Due to considerable correspondence among the membership, I would like to clarify the following points:
1. I have never stated that Gaza should be attacked without compromise, and if such statements were given to the media in my name, I regret it and consider it as my responsibility to be certain that this will not happen again.
2. My opinion, as well as that of the party's leadership, is NOT that the State of Israel cannot act militarily under any condition or at any time while the citizens of Israel are under constant rocket attack by a terror organization.
3. The State of Israel has the right to react militarily, BUT should do so in a strictly focused action and only in the intensity required to protect its citizens, and only in combination with diplomatic efforts – since without such efforts, there is no point in military action.
4. In the framework of diplomatic efforts we also support ceasefire talks with Hamas.
5. A ceasefire is not in and of itself the goal. During a ceasefire it is incumbent upon the State of Israel to act in a way that strengthens the moderates among the Palestinian people, leading to a weakening of Hamas's position. Indeed, we regret that up until now all Israeli governments have not done so.
To the best of my knowledge, this reflects the opinion of all members of the New Movement-Meretz leadership.
I would like also to point out that at this point in time, we are obligated to act with caution. Things that appear to us as obvious, are not understood the same way by many people – and not only by the general public, but also among our most loyal supporters and friends -- left wingers and human rights supporters, and those who are stuck in their homes as missile attacks continue. When we make a public statement, we must think if these people, as well as of our obligation to oppose a military escalation when it is unnecessary and is harming innocent people on both sides.
In conclusion, below is the official statement of the New Movement-Meretz Party on this subject:
“At this stage, following the IDF's action in the Gaza strip, Israel's primary interest should now be to renew the ceasefire agreement as quickly as possible. The safety of Israeli citizens who live in the vicinity of Gaza and the safety of the kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, demand maximum caution when considering a further large scale operation, particularly a ground invasion, which means sinking in the Gazan mud, in comparison to which, the Lebanese mud is shallow.”
In friendship,
M.K. Haim Oron (Jumas),
Chairman
The New Movement-Meretz Party
*Translated by Joanne Yaron , Head, North America-Australia Desk, World Union of Meretz