PM Olmert Visits IDF Judea and Samaria Division: "I Know How Hard You Are
Working."
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today (Sunday), 17.12.06, visited the
headquarters of the IDF Judea and Samaria Division. Defense Minister Amir
Peretz, IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz, GOC Central Command
Maj.-Gen. Yair Naveh, Prime Minister Olmert's Military Secretary Maj.-Gen.
Gadi Shamni, IDF Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Yair Golan
and other senior officers participated in the visit.

Prime Minister Olmert had a working meeting with senior Division officers
and was briefed on current security operations, recent developments in the
Palestinian Authority and the lessons of the war in Lebanon. The Prime
Minister said: "We do not intend to put up our hands. We will do our utmost
to ensure security for this people and we will deal with it. We must
cautiously monitor events on the other side. You are the spearhead of the
State of Israel. There is nothing more proper than to aspire towards a
diplomatic settlement. This is the goal. We must think how we can
influence the quality of life and the economic situation of the other side.
There are those who are not engaged in terrorism and we must act to
strengthen the moderates. The IDF will do what is necessary - this is the
true culture of the IDF. Mistakes will be examined and corrected. Nowhere
in the world are people of this caliber. We will do our utmost so that you
feel the love, appreciation and gratitude that the State of Israel owes
you."

Prime Minister Olmert lit Chanukah candles with Division soldiers and
officers and said: "I know that we have gone through difficult days and that
we are dealing with a complex reality. But I know that the strength of the
people of Israel is great. This is because there are no limits to their
bravery, heroism, determination, sacrifice, sophistication and - above all -
to their love of the Land. These qualities have always stood for us in
every situation. On behalf of the nation, I would like to thank you for
everything that you are doing, for the days and long nights, in order to
bring quiet and tranquility. I know how hard you are working and can say
that the nation thanks you and salutes your commanders led by the
Chief-of-Staff. Happy Chanukah."