What is Ehud Olmert giving away, to the same countries responsible for tacitly supporting the Palestinian jihad against Israel? Arab ministers in Israel for land-for-peace talks.

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Egyptian and Jordanian envoys from the Arab League, on their first visit to Israel to present an Arab land-for-peace plan, called on Wednesday for setting a rapid timetable for talks with the Palestinians over statehood.

“We need a precise timetable, a quick timetable and we urge Israel not to waste this historic opportunity. Time is not on our side,” said Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdelelah al-Khatib, in Jerusalem with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he believed there was “a chance in the near future for the process to ripen into talks that would, in effect, deal with the stages of establishing a Palestinian state.”

“Land for peace:” the terrible fantasy that refuses to die. Every time Israel has given up land in the quest for peace, it has made the situation much worse, emboldening the jihadis to redouble their efforts. But here we are again.

UPDATE at 7/25/07 8:53:50 am:

And in another surreal denial of reality, even as Hamas sets up shari’a law in Gaza, Olmert is talking about rushing into a deal to create a “Palestinian state:” PM confirms intention to negotiate with Abbas on formation of Palestinian state.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert confirmed Wednesday that he intends to engage in negotiations with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on the formation of a Palestinian state.

Olmert was responding to a Haaretz report, according to which he offered to hold negotiations toward an “Agreement of Principles” for the establishment of a Palestinian state comprised of the Gaza Strip and most of the West Bank.

In a press conference with President Shimon Peres, Olmert stressed that no timetable has been set for the negotiations.

The prime minister added that there are “other quiet understandings” with the PA, in addition to the confidence-building measures Israel has taken. These include the release of prisoners affiliated with Abbas’ Fatah movement, amnesty for wanted Fatah men and the transfer of withheld tax funds.