'We are not deluding ourselves.' Olmert
Photo: AFP
War created revolutionary change in region, Olmert says
‘Influential Arab countries are beginning to understand that Israel is not their greatest concern; this marks a revolutionary change in their outlook,’ prime minister tells Kadima members in Jerusalem; adds that Palestinians are ‘nearing the point where they must make a decision’
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
said on Thursday that the Arab summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is part of a process that was facilitated by the Second Lebanon War.
Hamas Leader
Haniyeh urges Arab leaders meeting at Riyadh summit not to compromise on Palestinian refugees’ right to return to homes in what is now Israel
“The influential Arab countries are beginning to understand that Israel is not their greatest concern; this marks a revolutionary change in their outlook,” the prime minister told fellow Kadima members during a Passover toast held at his official residence in Jerusalem.
Olmert continued to say that the Arab summit is “definitely a serious matter.”
“We are not deluding ourselves; they want us to return to the 1967 borders and implement the right of return,” he said. “This did not surprise us. The summit's content is important, but we must also pay attention to its atmosphere and direction.
“Saudi Arabia is the country that will eventually determine Arabs’ ability to reach a compromise with Israel. Its willingness to lead and intervene is very interesting. We are not exaggerating the importance of this issue, but we are not dismissing it either.”
Turning his attention to the Palestinians, Olmert said they are “nearing the point where they must make a decision. When this time will come, a breakthrough will be made that will allow us to implement historic processes.”
Ronny Sofer contributed to the report
