Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, today attended the Sheatufim Conference (http://www.sheatufim.org.il) during which he also referred to the expected calm in southern Israel:

 “A few weeks ago, I said that the critical moment is approaching and that I intended to exhaust my full responsibility as Prime Minister and my obligation to bring about quiet and security for the residents of the south.  I reiterated that this would happen one way or another.  The terrorist organizations that control the Gaza Strip (http://tinyurl.com/4lsmyw) have been under continuous military and economic pressure in recent months as a result of the Government’s policies.  It was they who sought the calm.  In recent weeks, the Government has held a dialogue with Egypt, in the framework of which the Egyptians committed themselves to bringing about a calm on the ground.  In this context, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Egyptian Government and President Hosni Mubarak, Israel’s most important partner in the efforts to create calm, stability and a continuity of peace in the Middle East, and his right-hand man, General Omar Suleiman.

I would like to emphasize and make it clear that we did not hold – and I will not hold – negotiations with any terrorist organization.   We have no illusions.  This calm is fragile and is liable to be short-lived.  Hamas and the other terrorist organizations have not changed and have not become patrons of peace.  These are contemptible and bloodthirsty terrorists.  Even today they are doing everything they can to harm innocent Israeli civilians.  I would like to make it clear that Hamas is the address in the Gaza Strip and it will bear the responsibility for any violation of the quiet.  If the firing and terrorist actions continue (http://tinyurl.com/4egkdh), Israel will be compelled to act in order to halt the threat against its citizens.

Regarding Corporal Gilad Shalit (http://tinyurl.com/2atd8m), his release is an inseparable part of the understandings regarding the terms of the calm.  Next week will mark two years since Gilad’s abduction.  His photograph is in my office, in front of me.  I see his eyes every day and I make an effort every day so that it will be possible to return Gilad to his parents, Noam and Aviva, and to the rest of his family, safe and sound.  I have told them more than once that aside from them, there is no one in the world who wishes for Gilad Shalit’s return home, safe and sound, more than me.  I believe that as part of the understandings that facilitated the start of the calm, that I hope that we will also be able to move forward on Gilad Shalit’s return home.

As we approach the implementation of this calm, we are aware and alert.  Alongside our willingness to give this step a chance, the Cabinet has decided to instruct Defense Minister Ehud Barak and the security forces to be ready for any other action that may be required, on a short timetable (http://tinyurl.com/4kjnuc), should it become clear that this exceptional and far-reaching effort that the State of Israel has made in order avoid a violent confrontation and direct friction with the Palestinians, is unsuccessful.  I very much hope that it succeeds.  I believe that there will be quiet in the south of the country.   From here, I warmly embrace all the residents of the south who, with great courage and strength, have faced this daily threat throughout these very long months and years.  It is they who, in the end, have enabled the Government to act in the responsible, balanced and correct way that, I believe, it has even in this sensitive, complicated and delicate situation.”