More Quotes
We found wide American support for Israel‘s basic demands, first and foremost, the recognition of the state of Israel as a nation for the Jewish people, the need for borders, security and the complete renunciation of Hamas. In the U.S., I suggested a broad political outline which most of the people in Israel support. The time has come for the Zionist parties to unite around these principles. The time has come for the Palestinian Authority to also recognise Israel‘s justified demands.
I am willing to make painful compromises to achieve this historical peace. As the leader of Israel, it is my responsibility. So I‘m saying today something that should be said publicly by all those who are serious about peace. In any real peace agreement, in any peace agreement that ends the conflict, some settlements will end up beyond Israel‘s borders.
It‘s time that we admitted another truth: This conflict has raged for nearly a century because the Palestinians refuse to end it. They refuse to accept the Jewish state. I repeat; we can only make peace with the Palestinians if they‘re prepared to make peace with the Jewish state.
I am a partner to President Obama‘s wish to promote peace and I appreciate his efforts in the past and present to achieve this goal. I am determined to work with President Obama to find ways to renew peace talks.
The borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognised borders are established for both states. The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, and reach their potential, in a sovereign and contiguous state.
The actions the administration has taken today send an unequivocal message to President Assad, the Syrian leadership and regime insiders that they will be held accountable for the ongoing violence and repression in Syria. President Assad and his regime must immediately end the use of violence, answer the calls of the Syrian people for a more representative government and embark upon the path of meaningful democratic reform.