World Jewish Congress president Ronald S. Lauder expressed hope that the diplomatic process started at the Annapolis conference in November 2007 will succeed. Introducing Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert at the annual Herzliya Security Conference in Israel, Lauder said: “Jews all over the world desire to see your government, Mr. Prime Minister, succeed in bringing security and peace to Israel – even though we know it won’t be easy.” The WJC said that Jewish communities in the Diaspora were proud of Israel’s economic and technological achievements, but in fear over Iran’s drive to get nuclear weapons. Lauder added: “The World Jewish Congress will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you in the hope for peace, ready to defend Israel and make its case, support Israel’s risks for peace, and back up the government's red lines.”
Olmert praised Ronald Lauder’s leadership and thanked him warmly for all he does on behalf of the Jewish people and Israel. In his speech, the prime minister said that despite the mistakes that were made during the Second Lebanon War in 2006 and recent military reinforcements of Hezbollah, the security situation on Israel’s northern border today was “inestimably better” than two years ago because there were no more rocket attacks and Israel’s defense deterrent was working. However, the terrorist attacks by Hamas militants in the south were of great concern. The prime minister said that whilst Israel would continue to strike at the terrorist leaders in the Gaza Strip, “under no circumstances will we allow for a humanitarian crisis to develop.”
On the peace process, Olmert he would try to clinch a deal with the Palestinians in 2008: He pointed out: “There is not, nor will there be, any political, party or personal consideration which will deflect me from the effort of reaching a political arrangement with the Palestinian Authority. I am familiar with all the arguments against negotiations: those which are anchored entirely in personal or party needs and those – although I do not agree with them – which are explained by public considerations which are deserving of discussion. Even if I cannot commit that a political agreement can be reached with the Palestinian Authority during 2008, we are doing everything in our power to achieve one.” He added that there was no better Palestinian leadership than the current one led by Mahmud Abbas.
Ronald S Lauder’s introductory remarks can be read here
Prime Minister Olmert’s speech can be read here
