Bush to ask Olmert: Be flexible

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is departing Saturday night for the United States to request support from US President George W. Bush, despite Washington’s criticism of the diplomatic deadlock in the Mideast.

During the summit meeting Tuesday between Bush and Olmert, Olmert is expected to reiterate that Israel has done the utmost to advance dialogue with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and is willing to meet him without precondition. However, Olmert will likely claim that Abbas either does not want or cannot commit to talks. No press conference is scheduled to ensue their meeting, and the two leaders will only deliver brief statements.

During his two-day stay in the capital, Olmert is also slated to meet with Jewish community leaders. Owing to Olmert’s trip the weekly Cabinet meeting was cancelled. During his absence, Vice Premier Shimon Peres will serve as acting prime minister as Tzipi Livni is also in the US these days.

US: Diplomacy over aggression

The United States will have a clear message for Israel. Bush and his administration are expected to ask Israel to narrow military operations in the Gaza Strip. The State Department, headed by Condoleezza Rice, believes Israel should enhance diplomatic tactics rather than opting for military strategies.

The tragedy in Beit Hanoun, in which a misfired Israeli missile killed 19 Palestinians, most of them women and children, will only strengthen the American government’s case.

Although Bush will likely be sympathetic to Israel’s need for self defense, he is still expected to ask Olmert to redouble diplomatic efforts, especially in Abbas manages to establish a unity government with Hamas.

During their meeting, Bush and senior White House officials are slated to discuss transferring more weapons into the Palestinian territories for Abbas’ security force. The Americans will likely ask Olmert to hasten steps towards implementing the humanitarian aid plan for the Palestinian population.