ISRAEL's uncertain election result has given lame-duck Prime Minister Ehud Olmert new urgency to reach a ceasefire with Hamas militants. A deal would open Gaza's borders and allow tons of piled-up aid to finally enter the impoverished territory. It also would give Olmert a last-minute diplomatic victory before leaving office, potentially delivering an extended period of quiet to Israel's battered south and bringing home an Israeli soldier held captive in Gaza. But with the two leading contenders to succeed Olmert both saying they want to topple Hamas and the Islamic militant group equally hostile to Israel, it's unclear if any long-term truce could survive. Egypt has been trying to broker a long-term ceasefire since Israel ended a fierce three-week military offensive in Gaza last month. Hamas wants Israel to end its economic blockade of Gaza, imposed after the Islamic militants seized power in June 2007, while Israel is demanding an end to arms smuggling into Gaza. Israel also wants Hamas to release Sgt. Gilad Schalit, a soldier who was captured by Hamas-allied militants in June 2006. In return, Hamas has demanded the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Olmert's spokesman, Mark Regev, said the Israeli leader will pursue a ceasefire until his successor takes office, something that could take weeks. “We will continue to seek sustained peace and quiet in the south and try to work for the release of Gilad Schalit, and we will continue our engagement with the Egyptians for long-term stability,” he said. Regev dismissed talk that Olmert feels pressed to reach a deal as “speculation.” But senior defense officials said Olmert's dwindling time in office has ironically improved conditions for working out an agreement. One official said Olmert feels compelled to “clear the table” before leaving office, and his lame-duck status has made it easier to make the difficult decisions since he is freed of political constraints. In particular, the prospect of freeing hundreds of Hamas prisoners, including convicted murders, is likely to generate heavy criticism in Israel. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing confidential information, said he believed a ceasefire could be reached relatively quickly if the Israeli government makes the required tough decisions. A top Hamas delegation was expected to arrive in Cairo late Wednesday to talk to the Egyptians. Hamas appears eager to reach a ceasefire, though officials say the prospect of a hardline Israeli government in the future will not make them reduce their demands.
