Confidants of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas are in "constant contact" trying to reach an agreement to expand the cease-fire in Gaza to include the West Bank, senior government sources said Monday evening. The comments came hours after Olmert, in a speech at David Ben-Gurion's grave in Sde Boker marking the 33rd anniversary of his death, defined the concessions Israel would be willing to make were the Palestinians to end terrorism, give up demands for a right of refugee return and free captive soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit. The comments also came hours after two Kassam rockets were fired at the Western Negev, yet again shattering the cease-fire. The fire hasn't ceased, but they're working on extending it. Whatever it is.
Nevertheless, during his speech at Sde Boker, Olmert expressed hope that the Gaza cease-fire agreement would be the start of a much wider process. "I come today, from here, near the tomb of David Ben-Gurion, to suggest to you a different path," he said, addressing the Palestinians, "a path that offers a chance for a different future, for you and for us. We started it the day before yesterday."