Translation: Zionist Call For Ceasefire Effort

[This is a significant development. A mere ten days after the Hezbollah attack and the commencement of the Israeli operations a predominantly Jewish-Israeli party has broken ranks in opposing ranks. No doubt some of my friends on the Left will dismiss this. After all, Meretz-Yachad has not explicitly called for the cessation of the bombing. But if you call on Israel to take the lead in the ceasefire process this is precisely what you are doing.

Note also that, unlike Olmert, Bush and Howard, Meretz is not calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah but something much more achievable (not too mention sensible.)

When a Zionist party to start criticising the attacks on the civilian population and infrastructure and calls for a prisoner exchanged which the government has absolutely ruled out and when 2500 turn up to a peace rally according to media reports one can starts seeing some gleams among the clouds.

From the Mertz-Yachad website. Translated by Sol Salbe.]

Meretz-Yachad Committee Of Management Decision In Relation To Fighting In The North

22/07/2006
From: http://www.myparty.org.il/main-branch/HE/news/4510.html

The Meretz-Yachad Committee of Management:

1) Is of the opinion that Israel has right to act, in a manner conforming to the state’s values, against those who impinge upon its sovereignty. Our in-principle support for a response should be not be taken to imply endorsement of every operation, particularly those which are disproportional, such as attacks on civilian concentrations and the regional infrastructure in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

2) Expresses empathy with the people of the north and Negev and demands that the government ensures that those residents do not suffered financial hardship in addition to the heavy price that they are paying in terms of their security.

3) Calls on the government to take the lead in organising an immediate mutual ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Such as a ceasefire should simultaneously ensure the return of the kidnapped soldier; the cessation of the firing of Qassam rockets and all other hostile activities; the termination of Israel’s military operations for the Gaza strip, targetted assassinations and artillery shelling; and the release of prisoners, (most importantly the elected Palestinian Authority officials that were arrested by Israel at the commencement of the military operation.)
4) Calls on the government to take the lead in organising an immediate mutual ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, in accordance with the call of the Prime Minster of Lebanon, Fuad Seniora. Such as a ceasefire should simultaneously ensure the return of the kidnapped soldiers; the cessation of all other hostilities; the removal of Hezbollah from southern Lebanon and its replacement by the Lebanese army or a multi-national force and the release of prisoners.

5) Is opposed to any broadening of the IDF operation in Lebanon pending the ceasefire.

6) Is resolve to undertake a camping inside the Israel public with aim of an Israeli initiative leading to peace agreement with the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people, Syria and Lebanon.

[The independent Middle East News Service concentrates on providing alternative information chiefly from Israeli sources. It is sponsored by the Australian Jewish Democratic Society. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the AJDS. These are expressed in its own statements]

© Scoop Media