It’s not so often that we see such optimism from Israel. But I guess if even Sharon is confident that the Palestinians are doing their part, then we might actually be seeing something good here.

Speaking at a convention of building contractors in Tel Aviv, Sharon said, “I believe that the conditions are now ripe to allow us and the Palestinians to reach a historic breakthrough in the relations between us.”

Sharon’s remarks followed a series of steps by the new Palestinian regime headed by Mahmoud Abbas, including efforts for a halt to militant attacks against Israelis and deployment of Palestinian police in Gaza to stop the attacks.