Olmert to lay down Israel's red lines
Prime minister to clarify Israel's non-negotiable terms to visiting US President Bush. Defense Minister Barak, Foreign Minister Livni to brief president on situation in West Bank and Gaza, as well as recent developments in talks with Palestinians. Iranian threat also on visit agenda
In his meeting on Wednesday with US President George W. Bush in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is expected to lay down Israel's red lines in regards to matters pertaining to security, economics,
infrastructure and quality of life.
Olmert will clarify what Israel considers non-negotiable in future talks with the Palestinian Authority.
The prime minister will also present Bush with recent Israeli intelligence in the hopes of convincing him that the latest US National Intelligence Estimate is inaccurate in its portrayal of Iran's nuclear program.
Bush will also be briefed by Defense Minister Ehud Barak on the security situation in the West Bank and Gaza and by Foreign Affairs Minister Tzipi Livni on the status of the ongoing negotiations with the Palestinians.
Livni will stress Israel's commitment to the US Road Map and demand the Palestinians fulfill their obligations under the plan.
Israel to demand tightening sanctions against Iran
A significant portion of the high-profile meeting at Olmert's residence will be dedicated to the Iranian threat. The prime minister held an eleventh-hour meeting on Tuesday to discuss the matter, with Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman and other officials in attendance.
Olmert will likely ask Bush not only to maintain the current sanctions against Iran but to also to tighten
them.
The prime minister also met with Israel's ambassador to Washington, Salai Meridor, who arrived in Israel ahead of Bush to brief the Jerusalem leadership on recent developments in the United States regarding Iran and the Palestinians.
