Peretz: War lessons internalized

Defense Minister Amir Peretz, speaking at Israel Business Conference, says he hopes 'day is not far off when Israel understands social-civilian defense minister is asset.' According to him, current government has chance because of regime stability, which is 'strategic asset.' Peretz also asserts Saudi Peace Initiative must be adopted as basis for negotiations with Palestinians

Attila Somfalvi|Published: 12.10.06 , 18:28

Defense Minister Amir Peretz expresses his appreciation for Israel's regime resilience in his speech at the Israel Business Conference.

"Regime stability is a national interest in Israel. It is a strategic asset. It is amazing. This government, with all the crises, is seven months old," Peretz said.

He also didn't forget to flatter himself: "I hope the day is not far off when it becomes clear that a social-civilian defense minister is an asset. Just let him work."

Peretz speaking at the Israel Business Conference (Photo: Yaron Brenner)

Peretz also said during the conference that "we must relate to the Saudi initiative as a basis for negotiation." According to the Saudi peace plan, Israel will withdraw to the '67 borders in exchange for peace accords with the Palestinians and the Arab states.

Peretz also referred to the war in Lebanon, saying that the lessons of the war have been internalized in a "sharp and profound" manner.

The Israel Business Conference in which Peretz spoke opened Saturday.

According to Peretz, "Many labels have been attached to the war. The IDF, which is undergoing intensive investigations, needs to finish up the investigation process. We paid a dear price for six years of closing our eyes. We must not slander the IDF. We have no other IDF."

Peretz said that a new political horizon must be opened with the Palestinians and generosity must be shown "in order for them to know that there is a future. We must make a gesture. Our role is to influence reality and not to get sucked in. I make a distinction between Palestinian terrorism and the Palestinian people. We will fight the former and will try to aid the latter."

He called to freeze the next stage of tax reform, which is likely to lower taxes, in particular for those with high income.

"I met high income wage earners and I asked them if they know that there income will increase. I am sure that if we would go to a referendum, they would forego it," said Peretz. He again called to stop creating a correlation between cutting the defense budget and adding to the welfare budget.