Olmert – government can protect nation
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Olmert: Israelis know government can protect them
Hinting to strike on Syrian nuke reactor recently confirmed by US, prime minister says Israelis now know they have leadership that can safeguard nation
Hinting at the strike on Syria's nuclear reactor, recently confirmed by the United States, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Saturday that "today we can safely say that the Israeli people know that their government can protect them and a leadership that can safeguard their security and their future."
Olmert's remarks are believed to be the first implied Israeli reaction to the American confirmation regarding the strike in Syria.
PM Olmert also said he would continue to strive for political achievements that would provide Israel's citizens with security.
"We will continue to make every effort to improve the chances for political settlements, which is not easy," he said during a visit to the southern city of Ofakim. "We must be realistic and not be tempted by illusions."
'You will return here as PM'
Olmert was in Ofakim to celebrate the Mimouna, traditionally celebrated by North African Jews at the end of Passover.Other politicians also made sure to mark the occasion, including Defense Minister Ehud Barak who was joined by several Labor party members in celebrating the festival in the town of Nes Ziona.
The Labor party activity who organized the event, Tali Hayat, told Barak: "We are very glad that you came, but in the next Mimouna you will return here as a prime minister."
Amnon Merenda, Yonat Atlas, Attila Somfalvi, and Aviram Zino contributed to the report
