Israel Matzav

How long might Olmert head a 'caretaker' government?

Longer than you think. Go here to try to get an idea.

But Olmert may find it difficult to use his extended period as a caretaker to make peace with give the country away to the 'Palestinians' and the Syrians as he had hoped. The 'Palestinians' recognize that Olmert has no mandate to deal with them, and they now regard the chances of 'peace' this year as 'zero.' In fact, they may be pursuing reconciliation with Hamas instead.

And Yoram Turbowicz, who was conducting 'indirect negotiations' for Olmert with Syria through Turkey, announced his resignation yesterday as well. And Syrian foreign minister Walid Muallem - the biggest proponent of the 'indirect talks' in that country is also apparently on his way out. It seems that no one wants to negotiate with Olmert as a lame duck and take the risk that the next Prime Minister won't honor any agreement reached.

According to DEBKA, Turkey is now seeking to mediate between Israel and Hamas, while Jordan is looking to mediate between Hamas and Fatah. And so Olmert's trick to keep himself in office for a few months longer has just become another embarrassment to Israel.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:11 AM