PM: No transfer of goods to Gaza until Shalit released
'We will not allow the opening of the crossings to the extent that it will bring life back to normal, certainly not before Shalit is home,' PM tells gathering of American Jewish groups in Jerusalem, adding he was certain Obama will 'not tolerate' nuclear Iran
Outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the annual gathering of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem on Sunday that Israel would not open the border crossings or permit the transfer of goods to Gaza until kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit is released.
"We will not allow the opening of the crossings to Gaza, to the extent that it will bring life back to normal, certainly not before Gilad Shalit is home," he said.
In his address to the delegation of American Jewish leaders, the PM said Shalit's release was Israel's top priority, followed by an end to the weapons-smuggling into the Strip from the Egyptian border, and an end to rocket attacks on Israel's southern communities.
Olmert conceded that Israel will need to release many Hamas terrorists in exchange for the kidnapped soldier.
"There are those who might say it is a point of weakness, others will call it a point of great strength that the life of one is so important to us," he said.
Olmert went on to praise Egypt, which is brokering the burgeoning ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Islamist group, and warned Hamas against resuming the rocket fire on Israel.
The next Israeli government, regardless of who leads it, will fight terror, he told the Conference.
'Past statements proven baseless'
Addressing Operation Cast Lead, the PM said the IDF's three-week offensive in Gaza was aimed at bringing security to the country's southern region, a goal which, according to him, was achieved. Olmert continued to say that no sovereign nation would accept attacks on its civilian population.
As for the Iranian threat, the Israeli leader said any elected government will work toward thwarting the Islamic Republic's armament, adding that he was certain US President Barack Obama would "not tolerate" a nuclear Iran, as he has stated in the past..
Olmert said in his speech that Israel should be a part of an international effort against Iran's nuclear program, but not the leader of such a campaign.
Earlier Sunday a senior Hamas figure told Ynet that the last several hours have seen a "significant breakthrough" in the Gaza ceasefire talks held in Egypt. Should everything proceed as it has been, added the source, the ceasefire may take effect within hours.
However, political officials in Jerusalem clarified that the process was complex, saying that previous statements issued by Hamas regarding a ceasefire have been proven baseless.
