Meretz Chairman Chaim Oron
Photo: Merav Yudilovitch
Meretz chair calls for talks with Hamas
Chaim Oron tells Ynet politicians must stop talking about wide-scale operation in Gaza, which will only cause Israel 'to sink into mud much deeper than the one in Lebanon'
In the sea of voices calling for a military operation in Gaza in light of the ongoing rocket barrages
directed at Israel's southern communities, Meretz
Chairman Chaim Oron stood up Wednesday and called on the government to utilize the chance for a ceasefire through dialogue.
According to the Meretz leader, "A ceasefire will not lead to a state of calm for many years, but it's the most effective, rational and self evident way to bring about a lull at this time, save our citizens in Sderot and the region's communities."
Oron told Ynet, "Concrete negotiations for a ceasefire, as fragile as it is and as long as it is not a long-term solution, are preferable over an exchange of mutual accusations which will only worsen."
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Oron referred to the new reality created in light of the ongoing rocket and mortar shell barrages: "Defending the Gaza vicinity's residents justifies a great number of means. Almost every move which has to power to lift the threat over their lives is a move the Israeli government must consider. It's the State's moral duty to its citizens.
"This is why, for example, concrete actions against the perpetrators of terror themselves are justified, as they hold a real accomplishment and are directly linked to the prevention of terrorism.
"This statement does not mean that I agree in any way with the crazy ideas to reoccupy the Gaza Strip and sink in mud, which is much deeper than the Lebanese mud, and to prepare the ground for the activity of fanatic inciters.
"Hallucinatory ideas like occupying Gaza should be tossed into the dustbin of history. Reoccupying the Strip provides a response first of all to the revenge impulse and the feeling that 'we must hit them hard', but not to the danger threatening the lives of Israel's citizens."
As for Israel's relationship with Hamas, Oron said, "I don't believe in diplomatic negotiations with Hamas. On the other hand, when discussing the release of the Gaza vicinity's children from the Qassam horror and the release of (kidnapped soldier) Gilad Shalit, there is no other way besides a short-term, focused dialogue with Hamas.
"Any sensible person can see the creation of a tight coalition linking the Israeli interest with clear remarks made by Abu Mazen (Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas) and the new statements by the Egyptian regime. Maintaining this coalition against Hamas is a top Israeli interest."
The Meretz chairman concluded by saying, "There's no other way but to work on two levels simultaneously: Hit Hamas in a calculated and focused manner and work to obtain a renewed ceasefire."
