Olmert: Peace with Syria possible

While mostly being mentioned in relation to his trial, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made a rare public appearance Sunday, during which he criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Israel’s conduct vis-à-vis Turkey, Syria and the Palestinians. Olmert made the statements during a conference at the Tel Aviv University.

Amid growing tensions with Turkey and Israel‘s refusal to accept it as a mediator in negotiations with Syria, Olmert said, "We can reach an understanding with the Syrians which would change the map in the Middle East. A decision on this issue must be made. It’s too easy being angry at (Turkish PM Recep Tayyip) Erdogan, but it would be wise to reconcile with him. He is a fair mediator. We need negotiations with Turkish mediation."

Olmert further added, "There were other people in the world whose statements we didn’t like, but we acted to calm matters and not inflame them. I kept weekly contact with the Jordanian king so results will be reached. I made an effort to hold relations with the Russian government too. I am pleased that the prime minister is going there today."

"Contrary to the state of mind one is attempting to impose on the public, a political move to bring about peace is not a dream. It’s essential and urgent," Olmert said. He also criticized Netanyahu’s policy regarding the settlement freeze by saying "In my time, also during negotiations there was construction in the territories. It was no secret that building was going on here and there in the territories. I told all parties that I will not discuss this, because if I would I won’t be able to engage in serious negotiations."

In respect to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the former prime minister said. "I gave the elected Palestinian leader an offer that I think was not made in the past and will not be made in the future. If there’s any chance for a settlement, it’s on the basis of what I offered and they must respond to it so we can complete what we nearly finished."

Olmert also addressed the Second Lebanon War and claimed it was "the most proportional war, handled in the most correct way and brought unparalleled peace for four years." Regarding captive soldier Gilad Shalit the former prime minister said, "We made a far-reaching offer."