Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister
Avigdor Liberman made the following statements this evening at the Knesset:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
"I take this opportunity to make clear that I remain
committed to making peace with the Palestinians and with all our neighbors. The
Arab peace initiative includes positive elements that can help revive
constructive negotiations with the Palestinians. We are willing to negotiate
with the Arab states revisions to that initiative so that it reflects the
dramatic changes in the region since 2002, but maintains the agreed goal of two
states for two peoples. To this end, we welcome the recent speech by Egyptian
President el-Sisi and his offer to help advance peace and security in the
region."
Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman:
"Mr. Prime Minister, again I thank you for the decision
to appoint me defense minister and I thank the Government of the State of
Israel and the Knesset for supporting that decision.
I listened to everything you said and I absolutely agree
with every word, including two states for two peoples. There was a lot of
speculation about what the policy of the government would be. I want to remind
people that for many years Yisrael Beytenu decided, and I spoke more than once
about recognizing, that same solution of two states for two peoples. I also
believe that I was very supportive of the Bar Ilan speech.
I think that President al-Sisi's speech was very important
and has created a genuine opportunity. We must try to pick up the gauntlet. I
absolutely agree that the Arab [Peace] Initiative also has some very, very
positive elements that enable a serious dialogue with all our neighbors in the
region."