Netanyahu: Olmert acting like an amateur

Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that "the Golan Heights must remain in our hands at times of peace as well, otherwise Iran will get there."

Addressing the recent reports on talks being held between Israel and Syria, Netanyahu added, "I find it very surprising that the prime minister is ready to cede all of the Golan Heights before the negotiations have even begun. He is acting recklessly and like an amateur. This is not the way to attain peace."

The Prime Minister's Office released a statement in response to the opposition leader's remarks, saying, "We would like to refresh Netanyahu's memory. He was the one who sent a businessman to Assad to cede the Golan Heights on Israel's behalf, even before launching negotiations.

"The prime minister will persist in his efforts to reach peace and will do it in a sound and responsible manner, while taking the steps which will guarantee Israel's security."

A senior Israeli official said Sunday that "Peace with Syria is in Israel's interests, on the condition that Damascus is cut off from the axis of evil," following reports on Turkish mediators' plans to bring Israeli and Syrian representatives together in an effort to advance the peace process.

However, the official stressed that negotiations could take time and required patience, and that while the Turkish channel between Israel and Syria did exist, expectations regarding the issue should be kept realistic.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Syrian President Bashar Assad to discuss the renewal of talks between Damascus and Jerusalem. "Syria is willing to continue cooperating with Turkey in any way that will lend security and stability to the region," Assad said ahead of the meeting.

Roni Sofer contributed to this report