[Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA: There is a fairly straightforward explanation for
PM Olmert's interest in an international force: The Olmert-Livni team
adamantly claims that the Second Lebanon War was a fantastic success because
it concluded with the introduction of the grossly ineffective international
force (a reminder: the recent high profile discovery of rockets about to
launch in South Lebanon was not the result of the efforts of the "hear no
evil see no evil" international force that studiously avoids even inspecting
areas that are most likely to have Hezbollah activity, but instead thanks to
a Lebanese villager who discovered the rockets and brought them to the
attention of the authorities). They thus see their reputations tied to the
validity of using international forces.]

Israel examining int'l treaty to isolate Hamas
US promoting initiative for ceasefire treaty that would be forced on Hamas.
Olmert says Israel will agree to offer only if all rocket fire and terror
emanating from Gaza stop, military buildup is halted and international
forces enter Strip
Roni Sofer Published: 01.05.09, 03:59 / Israel News
www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3650522,00.html

The United States has launched an international effort, which includes
Israel, Egypt and the Palestinians, to formulate a ceasefire agreement that
would neutralize Hamas' influence in the region, diplomatic sources in
Jerusalem reported Sunday night.

The move will be carried out with the support of the international
community.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke Sunday with Russian President Dmitry
Medvedev, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Quartet's Mideast Envoy
Tony Blair, to discuss the possibility of promoting such a treaty.

According to Olmert, Israel is interested in a ceasefire agreement that
would bring to an isolation of Hamas and include the following conditions: A
stop to the rocket fire and the terror emanating from Gaza, as well as to
Hamas' military buildup, and the deployment of international forces in the
Gaza Strip to enforce the implementation of a truce.

The release of Gilad Shalit will also be stipulated as one of Israel's terms
for a halt to the fighting as part of any future agreement.

A senior source in Jerusalem said Sunday: "After Israel launched the ground
incursion, the world realized it must wake up and abide by the conditions
set by Israel.

"Contrary to the empty moves initiated by various countries, including the
humanitarian ceasefire initiative promoted by French Foreign Minister
Bernard Kouchner, the American initiative is based on the agreement of the
four elements that surround the only geographical territory in the world
that is ruled by a terrorist entity - Gaza."

The official explained that the initiative does not include negotiations
with Hamas, but rather forcing such a regional treaty on the organization.
He added that Olmert has made it clear to the Americans and to other world
leaders involved in the move, that Israel's conditions were not negotiable,
and that if they are not obtained through a diplomatic course, they would be
secured through the military operation.

"Moreover, Olmert stressed that at this point the operation in Gaza
continues. If Hamas doesn't stop the rocket fire, the terror and the
military buildup and agree to international monitoring - the fighting will
go on with international approval," he concluded.