capitulate to Hamas' just demands. Act or get off the pot is the (clean version of the) expression, I believe.

Do not let this mad-man bring us into another ill-conceived war. We do NOT want to shed Jewish blood by entering Gaza only to give it from one terrorist organization(Hamas) to another(Fatah). We want ALL aid cut off from Gaza, with artillery and air-strikes on any place that allows Kassams to come in. But we must NOT let Olmert bring us into another ill-conceived faulty war. We DON'T WANT A REPEAT of the Lebanon War G-D FORBID. Let's make it clear to the Knesset that we refuse to enter Gaza again before 1) Cutting all aid off to Gaza 2) Returning fire on any place that shoots Kassams, regardless of civilian casualties. 3) Offering monetary aid for Arabs who want to leave Gaza. 4) The understanding that once you go into Gaza, it's forever, and is annexed as a part of the Jewish State with encouraged Jewish building and presence, at least equal to Tel-Aviv. If these requirements are not meant, tell Olmert NO. Do not let him spill more Jewish blood in vain! For a long-term situation, we need Jewish Leadership. Go to JewishIsrael.org to find out more about Moshe Feiglin and the Likud!

permission to protect the Jewish people?

Who needs permission to defend himself against a lethal assault. The people of Sderot are dying while Olmert fails to defend them.

No serious leader of a sovereign country will seek foreign support when the security of its citizens is threatened.

"...During his meeting with the chancellor, Olmert reiterated Israel's claim that no sovereign nation in the world would tolerate massive rocket fire on its civilian population without retaliation..." And NO SOVEREIGN nation, Mr Olmert, should seek the "permission" of ANY country to protect it's civilian population

to protect its own people? Who does that? The US is not going to let anyone wipe you off the map. But we're not going to fight your battles for you either. You're a strong country with a superior military. Use it!

While I don't totally disagree with you, I place the blame on the Israeli public who votes for incompetents and allows them to stay in office at the expense of losing the country. The United States is big enough, in every respect, to withstand poor leadership as it has gotten from Bush and will surely get from Obama, Clinton or McCain and the no nothing congressmen who represent us. Israel is not. The Israeli people must act quickly.

This idiot has not bothered to get briefed about polite distance one should keep his body apart from others in Germany. Its no wonder she looks at him in disgust.

Can you imagine a PM begging another nation to allow it to defend itself? I hope Olmert had a new pair of knee pads. If I were him I have a very large beard as I could not look myself in the mirror each morning to shave. DISGRACEFUL!!!!!

Seems to me that a competent and non corrupt PM, would have all he needed to defend a city in his nation, under daily attack. Sort of like having George Bush going to Cchile to gain support for an entre into Afganistan. He is shamming and will try to drag his "field trip" as long as he can. Just think. Allegedly Jewish Olmert feels more comfortable in Germany that in Israel. His polling numbers are probably higher there too.

For continued progress all around, Germany has a moral obligation to help Israel, considering past history. Even if support were given half-heartedly, that which affects Israel affects the US. That which affects the US affects Germany, and all the NATO countries including new allies in the war on terrorism and anti-Semitism. We are all in this together whether one wants to admit it or not. None can stand alone and escape calamity for long. Let Olmert ask. Does anyone believe Germany will refuse such help and expect to improve it's posture on the world stage? I don't think so. Olmert has been avoiding his other options for whatever reasons. Asking Germany may be his escape option in the matter, but can be to the benefit of Israel. The question is why he has not used his other options.

Olmert's tongue slip always come into action in Germany

germany isnt israels moral adviser but a friend and ally of israel so talking with us wont be as bad but sure u dont need our moral support to do what needs to be done

For your support, we are here! If you act in right way. We are the sufferers, Germany or UK or USA is not going to vote for you. Protect us and we shall support you.

Olmert is a pathetic non leadert. The only thing worse is the apathetic Israli citizenry. Average Israeli mottoo.: Kill my brithers iand sisters down south-but leave me alone-I'm enjoying my falafel."

Although I doubt it! Who would have use for an used prime minister who is incapable of making a decision and who does not have the courage to face his people in a time of crisis? Olmert would have been far better off going to see the people of Sderot and admitting his failure to them and the nation and going to the hospital to see Osher and Rami Tuito and tell them that he is sorry he let them down! Angela Merkel is probably one of Israel's closest friends (ironic isn't it) and I am sure that she would have been quite happy to discuss whatever they discussed over the phone or even come to Israel. Olmert just doesn't get it that he is a prime minister without the support of his people!

Mr.Olmert has reached such a low point in his Political Life...WOW ! It is simply pathetic to watch him on this European tour. It is long past his bed and retirement time. He should let the Israeli People decide at once if they want to continue on the path of Self Destruction. I think the time for a military move agaist Gaza is approaching fast. Israel must survive... "Never Again" Shalom from Houston, Alberto