The United States and Israel said after high-level talks here Wednesday that the time might not be ripe for the Jewish state to resume peace talks with arch-rival Syria.
Israel does not want a war with arch-foe Syria, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Wednesday after a meeting of the powerful security cabinet that focused on Damascus.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Wednesday said he's willing to negotiate directly with Syria without pre-conditions.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, seeking to defuse tensions with Syria, said Wednesday that Israel was interested in peace with Damascus and had no belligerent intentions.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz discussed Syria, and the Iranian nuclear program, in a meeting Wednesday that opened an annual bilateral strategic dialogue.
Defense Minister Amir Peretz, asked about the possibility of war with Syria, said Wednesday that the military was preparing for any scenario but added that Israel must not give up on diplomacy with Damascus.
Israeli PM Ehud Olmert says his country does not want war with Syria, and has passed this message to Damascus.
CONCERN is growing that Israel and Syria may be heading towards war, with signs that both are preparing their armies.
JERUSALEM, June 6 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Wednesday said he's willing to negotiate directly with Syria without pre-conditions. Olmert was asked about opening talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad during a security cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Ynetnews reported.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, yesterday hauled Syria to the top of his agenda with a strategy apparently designed to demonstrate that Israel is prepared for war while exploring possible negotiations on a lasting peace.