Translation: Zionist Party Calls For Ceasefire Efforts
Translated by Sol Salbe
[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
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.
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]