BICOM

Israeli leaders from across the political spectrum provided a range of reactions to US President Obama’s keynote speech in Jerusalem yesterday, during which he reaffirmed a deep commitment to Israel’s security while making the case for a peace process which would include the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a brief statement thanking Obama for his “unconditional support” for Israel and declaring his own support for “peace that ensures the safety of all the citizens of Israel.”

Meanwhile, new Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett, whose Jewish Home party does not support the creation of a Palestinian state said, “The time has come for new ideas and creativity to solve the Middle East conflict,” concluding that “A Palestinian state is not the right way.”

However, Bennett’s cabinet colleague, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni took an opposing view, calling Obama’s speech “important and inspiring.” Livni said “It is our job to implement our Zionist vision as reflected in his eloquent words.” Obama’s address was also praised by International Relations Minister Yuval Steinitz in an interview with Channel Ten, who described the entire visit as “very important and very good.”

Meanwhile, Labour MK Itzik Shmueli, who attended the speech in Jerusalem, urged the Israeli people to take up Obama’s challenge of making peace a reality, saying “They must take his words about pressuring the leadership as a demand, and not just a recommendation.”

United Arab List MK Ahmed Tibi, a veteran and vehement critic of Israeli government policy towards the Palestinians, said “There is nothing new about Obama’s words on a Jewish state.” However, he noted the “refreshing” applause from the audience which greeted Obama’s call for a Palestinian state and praised Obama for clearly mentioning “Palestinian suffering under the occupation.”