The prime minister added that he is willing to enter into negotiations with terrorists, but only following the release of hostage soldiers - Corp. Gilad (ben Aviva) Shalit, taken captive by Hamas on June 25, and Sgt. Ehud (ben Malkah) Goldwasser and Eldad (ben Tova) Regev, both abducted from the northern border by Hizbullah on July 12.
Making reference to the G8 summit's decision on the current situation, Olmert called for the implementation of the decision, namely the unconditional release of the soldiers. He indicated a willingness to negotiate a ceasefire only after their release, and not before. He added that summit calls for the deployment of Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon is also a must, stressing Lebanon must take responsibility for its southern border to ensure Hizbullah terrorists are distanced from Israe's border in compliance with United Nations Resolution 1559.
Olmert met with dozens of local council leaders responsible for areas being pounded by Hizbullah rockets, promising aid. He expressed an understanding for the current state of emergency. He commended their endurance and praised their steadfastness during this most difficult time.
Shifting to Iran, Mr. Olmert explained that the timing of the current war is not coincidental. He said that Hizbullah's offensive against Israel has succeeded in shifting world attention to Lebanon, leaving Iran alone, permitting the continuation of Tehran's nuclear enrichment program.
Olmert said that the UN's call for the deployment of an international force in southern Lebanon is little more than a headline for the media.
During a meeting on Tuesday with senior military commanders, Defense Minister Amir Peretz stressed that in a one-kilometer zone of southern Lebanon, "the Hizbullah flag will no longer fly."
Senior commanders told Peretz that the IDF will require about two additional weeks to achieve the set objectives. The commanders added that to date, over 150 rocket caches have been hit, as well as 1,000 targets around Lebanon.
Making reference to the G8 summit's decision on the current situation, Olmert called for the implementation of the decision, namely the unconditional release of the soldiers. He indicated a willingness to negotiate a ceasefire only after their release, and not before. He added that summit calls for the deployment of Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon is also a must, stressing Lebanon must take responsibility for its southern border to ensure Hizbullah terrorists are distanced from Israe's border in compliance with United Nations Resolution 1559.
Olmert met with dozens of local council leaders responsible for areas being pounded by Hizbullah rockets, promising aid. He expressed an understanding for the current state of emergency. He commended their endurance and praised their steadfastness during this most difficult time.
Shifting to Iran, Mr. Olmert explained that the timing of the current war is not coincidental. He said that Hizbullah's offensive against Israel has succeeded in shifting world attention to Lebanon, leaving Iran alone, permitting the continuation of Tehran's nuclear enrichment program.
Olmert said that the UN's call for the deployment of an international force in southern Lebanon is little more than a headline for the media.
During a meeting on Tuesday with senior military commanders, Defense Minister Amir Peretz stressed that in a one-kilometer zone of southern Lebanon, "the Hizbullah flag will no longer fly."
Senior commanders told Peretz that the IDF will require about two additional weeks to achieve the set objectives. The commanders added that to date, over 150 rocket caches have been hit, as well as 1,000 targets around Lebanon.