Opinion  Ron Ben-Yishai
The speech we won’t hear
Ron Ben-Yishai
Published: 16.07.08, 13:00
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24 Talkbacks for this article
1. ISRAEL IS BEING SCREWED UP LIKE A PROSTITUE IN THIS DEAL.
Gideon   (07.16.08)
That's the only reality.
2. Speeches we won't hear ....
Terry ,   Eilat, Israel   (07.16.08)
Has anyone noticed how our usually big-mouthed politicians have suddenly gone silent? They're all laying low, waiting hopefully for this all to blow over. Then they'll come out & mutter some BS platitudes & change the subject. No amount of words & analysis can change the basic facts - we made an incredibly bad deal, a sucker's deal. A total moron would not buy a used car the way we did this deal. But, of course, our politicians are hoping that in a few days, we'll forget all about it. And, unfortunately, they're probably right.
3. Speech is too long!
YMBMY ,   Modiin, Israel   (07.16.08)
The real speech should be: "I, Ehud Olmert, am stepping down as Prime Minister and leaving politics completely, effective today. My decision to do such is a result of the following. I have done nothing to implement the Winograd Commission. I have proved to our enemies that crime does pay and have ratified their policy of kidnappings and killings. I have not laid out any strategic plan for the State of Israel, other than the plan to keep me in power, which is now meaningless. I accept all charges against me so as to save the Israeli taxpayer money and to allow the government to function. I hope to plea bargain the sentence so as to avoid the continuing dragging out of this process. I promise to make my exit from politics permanent and will not reappear in the political scene after I make tons of money from speaking fees. Finally, I have begun proceedings for the disbandment of Kadima, seeing as it as party with no vision which attracts corrupt politicians, with nowhere to go."
4. Here's my speech for Olmert:Get the hell out of Israel now
you pathetic excuse ,   of a man. Rueben   (07.16.08)
5. No. 1 Gideon
NYC Girl   (07.16.08)
You're correct...up to a point. The difference is that at least a prostitute receives compensation for being screwed.
6. You make me laugh
It is a happy Day   (07.16.08)
FOOLISH FOLLOWERS? REALLY ? DO YOU THNK SO? YOU HAVE TO LEARN MUSLIM'S CULTURE TO KNOW YOU FOOLISH WRITER
7. stupid speech
marcel   (07.16.08)
Now that the 2 soldiers have returned, expect the same for shalit. Olmert does it again. Yoiu should have taken haniyeh and zohar captive and then you would get back shalit.
8. No-one cares about this speech
Talula ,   Israel   (07.16.08)
What's this? is it supposed to make us feel better? We know all murderers of Jews are hunted down and killed or brought to Israel for justice. But we also know that Kunter was tried and put into prison for the brutal and horrific murder of Jews - where is HE now? Well, as of now, he’s attending a party in his honour in Lebanon, a free man with the blood of an innocent child on his hands, as well as her father and other innocence. The speeches that really matter come from the heart of the people of Israel - and the ones that really count can be read in every single talkback in Israel today. They are all filled with hate and venom for the government. No stupid ass speech is going to make anyone feel any better – so give up – the damage has been done.
9. olmert is now a dead man
marcel   (07.16.08)
After this latest concession to terror, olmert's days are over. Regardless of his spinning and political skills, colleagues sitting at the table with him will be sick to their stomach at their colluison with the world's biggest coward ever. They will be nauseated. Barak will be looking for a way out even if he has to talk to netanyahu and lieberman.Livni is already revolted by Olmert. Some of the fence sitters may now even challenge olmerrt as they are sick of him. Expect a blow up at the next meeting with olmert because many want to save their skins. But the shame and disgust cannot go away. They are all sick of him. They will try to take him down. Olmert risks more by staying one second more. Married to a family of hocaust, to bring shame and disgust on Israel, to make it the laughing stock, Israel ought to hand olmert the gun and let him do the dirty work.
10. Marcel, #9
David ,   USA   (07.16.08)
Remember Marcel, Olmert was not alone in this crime against Israel. The MK's approved it. While he is the ring leader they follow like sheep. Israel needs a new government. A new governmental system as well as a new heart. A heart which comes from t'shuvah and a cry for Mashiach Yahshua!
11. Tender hearted
Rina ,   Israel   (07.16.08)
There is so much going on in the world today - a beautiful world - on a course of self-destruction (nuclear). Man has a hard time learning how good it can be to have balance between justice and mercy for all. If only we can live it.
12. Maybe is YOU the ones who won't hear
Daniel ,   Amsterdam   (07.16.08)
you are offending the memory of the ones who fought in order to free our Eldad Regev, Ehud Goldwasser as you are offending the parents of this two soldier and the families of Kuntar victims and not at last Ron Arad's family. The only one thing you says right is that our army was not ready as our country was not ready to be drive by a such shameful person as you are. We are only few millions and every single life is important but with this unconditioned release you put in danger Shalit life and many others liefs. Now they know that have a powerful allied like you are and that we are available to exchange bloody terrorists for deat Soldiers
13. The only fools...
Canadian Dude ,   Montreal, Canada   (07.16.08)
Are those who talk tough while they willfully submit themselves to rape. Time is running out, you're going to have to back words with deeds at some point or you'll be finished. Stop beating around the bush and get rid of the criminal croney you call Prime Minister before he can create his next screwup. Kuntar's cellmate is getting lonely now that his buddy's gone, I know the perfect candidate to replace him.
14. Not just Olmert & Co. - That's a copout!
PK ,   Hong Kong   (07.16.08)
Ultimately, the people of Israel are responsible! Although some will deny it, Israel is still a free Democratic state. The citizens have the power to change things/leadrs. Where were the Kadima, Labor and Shas people...why didn't they come out and demand that their MKs remove Olmert & Co. or bring down the government? Why didn't a million plus Israelis who support parties to the right of the center come out in a mass protest and shutdown TA or Jerusalem? Why didn't tens of thousands of Kassam area residents do so? Stop putting it all on the (pathetic) leaders and government...that's a little bit too easy. As to this specific swap deal, the people supported it (as per polls). In closing, when Olmert made his infamous "...tired..." speech, he obviously wasn't just speaking for himself only, but sadly, for a substantial portion of the Israeli populace.
15. ADVICE TO Kuntar-Go straight to hiding with Nasrallah after
the party is over ,   Alan SA   (07.16.08)
16. Oh Yeah!
Mohammed ,   Lenbanon   (07.16.08)
According to the writer's genius analysis on who won and lost the 2006 war, it turns out that the British and the Russians were losers in WWII, so I think he, and those who believe his silly analysis, should start an effort to correct the historic common mistake. Besides, when you have a an enemy ready, due to the incredible defeat it got, to kill a leader if he is among tens of thousands of civilians, it is only wise and human not to appear in public.
17. It is no surprise ...
silent majority ,   Israel   (07.16.08)
" What is surprising is the respect the two of you command in large parts of Arab society and media." It is no surprise. This is arab culture. I have a great deal of contact with our arab citizens and the Nasrallahs and Kuntars are their heroes. Their only heroes. We need leaders who understand the arab mentality, not the westernised crooks who comprise our government and opposition.
18. ! remember dirani ,mugnyeh !! Nasrallah will come soon
dovdevan ,   ashdod , israel   (07.16.08)
19. #11, You just don't get it
Jake   (07.16.08)
Enough pontificating. Try to understand the real meaning of today's events. Today, Israel has willfully subjected itself to rape. Justice has been miscarried. But more importantly, Israel has destroyed chances of peace and increased the likelihood of war. More Israelis will be taken hostages, which will spark more wars and lead to more dead and possibly another Israeli defeat at the hands of terrorists. Gilad Shalit's life is now in danger, because Israel has shown itself willing to pay the same price for a soldier alive or dead. Ron Arad's fate may never be known, because Israel has accepted yet another inconclusive report from Hizbullah. Israel is a laughing stock playing a very dangerous game. Wake up!
20. #16
oded   (07.16.08)
you screwed up twisted look at history is what got you and your arab brethern to where you are... look at leboanon, once the monte-carlo of the mideast. now- a shite haven christan-less, poor, bobmed out country, lying still in ruins, and unable to shake the shite/syrian/iranian demons... win or lose, you lose!loser!
21. Civilians to #16
Barney ,   USA   (07.16.08)
you have to be kidding! since when have islamic fanatic terrorists ever been concerned about civilians. they purposely operate from among them so collateral damage provides the type of pr they crave
22. Speech
Yaakov ,   USA   (07.17.08)
Absolutely Brilliant!!!
23. speech u won't hear
abdulla ,   Lebanon   (07.17.08)
When reading this article...you will feel the sorrow and the pain some Israelian feel. This article reflect the foolishness of political opinions.Nasrallah did not start the war...he declared before war that swap and indirect negotiation is the only way to return "israeli" soldiers. Foolishness of Olmert in attacking Lebanon resulted in all these dead people at both sides...TelAviv was very close to receive some rockets and more dead....what Nasrallah said, analysied and promised had happened and what Olmert said.....u guess what was acheived from it...
24. The speech we won’t hear
calev ,   maimi us   (08.14.08)
There reaction to the 'speech' may be expressed by a single russian word: durak. israel is not a jewish state : it is comprised 50% of arabs and 50% of arab ass-leakers. israel is not a state at all: a folk that treats his land for peace will have no peace and no land, and no future. a folk that doesn't want to work his land doesn't deserve to own it. a folk that gives up his rich traditions for nothingness does not deserve to exist.
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