Peretz: We'll conduct inquiry into war
Talking to Labor Party faction, defense minister clarifies, 'we have begun coordinating with elements in UNIFIL in order to start process of transferring territory. We have no intention of sinking into Lebanese swamp'
He noted that "we have begun coordinating with the elements in UNIFIL in order to start the process of transferring the territory. We have no intention to sink into the Lebanese swamp."
Peretz added: "I believe the crisis which occurred in the region is a crisis which definitely has ramifications for the future, in terms of relations with all the countries in the region. I am certain that the fact that on the bottom line the extreme elements have been extremely weakened, will lead to a process in which the moderate elements are strengthened."
"I hope that in this process there will also be an opening for negotiations, also on the northern border with the Lebanese government, as well as resumed negotiations with the Palestinians in the south.
"As for our obligation to conduct all the required inquiries and investigation, as the defense minister I plan to fulfill my share and definitely appoint a team which will conduct a comprehensive, thorough inquiry into all the events before the war broke out and during the war," he said.
'We plan to be on guard'
The defense minister noted: "I believe that the IDF soldiers' achievements and the way we will determine the implementation of the rules decided at the Security Council, I have no doubt that they will constitute a change in the situation on the northern border. In light of the fact that the southern Lebanon area will be demilitarized and that Hizbullah will leave large areas which it controlled, I am certain that the calm in the north will be restored."
"However," Peretz stressed, "we plan to be on guard. Should they violate the ceasefire agreement, and the rules as they were set, we will operate firmly."
"If it turns out that the elements involved in the agreement will violate it, IDF soldiers will have no restriction to operate in order to defend their lives," Peretz clarified on Sunday evening. "There will be no situation in which IDF soldiers are hurt and we will not retaliate. We will retaliate with all means."
During his visit to the Northern Command, Peretz added: "The commanders and soldiers on the battlefield must know that they contributed to the formulation of the diplomatic document (UN Resolution) that is aimed at guaranteeing peace in the north for years to come. There was never an agreement more favorable to Israel."
