Barak: Israel on a collision course with Hamas
Defense minister addresses situation on Gaza border, says events in danger of escalating within days but that 'if there is a calm, we will consider matters.' Barak also says Syria less concerned with Golan Heights than with improving its relations with Washington
With the volatile situation on the southern front against Gaza's terror groups and renewed peace negotiations with Damascus hurling the political arena into an excitable turmoil – Labor convened on
Monday to hear party chairman Ehud Barak.
Regarding the situation in Gaza and the ongoing confrontation with Palestinian terror groups, the defense minister said: "In the long run, there's no doubt that we are on a collision course with Hamas. It can escalate within days or weeks, but things could also calm down after a few months' time.
"I think we should be aware that there is consecutive fighting going on there. This is what Israel's finest are dealing with.
"We are not and will not hold negotiations with Hamas," vowed Barak in response to a query by Deputy Premier Haim Ramon. "The Egyptians are not acting as mediators on order of the UN; they have an interest in this calm (as well).
Barak at Monday's meeting (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
"If, indeed, a calm emerges, then we will have to examine it according to what it entails and what its results are. And our demand could not be clearer – there can be no attacks. I say to all those who are pushing for a speedy operation: Think before you act."
As for the renewed talks with Syria via Turkish mediation, Barak said that it was in Israel's interests to see Damascus leave the circle of conflict, and that that is why the decision to recommence negotiations was the right one.
However, he said, "we must understand that the Syrians have different priorities. Beginning with the continuation of the regime, their role in Lebanon and their relations with the United States – the Golan Heights and peace with Israel are relatively low on their list."
'Labor must be united'
"This is a time of difficult decisions, and now is the time for unity," the defense minister said in regards to the sudden resignation of Ephraim Sneh from Labor, who splintered to form his own faction.
"I am saddened by Ephraim's decision. He is a serious man with much credit to his name and I have known him for dozens of years. But in listening to him I understood that this is genuinely what he wants, and that must be respected.
"I am convinced that the party will know how to emerge from this parting of ways, that it will move forward, united, to lead the country. There is much work to be done, and we will have to do it together –I believe that we can."
