By Stan Goodenough
Feb 27, 2008
This year might see Israel taking a giant step towards a peace deal with the Palestinian Arabs, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday.
It was less likely to actually reach that goal though, even though the Bush administration has pledged to do its utmost to help bring this about.
Speaking to reporters in Japan, where he is on a state visit, Olmert said his government is "making exceptional efforts to conclude all differences with our neighbors and to resolve outstanding disputes" with the "Palestinians."
"We have a desire to reach an agreement within the year 2008 [but] I am not sure we will make it," he confessed.
However, Israel was "determined to make a giant step forward to end this dispute once and for all.
"There will be no better opportunity, and we want to make every possible effort to seize" it.
Analysts, reading between the lines, heard the Israeli leader leaving his government an out, but hastening to reassure Washington Israel would do its best.