At the ceremonial opening of the international summit at Annapolis, U. S. President George W. Bush read aloud a joint statement agreed upon by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. The statement included a commitment by both sides in the conflict over the Land of Israel to "make every effort" to strike a deal by late 2008.

Arutz Sheva's IsraelNationalTV presents a special half-hour English newscast on the Annapolis summit, the protests against territorial concessions, and the New Zionist Congress meeting held in Jerusalem on Tuesday. Click below to view the exclusive reports.

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Channel 1 reporter Ayala Hason reported that the PA side insisted the statement not include the phrase "a Jewish state," and it was dropped. On the other hand, the word "Jerusalem" was also not mentioned.

Yishai: Nothing Practical
Interviewed on IDF Radio after the opening statements, Shas Party chairman Eli Yishai said Shas would not be leaving the government as long as nothing "practical" is agreed upon.

Demonstrator, Annapolis.
Ezra HaLevi

Pro-Israel woman holds sign of victims of Palestinian Authority terrorism
Ezra HaLevi

Pro-Israel protestors recite prayers to defend Jerusalem from Israeli government
Ezra HaLevi

 

In his speech at Annapolis, which was delivered in Hebrew, Ehud Olmert said: "Negotiations will address all the issues which thus far have been evaded. We will not avoid any subject."  The reference was specifically to Jerusalem and the Arab refugees.  

"While this will be an extremely difficult process for many of us," Olmert added, "it is nevertheless inevitable. I know it. Many of my people know it. We are ready for it. I believe that the post-1967 reality will be changed in a very significant manner." [emphasis added]

Demonstrators at Annapolis.
Ezra HaLevi

Americans For a Safe Israel chapters from around the US came to Annapolis to show support for Israel's territorial integrity
Ezra HaLevi

At the Annapolis rally, in support of One Undivided Jewish Homeland
Ezra HaLevi

Pro-Israel rally to defend Jerusalem from Israeli government concessions
Ezra HaLevi

 

The joint statement read out by President Bush said: "We express our determination to bring an end to bloodshed, suffering and decades of conflict between our peoples; to usher in a new era of peace, based on freedom, security, justice, dignity, respect and mutual recognition; to propagate a culture of peace and nonviolence; to confront terrorism and incitement, whether committed by Palestinians or Israelis."

We're Prepared for Painful, Danger-Fraught Compromise
It went on to say: "We agree to immediately launch good-faith bilateral negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty resolving all outstanding issues, including all core issues without exception, as specified in previous agreements. We agree to engage in vigorous, ongoing and continuous negotiations and shall make every effort to conclude an agreement before the end of 2008."

Olmert mentioned "the terrible terror by Palestinian terrorists [which has] hurt thousands of Israeli citizens, caused the destruction of families and the efforts to disrupt the lives of Israeli citizens." Despite these things, Olmert said, "We want peace. We demand a cessation of terror, incitement and hatred. We are prepared for a painful, danger-fraught compromise to achieve these aspirations."

Protestor calls for Israel to stand strong against US pressure
Ezra HaLevi

Buses brought thousands of pro-Israel supporters to call for no territorial concessions to Arabs
Ezra HaLevi

Religious Jews participated in demonstration calling to maintain Jewish sovereignty over all of Israel
Ezra HaLevi

The elderly joined in the pro-Israel protests
Ezra HaLevi

With Israeli high schools on strike for 7 weeks, Israelis call on Olmert to come home to solve education crisis first.  "Sorry for the chutzpah," one sign reads, "but what have you done today for education, Mr. Olmert?"
Ezra HaLevi

Young protestor wears shirt with slogan "We will not forget; we will not forgive" in reference to Israel gov't's expulsion of Gaza Jews in 2005
Ezra HaLevi

Israel National News correspondent Ezra HaLevi reported that several hundred pro-Israel demonstrators held signs outside the venue of the summit, protesting the intentions to hand over parts of Jerusalem to the enemy. Most of the demonstrators were young people, some of whom played Zionist and Jewish songs on their guitars.

Anti-Zionist Neturei Karta Jews were on the scene as well, as were demonstrators from One Voice and two or three "Jews for Jesus."

Arabs hold anti-Israel signs
Ezra HaLevi

Extremist Jewish sect Neturei Karta support dismantling of Jewish State

Anti-Israel rally-goer calls for division of Jewish homeland
Ezra HaLevi