OLMERT-PERETZ-LIVNI GOVERNMENT CONDUCTING 'DIALOGUE' WITH SAUDIS

Middle East Newsline is reporting that the Olmert-Peretz-Livni government is conducting a 'dialogue' with the Saudis that is predicated upon Israel's acceptance of the 'Saudi initiative.' As I noted in a post last Tuesday, the 'Saudi initiative' calls for Israel to leave Judea and Samaria, for a 'Palestinian' state reichlet to be established in Judea and Samaria, and for the Arab world to recongnize Israel's existence (but not its 'right to exist' - contrary to what you see reported in most of the media). I cannot help but wonder why the government is so desperate as to be willing to accept this terrible plan that recognizes a 'right of return' for 'Palestinian refugees.'

Western diplomatic sources said Olmert, with the help of Jordan's King Abdullah, has met Saudi officials to discuss Riyad's vision of ending the Arab-Israeli conflict and ensuring stability in the Middle East. The sources said Riyad has offered its peace plan as a basis for Saudi-led Arab cooperation with Israel.

"Olmert has accepted the principle that the Saudis have become a key player in any effort to stabilize the Middle East," a diplomat said. "The Israelis and Saudis have joint interest in ensuring stability after the expected U.S. withdrawal from Iraq."

Over the last month, Olmert's political ally, Justice Minister Meir Sheetrit has endorsed the Saudi plan, first presented in 2002. The minister said Israel should hold peace negotiations with the Arabs based on an Israeli withdrawal to the 1967 borders.

Sheetrit is even a bigger leftist than Olmert. Still, I have to wonder whether (and why) the rest of the government would go along with this. The 'Saudi inititiative' is a suicide plan for Israel. If Olmert is so tired of fighting, let him pack up and leave and join his sons abroad.