The World: Defending, Politically Former IDF chief Lipkin-Shahak, a possible candidate for prime minister, endorses pact. Your Deck House or Acorn Home • Open Interiors • Wall of Glass • Post and Beam Construction • Fine Wood Craftsmanship JULIE WIENER Staff Writer For information about Deck House & Acorn Homes: Contact: Elite Builders, Authorized Builders of Deck House and Acorn Homes 1-800-557-5647 • 248-553-3749 www.deckhouse.com DECK HOUSE INCORPOR A T E D ngAny body Else Sells obody vi Services . isc is °. iiffW ••••••• : aranmasft,„, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. WEINTRAUB JEWELERS In-store Spec als Everyday Sunset Strip 29536 Northwestern Hwy. Southfield • ell 24815/-4000 Hours: Mon.-Sot. 10-5 4, -:\\ I \t° Diply w i Ni ■ S 286 Maple • Birmingham • 248-540-1977 sanolb uaai6 g sesseibuns poo Aaleanns 4iu>i puey e slleieno padp15 a y e llow s l ic ker 05 a blue bathing suit with a bow G a leather bomber 6 polka-dot shorts wJem Heating & Air Conditioning 10/30 1998 Carrier 56 Detroit Jewish News R polls show Lieutenant General Amnon Lipkin- Shahak more popular among Israeli voters than Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. However, the recently retired chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces isn't quite ready to take on his former boss. He told The Jewish News this week he is more interested in business than in run- ning for office right now, although, he added, "I didn't close this option." Lipkin-Shahak, 54, was in Detroit Tuesday night speaking at a parlor meeting benefiting Michigan Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In a brief speech at the Bloomfield Hills horrie of Linden and Michelle Nelson; Lipkin-Shahak endorsed the Wye River agreement signed between Israel and the Palestinian Authority last week. But he noted that "the so-called peace process" started several agree- ments ago, and that more agreements loom ahead before anything is finalized. "This isn't the first agreement and it won't be the last one," he told the approximately 100 major donors assem- bled, surrounded by 30-foot wide origi- nal paintings and enormous glass win- dows. "All that's been done is the easy part." Lipkin-Shahak said he was con- cerned about some details of the agree- ment and was unsure how issues like the status of Jerusalem or the fate of Jewish settlers in Palestinian-controlled areas will be resolved, but "much more important than the details is that we're moving ahead," he said. "What are the alternatives if we want to continue to build Israel economically and socially and make it an attractive place for more Jews to settle?" he asked, adding that the conflict with the Palestinians has far-reaching implica- tions for Israel's relations with other Arab countries and the entire Middle East. "The most disturbing thing and the main mistake the Palestinians did in the past few years was not to be strong enough in fighting terrorist activities coming from their areas of responsibili- ty," said Lipkin-Shahak. "The only thing that can block peace is if the ecent Palestinian people and leaders don't do their utmost to prevent terrorist activi- ties against Israel." - Despite his reservations, Lipkin- Shahak said that Israelis owed it to themselves to make a good faith effort to achieve peace. "The chance to have an agreement to live side by side is very high and we can do it. If it's not going to work, at least we can say we did the utmost. - Lipkin-Shahak also stressed the IDF's importance as a social "melting pot," for uniting the diverse — and often polar- ized — groups within Israeli Jewish society. The major donors at Tuesday's event ranged from cautiously optimistic about the peace process to downright jaded. "I'm optimistic," said Gary Alan. "What the general said is we want peace, and it's up to [the Arabs] now If they want it, it will happen." "Time will tell," said Henry Lee. "I personally don't have the confidence in the Arab community and don't know what will come but will try to be an incurable optimist." "I'd like to believe there's good faith on both sides but I don't," said Sheldon Gilbert. "I have to admit I'm a bigoted person about Arabs. I don't trust them. It's easy to sign your name, but I don't think the Arabs want to implement it and I'm also -not sure Israel wants to." Gilbert's wife, Betty, was more opti- mistic. "I certainly hope it works because we need to get some agree- ment." An Israeli American woman who didn't want her name used was more cynical. ``I wish I could trust this would work out. I would like it to work, but I have my doubts. I don't know that ter- rorism is going to stop, and what's a peace agreement without stopping ter- rorism?" The Gilberts found Lipkin-Shahak less dynantic than Netanyahu. "He doesn't strike sparks like Netanyahu does," said Sheldon Gilbert. "Sometimes I like Netanyahu, some- times I don't, but he makes me react and this guy doesn't." "This general seems softer toned," said Betty Gilbert. "He doesn't have the heat and anger that we had prior to this." Lee was more enthusiastic: "He's an exciting guy. 1 would love to see him be part of the political scene." Michigan Friends of the IDF raises finds to meet the social, educational and recreational needs of active duty Israeli soldiers. It aims to raise $1.2 mil- lion in 1998. ❑ 41.