Barak: No war this summer

Israel must allow the Palestinians to "rule themselves."

By ASSOCIATED PRESS, JPOST.COM STAFF
Barak fancy (photo credit: Ariel Hermoni / Defense Ministry)
Barak fancy
(photo credit: Ariel Hermoni / Defense Ministry)
Defense Minister Ehud Barak said there is no reason for a war to break out this summer, but Israel must recognize that the world will not put up with decades more of Israeli rule over the Palestinian people.
In a Memorial Day interview with Israel Radio on Monday morning, Barak said "there is no other way, whether you like it or not, than to let (the Palestinians) rule themselves."
Barak said Israel has enough power and security to allow for a two-state solution, and if such a solution should fail, the world will know that it was not Israel's fault.
In addition, Barak told Israel Radio that the recent alienation from America is harmful to Israel, and must be stopped. Growing gaps with the United States, Barak explained, can be narrowed by embarking on a peace initiative that tackles all the big issues that divide Israelis and Palestinians.
Barak addressed the issue of kidnapped soldier St.-Sgt. Gilad Schalit, saying that Israel must do whatever it can to bring him home as quickly as possible. He admitted that the government has not brought results on this front.
Barak also discussed Iran, saying that nuclear weapons in Teheran are a danger to the region and the world, and warned against an arms race in the Middle East. He also said Israel should work towards imposing sanctions on Iran.