BICOM

Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and Leader of the Opposition Shelly Yachimovich were among the Israeli political leaders who spoke yesterday at a conference in Washington reiterating their support for the two-state solution.

Addressing the opening session of the J Street national policy conference in Washington, Livni, who also heads Israel’s negotiating team in the current peace talks with the Palestinian Authority, said that the two-state solution is “not a favour to the Palestinians, to the Arab world, to President Obama,” but it is in fact “in our interest.” She continued, peace will lead to a “new situation, a new opportunity in our troubled region.” However, Livni added, “In your quest for peace, don’t abandon Israel’s security needs,” as “even after a peace agreement is reached it will be a tough neighbourhood.”

Labour party leader Shelly Yachimovich also addressed the gathering and struck a similar tone, saying “The two state solution is the only viable solution for us. It is the only solution that can allow us to fulfil the Zionist dream of a Jewish and democratic state.” Yachimovich pledged Labour’s support for Prime Minister Netanyahu “if he is serious about reaching a peace agreement.”

Meanwhile, Likud MK Tzachi Hanegbi, considered a close ally of Netanyahu also spoke at the conference saying, “I think we will be able to give… a win-win answer, to almost every issue, including Jerusalem, the settlements – every issue has a compromise that can be relevant to both sides.” The exception said Hanegbi is “The issue of the [Palestinian] refugees” which “cannot be compromised.”

Iran’s nuclear development was also addressed by the speakers. Yachimovich said “If the Iranians are trying to fool us, it is clear that all options are on the table,” while Livni said that Israel has “common interests” with some Arab and Islamic states including “the grave threat” of a nuclear Iran.