(Ynet).Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected the Opposition's accusations during a Kadima-initiated Knesset plenum discussion on the subject "A failing and flip-flopping prime minister on the political and economic fronts."
Video of PM address via Arutz 7
Addressing the Palestinian demand to remove the separation fence, the prime minister clarified that it would "remain where it is. It won't be dismantled."
"As the finance minister I told (former Prime Minister Ariel) Sharon, despite the fact that we were in the midst of a serious financial crisis, 'Arik, there will be no problem with the budget for the fence. The budget will always precede the construction…'
"Today I hear people say that because it's quiet the fence can be removed. On the contrary, my friends. It's quiet because we have the fence, and this is in addition to the IDF's activity, of course. An I must adds cautiously that there is a certain improvement in the performance of the Palestinian security organizations, and we welcome it."
Netanyahu added that his government's defense policy had successfully deterred Palestinian Hamas gunmen in Gaza from launching Qassam rockets:"We are not ready to accept rocket and missile fire on the territory of the state of Israel,From the moment I entered the prime minister's post there has been a response against every instance of shooting,For every rocket fired, there will be a response,That is the proper approach,We cannot accept missile fire on Israeli cities as a fait accompli."
The prime minister added that Israel would insist on "effective demilitarization" of a future Palestinian state, and that an end to the conflict could only be reached in exchange for an end to all claims against Israel.
The prime minister spoke of forming an agreement on the foundations of peace, saying that it should be obvious that the Palestinians who are seeking their own state should recognize Israel as the Jewish people's nation state.
"This stems from the simple principle, that the refugee problem will not find its solution within the borders of the Jewish state," Netanyahu said, adding that this was important so that "when we sign a peace agreement there will be no more demands against the State of Israel, not for the entry of refugees and not for regions in the State of Israel. The end of the conflict is the end of demands.
"We do not want to repeat the mistakes and tragedies of Gaza, we do not want another Hamastan and another Hezbollahstan. The main thing, beyond questions of legitimacy and recognition, is demilitarization. The demilitarization we are asking for is effective demilitarization, not demilitarization on paper, not demilitarization which will not stand the test of time.
"These are basic things which almost all MKs agree on, and I think we can reach such agreements or such arrangements if we insist on them. In general, all the things I have said are things that have been said, but we have grouped them together because this is a very basic thing, without it peace is really impossible… I am talking differently. I am saying things as they are."
The prime minister added that Israel would insist on "effective demilitarization" of a future Palestinian state, and that an end to the conflict could only be reached in exchange for an end to all claims against Israel.
The prime minister spoke of forming an agreement on the foundations of peace, saying that it should be obvious that the Palestinians who are seeking their own state should recognize Israel as the Jewish people's nation state.
"This stems from the simple principle, that the refugee problem will not find its solution within the borders of the Jewish state," Netanyahu said, adding that this was important so that "when we sign a peace agreement there will be no more demands against the State of Israel, not for the entry of refugees and not for regions in the State of Israel. The end of the conflict is the end of demands.
"We do not want to repeat the mistakes and tragedies of Gaza, we do not want another Hamastan and another Hezbollahstan. The main thing, beyond questions of legitimacy and recognition, is demilitarization. The demilitarization we are asking for is effective demilitarization, not demilitarization on paper, not demilitarization which will not stand the test of time.
"These are basic things which almost all MKs agree on, and I think we can reach such agreements or such arrangements if we insist on them. In general, all the things I have said are things that have been said, but we have grouped them together because this is a very basic thing, without it peace is really impossible… I am talking differently. I am saying things as they are."
Addressing the Iranian threat, the prime minister noted with satisfaction that the mask has been torn off Iran's face. "In the field of security I have said before the elections and I'm saying this again: Our main problem is the Iranian threat on us, on the region and on peace.
"During the government's tenure, something happened which is significant for the long run – uncovering the true colors of the Iranian regime. A brutal regime oppressing the people. This nation wants to rid itself of the burden of tyranny, and if it is released many forces would be released for development.
"Hardly anyone supported this regime in the international community, but there were exceptions. Excluding Syria, Hamas and Hezbollah who sent their greetings, encouragement and support. What else did they send there during the oppression? It's part of the same method, the same tyranny and hypocrisy, and the mask has been torn off their face at once. This is an important thing. Something important has happened."
Earlier during the meeting, Kadima faction Chairwoman Dalia Itzik attacked Netanyahu for the rift created between Israel and the United States. "We placed our most precious asset in your custody – the close, intimate relationship and exceptional cooperation with the United State of America. Now, I look at the four months of your term and am stunned. Given the credentials of such an educated, sophisticated, and experienced person, how could you fail so?" she said.
"Though I am in the opposition, I don't have any interest or joy in gloating over the failure of a prime minister. Your failure is our failure," she said."It takes a certain amount of talent to take the circumstances under which you started your term and turn them into the situation to which you have brought Israel within 113 days. And we still don't know where you're going? Where are you going? What are your plans? Do you have plans? Where are you leading us?" she charged.
"Sir," continued Itzik, "it seems to me that you did not really sketch out a plan, a path, a direction from the beginning. Ten years of waiting patiently to take office again is worthy of praise. Now that you are here, could it be that you don't know what to make of it?"
"How did Israel become within 113 a peace rejecter in the eyes of the world? Could it be that we gave the steering wheel to a captain that has forgotten or lost his navigation equipment? If you came unprepared, we forgive you. Start anew."
MK Ofir Akonis (Likud) responded, "I say from here, from the Knesset in Jerusalem to the leaders of the free world led by the president of the United States: Mr. President, enough is enough. The Israelis and Jews of the world know Jerusalem is our eternal capital, and are united around our sovereign rule of the city. I also call upon Ms. Livni to let her voice be heard and the join the broader Israeli consensus."
Itzik stopped suddenly in the middle of her speech and said to the prime minister, "Sir, I would appreciate it if you would look at me. I respect you. When you were speaking, I always looked at you. It's very insulting."
Itzik added, "There seems to be a certain element of disrespect here, and I don't disrespect him. I wrote this speech and thought about each word, believe me. I have a lot of respect for you. Thank you."
Netanyahu responded, "Sometimes I'm capable of doing more than one thing at the same time."