Jerusalem is not a settlement, it is our capital, says Netanyahu
Netanyahu spoke thus in a speech to about 7,500 delegates at the annual meeting in Washington Political Action Committee American Israel (AIPAC), the main Jewish lobby in America.
“The Jewish people built 3000 years ago Jerusalem and the Jewish people today builds Jerusalem. Jerusalem is not a settlement. It is our capital,” said Tariceanu after the Government announced it will lift its 1,600 homes in east Jerusalem will create a strong tension with Washington, which both countries have tried to cut in recent days.
Netanyahu recalled that it had maintained the policy of previous governments, both Labor and the rightist Likud and the announcemen1000t of new housing does not violate any of its commitments.
“Everyone knows these neighborhoods (where construction is planned) will be part of Israel in any peace agreement. therefore, build on them does not preclude the possibility of a two-state solution, “he said.
Prime Minister said he wants peace with the Palestinians, but argued that” peace requires reciprocity. There can be a one way street where only Israel makes concessions. “
” Israel is willing to make the compromises necessary for peace, but we hope that the Palestinian leadership also to make it, “he said.
Prime Minister, however, gave a clear message of rejection to those who call for a rapprochement with the White House.
“The future of the Jewish state can not ever depend on the goodwill of even the most noble man. Israel must always reserve the right to defend themselves,” he said.
Still, expressed confidence in the relationship between the two countries: “When the world faces daunting challenges, I know that Israel and the U.S. will face together.”
In this regard issued a warning about Iran”s nuclear program “a threat to Israel, but also a serious threat to the region and against the world”.
Netanyahu met today with Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, for try to improve relations between both countries.
As reported by the State Department spokesman, Philip Crowley, the two “discussed specific measures could be taken to improve the environment and maintain the progress of the proximity talks. “
The spokesman said the U.S. approach remains “to create an atmosphere of trust so that the parties can begin to solve important problems through proximity talks and move toward direct negotiations as soon as possible. We continue moving forward with that goal.”
The meeting came after Clinton announced to the Committee American Israel Public Affairs reiterated its intention to Netanyahu the “strong commitment” of U.S. to Israel with a warning that the impasse in the peace process in the Middle East is “unsustainable”.