Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today spoke with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and congratulated her on assuming her important and central office.  He said that her abilities, talent and rich experience will find expression in her post.

Prime Minister Olmert told US Secy. of State Clinton that Israel is interested in continuing to advance the Middle East peace process and intends to invest great effort in providing humanitarian assistance to the residents of the Gaza Strip.  He added that Israel would also do its utmost in order to fight terrorism and prevent weapons from being smuggled to the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip.