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Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today, visited the headquarters of the IDF Judea and Samaria Division. Defense Minister Amir Peretz, IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz, GOC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Yair Naveh, Prime Minister Olmert’s Military Secretary Maj.-Gen. Gadi Shamni, IDF Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Yair Golan and other senior officers participated in the visit.
Prime Minister Olmert had a working meeting with senior Division officers and was briefed on current security operations, recent developments in the Palestinian Authority and the lessons of the war in Lebanon. The Prime Minister said: “We do not intend to put up our hands. We will do our utmost to ensure security for this people and we will deal with it. We must cautiously monitor events on the other side. You are the spearhead of the State of Israel. There is nothing more proper than to aspire towards a diplomatic settlement. This is the goal. We must think how we can influence the quality of life and the economic situation of the other side. There are those who are not engaged in terrorism and we must act to strengthen the moderates. The IDF will do what is necessary – this is the true culture of the IDF. Mistakes will be examined and corrected. Nowhere in the world are people of this caliber. We will do our utmost so that you feel the love, appreciation and gratitude that the State of Israel owes you.”
Prime Minister Olmert lit Chanukah candles with Division soldiers and officers and said: “I know that we have gone through difficult days and that we are dealing with a complex reality. But I know that the strength of the people of Israel is great. This is because there are no limits to their bravery, heroism, determination, sacrifice, sophistication and – above all – to their love of the Land. These qualities have always stood for us in every situation. On behalf of the nation, I would like to thank you for everything that you are doing, for the days and long nights, in order to bring quiet and tranquility. I know how hard you are working and can say that the nation thanks you and salutes your commanders led by the Chief-of-Staff. Happy Chanukah.”
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