Tel-Chai Nation

Following Ehud Olmert's interview on television Channel 2, where he ambiguously said that he supports a united Jerusalem yet hints at future withdrawals, or does indeed confirm them, it looks like even in Kadima, there's some opposition on the horizon to the withdrawals he most likely hopes to make.

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, in his first major interview since assuming office, says that Israel wants to separate itself from most of the Arab population in Judea and Samaria.

Speaking on Channel Two television last night, Olmert implied that he would initiate another unilateral withdrawal. "Israel will preserve most of the settlement blocs," he said. "We will come together in central settlement blocs, and maintain a united Jerusalem. Ariel, Gush Etzion and Maaleh Adumim will be part of Israel."

The Acting PM was attacked by spokesmen of the Likud, Labor, and Meretz - and even from within his own Kadima Party.

It's interesting, but at the same time, it would be wise not to underestimate even the Kadima members and what positions they could take.

In any case, it's appalling that Olmert is more or less advocating segragation, which is simply a most negative concept, and if he allowed voting for the PLO's elections to take place in east Jerusalem, that's why any argument about a united city falls flat. The Ma'aleh Adumim mayor certainly isn't calmed by what Olmert said.

OneJerusalem.Org's got more on the topic.

In other news, the Knesset has now put together a commission to investigate the police violence in Amona. (Read here for more.) Unfortunately, though perhaps not surprisingly, the Labor party has dropped its support for the investigation.

The Knesset voted Wednesday to establish a commission of inquiry into alleged police brutality at Amona last week.

The commission was established despite the objection of Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s Kadima Party, as well as the Labor Party, who dropped their initial call for an investigation after advisors said it would harm them in the polls.

Defense Minister Sha’ul Mofaz, speaking prior to the vote, said that he sees no reason to establish a committee of investigation into the events at Amona and lends his full support to the demolition forces.

Of course, Mofaz already spoiled his credibility by splitting from Likud to Kadima in the middle of primaries, as I discussed here.

The singer Yehoram Gaon has decried the war against Israel's patriots, and offered an excellent comparison for them:

Singer Yehoram Gaon compares the idealists who were beaten in Amona to the pioneers who built the Galilee 70 years ago, and bemoans the war against those who stand fast to the Land of Israel.

Wow, now that's certainly good for a start. Impressive.