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Netanyahu hits back at EU after ambassadors rapped over settlements
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday evening accused the European Union (EU) of hypocritical vocal opposition to settlement building while at the same time remaining quiet on Palestinian incitement.
Speaking at a reception for foreign journalists in Jerusalem, Netanyahu was responding to a reprimand given to Israel’s ambassadors in the UK, France, Italy and Spain just hours earlier. The Israeli envoys were summoned by the respective foreign ministries to be told of deep concern that settlement construction could undermine the prospects of peace. Last Friday, Israel’s Housing Ministry announced tenders for the construction of 800 units in existing West Bank settlements and 600 units in East Jerusalem, all in areas considered major settlement blocs likely to remain part of Israel in any future peace deal.
Netanyahu criticised the rebuke, saying “The European Union called in our ambassadors in the EU because of the construction of a few houses? When did the EU call in the Palestinian ambassadors to complain about the incitement that calls for Israel’s destruction?…About the fact that security officers in the Palestinian security forces are participating in terrorist attacks against innocent Israelis?”
Defending the new construction plans, Netanyahu commented, “The fact that you add a few houses in the existing communities doesn’t change the map one iota.” adding “it’s time to inject some balance and fairness into this discussion.” Netanyahu also said that when peace negotiations resumed with the Palestinian Authority in July, it was “clear that Israel undertook no restraints on construction. That was understood.”
Netanyahu also met yesterday with Jordan’s King Abdullah in Amman. Although few details of the meeting were published, a statement said that Netanyahu “emphasized that Israel places a premium on security arrangements, including Jordan’s interests, in any future agreement” with the PA.
Meanwhile, all Yesh Atid MKs including leader Yair Lapid participated yesterday in protests at junctions across Israel in support of a peace agreement. Lapid commented, “Netanyahu needs to know he has support to bring a diplomatic agreement.”