Eli Yishai: Syria axis of evil.
Photo: Tova Dadon
Mofaz. Opposes withdrawal.
Photo: Ofer Amram
Yishai, Mofaz promise to fight withdrawal from Golan
Ministers meet with Golan residents, promise to lend hand in the battle against handing Heights to Syria under future peace agreement. Yishai: We must not abandon Israel's security to Syrians, Hizbullah
Representatives of Israeli communities in the Golan Heights met on Sunday with Deputy Prime Minister Eli Yishai and Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz. The representatives said upon leaving the meeting that they had received the full support of both ministers in their battle against any agreement that would return the Golan to Syria.
Yishai promised the residents that Shas would stand beside them in order to prevent any attempt to evacuate them from the Golan. "Syria is
the foundation of the 'axis of evil'. We must not abandon Israel's security in the arms of the Syrians and Hizbullah," he said.
Iranian Threat
Associated Press
Syrian government newspaper responds to Livni's demands that Syria disassociate itself from Iran, terror organizations; says any preconditions to peace deal would 'put carriage before horse'. Iranian FM: Golan belongs to Syria
Mofaz told the representatives of the Golan residents that he was opposed to the withdrawal from the Golan. "Handing the Golan over to Syria at this time constitutes handing the Golan over to Iran. There will be Iranians there very soon. I am opposed to handing out deposits at the beginning of negotiations," he said.
Mofaz added that "we must examine creative solutions such as leasing (of land) for 25-30 years, in order to ensure the future of the residents and the security of the citizens of Israel."
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday that "we are facing a historic agreement with Syria, which may remove the northern threat."
Earlier the prime minister addressed the issue at the weekly government meeting and said, "Ever since the announcement was made, we have heard many speculations and interpretations. I would like to say at this time that we have no plans to hold negotiations through the media or by blowing slogans, but rather by using the required caution and responsibility."
