BICOM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday declared his support for a two-state solution in his first clear policy statement on the issue since March’s general election.

Netanyahu’s government engaged in a round of US-spearheaded peace talks with the Palestinian Authority (PA) which broke down in April 2014 after the PA announced a unity government with Hamas. However, Netanyahu raised concerns in the international community on the eve of the recent election, when he said that the regional and security challenges negated the possibility of a Palestinian state being established. Last week though, Netanyahu’s new government announced that it would “strive to reach a peace agreement” as part of its agreed policy guidelines and Interior Minister Silvan Shalom has since been appointed to head any future talks.

During a joint press conference with European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini, on her maiden visit to the region in office, Netanyahu said, “We want a peace that would end the conflict once and for all … I don’t support a one-state solution, I don’t believe that’s a solution at all, I support the vision of two states for two peoples.” Elaborating on his outlook, Netanyahu added, “I support … a demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes the Jewish state – and I look forward to discussing with you how we can advance that vision forth in a practical, secure, and responsible way.”

Mogherini has made clear that she intends for the EU to take a major role in brokering a resumption of peace talks between Israel and the PA. She said yesterday, “The EU is interested in peace and security for Israel and for the region, because this is also our European peace and security.” Mogherini also visited Ramallah yesterday, where she met PA President Mahmoud Abbas. She said that progress is in the interests of Israelis, Palestinians and Europe, as “there is no status quo.”

Mogherini is today scheduled to meet Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin and opposition leader Isaac Herzog.