Minister Avi Dichter
Photo: Niv Calderon
Dichter: Syrian issue should stay on the agenda
In exclusive Ynet interview, internal security minister says that peace with Syria depends on Israeli withdrawal to international border; adds Israel should talk to Assad once he is ready for negotiations
A peace agreement with Syria would have to include an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights, Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter said in an interview to Ynet Thursday.
"Those who say that the Golan Heights will remain under Israeli control after an agreement with Syria suffer from a failure in logic… they don't understand reality. I don't think it's possible to reach peace with Syria without an Israeli withdrawal to the international border," he explained.
Do you agree with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's approach that at the moment Syria is not a partner and that the Syrian issue should be taken off the agenda?
It's legitimate to say, 'I don't want to deal with the Syrian issue during my term in office,' but I disagree with the approach of pushing the subject off the agenda.
Israel is in a region where we need to preserve the status quo with Egypt and Jordan and wait for (Syrian President Bashar) Assad. We need to improve relations with Egypt and Jordan, wait regarding the Lebanese front, and once Assad decides he's ready – talk to him.
Were you impressed by Assad's recent statements to the media?
As the American saying goes: if you want to shoot – shoot. Meaning, if you want to talk – talk. Syria is a nation against whom the rules of the game are pretty much clear.
We practiced the dismissive hand gesture in the past with the Egyptians. When Sadat arrived in Israel, (then IDF Chief of Staff) Mordechai Gur said 'it's a trick' and the entire military was on high alert. Therefore, it's important to be wary, but I don't recommend making dismissive gestures.
With these issues, it's important to hear and listen. Whoever thinks we'll wait until Syria has a democratic government is wrong.
Is it possible to negotiate at all with Syria at this time?
I've been seeing Bashar Assad's speeches for a week and sometimes I don't understand what he's talking about. Nonetheless, a nation that is 'high' is easy to negotiate with. If the state is 'down' – chances are small. Egypt was 'high' during peace talks and Syria is now 'high' following the war in Lebanon.
Now for politics: Do you think that the PM's move to expand the coalition was a good one?
A coalition of 67 MKs is too small, especially considering that Labor doesn't always act in accordance to a unified coalition. Unfortunately, in many votes, we entered a 'zone of surprises', not knowing how they would vote or who would vote for what.
I don't see anything invalid in adding another party to the coalition. Given that realignment is a non-issue until the next elections, I think that Avigdor Lieberman, as well as others, are legitimate partners.
Lieberman's whole campaign was focused on dealing with crime. Are you worried about your ministerial seat?
I'm glad that there are others who want my position, it's encouraging but not worrisome. Both Lieberman and I understand that an exchange of ministers isn't good for ministries. There must be a serious reason to rock the boat. At any rate, I don't think Lieberman is moving in that direction.
You said that the realignment was now a non-issue. Has the Palestinian issue 'died' for now, as well?
Realignment was a move based on a situation in which the Palestinians weren't doing anything. As long as the current situation continues, and there's no indication that the Palestinian arena is changing, the decision is up to us of if and when to make such a move.
Something that could change the situation would be (Palestinian President Mahmoud) Abbas' decision to go elsewhere. We must not be closed off to efforts, if they're made, in the Palestinian arena. This arena is the land of endless possibility. The Palestinians were late getting on the train in Gaza, but in the West Bank, they could still make significant changes.
You're mentioned as one of the leading candidates to take over Kadima, along with Tzipi Livni and others. Are you preparing for such a race, and do you think that Kadima should prepare for internal elections?
Kadima is building its houses across the country and I'm very busy with that issue. There's not a week where I don't meet with members of Kadima…I do this as a member of Kadima and as a minister.
I am someone who will lead Kadima forward, but I don't see any reason to start campaigning for positions that are currently filled. I don't see a reason for there to be internal elections in Kadima any time soon.
