Peretz: We want peace with Lebanon, Palestinians
During military memorial ceremony, defense minister says war against terror organizations is part of reality imposed on Israel; adds Israel reached some of its goals during war. 'War in Lebanon removed year-long threat on Galilee residents,' he states
"It does not depend on us. We are seeking relations of peace, cooperation and mutual respect with Lebanon and our Palestinian neighbors," he added.
Addressing the recent conflict, the defense minister said: "There is no real reason for the conflict between us and Lebanon, and only the ongoing aggressiveness and violent provocation on the part of Hizbullah against our communities and soldiers forced us to act and fundamentally change the situation."
Peretz chose to stress the war's accomplishments.
"The war in Lebanon removed the threat hanging for years over the Galilee residents, as a result of Hizbullah's presence on the border fence. Our hand is now extended to Lebanon and also to Syria, if it stops supporting terror and doesn’t join the evil regime in Tehran."
The defense minister also referred to the Palestinian front.
"I am convinced that the ongoing and tragic conflict between us and the Palestinians is also not our destiny. We have no desire and no interest to control another nation. We have no aspirations to denounce it of its right to freely design its fate as long as it does not harm the State of Israel.
"If and when we are convinced that our neighbors are really and truly headed toward peace, we will not be deterred by painful concessions in order to reach it."
'We'll continue to forcefully hit terror groups'
Peretz also addressed the expected establishment of a unity government in the Palestinian Authority.
"There are now initial signs of a change of direction in the Palestinian Authority. We must show openness and initiative, encourage any positive trend, as long as the conditions which the international community demands of the Palestinian government are fulfilled: Halting terror, recognizing Israel and honoring signed agreements."
Peretz said that the defense establishment will continue to fight the terror organizations, but noted that "we have not lost hope and we are not rushing to eulogize the vision of peace. Therefore, because we seek peace, we will continue to forcefully hit terror organizations if forced to, firmly and powerfully, decisively and persistently, while opening the door and reaching out to all those who ask to live in peace with us."
The defense minister preferred not to elaborate on the kidnapped soldiers and only noted that "we have not forgotten our kidnapped soldiers Gilad Shalit, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev for a moment. We are doing all we can to bring them back to their homes as soon as possible."
