WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — Jewish groups on Thursday, March 19, welcomed Israel’s Prime Mininster Benjamin Netanyahu’s clarification that he still desires a two-state solution with the Palestinians, although he considers circumstances very difficult for achieving this outcome.
Here are the comments from the Jewish groups:
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC): “Today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly and clearly reaffirmed his commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In addition, he sought to reassure that his government will be dedicated to serving and representing all the people of Israel – both Jewish and non-Jewish citizens. Unfortunately, administration spokespersons rebuffed the prime minister’s efforts to improve the understandings between Israel and the U.S. In contrast to their comments, we urge the administration to further strengthen ties with America’s most reliable and only truly democratic ally in the Middle East. A solid and unwavering relationship between the U.S. and Israel is in the national security interests of both countries and reflects the values that we both cherish.”
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Anti-Defamation League: Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s clarification of his position on a two-state solution and a peace agreement with the Palestinians. It is unfortunate that in the immediate aftermath of Israeli polls closing we saw many in the media, in public office, and in our own community jump to conclusions about the policies of this new Israeli government. In light of the Prime Minister’s clarification, it is more important than ever to show respect and restraint to allow the Prime Minister to build his coalition and to publicly express his government’s policies regarding the Palestinians, the international community and other key issues.
“In an interview with Andrea Mitchell of MSNBC broadcast today, the Prime Minister addressed statements he made in an Israeli interview on the eve of the election in which he seemed to reject a two-state solution: “I haven’t changed my policy. I never retracted my speech in Bar Ilan University six years ago calling for a demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes the Jewish state. What has changed is the reality….Abu Mazen, the Palestinian leader, refuses to recognize the Jewish State. He’s made a pact with Hamas that calls for the destruction of the Jewish State…I don’t want a one-state solution. I want a sustainable peaceful two-state solution, but for that circumstances have to change.”
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Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations: … Robert Sugarman, Chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman welcomed the statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today clarifying earlier remarks regarding his position on a two-state solution. In broadcast interviews the Prime Minister reaffirmed his position stating, “I want a sustainable, peaceful, two-state solution”, but noted that for that to happen “circumstances had to change.” He clearly reaffirmed, “I do not want a one-state solution.” Mr. Netanyahu noted that he was proud to be “the Prime Minister of all of Israel’s citizens, Jews and Arabs alike.” We believe his assertions provide the basis for continued cooperation with the United States to achieve the goals shared by the two countries and to advance their common interests in the Middle East and the world. As President Obama said in his congratulatory call to the Prime Minister today, the United States places great importance on “the close military, intelligence, and security cooperation with Israel, which reflects the deep and abiding partnership between both countries.” As the White House noted, the President and Prime Minister “agreed to continue consultations on a range of regional issues, including the difficult path forward to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
The Jewish leaders said, “It is at the negotiating table, not international forums or agencies that hopes for peace can be advanced. We believe that the Prime Minister’s reaffirmations of his positions should be accepted, and, as the new government is formed the parties should work to enhance cooperation between the democratic allies and advance the special US-Israel ties.”
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Preceding culled from news releases sent to San Diego Jewish World
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