Gearing up. Peretz (archive photo)
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Peretz: Time to decide on Palestinian issue
Day after announcing his diplomatic plan, defense minister says during visit to southern army base, 'Political echelon must make decisions that may come with painful price.’ Adds: We must prepare for any possible scenario, but never ignore diplomatic option
A day after announcing his diplomatic plan, Defense Minister Amir Peretz on Tuesday began to lay the psychological groundwork for its implementation.
During a visit to an army base in the south Peretz said, “There is no doubt that the moment has come for the Israeli government to reach a decision regarding the Palestinians and the situation in the north. We must prepare for any possible scenario and at the same time never ignore the diplomatic option.”
The defense minister added that “the political echelon must make decisions that may come with a price and concessions. Just as we pay a painful price during times of war, we will have to pay a painful price for a peace agreement.”
Peretz said that as far as the Defense Ministry is concerned, 2007 will be a year of preparation, adding that the Israel Defense Forces will gear up for its future activity in accordance with the lessons drawn from the recent war in Lebanon.
“The IDF reserves must be boosted and become more significant,” he said. “This year we must focus more than ever before on training, preparation and equipping ourselves. The army reserve units are key.”
Peretz said his ministry is formulating new reserve duty and training guidelines. He added that the decision to shorten the obligatory military service needs to be reviewed.
Peretz was asked about bids by Labor colleagues to challenge his leadership.
"The big advantage of my colleagues is that they have plenty of time to deal with politics, but I deal with important things that are significant to Israeli citizens," he said.
