Peretz to Rice: Send civilian multinational force to Lebanon

Peretz explained his considerations for a civilian multi-national force, saying, "I suggested that besides building a multinational force capable of enforcing order in Lebanon, we will also build a civilian multinational force capable of rehabilitating Lebanon in order to prevent the presence of Iranian money and forces that will try to enter this region and to penetrate the population."

In regards to the worsening situation in the Gaza Strip, the defense minister said: "I pointed out to the secretary of state that our forces are acting to create space for diplomacy so that we may arrive at an agreement that will bring quiet and will weaken the extreme forces. We see eye to eye on the need to create solutions and paths for humanitarian aid to Gaza. There is no doubt that the terrorist organizations are interested in creating a humanitarian catastrophe in order to subvert the international backing for the just action of Israel."

Peretz summarized his meeting with Rice: "The meeting with Secretary of State Rice was very good. We have full support for out actions. However, we will consider first and foremost the interests of the State of Israel. What is important is to change the formula in which terrorist organizations can undercut the security of the state and can threaten to damage her various components. We intend to change this reality."

Beirut and Syria are not in the crosshairs

In response to the question what is the northern most point the IDF will advance to – Tyre, the Litani, or perhaps Beirut – the minister answered: "The distinction is that we are not occupying Beirut. We have gone in order to weaken terror. However, we must clarify that we are capable of advancing to every point without closing off any options. We are busy building a new security zone for our forces with fire power, until other forces arrive that can administer it."

"I don't intend to say how far we will enter and until where we will reach," he added. "I am not one of those who talks about operational plans. The fact that IDF operational plans have become common knowledge damages our operational capability. Therefore, I make decisions within the appropriate frameworks. When an operation is carried out, it will obviously be reported to the public. However, at the moment, I don't have any reason to detail until where we will enter."

In his reference to the option of opening an additional front against Syria, the defense minister said, "We have no intention of going to war against Syria. We are sending this message in the clearest possible manner: I inform the leaders of Syria that we have no intention of going to war with them. We have no reason to escalate the confrontation or to open a Syrian front. The same message I also pass on to the leaders of the Lebanese nation and to the Palestinian leaders: We are not at war with your nations. We are at war with the terrorist organizations."

No reason to undermine the morale

Following the past few days in which IDF soldiers have been killed and other injured in a series of shooting accidents, Defense Minister Peretz said, "This is a war over our home. I turn to the nation of Israel to rally around our soldiers. I think that our soldiers are sacrificing a lot. They see their houses being damaged on the home front and they are fighting for their home on the front lines. All the conclusions on accidents and malfunctions will be drawn at the appropriate time, some during the fighting and others after.

"The result of the test is that we have an army that is fighting its war just as it should. The State of Israel can rely on its army. There is no reason at the moment to undermine the morale and the motivation. I call to the nation of Israel: this is the moment to give support to all of Israel's soldiers who are working for the future of the State of Israel."