Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, this evening, spoke with Israel Police Commissioner Inspector-General Dudi Cohen, Druze community leader Sheikh Muafak Tarif and Peki'in Mayor Muhammad Kheir in the wake of Tuesday's violent incidents in Peki'in, in order to calm the situation and discuss ways to prevent similar violent events in the future.  The Prime Minister sought to emphasize that he views Tuesday's violent incidents not as having a nationalist character but as a violent outburst – severe in and of itself – that must be investigated and the recurrence of which must be prevented.

Prime Minister Olmert thanked Sheikh Tarif for his efforts to calm situation.  The Prime Minister expressed his hope that the event would not mar the covenant between Jews and the Druze and promised that the Government would continue with its plan to reduce gaps regarding the Druze community, especially in regard to education and discharged young Druze soldiers.

Prime Minister Olmert told Peki'in Mayor Kheir that everything had to be done to prevent Tuesday's events from harming the fabric of life in Peki'in, including Druze, Muslims, Christians and Jews and to restore the mixed community to the path of tranquility and development.

Prime Minister Olmert asked Israel Police Commissioner Cohen about the police personnel who were injured Tuesday.  The Prime Minister made it clear that alongside the need to inquire into the events, the Government could not countenance attacking police officers and taking of violent action against law enforcement personnel.  He asked that a report on Tuesday's events be submitted for Cabinet consideration at its meeting on Sunday, 4.11.07.