Olmert Keeps Using the 'R' Word

Once again Olmert is talking about helping to bolster Abbas, this time by releasing $100 million of the Palestinian tax money frozen by Israel--in order to help the PA to meet humanitarian needs of the terrorists territories.

But lest Abbas and the Palestinians think that he's a pushover, Olmert laid down the law:

Olmert reiterated his willingness in principle to transfer guns from Egypt to Abbas' forces in the Gaza Strip, and to have the Palestinian Badr Brigade from Jordan come to Gaza. Olmert told Abbas Israel would have difficulty continuing to show restraint if Qassam fire continued on Israel. [emphasis added]

No doubt this thinly veiled threat sent shivers down the spines of the hapless Palestinian Arabs. Surely they realize that restraint is not something Olmert takes lightly:

December 13, 2006
"I am very aware how easily we could slide into total violence," said Olmert, "but we still restrain ourselves and don't respond." Olmert added that since the ceasefire was declared on Nov. 26th Palestinians have launched over 20 rockets into Israel. [emphasis added]

December 7, 2006
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Thursday that Israel will "continue to show restraint" in Gaza, despite continuing rocket fire. [emphasis added]

November 27, 2006
'Experience ... has taught us that not everything finds immediate expression in a comprehensive, complete and orderly manner,' he said.
Israel can 'Show restraint in order to give the cease-fire a serious chance,' Olmert added.[emphasis added]

July 18, 2006
“Our enemies were mistaken to think that our desire to show restraint was a sign of weakness,” Olmert boomed.[emphasis added]

July 4, 2006
We will not agree to accede to the brutal and baseless demands of those who wish to see Gilad Shalit as a representative example of additional victims that they would attempt to use to blackmail the State of Israel and to undermine the foundations of our existence. We will be strong like the members of his family. We will show restraint like his parents, who have won our respect and admiration. We will be patient. We will fight terrorism. We will free Gilad and we will defeat them.”[emphasis added]

So just how long should we expect Olmert to plug this line?

Well, according to the Consulate General of Israel in San Francisco:

Israel has shown restraint for six years in waiting for Lebanon to disarm Hizbullah and take control of the south per UN resolutions. The time to take action has finally come. [emphasis added]

Israel spent 6 years watching Hezbollah strengthen its position in southern Lebanon, while putting up with attacks and kidnappings.

Just how long would Olmert be willing to put up with the Kassams from Gaza?

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