More Quotes
“[I was] shocked and saddened to learn of the vicious attacks yesterday morning in Ankara, which targeted people seeking peace. On behalf of the people of Israel, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Your Excellency, to the people of Turkey and to its leaders. We must stand united in the fight against those who promote the use of violence rather than dialogue and continue to destroy the lives of so many. I believe that you share my hopes for a better and more secure future for all the peoples of our region.” (President Rivlin in a letter of condolences to Turkish President Erdogan, 11/10/2015)
“We’ve just finished celebrating the holidays; we had our holidays and the Muslims had their holidays. We were able to celebrate them because you have enabled us all to do so.”
“We will not permit a situation to occur in Israel in which a person believes that they cannot keep their faith. We believe in the freedom of religion and we provide the Muslims with the freedom to worship on the Temple Mount. You have the duty and right to protect all the citizens of Israel. I want to thank you for your work around the clock, night and day. I’m not a soldier or a policeman so I cannot salute you officially, but I thank you and salute on behalf of the people of Israel.” (President Rivlin speaking to Israeli Border Police in Jerusalem, 08/10/2015)
“Yesterday I was with the IDF; today I am with the Israel Police. I would like to commend its commanders, Bentzi Sau and Moshe Edri, and officers, including Border Police fighters. They are doing exceptional, courageous work, and are showing dedication and sacrifice. We are still in the midst of a wave of terrorism. We are taking strong action against the terrorists, rioters and inciters. We have boosted our forces and are using all necessary means and methods in the fight against this terrorism.
Civilians are at the forefront of the war against terrorism and must also be on maximum alert. I would like to praise the level-headedness that Israel’s citizens have shown both in recent days and today, in Jerusalem and Kiryat Gat. The goal of terrorism is to sow fear and the first order in defeating terrorism is to be level-headed and resilient, both nationally and personally. We have known worse times than this and we will also overcome this wave of terrorism with determination, responsibility and unity.” (Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking at the Israel Police Jerusalem District command centre, 07/10/2015)
“Britain rejects the concept of boycotts. The new changes will stop politically motivated disinvestment campaigns; stop local authority boycotts of goods. Under a Conservative Government, our foreign policy will be made in the Foreign Office.” (Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond speaking to a Conservative Friends of Israel fringe meeting, 06/10/2015)
“We are acting with a strong hand against terrorism and against inciters. We are operating on all fronts. We have brought an additional four IDF battalions into Judea and Samaria, and thousands of police into Jerusalem. The police are going deeply into the Arab neighbourhoods, which has not been done in the past. We will demolish terrorists’ homes. We are allowing our forces to take strong action against those who throw rocks and firebombs. This is necessary in order to safeguard the security of Israeli citizens on the roads and everywhere. We are not prepared to give immunity to any rioter, inciter or terrorist anywhere; therefore, there are no restrictions on the action of our security forces. We will also lift restrictions regarding action against inciters. We will act against the Islamic Movement which, together with Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, is the main source of incitement.” (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement, 05/10/2015)
As the Middle East descends into chaos, Israel’s peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan are two cornerstones of stability. Israel remains committed to achieving peace with the Palestinians as well. Israelis know the price of war. I know the price of war. I was nearly killed in battle. I lost many friends. I lost my beloved brother Yoni.
Those who know the price of war can best appreciate what the blessings of peace would mean – for ourselves, our children, our grandchildren. I am prepared to immediately, immediately, resume direct peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority without any preconditions whatsoever. Unfortunately, President Abbas said yesterday that he is not prepared to do this. Well, I hope he changes his mind. Because I remain committed to a vision of two states for two peoples, in which a demilitarized Palestinian state recognizes the Jewish state.
You know, the peace process began over two decades ago. Yet despite the best efforts of six Israeli prime ministers – Rabin, Peres, Barak, Sharon, Olmert and myself – the Palestinians have consistently refused to end the conflict and make a final peace with Israel. And unfortunately, you heard that rejectionism again only yesterday from President Abbas. How can Israel make peace with a Palestinian partner who refuses to even sit at the negotiating table? Israel expects the Palestinian Authority to abide by its commitments. The Palestinians should not walk away from peace.
President Abbas, I know it’s not easy. I know it’s hard. But we owe it to our peoples to try, to continue to try, because together, if we actually negotiate and stop negotiating about the negotiation, if we actually sit down and try to resolve this conflict between us, recognize each other, not use a Palestinian state as a stepping stone for another Islamist dictatorship in the Middle East, but something that will live at peace next to the Jewish state, if we actually do that, we can do remarkable things for our peoples. (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking to the UN General Assembly, 01/10/2015). For the full speech, click here.