Netanyahu Endorses Palestinian Independence
Jun 14, 2009 6 Comments ›› Erik Wong
Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will recognise a two-state solution to the Middle East peace process with the Palestinians.
Israel’s Prime Minister Designate Benjamin Netanyu
Mr Netanyahu made the call during a major policy speech about his Mideast peacemaking intentions, but said any Palestinian state would have to be disarmed.
“In any peace agreement, the territory under Palestinian control must be disarmed, with solid security guarantees for Israel,” he said.
Guaranteed Palestinian demilitarisation and security arrangements for Israel would be required.
And Palestinians would have to recognise Israel as the state of Jewish people if a Palestinian state is to be created alongside the Jewish state, Mr Netanyahu said.
Up to now Netanyahu has resisted endorsing the creation of a Palestinian state as part of a Mideast peace settlement, which has drawn intense pressure from the Obama administration.
Israel’s leader said he shares the US president’s objectiveto bring about a new era of reconciliation in the Middle East.
But the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said the speech “sabotages” peace efforts.
Mr Netanyahu also declared the solution of the Palestinian refugee problem would have to be “outside Israel.”
Palestinians claim that refugees from the 1948-49 war that followed Israel’s creation and their millions of descendants have the right to reclaim their original homes.
“I call on you, our Palestinian neighbors, and to the leadership of the Palestinian Authority: Let us begin peace negotiations immediately, without preconditions,” he said.
“Israel is committed to international agreements and expects all the other parties to fulfill their obligations as well.”
Mr Netanyahu also called for Arab leaders to meet him and contribute to Palestinian economic development.
