BICOM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and government ministers repeated their support for a negotiated two-state solution, following comments over the weekend from Deputy Defence Minister and Likud MK Danny Danon, who suggested that a government vote for such an agreement would not pass.

Danon, who is considered to represent the Likud’s right-wing said in an interview with the Times of Israel that “if there will be a move to promote a two-state solution, you will see forces blocking it within the party and the government” and that “you will see the majority of Likud ministers, along with the Jewish Home [party], will be against it.”

The Prime Minister’s Office took the unusual step of directly contacting the Times of Israel on the Jewish Sabbath saying that Danon’s views “do not represent the position of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and the government of Israel,” and that Netanyahu “is interested in a resumption of negotiations without preconditions.” Last week, Netanyahu took to the Knesset podium and appealed directly to Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas to enter direct talks and “give peace a chance.”

Yediot Ahronot this morning reports that Defence Minister and Likud MK Moshe Ya’alon is extremely frustrated with Danon following his weekend comments. The report suggests that Ya’alon has barred Danon from meeting IDF officials and will appoint Home Front Minister Gilad Erdan as his replacement instead of Danon during his absence owing to a trip abroad next week.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni who is leading Israel’s efforts to restart peace talks with the PA told Israel Radio that she is hopeful of resuming negotiations, despite “elements” within the government. Her Hatnuah Party colleague and Environment Minister Amir Peretz criticised Danon, saying “Anyone who tries to bury the idea of two states… endangers the future of Zionism.”