Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced publicly on Tuesday that he hopes to resume negotiations for a permanent peace agreement with Palestinians following upcoming elections in both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Olmert made the comments at a press conference after meeting with Israel's President, Moshe Katsav.
He added that it was crucial that the Road Map peace plan be abided. Olmert also made clear on Tuesday that he would severely punish any settler in the West Bank who continued the violent behavior exhibited in Hebron in recent days.
The acting PM said that, "there will be no hesitation. Anyone who raises a hand at a soldier or a policeman will be severely punished and evacuated from where he is not allowed to be. This is true for Hebron, Amona, and any other place."
© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
