Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Thursday that Israelis would not be “suckers” in peace negotiations, despite their willingness to make concessions in order to reach an accord with their neighbors.
By Yuval Azoulay, Haaretz Correspondent
Netanyahu: We’re ready for peace, but won’t be suckers
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Thursday that Israelis would not be “suckers” in peace negotiations, despite their willingness to make concessions in order to reach an accord with their neighbors.
“We have proven time and again that we are willing to make compromises for peace, but we won’t lead ourselves astray – we are not willing to be suckers,” Netanyahu told members of his center-right Likud party.
He added: “There is a government in Israel that strengthens [our] security, that leads the economy from crisis to recovery, and that advances the diplomatic process responsibly and with open eyes, while steadfastly standing up for the interests of our people and our country.”
Netanyahu’s speech to the rank and file Likudniks came as he was reportedly set to announce a freeze on construction in West Bank settlements, a move some in his party hotly oppose. He met with Likud ministers over the weekend in an attempt to persuade them to support the freeze.
During the speech, which was held ahead of the upcoming Jewish holidays, Netanyahu addressed West Bank settlers, calling them “loyal and good citizens.”
“You deserve to live normal lives,” he said. “We will do two things at the same time: Advance the diplomatic process, and enable you to live normal lives.”
The prime minister also touched upon Jerusalem, whose eastern neighborhoods the Palestinians want to form the capital of a state they hope to create in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
“United Jerusalem is the capital of the Jewish people, and it will remain so forever,” he vowed. “The people of Israel are ready to do much for peace, but will not give up on the clear and unequivocal recognition of the right of the Jewish people to the State of Israel.”