RELATED:WikiLeaks: US-Israel relations weathered 'a rocky start'Gilad explained that this criticism from within the PA, coupled with “a stubborn Hamas” had considerably weakened the PA president.During the same meeting, when the defense officials called for a halt to work on the Iranian nuclear site at Qom, Gilad said that Teheran would “never agree to anything that contradicted its overall strategic goal of achieving a nuclear weapons capability.”He also expressed concern about Russian readiness to support the tough sanctions on Iran that Israel is proposing.Also present at the meeting was Military Intelligence chief Brig.-Gen. Yossi Baidatz, who offered his assessment on Syria. He said that if a peace deal were to be brokered between Israel and Syria, Damascus would likely “pull away from Iran's orbit.” According to Baidatz, Assad “ultimately wants it all,” in that he is angling to keep good relations with Iran and Hizbullah, but strengthen ties with the US.Baidatz assessed that if Assad had to “choose one thing, it would likely be peace with Israel."
Amos Gilad: Abbas 'won't survive politically' past 2011
Recently released diplomatic cable quotes top Defense Ministry official saying PA president weakened by Goldstone report, "stubborn Hamas."
RELATED:WikiLeaks: US-Israel relations weathered 'a rocky start'Gilad explained that this criticism from within the PA, coupled with “a stubborn Hamas” had considerably weakened the PA president.During the same meeting, when the defense officials called for a halt to work on the Iranian nuclear site at Qom, Gilad said that Teheran would “never agree to anything that contradicted its overall strategic goal of achieving a nuclear weapons capability.”He also expressed concern about Russian readiness to support the tough sanctions on Iran that Israel is proposing.Also present at the meeting was Military Intelligence chief Brig.-Gen. Yossi Baidatz, who offered his assessment on Syria. He said that if a peace deal were to be brokered between Israel and Syria, Damascus would likely “pull away from Iran's orbit.” According to Baidatz, Assad “ultimately wants it all,” in that he is angling to keep good relations with Iran and Hizbullah, but strengthen ties with the US.Baidatz assessed that if Assad had to “choose one thing, it would likely be peace with Israel."