BICOM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday reiterated his willingness to enter direct peace talks with the Palestinian Authority, saying that the key to an agreement is Palestinian acceptance of the Jewish State.

Speaking to a delegation from the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Netanyahu said, “We’re engaged right now in an effort that we appreciate, led by [US] President Obama and Secretary [of State John] Kerry to restart the peace negotiations between us and the Palestinians.”

Netanyahu did not directly address an Arab League announcement earlier this week, brokered by Kerry, which endorsed mutual land swaps to help delineate the final borders in a comprehensive peace deal. It is viewed as a softening of conditions set out in a 2002 Arab League initiative which would bring about full Arab recognition of Israel. However, Netanyahu fully backed Kerry’s efforts to kick-start Israeli-Palestinian talks, saying “We’re eager to do it; we have no preconditions and we think there shouldn’t be any preconditions to restart negotiations.” He added that the success of talks would depend on two factors,” One is that the Palestinians recognise the Jewish state, and second that Israel has solid security arrangements.”

Speaking earlier in the day to workers at Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Netanyahu outlined the importance of a peace deal, saying “The purpose of the future agreement with the Palestinians is to prevent the eventuality of a bi-national state and to guarantee stability and security.”

Meanwhile, opposition leader and Labour Party head Shelly Yachimovich called on Netanyahu to endorse the Arab League’s amended initiative and said that she would even consider joining his coalition should he do so. Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who will head any future Israeli delegation in peace talks, has also enthusiastically welcomed the Arab League announcement.