Barak: Shalit one of reasons for lull
Defense minister responds to Foreign Minister Livni's remark that not all troops can be returned, saying Israel must do everything to secure kidnapped soldier's release, should therefore favor truce over wide-scale operation in Gaza. 'In order to bring Gilad back we'll have to make tough decisions, but I'm willing to take this responsibility.'
Speaking at an event in the central city of Holon, the Labor chairman said, "We mustn't kid ourselves. In order to return Gilad we'll have to make tough decisions, some of which also hold risks, but I'm willing to take the responsibility in order to see him among us. The last think we should do is renounce responsibility."
However he did not rule out an operation in Gaza. "When needed, we'll operate in the Gaza Strip. I've seen people rush to make security-related decisions more than once, and then try to cover up their behind."
Directly addressing Livni's remark, the defense minister said, "I'm not sure I understand this statement. A soldier who is alive and is in captivity, we have a supreme moral responsibility to bring him home safe and sound, using any appropriate and possible move. Not at any price. With any appropriate and possible move.
"I'm using these words intentionally. We are sitting day and night, the best people in the defense establishment, and looking for ways to bring him back."
The Kadima chairwoman's office said in response, "Out of her feeling of responsibility for Shalit's release, Livni refused to bring the issue into the political arena, and will continue to do so. It's regretful that there are those who choose to do otherwise."
As for the release of prisoners with blood on their hands in return for Shalit, Barak said, "We may have to make tough decisions on that matter as well. If I knew there was a safe way for him to be here, I would agree to it."
IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi also addressed the Shalit issue on Friday, during a meeting with Druze and Bedouin leaders on the occasion of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice).
The return of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit is constantly on Israel's agenda, Ashkenazi said, adding that "vast resources are being invested on this front."
"I'm hopeful that we shall be able to bring Gilad back to his family as soon as possible," the army chief said.
Barak went on to explain why he decided to allow the transfer of NIS 100 million (about $25.7 million) from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip.
"We are talking about a Palestinian banking system working with the Israeli shekel. This is money being transferred. It's not our money. It's money being transferred from other places," he said.
'We won't agree to 1947 borders'
The Labor chairman also spoke of the peace negotiations and his vision on the issue. "Israel has proved time and again its willingness for peace. The settlement blocs should remain in Israel's hands, as well as the security zone in the Jordan Valley.
"There are two sides for peace. There are 200,000 Israelis in Jerusalem living beyond the Green Line. There are 11 Jewish neighborhoods. Some of the places, like Shoafat and Abu Dis, are crowded Palestinian neighborhoods. Har Homa is part of our Jerusalem, but there are places we haven't exactly been praying for in the past 2,000 years.
"I don't think we should discuss this now. We like to talk to ourselves; this is a very strange nature. At Camp David we discovered that (former Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser) Arafat did not want to solve 1967, but rather 1947, and we won't agree to that."
Addressing the Iranian nuclear program, the defense minister said, "The Iranian desire to build a nuclear weapon is a serious threat against the stability of the world and a potential threat against Israel. Time is running out and we need harsh sanctions, which would also include a ban on the import of oil distillates.
"There is a lot to do in the field of intelligence, and we have said we won't take any option off the table. Talking about this is unnecessary. When past and present leaders roll their tongues, this behavior damages what should happen."
The Labor chairman went on to talk about the upcoming Knesset elections, which will be held on February 10. "The State is not a TV show, it's our life. We're asking people to wake up from the film they're watching… Iran is not a game. This financial crisis, which we have not experienced in 80 years, is not a game. In order to be the best in education, science and technology, we need experience."
As for the possibility of sitting in the opposition, Barak said, "If we fail to be at the center of a new government, which we feel is the right and proper thing to do, we'll go to the opposition. We want to be at the center of the government and lead it. Kadima is obviously a natural partner. We won't join a government with basic guidelines which don't match our own. It's no secret that the Likud differs from us."
Despite his acknowledgement of Kadima as a partner, Barak did not miss the opportunity to attack the rival party. "Kadima is a collection of people who have already jumped out of another party once. Those giving Kadima their voice will discover a day after the elections that there are two blocks, and within several hours the Right will say: You're not 60, you're 50 and 10 more Arabs."
