A CONVERSATION WITH EHUD OLMERT Interim Israeli Prime Minister

I will seek such recognition, yes. But it's important to understand that if we reach the conclusion that the Palestinians -- led by a Hamas government, which is a terrorist organization -- are not prepared to meet the preliminary requirements of the roadmap, then we don't have to wait forever. We don't need to waste our energies and our resources. We can move forward to create a new reality on the ground congruent with the understanding that there should be two states existing alongside each other and that the Palestinians must have a contiguous territory where they can hopefully establish a credible state.

But if you move all the settlers you're talking about and evacuate large parts of the West Bank in a unilateral move, wouldn't you expect some kind of new alliance or new defensive pact from the United States ?

If this move is accepted as a contribution to a Middle East with less violence and terror, we will be able to reach an understanding with the American government about some measures of support that can be essential to its success.

Financial, military or both ?

Everything that could be of assistance to the completion of such a huge challenge will be on the agenda. It's not just a financial issue.

Down the road, are you thinking strategically of a framework for a new Israel-U.S. alliance?

There is an alliance between Israel and the United States, and it has never been stronger than at the time of George W. Bush. So within that framework, we will probably discuss many issues.

You said you will give bilateral talks with the Palestinians a chance. Does that mean bilateral talks with Palestinian President Abu Mazen?

Bilateral talks with the official representatives of the Palestinian Authority. Abu Mazen has deprived himself of all the practical authorities of government. It will have to be those in government, on the condition that they meet the requirements of the roadmap and the Quartet: no violence; recognition of the state of Israel; acceptance of all the former agreements that were signed by the Palestinian Authority.

How much time will you give the new Palestinian government?

I'm not expressing any ultimatum. If we reach the conclusion that the Palestinians are not prepared to meet the requirements that lead to negotiations, we will then move forward without a negotiating process. We are ready to change. We are not prepared to wait forever.

I understand that you're trying to draw a distinction between the Palestinian government and the Palestinian people regarding international aid .