Israel Matzav

Ehud K. Olmert is ready to 'consider' international 'force' in Gaza

Ehud K. Olmert told an Italian television station on Friday that he is willing to consider an international force in the Gaza Strip to be led by Italian troops.

Italy has floated the idea several times since this summer, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has long called for an international presence in the West Bank and Gaza. Israel, however, has opposed the idea.

Olmert said in an interview ro Italy's RAI Tg1 television news that he is on friendly terms with Premier Romano Prodi and would listen to what he has to say.

"If Italy is prepared that its army will be engaged on a daily basis against terrorist actions of Hamas, the Islamic Jihad and the other terrorist organizations operating in Gaza, this is very interesting news. I want to learn it," Olmert said, speaking in English.

Italy is one of the largest contributors to the expanded UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon that was deployed to monitor the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema has said that an international force for Gaza should have UN authorization, and that Italy would be ready to contribute.

"Are you ready to fight? Are you ready to sacrifice your soldiers? Are you ready to endanger your people the way we expose our people because we have no choice?" Olmert asked, adding that "If this is your policy, then we will discuss it."

Olmert is scheduled to be in Rome on Wednesday, for meetings with Prodi and Pope Benedict XVI.

First of all, UNIFIL has just been so effective at stopping arms smuggling. What makes Olmert think this 'force' would be any better? Would this force, for example, at least patrol at night?

Second, any 'international force' in Gaza is going to be an effective human shield for the 'Palestinians.' They will continue to shoot at Israel and Israel will not be able to retaliate because of their presence there.

Thanks, but no thanks!

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:57 AM