"The pressure on Iran must be intensified." This was one of the principal messages delivered by Prime MInister Ehud Olmert in his address on December 11 at a dinner that opened the INSS international conference "Security Challnges of the 21st Century." Depsite the more moderate intelligence asessment of the recently-issued Ameican National Intelligence Estimate, the prime minister stressed that this does not bespeak any reduction in American support for Israel on Iran. He also urged that the problem is not Israel's alone, and he called on Europe, Russia, and China to join forces and pressure Iran to halt its nuclear program.

Speaking about the Qassan attacks on Sderot and the western Negev, the prime minister stressed that the Qassam threat must be removed, notwithstanding the difficulty and complexity of the situation.

Prime Minister Olmert also stressed that Israel is eager and ready to mkae peace with all its neighbors, including Syria.

Translated text of Prime Minister Olmert's address