Olmert warns of high price of delaying peace

JERUSALEM (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who could step down later this week, warned on Monday against delaying a peace deal with the Palestinians.

“Every day that goes by without our reaching a deal with the Palestinians is a day we may regret in the future,” an aide quoted the once-hawkish Olmert as telling parliament’s powerful foreign affairs and defence committee.

Olmert’s briefing was likely to be his last as he plans to step down after his Kadima party elects a successor on Wednesday.

On Sunday, Olmert said Israel must give up parts of the West Bank.

“The idea of a ‘Greater Israel’ is over. There is no such thing. Whoever says so is just misleading himself,” Olmert said.

“I used to think that the land between the Jordan River and the sea was all ours. But ultimately, after a long and torturous process, I reached the conclusion that we must share it with those who live here with us.”