(Haaretz).Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Thursday that Israelis would not be "suckers" in peace negotiations, despite their willingness to make concessions in order to reach an accord with their neighbors.
"We have proven time and again that we are willing to make compromises for peace, but we won't lead ourselves astray - we are not willing to be suckers," Netanyahu told members of his center-right Likud party.
He added: "There is a government in Israel that strengthens [our] security, that leads the economy from crisis to recovery, and that advances the diplomatic process responsibly and with open eyes, while steadfastly standing up for the interests of our people and our country."
"Unity is an important thing. We are facing formidable challenges and we need unity to succeed. We have some vigorous Knesset members in the faction – sometimes too vigorous," he jeered, alluding to the recent internal opposition to the planned settlement freeze in the West Bank, "But I appreciate their contribution and everything they do for Israel."
Since his Bar Ilan speech, continued Netanyahu, "I've been working on getting international recognition for two things: Israel as the Jewish homeland and that any peace agreement must include security arrangements. We will not allow for a 'Hamastan' among us.
During the speech, which was held ahead of the upcoming Jewish holidays, Netanyahu addressed West Bank settlers, calling them "loyal and good citizens."
"You deserve to live normal lives," he said. "We will do two things at the same time: Advance the diplomatic process, and enable you to live normal lives."
"Jerusalem will remain united," he concluded, "And Israel's capital forever."
"We have proven time and again that we are willing to make compromises for peace, but we won't lead ourselves astray - we are not willing to be suckers," Netanyahu told members of his center-right Likud party.
He added: "There is a government in Israel that strengthens [our] security, that leads the economy from crisis to recovery, and that advances the diplomatic process responsibly and with open eyes, while steadfastly standing up for the interests of our people and our country."
"Unity is an important thing. We are facing formidable challenges and we need unity to succeed. We have some vigorous Knesset members in the faction – sometimes too vigorous," he jeered, alluding to the recent internal opposition to the planned settlement freeze in the West Bank, "But I appreciate their contribution and everything they do for Israel."
Since his Bar Ilan speech, continued Netanyahu, "I've been working on getting international recognition for two things: Israel as the Jewish homeland and that any peace agreement must include security arrangements. We will not allow for a 'Hamastan' among us.
During the speech, which was held ahead of the upcoming Jewish holidays, Netanyahu addressed West Bank settlers, calling them "loyal and good citizens."
"You deserve to live normal lives," he said. "We will do two things at the same time: Advance the diplomatic process, and enable you to live normal lives."
"Jerusalem will remain united," he concluded, "And Israel's capital forever."