BICOM

Addressing the Diplomatic Corps in Israel to mark the country’s Independence Day, Israel’s Prime Minister has told the envoys that he supports a two-state solution and is prepared to meet Palestinian Authority (PA) President at any point.

Speaking at the gathering at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “my call for peace today is not hypothetical” and that he is prepared “to meet President (Mahmoud) Abbas today in Jerusalem. If he’d like, in Ramallah.” Appealing to the diplomats present, Netanyahu asked: “You can encourage President Abbas to accept my offer of direct talks today. Because direct talks are not merely the most likely and best path for peace. Ultimately, it’s the only way that you will achieve a peace that will endure.”

He also said that countries are increasingly keen to connect with Israel, in order to both strengthen security and take advantage of the country’s technological prowess. He commented: “In recent years, I’ve seen formerly hostile states… especially in the region, form new and deep partnerships with us… I think this creates new hope.”

This process, said Netanyahu, is crucial to concluding a peace deal with the Palestinians, explaining “we might solve the Israeli-Palestinian problem by enjoying the support of Arab states who now see Israel more and more… as an ally against the forces that threaten their own countries as well.”

Clarifying his standpoint, Netanyahu said: “I know there is scepticism about my position… But I want to state unequivocally and in front of diplomats from around the world: I continue to support two states for two peoples.” He added that “the core of this conflict” remains “The persistent refusal to recognise a Jewish state in any boundary.”

Meanwhile, Director General of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Dore Gold, considered a close ally of Netanyahu, reaffirmed Israeli concerns over the French initiative to facilitate a multi-lateral peace conference. He said yesterday that a Netanyahu-Abbas meeting would be preferable, although including reference to the Jewish state within the French initiative would be “a very important factor.”